I Thee Wed Up Close

"I've done all my own planning and want a "day-of" coordinator but can't find one who will show up on the wedding day only !  Why?" There's probably a lot of confusion amongst engaged couples because of the term "day-of" coordinator. If you end up speaking to someone who says they will only show up on the wedding day and save you lots of money because of it, please stay clear of them! Many wedding planners may label their coordination as "day-of" wedding coordination, but there is far more involved than just showing up on the wedding day when it comes to a professional wedding planner who knows what she/he is doing. Photo Credit: Estes Images Here are some reasons why a wedding coordinator shouldn't show up  only  on the wedding day: Many planners begin their coordination services 4-8 weeks out because many venues request the wedding day timeline one month prior. A 1 1/2 to 2 hour timeline meeting typically kicks off ...

Thinking about having a winter wedding but uncertain because of weather and limited options compared to Spring, Summer and Fall weddings? We put together some thoughts to consider that might help you decide if you want to say "I Do" in the winter! You may save money with a winter wedding since many wedding vendors and venues are slower in the winter than any other time of the year. Whether large or small, winter weddings tend to lend that cozy, intimate feel with the cold weather outside, but the warmth inside. You won't have to deal with sweat and feeling sticky during a photo shoot with a winter wedding! Many folks opt to have their winter wedding around the Holidays to take advantage of using Christmas decorations that your venue may be decorated with. If considering this, try to pick a day that isn't so close to the Holidays, like early in December before the month gets too crazy for everyone. Mother Nature is taken out of the equation when planning a wi...

With 2017 behind us, this is a good time to reflect on life and remind yourself of the things to be thankful for. So I put a list together of a few things I'm thankful for and what keeps me going in life! Our Lord My Family My Friends My neighbors and the wonderful neighborhood my hubby, kids and I live in Our home Our health Employment All the opportunities I've had working with engaged couples and meeting their families Music! (without it, life would be dull) Wining and Dining in a nice restaurant (I'm a bit of a foodie and wine snob :-) ) Our yard because I love to spend time in it during Spring/Summer Being able to get out and run no matter how fast or slow I am. Having the opportunity to give back when we can I hope 2018 brings prosperity, laughter, love, lots of great memories and good health to you all!!

Here we are....Day 6, our final day of answering your most frequently asked questions here are answers to questions 9 and 10! Question 9: When Do We Mail the Invitations.    Traditionally speaking, wedding invitations should be mailed out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. If you get anxious and mail them 10-12 weeks prior to the wedding, you might be taking a chance with your guests seeing they have plenty of time to respond and put the invitation down with intentions of RSVPing later and then they forget. Only with destination weddings should you mail your invitations 3 months out. Make sure your RSVP date is one month prior to the wedding, allowing you time to call folks who haven't rsvp'd. Part 2: Do We Need to Note the Dress Code on the Invitations?  In many cases your invitation style will depict to your guests how formal your ceremony will be. A beach wedding invitation is going to have a much different style than a more formal, traditional invitatio...

Today is day 5 of us answering your most frequently asked questions! Here are questions 7 and 8. Question 7: What Should I Know About Venue Contracts?  First and foremost, make sure you know what time set up can begin and what time you need to be out by at the end of the night. Are there additional charges like coat check or restroom attendants? Does the venue require that you use exclusive vendors? Is gratuity built into the contract? Is the venue insured? Get a detailed list of all items included in the contract, such as tables and chairs, linens, staging, extra tables needed for gifts/cake/escort cards/favors, dance floor, sound equipment for a ceremony. If a full bar is part of the contract, find out what is included and if accompaniments are part of the bar. Find out what the payment schedule is and when you need to have your final head count turned in. Photo Credit:  513 photography Question 8: Is a Seating Chart or Escort Cards Necessary? Absolutely! Th...

Welcome back to day 4 of answering your most frequently asked questions! Here are questions 5 and 6. Question 5: What Decor Options Will Help Pull Off the Ambience We're Looking For? Without a doubt, lighting is the first that comes to mind. You don't have to spend a small fortune to get nice lighting. If your budget allows, you can work with a lighting company who can provide uplighting around the room, as well as pin spotlights on the guest tables and an accent design for the dance floor. But if this kind of lighting doesn't sound like your cup of tea, string patio lighting, chandeliers and candles, just to name a few, are other options to achieve the ambience you desire. However, lighting isn't the only thing that will help create your ambience. The decor you choose for your tables and accent pieces such as a table runner, unique china or a simple decoration placed on each napkin, can help set the tone for your wedding. Photo Credit:  Geri Ciulla Quest...

We are on day 3 of answering your most frequently asked questions and here are questions 3 and 4! Question 3: I have my date and venue selected, what's next? If you are able to hire a wedding planner, they will guide you through the process with providing you with a monthly planning timeline so that you know what you should accomplish each month. If you are unable to hire a planner, there are resources such as theknot.com that offer more generic planning timelines of what you should accomplish every few months or so. Keep in mind that some vendors book more quickly than others, so hiring your band or DJ and photographer should be the first two vendors to focus on after selecting your date and venue. Question 4: Open Bar or Not? While it's not a requirement to have an open bar, it's certainly a generous gesture to your guests. If you know that a majority of the guests on your list enjoy a beverage or two,  then there's no question as to whether you should hav...