Your Budget and You

Discussing your wedding budget with your wedding pros can be a bit awkward but it's essential that you're honest about what you can realistically afford.  When asked what the total budget will be for a wedding I often receive the response "I won't know until I start to price different things (i.e. florist, cakes)". WRONG! The bottom line is it doesn't matter what things will costs if you know you don't have the budget anyway.  Save yourself a little time and discuss your finances before meeting with your wedding pros; stick to your budget and hire a good wedding planner.  A good wedding planner will not recommend services that are beyond your reach.

Monique

Photo via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1408

Pick a Seat

Undecided about seating arrangements for your sit-down dinner reception? Well let me offer a few suggestions. You have a couple of options here: open and pre-assigned seating. Open seating allows guests the flexibility to select their own companions and sit where they choose. With pre-assigned seating, guests are assigned to a specific table and/or seat. You can use a unique seating chart and table numbers or names that tie in to your overall theme. Regardless of your selection; do your guests a favor, have a hostess or assistant who is familiar with the room layout and table numbers direct your guests to their assigned area. There's nothing worse than forcing your guests to go on a scavenger hunt for their assigned table.

Monique

Photo via  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=987

Father/Daughter Two-Step

Ahhh!! The father/daughter dance….so lovely. Okay, enough already. The father/daughter dance is not only special to the bride but sentimental to dear old dad. Why not make this moment all about him. Yeah, we get it, this is your day or no way but dad is letting go of his “little girl” so let him shine if only for a moment. Besides, you’re just going to cry all over his tux anyway. Find out what dad’s favorite dance tune is and surprise him with it for the father/daughter dance at the reception. It’s fun, it’s memorable, and your guests will love it! Just be sure to check out the lyrics beforehand. You don’t want to hear some Rod Stewart, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” lyrics playing in the background while you’re dancing with your father—not a good look. Shake a tail feather!

Monique

Should I purchase Flowers Online?

In these tough economic times, I get asked this question a lot.  Ordering flowers online can be a nail-biting experience especially if you don't know a whole heck of a lot about flowers.  Well, allow me to make this process easy for you.  First, start by selecting the type of flowers that you want for your event.  I know that there are so many lovely buds to choose from but narrow down your choices to those that you REALLY want with your budget in mind.  Second, start researching online floral companies.  Some are actually registered with the Better Business Bureau for online businesses.  Once you've narrowed down your choices, start comparing the company's guarantee and delivery policies for the best options.  Finally, pre-order the flowers that you would like to have for your wedding.  You will not only get a first-hand look at the quality of the flowers but the timeliness of the delivery.  By all means, have a back-up florist on stand-by just in case. 

Simply Monique,

Back to Business

Yep! we're back! Took a little break to re-organize and re-energize but we are ready to bring you short bursts of energy with our straight talk blog posts on everything weddings and events.  Beginning Monday, July 19th, we will be posting to the blog twice a week; Mondays and Wednesdays. So stay tuned.

 Monique 

Camaraderie at its Best!

On April 17, 2010, I had the opportunity to attend the "I DO" Brunch for wedding planners created and hosted by the wonderful Ms. Linnyette Richardson-Hall of Premier Event Management and her rock star team. Allow me to sum up this English Garden themed event in one word- Phenomenal. This was a time for wedding planners from near and afar to network and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere as guests. There were big beautiful hats, good food, music, and great camaraderie. Here are a few shots just in case you missed it.

Monique

Birdcage Centerpiece

Wedding Cake!

Yes, this is a corset!

Enchanted

Getting any ideas?

Life's purple pleasure

Rip the Runway Hat Competition

Groomzilla?... Could it be?

You bet there's such a thing as groomzilla.  We have focused so much attention on Bridezilla that we have forgotten about her trusty sidekick, GROOMZILLA.  Believe it or not, the groom to be would like to be included in the wedding planning process at some point; not necessarily detail by detail but they want to be included.  So, if you notice that your sweetie is starting to turn into a sour lemon and questioning your ideas and the details that you have worked so hard to formulate, be patient.  Keep him abreast to what is going on.  Perhaps, ask him if he has suggestions about food or music.  Hey, they may not have a clue but it is their special day too.

Monique