TIPS
1. Fine tableware: the basics.
Fine tableware is an investment, and Panamai encourages her brides to be educated consumers. When learning more about china, there's a secret formula to know: finer clay + higher firing temperature = better china. Porcelain and bone china, though they seem fragile, are the most durable choice. There are some pretty stoneware patterns, but be prepared for a chunky feel and future chips. Bliss doesn't recommend earthenware. Other things to remember, glass + lead (or another strengthening agent) = crystal. Crystal is stronger and has more sparkle than glass. In stainless steel flatware, 18/10 and 18/8 are the best quality.
2. Choose a timeless china pattern.
Choose styles that will withstand time. There are some trends that are here to stay: platinum, Asian-inspired design, and botanicals. Gold is a classic and is also making a comeback. Stay away from the "hot color" of the moment. Instead, choose patterns that "speak" to your individual taste and sense of style.
3. Coordinating your table: rules of thumb.
When designing your table, don’t go overboard. As long as no more than two of your patterns in china, crystal or flatware are fancy, you are safe. It is generally good to have at least one "fancy" or decorated pattern in your trio.
1. Fabric. The Wedding gown’s fabric and texture should match as closely as possible to the shoe’s fabric and texture. For example, satin material at the bottom of the dress compliments satin footwear (glossy finish), and the tulle or silk-faced satin will compliment a peau de soie, luxe or ultra satin texture (matted-no sheen)
2. Color. Don’t assume white is white. With wedding gowns, there is an array of white hues. Bring a swatch from the gown with you while shopping for the perfect shoes. Diamond white is actually an off-white, which can be matched by a competent dyer.
3. Style. Traditionally, wedding shoe styles were limited to the basic pump. This year, sandals are featured prominently at all heel heights. Platforms and Mary Jane’s allow for a brides personality to be reflected on that special day. Pick a style that is going to compliment your gown and not draw attention away from it. A great deal of attention is often spent in selection your perfect gown- the shoes do not need to be a focal point. Lastly, if you ask for too many opinions, you can end up confused. Choose a style that you love!
4. Comfort. A common mistake many brides make is the belief that high heels are a requirement. The fact is, the wedding gown will almost always completely cover the entire shoe, including the heel. Therefore, it is recommended that the bride to be, select a heel height similar to what she wears on a daily basis. If you are comfortable in flats, those are what you should wear under your gown. I have heard many brides state that they intend on “kicking off” their shoes after the service. The problem with that is that most gowns are hemmed to floor length with the shoes, and when those shoes are kicked off, the dress drags on the ground. Pick a shoe that you can wear for the whole day and be happy with.
5. Price. Expensive shoes do not always fit better. There are numerous designers of bridal shoes, and the brands often fit differently. Try on many different styles until you find a pair that fits your feet, your budget, and your taste. Leather lined styles tend to fit more comfortably.
6. When to buy the shoes. It’s the idea to have the shoes you are going to wear on your wedding day at your first fitting. This helps keep alteration costs down and ensures that the hemline stays consistent throughout the alteration process. It also allows you to make sure that they style suits your gown and the color and texture correctly.
1. Ask your invitation supplier to provide sample a envelope for your calligrapher to test their ink and writing style upon. Some paper, as beautiful as it may be, is unsuitable for certain pens, letter-forms and ink colors.
2. Make your address list complete and exact. Do not include information that your calligrapher will not need to know. If your list cannot be fully complete, save all missing additions to be presented to the calligrapher at one time. If you have a B-list, have the calligrapher do those at the same time as the A-list, ensuring the color and script style is similar. Some calligraphers may charge a premium for last-minute additions and for rush jobs. I’d suggest not faxing lists. A fax machine’s resolution is rarely legible.
3. Make sure to order extra envelopes. Mistakes can happen. Not only can a calligrapher’s pen hit an invisible snag in the paper, typos can occur as you compile the list, or in the computer program which prints or e-mails it out. Also make sure there are envelopes for the overlooked guest that needs to be included at the eleventh hour.
4. Should you wish to address your envelopes yourself do not try to learn a calligraphic style at the last minute. Chances are it will look forced and stiff. Hardly the impression you wish to convey. Simply write in your “natural hand”, perhaps using an italic-style felt pen. Also, rather than having a calligrapher imitate the font you have chosen for your invitation, you may ask them to develop a style which compliments it, rather than copies it.
5. For those using escort cards at your reception, have your calligrapher include even those that haven’t returned the RSVP card. Unexpected guests may show up at the last minute. Don’t ruin the look of a beautiful display with cards that do not match.
6. Calligraphic work can be used throughout. Having a calligrapher provide you with small signs for the gift table, buffet line, menus, and programs will unite everything as you tie the knot.
1. Be an educated consumer!
Calligraphy (which really means “beautiful writing” and has been traditionally used to describe only hand lettering) is now used in advertising to describe computer-generated fonts as well. Computer fonts also have subcategories: those that are produced by using a laser printer, and those that use a type of calligraphy pen that is driven by the computer program which “letters” them onto a flat surface on which the operator places the envelopes. It is important to know which type of calligraphy you are considering, especially when comparing pricing.
2. Experience is important!
Be sure to ask the calligrapher how much experience s(he) has doing the service you wish to have done. You can expect to pay less for someone who has been in business a short time, or does the work in addition to a full-time job, but you may sacrifice some quality. Always ask to see a brochure, a website or a sample. It will surprise you how much you’ll learn about the skill of the calligrapher and the professionalism of the studio by the courteousness, thoroughness and timeliness of their responses.
3. Timing
It is important to give you calligrapher enough time. During the busy wedding season (May-October), the turnaround time may be three weeks for a set of envelopes. Other times of year, the turnaround time is usually two weeks. Rush service can often be accommodated but will often add a fee. Having a conversation with the studio 4-6 months ahead will place you “on the calendar” – sometimes requiring a deposit.
4. Preparing your copy and ordering enough extras
Prepare your copy on a computer if at all possible. Use a font of at least 10 points and a clear style. For envelopes, try to list your guests as you’d like the envelope to appear, each line listed separately. (Always order approx. 10% more envelopes for changes and additions.) The clearer your list is, the less likely you’ll need a series of phone calls from the calligrapher asking for clarification, and the more likely you’ll have error free calligraphy.
5. Calligraphy can add a special touch in many areas of your celebration.
Consider having calligraphy done on envelopes, place cards, menus, programs, and seating scrolls. If you are having “stations” for serving food, think about hand-lettered tent cards describing each course. Whether each guest receives a personalized menu or each table has a menu, guests at plated meals love to know what they are being served. You took special care to choose the perfect menu – let your guests enjoy and anticipate the wonderful meal!
6. Calligraphy can be the extra touch that communicates the elegance of your wedding and shows your guests that you have left no detail overlooked.
1. What are your priorities? Is it flowers, food, music? Knowing this before you start your planning will help keep you focused on what is important to you as well as help you keep from bouncing all over the place.
2. Have an idea of the direction you are taking with regard to food and style prior to meeting with a caterer. Knowing your food likes dislikes and style of reception is important in helping you to get the information and guidance to make a well-informed decision.
3. How many weddings a year does your caterer cater? An experienced caterer knows the questions to ask you –they know how to guide you in the food selection process as well as being able to guide you in the timing of your event. You don’t want you day to slip away from you!
4. Your personal style is important. Being listened to is imperative to the success of your wedding. Feel free to vocalize you vision and to look for ways to make this day a reflection of the both of you. A good caterer will lead you to this end.
5. Know when to let go. After all your planning has been done and you have had your final meeting on site with your caterer let go! Enjoy the days proceeding your wedding day. There are great memories to be had as well as a lot of laughter to revel in! Relax and enjoy this time. Ultimately – what happens will happen. Nothing should take away the great joy of marring your best friend.
| |
|
1. When choosing dance lessons, be sure you:
a. Avoid contracts that sell you more than you need.
b. Learn to dance to your first song.
2. It is usually not necessary to learn formal dance styles for the first dance.
Except, if you are hiring a specialized band – a Salsa band or a Swing band, for
example – or dream of waltzing for your first dance, then you might want to invest
more time and money in long term classes or private lessons.
3. Choose a tune with a medium tempo
It’s hard to dance well to a very slow tune.
4. Give the band plenty of time to learn your first song if it is not in their repertoire or you desire a specific arrangement. |
Photo credit: Theresa Johnson |
1. Meet your disc jockey face-to-face. This is important for two reasons: 1) Music is a key factor in determining your reception’s success, and 2) Every couple and every reception is different. It’s very easy for ideas to get confused in translation from phone conversations to written plans, even for expert party planners and agents. Explain what you would like in person so both you and the d.j. can ask any pertinent questions. You’ll feel a whole lot more relaxed going into your reception knowing all the details are going to be taken care of.
2. Send out music request cards to ensure that your guests will enjoy the music. Be sure to give the list to your d.j. well in advance so he has can organize and prepare.
3. Listen to your first dance on the Internet. When selecting music for your reception, you’ll get lots of suggestions from friends and family. Without knowing the songs, it can be difficult to decide which ones to include in your playlist. The Internet is a great tool for previewing songs. Tower Records’ online site (towerrecords.com) and Amazon.com have free downloadable song samples, but you need to install a program called Real Audio Player to hear them. The latest version of this software is available for free at www.realplayer.com and makes music sampling as simple as typing in the song’s title.
4. Napster is on the way out. Now what? Two of the most popular alternatives to Napster are Bearshare (www.bearshare.com) & KaZaA (www.KaZaA.com), which allow you to download just about any song you like. Is it legal to trade MP3s? Legislation is pending and this hot issue is for the courts to decide.
5. Have your first dance upon introduction, right before dinner, so dancing can continue between courses while dishes are being cleared.
6. Get out of the spotlight. If you don’t want to be the center of attention and dread the first dance, your d.j. can cut the first dance short. Agree on a discrete signal or a spot in the song signaling your exit from the dance floor. The d.j. will smooth things out by fading the song and asking for applause from the guests. Sara Brodsky from Best Foot Forward recommends no more than two minutes on the dance floor.
1. Think of descriptive words that help convey your vision for your wedding before you meet with your floral designer. Do you want your day to be thought of as romantic? Elegant? Dramatic? Casual? Simple? Whimsical? A garden party? Formal black tie?
2. Make sure the floral designer specializes in weddings. Even if s/he has never worked your event site, a specialist will understand and anticipate any unique requirements.
3. Find a floral designer who you feel understands your vision -- or can help you find your vision -- for your wedding day. Once you feel they understand you, TRUST THEM and give them CREATIVE LICENSE. A designer will work better for you if they have creative freedom to work within your parameters of color and style.
4. Be honest with your floral designer about your budget. If you don't know what your budget is, research what other florists charge for a wedding your size. Don’t waste your time consulting with someone you can’t afford.
5. The biggest factors in your budget will be the number of tables at your reception, the number of bridesmaids, and how elaborate your ceremony arrangements are. If you need to reduce your budget, it is always better to eliminate extra pieces (example: mantel and food station arrangements) rather than reduce each arrangement by a few dollars.
1. New Fashion Trends
- Accessories- Windsor Knot Ties and Full Back Vests
- Coats made from better quality wool. Coats in longer lengths and with five button fronts
- Shirts made from 100% cotton and micro fiber
2. Your wedding Tux can be the most comfortable suit you have ever worn
- Fabrics in some tuxes are as high as 120 thread count. Previously tuxes were made with 80 thread count. Just like with sheets, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric.
3. Purchasing your own Tuxedo
- You can purchase your own tuxedo and then have it forever for slightly more than what you will pay to rent for the one day.
- For example; You can purchase a Geoffrey Beane tuxedo for $329. This price includes fully lined jacket and pants.
4. Black Tie Affair Tips
- If you decide to make your wedding a Black Tie Affair, you should know that you can make arrangements with Mr. Tux for all of your guests to receive a discount on their Tuxedo rental. Guests would be able to go to any one of our stores. You would also be able to ensure that no one rented the same tux that the Bridal party is wearing.
1. Experience counts. Ask your invitation specialist how long they have been in business. Are they up-to-date on trends, design do’s and dont’s, realistic turnaround times, printing methods and paper quality? Can they guide you through the entire process with confidence?
2. Wedding invitations create the first impression. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes and your invitation should set the right tone. No matter what your budget, the right vendor will take the time to help you choose the right look. And even though some of your guests may not save the invitation…you will. You may frame the invitation or photograph it for your wedding album. You will be looking at it for many years to come. You want to love it.
3. Number of invitations. Most invitations are ordered in increments of twenty-five. When calculating the total needed remember - you need only one per household, not one per person.
4. How to save money. When you order invitations, it is all a la carte; you can pick and choose the items that you want. If it is in the budget, liners inside the envelope add flair to the invitation set. But they can be eliminated to cut costs. Need a direction card? Use your computer and print them on nice quality paper.
5. Number your response cards. On the back of each response card, lightly pencil in a number in the bottom corner. Thus, if a guest forgets to write their name on the card, or writes illegibly, you will know whom it came from by checking the number.
6. Hand cancel invitations. Bring your ready-to-be mailed invitations to the post office and ask that they hand cancel them. This will avoid possible damage from machine processing.
7. Postage. Always take a fully assembled invitation set to the post office to determine the correct amount of postage. Square shapes require a little extra – but don’t let that discourage you.
8. When to order invitations. Best to order 5-6 months before the wedding. That provides ample time to address the envelopes and to fix any mistakes made by the printer.
1. Reputation is everything.
Ask the company how long they have been in business and what wedding experience they have. Make sure that the company has been in business for over two years and meets all the state and federal requirements. The federal requirements are $1.5 million dollars of liability insurance for any vehicle holding up to 14 passengers and $5 million dollars for 15 passengers or more. Ask to see a certificate of insurance. Ask to make an appointment for a viewing before you reserve any vehicles! Make sure the company has a “store front” and is not operating out of a private residence.
2. Describe the type of transportation you require.
Limousines are made in various colors and sizes. Be specific about how many people need to be transported and what type of vehicles you require.
3. Explain the timing involved.
The coordinator needs to know where you need to be picked up, ceremony location and start time, length of ceremony, receiving line, stop for pictures, and reception facility. With this information they will be able to estimate the amount of hours needed for a wedding package.
4. Make sure you receive a contract.
Your contract should include the date, time, and vehicles requested. It should list the pricing, applicable deposits and cancellation policy. Remember, limousine companies reserve the right to substitute a like vehicle if necessary.
5. Confirm your reservations two weeks prior to your wedding.
6. Ask about discount programs available for other types of transportation.
Limousine companies are able to offer airport service for arriving guests as well as larger vehicles for rehearsal dinners, bachelor/bachelorette parties. By booking all of your needs through one vendor you should be able to save money and maintain the quality of service your guests and yourself expect.
7. Ask for referrals to other reputable vendors.
This can save time and make your special day the best it can be.
| MUSIC |
Provided by: Felice Pomeranz, The Gilded Harps |
| |
1. Get a good idea of how knowledgeable your musicians are and how much they are willing to help you choose your ceremony music.
2. Ask specifically how they will be attired, so there are no surprises. Also, ask about their break schedules and meals.
3. Be sure to get a contract in writing which specifies exactly what portion of the wedding/reception they will be providing music and the time for which they will be playing. |
|
|
1. Photojournalism style vs. Traditional style
- Photojournalism, “ stories that are presented through photographs.” A true photojournalist doesn’t pose anyone, all of their shots are candids. Without any posing, you run the risk of omitting important family members or missing some truly stunning shots of the Bride & Bride/Groom. Photojournalists often shoot things out of focus for affect and also manage to
shoot the backs of a lot of heads.
- Traditional style doesn’t necessarily connote old, stuffy or boring. A Good wedding photographer has the ability to shoot both relaxed, artistic formals and fun & lively candids. They should also be able to capture some photojournalistic shots throughout the day.
2. Comfort level & Trust with Photographer
- One of the most important elements in finding a photographer is how comfortable you feel with that person. You need to be confident in their artistic and technical skills and comfortable that they will interact politely with your family and guests. Your photographer will become part of your family for the day so they should have the ability to make everyone feel relaxed and at ease.
3. Equipment & Price
- Medium format vs 35 mm equipment. Most professional photographers shoot with medium format because of the larger negative which yields a sharper image than 35mm. However, with that said, many professionals are also incorporating 35mm throughout the wedding day because they feel that it makes them quicker than shooting with medium format. It’s a personal preference for the photographer. Keep in mind that the format being used determines the size of the proofs, e.g., 5 x 5 vs 4 x 6. As for the amount you should expect to pay for a professional photographer, note that there is a wide range, the average is $2,000 to $3,500. Keep in mind that no two photographers ever shoot the same and products and pricing vary greatly. You are paying for their talent, time expertise.
1. Select a wide variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, including fish, vegetarian and meat options that all guests will enjoy.
2. Make a non-alcoholic beverage available to your guests. It is important to be sensitive to all of your guests’ needs.
3. Pair fish entrées appropriately with wine. Sauvignon Blanc, fume Blanc and champagne complement seafood much better than a chardonnay.
4. If you choose serving stations, always have an item for your vegetarian guests. Risotto, stir-fry or sauté stations are popular options.
5. Always be completely honest with your wedding planner. This will ensure that your event is executed flawlessly.
1. When choosing a travel agent for a destination wedding and/or a honeymoon, be sure you: Deal with an agent who has visited the country and property you are considering (or an agent who knows people in the country you are considering who can give a current account of the destination).
2. Allow as much time as possible between the planning stages and the honeymoon. It doesn’t hurt to get an idea of what you want to do and when you want to travel. For example, if you are planning to take a cruise, plan your wedding date around a sailing date (many ships sail Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday…so keep this in mind when selecting your wedding date).
3. Choose a destination appropriate to the time of year you wish to travel.
Think twice about selecting a Caribbean destination if your wedding date is late summer or early fall. Hurricane season impacts travel to many destinations.
4. If you are considering a destination wedding, give your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules to travel. Also, keep in mind that a destination wedding gives you the opportunity to keep your total guest list small. In some cases, it is more cost effective to have a small wedding on a tropical island than to have hundreds of guests at a traditional wedding celebration close to home.
1. Take advantage of locations which offer inclusive packages. Determine if items such as transportation, flowers, wedding cake, entertainment, and linens are included in the wedding package. These inclusive packages are not only more economical at times; they make your life as a bride so much easier. This one-stop shopping mentality goes a long way as you prepare for your Wedding Day. Keep in mind too that locations should be flexible with the packages that are offered.
2. Be sure that you make a connection with the Catering Sales Manager. Consider the first impression that you have when you make contact initially with reception sites. Does the individual have solid listening skills? Are they genuinely interested in what your vision may be? Do they follow up with you in a timely manner? This interaction can be very telling about the experience that you will have with the venue and its staff throughout your planning process and the event itself. As the Bride-To-Be, you deserve the utmost in service at all times.
3. Envision yourself in this location on your wedding day. Take some time to imagine you, your husband and your bridal party being announced to all of your guests. Actually embark on a dry run of your grand entrance. Can you picture you and your husband during your first dance? Do these images meet your wedding day expectations? Also, consider the setting and color scheme and of the venue. If you have your heart set on bright pink bridesmaids’ dresses, a ballroom with deep greens and burgundies may not be your best choice.
4. Arrange for a Bridal Party Preparation Room. Take advantage of the fact that hotels often offer additional guest rooms and/or suites to brides for “day use” on the wedding day itself. Get ready at the hotel itself. Arrange for your hairdresser and/or make-up stylist to come to the hotel. Order room service for all of your bridesmaids and enjoy each other’s company as you get dressed. This is a wonderful way to extend your wedding day celebration. Savor every moment of this very special day!
5. View the reception room before guests enter from the cocktail reception. Break away from the cocktail hour festivities with your husband and take a peak at your reception room. Make sure your photographer does the same. Take a moment and savor the moment before your wedding guests enter the room. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon/evening.
1. Offer as many details about your wedding as you can to your cake designer. Offering details like colors, flowers, the menu and how it will be served, time of reception, invitations, fabrics, and the wedding gown can give your cake stylist a good sense of your taste and an idea of the feel of the reception. This will enable them to offer suggestions and ideas that you may not have thought of.
2. Sample the cakes to make sure they are what you are expecting. Most bakers offer tastings during the consultation so that you can try out the cakes before you commit. Ask how far in advance the cakes are baked and if they are from scratch. When ordering flavors and fillings consider the season as well as the rest of your menu.
3. Don’t let the number of guests be the only determining factor in choosing the size of your wedding cake. Consider the size of the room as well as the style of the cake before choosing the proportions of the cake. Shorter, wider cakes may look dwarfed in a tall, open room. On the other hand, some delicate styles of cakes may look better on a smaller sized cake instead of a larger one. In this case, sheet cakes can be made to accommodate the number of guests.
4. Think about how you’d like to display your wedding cake. Think of the whole table, not just the cake while considering how and where you display it. Antiques tables, plant stands and birdbaths are just a few ways to add to the presentation. Colored tablecloths and fabrics are an easy way to make an ordinary cake table extraordinary.
5. Have fun with your wedding cake! Options are endless for flavors and designs these days so be open to something spectacular. It will be a real treat for your guests and it will keep them raving for months to come!
1. Consider if hiring a wedding planner is right for you.
Throughout the wedding planning, you will need to coordinate attendants and family at the ceremony, find and work with dozens of vendors, play guest of honor and host for your guests, plan a fabulous honeymoon…and much more! For peace of mind, you may wish to hire a bridal consultant to ensure that the plans you've been making for months come to fruition. The planner can assist in designing your wedding so that it is organized and flowing, as well as magical, uniquely yours and forever memorable. In addition, an excellent planner will help you save time and money because of her resources & extensive vendor contacts to match your style and budget.
What's more, a wedding planner will guide and support you when the planning process becomes stressful. An experienced planner will know proven advice relating to all wedding issues: cash vs. open bar, children at weddings, who pays for what, how to handle a disinterested and whining bridesmaid, tipping guidelines, etc.
2. Review what qualifications are needed for a wedding planner.
A wedding planner should have at least 10 yrs specific wedding-related experience because it requires extensive background to handle all kinds of emergencies. You don't want the planner "practicing" on your wedding! Just imagine the time it takes to become knowledgeable about wedding styles, reception sites, family issues, designs and themes, trends, contingencies for weather conditions, etc. It is also important to recognize that experience in corporate event planning would not provide you with the required expertise for your special day because a wedding places significant importance on elements like etiquette, the ceremony and family. You'll want a consultant who is a leader in the wedding field and who has achieved a high level of competency in the wedding profession.
3. List the questions you should ask the wedding planner.
When interviewing a planner, ask about qualifications and details of the service she provides: level of competency earned in professional associations, educational background, years of specific wedding-related planning, details of the specific services, fees, references, experience at numerous reception venues. Look at the planner's portfolio to see if it showcases weddings similar to yours.
