Green Candle Options for Your Reception

Wedding Bloopers: Butterfly Release

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Winter 2011

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Winter 2011 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

 What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Unique Neckline Gowns                                                         Shoulder Pad with Full Sleeve Gown
Outdoor Venues                                                                    Church Basement
Satin                                                                                    Tulle
Feather, Fabric, & Wood Centerpieces                                    Basic Floral Arrangement
Color Tinted Wedding Cake                                                    Lighten Fountain Cake
Unique Card Box                                                                   Bird Cage Card Box

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Fall 2011

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Summer 2011 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Wedding Dress Change After First Dance                            Trashing the Dress
Wedding Website                                                              Overage Charges from Cell Phone Carrier
Unique Groom's Cake                                                        Grandma's Mystery Chocolate Cake Creation
Stocked Cookie & Candy Bar                                             Screen-printed Couples Photo M&M's
Organized Children Activities with Childcare Provider            Adult Guests Chasing After Their Children
Surprise Choreographed Dance                                           Skipping Dance Lessons
Photo Thank You Cards                                                      Lifeless Wedding Stationary

Plush Prodcutions Wedding Featured in EA Bride Magazine

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to announce that one of my Plush weddings has been chosen to be featured in EA Bride Magazine in the Fall 2011 Issue.

Sean and Ali were married in downtown Kansas City at 909 Walnut Condominiums. They were the first to host their event in the newly remodeled event space exclusive to residents.

View their wedding and love story below! To see the weddings of more local couples from this issue, visit EA Bride!

Living for Tears of Appreciation

There are very few things that I am addicted to. I don't smoke, get obsessed in the gym, and can even drive by a Starbucks without getting the urge for a cup of coffee. However, I am obsessed with weddings.

I like every element of the planning, design, and coordination aspect that virtually becomes the pivotal moment in my couples' life. In a sense, I become their best friend for twelve (or however many) months; someone they look to for advice, knowledge and commitment to making their big day bigger and better than even their own imagination. And I humbly say, there is no greater level of satisfaction than knowing that you made someone's dreams come true, if only for a day.

There are two types of tears on a wedding day; those of love and those of appreciation. Tears of love come from deep within; a bride as she conveys her hand-written vows to her groom, a dad as he embraces his daughter during a dance, or a friend as they toast to friendship and happiness. Life's true embrace is love; and a wedding serves as a symbol of the joining of lives and all of the love attached to them.

Tears of appreciation are moments that guests rarely see; but that I am lucky to have as a part of my life. I see them as I pin a boutonniere on a groom that is about to get a first glance at his bride, I see them from a mother as she waits in line to be seated for the ceremony, and most importantly, I see them in my bride's eyes as she walks into her wedding, at ease, seeing her perfect vision come to life and knowing that the evening is in good hands, my hands. I have dedicated my life and career to these tears. 

I realize that I can simply be categorized as a wedding planner, someone with organization skills that cuts the cake. And don't get me wrong, I'm a really good cake cutter. However, I strive to be so much more. As years pass and my couples look back, their wedding day will only be but a memory mingled in with the other milestones in life. It is my dedication to making sure that those memories bring smiles, laughter, and happiness.

Looking for a Love Song: Try These

Credit: vowtodance.com

If you are looking for a new and unrecognizable song to capture a moment during your reception, check out these new singles. Any of these could be used for your first dance, cake cutting song, or music to be played behind your wedding photo montage or video.

Christina Perri: A Thousand Years

 

Colbie Colliat: I Do

Francesca Battistelli: 100 More Years

Runner Runner: I Can’t Wait

 

Tyler Ward: Falling with You

Planning Your Ceremony

Credit: wedding-s.com

I have never coordinated two weddings that are the same. There are several different components that can be included in your wedding to make it personal to the relationship you have with your fiance. I have put together the traditional order of events for a Christian or non-denominational wedding. By no means do you need to stick with this order, feel free to switch it up and add little touches here and there to make it even more special.

Prelude music- plays while honored guests are seated

• Officiant enters
• Groom’s grandparents are seated
• Bride’s grandparents are seated
• Groom’s parents are seated
• Bride’s mother is seated

Processional music- plays while attendants are walking down the aisle

• Best man enters from the side
• Grooms enters from the side
• Groomsmen and bridesmaids come down the aisle
• Maid of honor comes down the aisle
• Ring bearer comes down the aisle, then takes a seat or stands by best man
• Flower girl comes down the aisle, then takes a seat or stand by maid of honor

Bridal Processional

• Bride and her father come down the aisle (Father can be substituted by brother, family member, or friend)

Officiant’s Opening Remarks

Vows

Exchange of Rings

Other Unity Customs

Pronouncement

The Kiss
Recessional

• Bride and Groom exit first
• Flower girl and ring bearer exit together
• Maid of honor and best man exit together
• Remaining attendants pair up and exit together
• Guests file out, starting with the front row

Wedding Program

Credit: ghldesign.com

A program is presented to guests as they arrive to the ceremony. Typically, the program is handed out by a guest book attendant (cousin or niece). Programs are not required, but provide guests names of those in the wedding party, readings, and any details needed for the reception. The bride and groom usually write a letter to be published within the program that expresses their thanks to those that helped make everything possible.
Items to be included within Program:

• Order of Events
• Names of people with roles in the ceremony
• Music that will be played
• Meaning behind special rituals taking place during the ceremony
• Note from the bride and groom
• Optional: Favorite quote of the bride and the groom, name of a deceased relative or friend

A Special Bridal Shower

Credit: hostessblog.com

The purpose of the bridal shower is to celebrate and help the bride prepare for her new home. The bridal shower is typically held two to three months before the wedding. Traditionally, the maid-of-honor hosts the party; however, other bridesmaids and the mother of the bride have become popular leaders for organizing the event. The role of the bride is to provide the guest list, provide input when asked, enjoy the party, and write thank you notes for gifts.
Having a theme for a bridal shower adds a new element for the guests to participate in. Think about a few of these ideas and see if you think it will make the party a fun treat for all!

1. Alphabet Shower- each guest is assigned a letter and is asked to bring a gift that begins with that letter.
2. Around-the-House Shower- each guest is assigned a room in the house and is asked to bring a gift that is associated with that room.
3. Kitchen Shower- guests are asked to bring an item that might help out the bride in the kitchen. This can be a fun idea for the inexperienced cook.
4. Lingerie Shower- guests are asked to bring lingerie or item that will promote bedroom action. Bride will have to provide sizes prior to the shower. (This type of shower is often held as a separate shower for the bride and her close family and friends).
5. Recipe Shower- guests are asked to bring a recipe and the items needed to make the dish.
6. Stock-the-Bar Shower- guests are asked to bring alcoholic drinks, mixers, and bar items as gifts. (This type of shower is popular with coed showers).

Formal vs. Informal Wedding

Credit: bridetobe.com

It is important to inform your guests what attire is suitable for your wedding and reception. It is not rude to request a guest to dress appropriately if you provide enough time for them to select an outfit.

White-tie: Tails for the men and full-length gowns for the women.

Black-tie: Tuxedos for the men and formal gowns of any length for the women.

Black-tie optional; Black-tie invited; Formal attire: indicates the bridal party will be in formal dress, and it is optional for the rest of the guests. Dark suits or tuxedos for men and dresses or formal evening pants for women.

Cocktail Dress- suits or sports jackets for men dresses or dressy pants for women

Invitation Etiquette

Credit: wedding-ross.com

Your wedding invitation is the first formal approach to set the mood for the wedding and reception. It is important to recognize the formalities and etiquette prior to sending the invite to your guests. The slightest mishap can alter the impression you are trying to set for your big day, so make sure to dot your I’s and cross your T’s with this Do’s and Don’ts checklist.

Do’s

• Do use the third person for formal invitations
• Do use the phrase “request the honor of your presence” for a ceremony in a church
• Do use the phrase “request the pleasure of your company” for an off-site ceremony
• Do spell out numbers in the date and the year. (twenty-fifth of September)
• Do spell out numerals in times. (five after five o’clock)
• Do capitalize the first word of the invitation and all proper nouns.
• Do name titles for medical doctors, doctor should be spelled out.

Don’ts

• Don’t use commas or periods at the end of a line, line breaks serve as punctuation.
• Don’t include any reference to gifts or the registry.
• Don’t hint that you are not allowing children. Have this information conveyed by family, bridesmaids, and other friends.
• Don’t include information about post-wedding events on the invitation itself. Rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and day-after brunch deserve their own invitation.

Setting Your Reception Tables

Favors: Favors are a nice way of thanking guests for attending such a memorable occasion in your life. The idea behind offering favors is that they are special from the bride and groom. While this is a nice gesture, guests do not expect to receive a favor. Favors should not be too expensive and should not consume too much time. Favors are either placed at the top of the place setting or on the guest table. A modern favor is to provide each guest a small bag that they may fill with their favorite candies.

Table Numbers/Names: Each table number or name can be displayed as a simple tent card or designed to complement the event theme. Get creative with the table names you select: places you traveled together, streets you have lived on, favorite movies, etc.

Menu: Each place setting can have menu cards folded within the napkins to educate guests about the meal. You may also include the receptions events to inform guests of what the evening is to hold.
Place Cards: Each guests name is printed on a card and is placed at a particular place setting. Place cards can be pre-placed or guests can pick up their card when entering the event. If you would like for the guests to pick-up their card, make sure you have a table reserved and in the appropriate place for them as they walk in.

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Bridal and Bridemaids Bouquets

 Bridal Bouquets

When selecting the size of your bridal bouquet, keep in mind the style of your dress. If your dress is simple, it is best to have a more simple bouquet to mirror the dress. If your dress has a lot of design, lace, and beading, a simple bouquet will not be able stand out next tothe design on the dress; therefore you will want a more elaborate bouquet. You will also want to add more color so that it will stand apart from the dress. Height also factors into the size of the bouquet. The shorter the bride, the smaller of bouquet she should carry, and vice versa. A florist will ask you for any details that you would like to include within your bouquet. Keep in mind, your bouquet should be the most beautiful arrangement.

Bridesmaid Bouquets

Bridesmaid bouquets should be a small reflection of an element from within the bridal bouquet (color, shape, or type of flower). The bouquet should also compliment the color of the bridesmaid dresses. The easiest way to coordinate colors is to provide your florist a swatch of the dress color. Typically, bridesmaid bouquets look similar, but you can switch it up by having different types of flowers in similar colors. You can also have the maid of honor’s bouquet be a little more elaborate than the others.

Wedding Envelopes

Addressing the Envelope

You can hand address or screen print the envelope, but make sure that you address each guest properly. The outside of the envelope is their first impression, and you don’t want to seem impersonal. One of the easiest ways to address invitations is to print labels; however, this often lacks a personal touch that is admired by guests. Put yourself in the guests’ shoes when addressing the envelope- have that personal touch be the first thing they see.

Credit: 2bsquaredesign.blogspot.com

Guidelines:

• Spell out avenue, street, apartment, state names, and doctor.
• Names of married couples should be addressed on the same line. Names of unmarried couples should go on two separate lines with the name of the person you know first. If you know both, put the woman’s name first. Same rule applies to gay couples, alphabetically order names.
• Family invites- write the parents name on the outside envelope and address the parents and children on the inside envelope. If you are not using an inside envelop, state parents names and “and family” on the outside envelope.
• If someone is bringing a guest to the wedding, try your hardest to find out their name and address both names on the envelope.
• Place the return address on the back flap of the envelope.
• Use titles and full names for formal invitations.
• Use titles for doctors, judges, government, officials, clergy members, and military officers.

Closing the Envelope

• The invitation fold should be in the bottom of the envelope, facing so a right handed person can remove the invitation and begin reading.
• Enclosure cards are stacked on top of the invitation. The largest enclosure should be the closest to the invitation, continue in decreasing size.
• Place a stamp on the front that will not be a distraction

Wedding Flowers by Season

Credit: decorplusllc.com

Flowers can easily make or break an events look. Roses tend to be the all-around wedding flower, but there are many other options to view before sticking with the traditional look. You want the flowers to enhance the dresses and tables, not cause a distraction.
Flower arrangement costs can quickly increase, so look at flowers that are within season to dramatically decrease price.

Flowers by Season

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Cosmos	Anemone	Aster	Amaryllis
Flowering Branches	Aster	Calla Lily	Camellia
Hyacinth	Calla Lily	Chocolate Cosmos	Flowering Branches
Hydrangea	Casablanca Lily	Chrysanthemum	Fressia
Jasmine	Cornflower	Dahila	Heather
Lilac	Dahlia	Fuchsia	Holly
Lily of the Valley	Daisy	Hydrangea	Ivy
Mimosa	Delphinium	Lavender	Lisianthus
Muscari	Garden Rose	Marigold	Mimosa
Peony	Gerbera Daisy	Parrot Tulip	Narcissus
Poppy	Hydrangea	Snowberry	Paperwhite
Sweet Pea	Larkspur	Statice	Poinsettia
Tulip	Lavender	Sunflower	Ranunculus
Viburnum	Marigold	Sweet William	Viburnum
Violet	Sunflower	Zinnia	Violets, Winterberry

Year Round Flowers
Anemone	Bachelor’s Button	Carnation	Iris
Asiatic Lilies	Bells of Ireland	Gardenia	Orchid
Baby’s Breath	Calla Lily	Hypericum Berry	Rose

Bridal Party Gifts

Find at: personalizationmall.com

Find at: favorstudio.com

Gifts for your wedding party are a nice way to say “thank you” for all of the work they have done throughout your planning process. It also gives them a small trinket to remember from your special day. Wedding party gifts are most commonly exchanged at the rehearsal dinner.
Feeling stumped on gift ideas? Here are a few ideas that might stem a personalized gift.
Bridesmaids

• Engraved silver picture frames holding a photo of the bride and attendant
• Jewelry
• Monogrammed makeup bag and goodies
• Monogrammed robe
• Personalized stationery
• Spa day for all of the attendants followed by lunch or dinner
• Wedding day hair and make-up

Groomsmen

Find at: gift.com
• Cigars in an engraved holder
• Cuff links
• Dopp kit
• Monogrammed flask
• Tie for wedding day
• Watch

Ushers and Other Helpers

• Cosmetics pouch
• Gift cards
• Manicure
• Personalized luggage tags
• Special fragrance or scented candle or soaps

Hosts

Find at: aspencountry.com
• Coffee table book geared to their interests
• Spectacular vase
• Subscription to a gourmet fruit service
• Throw for the sofa
• His-and-hers robes
• Personalized stationery

Ring Bearers

• Binoculars
• Comic books
• Lego or building set
• New came for his video-game player
• Small remote-control car



Find at: diecastcars.tv

• Sports memorabilia

Flower Girls

Find at: wearmeoutkids.com
• Doll
• Flower-girl-themed picture book
• Id bracelet
• Set of fairy wings
• Simple jewelry-making kit

Rehearsal Dinner

The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to kickoff all wedding festivities. Traditionally, the parents of the groom host and coordinate the rehearsal dinner; however, as the guest list rises, other family and friends are able to help offset costs. If the groom’s parents are from out of town, they may appreciate help from the bride’s parents and wedding party to find a location.

Credit: gigmasters.com

Sending out invitations is the best way to control the guest count for the rehearsal dinner. Make sure to include guests that will be flying in from out of town, they have gone the extra mile to make arrangements to attend your wedding, the least you can do is invite them to dinner. If there will be out of town guests attending the rehearsal dinner, send out invitations two to three months prior to the date. If all guests are local, send out invitations a month prior.

The perfect Rehearsal Dinner:

• Choose a unique venue or restaurant that will provide an environment separate from the reception venue.
• Do not repeat the type of food, dessert, or colors that will be represented at the reception.
• If you are unable to show a video at the reception, have a video play at the rehearsal dinner of your love story.
• Offer drinks for toasts. Close family and friends can offer the best toasts, advice, and stories. Typically, the groom’s father begins the toasts.
• Bride and groom thank everyone that helped with the planning process of the wedding and reception. Gifts can be offered to the bridal party at this time.
• End the dinner early to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get beauty rest before the wedding.

Wedding Budgeting- Who Pays for What?

Credit: promobiledj.com

Determining a budget for your wedding is crucial! Without a budget, loose ends will run wild and you will begin accumulating expenses where you found least likely. When you sit down with your fiance to discuss money, have an open mind to the reality of how much a wedding cost and who you are asking to assist you in creating the wedding of your dreams.
As a planner, I have noticed that every family structure is unique and typically customizes their “Who Pays for What”. As a starting point, here is a list of the traditional costs those involved with your wedding.

Ceremony

• Bride and family pay for church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.
• Groom and family pay for marriage license and officiant’s fee.

Clothes

• Bride and family pay for bride’s dress, veil, accessories, and trousseau (read: lingerie and honeymoon clothes).
• Groom and family pay for groom’s outfit.
• All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers

• Bride and family pay for arrangements for church (including huppah if a Jewish ceremony) and reception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls.
• Groom and family pay for bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon

• Groom and family pay for complete honeymoon.

Photography

• Bride and family pay for all wedding photos and video.

Pre-wedding Parties

• Bride or groom’s family plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride’s family hosts the first one.
• Groom’s family plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner.
• Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids’ luncheon.
• Groom hosts and plans bachelors’ dinner.
• Maid of honor and bridesmaids host shower.
• Best man and ushers host bachelor party.
• Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

Reception

• Bride and family pay for all professional services, including food, drink, decorations, and music.

Rings

• Bride and/or her family pay for groom’s ring.
• Groom and/or his family pay for both of the bride’s rings.

Stationery

• Bride and family pay for invitations, announcements, and wedding programs.

Transportation

• Bride and family pay for transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception.

Wedding Day Transportation

Credit: Pech Limos

Transportation is a key component for the bride and groom, bridal party, and guests. Typically the bride and groom have transportation to the wedding and reception venue and then also have the vehicle pick them up at the end of the evening to take them to their final destination. If the wedding party is small, they are usually asked to join the bride and groom. If the wedding party is large, they typically arrive separately. Out of town guests desperately depend on reserved transportation or family assistance.

When researching a transportation company, make sure to know the number of guests that will need a ride. After you know this number, you will be able to search through local companies that provide vehicles with your seating needs. Here is a list of standard seating for each of the following means of transportation:

Bus- seats 45-60 guests

Double-decker bus- seats 65
Limo bus,/limo coach/party bus- seats 18-28
Limousine- seats 6
Lincoln town car/luxury sedan- seats 2-4
Passenger shuttle- seats 15-33
Stretch Hummer/Navigator/Escalade- seats 12-14
Stretch limousine- seats 12 to 14
SUV- seats 5 to 7
Trolley- seats 22 to 30
Van- seats 12 to 15

Before signing a contract, schedule a site visit to view the company’s fleet; you will want to be completely satisfied with the upkeep and presentation of the vehicle before signing and placing a deposit. Don’t forget to specify which color you would you like to prevent any day-of surprises.