Day #30 - The Groom's Timeline

I'm always writing timelines and information for the ladies.  Sorry men...please forgive me.  Below is a detailed timeline of what the GROOM needs to do in preparation for wedding day.

12 months before
Determine budget contribution, including any gifts from parents, family, friends, etc.

Choose attendants (Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers, Ring Bearer) and invite them
    to be in the wedding

 

7 to 9 months before
Reserve rehearsal dinner location

Compile your friend/family guest list

 

4 to 6 months before
Reserve mens' formal wear

 

2 to 3 months before
Purchase meaningful gift for bride

Purchase gifts for your attendants and parents

Decide on rehearsal and rehearsal dinner attire

Order rehearsal dinner invitations

Choose song for mother/groom dance

 

6 to 8 weeks before
Confirm formal wear measurements

Confirm rehearsal dinner menu

 

1 month before
Send rehearsal dinner invitations

Tale care of business and legal affairs (inform car, home, renter's insurance of marriage
    Change beneficiary to fiancée for will and life insurance policy)

Attend bachelor party and any couple's showers

 

2 to 3 weeks before
Make appointments for hair, manicure, other grooming

Create wedding day schedule

 

1 week before
Confirm rehearsal dinner plans

Pack for honeymoon

Prepare speech and toast for reception

Write your vows

Order flowers to be delivered to bride, mother and mother-in-law
    on wedding morning

 

1 to 2 days before

Pick up tuxedo rentals

 

The wedding day

Give wedding rings and officiant's fee to best man

Give license to officiant

Give gift to bride

Relax and let it all sink in!

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com
Timeline credit - http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com/

Day #14 - A Little Groom Inspiration

 Photographers are so in-tune with capturing the fabulous details of the bride's attire - the wedding gown, shoes, accessories and jewelry.  But make sure they capture just the same amount of the detail of your husband-to-be's attire as well.  Having a second photographer makes this happen effortlessly, but should you not be able to afford this option, make sure the main photographer understands you want to the same amount of detail captured of your groom as well.

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits - Rush Photography & Videography and George Street Photography

The Forgotten Wedding Party Member: FOG

So you have to be wondering who I'm speaking about when I titled this blog post, "The Forgotten Wedding Party Member: FOG".  We'll I'm talking about the Father of the Groom.  He is the one wedding party member that tends to be forgotten and no one really knows what he's to do other than be the dad of the groom.  Well below are a few tasks to make the FOG feel included:

• Host an engagement party with the Mother of the Groom for the groom's side of the family.  The bride's parents host the 1st engagement party of the couple.
• Assist with the wedding planning and attend appointments when asked.
• Assist with planning the rehearsal dinner.
• Escort the groom's mother down the aisle and is seated in the 1st row on the right side, if it's a Christian ceremony.
• Greet guests at the ceremony and reception locations.
• Offer a toast to the newly married couple during the reception.
• Dance with his new daughter-in-law at least once during the night.
• BUT the biggest task of the day is to support his son...the groom.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Productions | repost from 2013)

Let's Hear It For The Boys

I know the WEDology Blog is pretty much geared towards women planning a wedding or event. But today I wanted to focus on an idea of jazzing the men up on wedding day.  When considering the options for the groom and groomsmen, there isn't a whole bunch you can do with a rented tuxedo outside of a distinctive boutonniere, vest, bow tie and/or tie.  But let me retract that statement and say...there is one more fun thing the groom can do to stand out on his wedding day.

Socks play an important roll for the groom and his men on wedding day.  In order to wear those shiny shoes, or whichever style is selected, it's imperative that men wear socks!  Now consider spicing them up with prints, words or a distinctive color for this once in a lifetime day!

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Productions)

Launch of Grooms Matter Too

Grooms Matter Too launches today and I'm so excited about this amazing company created by my dear friend, Lenee Valentine CEO and founder of Lenee' Valentine, Inc.   Grooms Matter Too provides services so that men can experience the same pampering experiences as brides as they prepare for their wedding day.  Equally important, the company takes the stress out of men's responsibilities.

Grooms Matter Too Caters Solely To Men On Their Big Day

Event designer Lenee' Valentine launches company that provides wedding preparation services to grooms and their groomsmen.

  

The company focuses solely on all of the details for the groom’s big day such as assisting with:  surprise wedding proposals, styling services, organizing groomsmen outings and parties, spa and grooming services, rehearsal dinners, transportation services, gifts for parents and guests, and the list goes on.  With a knack for creativity and personalization, Valentine will delve into the core of each man to discover his interests and passions and bring them to life in each service offered.

Research shows that young adults are delaying marriage now more than ever.  This means that many of the financial responsibilities are left on the couple moreso than their parents.  As such, both the bride and groom should have the same exciting experiences when planning their nuptials.  

The services provided by Grooms Matter Too can also be rendered for men who are planning birthdays, retirement, anniversaries, red carpet events, and more.

Congratulations Doll and you are spot on...Grooms Matter Too!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

CREDITS:

Grooms Matter Too – Owner|Creative Director Lenee’ Valentine @groomsmattertoo

Photographer - Chi-Chi Agbim - Two Twenty  @chichi_220

Real Wedding: Emilie and Terrence

On April18th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for an amazing couple - Emilie and Terrence.  Their 140 guests were warmly welcomed into Zhou B Art Center where the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception took place on this brisk spring day.  Kenmare Catering handled all of the food and signature beverages enjoyed by all.

Take a look at the wedding day details of Emilie and Terrence's grey, black, and yellow spring wedding:

Admiring the gown. Photography by Rush Productions.

Bouquets and all ceremony and reception decor by Juliet Tan Floral Design

The attire

She's ready to marry her sweetheart

The Kiss!

Bride, Groom and their squad

It's all in the details. Draping and lighting provided by Art of Imagination

Room shot as guests entered in the Spirit Gallery of Zhou B Art Center

A view from the square head table. Linens provided by BBJ Linens. Table and chairs provided by Halls.

Escort cards by Calligraphy by CT

Yummy guest favors of cheese and caramel popcorn from Mariano's

Congratulations Emilie and Terrence! xoxo

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photography by Rush Productions

Real Wedding: Kendele and Tony

On September 26th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for a fabulous and stylish couple - Kendele and Tony.  Evanston, IL was the city for their wedding nuptials.  The ceremony was held at Alice Millar Chapel located on Northwestern University's campus and the alma mater of the groom.  Then their wedding guests moved two blocks South to one of Evanston's hidden gems, The Crystal Ballroom and Lounge.

Take a look at the amazing blush, gray and navy details of Kendele and Tony's fall wedding:

Kendele and her squad. Beautiful bouquets by Flower Flowers Evanston

She wore a gorgeous custom Monique Lhuillier gown in ivory

Tony, his squad and their socks

The groom looking dapper in his custom navy tuxedo

Mr. and Mrs.

Modern details

Centerpieces by Flowers Flowers Evanston and the chairs and linens are from The Crystal Ballroom

Kendele and Tony's wedding cake was from The Baking Institute

Their 150+ wedding guests feasted on a delicious meal

Room shot of the reception at The Crystal Ballroom and Lounge

Cake cutting right before the dancing began with the sounds of DJ Marco

Guests did not leave empty handed - "S'More Love"

Congratulations Kendele and Tony!!! xo

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photography by Rush Productions

Real Wedding: Brittany and Edward

On Sunday, February 8th, the DE Team had the honor of directing a wedding for a lovely couple living in Atlanta, GA.  They wanted their winter wedding reception to be in the Windy City in Chicago's most favorite landmark...the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) on the 99th floor.  The 360 degree views should have been amazing for their 120 guests, but the overcast told a different story.

We had 11 weeks to bring Brittany and Edward's dream wedding to life with the help of some amazing vendors.  Take a look at their red, black and white wedding:

Brittany wore a gorgeous Pronovias wedding gown

Brittany's "something blue" was her beautiful Steve Madden wedding shoes

Juliet Tan Floral Design created her lovely rose and bling bridal bouquet and make-up by Lena Clark MUA.
Hair styling by Shantell at Iridescent Hair Salon

Perfection! Wedding day photography and videography by Rush Productions

Nothing but the best for Edward in his custom tuxedo

Married at Edward's home church on the south-side of Chicago

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design by Juliet Tan Floral Design

It's all in the details - low centerpiece design

Stunning 7-tier wedding cake by Delish Cakes

It's all in the details - Escort card by Calligraphy by CT

Gorgeous tall centerpieces by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Edward's Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy groom's cake by Delish Cakes

Brittney & Edward's first dance with music by JAM Music

Skydeck perfection!!!

May have been overcast preventing the Chicago skyline from coming through, but this photo is phenomenal!

Ending the night on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower

Until next time....WEDologize!

Photography by Rush Productions