Day #1 - Head Table Decor

Head table decor can be the simplest and least expensive decor in your wedding floral budget.  Why not re-purpose your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets???  Add a few glass vases + some floating candles along with the bouquets and watch this main table come to life.  I mean think about it, what are you going to do with the bouquets after all the wedding photos anyway :)  This will also work perfectly should you decide on a sweetheart table.  You'll thank me later when you see the savings.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

31 Days of Blogging Is Coming Back!

Beginning tomorrow, I will be challenging myself to blog everyday for the entire month of December!  Once again, I'm very excited about the adventure as I initially challenged myself in December 2011 and 2014 to get my blog "wheels" turning.  I'm asking for your support in sharing WEDology Blog with your peers and anyone you know who may be getting married.

With engagement season upon us, I'd like to give the newly engaged couples some thoughtful ideas when it comes to adding those small details...or should I say...finishing touches to her wedding day.  There will be no uniform order for the posts other than seeing a post every day during December at approximately 9:00amCST.

Some of the topics will include:
fun favors,
the ceremony aisle,
capturing reception moments,
delicious cakes and desserts,
vendor questions,
fab fashion tips
...and plenty, plenty more!

Well let me get started...and I'll see you tomorrow!

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)

Wedding Tasting Goals

 
Depending on your venue, catering will either come with the price of renting the reception space or you will need to outsource a caterer.  Regardless of your decision, you should taste the food prior to serving it on wedding day to your guests. 

But what should you expect and what will you discuss at a tasting?

Well first, a tasting is just that...a taste. Do not expect to be served a full meal.  You will see the full presentation of the soup, salad, entree and possibly the hors d'oevures.  You may even get to sample the wines that will be served during dinner and cake should the caterer be providing the wedding cake. 

Next, bringing your entire family and friends to a tasting is not appropriate.  Most tastings can only accommodate 4-6 guests (couple and each set of parents).  Plus all those extra opinions will truly dull the experience.

Also, be very honest about how the food tastes.  That is the purpose of this meeting.  So if you feel it needs extra salt, let the chef know.  There are no repeats in wedding planning so you want to make sure you have voiced your opinion especially during the tasting.

Last, during your tasting experience, consider some of these questions:

• Do you like the look of the food presentation?
• Are hot dishes served hot and cold dishes served cold? 
• How's the plating of the entree?
• Are the hors d'oevures easy for your guests to eat?  
• Do the courses make sense for the season?
• When is the latest date you can make a change to the menu?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(repost from 2013)

10 Forgotten Wedding Expenses

When planning your wedding, you are going to find many posts & lists regarding the wedding budget.  But many of those forget about setting aside funds for "miscellaneous" expenses such at those listed below:

• Postage for save the dates, wedding invitations and response card, thank you cards for shower and wedding gifts 
• Clothing for pre-wedding events
• Alterations for wedding attire
• Feeding and parking for vendors
• Tips and gratuity
• Marriage license
• Accommodations the night before the wedding
• Month-of coordinator
• Hair and make-up trials
• Officiant fees

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - Alvarado Photography)

Wedding Planning No-No's

I'm 100% aware that a thoughtful wedding budget is crucial to the planning of your special day.  I know as you begin the planning process and truly see the cost of your ideas on Pinterest :) you are going to have to make some tough decisions on what to keep, change and eliminate.  But in this blog, instead of telling you how to save costs within your wedding budget, I'm going to share with you...what not to skimp on:

1. Your wedding gown.  This is what everyone comes to see...just how beautiful you will look on wedding day.  You don't need to spend a fortune on a couture gown costing as much a 2-3 monthly mortgages, but you do want to spend your money wisely on a gown that makes you feel beautiful.
2. Your bridal bouquet.  This fragrant accessory is one of the most photographed items on wedding day.  It's practically in every picture with you, plus it gets photographed alone. The bouquet should compliment your wedding gown and not be scaled down.
3. The food.  This is the one thing the guests will remember and you want to make sure you are serving quality food.  Yes, some courses can be eliminated, but the least expensive option isn't always the best.
4. The photographer.  He or she is creating your memories in the form of an album with the photographs taken on your wedding day.  A professional photographer knows how to capture the classic photos plus those photos that you never would have thought about.  Don't select your photographer based on the best deal, select the photographer based on what you want your FINAL product to be.
5. The entertainment.  Outside of food, your wedding guests will remember the overall experience they had during the reception and music plays a large role in this.  Don't skimp on your DJ or band as they are the ones that will keep the party going until the lights come on.  Hire professionals that have worked weddings before, not just a party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - Rush Productions | repost from September 2013)