RED...is for Valentine's Day!

I simply love the romance that comes along with celebrating Valentine's Day! And since red just happens to be my favorite color, I decided that my 1st blogged inspiration board should focus on the color of love...RED.

Photograph credits - invitation (www.weddingpaperdivas.com); red shoes (www.tullebridal.com); boutonniere, wedding cake, bouquet and cocktail (www.getmarried.com); wedding gown (www.justinalexanderbridal.com).

Until next time...WEDologize!!

Budget Busting SITuations!

As a planner, I LOVE engagement season. This is the time when couples get engaged and start looking for a professional wedding planner to assist them with their special day. Upon receiving that 1st phone call or e-mail, one of the main questions I ask..."Have you and your fiancee' discussed budget?" A lot of times, I get the answer, "Yes," but then there are those couples that say..."No," or "I don't think we really need a budget." Well if you have said that in your mind or out loud - SIT down - this blog is for you!

First off, please let me say...Do not start hiring vendors until you have discussed budget with your husband-to-be. Write down your wedding day desires as you begin to formulate a spending strategy. During the planning process, it's so easy to go over budget, so having an idea of what you are able to spend will alleviate tons of stress. If there is going to be any parental or family contributions, make sure you let them know how the monies will be spent.

Think of hosting your wedding during "off-season". In Chicago, wedding season typically runs from April through October and vendors might not be as flexible with negotiations as they would during the "off-season" months of November through March. Also, Saturdays are still the most expensive day to have a wedding & reception. To cut costs, think of having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday.

Second, AFTER you have selected your ceremony and reception venue, decide what are the three most important things to you as a couple as you plan your special day (food, beverage, photography, videography, cake, invitations, etc.) and seek out those vendors first as you do your research. Note, your reception food and beverage will take up 40-60% of your budget depending on your selections. You can always cut that cost down by inviting a smaller number of guests, not hosting an evening reception or decrease the bar down to beer, wine and a signature drink versus a premium bar.

Lastly, remember the hidden expenses that can easily add up and bust your budget. Make sure to ask vendors about taxes and additional charges, and make sure they are included on the contract before signing. I also suggest putting 3-5% of your budget to the side for those miscellaneous items that you just can't live without.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Slip Into Something...

It's your special day...why stop with one dress?!?! Think of changing into something a little easier to dance the night away...

Dress designer - Amsale http://www.amsale.com/

***My FAVORITE bridal gown designer***

Designer Romona Keveza http://www.romonakeveza.com/

But if you can't afford the trend of purchasing two dress, think about changing up your headpiece. Where a veil for your ceremony and then remove it for the reception and add a fun flower or jewels to your hair. At the end of the day, let your wedding attire capture your personality and vision of your special day.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Lights. Camera. Photo Extras!

After you have selected and hired your wedding photographer, don't just stop there! Think of using their services for additional projects that could only enhance your wedding experience.

Engagement session - These are some GREAT photos to add to your wedding collection. This session will allow you and your groom to show your playful side on camera in conjunction with the love you share for one another. Plus, it's an added advantage for your photographer to get familiar with your body language so that he can capture only the best photos of you and your husband on wedding day.

Boudoir Session - Tell me what groom would not like to see an album of sexy photographs (for his viewing pleasure only) of his bride-to-be?!?! Select a photographer you feel comfortable with and allow them to capture some shots of you in lingerie or your groom's favorite shirt. You will feel so sensual and pretty!

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage - Your photographer can attend this intimate, casual affair and capture photographs of your interactions with family and friends, especially those that have traveled for your wedding.

Day-After Sessions - These sessions take place after the wedding, of course, and will allow you and your husband to take more artistic shoots and not be confined to the hours allowed during the reception while you are trying to greet guests. And if you haven't heard about it, bride's are doing "Trash The Dress" sessions where you may decide to jump in a pool, mud or play in the dirt while wearing your expensive wedding gown. I don't really know how conventional that is, but hey...thought I'd put it out there.

Until next time WEDologize...

(photos compliments of Ven Sherrod Photography www.vsphoto.com)

Cater To Your Guests (Pt.2)

One Monday's blog I spoke about different ways to spice of your reception menu. Today I plan to discuss the different catering service styles and the cost factors involved. Let's begin...

• Sit-Down: Formal restaurant style service and the most traditional of reception services. Can become extremely costly based on your meal selection, especially if you have dual-entrees.
  
• Buffet: Tables of displayed food where guests can serve themselves. This service is thought to be the least expensive, but don't be fooled. The chef has to prepare enough servings of each item since the guests make their food selection at the buffet table.
  
• Food Stations: Multiple mini-buffets set up for the more contemporary bride who wants a modern and fresh look for their meal. You will need a lot of space for this style reception and is typically used for the less-conventional bride. GREAT idea for a cocktail reception.
  
• Family-style: Seated dinner where the platters are placed on the table and guests serve themselves. The least expensive service of those listed, but make sure you use larger tables at your reception to accommodate the platters of food.
  
• French Service: Staff will serve guests table-side from large serving dishes. Very costly because of the amount of staff needed.
  
• Russian Service: Staff will hold the platters table-side while guests serve themselves. As mentioned in French service, very costly because of the amount of staff needed.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - WeddingChannel.com)

Cater To Your Guests (Pt.1)

Catering, rather it's provided by your reception venue or if you have hired a private catering company, the cost is going to be approximately 50% of your wedding budget. Try to make use of your monies wisely and keep your guests in mind when making decisions. I've made a few suggestions, what I consider helpful suggestions when planning your reception menu:

• Make sure to have a tasting so that you can make notations about the look, seasoning and presentation of the menu.
• Be sensitive to your guests dietary restrictions. Consider adding "Please advise of any dietary restrictions" to your reply card.
• Personalize parts of the menu to reflect your background and ethnicity.
• Consider choosing 4-5 different hors d'oeuvre options during cocktails and for dinner serve three or four courses.
• Spice up the cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, stations and/or tasting tables. Also note that cocktail receptions can be more cost-effective than serving a full sit-down dinner or buffet.
• And wherever possible, make sure your entire menu hits on all the taste buds - sweet, sour, bitter and tangy (tart).

Until next time...WEDologize your budget!

Water + Candles

I always get asked by brides what can I do to make my tablescapes look fabulous, but my budget is limited. You can't make a mistake with using candles and water to accent your tables and windows. The drama and romance created from the twinkling candles reflecting off the water can transform any space into a spectacular site. I was just watching "Platinum Weddings" on WEtv and a eco-friendly bride spending almost a half a million on her wedding used soy-based candles, dramatic glass vases, votive candles, glass gems and a sprinking of rose buds per centerpiece. YES! And what makes water and candles such a "WOW factor" ? You can change up the centerpieces easily by using colored glass vases; adding crystal elements or flowers; or even a drop of food coloring to dye the water. The ideas are limitless on the vision you can create using water + candles. Check out the beautiful photos I found on http://www.weddingchannel.com/.

Until next time...WEDologize your budget!