...I Found It...You Pin It, Friday!

Lighting can make any wedding ceremony and reception even MORE spectacular!  And with the popularity of chandeliers being added to the wedding design, I couldn't help but ((scream)) when I saw this pic!  See, it's not even about the beautiful crystal chandelier, but the florals used to cover the chain from which the chandelier hangs!!!  In total love with the March 16, 2012 Pin It Pic!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: weddingstylemagazine.com)

Color of the Dejanae Events Year!

I know...  I know...  Pantone announced this January that "Tangerine Tango" will be the wedding color of 2012.  We that doesn't serve true on the world of Dejanae Events.  So I'm going to make my own announcement... 

(DRUM ROLL insertion)

The wedding color of 2012 is...TEAL!!!  Yep, I said it!  Teal is the color that more and more of our brides are selecting this year and I'm in love with this color, especially it's pairing with peacock feathers.  Check out some teal inspiration.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: swatch - www.styledhaven.com; invitation - www.manolobrides.com; cake - www.theknot.com; bouquet - bernardosflowers.blogspot.com; tie - www.kimlephotography.com; shoes - www.asubtlerevelry.com; table setting - blog.bridalexpochicago.com)

Wedding Website Tools

I love the use of a wedding website! This is the easiest way to covey information to your wedding guests all in one location to avoid confusion. Weddings are productions and the cast and crew need to be informed of certain things. Why not share via a vehicle that can not only be informative, but also showcase you as a couple with some really fun photos.

Check out the main pages that should be included on your wedding website:

Proposal Story:
Share how he or she proposed on that special day! Some couples will mention how they met, the courtship, and engagement photos to tie the entire love story together.

Ceremony Information:
The perfect area to note the ceremony location and time. This is also a wonderful page to mention attire should you want guests dressed in a particular way (black tie, semi formal, a certain color, etc.).

Reception Information:
Outside of listing the reception location, start and end time, letting your guests know the entree should selections be involved is appropriate.

Hotel Accommodations:
If you have booked a block of rooms at area hotels, attaching the reservation link and room rates would go perfectly under this tab. Also mentioning the hotels amenities would be a thoughtful gesture for your guests, especially airport shuttle information.

Driving Directions:
When including directions, use the cardinal directions (North, South, East and West) for coming to the ceremony and departing the ceremony for the reception. Also if parking provisions are needed, such as particular lots or parking costs, this is the page to include that information.

Registry Information:
I am 100% against NOT mentioning registry information within the invitation ensemble. It's inappropriate. But of course you want guests to know where you've registered and listing the links to those stores is 100% appropriate on this page.

Guest Book:
This page would allow your guests to leave well wishes to you and your fiancee. Then print them off later to out in a keepsake box or album.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.TheWeddingVendor.com)

...I Found It...You Pin It, Friday!

So today's Pin it Pic isn't necessarily showing the engagement ring and wedding bands, but the way those stones and precious metals are photographed.  I wanted to find a picture that embodied the moment, but didn't have the rings place strategically on a bridal bouquet or invitation.  I think my quest was conquered with this photo!  What do you think? :)

OMG and those shoes by Christian Louboutin are HAUTE!!!


Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.stevezphotography.com)

Wedding Budget Sleepers

When planning out your wedding budget, there are certain categories for you to consider.  And then there are those "hidden" amounts and extras that even the most savvy couple doesn't think about when planning out her initial budget for their dream day.  Consider the vendor categories below when planning your wedding weekend and pay special attention to the "DON'T FORGET" section.  Don't sleep...plan out your budget thoughtfully so you aren't hit with some of these surprises later.

CEREMONY:
Don't forget to include your clergy/officiant fee or donation

RECEPTION:
Don't forget to add tax and gratuity to the initial/minimum per person costs for food and beverage

ATTIRE:
Don't forget to include the cost of alterations

INVITATIONS/STATIONERY:
Don't forget to include the cost of postage and addressing the envelopes

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT:
Don't forget to include gratuity for the DJ and/or band members

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY:
Don't forget to include a vendor meal for the photographers and/or videographers

FLOWERS:
Don't forget to include bouts or corsages for the clergy, vocalists, hostesses and ushers

DECOR:
Don't forget to find out the amount of time needed for their set-up based on the amount of time provided by the ceremony and reception sites.  You may need to pay for additional staff to get the job done in time.

TRANSPORTATION:
Don't forget to include gratuity which is typically 20%

RENTALS:
Don't forget to include the extra charge for late night pick-ups, if applicable. Some venues will not allow rental companies to return the next day...they must return immediately after your reception has ended.

GIFTS:
Don't forget to gift your parents for contributing with some of the expenses of your wedding day

BEAUTY:
Don't forget to include the costs of your hair and make-up trials

HONEYMOON:
Don't forget to include staff gratuities and trip insurance



And for those brides and grooms living in the Chicagoland area, check out our WEDology Bootcamp: For Brides and Grooms should you want to start planning your wedding armed with useful information.

Until next time...WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

One word for today's Friday Pin It Pic...BOLD!  This bouquet of Phalaenopsis Orchids in vibrant pink is nothing shy of stunning with the bling accent wrap and feather detailing!  And who said the cascade-style wedding bouquet was dated?!  NOT, especially when you modernize it's look.  I'm obsessed with finding a bride bold enough to carry the March 2nd Pin It Pic!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credits - http://aileentran.com/blog/)

Useful Wedding Tips

As a wedding planner for almost 12 years, it's my duty to provide my clients with useful information on how to plan the wedding of their dreams (and stay within their budget).  Well I understand not all couples can afford a wedding planner so I decided to focus today's blog post on three resource sites that can assist in answering your burning questions.

Consider using Martha Stewart's wonderful post about ceremony seating,
processional and recessional for both Christian and Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Should you need to plan our your reception place settings by renting the flatware,
stemware, china, etc., consider this useful diagram
from The Southern Life to assist with your tablescape.

When planning out the tiers of your wedding cake,
reference this chart from Yakes Cakes on how many servings each tier can provide.

Until next time...WEDologize!