And Their Off...to the Honeymoon!

Most couples are planning their honeymoon during the same time as they are planning their wedding ceremony and reception. But the biggest difference I've noticed is...they don't get completely stressed out by it! Probably has to do with the fact they couples are selecting places they have never been, are tropical and have warmer weather and the wedding planning stress is a thing of the past. Some of the most popular honeymoon destinations are the Caribbean, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji, Florida Keys and cruises.

Well when planning your honeymoon, here are a few things you should consider:

Before making your selection, list the places you have traveled and what you enjoyed about them. Then list the places you'd like to visit. Lastly ask yourself the following questions - What do you want to do when you get there? Do you prefer a hotel or resort?

After you have booked your travel:

1. Get your passport!!! You can get the necessary paperwork from the US Post Office or online at http://www.usps.com/.
2. Book dinners, spa services and sports activities at least 2-months in advance of your departure date.
3. Confirm arrangements a month before and pack a list of items you will be taking to ensure you don't forget anything.
4. Lastly, make copies of all your important documents (passport, insurance card, etc.) in case something gets lost or stolen while on your honeymoon.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - www.Yahoo.com and www.Flickr.com)

Answering Questions?

As a planner, I get asked certain questions from couples throughout the wedding planning process. But I love to get hit with those new questions that cause my mouth to twist...but I won't go into those on this Monday's blog : ) Below, check out some of the questions and answers to assist you as you move forward with your wedding planning process.

When should Save The Dates be mailed?
No later than 6 months before the wedding. Typically they are mailed within 6-9 months of the wedding date.

Is it "required" to have the same number of male attendants as female attendants?
No. Some times that just isn't possible so there is no need to start grabbing strangers to be in your wedding to have a balance number of attendants. The pictures will still look great.

Who gives the first toast at the reception?
The best man (or woman).

Who handles the clergy fee?
If you do not have a wedding coordinator, the best man (or woman) will give the fee to the officiant.

How do you cut the cake?
The groom's right hand should be over the bride's as you slice the first piece using the cake knife and remove the slice with the server. SIDE NOTE: Hold the press on smashing cake in each other's face. It's no longer funny and can be viewed by some as disrespectful.

In case of divorce, how are parents seated?
If they do not get along and are unwilling to sit together, the bride's mother will be seated in the 1st row and her father will be seated in the 2nd row. The same situation would happen for the groom's parents. I have had situations where we needed to seat the father in the 3rd row, but only in extreme situations.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Fab Color Combos

Well I have met plenty of brides over the last few months that have started their wedding planning, but have not selected their wedding colors. You may think it's not important intially, but that is false because the colors you select will play a role in attire, florals, decor and cake. I have put together some palettes that compliment each other nicely...and they are bright and unique - my forte'.


1st row - cerise pink and turquoise (the Pantone 2010 wedding color of the year)
3rd row - tangerine and navy

1st row - red and tiffany blue
3rd row - lilac and lime

Comment and let me know your wedding color palette.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(image credits and board creation - http://www.stylemepretty.com/; fabric swatches - www.bbjlinens.com)

February Events

I wanted to blog about some of the upcoming February bridal events in the Chicagoland area. If you have some free time on your calendar, try and check out a few of them. I'm sure you'll meet some GREAT vendors and you can catch me - Dejanae Events - at the event listed on Friday, February 19th.

Chicago Style Unveiled

http://www.chicagostyleunveiled.com/

February 18, 2010
A Blissful Affair
6pm - 9pm
Oak Brook Bath + Tennis Club
Complimentary Entry. RSVP at http://www.ablissfulaffairevent.com/

February 19, 2010
In honor of Black History Month...
An Artisitic Tribute: Celebrating the Black Wedding
6pm - 9pm
Ven Sherrod Image Gallery located at 1906 S Halsted Chicago IL 60608
Hosted by Ven Sherrod Photography, LAD4 Creative Video Productions and Dejanae Events
Complimentary entry. RSVP to events@vsphoto.com

February 19 - 20, 2010
Simply Elegant - An Original Showcase of All Things Wedding
Feb 19th, 6 - 8pm; Feb 20th, 11am - 2pm
Plesent Home
$10 or donation of evening wear

February 20, 2010
Harmonious Brides - Bridal Support Workshop
9am - 2pm
Flourish Studios, Chicago
Tickets $135
773.359.3306 or email: info@harmoniousbrides.com

February 21, 2010
Majestic Bridal Extravaganza
11am - 5pm
Bella Vista Banquets, Bensenville
Tickets at 847.772.5877

February 21, 2010
The Bridal Sampler Expo
noon - 5pm
The Intercontinental, Rosemont
Free tickets at 630.299.4899 x772 or $10 at door

February 27, 2010
Ritzy Couture Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Galleria 1712
Join Ritzy Couture Vintage Jewelry for Shopping, Wine and Networking. Get your very own Unique, One-Of-A-Kind, Custom Designed Jewelry. (Prices Ranges From $20.00- $150.00)Complimentary entry. RSVP to mailto:Events@RitzyVintage.com?subject=Found or (866) 306-2006

Bridal Expo! Chicago/Milwaukee

http://www.bridalshowexpo.com/

Sunday,February 21
Renaissance Hotel Skokie/Northbrook Northbrook, IL (5 Minutes from Old Orchard Mall)
Noon-4:00 p.m.

Sunday,February 28
Belvedere Banquets (5 minutes from Woodfield Mall) Elk Grove/Schaumburg
Noon-4:00 p.m.

Until next time...WEDologize!

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)