The 3rd Episode of The Wedding Planners

I'm so excited to share with you the 3rd episode of The Wedding Planners!  Our holiday episode is chalked full of laughter!  Thank you so much for all the views and positive feedback since our debut episode back in October and I'm sure the 3rd episode will not disappoint!  We will be talking about wedding cakes and  with Mary Winslow of Cake Chicago; great DJing tips from Harsh Singh of DJ Harsh Chicago; and how to prepare your face for wedding day make-up from celebrity make-up artist Sonia Roselli.

The Wedding Planners holiday set created by Daniel's Florist and Art of Imagination

It wouldn't be a holiday episode of we didn't dress the part! LOL!

Holiday kisses to you from The Wedding Planners!

The Wedding Planners with their guests Sonia Roselli and DJ Harsh

Make sure to check us out at www.thewedplanners.com and share the 3rd episode with your friends!  And many thanks to Rush Event Photography and Video Productions for producing and directing a fab show!

Until next time...Watch The Wedding Planners and WEDologize!

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

That moment after you have said "I DO" on a snowy winter day and you are in the arms of your new spouse as and he's protecting you with plain black umbrella from the failing snow.  This CAPTURED MOMENT is POWERFUL and WOW FACTOR for any wedding album. Simply a perfect moment!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit -Wistful Weddings)

Children and Wedding Planning

  Many couples are blending families and the adjustment for the child can sometimes be difficult. With all the wedding planning, the children could feel left out and it's very important to make them feel included during the planning process and on wedding day.  You do not want children to move forward into the marriage feeling resentful of their parent's new partner.

I've listed some suggestions below that just might help alleviate the "sad face".  Consider including a few, if not all, during your wedding planning.

• Allow the child to be involved in a few of the planning meetings and give their opinion and make sure to take them on appointments with you.
• Give the children perimeters, but allow them to select their attire for wedding day. 
• During the unity candle lighting or sand ceremony, have the child join you both at the altar and make them apart of this important ceremony. 
• Ask the children to come the altar before the pronouncement of husband and wife, and ask the minister to pronounce you as "Husband, Wife and Family". 
• During the ceremony, present the children with a loving token like a necklace or bracelet to show them they play an important role in the new family. 
• Include the children in the engagement photo session and display not only couple photos during the reception, but photos showcasing the "new" family. 
• Have a kids table with goody bags and treats during the reception.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.intimateweddings.com)

Inspired By The Holidays!

As the Christmas holiday approaches, I'd like to wish all of the WEDology by Dejanae Events readers a VERY safe and happy holiday season!  Please enjoy this silver and red inspiration and enjoy the holiday season with family and friends!!! xo

Until next time...Happy Holidays and WEDologize!

(photo credit - cake; wedding gown; bouquet, red shoes, specialty cocktail, mirrors)

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

I love the GLAMOUR and SEXINESS of the sequin black linens, but what really sends it over the top is the lemon-colored satin napkin!  HAUTE with that gorgeous orchid placed perfectly on top with the modern menu peaking out of the napkin. MODERN ELEGANCE at it's BEST!

(Photo credit - www.hwtm.com)

Blast Off! The Wedding Countdown!

As a wedding planner in the game for over 12 years, wedding timelines are a staple when working with couples. NEVER hire a planner that is not willing to create one! There are plenty of tasks that need to be accomplished before the big day and I've listed a few things based on a monthly breakdown as you journey to your wedding day.

Based on a 9 month calendar, these mentionables will need to be checked off your checklist at latest by the month listed:

Month 9

Select your ceremony and reception location

Contact the Officiant

Month 8

Hire your photographer and/or videographer

Month 7

Order your gown, attendants gowns and mother's gowns

Month 6

Select your invitation ensemble/suite

Month 5

Order your wedding cake

Month 4

Hire your DJ and/or reception entertainment

Month 3

Make final selection for men's attire

Month 2

Mail your in-state wedding invitations

Month 1

Get your marriage license

Week of Wedding

Confirm all arrangements with hired vendors

Have wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Image Makers Photography)

10 Ways to Include Your Groom!

Most people, including the groom, accept the fact that the wedding is mostly about the bride and what she wants on that special day. But I'm seeing more often the groom wanting to play a role in the planning of their wedding day. Heck "Groomzillas" have even surfaced in some cases! But if your groom isn't participating as much as you'd like...I've listed some ideas to make him feel special and join in the planning process.

Photo credit - www.tuxshirt.com

1. The funniest thing to see at a wedding reception is a Groom's Cake that reflects the groom's personality or hobby. Make sure to include his favorite cake flavor. I had a groom's cake for a construction worker/Bears fan and the cake was a blue and orange hammer. Love it!
2. Have a couples shower in which both the bride and groom are celebrated by family and friends.
3. Present a video at the reception with pictures, set the the groom's favorite music, of the groom's life leading up to wedding day.
4. I just had a bride do one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my 12 years as a planner. She wrote a poem for her groom and had it read aloud by one of her dear friends right before she walked down the aisle. I *heart* that idea!
5. If you are a dancer or singer, do a special tribute to your groom at the wedding reception.
6. When registering, include the groom and let him register for some of those fun man items!!
7. Get the groom a sentimental pre-wedding gift or a massage the eve of the wedding.
8. You both should work with the band or DJ to make sure some of the groom's favorite songs are played during the reception.
9. Have the groom control one aspect of the planning process (photography, entertainment, transportation, etc.).
10. ...and last but not least, invite him to all the planning meetings with your wedding planner even if he's unable to attend.

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

The GLAM presentation for these guest thank you meringue favors is uber fabulous!!!  How swank to have this lovely boxes presented on the guest's plate or seat.  Or better yet, have them laid out on a gorgeous table of lush linens for your family and friends to take as they leave one your dream-filled wedding reception. LOVE IT!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - WedLuxe)

Happy 12.12.12!!!

It's 12.12.12 - December 12, 2012!  Do you realize that today is the only day in calendar history that the day of the week, day of the month and year are the same numbers?!?!  It will never happen again in our lifetime so I think that's a cause for celebration! Inspired by black and gold...I say celebrate in style!  And for the couples that picked today as their wedding day...CONGRATULATIONS!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Dolce & Gabbana; Sweet and Saucy Shop and Wedding Style Magazine)

2013 Color of the Year!

Well Pantone has spoke and here it is...the 2013 color of the year...((drum roll))...EMERALD!  With this said, I like the idea of this color, much more than last year's color selection.  Now let's see if Pantone will be correct once the wedding planning season gets underway.

Below is a little inspiration to get those juices flowing should you decide to add Emerald as one of the colors for your wedding day.

And what's an inspiration post without a FABULOUSLY designed emerald-colored cake.

Until next time...WEDoloigze!

(photo credits - cuff bracelet; shoes; gown; nail polish; chair cover; bouquet; invitations)

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

What a gorgeous display for champagne!  This tower is amazingly beautiful!  Can you imagine entering into the cocktail hour and before seeing your escort card seeing this lush champagne tower?!?!  WOW Factor to the fullest with a touch of femininity added with the dainty pink ribbon detail.  Love it!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Martha Stewart Weddings)

Some Wedding Don'ts!

Every bride wants the perfect wedding day, but becoming a bridezilla isn't very attractive to your fiance', family, friends or vendors.  Going on almost 13 years of planning fab weddings and events, I have seen a thing or two.  Below are a few ways to eliminate that unwanted stress from your wedding planning process:

1. Don't be a "SuperBride"!  You can't do everything.  Enlist help from your attendants, family and friends for those special projects.  They'll feel included and you won't have those tension headaches.
2. Please do not include registry information on your wedding invitation.  Simple...it's just tacky.  Get the word out about where you are registered on your wedding website, bridal shower invites or through word of mouth.
3. Don't boss your bridesmaids or wedding party around.  They are adults and spending both money and time to be apart of your special day.  Being disrespectful isn't the path your want to take when planning your wedding.
4. Don't have those gigantic breaks between your ceremony and reception.  Having guests wait longer than 2 hours before your reception begins is a sure why to loose guests.  And having them travel from one side of town to the next to get to the reception is another guarantee you paid for an empty seat.
5. Don't alienate your fiance'.  Include them in on the details even when you think they aren't listening or won't have any input.  It's not just your day, but his also.  Plus, this is a way to start developing negotiating skills ;)

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.vsphoto.com)

Postage Rates Are Increasing...Again!

On January 27, 2013 postage rates will increase AGAIN.  Get your Forever Stamps now for those save-the-dates, wedding invitations and thank you notes you will be sending this spring.  The new rate charges are below:

• Letters (1oz.) — 1-cent increase to 46 cents
• Letters additional ounces — unchanged at 20 cents
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 33 cents
• ...and USPS is introducing a new GLOBAL stamp that will allow you to mail a one-ounce letter anywhere in the world for $1.10.

 

Self Mailers a.k.a. Seal and Send Invitations must be able to go through the machines WITHOUT damage.  If damage occurs, they will need to be "hand cancelled" a.k.a. hand stamped for an additional $.20.  This change will take effect on January 5, 2013. 

Until next time...WEDologize!

(picture credit - www.ridingtype.com and www.DejanaeEvents.com)

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

I found this amazingness on Pinterest in my quest to find this week's Pin It Pic.  What caught my eye wasn't the amazing crystals hanging from the mirrored tiles or the low centerpieces flanked by gorgeous candlelight.  Nope, what caught my eye was the STUNNING pink up lighting give the room such a luscious glow! I'm all about adding lighting to any event because it can transform any space from drab to fab, also know as...WOW FACTOR! Enjoy!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Details Details)

The 2nd Episode of The Wedding Planners

I'm so excited to share with you the 2nd episode of The Wedding Planners airing TODAY!  Thank you so much for all the views and positive feedback regarding the debut episode and I'm sure today's show will not disappoint!  We will be talking about Save The Dates and wedding invitations with Peggy Lambert of Erickson Designs; delicious catering options with Wendy Pashman of Entertaining Company and how to add that WOW Factor to your wedding with my former bride, Hareder McDowell.

The Wedding Planners and our in-studio guests

The Wedding Planners and entertaining maven, Wendy Pashman

The Wedding Planners and guest bride, Hareder (Jackson) McDowell

The set for the 2nd episode of The Wedding Planners

Make sure to check us out at www.thewedplanners.com and share the 2nd episode with your friends!  And many thanks to Rush Event Photography and Video Productions for producing and directing a fab show!

Until next time...Watch The Wedding Planners and WEDologize!

Wedding Wreaths Gorgeousness!

It's that time of year to put the holiday wreath on your front door.  I must say...I love this time of year.  With that said, I became inspired by the idea of decorating the entryway door of your ceremony and/or reception venue.  The arrival for your guests and what they see as they enter the venue will set the tone of the day.  Why not make it unforgettable!

Initial wreath made of gorgeous flowers

Paper wreath made from your wedding invitation

Pearl berry wreath

Wreath made of baby's breath

Wreath made of lush florals and ribbon

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - invitation wreath by PaperFlorists; Baby's Breath Wreath; initials wreaths; floral wreath; pearl berry wreath)

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

I'm in LOVE with these lush linen for a sweetheart table!  The swirl pattern of ribbons creates the amazing look of roses.  And the gorgeous orchid and rose centerpiece hugging the perimeter of the table is simply STUNNING!!!  WOW FACTOR to the fullest!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - ArtQuest Flowers and Gifts)

Useful Wedding Planning Blog Posts

I just concluded my last wedding & event for 2012!  I'm so very thankful for my Dejanae Events team, professional vendors, my loving clients and social media supporters for taking the time out of their day 3 times a week to read my blog!!!  Well today is a recap of some of the more informative blogs that have been written this year.  Check out the topic and click into the blog as they are sure to assist you with your wedding planning.  I'll be back on Wednesday with a few more :)

Once you have your WEDDING GOWN altered, this blog post shares some options on what to do with the scraps -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-to-do-with-dress-scraps.html

When selecting your WEDDING PARTY, make sure to let them know their roles. This blog is very helpful when it comes to those plaguing questions - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/06/role-of-wedding-vips.html

When planning out the WEDDING CEREMONY, check out this blog post for the proper sequencing - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/08/sequencing-wedding-ceremony.html

When planning your WEDDING REHEARSAL, make sure that you enjoy yourself, but also complete these tasks - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/10/wedding-rehearsal-to-do-list.html

When selecting FLOWERS for your wedding ceremony and reception, make sure you armed with the basics presented in this blog - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/flower-basics-101.html

If you have taken on the roll of stocking your RECEPTION BAR, check out this useful blog when determining quantity - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/07/wedding-reception-bar-basics.html

You may or may not have a wedding planner (I hope you do :), make sure to pack your very own EMERGENCY KIT to avoid those mishaps on wedding day -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-wedding-emergency.html


Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

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

Purple is one stunning wedding color...always has been.  But I'm in awe of this bride because she wasn't afraid to create a monochromatic color palette!!!  Bridesmaids gowns and flowers are in deep, rich, regal PURPLE!!!  And the WOW FACTOR comes into play when you learn that the bouquets...yes with the BLING...are actually made of feathers!  AHHHHHHMAZING!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - LaPlumeEthere)

Always Fabulous With Glitter!

Today's blog showcases a little bit of wedding inspiration when it comes to using GLITTER!  Yep, I always find things are a bit more fabulous when you add - dash - dust - overload on glitter! Enjoy!

...And when the wedding stress gets to you, pour a little glitter into your hand, make a wish, throw it in the air...and walk away :)

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - envelope liners; shoes; nails; table signage; centerpiece)

Sassy Guest Book Alternatives

In February 2011, I did a blog on a couple of guest book alternatives, but plenty of new, fun ideas have appeared since that post.  Take a look at some of these "alternatives" to replace your standard pretty book and pen at the reception.

Provide markers and stamp pads for guests to leave their thumb prints.
Then ask them to decorate their "mark" with their name and smiling faces! #CRAFTY

How fun is it to ask your guest to name your future children?!?!
I can only imagine the names guest's would list, especially after a couple of drinks. #CREATIVE

Have your guests circle words in a dictionary that describe what they felt on your wedding day.
Then shelve it and reflect back on the day every time you use those words. #THOUGHTFUL

Leave these little books on each guest table asking them to come up with some date night ideas.
You'll certainly use some of these ideas as you embark on years 2 and 3! #FUN

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: Name Our Kids - www.lovestruckevents.com; Thumb Prints - www.OhAmanda.com; Dictionary - www.southerliving.com; date night - www.stylemepretty.com)

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

Gorgeousness! BLING! All of the Above!!!  Today's Pin It Pic incorporates all my loves into one stunning design...crystals...brooches...candles...ribbon...beautiful white flowers!  WOW!!!  Simply amazing!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Jennifer Cole Florals)

Wedding Clothespins By Design

Clothespins aren't just for hanging up your laundry anymore.  This handy household item has now become a fun wedding trend when designing a shabby-chic celebration or if you are diving into the D.I.Y (do it yourself) arena.  Check out some of the whimsical ideas we located using clothespins.

Awesome idea of using ombre-colored clothespins as a backdrop for a dessert table

Frames, ribbon, and mini clothespins makes a darling "picture" for escort cards

Cover an "ugly" wall with photos of you and your fiance' attached by clothespins to twine

You don't need ushers when you attach wedding programs to the guest chairs with ribbon and clothespins

Clothespins are a great prop for photographing the engagement ring and wedding bands

Hang your D.I.Y wedding signs by using clothespins

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  dessert backdrop; framed escort cards; pictures; wedding programs; rings; D.I.Y. sign)

Taking Care of The Gems

Your fiance spent an lot of time and energy selecting the most perfect engagement ring for you.  Just like you spent a great deal of time selecting the most fabulous wedding gown for your walk down the aisle.  But during the wedding planning process and more so after the nuptials have taken place, it's a MUST for you to keep your engagement ring and wedding band up to par...and BLINGing like new!

• Make sure to visit your jeweler yearly to check the stone to make sure it's not loose and still in place.
• Keep the stone clean and shining like new.  Many jewelers offer free cleanings, but when taking care of your ring at home, Windex and a toothbrush will do the trick.
• When cooking, doing housework and playing sports, remove your rings.  This will allow them to stay residue-free and vibrant.
• Once you receive your ring, make sure to add it to your homeowners or renters insurance to make sure it's covered should anything happens.

Until next time...WEDologize!

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

Now this is one stunning reception tent!  The ceiling draping is flawless and the tablescapes are gorgeous! But I selected this photo as the 1st Pin It Pic for November because of the seamless white dance floor with that fabulous monogram placed so perfectly underneath those OMG modern chandeliers!!!  WOW FACTOR for sure!!!  It's just the perfect setting. Simply PERFECT!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Style Me Pretty)