Day #4 - Wedding Program Dual Duties

If you are having an outdoor wedding ceremony in the summer and are considering having wedding programs, why not give the program two jobs.  One job is to share the order of the ceremony, names of the wedding party, and a thank you to all attending guests.  Then the other job could be a fan so that those sitting in the summer heat can fan themselves while witnessing your nuptials.  They can easily be handed out by your hostesses and/or ushers or even be placed on the guest chairs prior to their arrival.  You and your guests will thank me later.

Until next time...WEDologize

Photo credit - Carasco Photography | Fan program by DBY Invitations

How to Handle Wedding Programs (Day #21)

I have met several couples over my career that do not have ushers or hostesses to pass out wedding programs prior to the start of the ceremony.  They are always left with that dreaded question, what to do with those wedding programs?  Now understand, having a program ISN'T a "must have", but when they are not available, you'll find some guests questioning or walking around looking for one.  So how might you resolve this problem without laying the wedding programs on a non-descript table?

• Place a decorative basket near the ceremony entryway and place the programs in there
• Place a program on each chair or every other chair prior to the start of the ceremony
• Create one large program and have it positioned on an easel near the ceremony entryway

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

Jumping The Broom

Jumping the Broom is an African-American tradition handed down from generation to generation to remind those present at the ceremony of a time when the vows of Africans were not legally sanctioned.  During slavery, the ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity.  This was a small ritual legally connecting the couple with the heritage of their home land and giving legitimacy, dignity and strength to their unions.  In the Ancestors eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty."

  
Simple text that could be included in the wedding program or spoken at the end of the ceremony should you decide to include this tradition:

"(Insert bride and groom's name) will jump over the broom to symbolize sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.  Also, it pays homage to those who came before and paved the way.  Now Jump the Broom!"

  
Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.vsphoto.com; some content - http://www.african-weddings.com)

Unplugging Your Wedding

I was working a wedding this weekend with one of my favorite photography companies and was asked by one of the photographers had I ever coordinated an "Unplugged Wedding"?  Well, yes I have.  But what does that really mean?

An "Unplugged Wedding" is when a couple asks guests to check their cameras and smartphones at the door.  Meaning...allow the photographers to capture all of the ceremony and reception activities while you...the guest...enjoys the wedding.  Then once the photos are edited and ready, the couple will send you a link to relive their wedding day and purchase some of your favorite pics.  See an "Unplugged Wedding" ensures the photographer is able to capture the best moments, especially of the ceremony, without guests jumping in front of them with a camera, iPhone or a large iPad running the shot.

Check out some of the ways you can announce an "Unplugged Wedding":

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: http://www.katebreuer.com; http://www.newjerseybride.com; http://southernweddings.com; http://jessikafeltz.com)

Components of Wedding Stationery

I thought today would be a good time to share the components of wedding stationery.  You might not necessarily include all of the elements within your wedding planning due to the budget constructions, but where you can include paper...do so.  It truly finishes off a wedding design.

Save The Date Card:  Sent AT LEAST 6 months before the wedding to alert guests of your wedding date. It's also useful to put your wedding website link on this card.
Invitation:  The official formal announcement of your wedding including the date, time and location of the ceremony.
RSVP Card:  The card that accompanies the wedding invitation that guest will return to you stating if they can or cannot attend the ceremony and reception.  It is proper to add postage to the RSVP/return envelope.
Reception Card:  Alerts guest where the reception is located and the start time. If the reception is located in the same location as the ceremony, it is proper to add "Reception immediately following ceremony" at the bottom of the wedding invitation.
Direction Card:  A wonderful gesture to give your wedding guests directions to the ceremony location and to the reception location.
Accommodations Card:  The card used to let guests know of your room block(s). This information can easily be added to your wedding website and the card omitted.
Schedule of Activities:  Wonderful paper item if you are having pre-wedding activities during the wedding weekend or if you are having a destination wedding.
Ceremony Program:  Gives the sequence of events during the actual wedding ceremony.
Escort Card/Place Card:  The escort card is given to the wedding guest when they arrive to the reception venue and will let guests know what table they are seated.  A place card is a card that is on the table and lets the guest know which chair they are seated.
Table Number:  Have the design from your wedding invitation transferred to the table numbers to tie the stationery design all together.
Menu Card:  Adds another design element to the tablescape and let's the wedding guest know the food courses.
Favor Tags:  These can be an added detail to anything you may be giving to your wedding guests during or at the end of the night.
Thank You Cards:  Suggest you order them when you order your invitation suite so that you can send out a thank you card as you receive wedding gifts.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.dejanaeevents.cceasy.com and Invitations by Colette)

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)

Sequencing The Wedding Ceremony

When planning out your traditional Christian wedding ceremony, as with most things, there is a particular order you should consider.  Check out our order below for the basics of this style wedding ceremony.

Prelude or Seating of Guests. 
This is the time when some soft/light music should be played while guests are entering the ceremony venue.  Have ushers available to seat your guests and hostesses passing out wedding programs.

Seating of Parents and/or Immediate Family Members. 
This movement starts the wedding ceremony and the Mother of the Bride is the last of the family to be seated in the first row on the left side.

Groom and Officiant Enter. 
The Officiant, Groom and Best Man will enter from the right side to take their position at the altar.

Wedding Processional. 
The order of this processional will be - bridesmaids & groomsmen; maid and/or matron of honor; ring bearer; usher to pull the aisle runner; and last will be the flower girl.

Bridal Processional. 
The grand entrance of the bride and her father or escort.

Exchange of Vows.
"Do you take this "person" to be your lawful..."

Exchange of Rings. 
The time in which to slip the bling on your fingers!

Pronouncement. 
"I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!!!"

Recessional. 
The bride and groom depart first, then everyone else will follow.

Of course you want to make the ceremony unique to both the bride, groom and their families.  Add readings, poems and songs that are meaningful to you as a couple.


Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Fender and Donisch)

What To Do With This Program? (Day#15)

I have met several couples over my career that do not have ushers or hostesses to pass out wedding programs prior to the start of the ceremony.  They are always left with that dreaded question, what to do with those wedding programs?  Now understand, having a program ISN'T a "must have", but when they are not available, you'll find some guests questioning or walking around looking for one.  So how might you resolve this problem without laying the wedding programs on a non-descript table.  Check out the photos below:

On the back of the ceremony chairs.
Either one per seat or one every-other seat.

Standing in a glass vase.

Tied to the arm of the ceremony chair.

Placed on a silver serving tray.

Displayed in a basket.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.theknot.com; www.marthastewart.com; www.orlandomagazine.com; www.cheswickphoto.com; Jenny Martell Photography)

Your Ceremony Documented

Wedding programs are such a great keepsake for your family and guests! And know when they aren't present at the ceremony, guests always ask. The easiest and most traditional format for distribution is typically prior to the start of the ceremony by a hostess or usher. And they can be kept really simply and basic or elaborate as the affair you are having.

When formatting your program, some basic information should be included:

Couples name, wedding date and location;

Ceremony format (order of entrances, program obtained from officiant, recessional);

Members of the bridal party, including parents and grandparent;

...and Thank you's.

Then once the text is selected, choose some unique fonts to enhance your program. Use a monogram reflective of your new name, embellishments and ribbons to make it signature to the wedding day you and your fiance are celebrating.

Until next time...WEDologize!

photo credits - www.theknot.com