Contingency (Back-up) Plans

For those of us on the east coast, we are preparing for the impending appearance of Hurricane Irene. Fortunately, I do not have a wedding this weekend. But, I was just thinking about east coast couples who have planned outdoor weddings this weekend. Do they have a contingency plan in case Hurricane Irene hits? That made me think about contingency (back-up) plans. So, I thought I would share four of my basic back-up planning tips.

1. When scoping out sites for your outdoor wedding, always ask the venue if they have an indoor space that could be used in case the wedding and/or reception has to be moved inside. This will save you much time and headaches if you have a "Plan B" in place.

2. If you are really set on a particular outdoor venue and they do not have indoor space available, consider renting a tent. Call various tent rental companies and see if one will be available on your date. However, they will not be able to hold one for you and expect to be called at the last minute. This will cost you a little more money, but isn't it worth it to still be able to have your outdoor wedding without you and your guests getting wet?

3. Consider the time of day you plan to have your wedding. If your wedding is in the middle of summer, you may want to consider having a sunset wedding or an early morning wedding instead of in the middle of the hottest part of the day. You won't be comfortable and your guests certainly won't be comfortable. It would just make for a very miserable day. Not a pleasant memory for your wedding day. You also could consider large fans placed around the peripheral of the inside of the tent. If your outdoor wedding is planned for the cooler months, consider renting outdoor heaters.

4. Pests. Yes, you must think about those pesky mosquitoes and other annoying bugs that might take a bite out of your guests. If your wedding is in the evening, you can purchase those citronella torchieres which can double as part of your decor for inside the tent. You also might consider having the area sprayed by a professional, such as the Mosquito Squad.

Planning ahead will enable you to rest and relax knowing your wedding will still go on, whether it's covered with a tent or has to be moved inside. Remember, the only real goal for the day is that you get married to the one you love.

Distinguishing Different Types of Wedding Coordinators

Confused about a church wedding coordinator, venue coordinator or other types of coordinators?

Be confused no more and get educated. I have just written up brief descriptions of what to expect from some of these types of coordinators.

To receive your FREE copy, simply e-mail me at: patti@smoothweddings.com. Just type in "Different Types of Wedding Coordinators" in the subject line. I will send it off to you right away.

White by Vera Wang Fall Collection 2011 Now at David's Bridal

White by Vera Wang

Besides new wedding dress styles, White by Vera Wang is introducing marvelous bridesmaid and shoe collections.

You and your bridesmaids will have the perfect wedding day look. White by Vera Wang also includes a selection of "beautifully embellished" sashes and headpieces showing Vera Wang's "artistic use of intricate draping and feminine detailing."

"It gives me great pride to be able to bring my designs to more women through White by Vera Wang. With the addition of bridesmaid dresses and shoes, I am excited to provide an array of romantic, classic, and whimsical fashion for the entire bridal party." - Vera Wang

Wedding gown prices range from $600-$1400 and bridesmaid dresses $158-$198. Sizes for bridesmaid dresses come in 0-26 while wedding gowns come in sizes 0-14.

Vera Wang's bridesmaid styles are not your typical wear only once dress. You will find her dresses can be worn by your wedding guests as well as for any other social occasion.

White by Vera Wang has just been added to 100 additional stores making a total of 250 David's Bridal shops where you can find her exclusive gowns.

Take advantage of a chance to win a White by Vera Wang gown or five bridesmaid dresses. Click here to make your appointment at a David's Bridal shop near you.

source: Vera Wang

What Are You Going to Do This Monday, July 18?

Go check out some dance bands with Elan Artists, that’s what.

Elan Artists is sponsoring a Dance Band Showcase, Monday, July 18 at The Willard Hotel – Crystal Room, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC. Cocktails begin at 6PM with the showcase running from 6:30PM – 8:30PM. Three different bands – The Source, Raggs & the Allstars and Truth Groove will perform twice each rotating every 20 minutes. To preview the bands, go to: www.elanartists.com. Click on Maryland/DC/Virginia link and you’ll see the bands listed. Click on the individual band’s icon and you’ll receive more info., hear an audio and see a video.

If you are still looking for great entertainment for your wedding, you won’t want to miss this great event.

RSVP to: rsvpdc@elanartists.com.

Have fun.

Logo Credit & Info.: Elan Artists

Purple Inspiration Board - Jezz & Eric's Wedding

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of designing flowers and provide a minimum of decorating for Jezz’s and Eric’s wedding on Saturday, July 9, 2011.

The bride was all about purple. For the bride's bouquet, I used purple hydrandea, lavender mini-calla lilies and lisianthus tied off with a dark purple ribbon enhanced with jewels. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were white hydrangeas with a touch of lavender sweet peas and white stock. The groom had a lavender mini-calla lily with a couple of loops of bear grass while the groomsmen had a purple lisianthus as their boutonniere.

For the ceremony, I created the altar flowers with a variety of purple and white flowers. I filled the bottom of the vase with purple glass gems and used purple gossamer as the filler. I draped lavender tulle on the front of the arbor and added a purple hydrangea to the white tulle pew bows with lavender ribbon.
For the chairs, I rented stretch Spandex white chair covers with satin lilac sashes. This really gave the plain room a little “wow” factor.

I also designed and printed the programs, menu cards, seating assignment board and paper rose petal cones.

For the reception centerpieces, the groom cut and spray-painted his own branches and I added crystals and butterflies, also provided by the bride and groom. I created the “lighted” look using submersible purple LED lights set in Deco Beads. It really made the centerpiece “pop.” I added hydrangeas to the top of the branches as well as bear grass cascading out of the top of the vase.
The bride rented silver chivari chairs with lavender cushions. This really added a pretty look to the ballroom.

Congratulations, Jezz and Eric! Thank you for allowing me to help you make your wedding look beautiful.

Turn Your Photos into Art

I just recently had a family photo turned into a "stunning work of art on canvas." This is the latest trend in the photo world. I love it. I was very happy with how it turned out. I had this done to present to my husband on Father's Day. He was very impressed. I used Easy Canvas Prints. The four-step process is so easy and very reasonably priced beginning at $30. They have hundreds of sizes from which to choose, even as large as 40" x 40"! They also have various borders you can choose from to wrap your canvas. Since I was doing a black and white canvas, I chose an all black border.

I thought this would make a great addition to a newlywed's home - having a favorite wedding photo turned into a work of art on canvas. Just simply fabulous!

Visit Easy Canvas Prints today to see how easy and affordable it is to turn your favorite engagement or wedding photo or any favorite photo into a "stunning work of art on canvas" that will last a lifetime.

Groomzillas

Do you look like the couple in this picture as you are planning your wedding with your groom?

No doubt you have heard the term “bridezilla” and perhaps have even watched the reality show by the same name, but the up and coming “groomzilla” is now starting to rise to stardom.

I just listened to a news segment this morning about how grooms are now becoming more and more involved in the wedding planning. My husband was actually very involved with our wedding planning. He was not a "groomzilla" however. We were in our mid-30’s, no longer living at home with the parents, had our own careers, so we were paying for everything. We are both very administrative and we worked very well together in planning our wedding. But, not all grooms may be so easy-going about it. Some even go so far as having the final say on the bridesmaids dresses down to the choice of shoes or even want to help their bride choose her wedding gown.

As a wedding planner, I love it when the groom is involved in the wedding planning. Afterall, it is his wedding, too. I was such a believer in this that in my wedding, I asked (and he complied) my husband to walk down the aisle. I wanted him to have his shining moment just as much as me.

So, ladies. What about your grooms? Are they “groomzillas” or are they letting you do most of the planning?