The Sequin Bridesmaid

Over the past couple of years it seems there is a new trend for the bridesmaid gown. It has seemed to escape what would be labeled "traditional" with the taffeta or organza fabric and uniformed look for something more fun. The color of the gowns are bright and absolutely beautiful, however, the trend now seems that the gowns are going sequin. Talk about a pleasant surprise. Although the structure of these dresses were still quite simple, and unique to each bridesmaid, having the element of sparkle just took it up another notch.

 We started to do a little research on this sparkling little fabric accessory and discovered some very interesting things. First, the name "sequin" originates from the Venetian colloquial noun zecchino (Venetian pronunciation: [tsek'kino]), meaning a Venetian Ducat coin, rendered into French as "sequin" (French pronunciation: ​[sɛqɛ̃]) **Thanks Wikipedia** You most commonly see them on costumes and usually around the holidays.

 

If you are one who wants to add more to your bridal party than the regular gown, maybe adding this to your dresses my be just the drama you are looking for. One caveat to this though is, these dresses will cost your girls quite a bit of money unless you can find a seamstress who can make them for you or if you can find them on sale via an online retailer. Keep this in mind when thinking about how you want them to look. Also consider the time it might take to receive the gowns once they are order so make sure you allow enough time before your wedding so you don't risk trying to scrape something together at the last minute. Let us know if you have considered going this route for your bridal party.

Independent Planner Vs. On-Site Venue Planner

There have been many times where we've talked to a bride and asked the question "So have you thought about hiring a wedding planner?" and the answer we have gotten on more than one occasion has been "The venue has a coordinator on site." when brides see that information, they will automatically think they don't need a wedding planner because of that fact. Although it is a benefit, there is a big difference between hiring a planning company as oppose to just utilizing the venue planner. Now, we're not just saying that because we are a planning company. We really want brides to be informed on the difference based off planning experience with clients who had on-site planners for their wedding.

On-Site Venue Planners

The main objective for these individuals is to make sure that everything runs smooth and on-time at the venue. They are there to ensure that your vendors arrive and set up on time. As their title suggests, they are there for the venue, not necessarily the family or wedding party. Here's a short list of some of their responsibilities:

• Make sure that everything agreed upon in the venue contract is fulfilled
• Creates an event time line for vendors and setup to ensure all venue workers are on task and on schedule
• Serve as the main venue contact for all questions that may come up in regards to the event
• Directs venue staff on duties and assignments
• Creates final bill for venue client

Now, notice there is nothing on this list that states that your on-site planner does anything in regards to something that may come up with the bridal party. These planners focus on the presentation of the venue. Any situations that may arise with the bride, groom or anyone else are not addressed with them. There really is no personal attention given to the people involved on the wedding day. If your makeup artist is running late, they will not take of that. One of the groomsman lost a cufflink, they don't handle that either. Again, they're main planning focus is ensuring what you asked for as far as the look of your event is exactly what you're paying for.

Independent Planners

Now, our jobs are a little more comprehensive. When you decide to hire a wedding planning company, the services you received are geared toward you and your bridal party. Our goal is to help make your planning process go smoother in all aspects of the planning and we are there to be your personal assistant on the actual day of the wedding. Here's a short list of some of our responsibilities:

• Facilitate the wedding rehearsal
• Create a time line of the day's events
• On-site troubleshooters
• Help with the guest list
• Aid in setting a budget for planning
• Tend to all parties on the day of the wedding to ensure all needs are met

Now as you can see with this list a lot of what we do focuses on the couple, and not so much on the venue. In the event there is no on-site help, we would also step in to plan that area as well. We look at the day from an overall perspective and not just at one particular area. There will be times where the duties of both types of planners will overlap. The On-site planner may also have the job duties of facilitating rehearsals and both planners may work together to get the floor plan together. aside from things like that, these two will go in opposite directions.

What we have shared with you will hopefully guide you into making a decision that everyone will be happy with. We wanted to give you something to think about. When your venue states they have an on-site planner, make sure you ask the question of what all does that include. You may find that you will need to also hire a company to fill in those gaps.

Choosing the Right Bridal Party

Over the Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's holidays, many couples decided to take their relationship to the next level. Around the country, and the world, men (and in some cases women) everywhere said those special 4 four words to their love in restaurants, parks, buses, or the Jumbotron at their favorite game: "Will You Marry Me"?

Now you have progressed to the title of fiancé and it can be quite overwhelming when thinking about all the things that you want to do for your wedding. First things first, BREATHE! You don't want to start off going full speed and end up crashing and burning. Take time to enjoy what has happened to you because it is something special. Seek out the help of a professional (say it with me "planners are your friend").

Once you have gotten use to the fact of now you have to plan a wedding, it's time to get started. After picking your date, theme, and color scheme, the next important task is picking your wedding party. This task can be one that can change your life for good or for bad depending on your approach. Even though you may think you want certain people to stand at the alter with you, there are some things that should really be considered. The following 6 tips will help guide you in your party search. They are from an article written by Jean Neuhart owner of Weddings From the Heart out of Dayton, Ohio. She gives really good insight on this important task.

6 Tips for Choosing a Happy Bridal Party

One of the first things most couples do after becoming engaged is to choose their bridal party.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the "right" people.


1. First of all, only consider people who are truly close to. This means no acquaintances, or people you really don't see very often or socialize with. The people you have standing up with you on your wedding day really should be those who are the nearest and dearest to you.

2. Before asking anyone to be in your bridal party, think about their personal situations. Will they have enough time to devote to your wedding or are their lives so full with other obligations that your wedding will seem like an afterthought to them?

3. Are they financially able to participate in your wedding as a member of the bridal party? Agreeing to stand up for you carries a monetary obligation. Hosting a bridal shower and bachelorette party, and paying for their own wedding day attire and accessories, travel and lodging if they are from out-of-town, and wedding gift adds up.  If you think there may be some factor that may affect someone's participation in your bridal party, you may want to bring it up (diplomatically, of course) when you ask them to participate, and give them some time to think about it before having to give you an answer. "I know that there are extra costs involved in being in someone's wedding, but, if possible, I would love for you to be my bridesmaid. Why don't you think about it and let me know next week?"

4. Are they supportive of your choice of future spouse? Their role is to stand up for you during the ceremony to witness and support your marriage. Any negative feelings, even if unfounded, will be felt throughout your wedding day.

5. It is perfectly acceptable to have a male stand up for you, or a female stand up for your fiancé. In this situation, they would be called Honor Attendants, however "Man of Honor," "Best Woman," and "Groomswoman" work too.

6. You don't have to have "even sides" in your bridal party. For example, it is perfectly ok to have three bridesmaids and four groomsmen. Never ask someone to be in your bridal party just to even things up.

Hopefully these tips will help make the job of choice a little easier. Happy planning!!