The Undergarment Breakdown

Every women wants to make sure they look perfect on their wedding day. She wants to make sure every hair is in place, her makeup is flawless and that she has the perfect manicure to show off her wedding set. Of course the main attraction will be the gown that will make her guests and new husband told their breath just a little as the doors open and she's walking down the aisle.

Now, one other thing that is just as important as the dress is what is worn underneath it. We all know there has been talk about undergarments as far as being a part of your "everyday" wardrobe. For this special day, you want to make sure that everything is in it's proper place. What woman doesn't want her waist tight and her boobs looking amazing? Whether you decide you only need a strapless bra or the whole long lined, bone in, ensemble, here are a few tips that will help you decide which undergarment will be right for you.

According to an article published by Brides Magazine, don't worry about your undergarments until after your first dress fitting. This comes after you've put on multiple options and decided which dress you want to get married in. Traditionally, most dress shops will have a bra that you can use when initially trying on gowns. What this does will someone put your body in a way that will resemble how you will look that day. It tells you determine which dress style looks best on your frame and how they fit. Once you've had your first fitting in the gown you've chosen, then you can then search for the undergarment that will be your own.

Step 1: Decide What Type

Once you have found your gown and initial fitting, decide what type of undergarments you need. Traditionally, most brides buy the strapless, long-lined bra.

This bra is what is used at bridal shops when women come in to try on their dress and since that works, you can just roll with it and more times than not, you should be able to purchase it at the boutique wear your get your gown from and the most common design. There are of course variations to the design and it just depends on what your preferences are.

Once you've decided on your top garment you also need to decide on your bottom garment and there is a variety of those as well whether you do a regular panty, boy shorts or a thong, you want to make sure that it's comfortable because nothing would be worse than getting the dreaded wedgie on your day and can do nothing about it. There will be brides who may decide that they will want to firm their lower body based off the fit of their gown. This would be the case for those brides who has chosen a dress that my fit close to the body and who may also not need to wear a bra. If that is the case then buying a pair of Spanx or other lower garments would be all you'd need. These come in varieties as well. you can get the high waisted brief or you can get the version that comes down to the knees for added foundation.

Step 2: Decide What To Pay

Like with anything else, you have to have a budget. Undergarments can go from very cheap to very expensive depending on brand. It would be very easy to spend a couple of hundreds on just the garments you will wear under your dress. That doesn't even include the wedding night underwear or anything you'd buy for your honeymoon. The bra alone could cost you $60 or more. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get the quality you want. Look at a lot of different options at different price points and decide what you'd be willing to spend. You are already going to be spending a big portion of your attire budget on the actual gown and any alternations needed, so keep that in mind.

Step 3: Time To Shop

Now that you've decided it's time to go shop. You won't be able to try on the bottom half of your undergarments, but you can most definitely try on different option for your bra. Just like you needed time to try on gowns before deciding, take a day to do the same for you underwear. You will want to go in a put it and see how you feel Ask yourself questions to determine if it's best for you. Is the boning too tight? Can you breathe? Is this something you'd be comfortable wearing all day? You have to remember that you gown, depending on the style, will be big with possible crinoline slip and will require you to have to maneuver a little differently than you ordinarily would. You don't want to add to it be also being uncomfortable. Once you've decided on your garments, make sure you wear them going forward to any other fittings you will have. Your garment choice may be different than what you wore initially, so there may be other adjustments to your dress.

If you follow these 3 steps, I believe that you should be able to successfully find what will work for you. Remember the saying, you get what you pay for. Spend whatever is in your budget. As long as you feel like you could do it for the long haul with all the standing, sitting and dancing you will be doing, you will come out a winner. The most important thing is when you step into that dress, you know you will be a vision of beauty as you walk down the aisle.

A Buffet Is Better...Or Is It?

Aside from the old cash vs. open bar debate, another thing that seems to get attention is the food. Whether it's for a wedding or any other type of event you are planning for guests. Some people think that it would be better if there was a buffet while others believe it would be better to have a plated meal. Some say offering different stations is where it's at. We're going to give you the skinny on these options and who they would work for you. There are things to consider with each option before deciding which is the way to go.

The Buffet

I believe this is the option that people lean toward the most. Whether it be for the ease of menu selection or cost effectiveness. This is the option where people leave their seat and serve themselves the meal. The plate could either be at their place setting or at the buffet itself.

Pros

• Multiple food selections can be offered
• Number of servers can be drastically reduced
• Very casual type of meal
• Aides the interaction of guests

Cons

• Unable to control food portions
• Long lines depending upon number of guests
• Additional costs depending on food volume
• Guests having to maneuver multiple plates

With buffets, you are able to have multiple choices, however, if they choices are too good, it may cost you additional money in the end if people decide to make multi trips to the buffet or grab bigger portions.

The Seated/Plated Dinner

This option can be utilized for different events as well. With this option guests stay seated as their meal is brought out to them. In this scenario, there could either be preset salads or desserts with this option.

Pros

• Adds a more formal element
• Does not require additional venue space
• Portion control
• Caterers know exactly how much to prepare

Cons

• Limits dinner choices
• More wait staff will be needed which could increase bill
• Serving multiple courses could take time more time

This option could be very cost effective for you considering that you could limit what you serve, however, be aware of how your cost may increase due to the need of added staff to make sure your dinner is served efficiently.

Food Stations

Food stations have been used, although I don't believe they've been done quite as often as the above two choices. With stations, you are offering buffet elements without it being a "traditional" buffet style.

Pros

• Offers a variety of selections
• Eliminates line congestion
• Items can be grouped together
• Food themes can be easily organized

Cons

• Requires more venue space
• The amount of food can become expensive
• More chefs or staff will be needed to man the stations
• People may favor more options over others

This option can be used if you'd like to do a buffet style, but want to have more order to the chaos. It also can provide a hint of a more elegant feel that you may get with a plated dinner. With this, you also need to watch your cost.

Each option provides both pros and cons so when it's time to pick your menu, make sure you speak in depth with your cater so you will know what exactly will fit into your budget. It's their job to make the presentation look like how you want and that the food tastes great for your guests.

What's Your Signature?

One aspect of your wedding that could become costly are your beverages, specifically your alcoholic ones. There have been mixed thoughts on if you should have an open bar or if you have a cash bar. Most will say having a cash bar is a big "no-no". If you tend to agree and want to offer free cocktails for your guests there is a way to do that without busting your reception budget. Trying to stock up a bar can get quite pricey so instead of offering all the possible combinations, why not considering serving a couple of signature drinks instead? You can easily pair them with a simple beer and wine service and save on cost.

This is something that is becoming more popular for weddings as well as other events. One might ask "What makes it signature?" The drinks that you choose are reflective of who you are as a couple. You can pick drinks that when people have them they are something that could see the two of you drinking. The nice part about it is that your signatures do not have to be an alcoholic beverage if you don't want them to be.

When thinking of how to pick your signature, there are a few ways you can go with it. One way is to pick a signature that goes with your color scheme. You can make a drink a variety of colors these days by mixing the right things together. Maybe you have decided to go with a tiffany blue color palette, choose a beverage that not only tastes good, but will also display the blue you're looking for. Maybe you have the tropics in mind, pick something that displays the colors of an island get away.

This is your opportunity to be creative both with the look and the taste, and it also gives whoever will be tending your bar a chance to use their creative skills in making something perfect for you.

Another option could be selecting a His & Hers combo. Women tend to like their drinks to be on the fruity side, and most men aren't down for that. So, in order to make you both happy. Choose a drink that will make him and the fellas happy and one that will satisfy the palette of the ladies in attendance. Perhaps bourbon is more his speed and you're move of a vodka or gin type girl. You both can get what you want.

Here's a couple of ideas that might work:
For Her try a Pomegranate Martini and for Him he might like a classic Rob Roy



Now if alcoholic beverages are not your thing, have fun creating some fun and fruity ones. These would be great for any kiddos that might be attending your event. These would be your signature "mocktails" to add some flavor to your celebration. You can still dress them up in a champagne flute or martini class.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. Pick a day for you and your significant other to go do a drink tasting with the bartenders you choose for your day. Maybe you can incorporate it with your dinner tasting if your catering and bar service are being provided by the same company.  Focusing on serving a couple of drinks can save you some money and your guests will still have fun with some refreshing choices.

Grooms Actually Do Care

Most times when the question is asked about the wedding process, the topic of the groom comes up. I can't begin to tell you the number of times I've heard a bride say 'Oh he doesn't really care.' or 'He just wants to know what time to be there.' What this implies is that he really doesn't care about anything going on during the planning process because it is always seen as "it's the bride's day". In all actuality though, that's not necessarily true. There are elements of the wedding that most grooms tend to have a strong opinion about (aside from how much all this stuff is going to cost). Below is a list of things that you'll want to make sure you include your groom in when making your decisions. After all it's not just the bride's day, but a day for the both of you.

The Honeymoon

This aspect of the wedding the groom will want full control. I'm almost sure of it because this gives them to plan their dream vacation (or close to it). This will be days of relaxation that will serve as his reward for enduring all the months before (let's be real). Of course it also to enjoy all the alone time with is new bride that he wants to. This is one area he has so brides don't worry about it and leave him to it.

The Registry

What man would pass up going to a department store and shooting a bunch of items with a gun? This aspect of the planning will also bring your groom out with no hesitation. It gives him the opportunity to try obtain all the little gadgets that he's had is heart set on, but really didn't want to buy personally. It is advised that when you do your registry and you select all the things you think you'd want for your home and not just the usual sheets, towels, dishes, kitchen items, etc. You fiancé may have his eye on a new grill or maybe even a TV for the basement. If he can get away with putting on there, it will be on there. He will be a full participant in this area you can count on it. Side note, with most registries, the items that don't get picked up by your guests can be bought by you at a discounted rate, so put that Dyson on there because you know those jokers are expensive!

Tuxedos and Such

This is another area that you probably won't get your man to budge much on. More times than not, he will already have an idea of what he and his boys will wear that day. The only thing he will want to know from you is what color to get the ties and vests in. I'm sure he would be open to suggestions about what you envision them wearing, however, I seriously doubt you will be able to pick it out. You'll just have to go with the flow on this one. This is where you have to trust his judgment because I'm sure he wants his guys to look just as good as he know you and your ladies will.

Food and Beverage

As they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach and on his wedding day, he's going to make sure he has some good food to put in it. Any food and beverage tastings you and your planner have mapped out, make sure you include your fiancé because he will definitely want to be a part of those. After all, it is his guests that will be eating along with yours and he wants to make sure the choices will be acceptable. If you are planning to have a signature drink, he will want to make sure it tastes just right and most definitely, he will want to be a part of picking your wedding cake.

Above are just a few of areas in your wedding planning that you should consider your fiancé and his opinion in your big day. Even though he might not say it's important, or event shrug it off as it being your thing, just know that he really does care and wants his elements displayed on your big day just like you do. You are about to enter into a union that is all about compromise and making decisions together. What better way to start down that path than by you make a conscious effort to include your honey? Trust me when I tell you, he will appreciate it and will thank you.

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.

What The Plaid?!

Since we are coming to the end of the year (oh my gosh!) now is the time to start looking at what could be trends for the 2018 wedding season. In looking at different articles, there is a surprising one to me. During the winter month plaid is something that is traditionally known for that time of year in clothing. Who would've thought this pattern would move over to the wedding industry?

The fun thing about this trend is that despite it being a plaid pattern, there is still a variety of colors that come in plaid and it doesn't have to be the "traditional" red, blue and white. Not to mention they could be used in a variety of places. Below are a couple of examples of where plaid can live.

Table Settings

Here is one place where you can put plaid fabric and it seem to be "over the top". It could be something as simple as a napkin or a table runner, or you can cover the entire table with a plain tablecloth and then using solid napkins for balance.

  

Invitations

If you just want to add a hint of this pattern, why not send it to your guests? With the variety of shades, along with the plaid, you can pick solid variations and use them throughout the rest of the planning.

Bridal Fashion

If you are that bold couple that likes to make a statement, then this option would be for you. Incorporate your plaid in the wardrobe. From the bow tie to actually bridesmaids dresses. You can go as subtle or as bold as you want. 

However you choose to incorporate this bold fabric choice for your big day, make sure you do it in at way that makes YOU happy and enjoy the moment you see it all come together.

- Danielle

A Bar Without Liquor...Say What?

When deciding to have a bar at your wedding, most people think in the traditional sense of beer, wine, mixed drinks, if you want to offer them, and a possible signature drink (see our post on those HERE). What some couples don't realize is that there are other types of bars that you can have at your reception. Below are some ideas for other bars you can have and they are all pretty sweet.

The Candy Bar

This bar is the most popular one of the bunch. With this one, you can be as creative as you want to be. Maybe you want your candy to reflect your wedding colors, or maybe you want to take people on a trip from the past and have the candy that you grew up on and loved as a child or you can just have one big chocolate fest. Couples will use this bar as part of their cocktail hour or they can have people wait and have it with their cake and during the dance party. The set up for this is super easy and be really cost effective if you look for sale items and order wholesale.

S'mores Bar

This one could be quite fun. You can make this as big or as small as you would like. The main question I'm sure is, how would you roast the marshmallows? So glad you asked and the answer is to get you a pack of Sterno burners and problem solved. Those are the silver containers that you usually see when you go to an event and they have a buffet line. You will want to get the gel ones because they provide a bigger flame.

With these babies, you can have your very own indoor campfire. You can position them and add some decoration to the area where you place them. Then you get your graham crackers and bars of chocolate.

Popcorn Bar

No who doesn't need a little popcorn in your life? This one can be pretty easy to set up just like with the candy bar. The setup would basically be the same and again, could be really cost effective. With a popcorn bar, you can pick so many flavors that you can share with your guests. You can do that famous Garrett's Chicago mix, for find you some that has a little chocolate on it.

The Mini Food Bar

Now this one isn't a part of the sweet variety. It can be safe to say that your wedding reception is going to be filled with fun, dancing and just a great big party for about 4 hours. After all of this, you may want to offer your guests a little to go snack so these may be what you need. Your guests would be surprised to go to the back of the room and see little sliders or little things of tomato soup and grilled cheese as they are walking out the door. You can add a little spin to your event and feed a little after party hunger.

Hopefully, we have given you some ideas as to different ways that you can make your reception fit your personalities. You don't always have to go with traditional things and you can step it up and provide something that people will remember about your special day.

Moving On Up!

It's official!! We are now a part of the Kansas City Perfect Wedding Guide family. We are so excited for all that's to come with our new relationship with them. Click the picture below to see our listing. Contact us when you're ready for us to help you plan your big day!

Lighting Is Everything

There is a simple way you can add some drama to any event. It's not your linens, which can create a certain level of it depending upon which ones you use. Elaborate centerpieces will catch the eye, however, the one thing that can truly change the ambiance of a space is lighting. Who knew that a few lightbulbs shining up from the floor could give a space that looks way a totally different feel?

The plus side is that lighting isn't as expensive as you may think it is. It doesn't have to be some over the top creation. Placing lighting strategically around the room will give you what you need. There are companies out there that will even let you do it yourself. All you have to do is just go, pick them up and plug them in with the color you choose. Then, after your event, just return them.

Below are some before and after examples of what a little light can do. It can be subtle or very dramatic depending on your budget and your theme. You just need to pick what best fits your personality.

What People Will Be Doing In 2015

One of the things that we live by as owners of our company is when we plan an event, we want it to be the personality of the couple as oppose to being "trendy". With that, we know that brides will look toward the trends of the year for inspiration when planning their day.

In thinking about 2015, I wondered what sorts of things will be catching brides and other client's eyes when looking at putting their day together.  These things seem to be just a sample of what will be the biggest trends this year.

Lace

Brides will be stepping back in time by adding elements of vintage lace to their ceremonies. Whether it be a table overlay, the wrapping of their bouquet or event picking lace as the main fabric for their wedding gown. By adding this to your palette, it will bring a soft element to a modern, classic look.

Modern Luxe

This trend focuses on color choices. When you think of luxurious palettes, what usually comes to mind are very clean colors such as black, white or ivory. Adding a modern twist to this would be to add a pop of color to accent the overall look. Why not add a pop of yellow or a jeweled tone blue to your ivory and champagne color choices? This could be added with shoes or the flowers chosen. This is where the modern part of this trend comes together.

Dramatic Cakes

We all know what the center of attraction is when once you get to the wedding reception. Of course everyone wants to see what the wedding cake looks like. This year there will be a lot of emphasis put on making sure the cake is a show stopper.

Live Music

This trend started picking up steam last year. More and more couples are either opting out of a DJ all together or using them in only part of the celebration. Whether is a big band 12 piece or a jazz quartet, this will add a different vibe to your reception or birthday party.

No matter what you choose to do, these, along with others, will help you pick what trends you want to incorporate into your celebration.