The Natural Bride - To Straighten or not To Straighten?

With more and more women deciding to wear their hair in their natural state (myself included) this is the question that I am sure will come up in the planning process.  As a bride you spend a good amount of time thinking about how you envision yourself looking on your wedding day.  You find the dress you want and the accessories to match.  You also have an idea of how you want your makeup to look as well.  The only thing now is to decide "How should I wear my hair?"

In reading different blogs and websites, this is a popular topic it seems.  You would think the natural response would be to leave it in it's natural state. However, I see it is not that simple. The opinion of others can cause your decision to be a tad bit difficult.  One the one hand, you want to show off your curls, but you have people saying you should straighten your hair for you wedding. If you straighten your hair does that mean you are trying to hide? Are you not showing your pride for your natural locks? If you wear your hair natural and free does that make you less elegant? Does it take away from your bridal beauty?

Whatever decision you make, make sure that is what YOU want and no one else.  The only people that matters are you and the person you will be joined to. If he loves your hair in it's curly, afroed state then wear it big and proud. If you want to straighten it to get the look you desire, go for it. No matter what you do, it is yours and his day and that is what it's about.

                              

The Tuxedo vs. The Suit

We have realized that while sitting and writing about how the bride can shop to find her perfect dress for that special day, there is another person that seems to get neglected. It is automatically assumed that with the groom they will go to the tuxedo shop and work it out for him and his groomsmen.  As I was thinking about this, I started to question, "Why should any of them get a tuxedo?"

When women go and shop for their bridal gown or their bridesmaid dress, more times than not, it is a purchase to buy and keep forever. Very seldom to you hear about women renting their wedding/bridesmaid dresses (although I know it does happen). So, why is it that more men don't go to a suit shop instead of a tuxedo shop?  Think about it, men will go to a shop and rent a tux for $100 or more, especially if they want a good quality one.  They end up with something that may not fit quite right, and in the end, their $100 gets returned back to the place they rented it from. So, maybe men should start considering taking that money and going to get a tailored suit for their special occasion. There are some very good reasons why this may be something for you to consider. I tell you, there is nothing like a man who can wear a tailored suit. On the opposite side, there are also reasons why a tux may be the choice for you.

                                          

 The Tuxedo Rental

In first looking at renting a tuxedo, the above picture is an obvious reason.  If you are planning to match the color of your wife to be, then then tuxedo is the way to go if White or Ivory are your choices.  This is mainly because I highly doubt, you will wear it ever again.  Another reason why renting maybe be more for you is because it is more or less a one stop shop. Along with the tux of your choice, you also get your shirt, buttons, and cuff links. Even though your accessories are an added expense, you also get your vest, tie, and shoes. The upside to this is you don't have to shop around.  The downside is this is what can drive up the price of your rental. The color choices for your tux rental is also limited.  Usually you choose from Black, White, Ivory, and sometimes Gray. When you get into the Gray, and possibly the Dark Brown, your style choices are few and far between as oppose to the traditional black tuxedo. Asking for the the colors that are not "the norm" could also increase the price of your rental.  Also, the thing to consider is that your rental has to get back to the store on time otherwise, there is an additional expense you incur. So, in hindsight you are spending a lot of money for something you will not keep.  Now if you are the couple that are trying to reduce costs, this option may take a large portion with really nothing to show for it in the end, except for the beautiful pictures you will take.

 

    The Tailored Suit

This is an option that couples probably don't consider, but maybe it may warrant a discussion.  Although it is very possible, you will be spending more money than you would for renting, there are more benefits in the long run. The first benefit is when purchasing a suit instead of renting, you can have the suit tailored . By going to a Men's clothing store (such as Men's Warehouse or Macy's) and purchasing a suit from their rack selection, the Groom and his Groomsmen will then be able to have the suit jacket and pants tailored to fit them in a way a regular tuxedo cannot. Also, there is a better color selection for a suit as it is shown in the above picture.  If you are going to an island for your ceremony, maybe a khaki suite will work well with the blue tones you are planning for the décor. It also gives you an opportunity to pick accessories that work for you like your shirt and tie. You will also be able to shop for shoes to compliment your suit as well.  In the end, yes you spend more than your traditional tuxedo rental, but the silver lining is that on the day after your wedding, you can pack up your suit and take it home with you because it is yours to wear again and again.

Which ever option you decide to choose, make sure it is the best decision for you, and that you are happy with your choice.  Either way, that Groom and his Groomsmen will be looking sharp.

The All In One Registry

Whether you are getting married or having a new bundle of joy, the one common element is that there will probably be a registry to make.  I don't know about you, but that's one of the fun parts of having such a special event.  Going to the stores and using that little gun to scan all the things you'd like to see.  If you are like most couples you will probably go to a couple (sometimes three) different stores just to make sure you have every inch of your home or nursery covered.

Now here comes the tricky part, when you send out your invitations, how many of those little pieces of paper to do you plan on inserting to let me people know you have a registry.  Well, with one new website I discovered the answer is one. With the option below, you will be able to registery at almost any store of your choice, but they are all combined at one place

MyRegistry.com

MyRegistry.com is a website where you can combine all of your registries into one convenient place. This website uses what they call the sync and display feature. They right now do not all stores listed, but Target is one that is on their list. For your out of town guests, this works ideally for them in the event they cannot come to your special day, but would like to send you a gift. Not only does the registry partner with different stores, they also have their one stores where you can pick gifts as well such as their Baby Store. One thing I have learned os there are different stores in different cities. So, if you've always wanted something from IKEA, you could possibly get it.

Take a look at the below video for more and then check out the site to start your own registry.

Sports Fanatic Elegance

Traditionally when weddings are planned they usually focus the vision of the bride and have nothing to do with the groom. A lot of the time, you hardly see anything the represents him aside from a possible groom's cake or a garter that is specially made. What if you were able to change that? We all know grooms rarely care for the details with the exception of what they're going to eat, and what they're going to wear. There is a way you can show how important your mate is in the planning and show an extension of what he likes and 9 times out of 10, it's sports. By letting his favorite sports team have a presence in your wedding you will truly show that it is about the both of you. Now before you get all skeptical and close off the idea, let me reassure you, there will be no footballs everywhere or basketball centerpieces - no terrible towels or cheese head wedges will be a part of the decor.

Once you've picked the date and time, one of the next things you decide on is the color scheme. These combination of colors can come from a lot of different inspirations that a woman might see. Whether it's the Tiffany blue boxes with a rich chocolate brown, or maybe a tropical feel is more your speed with bright colors and accents. There is a way you can incorporate your love for your mate and his love for the game. Whether it's his favorite football team (Go Chiefs!) or his old college alma mater, you can make the craziest color combinations translate into a very elegant setting to exchange vows and party the night away. The below examples will hopefully give you an idea on how you can merge sports and its colors into one magnificent display.

The Kansas City Chiefs
Of course we have to represent for the home team first. Now, this team is the owner of Red and Gold. This combination actually isn't that hard to translate considering around the Christmas season you see these two colors together quite a bit.

The Green Bay Packers

This color combination could pose somewhat of a challenge with its Green, Gold and White, but you could actually pull off something great. If you pick a main focus color that is more traditional, you can use the other as accents through out.

The New York Knicks

For the New Yorkers, your die hard Knicks fan would appreciate you taking their blue and orange color scheme and incorporating them into your day. It actually can be done very tastefully while at the same time offering a unique color pairing.

The Florida Marlins

I picked this team because of the combination of the teal with the black and gray. This is not so much a different combination, but it's one that you don't see a lot. These together can translate into a Spring like backdrop. Especially if you make teal the focus or main color element and accent with the gray over the black.



Wichita State Shockers

Rounding out the inspiration is this university which represents with its yellow and black. This color combo could be quite bright (Steelers fans could agree also) However, you can add the elegance to this one by the use of a damask or floral print. This will bring an element of softness to your overall look. Using this against crisp white linen will also help provide a very elegant element to your space.

As you can see, there are ways you can incorporate your mate's love into your big day. Whether he shows it or not, he will be extremely pleased with your color choices and thinking of him.

The Plus Size Dilemma

So, your honey asked you to be his wife. You (and your planners) have been working hard to plan your wedding but there is one part to the process that you are nervous to dive into - the wedding dress.  It's hard enough going from shop to shop looking at dresses that eventually seems to blur together.  You, however, have an added challenge.  You are a plus size beauty and that seems to just add to the journey.  You question could there possibly be a dress out there for you that will make you feel like the princess you always wanted to be, or a dress that will also show off those curves that you are oh so proud of.  With the below 5 tips, you should be able to find that dress you envision yourself walking down the aisle in.

1. Embrace Your Body

First things first, Love the skin you're in! Far too many go on these crash and extreme diets in order to look "super skinny" on their wedding day. I can understand using your nuptials as a way to motivate yourself to get healthier. More power to you, however, you don't want to look back on your pictures a year from your wedding and not recognize the woman in them. Stay true to who you are at the size that you are, and embrace it. Set realistic goals for yourself if you choose to hit the bridal boot camp without losing the identity that is you.  Now, if you are a plus size beauty who is not making a big deal about your sexy size 20 frame, be happy with that decision and K.I.M (keep it moving)

   2.   Know What Works For You

This is key when shopping for clothes, so it is not different when shopping for your wedding gown.  If you are a naturally top heavy woman, then a strapless dress may not be the best choice for you. If you want to draw a little attention to the area, then perhaps a sweetheart neckline might be the one.  If you are voluptuous on the bottom half, a ballgown may not be the right fit. If you want to show off hips that may not be as defined as others, try a trumpet skirt and A-line gowns are flattering on just about any body type. Also, know how much sparkle you want. You want to stand out, but let's not go for disco ball. If sparkle is not your style and you want simplicity, find unique elements in a dress that suit you. It could be ruching around the waist or a scalloped hem. It all depends on your style and taste.

   3.    Start Your Search Earlier Than Advised

Being a plus size bride present unique situations.  The main one being the availability of the dresses.  Many articles will tell you, which I have found to be accurate, that not very many bridal salons carry sample size gowns over a size 12.  Although the dress you have your eye may come bigger, actually being able to try it on probably will not be an option for you.  If you can find a place that either specialize in larger sizes or carry designers whose focus is dresses for the fuller frame, you are in for a bit of a ordeal.  There's no need to worry though; starting early will help keep you on track to wedding time. Some say to start shopping at lease 6 months ahead of time for your gown.  For the plus size beauties I would say allow yourself 9 months if that is possible. This would help when ordering your dress as well as any necessary alternations that may need to be done to the gown. Now, more so these days women are planning entire weddings for 6 months, if not less, from the time of engagement.  If you fall into this category, time is truly of the essence, and yes, it can be done.

  4.    Be Prepared

As with anything, this is very important. Start searching the Internet for dress ideas. Have a certain designer in mind? Check out their website to see what they offer the plus size bride. Print out pictures to use as reference. One sure way to cut down time is to call the salons before you go. Say you saw this Vera Wang creation that you absolutely love, and guess what, they have the size 16 you need. Make sure you utilize the store locator to see if there are stores in your area.  If there is one, call the store to see if they have that specific style number or styles that may be close.  By doing this, it will eliminate the tedious task of doing going from shop to shop trying to find something. Once you have chosen your store of choice, go in focused. You will see a lot of dresses, but don't become so distracted that you spend time putting on dresses that are not in your budget or fit your style type.

  5.   Be Comfortable

No matter what garment you wear, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Make sure that your alternations are not too tight. You want your dress to fit you like a glove, but you also want to be able to sit comfortably and more importantly breathe. Remember that foundation is key, so take the time to shop for quality undergarments as this will also help you with your fit as well as comfort.  If you are wearing a strapless down, make sure that it fits tight enough so that you are not pulling at it all night.  Wedding gowns can be a heavy thing to wear in itself with your crinoline slip so don't add to it by a dress that does not fit properly.

Hopefully these few tips will help aid in the dress shopping adventure. Most importantly it will help you to pick the gown that makes you feel confident and as you walk down to meet your soon to be husband that all your dress will reflect how you wanted to feel at that moment.

                   

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.

I'm Engaged! Now What?

So the love of your life asked you to marry him (Congratulations!) As you're getting used to your new status all sorts of things will be going on in your head. You have to tell your family and show off that beautiful piece of jewelry that will forever be worn. Once you've gotten through that and you're sitting down thinking "I have to plan a wedding! What do I do?" First things first, pick up the phone and call us (no, seriously).  Before that happens though, there are a few things that you need to decide on. The below list will help give you a starting point to begin planning the day of your dreams.

When and Where 

These two W's are about the most important thing to figure out. This is where you and your honey sit down and pick your date. Do you want a Fall or Summer wedding? Do you want an evening or a brunch affair? Will it be a Friday or even a Sunday? One tip would be to try and avoid major holidays if you can. That could inflate your costs and significantly reduce your guest list (which actually might not be a bad thing). After you decide on the date, the next important step is location. will you get married on the beaches of Jamaica or in the church you grew up in? Do you want to have both the ceremony and reception in the same venue?

How Much

This question is actually way more important than the other to. This is where you set your budget. Both of you have to realistically think how much you want to spend. Will the both of you being paying for every solely on your own or will you be asking your parents/family to contribute? One thing to mention about that is if you decide to ask family, be prepared to also accept their suggestions as well as their money. Budgeting is so very important throughout this process, make sure you allow enough for a wedding planner (yes, I said it again). Whatever company you hire, it is the job of the planners, consultants, etc. to keep you on budget. With that, you have to be willing to let them do that. Trust when I tell you, you don't want to be trying to pay off items for your wedding and you've been married for a couple of years.

Use Your Imagination 

This where the fun begins! This is where you start thinking about the look and feel of your wedding. Start thinking about what colors would look great together. How many people do you want standing next to you on the alter. What event space captures your vision? Do you want roses or daisies? Start looking in magazines or in this age of social media Pinterest to grab ideas. Start a wedding board a pin your little heart out.

If you start with those things, then when you decide to bring in your planner, you will have a lot of the "pre-work" done already. You're life is going to get crazy very quickly and depending upon how long you and your mate are giving yourself between the engagement and the wedding, things may go very quickly. Make sure you prioritize and seek help when you ready.

Oh, the last thing....ENJOY IT! You're engaged, take time to really let that settle in. think about and cherish that moment before diving right in.

What's Stopping Your "Yes to the Dress"?

We have watched numerous episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" lately.  For those who may have never seen the show, it is about brides who go gown shopping at the famed boutique Klienfield.  It shows the ups and downs that brides go through while shopping.

One thing that we have been seeing with the show is that when brides go to the store they bring ALL these people with them. We have seen no less than 4 and as many has 6 or 7 to "help" the bride make her decision.  More times than not, however, having the entourage proves to do more harm than good.  Traditionally, brides usually bring their mother and a grandmother.  Then you start adding bridesmaids, aunts and siblings. This is where the situation gets sticky.

For one thing, multiple people bring multiple opinions.  Your bridesmaids may like the dress, but your mom and aunt don't think it fits right. However, the bride may agree with the bridesmaids.  This situation tends to put the bride in the middle while at the same time totally negating the opinion of the most important person - the bride.  Also to add to the situation your Mother or Grandmother has agreed to pay for the dress. So, that adds the element of trying to make your family member happy. While we do understand this adds influence to your final decision, you still have to be careful.

Shopping for your gown is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.  You should already have an idea of what you want. Though you may want people to share in the shopping adventure with you, remember that it is about what you want.  Your opinion is the most important over everyone else's.  You know how you want to look on your wedding day. You have pictured yourself walking down the aisle in a particular dress.  Don't lose that and don't let your ideas become overshadowed by the views of other people.

When you put that wedding dress on that is "the one" say YES to your dress and don't let anyone make you think something different.

Click below to see Kleinfeld's website.

Unplugging Your Wedding Ceremony

In the era of social media, what we've seen more and more are people who are really quick to record and post all sorts of things on social media whether it's Facebook, Twitter and the ever popular YouTube. One of the things that has become more popular being publicized are weddings as they happen. This can affect many aspects of your ceremony and could potentially ruin a happy time in your life.

Now don't get me wrong, we're not saying people shouldn't capture your moment. People will want to remember your day for themselves later on. However, if you as the couple, do not set some guidelines, it can get out of control.

We read one story from a photographer who had an experience at a wedding where a lot of the shots taken during the ceremony were ruined because guests kept stepping in front of her trying to get shots and recording video. In the long run that will affect couples because it will reduce the number of photos that can be used. That is something that we know no one wants to happen and it causes frustration for the vendors that are hired for the sole purpose of capturing the moments. There was another instance where a bridesmaid took a photo of the bride and posted it on Facebook before the ceremony, well the groom was on Facebook scrolling through his feed to kill time and saw the picture. Well, so much for the first look as his bride is coming down the aisle. Another aspect of this all is as a bride and groom, do you really want the internet to see your ceremony and your dress before you want it to? You should be the ones to put out the first images of your ceremony.

There are ways that you can politely tell your guests that you would prefer them not to take pictures of your ceremony while at the same time letting them know at the reception, take as many pictures and post them. These examples can provide some guidance.

Create a Sign

As your guests enter the venue, display a sign that lets them know your request for them to not take photos and video during your ceremony. There are clever ways that it can be said and so that people will know you truly want them to just sit and enjoy the ceremony.

Make an Announcement

In the event that your guests don't see the sign, have your officiant make an announcement prior to the beginning of the ceremony. That way your guests cannot say they didn't know if you happen to see a photo on social media after you've taken steps to prevent it. It can also be mentioned that although you'd like to keep photos out of the ceremony that they are more than welcome to take pictures at the reception. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view.

Create a Reception Hashtag

Make a sign for each one of our guests that lets them know now that you're at the reception, have fun taking pictures and capturing those fun moments. It can be a simple card that you lay at each place setting to let them know snap away and event give them an avenue to collect them such as #JonesWedding for Twitter, Instagram and any other outlet traditionally used. Most times during receptions people are seated at their tables so it won't inhibit the photographer's view, but I'd still make it clear for guests to stand clear of the professional as they are trying to get those memorable shots.

These things could be very helpful if you decide this is the avenue you want to take for your ceremony. If you don't mind people posting to Facebook and other social media outlets as it's happening then that is great. This if for those who have considered incorporating this into your ceremony in order to make it intimate and somewhat private for the time being. At the reception, prepare to say "cheese" and smile a lot because I'm pretty sure your guests will make up for what they couldn't take pictures of earlier.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you are having the day YOU want to have.

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.

Four Reasons to Add .com to Your Wedding

When going through the experience of wedding planning, there are SO many things to think about. One of the goals is that you want the process to be as painless as you can possibly get it. One of the things to consider is how are you going to get out a bunch of information with the least amount of money?

Some couples go the route of sending out cute Save the Date announcements to tell people "Hey look! Guess what's about to happen." Those cost money. Then after that comes "Here's what you need to know" in the form of the wedding invitation. Again, those cost money and then there is the "Tell us who's coming" and "What do you want to eat" which is more money. Like we said, a lot of couples will go this route which is a wonderful thing if you are able to do those. However, there some people who desire to minimize what they spend their money on. Another thing couple run into is there will be certain pieces of information that people may want to know, but unless you have a big get together, you will have to find another way to get the word out.

At one point in time the things to do was to create a wedding website. We haven't seen as many as we used to years ago so I can't help wonder if they are still popular although we truly believe this could be the ultimate time and life saver for you. There are a few sites where you can create them for FREE.99 and if you have a little extra money in your budget, there are also sites where you can pay a have a little more options to customize them to your liking.

Here are 4 reasons why you should make a wedding website a part of your wedding.

Show How Fabulous You Are

Of course we have to start these reasons off with a little vanity. We're pretty sure that after you became officially engaged there was no question in your mind that an engagement shoot was an absolute must. This shoot would have you and your significant other in the best outfits that showed your sense of style and your personalities as individuals and as a couple. What better place for you to display all of that for your friends and family to see? It also gives you a place to do a pictorial documentary of how you met and your journey to becoming husband and wife. People love looking at all of those fun things you experienced together.

Show People Who You Are

We all know that when two people come together there will be those who ask the question "who is she?" or "Where did he come from?" This usually happens as one side of the family and friends ask about the other side. When you have a wedding website, you can answer a lot of those questions. There will be a section for the bride to tell about herself and the groom to tell about himself. People can then learn the bride moved to the US from the Caribbean and the groom knows 3 languages. It is a central location for people to know more about the love of your life.

This also let's people know who you have chosen to be a part of your special day and you can provide how you know each of the people who have chosen to be in your bridal party.

Tell Your Story Your Own Way

People may have an idea about how you met, but no one ever knows the real story accept for the two of you (and maybe the person that hooked you up). A wedding website give you a way to let me know how you met in the most creative way possible. One way that I have seen is when the bride gives her version and the groom gives his. More times than not, the stories are never the exact same and it is quite comical. But, it is always fun to see each perspective of how they met and what thoughts were going through their heads at the time. To make it more fun, maybe the two of you can sit down together and do a video and post for your guests to see.

Not only can you fill people in on how you met, but you can also tell them your engagement story. Everyone loves a good love story. Again, you can make this a her story versus his story and just describe that day and how special it was to you. Share as much as you want to share because this was a moment for the two of you.

 It's Your Informational "Hub"

Whether you are having your ceremony in your family's church or going away to a tropical destination, there is a lot of information that you will have to give out to your guests. This is where you can tell people where your ceremony and reception will be. There is also a feature that can let your guests RSVP on your website. Remember where we said that there will be items that you may want to use that could cost money? Well by accepting your RSVPs via your website, that may cut down on the cost of printing your invitations for example. This is also the place where you tell people where you are registered because they will ask. with your website, you can provide links to all of your registries and make it easier for your guests so that way, they won't have to bother you with it.

If you know you will have guests coming or going out of town, you can also tell them about the things there are to do while they are gone. You can also do fun things like asking people what songs they would like to hear at the reception and develop a playlist for your DJ.

As you can see, there are some pretty good reasons for getting yourself a wedding website while you are doing your wedding planning. To help you get started, below are links to two websites that provide the websites. Both of them have free websites and Wedding Window also offers premium services for a fee. I recommend that you truly consider taking the time out to create one while you are in the planning process. Happy creating!!

                                

  

Yes, You Do Need Us

It seems like there is still this thing where people feel like wedding and event planners are an unnecessary luxury. We can't begin to tell you the stories we have hear and read about how a couple's wedding was unorganized or how the Bride didn't have a good time because she spent most of the time delegating responsibilities or focusing on issues and not enjoying her day. There's also the age long debate on wedding coordinator vs. venue coordinator. You can see our thoughts on that in the below post.

Independent Planner vs Venue Planner

We have a pretty good understanding of both sides to this. On the one hand we as planners can understand the issue of budget. Do wedding planners cost? Yes, we do cost and that fee, to some, may seem like it out of control or super expensive. Cost can vary from company to company so absolutely do your research to find out which works best. On the other hand, there is a reason for those fees. We are basically controlling the pace of your day and the memory you are trying to create for yourself and your guests. There is certifications and experience that accompany what the planners are offering and if you had it in your mind to hire the "celebrity planner" then prepare to pay even more.

Our goal is to make sure you are not missing out on the celebrate of you as a couple because the aunt that was supposed to make your food got so caught up in your planning she forgot or the cousin who said would take your pictures doesn't have professional equipment. Check out our infograph below and see just what all we can offer you if you give us the opportunity.

Pantone Color for 2019

Have you seen the choice Pantone made for 2019?! Living Coral is described as "An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge."

With this color I think it is safe to say that the this year's wedding inspiration will be vibrant and bold with soft muted accents. This color would shine with a backdrop of a simple metallic like a rose gold or a pastel like a tiffany blue. This color can be very versatile and cant wait to see what comes of it.

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!!

Let There Be Ultra Violet

Pantone just released their color for 2018. First, I have to say - it's about to be 2018! The days and months have gone by in such a whirlwind trying to keep up is something else. Our poor little blog shows it too. I digress...

Back to the subject at hand, Pantone has chosen 18-3838. To those of us who don't have any idea what that means, that translates to the color Ultra Violet.

According to Pantone, this color is "A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade..." This is a blue-based purple and is already creating some inspirational buzz. Below is just some of the things we have found.

It's still very early on since the announcement and we cannot wait to see what others will come up with to display this beautiful and rich purple hue.

Let us know, now that it's out, will this become a part of your wedding color palette?

What Is That, Velvet?

In the last blog post, we looked at a trend of using plaid as a part of your wedding. Today, I thought I would take a look at another fabric that you real don't hear too often being used either - velvet. This material can be used in the same manner as we suggested for the plaid.

Below are some pictures of ways that it can be used. Take a look and see which ones might be interested in trying out.

We're Still Here!

Happy June everyone! I hadn't realized that it's be a month since we brought you some event fabulousness. Hopefully what you've been reading so far has helped you in one way or another in your planning.

The past few weeks have been amazing for Juanita and me (Danielle). We have formed some awesome and significant partnerships with some local businesses in town. One major thing that we've done has launched our "brother" company MAD (Make A Difference) Entertainment. This side of us is our production and promotion company. This side of our company we will handle networking events, happy hours, and unconventional events like album releases or company launch/anniversary parties. With this company, we have been able to host events too. First and foremost, we are the hosts for the happy hour events held here at a Cigar and Cognac bar called Qudos. They have allowed us to spread our wings so to speak.

In forming a relationship with them, MAD Entertainment is hosting our first event for Father's Day! We are super excited about it. It will be our opportunity to show our city that yes, two women and own and run a successful business which is in a traditionally "male" world. Hey, if you're in the Kansas City Area (even if you're not) come check us out. It's going to be a nice time.

If you want to more about our MAD Entertainment brand, check out the link MAD Entertainment.

Let's see...what else? Oh yeah, we did a FABULOUS photoshoot over Memorial Day weekend. With all of our rebranding, it was time for us to take new pictures. With these pictures we wanted to capture the essence of who we are as Wedding planners and our passion for the industry. We had our makeup professionally done and had a really good friend style us and our photographer was AMAZING! We were able to connect with a local bridal boutique, The Gown Gallery, and the shots will blow your minds! We can't wait to show you the professional pictures when they are ready. We will definitely have them up on our website and on our social media, so make sure you stay tune and follow us. Until then though, here's a cute sample:

Well I think that's all for now. There will be more content to come. I think I'm going to bring back some of the older elements I started on the blog with songs of the week or video tips from some world renowned planners we all know and love. Thanks to all who have supported us and just keep watching!

Let's All Wear White

For years, it has been the custom that the ONLY person in a wedding that is destined to wear a white anything is the Bride. It was a color that was strictly forbidden for everyone else from the wedding party to the guests. However, I have noticed over the recent years that this seems to be changing. The first noticeable one was when grooms opted for the white tuxedo to compliment their brides. With the recent weddings of celebrities Solange Knowles and her newlywed mom, Tina Knowles, it appears that a possible trend is emerging, at least among those who are considered the "elite". Not only is the bride in white, but so is everybody else.

With women choosing not to wear the traditional white wedding gown, it leads me to think about would a bride want her entire wedding from wedding party to guests to wear white? Of course we have all heard of the "All White" parties that take place throughout the country. Event here in Kansas City we have one every September. 

If you do decide to follow in these celebrity footsteps and have a white wedding, follow the list below to make sure it turns out the way you want it.

• Make sure you make it clear on your invitation that you want your guests to wear white. What you don't want to happen is to have guests showing up in other colors because it was not clearly stated.

• If you plan on created a wedding website, make sure you include it there as well as part of your "Guest Information" section. 

• When picking the bridesmaids dresses, make sure they looks like bridesmaids dresses and not wedding gowns. Many of your favorite styles will probably come in white so you just have to pick which one you think will look the best. If you plan to wear white as well, save the gown look for yourself.

• Work together with your groom and male attendants to make sure they chooses a white tuxedo they would be comfortable wearing that that would compliment your dress as well as your bridesmaids. 

• Believe it or not, there are multiple shades of white as well. Try to be as consistent with your color palette as you can

Let us know if  you would consider taking it a step further and having an "All White" wedding?

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!