Designing Your Wedding Style: The Dress

Today I'd like to talk about your wedding gown! It is the single most emotionally charged purchase you will make. Why? Because it turns you into a princess...scratch that...a queen for your wedding day. When you put that dress on, everything changes.

Not only do you feel like a million bucks; like royalty; like the hottest diva there is...you also become the apple of every one's eye...a vision to behold...daddy's beautiful girl.

When the officiant asks your guests to stand to welcome you...the bride...into the ceremony room, all eyes will wander to you. ALL eyes! When that happens, don't you want to look your best? Don't you want your groom's eyes to water?

Yes...I know you do, But uh, no pressure, OK? Keep reading...

I've said all of the above because not only is it true...its the reason you should take your time and pick the dress that best suits you. Our wedding planners, when feasible, schedule a full day when shopping with our clients. We make a day of it, often starting with a late breakfast and ending with dinner that night. We like to make sure our brides enjoy the experience.

When trying to choose "the dress", don't set your sights on one or two dresses you've fallen in love with in bridal magazines or online. By all means, try them on...but make sure you try on lots of dresses and take care to learn about the different types of wedding gowns...the basic silhouettes...and which ones compliment your body type.

Also pay close attention to necklines, sleeves, waistlines and trains. Think about where your festivities will take place and how your dress might impact your movement in your chosen venue.

If you are planning on dancing til the wee hours, you may not want to choose a dress that has lots of bead work or one that is made of a heavier material. My dress had lots of bead work...it was quite heavy. Needless to say, I was dying to get out of it after lots of dancing and being on my feet. By 10pm, I was done, but the party continued until 1am.

Here are some shopping tips to take into consideration. Courtesy of Mindy Weiss and The Wedding Book:

~Bring pictures of dresses you like and ones you don't like. If you like the neckline of one gown and the draped back of another, point out exactly what you so and don't like to the sales associate.

~Be sure to wear underwear you won't be embarrassed to be seen in. Trying on wedding dresses is not a solo operation, so this isn't the day to wear a peekaboo thong.

~If you're shopping a sample sale or the Filene's Basement bridal gown sale, wear a body stocking, unitard, or swimsuit under your clothing so you can change in the aisle if necessary.

~Bring a camera. Not every salon will allow you to take photos, but if possible, get a photo of yourself in the dress you're buying, not only for showing your mother (if she's not with you) but also for your florist, cake maker, and other vendors trying to assess the style of your wedding. Remember, the dress sets the tone for the wedding. A photo will also help you when shopping for accessories, though a fabric swatch is important too.

Happy Planning!

Designing Your Wedding Style: Defining Your Style

What's Your Wedding Style and how do you define it?



Weddings surround my life everyday. Whether it's checking out the latest eye candy and some of my favorite photographers' websites...reading some of my favorite wedding planner blogs or producing a wedding myself...I see it all!

I have always encouraged my clients to stay true to themselves when planning the look and feel of their wedding. While they may see an element or style in a photo album or in a magazine that they feel they MUST replicate at their wedding or reception, it's important to always include elements that are personal to them. Ones that make them feel happy and at ease because ultimately...the party is a celebration of the two of them...not of a bride and groom they saw in some magazine.

I've collected a lot of books over the years. It's one of the common interests I share with my husband. I guess you could call us bookworms! You should see our library!

Lately, I've purchased many books to help inspire me for the weddings I produce. Most of them are geared towards weddings and other social events but I also love to browse books about nature, art and interior design. The HGTV network is also a favorite place of inspiration for me so you'll find me glued to the tube when I'm not working a wedding on the weekends.

Recently, I've been snuggled up on the couch, spending time with my books and I wanted to share one of my favorites with you. Lifestyle guru, Susie Coelho published a book called "Style Your Dream Wedding". There's a gang of amazing, full color pictures and tons of creative suggestions to help you create a wedding that is totally YOU!

But what I LOVE the most about this book is that it helps you (there's a quiz!) identify your style...classic, beach, contemporary, garden, countryside, fanciful or exotic.

If you want to know what your wedding style is, visit Susie's website...you can take the quiz there!

Happy Planning!

Designing Your Wedding Style: The Wedding Date & The Venue

You've said "Yes" and you've told your parents...

You have a basic plan for what you're going to spend and how you're going to spend it...

Now what?

It's time to pick the perfect date and the perfect venue to host your nuptials. For some of you, the date will be easy. There's that one special date that symbolizes your love for each other perfectly. First date...first kiss or perhaps a year from the day he asked!

Or there's a date that is more convenient for both of you and your families because of scheduling or season. Families with lots of children may want to stick to a date during a school break. If you want a spring or summer wedding, your geographical location will dictate the best date. Whatever decision you make, try to stay flexible and have a few other alternative dates to choose from. This ensures that those family members close to you can attend your wedding. Having a few dates in mind will also help you when choosing your venue.

Which brings me to the next part of this post...

Hotel or Event Hall?
If you opt for a hotel or event hall, many of the resources you need will more than likely be at your fingertips. These types of venues are in business to host events like weddings and will have all or most of the equipment, food choices and vendor referrals you may need. The other good thing about hosting your ceremony and reception in a full service venue is that it saves you the cost of transportation. There is no need to hire a limo or car service to move you and your guests from one spot to another.

In some cases it will also save you money on your other vendor fees. Florists sometime charge extra to move flowers from one location to another. Photographers will sometimes charge you based on having to shoot in more than one location. And finally, if you opt to have your celebration in one location, there's really no need for a separate reception card when ordering your invitations. You can just include "Reception immediately following" at the bottom of your invite!

Park or Mom and Dad's backyard?
This option is going to take a bit more planning. Why? Because you have to source everything! Tables, chairs, linens, heaters, umbrellas (ella, ella...). Seriously though, one of my first BIG weddings was a 300 guest tent affair on the brides parents' estate. It was a week long production that required lots of rentals and lots of hired staff. Katie and I couldn't do it alone.

The ceremony was in the front yard area and the reception in the back. Valet company, portable bathrooms (they were GORGEOUS, by the way...no port-a-pottys here!) caterer, tent, tables and chairs for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, electricity, coolers (it was in the middle of June!)...the list goes on. And THEN all of those vendors, equipment deliveries and setups needed to be organized and timed just right for 300 guests!

I know...you're thinking, "we can do this...we have backyard barbeque's all the time!" Not the same thing. At backyard barbeque's there are plenty of helpers around to do all the work. Do you honestly want to have your guests help you set tables, decorate and then bus tables afterwards? I didn't think so. I know I'm over simplifying but you get the picture. There are many moving parts to a production like this no matter what the size. Do yourself a favor and hire a wedding planner or at least consult with one on how to put it all together. We'll be happy to hear from you and you'll be so happy you did!

Happy Planning!

Designing Your Wedding Style: Budget

Before the dress...before the flowers...and before the big day, you have to figure out what it all will cost. Some of you may say, "Daddy says the sky is the limit", or he may say, "Sweetheart, you have $30,000 to spend and that's IT!" Wherever your wedding money comes from, it still isn't a BUDGET until you know how the dollars will be allocated.

Creating your budget is the single most important step in planning your wedding. It will dictate what vendors you choose, the venue you'll host your wedding in AND countless other elements that will make your day special. Having a clear plan and knowing where the money is coming from and going to, is the best way to move forward. An open and honest conversation with everyone about expectations is the key to an informed and fun planning process.

Our team uses a very simple excel spreadsheet to create an initial budget for our couples. It shows them the average breakdown by category and subcategory if applicable. It gives them a visual picture of what amounts they'll spend on key wedding elements. Most couples have no idea what or how much to spend on what so the budget exercise really opens their eyes to what to expect when they meet with other vendors.

Here's a copy of a wedding budget we did recently and the actual costs incurred by our clients.

{Please note that the percentages and amounts shown are basic industry standards and should be used ONLY as guidelines. Standard costs in your area may differ.}

This exercise is one of the very FIRST meeting topics we cover when working with our couples. We encourage them to share it with their parents and anyone else that is contributing financially. Having everyone on the same financial page is one of the keys to a wonderful wedding planning experience!

Happy Planning!

The First Five Things To Do Now That He Has Popped the Question

#1 - If he's the one, then say "Yes", girl! And then enjoy the moment.

I can't emphasis this enough! So many brides get caught up in the planning right away and miss the moment. Talk about how wonderful life will be together and what your desires are for the future. Cherish this time together by finding your individual and common goals as a couple. Love each other, go on dates and savor the moment. Make a vow to always remember that despite the ups and downs of wedding planning, the reason you are getting married is more important than any decision about colors, flowers or cake!

#2 - Tell your parents

You should tell your parents you're getting married before anyone else. Both of you should be there and be sure it's in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents know before the groom's do, but any order is really fine. Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.

#3 - Purchase a small notebook or journal if you don't already have one

This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your fiance. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.

#4 - Announce Your Engagement

Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. Consider:

-Announcing your engagement in print publications

-Mailing announcements to your family and friends

-Creating a wedding website

#5 - Choose a Few Wedding Dates

Setting your wedding date will be one of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date. Choosing a few dates is smart because if you lock in on one date, other choices you have to make may be limited.

I don't want to overwhelm you...there's SO much to think about and right now you should just enjoy the moment. Next Monday, I'll share with you, tips on how to create a sensible budget and how to stick to it in the start of my "Define and Design Your Wedding Style" series. Be sure to tune in!

Congratulations, enjoy your engagement and Happy Planning!

Define and Design Your Wedding Style: Favorite Thangs...

Your wedding is the one place that it is 100% acceptable to have everything revolve around you. It's your day and it should be a day filled with your favorite things.

Do you like the color yellow? Then let it be your inspiration...



Do you LOVE popcorn? Setup a popcorn bar for your guests to take home a midnight snack...or rent an old fashion popcorn machine...



Does your fiance love the blues? Hire a blues guitarist to come in during the reception to play some of his favorite tunes...it will give the band or DJ a break and breaks up the evening by keeping your guests entertained.



There are plenty of cookie-cutter weddings out there, but not for you. You want a day that stands out from all the rest. So sit down and really think about who you are and what you like. Then incorporate those things into your wedding day. In the end, the memories will be special because they reflect you...

And you ARE special!

Happy Planning!

"Define and Design" Wedding Style Series

Last week we told you about a series of posts we'll be publishing in June to take you on a journey to define and design the perfect wedding for our fantasy couple Amy and Kevin. I had a brainstorming session with my friend Jessica yesterday and now this thing has taken on a life of its own!

The first thing we'll do is choose the venue. From there we'll create a color and content palette that will help us choose all the little details that Amy and Kevin's guests will discover on their wedding day.

We're also going to throw in a few "monkey wrenches"...you know, those obstacles that come up when planning any event? We'll solve them, hopefully with your help, so that our couple's wedding day goes on without a hitch!

We'll take you step by step through the planning process...ask for your opinions along the way...and hopefully at the end leave you with a great road map to begin the creative process of planning your own fantasy wedding!

To launch this process we're having a contest to determine what wedding style we'll use for Amy and Kevin's wedding. (Read about the contest here.)

The wedding style choices are as follows:

Traditional
Hollywood Glam
Southern Charm
Sophisticated Vintage
Natural and Green
Modern Chic

To get started, we need your help! Amy and Kevin need a wedding style! We gave you a few hints into their background in our previous post so be sure to vote for your favorite wedding style and you may just win a $50 gift card from CB2.

Contest ends midnight, May 16th!