Many couples are often shocked at the costs that are involved with planning a wedding. Looking for ways to reduce these inflated expenses and control their wedding budget, brides and grooms have discovered that using a well designed wedding planning software package can be the answer to reducing costs, alleviating stress, and gaining control over the entire planning process.
However, not all wedding programs are created equal. In addition to budget control, you will need a program that covers all the many areas of planning a wedding – many of which couples either forget about or tend to ignore. This can prove even more costly down the road.
So before you purchase a wedding planner software package, here are some tips on what you should be looking for within the program.
Wedding Budget Calculator - The program should contain a flexible budget calculator which allows you to group your costs into specific categories. You should then be able to split that category into various sub-costs that you need to cover.
Check List – Although you may not use everything included within a checklist, it is still a good idea to have one. This will remind you on what needs to be done and helps you to keep control of your wedding planning.
Seating Arrangement Planner – This is especially important if you are having a sit down dinner. You will need to make sure there is room enough for families and friends to sit together. Arranging the tables within the room is also a task that needs to be carefully planned out. You don’t want people crowded together at your tables, plus there should be sufficient space between tables so staff can serve the dinner easily.
Guest List Planner – Keeping track of who you are inviting is very important so that you can budget for food, bridal favors, the amount of space needed for the ceremony and reception, etc.
Ceremony Service Planner – This handy tool will allow you to work out and organize your wedding ceremony program. Things such as when songs and music will be played, who will be giving any special readings, plus the timing of who does what and when they need to do it.
Music Planner – You will need to organize the music for your ceremony and the reception. What music will be used during the processional, recessional, during the ceremony? What will be your first dance song? How about when you cut the cake? You may be very surprised at how many instances specially selected music will be played.
Wedding Party Planner – Who is going to be in your wedding party? How many attendants will each of you have? This part of the program will help you keep track of such details.
Although there are many other aspects that need to be organized and tracked while planning your wedding, the above list should give you a good idea on some of the more important parts of what should be included when choosing a wedding planner software package.
About The Author:
Are you at a loss on what you need to do to plan a wedding? Looking for some help, advice and suggestions to reduce your wedding budget or purchase wedding planner software? Rose Smith owns First Step Wedding Planning where brides and grooms can find the resources needed to plan a dazzling, yet inexpensive wedding. Visit us at: http://www.firststepweddings.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rose_Smith
Rabu, 23 Desember 2009
Selasa, 22 Desember 2009
Learn How To Become A Wedding Planner
Getting down a wedding planning occupation is like embarking on some different occupation. To become a wedding planner you may want to be extremely discreet, coordinated and diligent. You are able to begin by setting upward a business program, bumping a place to abide your agency, begin a internet site and as well begin promoting all but your services. It would be an added advantage if you can[2] ensure a lot of credentials in wedding planning. A lot of universities do accept classes to aim you in event planning and wedding planning. You could always call for a class and complete it to bestow many more appraise to your services.
To be a dependable wedding planner you require to hold a full eye for detail. Communication skills are as well of uttermost importance because you'd accept to convey with another types of people. Whenever you're kid-glove you'll be able to act as as a contact between family line members who'd accept a difference inward belief with a few of the affairs in the wedding. In short you need to be a good folks individual as the entirely business of wedding planner is established on people. Your uttermost destination had better be to delight everybody who'd live affected in that one and the same special day.
Marriages are costly affairs now and it's been identified that the fair price of a wedding is around $30,000. The fee of a wedding planner is generally placed along the overall consumption and the usual pay is 20% of the consumption. This demonstrates that the earnings is pretty fine in this business but as said before you will accept to fortify the calibers asked to be a successful wedding planner. You're call for to discover about wedding too. The points demanded in planning a wedding and reception is tremendous. From choosing the wedding locale to the wedding favours
you'll bear a lot obligations to execute and you ought be gear up to accept up obligation for the same. Before you start it is suggested to go through with other wedding planner sites and visit the shops and dress shop that sell items needed for a wedding. Adept cognition about the products acquirable for weddings is all of the time a good idea.
To be a dependable wedding planner you require to hold a full eye for detail. Communication skills are as well of uttermost importance because you'd accept to convey with another types of people. Whenever you're kid-glove you'll be able to act as as a contact between family line members who'd accept a difference inward belief with a few of the affairs in the wedding. In short you need to be a good folks individual as the entirely business of wedding planner is established on people. Your uttermost destination had better be to delight everybody who'd live affected in that one and the same special day.
Marriages are costly affairs now and it's been identified that the fair price of a wedding is around $30,000. The fee of a wedding planner is generally placed along the overall consumption and the usual pay is 20% of the consumption. This demonstrates that the earnings is pretty fine in this business but as said before you will accept to fortify the calibers asked to be a successful wedding planner. You're call for to discover about wedding too. The points demanded in planning a wedding and reception is tremendous. From choosing the wedding locale to the wedding favours
you'll bear a lot obligations to execute and you ought be gear up to accept up obligation for the same. Before you start it is suggested to go through with other wedding planner sites and visit the shops and dress shop that sell items needed for a wedding. Adept cognition about the products acquirable for weddings is all of the time a good idea.
Minggu, 20 Desember 2009
Your Own Personal Mary Poppins - The Wedding Planner
The bridesmaids' dresses and your dress...you got it. Picking out the wedding invitations...no problem. Booking the honeymoon...done. Everything else...what else? If this is the way your wedding planning is going, then you might consider hiring a wedding planner. The wedding planner is the super hero to the wedding world. They have the eye for detail that you may be lacking, and they love to picking out the linens, floral arrangements, and center pieces that you may find extremely boring. They can assist you in finding the perfect cake, and even help your mother pick out an appropriate dress. If you are having trouble getting organized or just don't know where to start, the best thing you can do to make your wedding the most beautiful and memorable day of your entire life, is to hire a wedding planner. Here are some tips for selecting the person that will work for you:
1.) Word of mouth is a great way to pick a wedding planner. Talk to your married friends and see whom they used and if they would recommend using the same person.
2.) The phone book! If all else fails, just start calling every wedding planner listed in the phone book. But be sure to have a list of what you are looking for in a wedding planner handy. That way you can check off your list as you interview them to make sure you are getting the planner that meets your specific requirements.
3.) Enlist the help of an extremely organized friend or family member. Sometimes you don't really need a professional. Just someone who knows quite a bit about weddings and wedding etiquette who can help you get organized and make major decisions.
After selecting the wedding planner, you will need to meet with them to discuss things like your budget, what things you need for them to do specifically, and what ideas you have and how they feel they can improve on them and make those ideas work for you.
Another tip you should keep in mind is that you need to let your wedding planner do what you hired them to do. A good wedding planner will keep you, and your tastes and opinions involved throughout the entire process, so don't worry...that's why you hired them in the first place. You need to just leave all the tedious and organizational details up to them, and trust their intuition. Their job is to make your day go off perfectly and without a hitch, and that is exactly what they will do.
If you are about to get married and are suddenly in a panic about all those little details, then you should really considering hiring a wedding planner to help you take care of those things. Most brides that have used wedding planners will tell you, that when their big day arrives, they are more relaxed and are able to actually enjoy themselves. Remember...it's your day and you need to do what is best for you and what will make your wedding truly the happiest day of your life.
Ashley Rader is the owner of Moments of Elegance, an online wedding boutique specializing in beach wedding favors, summer wedding favors and a huge collection of unique wedding favor ideas that will say thank you with style and will truly make your event unforgettable. Event planners can receive 10% off their order with coupon code: saveonfavors10.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Rader
Is A Wedding Planner Necessary?
Many brides don't want to relinquish control of any part of their wedding planning. However, they find themselves stressed by all the details. Though it's oftentimes a tough decision to make, you should consider hiring a wedding planner.
With the costs of planning a wedding on the rise and so many vendors to choose from, a wedding planner can help make things a whole lot easier for the bride and groom.
Do you need a wedding planner? Ask yourself these questions and find out.
Are you stressed out?
With financial concerns and pressure from all the wedding planning decisions, you may find that you are always frazzled and not enjoying your engagement. A wedding planner can help by taking off some of that pressure and handling all the details.
Are you having a hard time finding vendors?
If you have called banquet hall after banquet hall only to find that your wedding date isn't available, it's time to call a wedding planner. A professional planner will have contacts in the wedding industry and know of vendors that you might not even consider.
Do you hate planning?
No one says you have to love planning your wedding. Maybe you just aren't a planner. If that's the case, don't feel pressured. Instead you can turn over the duties to someone who loves wedding planning and has years of experience doing it right.
The best way to find the perfect wedding planner is through referrals from other brides. If you know anyone in your area that has gotten married in the last few years, ask them which wedding planner they used. You should also go online to various bridal websites and talk to women in your area to find referrals.
After you have a few wedding planners in mind, conduct an interview to be sure your personalities are compatible. Explain how much input you would like to have in the wedding decisions ... after all, it's still your wedding. Don't be worried that the wedding planner will override all your wishes. You are paying the planner to help create your ideal wedding and all the final choices will still be yours.
Throughout the process, check in with your wedding planner often. Meet with the planner every few weeks and talk on the phone weekly to make sure you are still on the same page. If there are any snags in the wedding planning, you'll want to find out early.
| Enjoy your engagement! Trying on dresses, tasting cakes and choosing wedding favors are all fun parts of planning your wedding. When looking for wedding favors, make selections that incorporate your personality, as well as your wedding style and theme. Truly Wedding Favors offers hundreds of wedding favors that are beautiful as well as affordable. Learn more about planning your wedding on a budget by reading the Truly Wedding Blog. This and other helpful articles are sponsored by Truly Wedding Favors. |
Jumat, 18 Desember 2009
Get The Best Wedding Planner To Plan Your Wedding
When a couple is prepared to tie the knot a lot is put in the wedding preparation. Deciding on who will play some of the major roles in a wedding is one of the top objectives of an engaged couple equivalent on deciding where and when the event will take place. Although it is usually the bride and groom that make all of the decisions regarding their wedding, it is often the friends and families that run the show during the event. Many individuals decide to use the services of wedding planners, though this often incorporates large expenses and limits placed on wedding plans. It is up to the bride and groom to not only establish who will fill the major roles of the wedding party but also pick individuals that they can rely on during the turmoil's commonly found during a wedding event.
Finding the appropriate individuals to fill the roles of Best Man and Maid of Honor are often the most important roles hat a groom and bride need to decide upon. The important roles related to Best Man and Maid of Honor impact the wedding preparation as they act as additional or supportive wedding planners. The Best man is responsible for events such as the bachelor party as well as helping to keep the groom focused during this time of married development. Helping to manage the emotional rollercoaster that most brides go through while also planning the bridal shower are a few of the necessary responsibilities of the Maid of Honor. Together the Best man and the Maid of Honor help to plan the event, produce toasts during the reception, and help smooth out any bumps during the wedding preparation proceedings in order to limit the bride and grooms stress.
The establishment of the Best Man and Maid of Honor are important in wedding preparation although they do not always represent the best support necessary for the marrying couple. When it comes to the Best Man and the Maid of Honor the individuals destined to fill the roles are often not up for debate so adjustments of support can be found in the roles of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. These individuals act as a private team of wedding planners that are there to support the bride and groom by helping out the Best man and Maid of Honor. The wedding preparations can be overwhelming to any individual and the experience is not just stressful for the marrying couple. The position of groomsmen and bridesmaid is more open in selection then the Best Man and Maid of Honor so it is best to assemble the best team available to assist the couple as additional wedding planners. Finding individuals with limited personal negativity is useful in order to keep every individual in the wedding party working in the best interests of the engaged couple.
Wedding preparation is a big deal in any couples life and having the best support team available to you is important. Remember to try and include these individuals in as many aspects of the wedding preparation as possible so that they have a clear understanding of your expectations.
About the Author
Dreaming of having the perfect wedding, but don't think you have the knowledge or time to plan it properly. At http://www.planningmyweddingday.com you will information that you won't find in any other free wedding planner. Log on to the site and save yourself time, frustration and money; and have a wonderful, fun-filled wedding day!
Finding the appropriate individuals to fill the roles of Best Man and Maid of Honor are often the most important roles hat a groom and bride need to decide upon. The important roles related to Best Man and Maid of Honor impact the wedding preparation as they act as additional or supportive wedding planners. The Best man is responsible for events such as the bachelor party as well as helping to keep the groom focused during this time of married development. Helping to manage the emotional rollercoaster that most brides go through while also planning the bridal shower are a few of the necessary responsibilities of the Maid of Honor. Together the Best man and the Maid of Honor help to plan the event, produce toasts during the reception, and help smooth out any bumps during the wedding preparation proceedings in order to limit the bride and grooms stress.
The establishment of the Best Man and Maid of Honor are important in wedding preparation although they do not always represent the best support necessary for the marrying couple. When it comes to the Best Man and the Maid of Honor the individuals destined to fill the roles are often not up for debate so adjustments of support can be found in the roles of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. These individuals act as a private team of wedding planners that are there to support the bride and groom by helping out the Best man and Maid of Honor. The wedding preparations can be overwhelming to any individual and the experience is not just stressful for the marrying couple. The position of groomsmen and bridesmaid is more open in selection then the Best Man and Maid of Honor so it is best to assemble the best team available to assist the couple as additional wedding planners. Finding individuals with limited personal negativity is useful in order to keep every individual in the wedding party working in the best interests of the engaged couple.
Wedding preparation is a big deal in any couples life and having the best support team available to you is important. Remember to try and include these individuals in as many aspects of the wedding preparation as possible so that they have a clear understanding of your expectations.
About the Author
Dreaming of having the perfect wedding, but don't think you have the knowledge or time to plan it properly. At http://www.planningmyweddingday.com you will information that you won't find in any other free wedding planner. Log on to the site and save yourself time, frustration and money; and have a wonderful, fun-filled wedding day!
Wedding Planner Tools
Getting Married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day in your life. Your wedding day. Imagine...It is your wedding day. Your very own wedding day! It will be fun.
Here are ten essential steps that will make the preparation fun too.
Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding. You do not want to start your married life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a "wedding to remember" will be yours.
Now Visualize. That's right, visualize. Close your eyes and look at the tasks at hand. The list may SEEM overwhelming but it isn't.
Don't try to do everything all at once. Start by gathering information. Use the Net to gather ideas from around the world. Make an extensive list of "things you LIKE", "things you WANT" and "things you MUST HAVE" (see the difference?)
Now you are ready to make a Top Ten (or top eleven or twelve) list.
Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish. Use categories like... Before the wedding - During the wedding - After the wedding.
Now use sub categories. Include ideas for related events such as, showers, receptions, and honeymoon.
It is YOUR wedding. It reflects YOU. No one should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. You may seek advice, ideas and wisdom but in the end each final decision is yours.
What this means is don't be shy! Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement, help and ideas from those you believe will be an asset.
9.Add your personal touches. For example; if you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.
Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. A personal touch makes a wedding meaningful to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
In summary, your wedding is a serious moment for declaring your love and commitment to each other. Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Fill it with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the journey. Perhaps, the memories and keepsakes may stay with you forever. Treasure them! And may you have a Happy, Happy day!
About the Author
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites. http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com http://www.100earningtips.com
Here are ten essential steps that will make the preparation fun too.
Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding. You do not want to start your married life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a "wedding to remember" will be yours.
Now Visualize. That's right, visualize. Close your eyes and look at the tasks at hand. The list may SEEM overwhelming but it isn't.
Don't try to do everything all at once. Start by gathering information. Use the Net to gather ideas from around the world. Make an extensive list of "things you LIKE", "things you WANT" and "things you MUST HAVE" (see the difference?)
Now you are ready to make a Top Ten (or top eleven or twelve) list.
Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully accomplish. Use categories like... Before the wedding - During the wedding - After the wedding.
Now use sub categories. Include ideas for related events such as, showers, receptions, and honeymoon.
It is YOUR wedding. It reflects YOU. No one should dictate to you what to do and how to do it. You may seek advice, ideas and wisdom but in the end each final decision is yours.
What this means is don't be shy! Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement, help and ideas from those you believe will be an asset.
9.Add your personal touches. For example; if you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.
Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. A personal touch makes a wedding meaningful to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
In summary, your wedding is a serious moment for declaring your love and commitment to each other. Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Fill it with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the journey. Perhaps, the memories and keepsakes may stay with you forever. Treasure them! And may you have a Happy, Happy day!
About the Author
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Internet Business, do please browse for more information at our websites. http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com http://www.100earningtips.com
Choosing a Wedding Caterer - 6 Tips for the Perfect Wedding Reception
Choosing a wedding caterer can be a stressful process. Be sure to leave plenty of time in your wedding planning schedule to interview caterers, choose your menu, and pay the costs. With these few tips you can be assured that hiring a wedding caterer will go smoothly.
# Be aware that many wedding venues provide a catering service. These venues often require you to use their services. If you already have a caterer in mind, you will need to contact your potential reception locations to make sure that you can hire an outside catering service. Many venues that hold a great deal of weddings will probably have a wedding coordinator. This coordinator will help you chose either the menu that their service will provide or will help you chose from a list of catering services that they work with.
# Ask friends, family, your wedding planner, and the wedding venue coordinator for recommendations for a caterer in that area. Both the wedding planner and the venue coordinator should be very familiar with local catering services. If the venue does not provide a catering service, and you don't like any of the local caterers, you may be able to find a catering service that is willing to travel. Depending on far they have to travel, there will probably be an extra charge for this service. You will have to decide if the price is worth it.
# Price ranges can vary widely among wedding caterers. Much of the cost depends on the size of the reception and the chosen menu, however, the education and reputation of the chef may also play a part in the price. It's best to know your catering budget limit before you being to talk to caterers. This way you can eliminate those that are well out of your range. It's easy to go over budget on your reception menu. Stick to your budget here and you won't have to give up something else because you are out of money.
# Be sure to tell potential caterers about any special dietary needs, food allergies, or special menu items that you require for your wedding reception. Some caterers have a fixed menu plan that they do not want to deviate from. A good caterer will be able to accommodate any special requests. If you are dealing with food allergies, make sure the caterer understands about cross-contamination in the kitchen and while serving.
# Any decent caterer should schedule a tasting so you can sample their food. Most will give you samples of your chosen menu before the menu is finalized so you can tell ahead of time what items will taste like. If a caterer refuses to do a sampling, it's probably best not to hire them.
# Create a list of potential caterers where you can keep note and rate their food, price, menu, etc. This will help you remember each caterer and will help you decide which one is right for your wedding reception.
Give yourself time to interview several wedding caterers before your wedding date. With the right caterer and menu, your wedding reception will be remembered for a lifetime.
About the Author
Jenna Regan has enjoyed being a wedding consultant for the last 2 years. She has featured some of her ideas at her site, Wedding Decoration Ideas, where you can find ideas and information on wedding themes, handmade wedding invitations, and bridal hairstyles.
# Be aware that many wedding venues provide a catering service. These venues often require you to use their services. If you already have a caterer in mind, you will need to contact your potential reception locations to make sure that you can hire an outside catering service. Many venues that hold a great deal of weddings will probably have a wedding coordinator. This coordinator will help you chose either the menu that their service will provide or will help you chose from a list of catering services that they work with.
# Ask friends, family, your wedding planner, and the wedding venue coordinator for recommendations for a caterer in that area. Both the wedding planner and the venue coordinator should be very familiar with local catering services. If the venue does not provide a catering service, and you don't like any of the local caterers, you may be able to find a catering service that is willing to travel. Depending on far they have to travel, there will probably be an extra charge for this service. You will have to decide if the price is worth it.
# Price ranges can vary widely among wedding caterers. Much of the cost depends on the size of the reception and the chosen menu, however, the education and reputation of the chef may also play a part in the price. It's best to know your catering budget limit before you being to talk to caterers. This way you can eliminate those that are well out of your range. It's easy to go over budget on your reception menu. Stick to your budget here and you won't have to give up something else because you are out of money.
# Be sure to tell potential caterers about any special dietary needs, food allergies, or special menu items that you require for your wedding reception. Some caterers have a fixed menu plan that they do not want to deviate from. A good caterer will be able to accommodate any special requests. If you are dealing with food allergies, make sure the caterer understands about cross-contamination in the kitchen and while serving.
# Any decent caterer should schedule a tasting so you can sample their food. Most will give you samples of your chosen menu before the menu is finalized so you can tell ahead of time what items will taste like. If a caterer refuses to do a sampling, it's probably best not to hire them.
# Create a list of potential caterers where you can keep note and rate their food, price, menu, etc. This will help you remember each caterer and will help you decide which one is right for your wedding reception.
Give yourself time to interview several wedding caterers before your wedding date. With the right caterer and menu, your wedding reception will be remembered for a lifetime.
About the Author
Jenna Regan has enjoyed being a wedding consultant for the last 2 years. She has featured some of her ideas at her site, Wedding Decoration Ideas, where you can find ideas and information on wedding themes, handmade wedding invitations, and bridal hairstyles.
A Romantic Wedding in Italy
Italy provides one of the world's most romantic wedding venues, and is fast becoming a favorite place to get married - the romance, the food, the climate - and it's easily accessible for family and friends traveling from the UK.
But the most important thing to remember is - it's easy!
If neither of you speak Italian, it's a good idea to find a wedding planner - somebody who can liaise with all the right people to make sure that your wedding is a day to remember.
There are two aspects to your day - the wedding ceremony, and the party - whether that be a simple meal in a restaurant, or dancing the night away to whatever type of music takes your fancy.
Most people come to Italy for a civil, rather than a religious, wedding - and in most areas this has to take place legally in the town hall. But many people keep this to a very low key affair, and then choose a lovely location - such as a beautiful old villa, an outdoor location or a seaside venue - for their 'wedding'. Some local councils are very accommodating. They will invite the bride and groom with a couple of witnesses into the mayor's office, and without too much ceremony, they will marry the couple. The next day (or another day of their choice - even the same day) the mayor will come to the 'wedding' location and repeat the whole ceremony - only this time, the bride is dressed for a wedding, the venue is full of flowers, there is music, readings or specially written vows exchanged by the couple. This is the wedding that the guests are invited to, and everything - from the arrival of the bride to the party at the end of the evening - can all take place in a single location.
But then some people just love the idea of getting married in one of the delightful town halls, usually situated in a wonderful old piazza, and more often than not they are historic buildings in their own right. The guests come to the town hall and experience real Italy - and then back to the venue of choice for the celebration.
The legal proceedings are quite straightforward - but if you don't speak Italian, this is when you do need some help. First of all, you have to get a Certificate of No Impediment from your local registrar. This is very straightforward - you only have to ask. You need to get this about three months before your wedding. It's simply a document that says there is nothing to prevent you from getting married. If you send this to your planner, she will arrange for the appropriate British Consulate here in Italy to issue something called a Nulla Osta - which is the Italian equivalent of the Certificate of No Impediment. This is then taken to the town hall, and they create all the paperwork before your big day. In some cases, you might be told that you need to be in Italy a few days in advance, but normally if your planner has everything in hand, that isn't strictly necessary. At the end of the marriage ceremony, you will be presented with a marriage certificate (which is far more elaborate than a British one) and - if your planner has done her job properly - you will also get a number of copies of a translation document. You can use this if ever you need to present your marriage certificate in England.
Once you are married - it's on to the wedding party!
Weddings in Italy - for Italians - are very elaborate affairs. It's not unusual to have two hundred or more guests, and the food goes on forever. It really is the meal that is the highlight of the event, and until you have experienced an Italian wedding, it's difficult to describe the incredible quantity and quality of food on offer. Non Italian weddings tend to be smaller - but no less romantic.
In the summer months it can be hot - and so weddings normally take place in the late afternoon. As soon as the ceremony is over, the Prosecco and canapés are on offer. Guests mingle, choose from the numerous trays of delicious nibbles - stuffed olives, marinated salmon, crispy fried cheese, tiny vegetable tarts - the list goes on. Photographs may be taken at this point, and the photographer will probably mingle with the crowd, taking pictures 'reportage' style together with any formal shots that the bride and groom would like.
Then it's on to the antipasti. When we organise weddings ourselves, the antipasti is always in a slightly different part of the gardens - perhaps on a pool terrace. Tables are heaving with plates of meat, fish, cheese and vegetables - perhaps an individual glass of Italian gazpacho with a skewer of roasted vegetables, or smoked turkey with a pepper and melon salad. Depending on the number of guests, there can be ten or more different selections on the antipasti table, and they are normally served buffet style, with guests finding a table by the pool or in the shade of a tree.
And then ... dinner! The formal part of the meal might be served under an open sided gazebo, but normally at large round tables, beautifully decorated with flowers and candles. The dinner starts with pasta or risotto courses - and often both. It is a leisurely affair, and the wine flows freely. The main course can be meat, fish, or vegetarian - and in some cases there are two main courses separated by a sorbetto. If, by then, you haven't eaten enough - dessert isn't just a single plate - it's another feast, with a buffet table laden with a mouth watering choice of options - semifreddo, ice cream cake, mousse, tiramisu, fruit. This is what a wedding in Italy is all about. See the wedding gallery at for an idea of the food, the setting and the ambiance of a romantic wedding in Italy.
And then there is a chance to dance the night away - but it will, without a doubt, be a wedding to remember in a country which, above all, loves romance.
About the Author
Sheila Rodgers is the owner and manager of Real Italy Limited, a company dedicated to providing holidays and romantic weddings in the stunning Le Marche region of Italy. The wedding venue is a large Italian villa in the heart of Le Marche, and weddings take place in the small chapel adjoining the villa.
But the most important thing to remember is - it's easy!
If neither of you speak Italian, it's a good idea to find a wedding planner - somebody who can liaise with all the right people to make sure that your wedding is a day to remember.
There are two aspects to your day - the wedding ceremony, and the party - whether that be a simple meal in a restaurant, or dancing the night away to whatever type of music takes your fancy.
Most people come to Italy for a civil, rather than a religious, wedding - and in most areas this has to take place legally in the town hall. But many people keep this to a very low key affair, and then choose a lovely location - such as a beautiful old villa, an outdoor location or a seaside venue - for their 'wedding'. Some local councils are very accommodating. They will invite the bride and groom with a couple of witnesses into the mayor's office, and without too much ceremony, they will marry the couple. The next day (or another day of their choice - even the same day) the mayor will come to the 'wedding' location and repeat the whole ceremony - only this time, the bride is dressed for a wedding, the venue is full of flowers, there is music, readings or specially written vows exchanged by the couple. This is the wedding that the guests are invited to, and everything - from the arrival of the bride to the party at the end of the evening - can all take place in a single location.
But then some people just love the idea of getting married in one of the delightful town halls, usually situated in a wonderful old piazza, and more often than not they are historic buildings in their own right. The guests come to the town hall and experience real Italy - and then back to the venue of choice for the celebration.
The legal proceedings are quite straightforward - but if you don't speak Italian, this is when you do need some help. First of all, you have to get a Certificate of No Impediment from your local registrar. This is very straightforward - you only have to ask. You need to get this about three months before your wedding. It's simply a document that says there is nothing to prevent you from getting married. If you send this to your planner, she will arrange for the appropriate British Consulate here in Italy to issue something called a Nulla Osta - which is the Italian equivalent of the Certificate of No Impediment. This is then taken to the town hall, and they create all the paperwork before your big day. In some cases, you might be told that you need to be in Italy a few days in advance, but normally if your planner has everything in hand, that isn't strictly necessary. At the end of the marriage ceremony, you will be presented with a marriage certificate (which is far more elaborate than a British one) and - if your planner has done her job properly - you will also get a number of copies of a translation document. You can use this if ever you need to present your marriage certificate in England.
Once you are married - it's on to the wedding party!
Weddings in Italy - for Italians - are very elaborate affairs. It's not unusual to have two hundred or more guests, and the food goes on forever. It really is the meal that is the highlight of the event, and until you have experienced an Italian wedding, it's difficult to describe the incredible quantity and quality of food on offer. Non Italian weddings tend to be smaller - but no less romantic.
In the summer months it can be hot - and so weddings normally take place in the late afternoon. As soon as the ceremony is over, the Prosecco and canapés are on offer. Guests mingle, choose from the numerous trays of delicious nibbles - stuffed olives, marinated salmon, crispy fried cheese, tiny vegetable tarts - the list goes on. Photographs may be taken at this point, and the photographer will probably mingle with the crowd, taking pictures 'reportage' style together with any formal shots that the bride and groom would like.
Then it's on to the antipasti. When we organise weddings ourselves, the antipasti is always in a slightly different part of the gardens - perhaps on a pool terrace. Tables are heaving with plates of meat, fish, cheese and vegetables - perhaps an individual glass of Italian gazpacho with a skewer of roasted vegetables, or smoked turkey with a pepper and melon salad. Depending on the number of guests, there can be ten or more different selections on the antipasti table, and they are normally served buffet style, with guests finding a table by the pool or in the shade of a tree.
And then ... dinner! The formal part of the meal might be served under an open sided gazebo, but normally at large round tables, beautifully decorated with flowers and candles. The dinner starts with pasta or risotto courses - and often both. It is a leisurely affair, and the wine flows freely. The main course can be meat, fish, or vegetarian - and in some cases there are two main courses separated by a sorbetto. If, by then, you haven't eaten enough - dessert isn't just a single plate - it's another feast, with a buffet table laden with a mouth watering choice of options - semifreddo, ice cream cake, mousse, tiramisu, fruit. This is what a wedding in Italy is all about. See the wedding gallery at for an idea of the food, the setting and the ambiance of a romantic wedding in Italy.
And then there is a chance to dance the night away - but it will, without a doubt, be a wedding to remember in a country which, above all, loves romance.
About the Author
Sheila Rodgers is the owner and manager of Real Italy Limited, a company dedicated to providing holidays and romantic weddings in the stunning Le Marche region of Italy. The wedding venue is a large Italian villa in the heart of Le Marche, and weddings take place in the small chapel adjoining the villa.
Top 5 Wedding Planning Books
Wedding planning is an overwhelming experience. One minute you are high on emotion the next your are tearing your hair out because the caterers you so badly wanted are fully booked or that dream dress is not available anywhere.
Little wonder then that many brides will seek solace & advice from wedding planning books. For some these books can become their wedding bibles! Never far from view, with marked pages, scribbled notes on sticky pads & lots of loose cuttings falling from every page. For others they are nothing more than a reference in times of need, nevertheless, a valuable one at that
The following is a list of the top 5 wedding planning books according to Amazon.
1.The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Own Wedding by Linda Wright
Synopsis
A self-help wedding planner with countdown calendar, step-by-step action plans and a comprehensive checklist section.
2. Wedding Planning for Dummies by Marcy Blum & Laura F. Kaiser
Synopsis
Wedding Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition demystifies and simplifies all the details that go into the Big Day, providing inspiration and innovative ideas to personalize your wedding celebration and, of course, make it fun for everyone-especially you! This one-stop guide is all you need to:
- Design a comprehensive schedule for a snag-free wedding day - Keep track of expenses with a wedding budget - Negotiate contracts and surf online for deals - Get those pesky financial technicalities out of the way - Plan a weekend wedding, a themed wedding, and other celebrations - Select a suitable wedding party - Plan for various customs and rites - Get the decorative effect you want - Throw a great reception with music, food, drink, and cake! - Handle gifts, registries, rings, photos, and the honeymoon
Packed with tips for saving money and common kitsch you should avoid, this is the ultimate guide to satisfying everyone on the Big Day. You'll discover the confidence you need to make the wedding of your dreams come true with Wedding Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition!
3.Planning Your Wedding: A Step-by-step Guide That Will Take You Right Through to the Big Day By Judith Verity
Synopsis
An up-to-date guide to wedding planning, providing advice on what's traditional, what your options are, how to manage tricky social situations, how to plan the wedding your way, stay inside your budget and cut down on stress.
4.Planning a Wedding Reception at Home by Carol Godsmark
Synopsis
With this book you'll be able to event manage the day yourself so that all the details are covered and everything runs smoothly with the minimum of stress. Alongside all the more general advice and tips you'll find information on: Preparing a budget and getting quotations for the marquee or village hall. Choosing the menu, including a selection of sample menus. If you're cooking yourself, how to prepare and shop for the chosen menus. Buying alcohol, planning the bar and finding staff to man it. How to hire equipment and gauge quantities of plates, cutlery, serving dishes, and tablecloths. How to find good staff and instruct them on their duties. Organizing the music and ensuring sufficient electrical power. Planning the big tidy up afterward!
5.Easy Wedding Planning Plus, 5th Edition: The Most Comprehensive and Easy to Use Wedding Planner by Elizabeth Lluch
Synopsis not available.
About the Author
Georgina Clatworthy is a dedicated full time writer who composes informative articles related to wedding favors and wedding. She is connected with 1WeddingSource, today's leading wedding social networking planning site.
Little wonder then that many brides will seek solace & advice from wedding planning books. For some these books can become their wedding bibles! Never far from view, with marked pages, scribbled notes on sticky pads & lots of loose cuttings falling from every page. For others they are nothing more than a reference in times of need, nevertheless, a valuable one at that
The following is a list of the top 5 wedding planning books according to Amazon.
1.The Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Own Wedding by Linda Wright
Synopsis
A self-help wedding planner with countdown calendar, step-by-step action plans and a comprehensive checklist section.
2. Wedding Planning for Dummies by Marcy Blum & Laura F. Kaiser
Synopsis
Wedding Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition demystifies and simplifies all the details that go into the Big Day, providing inspiration and innovative ideas to personalize your wedding celebration and, of course, make it fun for everyone-especially you! This one-stop guide is all you need to:
- Design a comprehensive schedule for a snag-free wedding day - Keep track of expenses with a wedding budget - Negotiate contracts and surf online for deals - Get those pesky financial technicalities out of the way - Plan a weekend wedding, a themed wedding, and other celebrations - Select a suitable wedding party - Plan for various customs and rites - Get the decorative effect you want - Throw a great reception with music, food, drink, and cake! - Handle gifts, registries, rings, photos, and the honeymoon
Packed with tips for saving money and common kitsch you should avoid, this is the ultimate guide to satisfying everyone on the Big Day. You'll discover the confidence you need to make the wedding of your dreams come true with Wedding Planning For Dummies, 2nd Edition!
3.Planning Your Wedding: A Step-by-step Guide That Will Take You Right Through to the Big Day By Judith Verity
Synopsis
An up-to-date guide to wedding planning, providing advice on what's traditional, what your options are, how to manage tricky social situations, how to plan the wedding your way, stay inside your budget and cut down on stress.
4.Planning a Wedding Reception at Home by Carol Godsmark
Synopsis
With this book you'll be able to event manage the day yourself so that all the details are covered and everything runs smoothly with the minimum of stress. Alongside all the more general advice and tips you'll find information on: Preparing a budget and getting quotations for the marquee or village hall. Choosing the menu, including a selection of sample menus. If you're cooking yourself, how to prepare and shop for the chosen menus. Buying alcohol, planning the bar and finding staff to man it. How to hire equipment and gauge quantities of plates, cutlery, serving dishes, and tablecloths. How to find good staff and instruct them on their duties. Organizing the music and ensuring sufficient electrical power. Planning the big tidy up afterward!
5.Easy Wedding Planning Plus, 5th Edition: The Most Comprehensive and Easy to Use Wedding Planner by Elizabeth Lluch
Synopsis not available.
About the Author
Georgina Clatworthy is a dedicated full time writer who composes informative articles related to wedding favors and wedding. She is connected with 1WeddingSource, today's leading wedding social networking planning site.
Wedding Planning Made Easy - Top Ten Tips
Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of your life, but for many it can also be the most daunting. Instinctively knowing everything that needs to be arranged, for something you have never done before, is a rather tall order. Therefore knowing where to start can be tricky. Most brides will immediately think of the ideal venue and dream wedding dress, but there are a few things that need to be considered prior to this. Having this information to hand will save you stress at a later date and ensure your wedding planning process runs smoothly, on time and very importantly to budget!
1. First things first, make a list of everyone you would like to invite to your special day (remembering to check with both of your families). Then revisit it and decide if it is an acceptable number to you all. It is worth bearing in mind that the larger the venue you need, the fewer options there will be available to you and naturally your budget will increase.
2. The wedding party. Decide who the best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids and ushers will be and ask them.
3. The budget. This can be a sensitive subject but it must be considered so that you can establish what your limits will be. If you are managing your wedding yourself, make a comprehensive list of every item that will cost you so you can work out what you want to prioritise. If you have a wedding planner, they will do this for you and make sure nothing is forgotten whilst helping you stay within budget!
4. Choosing the date. Things to consider: season and weather, bridal party availability, religious limitations, ideal honeymoon location, day of the week (weekdays are usually more cost effective).
5. Wedding insurance. This is something that many people do not consider and it is extremely important. The sooner you can get cover the better, as your policy can cover eventualities such as losing the wedding rings, damage to the bridal gown and venue double bookings. Find out exactly what your policy covers and try to get recommendations from friends.
6. Contact a wedding planner for either full management or for certain aspects or just consultancy to go through a detailed plan of action and provide advice. It is worth knowing that planners have many contacts and can usually negotiate better rates than if you go direct.
7. The service. Consider if it will be religious or civil and if you would like everything to be held in the same venue, or for example a church plus reception venue.
8. The venue. If you wish to have the ceremony and reception in one venue, find out if they have a wedding license. Things to consider: cost, capacities, number of rooms, space for dancing, late license if required, music license and time restrictions. For separate venues also consider distance between the two.
9. Suppliers. Work out if the venue will provide the suppliers - florists, caterers and decorations. Some will insist on using theirs, others will be more flexible. This is important if you have a local florist or caterer you wish to use. A wedding planner will also be able to advise if their suppliers are costly or not - you do not want to get a great venue rate only to find your suppliers cost an arm and a leg!
10. Time line. Most people spend on average one year planning a wedding. This is because of the planning involved and also to get venue availability - believe it or not, popular venues can be booked up well over a year in advance! Think about how long each item takes to organize and prioritize accordingly.
There are many elements to planning a wedding, but hopefully you will find these top tips useful to get you started. Working with a wedding planner will not only mean you have a professional to guide you and often negotiate better rates, but will also save you time and give you that much needed support. Good luck!
EventAngel is a wedding planning and event management company with a personal touch. Based in North London we offer the support you need to suit your budget. We produce completely bespoke weddings ensuring your personal stamp is made.
EventAngel wedding planners work in harmony with you to create the perfect wedding day of your dreams. We provide a full wedding planning service where we suport you on the whole process, or we can simply manage certain aspects for you. If you would just like a planner on the day this is no problem either. We have an extensive list of suppliers from beautiul cake designers to personalised, handmade stationery producers and hair and makeup artists.
We also offer a wedding consultancy package to give you the most flexible service possible. We are here to help, so please contact us or visit the website for more information and a list of all of our services. EventAngel does the hard work for you and lets you make the important decisions, taking the stress out of the planning process.
http://www.event-angel.com
1. First things first, make a list of everyone you would like to invite to your special day (remembering to check with both of your families). Then revisit it and decide if it is an acceptable number to you all. It is worth bearing in mind that the larger the venue you need, the fewer options there will be available to you and naturally your budget will increase.
2. The wedding party. Decide who the best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids and ushers will be and ask them.
3. The budget. This can be a sensitive subject but it must be considered so that you can establish what your limits will be. If you are managing your wedding yourself, make a comprehensive list of every item that will cost you so you can work out what you want to prioritise. If you have a wedding planner, they will do this for you and make sure nothing is forgotten whilst helping you stay within budget!
4. Choosing the date. Things to consider: season and weather, bridal party availability, religious limitations, ideal honeymoon location, day of the week (weekdays are usually more cost effective).
5. Wedding insurance. This is something that many people do not consider and it is extremely important. The sooner you can get cover the better, as your policy can cover eventualities such as losing the wedding rings, damage to the bridal gown and venue double bookings. Find out exactly what your policy covers and try to get recommendations from friends.
6. Contact a wedding planner for either full management or for certain aspects or just consultancy to go through a detailed plan of action and provide advice. It is worth knowing that planners have many contacts and can usually negotiate better rates than if you go direct.
7. The service. Consider if it will be religious or civil and if you would like everything to be held in the same venue, or for example a church plus reception venue.
8. The venue. If you wish to have the ceremony and reception in one venue, find out if they have a wedding license. Things to consider: cost, capacities, number of rooms, space for dancing, late license if required, music license and time restrictions. For separate venues also consider distance between the two.
9. Suppliers. Work out if the venue will provide the suppliers - florists, caterers and decorations. Some will insist on using theirs, others will be more flexible. This is important if you have a local florist or caterer you wish to use. A wedding planner will also be able to advise if their suppliers are costly or not - you do not want to get a great venue rate only to find your suppliers cost an arm and a leg!
10. Time line. Most people spend on average one year planning a wedding. This is because of the planning involved and also to get venue availability - believe it or not, popular venues can be booked up well over a year in advance! Think about how long each item takes to organize and prioritize accordingly.
There are many elements to planning a wedding, but hopefully you will find these top tips useful to get you started. Working with a wedding planner will not only mean you have a professional to guide you and often negotiate better rates, but will also save you time and give you that much needed support. Good luck!
EventAngel is a wedding planning and event management company with a personal touch. Based in North London we offer the support you need to suit your budget. We produce completely bespoke weddings ensuring your personal stamp is made.
EventAngel wedding planners work in harmony with you to create the perfect wedding day of your dreams. We provide a full wedding planning service where we suport you on the whole process, or we can simply manage certain aspects for you. If you would just like a planner on the day this is no problem either. We have an extensive list of suppliers from beautiul cake designers to personalised, handmade stationery producers and hair and makeup artists.
We also offer a wedding consultancy package to give you the most flexible service possible. We are here to help, so please contact us or visit the website for more information and a list of all of our services. EventAngel does the hard work for you and lets you make the important decisions, taking the stress out of the planning process.
http://www.event-angel.com
Wedding Planner Marketing Tips
The wedding planner life is the only one I'd like to lead. I love to see couples find the ways to have their perfect day, and I absolutely love being able to help them do it on their own budget. Solving problems, working with people, and just being around weddings is a great career, so I love what I do. The only problem wedding planners have is marketing. There aren't too many wedding planner marketing tips that are just floating around there. But there are a lot of wedding planners, and it can be hard to make myself stand out in the crowd. If I was going to give advice about wedding planner marketing tips, there are a couple of things that I would be sure to say.
First of all, as a wedding planner, one of the biggest wedding planner marketing tips that I can come up with is making sure that you've got a solid business plan and you are professional. You've got to know what you are doing right off the bat so that you'll be able to do it well. You also have to always present yourself in a professional way. Remember that part of wedding planner marketing is making sure that you can work with all kinds of people, from couples getting married to in laws, to florists and DJs. You are going to have to plan this whole thing out, so be sure that your people skills are up to date. One of the biggest wedding planner marketing tips you can have is to always, always be friendly and polite. You have no idea how far a good word can go. If one couple likes you, they'll recommend you to a friend. Business is easy, that way.
But you've got to get your name out there. I learned that the hard way, having no work for quite some time. Finally I realized that a web site is a great idea, because couples who are getting married like to see what I've done before. I put up photographs from weddings I've planned, and testimonials from couples who like me. I've also put up lists of what I do and what I charge for those services. With this information online, it is super easy for couples to decide that they'd like me. The hardest part is making sure that they know my address. I got an easy to remember website address, and started plastering it all over town. I took out ads in magazines that catered to brides and grooms, and made sure that I stuck it at all sorts of places. I even got some florists and DJs to say that they'd keep some of my cars and recommend me. In turn, I usually use them when I need those services for a wedding. That kind of networking can be the best of the wedding planner marketing tips because not only does it help you get business, it also helps you during your own business. No matter what, I always remember that if I want to be a successful wedding planner, I've just got to get out there and do it.
David Ledoux is an author, speaker, trainer and mentor to entrepreneurs. His newest report The Small Business Death Sentence can be downloaded for free at [http://bigmoneyfreetime.com]
First of all, as a wedding planner, one of the biggest wedding planner marketing tips that I can come up with is making sure that you've got a solid business plan and you are professional. You've got to know what you are doing right off the bat so that you'll be able to do it well. You also have to always present yourself in a professional way. Remember that part of wedding planner marketing is making sure that you can work with all kinds of people, from couples getting married to in laws, to florists and DJs. You are going to have to plan this whole thing out, so be sure that your people skills are up to date. One of the biggest wedding planner marketing tips you can have is to always, always be friendly and polite. You have no idea how far a good word can go. If one couple likes you, they'll recommend you to a friend. Business is easy, that way.
But you've got to get your name out there. I learned that the hard way, having no work for quite some time. Finally I realized that a web site is a great idea, because couples who are getting married like to see what I've done before. I put up photographs from weddings I've planned, and testimonials from couples who like me. I've also put up lists of what I do and what I charge for those services. With this information online, it is super easy for couples to decide that they'd like me. The hardest part is making sure that they know my address. I got an easy to remember website address, and started plastering it all over town. I took out ads in magazines that catered to brides and grooms, and made sure that I stuck it at all sorts of places. I even got some florists and DJs to say that they'd keep some of my cars and recommend me. In turn, I usually use them when I need those services for a wedding. That kind of networking can be the best of the wedding planner marketing tips because not only does it help you get business, it also helps you during your own business. No matter what, I always remember that if I want to be a successful wedding planner, I've just got to get out there and do it.
David Ledoux is an author, speaker, trainer and mentor to entrepreneurs. His newest report The Small Business Death Sentence can be downloaded for free at [http://bigmoneyfreetime.com]
Always a Wedding Planner, Never a Bride
If you enjoyed the movie The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, you'll get a real kick out of Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus.
Anne Hawthorne resides in Bonneterre, Louisiana, a fictionally "real" town with lots of equally "real" characters. A successful wedding planner, Anne has everything she needs--except, of course, her own groom.
Through her cousin, she meets handsome Englishman George Laurence, and feels an instant attraction. But the next day, he shows up at her office with his fiancee in tow. Let the conflict begin.
George feels the same way about Anne. (He's actually just posing as the groom for his employer, but has signed a contract of confidentiality.) His deception eats away at him. How can he remain true to his heart, his Christian beliefs and his employer at the same time? And how will Anne ever forgive him when she learns of his deceit?
Here are a few of the things I enjoyed about this book:
The Character of Anne Hawthorne - She is calm, cool, collected and organized on the outside--a rock for her brides in distress. But on the inside, she longs for a groom of her own, a godly man who won't take advantage of her like the last man in her life.
The Character of George Laurence - I love the way he talks! (What is there about a British accent that is so appealing?) Obviously, the author does a great job of bringing this Brit to life on the page.
The Conflict - It oozes from between every line. How will the characters ever extract themselves from this mess?
Tight Writing - Kaye Dacus knows how to make every word count. (Maybe if I sleep with her book under my pillow, that ability will rub off on me. Oh, if it were only that easy!)
The Strong Spiritual Thread - This story shows us two characters who are honestly seeking to follow God's direction in their lives.
The Setting - The author does a wonderful job of turning Bonneterre into a character in the book. The hometown feel gushes over you as you see Anne relate with family and friends that live in and around Bonneterre.
Sacrifice - Don't you just adore love stories where the main character makes a sacrifice in order show her man how much she loves him? I won't spoil it for you, but be prepared.
This is a wonderful romantic comedy that you don't want to miss. I feel so privileged to have read Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus. Not only is it a great story, but a great study of how to write!
Cathy Bryant
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
Anne Hawthorne resides in Bonneterre, Louisiana, a fictionally "real" town with lots of equally "real" characters. A successful wedding planner, Anne has everything she needs--except, of course, her own groom.
Through her cousin, she meets handsome Englishman George Laurence, and feels an instant attraction. But the next day, he shows up at her office with his fiancee in tow. Let the conflict begin.
George feels the same way about Anne. (He's actually just posing as the groom for his employer, but has signed a contract of confidentiality.) His deception eats away at him. How can he remain true to his heart, his Christian beliefs and his employer at the same time? And how will Anne ever forgive him when she learns of his deceit?
Here are a few of the things I enjoyed about this book:
The Character of Anne Hawthorne - She is calm, cool, collected and organized on the outside--a rock for her brides in distress. But on the inside, she longs for a groom of her own, a godly man who won't take advantage of her like the last man in her life.
The Character of George Laurence - I love the way he talks! (What is there about a British accent that is so appealing?) Obviously, the author does a great job of bringing this Brit to life on the page.
The Conflict - It oozes from between every line. How will the characters ever extract themselves from this mess?
Tight Writing - Kaye Dacus knows how to make every word count. (Maybe if I sleep with her book under my pillow, that ability will rub off on me. Oh, if it were only that easy!)
The Strong Spiritual Thread - This story shows us two characters who are honestly seeking to follow God's direction in their lives.
The Setting - The author does a wonderful job of turning Bonneterre into a character in the book. The hometown feel gushes over you as you see Anne relate with family and friends that live in and around Bonneterre.
Sacrifice - Don't you just adore love stories where the main character makes a sacrifice in order show her man how much she loves him? I won't spoil it for you, but be prepared.
This is a wonderful romantic comedy that you don't want to miss. I feel so privileged to have read Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus. Not only is it a great story, but a great study of how to write!
Cathy Bryant
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
Wedding Planners - Why Couples Prefer Them
More and more couples are opting to pay that extra fee and leave the wedding planning and execution to a professional. They trust that their wedding planner can make their day very special and that leaves them worry free and enjoy other celebrations that are part of their wedding. Now days couples work many hours due to most are professionals.
They understand that wedding planners manage all areas of the wedding and reception by hiring other professional to do the catering, flower arrangements and entertainment. Leaving the couple to decide on theme and preferred colors.
There are many other important reasons but the most important ones are; getting the best for your money, be able to rely on a successful wedding, be able to give expert advice, getting all done in time and most of all the peace of mind that brings with knowing that a professional is handling your wedding.
The wedding planner will know many vendors for having worked with them on previous wedding and will be able to bring you the best for your money; and the most reliable vendors too. They can rely on their wedding planner to meet all their needs that otherwise they could handle it by themselves. The couple understands how hectic and time consuming a wedding can be and by hiring a wedding planner they can ensure that all problems or any emergencies that arises will be swiftly and properly handle and making their wedding a joy and stress free experience.
Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding and most have some ideas what their theme they would like to have but like most of us; we are not all creative. That is where the wedding planner is majorly hired for; their creative gift. The couple will rely that the wedding planner best trait will be the creative part; they will put their total faith that their wedding is going to be the most beautiful and eventful day of their lives.
Leaving all the details to a professional the couples will be assured that they will have a great wedding day and fabulous event. The peace of mind that a couple gets by hiring a professional planner is one of most important reasons there is, they will leave all areas of their wedding to be handle with great details and will hope that this day will turn out to be one of their most precious day one; their wedding day.
Angel S. likes to write articles about wedding career, visit her website at http://www.weddingplannerjobs.org for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_S.
They understand that wedding planners manage all areas of the wedding and reception by hiring other professional to do the catering, flower arrangements and entertainment. Leaving the couple to decide on theme and preferred colors.
There are many other important reasons but the most important ones are; getting the best for your money, be able to rely on a successful wedding, be able to give expert advice, getting all done in time and most of all the peace of mind that brings with knowing that a professional is handling your wedding.
The wedding planner will know many vendors for having worked with them on previous wedding and will be able to bring you the best for your money; and the most reliable vendors too. They can rely on their wedding planner to meet all their needs that otherwise they could handle it by themselves. The couple understands how hectic and time consuming a wedding can be and by hiring a wedding planner they can ensure that all problems or any emergencies that arises will be swiftly and properly handle and making their wedding a joy and stress free experience.
Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding and most have some ideas what their theme they would like to have but like most of us; we are not all creative. That is where the wedding planner is majorly hired for; their creative gift. The couple will rely that the wedding planner best trait will be the creative part; they will put their total faith that their wedding is going to be the most beautiful and eventful day of their lives.
Leaving all the details to a professional the couples will be assured that they will have a great wedding day and fabulous event. The peace of mind that a couple gets by hiring a professional planner is one of most important reasons there is, they will leave all areas of their wedding to be handle with great details and will hope that this day will turn out to be one of their most precious day one; their wedding day.
Angel S. likes to write articles about wedding career, visit her website at http://www.weddingplannerjobs.org for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_S.
The Wedding Planner's Daughter - Book Review
Finally, 12-year-old Willafred Havisham, or Willa as she likes to be called, believes with her whole heart and soul that she and her mom, Stella, are finally in the right place at the right time? Willa's dreams of her first best friend ever and the major connection between her mom and her English teacher, Sam clinch it for her. Could it be her thirteenth birthday wish just may come true this time around? But as long as she can remember Willa dreads the day the armor of steel surrounds her mother. It could only mean one thing, another move.
In the efforts to secretly help the weddings that her mother Stella organizes, Willa always includes a secret thirteenth ingredient until the day everything comes to an ending no one ever suspected.
"Mother, your weddings were perfect, but you were sewing your sadness into them, like a spell. I know you didn't realize it, or do it on purpose, but the day after the wedding your brides would start crying and..."
The hopes and dreams of Willa will cast a spell over the reader. Add in co-conspirators, you will cheer Willa on with every action she takes for the one thing she ever wanted. However, sometimes what you wish for is not actually what you are looking for.
There is no wonder "The Wedding Planner's Daughter," has sold 1/2 million copies and is now a series. Visit Coleen Murtagh Paratore at: http://www.coleenparatore.com to learn more about her exciting writing career.
Title: The Wedding Planner's Daughter
Written by: Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Soft cover: 200 pages
Ages: 8-13
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN-13: 978-0-689-87340-9
Publication: February 2005
Donna's publishing credits include Stories for Children Magazine, Stories for Children Newsletter for Writers, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children's Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, Once Upon A Time, Mom Writer's Literary Magazine, and Cross & Quill ~ The Christian Writers Newsletter. In addition, forthcoming non-fiction articles with Boys' Quest to be published in December 2012 and Hopscotch For Girls to be published in April 2014. She is also a children's book reviewer for the Muse Book Reviews, The National Writing for Children Center, and the Stories for Children Magazine.
Visit her at: http://www.donnamcdine.com or http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
In the efforts to secretly help the weddings that her mother Stella organizes, Willa always includes a secret thirteenth ingredient until the day everything comes to an ending no one ever suspected.
"Mother, your weddings were perfect, but you were sewing your sadness into them, like a spell. I know you didn't realize it, or do it on purpose, but the day after the wedding your brides would start crying and..."
The hopes and dreams of Willa will cast a spell over the reader. Add in co-conspirators, you will cheer Willa on with every action she takes for the one thing she ever wanted. However, sometimes what you wish for is not actually what you are looking for.
There is no wonder "The Wedding Planner's Daughter," has sold 1/2 million copies and is now a series. Visit Coleen Murtagh Paratore at: http://www.coleenparatore.com to learn more about her exciting writing career.
Title: The Wedding Planner's Daughter
Written by: Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Soft cover: 200 pages
Ages: 8-13
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN-13: 978-0-689-87340-9
Publication: February 2005
Donna's publishing credits include Stories for Children Magazine, Stories for Children Newsletter for Writers, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children's Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, Once Upon A Time, Mom Writer's Literary Magazine, and Cross & Quill ~ The Christian Writers Newsletter. In addition, forthcoming non-fiction articles with Boys' Quest to be published in December 2012 and Hopscotch For Girls to be published in April 2014. She is also a children's book reviewer for the Muse Book Reviews, The National Writing for Children Center, and the Stories for Children Magazine.
Visit her at: http://www.donnamcdine.com or http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
Kamis, 17 Desember 2009
Wedding Planner: How to Choose the Right One for Your Wedding
If you watched “Father of the Bride” with Steve Martin, the wedding planner played by Martin Short was a hilarious interpretation of a job that many now consider serious business. “Frahnk” (or Frank), as he was called, flitted about managing all of the details of the elaborate wedding. But, a real wedding consultant or planner can be an invaluable tool in making your special day a real joy instead of a real headache.
Some people opt for a wedding planner in book form which outlines all of the necessary tasks to plan a wedding and gives you a time line, but it will not do any of the jobs for you. A wedding planner can take care of all of the legwork for you so that you can go on with your work, school and other responsibility.
How do you shop for a wedding planner? Just as you should do when you look for any type of service professional, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. If you can get a word-of-mouth referral, this is better than all of the advertisements and glowing referrals provided to you by the wedding planner. If you don’t know anyone who has used a planner, you can always look in the phone book or the classifieds in the newspaper.
Once you have a few potential leads you will need to interview the wedding planner candidates. You are hiring them for an important job, and you need to have confidence that they share your “vision” for your special day. See how willing they are to take suggestions and see what they will do with the ideas that you already have. Do they have doubts about their ability to fulfill your needs? This is a yellow flag, but see why they have concerns before you make a judgment. Once you have interviewed a few planners you are ready to make your decision and get to work.
Most wedding consultants charge a fee of around 10 percent of the cost of the wedding. This is standard-and it is worth it for the peace of mind it will give you.
Eriani Doyel writes articles for and about Weddings. For more information on a wedding planner [http://www.fleckwedding.com] visit fleckwedding.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eriani_Doyel
Some people opt for a wedding planner in book form which outlines all of the necessary tasks to plan a wedding and gives you a time line, but it will not do any of the jobs for you. A wedding planner can take care of all of the legwork for you so that you can go on with your work, school and other responsibility.
How do you shop for a wedding planner? Just as you should do when you look for any type of service professional, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. If you can get a word-of-mouth referral, this is better than all of the advertisements and glowing referrals provided to you by the wedding planner. If you don’t know anyone who has used a planner, you can always look in the phone book or the classifieds in the newspaper.
Once you have a few potential leads you will need to interview the wedding planner candidates. You are hiring them for an important job, and you need to have confidence that they share your “vision” for your special day. See how willing they are to take suggestions and see what they will do with the ideas that you already have. Do they have doubts about their ability to fulfill your needs? This is a yellow flag, but see why they have concerns before you make a judgment. Once you have interviewed a few planners you are ready to make your decision and get to work.
Most wedding consultants charge a fee of around 10 percent of the cost of the wedding. This is standard-and it is worth it for the peace of mind it will give you.
Eriani Doyel writes articles for and about Weddings. For more information on a wedding planner [http://www.fleckwedding.com] visit fleckwedding.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eriani_Doyel
Always a Wedding Planner, Never a Bride
If you enjoyed the movie The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, you'll get a real kick out of Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus.
Anne Hawthorne resides in Bonneterre, Louisiana, a fictionally "real" town with lots of equally "real" characters. A successful wedding planner, Anne has everything she needs--except, of course, her own groom.
Through her cousin, she meets handsome Englishman George Laurence, and feels an instant attraction. But the next day, he shows up at her office with his fiancee in tow. Let the conflict begin.
George feels the same way about Anne. (He's actually just posing as the groom for his employer, but has signed a contract of confidentiality.) His deception eats away at him. How can he remain true to his heart, his Christian beliefs and his employer at the same time? And how will Anne ever forgive him when she learns of his deceit?
Here are a few of the things I enjoyed about this book:
The Character of Anne Hawthorne - She is calm, cool, collected and organized on the outside--a rock for her brides in distress. But on the inside, she longs for a groom of her own, a godly man who won't take advantage of her like the last man in her life.
The Character of George Laurence - I love the way he talks! (What is there about a British accent that is so appealing?) Obviously, the author does a great job of bringing this Brit to life on the page.
The Conflict - It oozes from between every line. How will the characters ever extract themselves from this mess?
Tight Writing - Kaye Dacus knows how to make every word count. (Maybe if I sleep with her book under my pillow, that ability will rub off on me. Oh, if it were only that easy!)
The Strong Spiritual Thread - This story shows us two characters who are honestly seeking to follow God's direction in their lives.
The Setting - The author does a wonderful job of turning Bonneterre into a character in the book. The hometown feel gushes over you as you see Anne relate with family and friends that live in and around Bonneterre.
Sacrifice - Don't you just adore love stories where the main character makes a sacrifice in order show her man how much she loves him? I won't spoil it for you, but be prepared.
This is a wonderful romantic comedy that you don't want to miss. I feel so privileged to have read Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus. Not only is it a great story, but a great study of how to write!
Cathy Bryant
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
Anne Hawthorne resides in Bonneterre, Louisiana, a fictionally "real" town with lots of equally "real" characters. A successful wedding planner, Anne has everything she needs--except, of course, her own groom.
Through her cousin, she meets handsome Englishman George Laurence, and feels an instant attraction. But the next day, he shows up at her office with his fiancee in tow. Let the conflict begin.
George feels the same way about Anne. (He's actually just posing as the groom for his employer, but has signed a contract of confidentiality.) His deception eats away at him. How can he remain true to his heart, his Christian beliefs and his employer at the same time? And how will Anne ever forgive him when she learns of his deceit?
Here are a few of the things I enjoyed about this book:
The Character of Anne Hawthorne - She is calm, cool, collected and organized on the outside--a rock for her brides in distress. But on the inside, she longs for a groom of her own, a godly man who won't take advantage of her like the last man in her life.
The Character of George Laurence - I love the way he talks! (What is there about a British accent that is so appealing?) Obviously, the author does a great job of bringing this Brit to life on the page.
The Conflict - It oozes from between every line. How will the characters ever extract themselves from this mess?
Tight Writing - Kaye Dacus knows how to make every word count. (Maybe if I sleep with her book under my pillow, that ability will rub off on me. Oh, if it were only that easy!)
The Strong Spiritual Thread - This story shows us two characters who are honestly seeking to follow God's direction in their lives.
The Setting - The author does a wonderful job of turning Bonneterre into a character in the book. The hometown feel gushes over you as you see Anne relate with family and friends that live in and around Bonneterre.
Sacrifice - Don't you just adore love stories where the main character makes a sacrifice in order show her man how much she loves him? I won't spoil it for you, but be prepared.
This is a wonderful romantic comedy that you don't want to miss. I feel so privileged to have read Stand-In Groom by Kaye Dacus. Not only is it a great story, but a great study of how to write!
Cathy Bryant
http://wordvessel.blogspot.com
Wedding Planners - Why Couples Prefer Them
More and more couples are opting to pay that extra fee and leave the wedding planning and execution to a professional. They trust that their wedding planner can make their day very special and that leaves them worry free and enjoy other celebrations that are part of their wedding. Now days couples work many hours due to most are professionals.
They understand that wedding planners manage all areas of the wedding and reception by hiring other professional to do the catering, flower arrangements and entertainment. Leaving the couple to decide on theme and preferred colors.
There are many other important reasons but the most important ones are; getting the best for your money, be able to rely on a successful wedding, be able to give expert advice, getting all done in time and most of all the peace of mind that brings with knowing that a professional is handling your wedding.
The wedding planner will know many vendors for having worked with them on previous wedding and will be able to bring you the best for your money; and the most reliable vendors too. They can rely on their wedding planner to meet all their needs that otherwise they could handle it by themselves. The couple understands how hectic and time consuming a wedding can be and by hiring a wedding planner they can ensure that all problems or any emergencies that arises will be swiftly and properly handle and making their wedding a joy and stress free experience.
Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding and most have some ideas what their theme they would like to have but like most of us; we are not all creative. That is where the wedding planner is majorly hired for; their creative gift. The couple will rely that the wedding planner best trait will be the creative part; they will put their total faith that their wedding is going to be the most beautiful and eventful day of their lives.
Leaving all the details to a professional the couples will be assured that they will have a great wedding day and fabulous event. The peace of mind that a couple gets by hiring a professional planner is one of most important reasons there is, they will leave all areas of their wedding to be handle with great details and will hope that this day will turn out to be one of their most precious day one; their wedding day.
Angel S. likes to write articles about wedding career, visit her website at http://www.weddingplannerjobs.org for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_S.
They understand that wedding planners manage all areas of the wedding and reception by hiring other professional to do the catering, flower arrangements and entertainment. Leaving the couple to decide on theme and preferred colors.
There are many other important reasons but the most important ones are; getting the best for your money, be able to rely on a successful wedding, be able to give expert advice, getting all done in time and most of all the peace of mind that brings with knowing that a professional is handling your wedding.
The wedding planner will know many vendors for having worked with them on previous wedding and will be able to bring you the best for your money; and the most reliable vendors too. They can rely on their wedding planner to meet all their needs that otherwise they could handle it by themselves. The couple understands how hectic and time consuming a wedding can be and by hiring a wedding planner they can ensure that all problems or any emergencies that arises will be swiftly and properly handle and making their wedding a joy and stress free experience.
Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding and most have some ideas what their theme they would like to have but like most of us; we are not all creative. That is where the wedding planner is majorly hired for; their creative gift. The couple will rely that the wedding planner best trait will be the creative part; they will put their total faith that their wedding is going to be the most beautiful and eventful day of their lives.
Leaving all the details to a professional the couples will be assured that they will have a great wedding day and fabulous event. The peace of mind that a couple gets by hiring a professional planner is one of most important reasons there is, they will leave all areas of their wedding to be handle with great details and will hope that this day will turn out to be one of their most precious day one; their wedding day.
Angel S. likes to write articles about wedding career, visit her website at http://www.weddingplannerjobs.org for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angel_S.
Wedding Planner Jobs Are in High Demand
How To Save Money - Even If It's Your Own Wedding
Wedding jobs are in demand if you are you good with people and enjoy planning and organizing. Do you prefer not to be stuck in an office working 9 - 5? If so there are wedding jobs available and becoming a wedding planner may be an option for you to consider. Even if you've never thought about this as a career option before, you might consider these data before you discard the idea:
UK Wedding Statistics
* There were 270,000 weddings in the UK in 2007, a fall of 2.7 per cent since 2006
* The average overall cost of getting married is £22,858 (up from £21,901 in 2007)
* So... about £6 BILLION is spent on weddings every year in the U.K.
USA Wedding Statistics
* There are about 2.5 million weddings every year in the United States.
* The average budget for a wedding is now estimated to be $28,000+.
* So... about $40 BILLION is spent on weddings every year in the U.S.
The Market For Wedding Jobs
This sounds to me like a whopping market for wedding jobs! You could be part of it if you enjoy planning and organizing.
Because planning a wedding can be a complex and time-consuming process and the end result is often expensive, more couples are turning to help from wedding planners to ensure everything is covered and to get the best value. Wedding jobs, or specifically wedding coordinator jobs are mostly about helping people to realize and achieve their dream wedding event by taking the workload off the couple and removing many of their stresses.
Even if you haven't done this before, the whole process can be broken down into smaller segments so that the expense and performance elements of each can be more easily controlled. Before you start planning your clients' weddings, spend some time understanding what will be necessary to create each element of their event, and start taking notes about their preferences.
There are plenty of suitable wedding jobs you can create for yourself in your own area with a little imagination and some determination.
Wedding jobs are in demand if you are you good with people and enjoy planning and organizing. Do you prefer not to be stuck in an office working 9 - 5? If so there are wedding jobs available and becoming a wedding planner may be an option for you to consider. Even if you've never thought about this as a career option before, you might consider these data before you discard the idea:
UK Wedding Statistics
* There were 270,000 weddings in the UK in 2007, a fall of 2.7 per cent since 2006
* The average overall cost of getting married is £22,858 (up from £21,901 in 2007)
* So... about £6 BILLION is spent on weddings every year in the U.K.
USA Wedding Statistics
* There are about 2.5 million weddings every year in the United States.
* The average budget for a wedding is now estimated to be $28,000+.
* So... about $40 BILLION is spent on weddings every year in the U.S.
The Market For Wedding Jobs
This sounds to me like a whopping market for wedding jobs! You could be part of it if you enjoy planning and organizing.
Because planning a wedding can be a complex and time-consuming process and the end result is often expensive, more couples are turning to help from wedding planners to ensure everything is covered and to get the best value. Wedding jobs, or specifically wedding coordinator jobs are mostly about helping people to realize and achieve their dream wedding event by taking the workload off the couple and removing many of their stresses.
Even if you haven't done this before, the whole process can be broken down into smaller segments so that the expense and performance elements of each can be more easily controlled. Before you start planning your clients' weddings, spend some time understanding what will be necessary to create each element of their event, and start taking notes about their preferences.
There are plenty of suitable wedding jobs you can create for yourself in your own area with a little imagination and some determination.
Why You Need Wedding Planner
Most couples have full-time jobs or you may live in one destination and plan to marry in another - all of these leaves little time to plan your wedding. Whether it is a fairytale party or a beach affair, a planner can dedicate time needed to attend to every detail including venue locations, booking suppliers, managing the budget, gift lists and picking up dresses. A wedding planner can offer independent advice and support to help defuse tricky family situations and make it a fun experience for you and your loved ones. What can a wedding planner do for me? Here are a few duties you can expect from your planner:
- Plan the wedding of your dreams. They will source for the venue, vendors, themes and music for your celebrations.
- Create a budget sheet and keep track of your bridal finances.
- Suggest vendors that fit your budget and ideas.
- Create a planning schedule to highlight things to do.
- Save you money because of their industry connections.
- Take care of any emergency that should arise.
What type of packages do wedding planners have? Each wedding planner differs from the packages they offer; here are some of the most common packages:
Consultation & planning only: This is lie a mini-wedding planning course, best taken at the beginning of your planning. The coordinator will not be at your wedding but will teach you the skills to plan your own day. Some will charge by the hour, others by the meeting. You can book one meeting only or go back as many times as you like.
Coordination only: You will have the wedding planner at your wedding and a consultation a month prior to the wedding. But, all bookings, sourcing and concept development will be done but the couple. For the couple who wants just an extra helping hand on the wedding day, this package is suitable.
The Full Works: Consultation and planning are only the baby steps in planning a wedding; the hard part comes with the execution. Here the coordinator will guide you from the planning, right until you leave for your honeymoon. But, remember a coordinator is here to guide and orchestrate but not take over.
Will the planner be with me throughout my wedding day? Depending on the package you take, the planner will be there from early morning - with the makeup artist - all the way to your banquet celebration. Most planners will have a team of people to coordinate, organize and execute the entire flow of the event from the lights to the music, from the flowers to the shoes.
You could do more survey on your wedding or even helping your friends, colleagues or family members on their wedding by online visit http://absoluteweddingguide.com to find out more about wedding preparation.
- Plan the wedding of your dreams. They will source for the venue, vendors, themes and music for your celebrations.
- Create a budget sheet and keep track of your bridal finances.
- Suggest vendors that fit your budget and ideas.
- Create a planning schedule to highlight things to do.
- Save you money because of their industry connections.
- Take care of any emergency that should arise.
What type of packages do wedding planners have? Each wedding planner differs from the packages they offer; here are some of the most common packages:
Consultation & planning only: This is lie a mini-wedding planning course, best taken at the beginning of your planning. The coordinator will not be at your wedding but will teach you the skills to plan your own day. Some will charge by the hour, others by the meeting. You can book one meeting only or go back as many times as you like.
Coordination only: You will have the wedding planner at your wedding and a consultation a month prior to the wedding. But, all bookings, sourcing and concept development will be done but the couple. For the couple who wants just an extra helping hand on the wedding day, this package is suitable.
The Full Works: Consultation and planning are only the baby steps in planning a wedding; the hard part comes with the execution. Here the coordinator will guide you from the planning, right until you leave for your honeymoon. But, remember a coordinator is here to guide and orchestrate but not take over.
Will the planner be with me throughout my wedding day? Depending on the package you take, the planner will be there from early morning - with the makeup artist - all the way to your banquet celebration. Most planners will have a team of people to coordinate, organize and execute the entire flow of the event from the lights to the music, from the flowers to the shoes.
You could do more survey on your wedding or even helping your friends, colleagues or family members on their wedding by online visit http://absoluteweddingguide.com to find out more about wedding preparation.
The Benefits of a Wedding Planner
"Do I Really Need A Wedding Planner?"
That's a question many brides ask themselves. In the past, wedding planners were thought of as an extravagant "extra", meant only for the wealthy. Today a wedding planner has become more of a necessity. Many couples are so busy with work and other aspects of life that they need someone to help them plan their special day. A wedding planner can ease your stress and also save your sanity! Using one will allow you to enjoy the engagement period leading up to the wedding day.
There are many reasons to use a full service wedding planner, or at a minimum, a day-of coordinator. Here are just a few of those reasons:
Day-of coordinator - so you can enjoy the day...not work it!!!
A day-of coordinator is an invaluable asset to your event. You've done all of the planning up to this point and want to enjoy it. Without her, you will end up working at your wedding!
A Day-Of Coordinator will...
Be there to direct the rehearsal so that the bride and groom know what to do and when to do it, the bridesmaids and groomsmen know their duties, the parents know when to walk down the aisle, and the ushers know who to seat and where.
Confirm with all vendors the week before the wedding to make sure they know where to be and when to be there, and to confirm any outstanding balance. The coordinator will often deliver the final payments to vendors on the wedding day.
Keep a list of all vendor contacts and phone numbers in case of emergency (for example...the cake is to be there at 1:00 and it's 1:30 and no cake...it's happened).
Create schedules for everyone to keep the day running smoothly and on time:
-Bridesmaids: when to be at the hairdresser to get their hair/make-up done
-Groomsmen: when they need to be dressed so they can have pre-ceremony pictures taken
-Parents: when to be lined up at the back of the church/room
-Vendors: so they know the order of the day
Create a detailed timeline of events for the day so the DJ/band know when to start the dances (first dance, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance, etc.), when to do the cake cutting, and more. She will let the DJ/band know what songs you definitely want played - and those you don't (like the Chicken Dance).
Let the DJ/band know the order to announce the bridal party and how to pronounce all names correctly. Nobody wants to be announced at a wedding reception with a mangled pronunciation of their name!
Help pin on boutonnieres and corsages, which is an often missed detail. Minutes before the wedding everyone is running around scrambling to pin them on! The coordinator will ensure that boutonnieres and corsages go on the left lapel or wrist (because that is closest to your heart).
Keep a copy of the seating chart and assist people who can't find their tables.
Keep a copy of the photo list to make sure that the photographer doesn't miss any must-have pictures. And speaking of photos... she will make sure that the necessary people stick around after the ceremony to get their pictures taken. You'd be surprised how often people wander off and can't be found for a picture!
Have on hand a wedding day emergency kit containing things you would never think of (like WD40 - you'd be surprised by all it does), sewing kit (in case of rips or tears), oil blotters (for that shiny face) and much, much more!
Please note: many couples think that since their reception venue has a wedding coordinator that they don't need to hire one. The venue coordinator is a great asset to have, after all, the more people working on your wedding the better! However, when you hire your own day-of coordinator she will work with ALL of your vendors, she will work out the timeline for the day's events, as well as work out the logistics for what you want. She will be at the rehearsal to direct everyone. She'll be your go to person for anything you need on your special day.
Full service wedding planner - so you can enjoy the engagement period!
Wouldn't you like to enjoy the time leading up to the "big day"? A full service wedding planner will allow you to relax by helping with every aspect of your wedding. In addition to all of the things a day-of coordinator does, she has existing relationships with vendors, from photographers to florists and more. She knows who's good and who isn't. Choosing vendors that your planner has built relationships with will save you time. She already knows the quality of vendors and won't direct you to someone who does poor work.
A Full-Service Wedding Planner will...
Help you create a budget. Who knows better how much wedding vendors and items cost than a professional planner?
Save you money. She often has a network of vendors and can get you discounts or freebies added to the contract. The wedding planner represents your best interests.
Negotiate with vendors. Many people are not comfortable with "haggling". Wedding planners are; that's their job. They will negotiate with vendors to get you the best pricing and deal possible.
Have access to a wealth of knowledge and creativity. She has planned other weddings, read tons of bridal books and magazines, taken planning courses, knows what works and what doesn't.
Give advice on etiquette. This would include how to word invitations and place cards, how to seat people, and more.
Be up to date on current style trends. Wedding planners are often fashion "addicts," staying current on style trends. They can give you ideas on colors, favors, place cards, flowers and more. Whether you want a very unique wedding or a more traditional wedding, your planner can give you ideas and show you how to make it one that people will remember for years to come.
Act as your advocate, counselor and friend. She will be there to give you advice, she will listen when you need to vent about the parents insisting you invite all of their friends (it will happen), when you and your fiance argue about the centerpieces, or when your bridesmaids decide they don't like the dresses you pick...
It's worth repeating: a wedding planner can ease your stress and save your sanity! You will find this service an invaluable asset to have when planning - and enjoying - your wedding.
Melissa Miville is owner and event planner of Stylish Occasions by Melissa Miville. Melissa specializes in wedding day coordination as well as full and partial wedding planning. Check out her website at http://www.yourstylishoccasions.com and her blog at http://stylishoccasions.wordpress.com to get more info.
That's a question many brides ask themselves. In the past, wedding planners were thought of as an extravagant "extra", meant only for the wealthy. Today a wedding planner has become more of a necessity. Many couples are so busy with work and other aspects of life that they need someone to help them plan their special day. A wedding planner can ease your stress and also save your sanity! Using one will allow you to enjoy the engagement period leading up to the wedding day.
There are many reasons to use a full service wedding planner, or at a minimum, a day-of coordinator. Here are just a few of those reasons:
Day-of coordinator - so you can enjoy the day...not work it!!!
A day-of coordinator is an invaluable asset to your event. You've done all of the planning up to this point and want to enjoy it. Without her, you will end up working at your wedding!
A Day-Of Coordinator will...
Be there to direct the rehearsal so that the bride and groom know what to do and when to do it, the bridesmaids and groomsmen know their duties, the parents know when to walk down the aisle, and the ushers know who to seat and where.
Confirm with all vendors the week before the wedding to make sure they know where to be and when to be there, and to confirm any outstanding balance. The coordinator will often deliver the final payments to vendors on the wedding day.
Keep a list of all vendor contacts and phone numbers in case of emergency (for example...the cake is to be there at 1:00 and it's 1:30 and no cake...it's happened).
Create schedules for everyone to keep the day running smoothly and on time:
-Bridesmaids: when to be at the hairdresser to get their hair/make-up done
-Groomsmen: when they need to be dressed so they can have pre-ceremony pictures taken
-Parents: when to be lined up at the back of the church/room
-Vendors: so they know the order of the day
Create a detailed timeline of events for the day so the DJ/band know when to start the dances (first dance, Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son dance, etc.), when to do the cake cutting, and more. She will let the DJ/band know what songs you definitely want played - and those you don't (like the Chicken Dance).
Let the DJ/band know the order to announce the bridal party and how to pronounce all names correctly. Nobody wants to be announced at a wedding reception with a mangled pronunciation of their name!
Help pin on boutonnieres and corsages, which is an often missed detail. Minutes before the wedding everyone is running around scrambling to pin them on! The coordinator will ensure that boutonnieres and corsages go on the left lapel or wrist (because that is closest to your heart).
Keep a copy of the seating chart and assist people who can't find their tables.
Keep a copy of the photo list to make sure that the photographer doesn't miss any must-have pictures. And speaking of photos... she will make sure that the necessary people stick around after the ceremony to get their pictures taken. You'd be surprised how often people wander off and can't be found for a picture!
Have on hand a wedding day emergency kit containing things you would never think of (like WD40 - you'd be surprised by all it does), sewing kit (in case of rips or tears), oil blotters (for that shiny face) and much, much more!
Please note: many couples think that since their reception venue has a wedding coordinator that they don't need to hire one. The venue coordinator is a great asset to have, after all, the more people working on your wedding the better! However, when you hire your own day-of coordinator she will work with ALL of your vendors, she will work out the timeline for the day's events, as well as work out the logistics for what you want. She will be at the rehearsal to direct everyone. She'll be your go to person for anything you need on your special day.
Full service wedding planner - so you can enjoy the engagement period!
Wouldn't you like to enjoy the time leading up to the "big day"? A full service wedding planner will allow you to relax by helping with every aspect of your wedding. In addition to all of the things a day-of coordinator does, she has existing relationships with vendors, from photographers to florists and more. She knows who's good and who isn't. Choosing vendors that your planner has built relationships with will save you time. She already knows the quality of vendors and won't direct you to someone who does poor work.
A Full-Service Wedding Planner will...
Help you create a budget. Who knows better how much wedding vendors and items cost than a professional planner?
Save you money. She often has a network of vendors and can get you discounts or freebies added to the contract. The wedding planner represents your best interests.
Negotiate with vendors. Many people are not comfortable with "haggling". Wedding planners are; that's their job. They will negotiate with vendors to get you the best pricing and deal possible.
Have access to a wealth of knowledge and creativity. She has planned other weddings, read tons of bridal books and magazines, taken planning courses, knows what works and what doesn't.
Give advice on etiquette. This would include how to word invitations and place cards, how to seat people, and more.
Be up to date on current style trends. Wedding planners are often fashion "addicts," staying current on style trends. They can give you ideas on colors, favors, place cards, flowers and more. Whether you want a very unique wedding or a more traditional wedding, your planner can give you ideas and show you how to make it one that people will remember for years to come.
Act as your advocate, counselor and friend. She will be there to give you advice, she will listen when you need to vent about the parents insisting you invite all of their friends (it will happen), when you and your fiance argue about the centerpieces, or when your bridesmaids decide they don't like the dresses you pick...
It's worth repeating: a wedding planner can ease your stress and save your sanity! You will find this service an invaluable asset to have when planning - and enjoying - your wedding.
Melissa Miville is owner and event planner of Stylish Occasions by Melissa Miville. Melissa specializes in wedding day coordination as well as full and partial wedding planning. Check out her website at http://www.yourstylishoccasions.com and her blog at http://stylishoccasions.wordpress.com to get more info.
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