Hott to Trot – 2008 March 23, 2008

As wedding season begins to explode all across the Nation, there are a few things that couples are doing more and more which are slowly becoming current trends.

One of those has to do with attire. Brides and grooms are now wearing one formal outfit for their ceremony and changing into something fun for their reception. This has been something gaining in popularity with brides, but now the grooms are starting to have with it too.

As for color, couples are moving away from using brown as an accent (thankfully) to using gray. Gray is a low key accent color which can be paired with a bright Lemon Yellow or a deep Eggplant Purple. It makes a bold, classy statement for an afternoon or evening affair.

Couples are also leaning towards allowing their guests to have a say in what goes on during the evening. Make your reception an interactive experience by posting weekly questions on your wedding website. Let your family and friends decide whether or not you should smash cake on each other or be polite and serve with a fork … stressed about your first dance – just leave it to your guests!

For a memorable night cap, have a champagne bar in addition to the dessert spread. Think of it as an adult ice cream sundae bar. Give everyone their choice of champagne and then a myriad of delightful “toppings” such as sugar coated raspberries or a shot of orange liquor. It is sure to be a hit!

Sticking to Your Budget March 16, 2008

Every year couples in the DC Metro area come to us for guidance on planning the wedding of their dreams AND staying within a budget. Contrary to what most think, it IS possible to do both and we can help you! The most important decision in the wedding planning process is setting a budget and then sticking to it.

Some couples choose to go into debt for their wedding, but we recommend that you make the most of what you can afford. You can have a beautiful wedding on a budget. If your parents are giving you money for the wedding, it should be done without strings attached. The couple needs to be given final decision-making authority to decide what aspects of the wedding are most important.

If the money is given well in advance of the wedding, consider putting it in a short term CD to earn some interest. Be open to spending on items that you have on the top of your list and be willing to save in order to find those items. For example, if you have fallen in love with THE gown and it is outside of your budgeted amount, get the dress and save on smaller flower arrangements for the reception.

If you aren’t hiring a wedding planner or consultant make sure you compare prices on flowers, favors, invitations and programs. It is always good to make appointments with at least three vendors in each category for comparison purposes. Make a pros and cons list for each vendor

Another place to save money is the food and beverage at the reception. If your budget does not allow for an open bar, you should fore go having drink tickets or charging your guests for their drinks. Offering passed champagne during the cocktail hour and then a beer and wine only bar for the remainder of the reception will cut down on the alcohol costs. If a plated dinner is what you really want, then you should think about cutting your guest list. If your guest list is important you you, then a buffet or hors d’oeuvres only reception are viable options.

Up-and-Coming Trend March 9, 2008

It used to be that the parents of the bride and groom stayed at the reception until the last guest left to thank them for attending. Those days have given way to the upcoming trend of the bride and groom staying until the last guest departs. The reception is an upbeat and energetic party and no one – including the honored couple – wants to leave. The party mood is still strong at 10p or 11p in the evening and more couples are choosing to spend more time with their guests.

The combination of a comfortable atmosphere, good food and close family and friends make for the perfect opportunity for couples to replay the highlights of the wedding day. After the organized events have finished is the perfect time to get caught up on the things that the couple might have missed during the ceremony or reception.

Brides and grooms should ask to see and digital candid shots or video footage taken by their guests. It is fun to see how you looked walking down the aisle or the reactions of your bridal party during your vows. This is also a good time to spend some extra time with those family members and friends who came especially far for your big day.

When the weather is going to be nice, choose a restaurant or after hours hot spot within walking distance of your guests’ hotel. If your are having your reception in a hotel which has a bar on-site, you might be able to negotiate post-reception drink specials for you and your guests. Either way, take full advantage of the time you have with the people who love you most.

Kristin and Mike March 2, 2008

For those like us, who deal with bridal couples on a frequent basis, it is easy to look at a couple and predict where they met or how he proposed or if the marriage was meant to be. In the case of Kristin and Mike, not only was it meant to be, but their love is truly a special one.

Kristin and Mike found us through our website last year and hired us not long after our first meeting. Kristin already had most of major details settled (the reception was at the Tower Club and thankfully they take care of everything but the kitchen sink) but still needed a few vendors and some design assistance. Well, let me tell you that the design is my favorite part!! After setting her up with Diane, from Hair by Diane, a make-up artist and a florist we were almost home free!

After a couple emails back and forth, the couple decided on Parisian Romance as their theme … at least that is what I called it! By mixing lavender, black and silver with the classic beauty of Paris – we were able to put together some wonderful linens along with breathtaking centerpieces that everyone just adored!

One very special part of the wedding was that their dog, Sweetie (pictured), was able to participate as the “Ring Dog” and take pictures with the wedding party. Sweetie got a new lavender leash and even flowers for her collar (though they never made it to the ceremony). While she might have stolen the show, at least while the guests could see her, it was all worth it for Kristin and Mike to have one of their most important family members there to participate.

In the end, the group danced the night away and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! It was a beautiful ceremony with a show-stopping back drop and a stunning view. It was more than a pleasure working with Kristin and Mike and we wish them all the best in the future!!