Destination Wedding Tips

A destination wedding is one which takes place outside of the area where you live. It does not require international travel or passports. It could be as close as a 2 hours drive or as far as the other side of the world. The possibilities are plenty.

iStockphoto.com 

But this post is not about where to travel for your wedding. We thought of, and researched, some of the things you probably never considered when planning a destination wedding.

1. Travel to your destination ahead of time to meet with your hired professionals so you know what you are getting OR
2. Have a local wedding planner handle the details and the planner can meet with the professionals on your behalf. 
3. Take your photographer with you. This will make it easier for you to communicate with them after the wedding to select, order, and receive your photos. 
4. Purchase items to personalize your wedding and ship them in advance. 
5. Have a travel agent lock in the rates for you as far ahead of time as possible. This will allow you to inform your guests of the travel details and give them time to pay. 
6. Pack an extra pair of wedding day shoes. One should be more comfortable than the other. 
7. When you arrive at your destination, do some last minute shopping to fill welcome bags with local goodies. (This is something your wedding planner can do for you.)

BONUS: Write a welcome letter for your guests to thank them for traveling to celebrate your special day. Include a map of the area and an itinerary so they know when they need to be with you and when they have free time to explore. 

Happy Travels & Muchos Smooches

Field of Dreams

Photo from Real Simple

As a little girl, you ran through the field behind your grandmother's country home. You picked flowers there and chased bunnies. You may have even climbed a tree. As a teenager, you sat under that tree, read romantic novels, and daydreamed about falling in love and getting married in Grandmom's field.

Now that you are an adult and have found the love of your life, you want to make your dream a reality. But there are a lot of details that need to be considered in order to pull this off.

I'm pretty sure Grandmom's field doesn't come with tables, chairs, or even electricity. You have to rent EVERYTHING!

• Start with a budget (How much money can you afford to spend for your wedding?)
• Determine how many people you are going to invite
• Then look for an off-premise caterer. You will need to know what they can provide and what they will need for you to provide. For example, they may need you to provide a separate tent to cook under. They may be able to provide all serveware, flatware, and glassware. 
• Contact a tent company to reserve all of the tents you need. They will want to know some of the details about your wedding like the number of guests, if you are having a dance floor, and if you are having a live band or DJ. 
• Contact a party rental company to get tables, chairs, linens, and any of the necessary items your caterer and tenting company may not provide. 
• You will also need electric power generators and restroom facilities. 

And then you can plan all of the usual suspects: flowers, entertainment, invitations, transportation, etc. 

Happy Planning & Muchos Smooches

Philly Wedding Planning Bootcamp 3.31.12

On March 31, 2012, Always Fabulous Events took over The Brossman Center @ Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia along with other local wedding industry experts to whip a few brides' MINDS into shape as they plan their weddings. 

The event space welcomed spring with apple green & hot pink linens, flowers, and lighting. Each registered guest received a swag bag full of goodies and a personalized wedding resource guide. 

As the hostess and event planner, I opened the event with information about planning the wedding budget. This included tips about having the initial conversations with everyone planning to make financial contributions to the wedding fund, how to set up a realistic budget, and the next steps to plan the wedding after the spending limits and priorities have been established. Then each wedding professional took a turn discussing their specific area of expertise. 

We learned a lot, had a few laughs, and ate amazingly delicious cake. 

We couldn't have done any of this without the support of our fabulous presenters and sponsors: 

Venue: Rita Faison of The Brossman Center @ LTSP

Lighting: Gene Durbano of DJs Available Sound & Light

Cake: Rafael Logrono of Rafael Logrono Cake Design

Filmography: Darrell Aubert of Aubert Films

Photography: Sarah Wimberley of FlickFoto

Invitations: Christina Carnevale of Paper Rock Scissors

Dance: Lynn MacKerell of Siti Dance Studio

Honeymoon Planning: Mattie Johnson of C'est Chic Vacations

Music: DJ 007 of Untouchable Entertainment Group

Linens: Gala Cloths

Flowers: Kremp Florist

And special thanks to all of our registered guests for coming out and being a fun group to work with. We look forward to doing another event like this later in the year. If you are interested in participating as a bride/groom, presenter, or sponsor, please email us at info@alwaysfabulousevents.com.

Tweet My Wedding

Social media has played a huge role in most of our lives. So much that we all have allowed our followers into our personal lives even if we never met them in person. With this in mind, why should planning your wedding be any different? 

"We are  meeting with our wedding planner @alwaysfab today."


"After visiting 5 venues, I think we finally found the perfect place for our reception."


"I hope #myfuturehusband is not having TOO much fun at his bachelor party. lol" 

In my opinion, I think you should tweet, blog, or share your wedding plans with your Facebook friends. It helps you share your joy and excitement (and possibly your stress and indecision). You can post pictures of your style inspiration. You can post requests for recommendations about who to hire and where to shop. 


Beware of opening yourself up for harsh criticism and unkind opinions... but have fun with it. 


If you are really dedicated to giving your followers live updates on your wedding day, then let someone else post on your behalf. For example, they can include pics of your 1st dance along with the name of the song and other comments about it. The designated person should not be your wedding planner. We have far too much to do on your wedding day to take time out to tweet. 


However you decide to embrace social media, just be sincere and real. The rest will fall into place. 


Follow us on Twitter: @alwaysfab
Like us on Facebook: Always Fabulous Events


Have a FABULOUS day! 
Smooches

Wedding Ceremony Music

It is very important for you to know when to play what type of music during your ceremony.

Here's a little guide to help you get started with your musical selections.

Prelude - This is played while the guests are being seated before the ceremony begins. This is usually a classical or jazz instrumental medley to set the tone. Aim for 5 - 6 songs.

Processional - This is played while important guests (such as parents & grandparents) are seated and the bridal party makes their entrance. Depending on your personal preference and size of the wedding party, you may play a different song for the bridal party entrance.

Bride's Entrance - This song should be different from the previous processional music. You want this song to announce the bride.

Interlude - These songs are played during special moments of the ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle.

Recessional - This is played after the bride & groom have been presented as husband & wife. This is usually an upbeat celebratory song.

Postlude - This is played while the guests exit the ceremony. It is also upbeat.

This week, I will share some of my favorite wedding music with you.

Reunion Planning

If you have ever served on a reunion planning committee (family, high school, sorority, etc.), then you know it is a long-term commitment. You might start out with a large committee and end up with a handful of truly dedicated members doing it all. 

Having a committee is essential because there is too much for one person to do alone. Just to name a few:

• Finding classmates (not everyone is on Facebook)
• Selecting a venue & menu
• Collecting payments

I have served on the planning committee for my last 2 high school reunions (for obvious reasons). Planning the first one taught me a lot about what not to do this time around. 

The first lesson: DELEGATE. Let other people do some of the work. Plan to have regular update meetings to hold each other accountable for necessary tasks and stick to a timeline. 

The second lesson: Do not invest your personal funds if you are not sure you will get it back. Overestimating the number of guests who will attend can surely kill your budget. It is best to estimate low so you have room to add on extras (like professional photography and decor) later. 

Our 20-year reunion was held on July 30th at Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. The staff was awesome and the ballroom was gorgeous. We selected this venue because it was the site of our Jr. Prom. (Nostalgia is always a big hit for reunions.)

Looking forward to planning the next one. Muchos Smooches!

So you didn't get an invitation...

Photo Source

I have 3 words for you... Get Over Yourself!

I can not begin to tell you how many brides have told me that one of their biggest sources of stress is deciding who to invite to their wedding and still afford to live after the wedding. While they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, the truth is simply that they may not be able to afford to accomodate everyone they know or have ever known during their lives.

In cases where the bride and groom are sharing the cost of the wedding with both sets of parents, they may also have to split the guest list 4 ways. To put it in more basic terms, if they are planning a wedding for 100 guests, the bride can only invite 25 people, the groom 25, the parents of the bride 25, and the parents of the groom can only invite 25.

The next thing to consider is how many of these 25 are coming as couples. That greatly reduces the number of invitations actually being sent.

Guess what else... the total guest count includes both sets of parents and the bridal party plus their significant others.

So it's not that complicated. It's not that you aren't important enough to be invited. Please be more considerate and think about what I've said before you start laying guilt trips on the bride (or her groom, her parents, or his parents).

**Stepping down off my soap box now**

DIY Wedding Food: Hors D'ouevres

Recently, I read a bride's post on Wedding Wire asking for advice on serving finger foods at her wedding. She said she has cheese and crackers and a veggie tray. SKREEEECH! It was like nails on a chalkboard for me. This is a wedding, not a PTA meeting.

Assuming this bride is only serving hors d'ouevres and wants to keep it simple, I offer the following suggestions:

1. First and foremost, DIY means "Do It Yourself" not "Do It BY Yourself". Enlist the help of your parents and wedding party.

2. Elegantly display buffet-style. Use tiered trays for some. Use boxes under a table cover as risers.

3. If you are serving cold and hot foods, then you need to designate someone to be in charge of heating the food and putting it out for your guests...while it is still hot. This person should not be the bride or groom.

4. Remember that you are cooking for a lot more people than usual. Plan for the increased portions.

4. Food ideas (in addition to seasonal fresh fruits, veggies, and a variety of cheeses)

• baby quiche
• bruschetta
• stuffed mushrooms
• coconut shrimp
• chicken strips on skewers
• cucumber & cream cheese on mini toast
• cherry tomatoes & mozzarella
• pigs in a blanket
• spanakopita (spinach triangles)
• bacon-wrapped breadsticks
• delicious dipping sauces

Photo (#1) Source
Photo (#2) Source

Video: How to Tie a Bow

Tying a bow is easier than you think. Just don't rush it.

Ask the Wedding Planner: Cake & Punch

Hi Randi

My cousin is getting married... they want to get married in a church and have only certain people be invited to an intimate dinner for the reception. so my question is how do you word the invitations to let people know that there is no reception?

Also do you think it is tacky to have a card box at the church for people that come to the wedding and want to give a card?

Thanks Randi for your input.
MB


Hi MB

I would definitely advise against having a card box at the church if there is no reception at all.

Your cousin can do a cocktail hour (or cake and punch) at the church and then go to dinner after? This will eliminate the awkwardness of having no reception.

If she is doing cake & punch at the church, then the invitation can say "Cake and punch reception immediately following ceremony".

She can then add a reception card and a different RSVP card to the invitations for the intimate dinner. She may want to include a note to let them know that this is an exclusive dinner invitation so the people invited don't start asking others if they are going.

I hope this is helpful. I'd love to hear how it all turns out.

Have a FABULOUS day!
Randi

Renting Linens

Upgrading your linens is one of the best investments you can make to enhance your event decor.


If you can't go to the rental company's showroom, then request a swatch to make sure the colors and fabric weight are exactly what you want. Swatches are usually 2" x 2", but you may be able to buy a larger sample.


Make sure the style you want comes in the size you need.


Be sure to place your order several months in advance. Reserve more than you think you will need, because it is easier for the rental company to take away from the final order than it is to add to it.

The #1 Way to Save on Wedding Flowers

When planning your floral budget, keep in mind all of the different purposes for flowers in your wedding: the bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, mothers' corsages, fathers' boutonnieres, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements.

So what is the #1 way to save on flowers without sacrificing the overall vision for your day?

Downsize

Lessen the number of people in your wedding party (fewer bouquets & boutonnieres to buy) and the number of guests (fewer tables that require a centerpiece). You can still have the beautiful flowers you fell in love with but you'll need less of them.

Guest Book Alternatives

I can't tell you how many times I have heard a bride say that she does not want the traditional guest book at her wedding because it seems like a waste of money. After all, when are you ever going to look at it again?

The idea of a guest book is to keep a record of those special people who attended your wedding. It does not have to be pages of names and addresses. Here are some great alternatives to the blah guest book of yesterday:

An engravable signature mat in an elegant frame

From I Do Engravables

A special engraving pen is included which allows guests to engrave their names and well wishes into the frame to create a lasting keepsake.

A wish book

From the Mindy Weiss Collection @ Eliza Fig

Guests write their wishes to you on little 3 1/8" x 2 3/8" cards and put them into envelopes mounted on the pages of the book.

A wish jar

Perfect Pair Jar from Weddingstar

Similar to the wish book, the wish jar holds your guests wishes until you can store them away, then it makes a great cookie jar in your new home. Use with the coordinating Perfect Pair cards.

For more Guest Book Alternatives, visit the Always Fabulous Boutique.

How to Make a Cosmopolitan

Come See Me @ The Bridal Event

I will be speaking at The Bridal Event by Bouche Productions this season. I'll offer wedding planning tips, help answer your budgeting questions, and provide advice for DIY projects. While you are there, check out the Bridal Boot Camp to get your body in your ideal wedding-dress condition.

The first show of the season will be Sunday, September 13, 2009 @ Crowne Plaza Valley Forge.

For the complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.bridalevent.com/.

No Kids Allowed

Are you wondering how to tell your wedding guests to leave their children at home without sounding rude?

DON'T write "no children allowed" on the invitation

Instead, address the invitation to Mr. & Mrs. Guest(or the specific person you are inviting). If they RSVP with the children included, then call your guests to politely discuss the situation.

How to Plan Your Wedding Without Losing Your Mind

1. Give yourself enough time to get what you really want.

• How many times have you rushed to the mall to buy an outfit at the last minute? You probably got frustrated and annoyed when you weren't able to find exactly what you pictured in your mind. You probably ended up buying something you really didn't like or want. Is that what you want for your wedding?
• Get the big jobs taken care of first. Figure out how many guests you want to attend before you look for a venue. Find your venue before you buy your dress. Hire your most important wedding pros (photo, video, music, florist, etc.) early.

2. Seek professional help.

• Hire a wedding planner to help narrow down the options. A professional wedding planner can match high-quality vendors to your budget (a huge timesaver for you).
• If the cost of wedding planning services is a concern, ask about packages and different levels of service.
• Even if you hire a wedding planner, you are still an active participant in the planning process. Make sure you describe your vision clearly so you can be on the same page.

3. Keep good records.

• Buy a purse-sized notebook and carry it with you at all times. This notebook should include details such as the addresses and phone numbers for your venues, the name of the flowers you fell in love with as you skimmed thru a magazine in line at the supermarket, etc. (You never know when or where you will be inspired.) You should also use this notebook to jot down items to remember from vendor appointments such as prices and service options.
• At home, keep a portable file box or large binder handy for all of your magazine clippings, receipts, and contracts.

4. If you need help, ask for it.

• Repeat after me "I am not Superwoman!"
• Sometimes, you may need a friend's opinion or an extra set of hands.
• Delegate some of your tasks to your bridal party.
• Be nice... not a horrific Bridezilla.
• While your at it, assign a few tasks to the groom too. After all, it is his wedding too.

5. Take some nights and weekends off from planning your wedding to enjoy being engaged.

Wedding Dress Tip

While you are shopping for the perfect wedding dress...
Use a digital camera to snap photos of yourself in serious-contender dresses, then review them again later.

Tips from Sylvia Weinstock

In case you don't know who she is... Sylvia Weinstock is THE wedding cake guru. (She has even been called the Leonardo da Vinci of cakes.) In the Winter 2009 issue of InStyle Weddings, she shares these "5 Things You Should Know". (Note: This is not the actual article. You can find the article on pages 109 & 110 of the magazine)

"Find your style." Ask yourself a few basic questions about your wedding, such as the number of people you expect to attend, the style of the venue and your decor, the time of your event, your budget, etc.

Speaking of the budget...

"Be realistic about your budget." Overstating your budget during your consultation will make you look foolish (my words, not Sylvia's). You will either have to downgrade your cake or scramble to raise the money to pay for the more expensive cake. Just ask your baker for options within your actual budget.

"Make sure its tasty." The cake should taste as good as, if not better than, it looks. Ask if it will be made from scratch or box and when it will be baked.

"Ask for a sketch." A great cake designer will sketch ideas based on your collaborative ideas. Your wedding is not cookie cutter, so why should your cake be?

"Choose faux flowers." Gardeners spray flowers with insecticides as they are growing. Who wants a little bug spray with their cake? Sylvia says everything on your cake should be edible.

Grab a copy of Sylvia Weinstock's book Sensational Cakes @ Amazon.com for $27.

Touch Up Your Makeup

With all the nerves, adrenaline, and kisses ahead of you, you're going to want to freshen your makeup while the camera's flashing. "In-Dispensable Loose Powder" is a makeup brush and shine-absorbing face powder in one.

Press the button on the handle and translucent powder is released into the brush. Sweep on shiny spots for a fresh, flawless finish all day long. Perfect for any skin tone. Arrives in a clear carrying case.

The lip liner is a smooth pencil that defines lips and provides the perfect base for lip gel or lipstick.

Lacquer-like lip gel can be worn alone or with a lip liner for extra impact. Available in five super shiny shades.