The Dot Com Couple

I knew of a couple who planned their entire wedding on line. They found me, the cake, the reception, the minister, the flowers, the limo, etc.; everything they needed. They even sent out their invitations online to friends and family--no paper and then finished it all by planning their honeymoon via the world wide web!
I would definitely classify them as the dot com couple! What is next---a virtual wedding?

Brides and Grooms

Many brides tell me that they can't wait to get married, so that they can finally get back to normal. I always have to ask, "What is normal?"
The courtship period is nice--it gives you butterflies and good feelings; can't-breathe-without-this-person-in-my-life sort of feeling. The engagement period can be a bit hectic, but for the most part, it is fun-planning-a-party-I-am-getting-married! kind of feelings.
The marriage? That is work! There is no normal. There is a period of adjustment, but the real life begins with keeping your marriage vibrant and full of passion; giving and taking;. Courtship doesn't end, it has only just begun!

Holiday Weddings

Many couples think that it is great to get married on a holiday.
Please think again. The room rentals are more expensive, there are only so many holidays in one year, so space and rooms are at a premium during these times.
Travel expenses for your guests are usually more. Finding vendors (florists, DJ's, bakeries. etc.) will generally cost you more because they have other functions going on at the same time besides weddings. Running down to the corner store to pick up a missing item or buying extra plates may be a problem if stores are closed for the holidays.
Holidays may be great reminders for anniversary dates, but buy a calendar instead. They are much less money!

Military brides

Have you ever wondered why many couples rush to the altar to get married before one of the couples goes off to the military? Money! The armed forces pays more to a married soldier than a single one. It is kind of sad to think that many couples get married for this reason in the military. On the other hand, military spouses left without their partner have a rough road to go, especially if there are children involved.
We should not be quick to judge without knowing all of the facts, but once knowing all of the options, choosing the best one should be a no brainer.

The Real Reason

Why is it that we will be all sweet and considerate of a total stranger, but tear our spouse or family apart?
Brides and grooms; if you are stressed out over wedding plans, please stop for a moment and remember the real reason why you are getting married. If it is for the party, then please---DO NOT GET MARRIED! Just become a party planner instead!

Big store vs the little guy

More and more brides are forsaking the small town bridal salon for gowns at national chain bridal stores. I find this very disturbing. I hate seeing local dollars leave the state to pad a big guy in the Big Apple, but even more so, because brides are missing out on a superior service—one on one with a local vendor. Most local vendors still remember and practice what service is and treats its clients with care and concern–you are a name with family and dreams. Most national stores regard their customers as a number–pick it up at the end of the counter.
Service is a thing of the past or is it just a sign of a new generation?

Wedding Salon Show

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the June 10th Bridal Salon Show at the Des Moines Botanical Center from 1:30- 3:30 pm.
We will have courture bridal gowns from Europe for you to try on!

www.weddingsiniowa.com

Taking Time

How many brides, when they are in the thick of planning and working and dealing with indifferent vendors, take the time to spend some quality hours with their intended? So many times their fiance is the sounding board; the "yes, dear," the one who finds a quiet bar to spend time with the guys! Ladies, please take a big breathe and then let it out slowly; tell your fiance how much you love him and cherish him, and then let gp of the small stuff. Focus on the real reason why you are getting married; the rest will fall into place.

Wedding Insurance

There was an article in the paper yesterday that deals with wedding insurance, why it is necessary and what it covers. I think that wedding insurance by and large is a good idea if you are handing out large deposits. They do cover you in most instances, but not for lack of fine print. As in any document that you sign, please read the fine print! Unless you take a proactive approach to your affairs, you will need insurance for the insurance!

Bridal show

You don't want to miss out on the great Bridal Salon Show coming to the Des Moines Botanical Center on June 10th!

www.weddingsiniowa.com

Brides and shows

I have a very beautiful Bridal Salon Show coming up. It is one where vendors meet with couples and help them plan their wedding. Most shows have a "pipe and drape" mentality---where the couples (mostly the bride) shuffle along, gather information from a myriad of vendors and then make their choices as time rolls along.
Bridal shows are a great thing, if done right. Make them intimate, decorate as if at a wedding, then give the brides something worthwhile to come to.

www.weddingsiniowa.com

Include the MOG

Brides, don't forget the Mother of the Groom. Want to earn brownie points right away? Ask her opinion on something and listen. I didn't say that you had to take her suggestion, but I did say that you needed to listen. Let her know that she is important to you and your relationship will start off the right way.

Watching the budget

In a day and age of "whatever I want, I get" I still have a hard time when weddings inch over the $50,000 budget range.
I understand that weddings can and often are expensive, but $50,000? That is a custom car; a sizable chuck of retirement money, a great start for a fortune 500 company!
It is too bad that the bills last longer than the marriages.

Going the extra mile

I try very hard to counsel my brides to go the extra mile for their guests. Having great food, great music and visiting with each and every guest, will ensure a wonderful time for all.
Don't think that just because the day is your wedding that you don't have to pay attention to your guests. They are there for you. What are you doing for them?

www.specialelegantevents.com

Bridal Shows

I have a bridal show coming up in a little less than a month.
A Couture Bridal Salon Show---you don't want to miss it!
www.weddingsiniowa.com

Honoring Mothers

Today is Mother's Day. It's too bad that only one day out of the year we truly recognize those women who have had a positive role in our lives. Whether biological or spiritual or emotional guidance, take a moment to let the women in your life know that they are special.
The same is true at a wedding. Actually, the mother is second in place to be honored after the bride. She is the mother of the bride, an honor indeed.
So women, if you are getting married, please honor your mother by NOT letting her work herself to death just so that you can have the day of your dreams.
The worst thing a daughter could hear after her day of celebration is her mother saying, "Gosh I'm glad that wedding is over!"

Beautiful Weather

If all outdoor weddings could have the perfect weather that we are having today everyone would be happy! Unfortunately, not all outdoor weddings are so fortunate; that is why you need a back-up plan. Kind of like our lives---we always need a back-up plan to keep us on track to our goals. Planning an event is like planning our lives; a good life, has been planned well. When plan A doesn't work, we go to plan B, C, and sometimes all the way to Z, but nevertheless continue to plan to succeed.

www.weddingsiniowa.com

Dime Store Brides

I visited with a bride today that wanted to do her wedding right. She understood the significance and importance of her special day and wants to have her reception be an elegant celebration of their love for each other.
I say, Hooray! A bride that understands the elegance and love and passion that goes into a party. Attention to detail and her guests; her husband is a lucky guy!

Paper Bells and Weddings

Every wedding is unique and according to the style of the couple. That may include black and white, teal and rose, or yellow and orange. But whatever the combinations and themes, each wedding bears the stamp and the passion that the couple brings to the decorating and scope of the event; right down to the paper bells! Yes, they are still used at today's weddings!
Just goes to show that for all the sophisticated and modern gadgets that are available in today's world, it is still nice to know that tradition and old-fashioned creativeness is still with us.

Saying I Will

I am speaking to the guys today....
You are going to ask the woman who means the very most to you to be your wife.
Guys...please find some imagination and a big ring.
Do it right, give her some memories and a great story to tell. Let her know that she is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with.
If you don't feel it, don't do it!

Seating of Honor

When did the practice of having an elevated head table start anyway?
Having tables of honor is one thing, but elevating the bridal party over everyone, complete with backdrops, steps and staging, takes away the intimacy of mingling and being with your guests at your reception.
www.weddingsiniowa.com

Wedding Shows

I talked with a co-worker about the amount of money that is needlessly spent at a wedding. She and I both agreed that if a bride came to a wedding planner first and talked over a sensible budget and allocation of funds, brides and grooms would have much grander weddings and more happier memories.
Isn't it strange where our priorities lie?

Wedding Shows

It is hard for me to understand why a bride would sign up for a bridal show and then not show up.
Vendors take time out of their day, spend money to secure a table, spend time and money on gas and supplies for the show and even choose to have a door prize or hand out publications.
Not showing up when you have registered (unless you have a good excuse) for a show is rude and not very nice.

Color choices

Imagination is a wonderful thing, but trying your florist that you want to match the champagne color of your sash to your bouquet and you might as well be speaking a foreign language that she doesn't understand.
Pictures, fabric swatches, anything to help us help you!

Saying I Do

Many couples are opting for a traditional ceremony. They like hearing the vows of love, honor and cherish, much like their parents and grandparents did before them, but writing your own vows can be a very moving and memory-making experience. After all, you are not like anyone else, so why say words like everyone else?

Decorations

If I have to attend one more wedding where the guest table decorations are a rose bowl, floating candle and mirrored tile (supplied by the venue no less), I know that I will faint from pure boredom!
Brides and grooms, where are your imaginations? What are your guests supposed to look at while they are eating? Each other?