Why Hire a Wedding Coordinator?

This is answer number two in my mini-series! There's no telling how long it may go on :-)

Okay, so, you've just been engaged. Your fiance' purchased the most beautiful engagement ring you have ever seen and you are on cloud nine. You've notified your families (This is priority number 1) and have taken a couple of weeks (everyone needs some flaunt time) to bask in the absolute bliss of being happily engaged to the man of your dreams, the love of your life. You may have (okay, who are we kidding? of course you have!) purchased a few bridal magazines and have begun flipping through them. You've dreamed about your wedding day your entire life. You know EXACTLY the look, the feel, the experience, the sights, sounds, smells, feelings and memories you want to create with your wedding day..... {aahhhhh.....} You're absolutely glowing with happiness.

Then, it all comes to a halt! You decide to take that first step in planning. What is it? Where is it? Who is it? okay, okay, calm down....venue first, right? no, budget first! no, guest list and head count first! no, definitely budget. okay, okay, okay. calm down. {{{{take deep breaths}}}}

That's what I'm here for. Yes, definitely, budget first. Determine how much $$ you and your fiance' want to spend. Then, sit down and have a frank discussion with your parents. In this day and age, it's not uncommon for it to be BOTH sets of parents. Discuss with them what amount of money (if any) they can contribute. This is also a good time to find out if there are particular aspects of the wedding that they care about more than others. Does Mom really think you MUST have a traditional, engraved invitation? Well, then, perhaps she won't mind picking up the tab for that little piece of bridal bliss. Did you know that 50 engraved invitations, response sets and reception cards can easily cost $1,300!!! That's over $25 each. And, that does NOT include postage, save the dates, menu cards, thank you cards, seating cards, the list goes on and on... seemingly endless.

So, yes, budget first. Talk to all parties and determine the total amount of money you have to work with. THEN, deduct 10%. You MUST give yourself a 10% cushion. Then, your next step is to hire a wedding consultant.

Let's look at it this way, you can spend hours trying to find WHAT you want, at the PRICE you want or...you can hire a coordinator. A good coordinator will honestly tell you what you can do with $20,000. A really GREAT coordinator will help you get MORE for your money. A really GREAT coordinator knows what vendors provide EXCELLENT service for a reasonable price. Your coordinator knows how to make your vision, your dreams, your happily-ever-after all yours.

A wedding coordinator's specialty is making YOUR wedding happen. And, doing it as easy as possible. Let a wedding coordinator turn off that stress button! Stop biting your fingernails~~
Let a wedding coordinator take the stress off of you and guide you down the aisle with ease.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

I LOVE great wedding makeup!

Don't get me wrong, my Beautiful Brides 2 B, I'm not a makeup kinda gal.....
As a matter of fact, if you see me wearing makeup, consider the fact that I may be trying to impress you :-)
{{seriously!}}
I only rarely wear makeup. I wore it the day I got married. I wore it on a date with my hubby to see Phantom of the Opera. I wore it to meet with a client of mine and her parents at the caterer's place. And, I wear it when I'm on stage (yes, don't laugh...I am a HUGE theater buff) or when I'm having professional photographs taken.

BUT, I must show you this site. It's Ask Me Makeup and the stuff that Amy puts on her site is AH-MAZING. to say the least.

She's very "pinup, sexy, fabulous!" Beware, if you check out the galleries, don't let any young eyes see it...or, if you're ultra conservative, you may want to stay away. Of course, you may be curious, and if you are, it's okay. The stuff is (in my opinion) tasteful.

I love, love, love it.

Oh, and BTW, you can find instructional videos by her on You Tube.
Here is a favorite of mine, which, of course, is a wedding makeup tutorial. She even puts on lashes!!


But, there are tons more.....check out Amy B on You Tube and also on her website.

until next time.....

EASY WEDDING PLANNING!

Why Hire a Coordinator?

Hello! Beautiful Bride 2 B!

I've decided to run a short series "Why should I hire a wedding coordinator?"

To a vendor (photographer, caterer, makeup artist, hotel, take your pick), you are a ONE TIME customer.
A wedding coordinator is a repeat customer. Most vendors will be likely to work very hard to make your coordinator happy. Your coordinator is working for you! So, get your needs met more easily by using a coordinator, and use your coordinator's negotiating pull as a repeat customer!

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Veils and Headpieces

Hello, beautiful Bride 2 B!
I have found a wonderful website with the most exquisite headpieces and veils. Her name is Leah C. and I can't ga-ga enough! Beautiful, extravagant, gorgeous! If you are looking for the PERFECT headpiece, I suggest visiting AND SOON. Her stuff is bound to be everywhere this coming 2009 wedding season. I wish I could get married all over again....
Well, she does have a cocktail section. What upcoming party do I have?? I'll just have to find an excuse!

check out her site: Leah C.
You will be glad you did and I'm certain stunned by the beauty of her designs.

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

The Rattlesnake Club: Arielle and Adam

I think this MUST be the most unique processional I have seen. It came from Epic Motion's blog. They're a video production company based in Michigan. They did a great job with the same day edit featured here:

Same Day Edit at The Rattlesnake Club: Arielle and Adam

Posted using ShareThis

What I really want to know is, who is the creative genius behind this idea? What do you think? Isn't this fantastic?! Perhaps its my theater/film background that makes me appreciate it so much, but I can't get over how fun it must have been to imagine, plan, produce, participate in, capture, and just think how fun it was for the guests! Just all around wonderful.

Let me know what you think ~~ comment!

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!

Purchasing an Engagement Ring

Okay, this topic may be found a little unusual, but I think it is very necessary! It's also more for men than it is for women.

I want to talk a little bit about the absolute best website to purchase an engagement ring from. That is Blue Nile. If you haven't been to their site (even if you are already wearing your bling), be certain to take a look. Talk to your best friends boyfriend and tell him about it. I'm serious about this ladies. This website has an amazingly easy tool to build your own ring. You choose the shape of diamond you want, then you narrow it by size, price, and those c's (that we 2b's are all so familiar with). And, their prices are incredible. How do I know? My engagement ring was purchased from Blue Nile. We had it appraised and it appraised at twice what my wonderfully savvy hubby paid for it. Yes, that is right, twice the value.

So, check it out and spread the word.

P.S. It's not just great for engagement rings, but anniversary, Christmas, birthdays....you get the idea. In addition to diamonds, they sell pearls, earrings, necklaces, jewelry of all kinds. I have a wishlist on the site! My hubby knows just where to find it. Why not give the guys some help in the gift idea department? :-)

until next time.....

HAPPY PLANNING!