wedding planning

Wedding Wardrobes

0 · Sep 30, 2014 ·

I am to be a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding. While I’ve been a bridesmaid several other times, this is the first time that I’ve ever been asked to shop and purchase a legitimate “bridesmaids” dress, which is proving to be a bit more daunting than anticipated. Previously, I had simply been handed a color swatch or I’ve been told to go pick out a black dress. Simple enough.

When it comes to bridesmaids dresses today, it seems that anything goes. You can match, you cannot match. You can all wear the same fabric, length or color or shop completely independent of one another. It’s really the bride’s choice, right?

When was the last time you went to the mall, picked out a complete outfit for your friend and made her wear it on an important night out on the town, without her ever trying it on first and agreeing. You’d make sure the top hugged her curves just right and the shoes were killer (and comfortable!) You might shop together, but you wouldn’t force her to wear something she didn’t like, right?

I was once a bride. I totally thought it was within my rights to dictate what the members of my wedding party wore. And it was my right, to a certain extent. They want to feel comfortable and beautiful too, even if the day isn’t revolving around them.

So how do you make sure everyone feels comfortable and the bride still gets what she wants? Here are a couple tips for you brides:

Analyze what’s really important to you about what the members bridal party wear. Is it the color? The style? The length? The fabric? The overall look? Pick one or two of these things to really be the focus.

Determine the formality level. Are you hosting an extremely formal or traditional affair? Then everyone matching might be really important to you. If it’s there’s more of a casual, laid back theme, they you might reflect this through your wedding party’s wardrobe choosing patterned dresses or allowing the girls to mix and match.

Consider the weather. If there’s a chance it might be chilly, allowing the girls to wear a floor length gown or tights/nylons might be greatly appreciated, even if the wedding itself doesn’t take place outdoors, there’s a good chance some of the pictures might. Photographer’s love outdoor lighting.

Speaking of photographers – how do you want your photos to look? Deeper colors can be really pretty and make a bold statement. Pastel and neutral tones make give photos a softer more romantic look, blending more with their backdrops bringing focus to the picture as a whole not just the brighter pieces.

Study your surroundings. Clothing should not only coordinate with other décor elements of your day but also locations where you wish to have portraits taken. That cute little red barn might seem like the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos but maybe not if you’re ladies are wearing hot pink dresses.

Budget. Ughh…. I feel like I’m constantly bringing up that nasty word. But being a bridesmaid can be an expensive endeavor – there’s always more to buy than just shoes and a dress. If you have your heart set on a pricy dress option, see if less expensive brands might have a similar option or there’s someone you know who can afford it, as her to wear it and the other ladies to purchase something that compliments her, but do be tactful please.

Be aware of different body shapes. Dresses rarely come in a one-size-fits-all option. At first glance it might seem like your wedding party is all pretty similarly size. But upon further exploration, you might determine that Anna has a long torso and zero curves, Jane is extra busty and Gabby has legs that just don’t quit. The translation – while technically they can all wear the same dress, only one or two are actually going to look good in it.

It’s really a balancing act – trying to make everyone happy, with the bride just slighter happier. That’s how you choose the wedding day wardrobes. Do you have other ideas that should be considered? Or if you’re already married, did you let your wedding party pick their own dress or did you choose for them?

And you can read the other side of the story about being an amazing bridesmaid here.

Making It Work

0 · Jul 18, 2014 ·

I’ve been working on several design plans lately. I love it when a bride comes to me full of the most perfect ideas you could ever imagine. Everything from the wedding party attire to the venue to the cutest wedding party favors all match and flow seamlessly, making her a dream to work with and my job rather simple. Then there’s the bride who has a couple ideas, but really needs me to help get the creative juices flowing. That’s why you hire me – because I’m pretty creative. When you can feel her excitement from across the planning table I know I’m doing my job and the excitement I feel is beyond words.

However sometimes it doesn’t end there. Sometimes she continues planning and things go astray. And then there’s the situation that the planning that has already been put into motion really isn’t the direction that you think the event should take and she just can’t see how you’re trying to eat pizza and oranges together in the same meal.

This is where the challenge begins. This is where I have to remind myself that there’s a reason that she hired me. She hired me to make it all work, to make it come together and make it beautiful. I have to find a way to bridge that gap and bring her dream to life.

The problem is we’re so overwhelmed with images and ideas – Pinterest, wedding blogs and various other sources – that we just want it all. And we want it to be amazing, budget friendly and stress free (I mean, you might as well, we’re already living in a fantasy).

Have you ever considered hiring a designer just to unjumble your brain? They can help you focus on your priorities and come up with a plan that is truly you and not what every other Pinterest bride is doing. Maybe mason jars (although sometimes inexpensive), might not be the right “thrifty route” for you. Psst… I have some other fun ideas that are just as cheap, err… cost effective. Talking to an expert – whether it’s a wedding planner, florist, designer etc. before committing to designs and ideas is always a great idea. Who knows, they might have a more inventive, charming or creative idea or perhaps you were on the right path all along. And maybe we can just find a way to make it all work.

Some happy flowers from myself and Ashley Slater Photography for your Friday… Happy Weekend!!

PS – This is not pointed at one of my brides specifically, just general information and thoughts I’ve had based on life and conversations & I love a design challenge xo

It’s Wedding Weather! When to get Married in Michigan

0 · Feb 7, 2014 ·

Hey West Michigan! Want to talk about the weather? Does anyone else feel like that’s the only topic being discussed right now? Yes we have snow… thanks for the update. Sheesh!!

When I was younger, any time we were planning an event or family gathering in the winter my grandparents were always the first to chime in and say “depending on the weather.” “The roads could get bad.” “It is January, so you never know!” Ugh… I thought they were so lame and major worry warts.

Last Monday morning as I was driving down the road picking up props and supplies for my “fishy fun” project (search #fellinloveinfishtown on Instgram for some peeks), I couldn’t help but wonder why I was out on the roads. Crazy white out conditions! And my husband’s only response is “the things we do for photos!” True enough.

I have a really poor knack for picking dates for major events. I think it might run in the family. And I realize this is not what you want to hear from your wedding planner, so I’ll just let you pick the date! But what I was really wondering is if weather played a huge role in how you chose the date (or at least the time of year) you wanted to get married? I was thinking this morning about the pros and cons of getting married in each season.

Photo by Heather Cisler Photography

Winter (December – Mid March):

Pros-

Possibility for gorgeous snowy pictures
Less popular months to get married in, more vendor availability
Less conflicts for you wedding guests vacations schedules and social calendars (unless you choose December)
Getting married in December means the whole world is decorated with twinkle lights & greens – which could help your décor budget
You can serve warm beverages and winter comfort foods
Crystals and all things glittery blend oh-so perfectly!

Cons-

Possibly for poor weather – it could be snowy, icy or grey and dismal outside
It’s cold! Outside pictures are going to take some stamina
No greenery or leaves to add color to your wedding photos
You may need a pair of boots to wear under your wedding dress
December brides beware: the whole world seems to be decorated in twinkle lights and Christmas décor, which might clash with your wedding décor

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Spring (Mid March – May):

Pros-

Everything seems fresh and new which is a great feeling to have when starting your lives together
Spring flowers are A.MAZ.ING
Everyone is tired of being cooped up and ready to get outside
Possibility for warm, sunshiny day
It’s early in the wedding season, so vendors are fresh and excited about the upcoming season

Cons-

It can still be cold outside (last spring it was still snowing in May)
Two words: April showers
If your guests have children, be sure to take note of Spring Break schedules
Sometimes everything is still grey and muddy outside, not the lush green visions we have dancing in our heads

Photo by Chelsea Seekell Photography

Summer (June – August):

Pros-

The weather should be warm
More venue possibilities since outdoor spaces are also an option
Lots of flowers to choose from
Kids are on summer vacation, making it travel easier
More daylight hours

Cons-

It could be more expensive, since it’s prime wedding season
Less vendors to availability (unless you book early)
The weather could be too hot… giving you a nice glossy look in your photos
Humidity. Enough said.
Conflicts with summer vacation plans
You may have to also have a backup locations, if you’re choosing to celebrate outside

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Autumn (September – November):

Pros-

Our minds start shifting to warm and cozy favorites, which is a great ambiance to create for a wedding
The changing leaves and color make a stunning backdrop for pictures
Fall décor is easy to come by and has many budget friendly options
You may still have your summer suntan

Cons-

Nights cool down faster
Guest may have used all of their vacation time during the summer
Busy schedules with sports, back to school, etc.
September can be a rainy month
Autumn months are gaining popularity and are no longer considered “off season”

So what month will you be married in? Is the weather influencing your decision? I’m not sure what I would do if I had to plan it all over again, I love them all!

Happy December

0 · Dec 2, 2013 ·

Happy December!! It’s here the month I wait all year for. It’s time for the magic and warmth that the holidays bring and the feeling of thankfulness that carries over from November. I have so much to be thankful for, despite me not having jumped on the 30 days of thankful bandwagon, that doesn’t mean that I do feel it or recognize what God has blessed me with.

I feel like December is the month for wrapping up the old and starting fresh with the new. Not that there was anything wrong with 2013, but I’m excited for a fresh start and new hopes and promises that 2014 bring. Is there anything you’d like to see more of from The Day’s Design in 2014???

I’m compiling a list of things that I would like to update and some things that will likely remain to the same in 2014. I’m working with consistency, updating the website a tad and a couple fun new ideas that are scheduled to happen even before we ring in 2014. So my goals for December? Live life to the fullest, keep on trucking and enjoy the holidays… even if there is lots of work in the mix!!

Photo by Hetler Photography, xoxo

The White Wedding Dress

0 · Nov 13, 2013 ·

Simple, clean, elegant and timeless – white has been the go-to color for the modern bride. Whether lace or taffeta, short or long, it seems hard for us to imagine a decade when the bride didn’t wear white. But this tradition really hasn’t been in fashion as long as one might think.

Throughout history brides have worn the best they could afford to celebrate their union in life. From the richest fabrics to their Sunday best, the dress should always represent their families and class in a favorable light. It wasn’t until 1840 when Queen Victoria wed her groom in a white gown, accented with her favorite lace, which really set the tradition. Her wedding photographs were greatly published for that era and we all know how royalty sets the trends.

Around the 1920s the idea began that white represents virginity. Prior to this, blue had been the color that represented purity, although it never was extremely common in bridal fashions.

I have actually talked to brides who felt that they might be “judged” if they swayed from tradition and did not wear some form of white. Then there are those who feel to wear white is to wear a lie. But here’s what I think. I think white and ivory are classic and traditional choices that are simply stunning. I believe if you find a pink gown that screams your name, then you should wear it proudly. I also believe that it should be of no concern to the public whether you are a virginal bride or not. That is a highly personal matter between you and your spouse and you shouldn’t be forced to label yourself one way or another. A wedding is a celebration of love… so dress in a color that makes you celebrate!

I found this inspiration over on The Pretty Blog yesterday and it took my breath away! Would you consider wearing black on your wedding day? You can see the whole shoot here. And if you’d like to read a little more history on the modern wedding dress, you can do so here.

The Wedding Ceremony

0 · Aug 15, 2013 ·

Photo by Shannon Scott {Smug Shots}

Tuesday morning I dug head first into some ceremony details and timelines for my August couple. As I looked through the specifics of the service, I could not help but feel overwhelmingly excited. Seriously. There was love displayed on that page!

Now we’ve all been to the wedding ceremony that seems to never end, with rows full of antsy guests secretly wishing they’d just say “I do” already. On the other hand, I experienced the shortest wedding ceremony of life earlier this summer – the guests didn’t even have time to sit down! The wedding party made their way down the aisle, the couple said some quick vows, kissed and now they are husband and wife.

Honestly, before planning my own wedding, I wasn’t even sure what a wedding ceremony should entail, or how long it should last. Is there a right or wrong answer?

The ceremony portion of a wedding is a very personal, intimate celebration. It is an outward showing of a commitment between two people. Some people choose to make this a largely celebrated and lighthearted affair, while others keep things on a more serious note since it is such a major commitment.

The average wedding ceremony is approximately 30 minutes long. Typical ceremonies include details such as the seating of the grandparents and parents, the bridal processional, a word of welcome and declaration of intent, the VOWS, the exchanging of rings, lighting of the unity candle and then the introduction of the new Mr. & Mrs… swoon!

However, variations do occur. Some couples choose to write their own vows, which is a great personalized addition. The unity candle is often replaced with something else, such as sand or tying knots, or skipped all together. You might consider adding cultural elements and other religions also have significant pieces to their ceremonies. Couples may choose to have a biblical or other reading, or a special song sung – or perhaps the guest might even join in with a traditional hymn!

So my greatest advice would be to do what makes you happy. Make your ceremony memorable and personal. Focus on what the ceremony actually means and is representing, a love and commitment to last a lifetime.

Little Sister Getting Married!! {Weekend Update}

0 · Aug 5, 2013 ·

Oh hello Monday… so glad you’re here for another busy week! But before I start on the busy week ahead, I just must share how much fun this past weekend was.

While my sister and I have been collaborating and doing much of her wedding planning from afar (she lives on the east side of the state), it was so nice to have her visit and put so many of our plans into action! We scratched countless items off the planning list this weekend and I am unbelievable excited about how this whole celebration is coming together. A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about how long it takes to plan a wedding and in her case, she could get married next month no problem (In case you don’t remember, she was engaged mid-June so that’d be 3 month engagement!).

Her dress is breathtaking, her venue filled with classic architecture and natural light and the design plan just fits together so perfectly. Linens have been selected, invitations created and floral needs have been decided. And the cake (or should I say cakes), I am so excited about, but maybe that’s just my sweet tooth talking!

Upon leaving, I could see the disappointment in her face as most of the fun details have been found and put into place, so now what? No worries, there’s still plenty to do and the holidays will be here before you know it!

Have a great week!

And this cake picture? It’s just a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind her gorgeous cake table. We found it on Pinterest (where else??), but I believe the original was created by Connie Cupcake.

A Couple Truths about Wedding Planners

0 · Jun 14, 2013 ·

Photo by Hetler Photography

Many people hear the words “wedding planner” (or coordinator, etc) and immediately get this vision of someone who is going to come in and take over your wedding day, dictating every decision from venues to colors to day-of timelines – creating an event that is not even close to representing you as a couple. So we shy away from this concept, ask friends and family to help out and thinking that as brides, we can just do everything ourselves.

The second myth we hear is how expensive wedding planning services are and this is only a luxury that high end, big budget brides can afford.

Here’s the truth. Wedding coordinators only take over the entire planning process if you want them to. On average, it’s said that a wedding takes about 200 hours to plan. I personally have not taken the time to do the exact math, but I think the actual number might be higher. This is a ton of time for someone working a full time job to commit to. Rather than having 20 separate vendors to research, meet with and keep informed you can hire a planner to articulate your vision to each and every one of them, keep all communications with them and you only have to email (call, text or whatever) ONE person to make sure EVERYTHING gets done. Now sit down and take a load off!!

Secondly, your budget might be more planner friendly than you think. Many planners have a variety of options on how involved they actually get with your wedding day. You can use them as a consultant basis just to make sure you have everything covered, because let’s face it, you’ve probably never planned a wedding before! Not sure how to construct your itinerary? Can’t decide which linen colors will give you the best impact? Or just need someone to make sure that the reception is set up beautifully while you’re off getting married? I’m so glad you asked!! Let me help you!

Packages can be tailored specifically to meet your wedding day needs, meaning you can help control the costs without losing control of your wedding day!

PS – I have limited dates still available in 2013 and would love to chat about your 2014 wedding!

How to Please Everyone on Your Wedding Day {The Groom}

0 · May 8, 2013 ·

“I was nervous, anxious, excited and most of all…happy. I was marrying the woman I love and knew I was able to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Photo by Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}

A couple weeks ago I shared a post about pleasing everyone on your wedding day, giving little snippets about many of the people involved. You may have noticed that it was titled “How to Please Everyone on Your Wedding Day {Part 1}” – meaning there’s more to the story. So rather than being some wedding junky who rambles on, speculating about how others might feel about the weddings their involved in, I started asking around.

I am going to continue this series with the Groom. He has a pretty significant role in the wedding process, even though he is often forgotten. Other than deciding on his tux or suit, it seems like there are very few other decisions that really concern him. From my small sampling of men, I found this is how your groom really feels (and I promised them it would remain anonymous, so sorry, I cannot name my sources!)

Based on my research, it seems that guys feel a lot of pressure in the time before the actual wedding planning begins, we’ll call it the proposal planning. Once the question is popped, life becomes a little easier and they can breathe and get rid of those will-she-say-yes jitters.

After that, guess what? Sorry brides, but guys don’t care about the little details and particulars! You may have already figured that out by the glazed over look your man gets every time you start “wedding talk.” They really wish you’d stop working so hard and just enjoy being engaged. It is only for a very limited time that you can call him your fiancé. While most of the guys definitely show some concern for details like the weather, and making sure the guests have a great time, their biggest focus is marrying the woman of their dreams.

“I wish my wife [then fiancé] wasn’t so involved in the whole thing. I know this sounds negative because we had a GORGEOUS wedding…we had to do everything ourselves and I think it took a huge toll on my wife and our families.”

“I think the most important part of the day for me was being able to watch my beautiful bride walk down the aisle toward me and have her dad give her away to me, knowing we were starting our new lives together.”

“The actual ceremony [was the most important part of the wedding day]…. I also wanted to make sure all of our guests had fun too!”

Those nervous, anxious pre-proposal butterflies do seem to sneak back up on our men right before the ceremony, but I think it’s just the excitement. Once the ceremony is over, everyone can let loose and celebrate!

So ladies, how do you make this a great experience for your man? Stop bugging him with the little things – simplify the details, keep the main focus of your wedding on the beautiful life you two will be building together, and have fun!

FAQs: When to Send Wedding Invitations

0 · Apr 30, 2013 ·

Wedding season is just around the corner (and has actually already started for some!) What does that mean for you?

For some, that means digging through wedding registries and attending celebration after celebration this summer. It might mean work is going to get super busy and spending time at the beach will be a distant dream. Or maybe it means you’ve got to kick your tail into gear, you’re getting married this summer!

For me, it means I have a stack of save-the-dates and wedding invites clipped to my refrigerator. I started receiving these “notices” in January, some in February and then a save-the-date and actual invitations in March.

So when should you send these invites out? How much of a notice do you need to provide for your guests? While there are hundreds of opinions posted all over the internet – every major wedding blog, The Knot, etc, this is still probably one of the most common questions I get asked.

Let’s just clear this up, there are no hard rules of when to send out invitations or save-the-dates. But here are some guidelines and points to consider.

Save-the-Dates:

There’s no rule stating you MUST send them out. If you’re having an out of town celebration, or your wedding is during a holiday, then I would suggest giving your guests this optional notice. This allows your guests to plan ahead, requesting time off work or saving for extra travel expenses. Plan on sending these out at least 6 months prior to your wedding date, if not sooner.

Invitations:

General rule of thumb states that wedding invites should be sent out somewhere around 6 weeks to 2 months prior to the wedding. However, if you did not send save-the-dates, consider sending them out a touch sooner. Also bear in mind when your vendors need their final head counts and when you need those RSVPs by. Be considerate of your guests and how many are coming from out of town and what travel arrangements they might have to make upon receiving that invite.

A couple other thoughts:

Try not to send out the invite too early, people tend to misplace them and put off RSVPing. If it is misplaced, that means that they have lost important information, such as locations and times… having a wedding website might come in handy at this point!
If you’re using a calligrapher, give them plenty of time to address the invites so they’re not scrambling to have them ready to be sent out on time.
Cutting it close on time? The invites still need to be mailed; please do not resort of faxing, emailing or calling your guests to invite them. By mailing all invites, you ensure that all guests receive the same information and no details are forgotten. Plus, isn’t it great to get something pretty in the mail, an envelope that you actually want to open!

The above photo is from my vintage tea party shoot last fall with Bradley James Photography. Invitation by Creative Montage.

The Day’s Business: Rest & Relaxation

0 · Apr 22, 2013 ·

A little rest and relaxation is good for the soul. This past weekend I did just that, I took a little step away from my Grand Rapids world and headed Up North.

I had planned on using this time to get some work done that I’ve been putting off. I thought I could spend some quiet time in front of my computer (yuck) but away from my phone/email (yay!), because phone service is lacking and my internet rarely loads. I aimed to slip away from social media and reconnect with my own ideas.

However, life keeps moving forward and in the name of progress, my internet actually worked on this visit! And it wasn’t even snail speed, loading times were actually semi decent. Bummer!

While this may benefit the residents of the area, it meant I had to be more disciplined about my relaxation methods. I actually like taking an old fashioned approach to getting things done. While technology has its place, I really prefer doing some things in a less technological way. I visited with family, had real live face-to-face conversations, channeling back on the texting. I read a home décor magazine, not a blog. Then I wrote some ideas down on paper, in my own handwriting on a notebook that I shared with my niece – complete with scribbles of red crayon.

I did not make anything pretty this weekend. I did not craft or create. I did not type anything, worrying about fancy fonts and lovely pictures. I did not even make sure that my hand writing looked nice… I just scrawled my ideas down in semi illegible penmanship!

Well this is all great… but what does it have to do with The Day’s Design, or wedding planning or love and why are you writing about this on your business blog??? (It’s okay, I know that’s what you’re thinking!) Here’s how it relates:

To Business:

I’m back to business. I was able to clear my head and stop thinking about what everyone else is doing via Facebook, Twitter and wedding blogs, and truly just focus on my own business model and what I want to achieve. I focused on what makes me special. Stop comparing yourself to others and do your own thing. Forget the “industry standards” and just go for it!

To Brides (and her hansom Groom):

Feeling a little overwhelmed in the planning process? We’ve all been there. I’ve said this before, but here it goes again – step back for a bit. Regroup. Remember why you’re planning a wedding day. Stop looking at the Pinterest boards and focusing on wedding trends and what your friends say and doing. Put the wedding day back into perspective and focus on your love for one another. Instead of looking for uber creative ideas on place card displays, focus on details that really make you happy. What truly represents you as a couple? Remember that your love is what make the wedding day unique. There will always be other brides using the same ideas as you, dreaming up the same details (you just were not aware of it before all of this technology and the lovely World Wide Web). Your bond as husband and wife is truly the most unique part of the wedding day.

To All Others:

Because not everyone reading this is getting married. Maybe you are already married. Reconnect with your husband. Have dinner together. Dedicate one night a week to be phone/internet free and just enjoy each other’s company. Spend some quiet time accessing your life goals and creating your own vision. It is amazing where your own imagination can take you. Read a good book. Listen to the birds chirp. Sit outside and close your eyes for a moment. Just. Pause.

I think there’s a reason we like incorporated vintage items into our décor so much. And it’s not just high style. But it reminds us of a much simpler time. I look at an old piece of furniture and think of the stories it could tell. When we share memories and look at sentimental photos of smiling faces, usually they’re full of simple pleasures. Simple moments when we stepped back and let go.

PS – I stumbled across this aqua typewriter at an estate sale and just had to have it! It’s it super cute?! The case is even printed with daisies on it… sigh…

The Simple Plan

0 · Apr 17, 2013 ·

Last week I had the opportunity to attend The Simple Plan, an amazing little workshop designed for wedding professionals and put on by Sage Wedding Pros. I was able to travel to the great city of Chicago, meet some amazing people from all over the Midwest (and even Maine!), I ate some unbelievable Greek food (which I never knew I was a fan of, but yum!) but most of all, I focused on my business, The Day’s Design.

The truth of it all is every day is an adventure. I love waking up not knowing what new client inquiries might be waiting in my inbox, or what crafty little projects I might be inspired to create. The tricky part is finding balance – and I’m not talking about balancing my baby girl in one hand and my laptop in the other! I am searching for balance in both my working and personal life, and The Simple Plan helped. I am pursuing my business (during business hours!), and I am done just sitting around waiting for something great to happen. I have got to make it happen!

So that it what I am doing. The Simple Plan was basically a way for me to get all my little duckies in a row. I now have my goals in order so I can help you achieve yours. I am not just in this business for myself, I am in it for love. If I somehow can inspire and enrich the life of just one person, then I can feel fulfilled. We have tough times and bad experiences not only to learn from them and strengthen ourselves, but also so we can help others too.

And I’d like to give just a little shout out to my table mates. I found inspiration from everyone at the workshop, however these are the ladies that I was closest to:

Elysia Root Cakes

These cakes are exquisite! Unfortunately I didn’t actually get to eat them… but this is a seriously stunning cake! Elysia’s specialty is artisan sugar flower décor and creates cakes that are always couture, always custom and always uniquely you. If you need a cake in Chicago, she’s you’re girl!

Emmy-Ray

Oh hello gorgeous! Talk about a girl after my own heart! This Kansas girl has an exceptional eye for floral design. Emily is truly a creative genius with a Fine Arts degree, who started in the jewelry making business and is now creating these floral gems. I love how business can take just a little turn… just goes to show you that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away! The best might be yet to come…

L. Brook Events

Planning a New England celebration? Lindsey is your girl! This lovely lady does both wedding planning and event design and I would love to collaborate with her sometime if I ever my travels ever lead me to Maine (which I really hope they do!)

{Picture via Ruffled Blog}

Styled Accordingly

On just the other side of Lake Michigan, Samantha is creating stylish events for the modern sophisticate. Her firm focuses on event planning, as well as design, and its pure Milwaukee magic! Not getting married yet? She also assists in corporate events, downtown galas and can even help you pop the question – that’s right, she will actually help you plan your proposal! How great is that!!!

Have a great Wednesday… I’m off to do some searching for a few vintage props for a project later this month. Happy shopping to me!

How to Please Everyone on Your Wedding Day {Part 1}

0 · Apr 4, 2013 ·

Does this sound like someone you know or (gulp)…you???

“I want this color, and those flowers, and the super expensive dress with the best photographer to capture all my painstaking details, and we better hire an awesome make-up artist so my face can look perfect. And my bridesmaids, well the can wear what I tell them to wear, I don’t care if they don’t like the shoes, IT’S MY DAY!!!”

We’ve all been around that crazy bride who is so focused on every detail around “her” day that she forgets about everyone else. Dresses, shoes, hair, make-up and nails become the topic of conversation for months. She won’t stop obsessing about the hideous dress her future mother-in-law chose, or the fact that one of her bridesmaids just got an awful haircut.

Let’s step back for just a moment. I know this is your once in a lifetime day, but there are OTHER people involved too. In all your planning, have you stopped to consider their needs???

Here are some others you might want to consider on your wedding day:

The Groom:

First and foremost, the other significant member of the wedding day is the groom. While focus does tend to be more on the bride, he has a pretty significant role too. This is the man that you decided to spend the rest of your life with; I think you could share this day with him too! Is there a special detail that you can incorporate just for him?

Take a moment and ask your groom what he finds most important about his wedding day. Many guys will simply appease their brides, and let them do all the planning. But if nothing else, in my experience, he may get a little excited about the food and/or drink selection. Let him have some input there, he deserves to have a good meal.

Let’s face it, there is more to your man than his belly, he may have emotions on his wedding day too. Make sure your photographer captures that first look, whether the first time he sees you is during your walk down the aisle, or if you have a special time to capture that moment before the ceremony. Some grooms have strong opinions on when this “first look” should be, so make sure you ask him.

The Parents:

Have you stopped to consider how your parent’s and other family members are going to feel? There are so many emotions to discover, but most of all, their baby is getting married! It is so easy to get caught up in those little details, what color the mother of the bride or groom should wear and how they should wear their hair, etc.

The bottom line is the mothers want to feel beautiful too. The last thing they need is to be forced into a dreadfully dated mother-of-the-bride’s dress, they’re already having to come to the realization that they’re old enough to have a child getting married. Let the ladies feel their best.

Your parents are also stressing. Daddy wants to make sure that his little girl is getting her dream wedding, and that the groom is good enough for his princess. Daddy is more than a checkbook during this process. While he may stand back and not say too much, I’m sure he’s thinking lots. He’s giving is little girl away!

Your family has watched you grow from a teeny little baby into the adult you are now. They have seen you take your first breathe, your first step, your first date and now “I do”. Be respectful of this during your planning process and consider their needs.

The Wedding Party:

Odds are your wedding party is pretty excited to be a part of your day. They are ready to party and celebrate with you! However, being part of a wedding can become a costly endeavor.

Consider how much money you are asking your wedding party to spend. For the ladies, there’s the bridesmaids dress, the shoes, jewelry, hair and make-up, not to mention they threw you an awesome shower and bachelorette party! For the gentlemen, again, you are asking them to rent/buy a suit or tux, shoes and… well lucky for them, they don’t have many other accessories! But that bachelor party was pretty awesome, right?

In addition, there might be additional travel costs, overnight accommodations, extra meals, snacks and travel supplies.

Ease the strain on their pocketbook by allowing the girls to pick a dress that fits into their budget. Or choose something they can truly wear again. Pick up the bill for the girl’s hair and/or makeup, or give them the option to do it themselves. The jewelry can also make a nice bridesmaid gift. Consider letting the groomsmen wear their own shoes. Or find an inexpensive suit that the guys can purchase and wear again.

The Guests:

All photos beautifully captured by Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}

Last but not least, be considerate of your guests. They have traveled from near and far to celebrate with you, so focus a little on their comfort.

Welcome bags at the hotel can be a great way to start their trip. If most of the guests are from out of town, you may want to plan a couple extra activities for the day leading up to and after the wedding. Providing a little information about the local area’s sights and attractions can also be a nice touch.

If your wedding is more of a local affair, then focus more on the little details (which are actually a pretty big deal!) How long will your guests have to wait between the ceremony and the reception? Will there be a cocktail hour to keep them entertained, or is it long enough that they can run home for a bit?

Is your wedding outside in the middle of July? Providing shaded seating or personal fans would be greatly appreciated. Remember last summer when you went out to eat and the restaurant had the air conditioning cranked up so high that you spent you evening shivering in your cute little tank top? Do you remember your meal? Probably not, the focus was on your discomfort. Same applies for your guests. If they’re really uncomfortable (too hot, too cold or in really uncomfortable seats), that is what they will remember about your wedding, not all the cute DIY details that you spend hours working on.

While managing a restaurant here in Grand Rapids, the owner once told me, guests don’t notice when you do things right, but they notice when things are done wrong. For example, they won’t notice that you took care that the music was at the perfect volume, but if it’s too loud, they’ll certainly remember that.

And of course you cannot please everyone, so don’t let this be an extra stress on your big day; just take a moment to consider others. It is ultimately your day, and I am no discounting that by any means. Have fun and enjoy being surrounded by those that you love!

{Steps to the Altar} The Budget

0 · Mar 5, 2013 ·

You’re engaged! Let’s start planning – themes, venues, caterers, bridesmaids, dresses, flowers, colors, invitations, hotel rooms, hairstyles, cakes, bands, churches, officiants, coordinators, linens, photographers… and those are just the first few things that pop into your head!

Stop! Take a deep breath. Before you think about one more thing, the very first thing you MUST determine is your budget. Your budget will define everything else about your wedding.

I know this is the day you’ve been dreaming about for most of your life. Visions can get pretty elaborate. By limiting how much money you have to spend on your wedding, you can narrow down options and avoid starting your future together in mountains of debt. Know how much money you are able to afford. Figure out how much your fiancé will contribute and if any contributions will be made by either of your parents. Once you know how much you can spend, then you can start prioritizing.

If the photographer is the most important part of your wedding, start there. Many couples find this the most important aspect of their wedding day, and rightfully so. You’ll have these pictures for the rest of your life. Make sure you not only love the photographer’s style, but their personality. You need to feel at ease with your photographer, if you feel stiff and awkward around them, then your pictures will reflect that.

If the venue is the most important aspect to you, then find out how much your dream venue will cost, and see if its’ even a possibility on your budget. But remember, venues also have rules regarding caterers and liquor and sometimes the other vendors that are allowed to provide services within their premises. If these other vendors are going to drive your budget up, you might have to secure another venue.

Have an idea of how many people are on your guest list. Most caterers price their meals per head; this will give you a better idea of how much the meal will actually cost, $20-50 a head might not sound like much until you multiply this by 200 guests. One of the easiest ways to bring prices down is by condensing your guest list. You are not obligated to invite everyone you know. Nor are you required to ask people to come, simply because you attended theirs five years ago, when was the last time you even talked to them? By keeping the affair smaller, not only will your budget be saved, but you will actually remember the people that were there and you can talk to every one of them.

A few facts to keep in mind:

The average wedding in the United States cost between $25,000-27,000.
Weddings in Kent County cost between $17,000-29,000, on average. Click here for more details.
The average engagement ring cost $5,200
About 12% of couples spend more than $8,000 on the engagement ring
The average college graduate has about $20,000 debt
The average household income in Michigan is around $45,000
Financial problems are often cited as the #1 reason for divorce

Somehow the numbers don’t all add up for me…

So here’s a really old fashioned, crazy idea. Once you’ve had that conversation with all parties paying for the wedding, and the budget established, and set in stone – use cash to pay for your wedding! If you do not have the cash to pay for something, then don’t buy it, simple.

Weddings are a time of celebration. Anyone with any amount of money can get married. The key is not to burden yourself, piling on the debt before you even say “I do.” Remember your plans for the future, plans that last a lot longer than one night.

Photo by Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}

wedding planning

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