Nick and I have always had a strong relationship, but planning a large event that brings different people together can be a little stressful. Throughout the entire time of planning our wedding, we came across many items we did not agree on.  Chicken or fish, burgundy or champagne sash, traditional or modern music selections? With every option, when he said this, I said that. There was definitely a learning curve when it came to communicating effectively. Nick was great throughout the entire process. I told him early on that during different points throughout the planning, I would be stressed and he understood.

I have always been a detail oriented girl, sometimes to a fault! But, for what is the biggest day in my life, I was surprisingly carefree during the planning, or at least I think I was. Luckily, Nick is not writing this blog post, or we might get a completely different opinion! I realized early on that Nick had been thinking about our wedding for awhile as well. He had details he wanted integrated and I loved that. It went from being MY dream wedding to OUR dream wedding! I do not think I would have actually heard Nick’s ideas if I was still tied up on every little detail. After all, it is OUR wedding!

-Beth

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The biggest challenge Nick and I have faced during the planning process is trying to plan all of the details so that all of our guests will be happy. Since we have a diverse group of guests coming to our wedding, we wanted to make sure that all of them would enjoy themselves. We questioned everything along the planning process. Will our guests like the entrée choices we have picked out? Will they appreciate our nontraditional song selections? Will our guests like the personal touches we have added?

Of course, we know that it is our day and that as long as it is what we wanted, it will be a success. But, everyone at our wedding is very important to us and we want to make them feel that way. We want everyone to feel like a VIP at our wedding.

We determined right around our menu tasting at our venue that we cannot change what we have decided on because one or two of our guests would not like it. Some of our guests do not eat red meat, so do we not serve steak as to not offend those select few? We decided that we love steak too much! Instead, our venue will serve them other personal entrée selections. This way, they feel special because we respect their dietary choices, but the rest of us can have steak!!

I knew accommodating everyone would be hard and so Nick and I have really had to determine what to do on a case by case basis.

-Beth

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Be careful and flexible or this can lead to disappointment.

Some photos in wedding blogs and wedding magazines are from photo shoots and not actual weddings so they will not carry out in a real wedding reception.  Keep that in mind.

Oh and that beautiful rare flower you see in that photo?  It won’t be available in May in Las Vegas.

Be flexible with your ideas, trust the professionals you’ve hired, and you’ll have a beautiful wedding whether you get the flowers in that lemon shade or banana shade. I promise, you may not even notice.

Happy planning!

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

What: 37/60 The Wedding Photography Workshop for Brides
When: Tuesday, August 24th from 6-7 pm and Saturday, August 28th, from 10-11 am
Where: To be supplied upon registration
Cost: Free, Registration required
How: Call 702-465-5700 for more information or to register. Or visit booths 614 and 604 at Bridal Spectacular

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A BRIDE FACES IS WHO TO MARRY. THE SECOND IS HOW TO HIRE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER TO DOCUMENT HER WEDDING

37/60 The Wedding Photography Workshop for Brides, offers 37 serious recommendations in 60 minutes, guaranteed to help brides:

• Save money
• Save time
• Maximize their wedding photography experience, regardless of their budget

Las Vegas wedding photography studios Artistic Imaging and WriteShot have partnered to develop this educational workshop to all brides, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the myriad of wedding photography options available.

“There will be no sales pitch, at all. This is purely an opportunity for brides to learn and get answers to their questions, regardless of their budget,” says Adam Frasier, Artistic Imaging.

According to Natasha Chornesky, WriteShot, millennium brides are smart and regardless of their budget,  they’re looking to learn as much as they can about maximizing value before they commit to any particular wedding vendor, especially photographers.

Vegas has many talented wedding photographers. 37/60 is designed to benefit all brides, regardless of whom they eventually hire to shoot their wedding.

“We’re reaching out to empower brides with real information, so each one can make decisions that best suit her distinct needs,” says Chornesky.

Workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, August 24th from 6-7 pm and Saturday, August 28th, from 10-11 am and are limited to 10 participants each. Workshops are free, registration is required. Call 702-465-5700 for more information or to register.  Information will also be available during the Bridal Spectacular Show at booth numbers 614 and 604.

About Artistic Imaging and WriteShot
Artistic Imaging’s  Owner/Photographer Adam Frasier has been a  professional wedding photographer for over 7 years. Frazier is the Founding President of Las Vegas Wish Upon a Wedding.

WriteShot’s Owner/Photographer Chris Cozzone has been a professional photojournalist and wedding photographer for over 20 years. Natasha Chornesky Owner/Photographer has been shooting professionally for four years. Chornesky is the Founding Vice-President of Las Vegas Wish Upon a Wedding.

Contact:
Natasha Chornesky
702-465-5700
Natasha@writeshot.com

Please let them know we sent you!

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

I’ve heard these complaints over and over again regarding bridal party issues:

“I’m thinking of canceling my bridal shower. I don’t care anymore because my maid of honor isn’t doing anything!”

“I had to plan my own bachelorette party because nobody in my bridal party wanted to plan it.”

“I think my bridesmaids expect me to pay for their dresses and I simply can’t afford to pay for all of their dresses.”

It’s so sad when I hear these things.  That’s why it is so important that bridesmaids and groomsmen be made aware that they actually have a role in your wedding. There is more to being a bridesmaid and groomsman than putting on a pretty dress or nice tux on the wedding day, standing by you during the ceremony, and being in all of the bridal party photos. Here are a few of my tips:

• Don’t choose someone because you need that 4th person to even out your bridal party. It’s better (and okay) to have an odd number. We can work with 3 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen for the processional without any problems.
• Do explain to your potential bridal party members that they will need to take an active role in wedding activities such as planning bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and making speeches/toasts.
• Do explain to your potential bridal party members that there will be a cost involved – unless you’re paying for their dresses/tux, they are responsible for their attire, contributing to the bridal luncheon, and paying for part of the bachelor/bachelorette parties.  If it is a destination wedding, they may also be responsible for travel and accommodations.  Do explain that you will understand if they must decline because of financial reasons.
  
• Do choose people that are important to you in your life. This should go without saying.
• Do remember that even if bridal party members are responsible for their own attire that you’ll need to budget for extra boutonnieres and bouquets. If your budget is tight, don’t choose to have 8 bridesmaids. Eight bridesmaids x $100 a bouquet can add up pretty quickly.
  
• Don’t hesitate to “let go” of an attendant if you feel he/she is not interested in being part of the bridal party and only accepted out of obligation.

Michelle and Rob, May 2009, Photo by Denise Hoogland

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10 Do’s and Don’ts from Anja Winikka, editor at TheKnot.com

1. DON’T wait up to 6 months to send your thank you cards. For gifts received before the wedding, give yourself two weeks. For gifts given at the wedding, cards should be sent within the month following your honeymoon.

2. DON’T include your registry information on the invitations. The best way to pass on this information is with a wedding website (check out the ones on TheKnot.com!) or by word of mouth.

3. DO only include the names of the guests you’d like to attend the wedding on your invitations. Want an adults-only ceremony and reception? Only put the parents’ names on the invitation. Want your single friend to bring a date? Include their name and “plus guest” on the invite.

4. DO handle the awkward comments with class; and know when guests are being more-than-nosey with questions like: “when are you having kids?” and “how much did all of this cost?” or “is this really a white wedding?”

5. DO utilize the internet! E-save-the-dates are growing in popularity, along with couples starting wedding websites to relay all the important information to their guests. An added plus: E-save-the-dates are green!

6. DO keep guests at destination weddings entertained by suggesting activities for them to do during their stay. Some couples even prepare gift bags with local trinkets, maps and travel guides for their guests.

7. DON’T ignore the tipping protocol. Unless gratuity is included in your bill, it is expected that you’ll tip the officiant and the church or synagogue ($500 or more), the delivery and set-up staff (around $5 to $10 per person), the reception staff (15%-20% of the food bill and $200 or $300 for the maitre d’), the stylist and make-up artist (15%-20%), and your driver or person responsible for your transportation (15%-20%). Tipping bakers, florists, your wedding planner, photographers and musicians is optional.

8. DON’T have a cash bar. Try to adjust your budget by offering a wine selection or a signature cocktail so guests won’t have to fumble for money.

9. DON’T ask for cash as a gift, even though surveys show it’s the number one gift couples want. By default, many guests will give cash anyway.

10. DO include dress codes on invitations so guests will know how to dress, which is especially helpful for those late afternoon weddings with nighttime receptions

Also, don’t forget to tune into Married on Myspace and place your votes!

What are some of your Do’s and Don’ts for weddings?

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Chinese Tea Ceremony Traditions

Simple Table Manners for the Wedding Guest

Wedding Ceremony in the Round

The Roles of the Wedding Planner & Coordinator, Catering Manager, and Banquet Manager

Bling H20 and other specialty water

Mini Comfort Foods

Great Ideas for Summer Weddings

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

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Happy planning,

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Further reading:

Wedding Planning Tips from Wedding Pros!

Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Wedding Venue Site Visits: The not-so-obvious questions to ask

Wedding Day Timeline Tips from a Professional Wedding Planner

A Wedding Day Checklist

While scouring The Wedding Chicks blog and their “sweet deals” section, I was amazed to find pages and pages of talented photographers doing giveaways for full wedding photography services.  Many of these photographers are willing to travel to your city as long as you cover the cost of travel and accommodations!

I remember that while I was a high school student applying for college scholarships, we were all told that there are so many scholarships out there that go to waste because people simply do not apply.  I’m sure the mentality is, “oh, I’ll never win anything so why should I bother?”.  But there ARE people out there getting scholarships (I didn’t pay a dime for college) and winning contests and giveaways (check out a recent winner of ours and her spectacular wedding day!).  So what’s the harm in trying?

Besides The Wedding Chicks, read the big wedding blogs out there and do a search for any wedding contests or giveaways.  And then I challenge you to enter a few contests!

So have you ever entered a contest and won? I’d love to hear your story!

Happy planning,

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Ace bandage
After shave lotion
Aisle runner
Aluminum foil
Antacid (Tums or Rolaids or Zantac)
Antibacterial gel
Antihistamine
Antiseptic cream
Baby formula
Baby powder
Balloons
Bandages
Band Aid for Blisters
Barrettes
Batteries (AA, AAA, 9 volt)
Bible
Black socks for men
Black tie
Blister protection
Blotting paper
Bobby Pins (black, brown, blond)
Boombox
Bottle opener / corkscrew
Bottled water
Bowtie (4 to 6) – clip on
Bra cups – assorted sizes, nude color
Broom – for broom jumping and one for cleaning (smaller one) and dustpan
Bug spray
Bungee cords
Buttons (black)
Cake box
Cake knife/server
Calligraphy pen
Candle “buttons”
Candle – tealights
CD of wedding music
Chalk
Clear Nail Polish
Clips (table skirting)
Clothespin
Club Soda
Collar extender
Collar Stays
Cologne
Congrats cards
Contact Solution / lens drops / case
Corn pads
Corsage Pins
Corsage Wrist bands
Cottonballs
Cough drops
CPR disposable mask
Crayons / pads of paper
Crochet needle/hook
Cuff links
Curling Iron
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Diapers
Disposable camera
Disposable gloves
Double-sided Tape
Earrings
Earring Backs
Electric adapter
Emery Board
Envelopes
Extension cords – small and heavy duty
Eye drops
Eye wash
Eyeglass repair kit
Eyeglasses (reading)
Fabric and lace scraps
Facial Tissue
Fans (battery operated, hand)
Fashion Tape
Feminine Cleansing Cloths
Film
First Aid Kit
Fishing line
Flashlight (small, solar non battery operated)
Floral pins
Floral tape
Floral wire – green and white
Floss
Foot powder and spray
Garter
Gel packs – hot and cold
Glue (regular and super and fabric)
Goo Gone
Guestbook
Gum eraser
Hair Brush/comb
Hair clips
Hair Dryer
Hair pins
Hair Spray/gel
Handkerchief
Handwarmers
Hand sanitizer
Hem tape
Highlighter
Hole punch
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Index cards
Inkpad
Interior Mirror
Invitation – original
Iron
Jewelry cleaner/cloth
Kiddish
Knee Highs
Knives – X-acto, cutting
Lightbulb
Lighter (2)
Linen napkins
Lint Remover
Lip balm
Lotion (facial and hand)
Lysol wipes
Magnifying glass
Makeup basics and brushes (eyelash comb, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, foundation)
Makeup remover cloths
Maps (local and regional)
Meat tenderizer (bee stings)
Medicated Patch
Men’s Grooming Kit
Mints
Mirror for makeup
Mouthwash
Nail Clipper
Nail Glue
Nail Polish (bridal, clear, and red)
Nail Polish Remover (pads)
Napkin – cocktail and dinner
Necklace – pearl
“Non Skids” for shoes
Notepad
Pain Reliever (Midol, Advil, Tylenol)
Pantyhose (nude, white, ivory)
Paper towels
Pencil Sharpener
Perfume
Pipecleaners
Pitcher and cups
Placecards
Playing Cards
Plastic wrap
Pocket knife
Q-tips
Radio
Razers – disposable
Reserved signs
Ribbon – ivory and white
Ringpillow
Robe – lightweight
Rope/string/yarn/twine
Rose petals – dried and assorted colors
Rubberbands – clear and regular
Rubbing Alcohol
Safety Pins (large and small)
Saltine Crackers
Sanding block
Sand paper
Scissors
Sewing kit
Sharpie
Shaving cream
Sheckel (Israeli coin)
Shoe horn
Shoe and heel inserts
Shoe laces (men)
Shoe polish/mitt
Shower cap
Sippy cup
Sixpence (British coin)
Smelling salts
Snacks (fruit snacks/cheese its/Balance Bar)
Stain Remover/Shout wipes
Static Remover
Stool or chair
Straight pins
Straws
Sunscreen
Tampons/pads/regular and thong pantyliners/menstrual cramp heatpad
Tape (fabric/regular/duct/packaging/scotch)
Teabags (peppermint, green, and ginger)
Thank you cards
Tiara
Tissue
Tobacco patch
Tool kit (mini)
Toothbrush/mouthwash/floss
Toothpaste
Toothpick
Toss Bouquet – fake
Toupee Tape
Trash bags
Tulle
Tweezer
Twinkle lights
Umbrella (black)
Vaseline
Velcro strips
Visine
Wedding bands
Wet Naps
White Manicure Pencil
Yamulka
Water mister
White Kosher Wine (with screw top)
White Out
White Sandals (for bride)
Wicks
Wine glass
Wine Off
Wrapping paper and tissue paper
Ziploc bags (small and large)

I love the website Minimus for travel sized items.  Recently, I purchased a splinter remover as well as an eyeglass repair kit for my wedding emergency kit.

Don’t forget your wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, rings, and marriage license of course!  Have I left out anything?

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