Weddings In Rockford

I'm a Guy I Don't Do Bridal Shows

Over at  The Man Registry blog they have a guys guide to surviving a bridal show.  It has some very useful information.

History of Gowns 101

Hello ladies; brides have been asking me when did women start wearing special dresses or gowns to get married?  Well i will give you a short summary of what i know.

In medieval times, royal marriages were of great political importance and were used to seal alliances between two countries.  It was necessary for the bride to look magnificent in order to uphold her country's image as well as to impress the bridegroom's country with her wealth and importance.  To do this, bridal gowns has as much material as possible.  Gowns were made of velvet, damask silk, satin, fur and fabrics woven with threads of gold and silver.  Colors were rich red, purple and black.  Gowns usually had precious gems sewn in so the bride would glitter and flash in the light. 

During this time, the gown of a poor bride would be mad of linen or fine wool.  Gowns with flowing sleeves or a big train were status symbols.  The traditional gown as we know it today appeared in the the late 18th century.  By 1900 the white dress with a veil was consider the gown to wear.  In 1840, Queen Victoria chose a white dress with lace trim.  She was the first royal bride to have bridesmaids carry her train.  In the 20th century, another member of British royalty had a strong influence on the resurgence of the formal wedding gown.  Princess Diana's gown did much to revive formal wedding gowns and tiara's.

Who else has had a big influence on gown styles?  Please comment.

Selecting Your Photographer

When asked what is the one thing they would rush back into a burning house to save (after family of course) most people say photographs and many specify their wedding pictures.  For something that important it just makes good sense to take the steps before your wedding to make sure that your wedding photographer and/or videographer fit your personality and style.

There are basically three approaches to wedding photography:  there are traditional portraits, the "photojournalist" style, which captures events as they happen and a mix of the two.  You need to be sure of which you prefer and then look at the photographer's work to make sure of what you are getting.  Be sure to give your photographer a list of the people and events you specifically want captured.  Try not to script every photograph that it "cramps his/her style."  If it's possible, consider a mix of the pictures you order.  Get some in full color; consider having some shot in classic black and white and some in sepia (the pictures that look old fashioned in tones of brown and white).

Be sure to talk to your photographer about any special or original shots you want taken.  For ideas look through bridal magazines and photographer sample books.  Feel comfortable telling your photographer no if he or she comes up with an idea for a shot that is not you.  Select a photographer who meets your needs and offers suggestions on how to capture all the details on your special day.

RSVP Dilemma

Over at The Bride's Guide they some helpful tips on resolving your RSVP dilemma.  I have to say that if you had hired a wedding manager in the first place you would not have to deal with your RSVP problem.  Your wedding manager would be handling it for you.  Just saying...

Your Floral Designer

When talking to your florist about your wedding needs remember these ten things.

1.  Confirm their availability on your wedding date.

2.  Discuss the size of your wedding party.

3.  Discuss the ceremony location and reception.  Alot of times the florist is already familiar with the locations.  If not, they will want to have a meeting at the site(s).

4.  Discuss all of your decor needs for every event you will be having.  Rehearsal dinner, after wedding brunch, etc.

5.  Take a look at their portfolio and see if their style fits your needs.  If they are a new florist ask if they can make a sample bouquet or centerpiece.

6.  Discuss your budget. 

7.  Discuss if the florist has done design work for other weddings of the same size as yours.

8.  Make sure you take photos of bouquets and centerpieces that you liked.  A swatch of the bridesmaids dresses and of your dress and or photos of the dresses.

9.  Discuss the down-payment requirements and or contract signing requirements.

10.  Make sure your personalities "mesh" with each other.  You don't want to work with a florist you can't stand.

Do I Have To Write Thank You Notes?

Listen to Mrs. C.  Yes you do.  You have to write thank you notes.  I know it is not your favorite part of the wedding but it must be done.  Here are some helpful hints.

1. When the gift(s) arrive make sure you record a description of the gift, who sent it and what day that the gift arrived.
2. Set aside a specific time to write those thank-you's. 
3. Have a box with your cards, envelopes, stamps and pens to keep you focused.
4. When writing your notes keep your message short and sweet, usually four to five lines.  If you are stuck on what to say, pretend you are speaking face-to-face with them and quickly write it down.  After some "tweaking" you have your thank-you note.
5. Make sure you enclose your new address on a piece of paper or on a card.

Five Things Your Wedding Planner/Manager Can Do For You

1.  Mediate:  She can act as a negotiator/mediator when any kind of conflict arises; between you you and your vendors or among your family members.

2.  Organize:  She can obtain permits and push through paperwork; especially if your wedding is out-of-state.

3.  Supervise:  She can oversee all vendor setups on the day of the wedding and make sure everything runs smoothly.

4.  Orchestrate:  She can lead everyone through the wedding procession, telling the band when to play, the bridesmaids when to walk, etc.

5.  Inspire:  She can suggest reception colors and themes, menu ideas, invitations, favors, etc.

The Planning Challenge

Hello ladies; i know how time consuming and difficult it can be to make myriad wedding plans big and small as well as keep track of them all.  That's why hiring a wedding planner/manager is such a wonderful idea.  Your planner/manager can offer a variety of services based on your needs.  From learning exactly what the bride wants and overseeing every detail to things as simple as seating divorced parents who do not speak to each other, the wedding planner/manager can do as much or as little as you wish.  Think how nice it would be to have her take charge of your aunt who has never planned a wedding in her life but who insists on expressing her opinion about every detail of yours.

Because wedding planner/managers are in constant contact with vendors, current trends and the latest venues, they will be your best source for creating the unique and the unusual.  Weddings are meant to be joyous occasions, not events filled with taut nerves and stressful moments.

I encourage every bride to place the dream of a perfect wedding in the hands of a professional planner/manager.  It will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

The Guest List and Invitations

Hello ladies; as a wedding planner/manager i frequently see brides struggle with how many invitations to order because they're unsure about who to include on the guest list.  Here are some suggestions.

If you work in an office and don't want to invite some of your co-workers, either invite everyone or only your boss.  If you've maintained a friendship with a man you broke off with years ago, invite him only if your fiance' is comfortable with having him there.

Invite an ex-mother-in-law if you've remained friendly - especially if your children are in the wedding and this doesn't create a problem for the groom.

What if you receive an RSVP that children are coming ... and your policy is adults only?  Call your guest immediately and explain the situation.  If possible, offer to provide babysitter referrals.

Words to Honor Deceased Loved Ones

Hello ladies, some of you wanted some ideas to honor loved ones by having the officiant speak about them or even have some acknowledgment in the wedding program.  Here are some ideas:

1

At this time, we would like to honor the memory of .....who is here today in our hearts.

2

..... and ..... have asked that we take a moment to honor the memory of those loved ones who could only be here today in spirit.

3

At this time, ..... and ..... would like us to remember with them a very special person,....., a loving wife, mother and great friend, who while unable to be here with us today, is carried now and forever in our hearts.

For more great ideas on planning your ceremony read "The Wedding Ceremony Planner" by Reverend Judith Johnson, PhD.