What are some things I should consider before choosing the location of a venue for my wedding/ceremony reception?

Location, Location, Location…is something brides should consider when choosing the perfect venue for their wedding ceremony and/or reception. Is the location of the ceremony close to the reception venue? Is it easy to find? What is the walk up appeal of the venue? Are there places to take photos close by if wanted? Is there ample parking for my guests? Ask these questions of your top venue choices and the answers to these questions may help you narrow down your decision in finding the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony and/or reception. If you will be having out of town guests at the wedding, consider if the venue is close to any hotels, restaurants, and/or entertainment. Your guests will certainly appreciate all the nearby options if they are unfamiliar with the area of where your wedding ceremony/reception will be. There are so many venues to choose from, so choose the one that's right for you and convenient for your guests.

I'm on a limited budget. How can I save money on my venue?

There are a couple of ways to save a significant amount of money on your wedding venue. Consider having your event on a Friday evening instead of a Saturday. You can often receive anywhere from 20% - 30% off by booking on an off-peak day of the week. Some venues also have seasonal discounts. Another way to save money is to consider having your ceremony and reception in the same venue. Not only will this save you money on facility rental fees, it will also save you money on decorations and floral arrangements as you will only have to decorate one venue. Your guests will also love that they won't have to travel from the ceremony to the reception!

I love my reception venue but how I can decorate that big empty space without spending a fortune?

It is amazing how you can transform a space with lighting alone. Dim the overhead lights and use candles as part of your centerpieces. They are classic, simple and affordable. While most venues won't allow candle sticks or open flames, most will allow tea lights in votive holders or hurricanes. Twinkle lights can be added to greenery or to columns for a romantic look. Modern lighting options are also available. Consider renting some pin spots to highlight your guest tables, buffet, cake or other important areas of the room. Up-lighting can add a dramatic flair by washing a whole wall with color; or by adding splashes of color to otherwise dull walls. Add tree lights with chase sequences to attract your guests to the dance floor. Many venues have affordable lighting packages available and can offer suggestions on how to best use the equipment. Décor companies and DJs are also excellent resources for your lighting needs.

What is the best way to save money on decorations for my wedding reception?

The best way to save money on decorations for your wedding reception is to choose a venue that has a lot to offer you. In researching your top venue choices, ask if they have any "extras" you can use on your special day. Each venue is going to have specific décor that may be utilized and can tie seamlessly into your wedding theme. Some venues will have furniture or other items like plants or silk flowers that you can use (at no additional charge) and they will even arrange them for you during the setup of your event. Another way to save is to purchase items that can be repurposed in your home at a later date. Christmas lights for example, are an easy and inexpensive way to decorate a large room and can be reused in your home for the holidays. Also, try saving wine bottles and using them as vases for the centerpieces for your flower arrangements. Repurposing not only saves you money but is also very "green!"

I hear a lot about "green" weddings. What are some easy ways to incorporate earth-friendly practices into my event?

Going green at your wedding isn't simply about reducing paper products and recycling your empty champagne and wine bottles. Keep energy consumption in mind when booking all aspects of your event. The locations of your venue and vendors are key when you are concerned about being green. How close is your ceremony site to the reception site? Book these closely together, not only for convenience but to conserve gas for all of your guests and vendors. Also, consider booking vendors that are located within a few miles of each other. Is your wedding in Dallas but your cake is coming from Arlington while your décor is coming from Carrollton? Not only will this reduce gas consumption on the day of the event for your vendors, it will reduce your personal consumption when you are running around to your appointments leading up to the event. These few simple tips will help you reduce the carbon footprint of your wedding while helping you save some of your own personal energy for the big day!

What's the best time for your dollar to get married?

Many venues, including city owned properties, offer discounted rental rates during summer months and holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day just to name a few! Having your wedding over a long weekend or during the summer when families schedule vacations will also benefit your guests.

How do I create a more interactive reception for my guests?

Creative Photography! Having a green screen, mobile photo booth, or setting up flipbooks is an easy way to engage guests and keep the flow going. You will save money on disposable cameras and candy boxes as guests will have their own personal keepsake they are likely to share and keep from your big day.

Can you tell me things I need to consider when planning my destination wedding?

1. You must consider the regional and cultural differences in communication with people of other countries when planning a destination wedding.
2. You should consider your elderly or disabled family members when deciding on a destination wedding. Can they fly to the location to be a part of your wedding?
3. You will likely get a much smaller turnout at a destination. Are you prepared to have a second reception at your home location for those folks who could not make the trip?
4. Will you have your honeymoon in the same place or will you move to another location for the vacation after the wedding?
5. If you are getting married in another state or country, you will need a local marriage license, and possibly a passport. The passport is simple; just be sure to apply well in advance of your wedding date. Getting the marriage license can be slightly trickier, especially in a foreign country. Contact the local city hall for information on your license.
6. Be sure to have your wedding at a resort or location that has a romance or wedding department that can take care of the details for you or you will have to plan an advance trip.

How far in advance of the wedding should I date my invitations for the RSVP response deadline?

Traditionally, it has been the rule of thumb to set your deadline for RSVP's for two weeks prior to the wedding date. However, whether it be their busy schedules or what have you, people tend to drag their feet and miss the deadline. Therefore, it is best that you make the deadline one month prior to the wedding. It gives you a little more security in knowing you might just have your count in on time and can share that with the caterer, florist, etc. so that they can get their job done for you effectively. Happy Wedding!!!

I am having trouble with my mother. She is taking over the wedding planning and making the entire day about her. This is supposed to be my day. I realize she is paying for the wedding, but seriously, I have dreams too. She has had her wedding and I want mine. What do I do? HELP!!!!

I cannot tell you how often I hear this. It is a common occurrence. Have you had a heart to heart with her? I suggest you find common ground on which you are in agreement - particularly issues where she doesn't necessarily realize you are in agreement. Then, you use those things to placate her by giving in and ask her to give in on other things that are more important to you in order to have your way. In any negotiation, you will find that if you give some, so will the other party, whether it is your Mother or not. Pick your fights wisely and perhaps you will end up getting more of what you want than you think. Good Luck!

How soon is too soon to hire a wedding planner? When should I start interviewing and when should I hire?

The usual rule of thumb is that when you start the actual planning, is the time to hire a planner. A good planner should be involved as soon as you can bring them in due to the fact that their assistance can be invaluable in every step of the process. I recently had a client hire me who had already booked their venue. The venue, needing the booking, told the client what they wanted to hear in order to get the business. When I came on board, I soon realized that the wedding they were attempting to achieve would not work in the facility they had selected. Additionally, the venue required an unreasonably high deposit. The client summed it all up in one sentence... "If I hadn't hired you and had proceeded with this venue, we would have not known our wedding was going to be a disaster until the day of the event." Make sure your planner is involved in all of the important decisions. They can help you divert a catastrophe and save you money along the way!

Is there a period of stress in the wedding planning process that seems to happen more often than not?

During the initial planning stages, there is always that time when you have to educate the couple as to how their funds are stretched to accommodate the number of guests. This is when we usually have to show them where the money goes and what each guest actually costs them beyond the general money spent. For example, the band, any venue rental fees, the gown, the other formal attire cost the same if you have one guest or one thousand. However, floral, lighting, chair and linen rentals, food and beverage have a per person fee attached to them. So, the more people you invite, the tighter the budget gets stretched and you have to make a decision as to whether to add more money to the budget or trim the guest list. It is a difficult time for the couple and their families to decide what to do and how to proceed.

If the other mother has chosen a long dress do I have to wear a long dress?

Yes. This has nothing to do with etiquette...it has to do with balance and symmetry. In the picture that hangs around forever in the photo albums, the "book end" picture as I like to call it....the bride and groom surrounded by their parents....everyone in that picture will have their legs covered except the mother in the short dress. It will appear as though she showed up at the wrong wedding!

If one mother wears long the other mother needs to wear long also. Do the mothers' dresses need to match the bridesmaids' dresses?

No. This is a common misconception. Mothers are not in the bridesmaids category. They are in the hostess and most honored guest category. In a Christian wedding mothers are seated on a front pew in the church. Seldom are parents included in the picture with the attendants. They are pictured with the bride and groom and family pictures. Their dresses should not clash with the bridesmaids' dresses I(e.g. red and orange).In a Jewish wedding the mothers are near the rabbi and the attendants during the entire ceremony. Therefore, in this ceremony more attention has to be paid to the color of the bridesmaids' dresses. However, in both instances, it is imperative that the mothers choose a color that is fabulous on each of them, a color that does not clash with the bridesmaids' dresses.

Do the mothers' dresses need to match in style?

No. One mother may be an accountant and the other an artist. They don't lose their personality for this special occasion. They are not senior bridesmaids of each other. Each mother chooses something she feels emotionally comfortable in and something that portrays her individual sense of style. Remember, mothers will be surrounded be a sea of color called "guests". These people went to their closets and picked out what they felt wonderful in that day. For goodness sake! Mothers should do the same!

In choosing a mother's dress what is the single most important thing?

In my book I state that the three most important factors are color, color and, yes, you guessed it...COLOR! If your dress is not in one of your best colors, people will admire your dress...not you. The eye of the beholder goes to the color and forgives figure imperfections. Choosing your best color is even more important if you don't have a great figure. I have seen average looking women transformed into incredible looking women by putting them in their best, or one of their best, colors.

Doesn't my mother's dress need to match the color of the bridesmaids?

No! Your mother's dress does not have to match, it shouldn't "clash". Remember that traditionally, the mother of the bride is the hostess of the wedding and the mother of the groom is the most honored guest. Your guests have gone to their closets the day of the wedding and chosen what they feel they look best in.

Shouldn't the mothers do the same?

In my opinion a "clash" is red and orange, not blue and green. In a Jewish ceremony the mothers will be standing near the attendants throughout the ceremony. Therefore, the color of their dresses should be complimentary of the bridesmaids dresses...but still in their own individual best color. In a Christian ceremony mothers are seated at the front of the church in front of the "sea" of guests. Bridesmaids are up near the alter. Why does the mother of the bride, traditionally, choose the formality of the dresses the mothers will wear? If she is indeed acting in the traditional role of the mother of the bride, she is the hostess of the wedding. If she chooses to wear a long dress, the mother of the groom should do likewise. Once the groom and groomsmen are in tuxes, you are at a formal wedding in my opinion.

How can I manage my budget for my wedding?

The first thing you need to do is to monitor your guest list, and invite people that are going to support you in your marriage. You then need to choose your menu choices wisely by making selections according to the time of day of your reception. Keep in mind that a buffet is often your most cost effective catering service choice. Try not to over embellish. Keep things simple; simple is elegant.

How do I determine the Number of servings of cake to have for my guests, when our menu is a heavy meal with lots of alcohol, as opposed to a lighter hors d'oeuvre menu with less alcohol?

The rule for the bride's cake is one serving per guest in attendance and half as many for the groom's cake. If there are to be heavy alcoholic beverages, you may want to reduce the bride's cake about 25 servings. If the meal is heavy you might consider a lighter, less rich flavored cake like lemon or white.
– Susan Clark, Sweet Memories Cakes and Catering

With the economic changes in today's world, how I can economize on my wedding cake costs?

We suggest you consider having a smaller wedding cake and add cupcakes displayed at different levels around the cake. Or, you can have a cupcake tree instead of a wedding cake and place the anniversary cake on top.
– Susan Clark Sweet Memories Cakes & Catering

Is it necessary for the string quartet to attend the wedding rehearsal?

Generally, it is not necessary for the quartet to attend the wedding rehearsal. An experienced string group can time selections throughout the ceremony to coordinate with entrances and exits, helping to create a smooth, seamless flow. At most, the leader of the quartet can attend the rehearsal, but this is only necessary for very complex ceremonies.
– Kristin Van Cleve, Violinist, Stradivarius String Quartet

How can I be sure there will be smooth transitions between music selections during the formal seatings at my wedding?

The most important thing is to make sure that the wedding coordinator communicates with the string quartet. If the coordinator give a clear cue to the musicians when it is time to start the seatings, and then sends each group down the aisle to the correct music selection, the quartet can easily time selections to end after the last person in each group has been seated.
– Kristin Van Cleve, Violinist, Stradivarius String Quartet

Should I expect our musicians to be at the wedding rehearsal?

No. Professional musicians will work from a Wedding Ceremony Worksheet that you will complete prior to your wedding. It provides a very clear guideline for pieces to be performed before, during, and after the ceremony. However, if you feel strongly about your musicians being at the rehearsal then this can be arranged for an additional fee.

How do I choose music for my wedding?

Professional musicians should have an extensive repertoire list on their website, with many audio examples. They will be happy to make suggestions and provide guidance when choosing music for your wedding ceremony.

Should I expect my musicians to play pieces that are not listed on their website?

Most musicians can accommodate special requests for music, with a few guidelines:

• Allow extra time (at least 4-6 weeks) so they can locate the music if they don't have it in their library.
• Some requests require that music be specially arranged, which is an additional fee and requires extra time.
• Be sure to check with the officiant at your ceremony about any special musical requests. Some places of worship have special guidelines regarding what kind of music can be performed at wedding ceremonies.

Why should couples use live musicians for their ceremony, instead of recorded music?

Using live music creates a special ambiance that can't be reproduced with recorded music. Musicians can time each piece of music selected to fit perfectly with each part of the ceremony, creating a smooth, seamless flow.

What advice do you give couples regarding music selections?

Many couples have definite ideas about which pieces they want performed at their wedding. For those who aren't sure, we recommend listening the wedding "classics" first. Most musicians have a large repertoire, with many audio examples available, and can also perform special requests, provided the pieces are arranged for string quartet.

Do string quartets require any special accommodations at the ceremony and/or reception site?

String quartets are extremely portable and can adapt to nearly any performing situation. If the venue is outdoors, musicians need to be out of direct sunlight. Since the weather can be unpredictable, couples planning for an outdoor wedding need to have a contingency plan for an indoor location in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HOLD A GARDEN WEDDING?

Garden weddings can be beautiful any time of the year, as long as your main consideration is weather and comfort. Be sure that there are accommodations should Texas weather not cooperate. Look for gardens with sophistication and style that include an isolated, quiet, private venue. Ponds, waterfalls, paths, gazebos, flowers and trees add sparkle and variety to any garden. Because garden weddings are so popular, be sure to find your location early, as prime dates book quickly. Ask for photos of prior garden weddings to visualize your event. And enjoy your beautiful outside wedding.
– Michael & Penny Story - Reflections on Spring Creek

Can you give us a timeline for last-minute details?

In Texas you may get your marriage license from the County Clerk. Call the clerk’s office for hours and cash amounts needed. You both need to appear before the clerk, bringing proof of identity and age (a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, etc). Also bring your social security numbers. You may get your license within a 30-day period before your wedding, but you must have it at least 72 hours before your ceremony. Last-minute (a couple of weeks prior) decisions include: final guest list for your event; checking final travel clothes, essentials, and documents; checking all items needed for your ceremony and reception; verifying hair and makeup appointments for wedding party; and asking for help. Your friends and family will be delighted to take much of the last-minute burden off you and your groom. Let them!
– Michael & Penny Story - Reflections on Spring Creek

I know what the bride needs to do, what are some things the groom needs to do?

Often the groom thinks that buying the ring, paying for the license, finding a best man, and planning the honeymoon  are his only duties. Actually he needs to do several other things, including chose wedding clothes for the groomsmen and fathers; pay for the bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres, and mothers corsages,  choose gifts for his groomsmen, and choose a special gift for the bride. Also don’t forget to pay the clergyman a few days before the wedding or give the fee to the best man to pay the minister before the ceremony.  These are just a few of the groom’s duties.  Any good wedding planning manual can give you a complete list.
– Michael & Penny Story - Reflections on Spring Creek