FAST FACTS

Did you know that . . . Weddings Around the World -

1. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.

2. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlywed's home to symbolize fertility.

3. To ensure that she'll never do without, a Swedish Bride places a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe.

4. Historically, Danish men and women cross dressed in order to confuse evil spirits.

5. Most Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their ceremony.

OTC - and the Coker Family

In the Spring of 2008, OTC offered it's first course for "Professional Wedding Planners", through "Continuing Education". Sherry Dziwanowski, a computer specialist in Continuing Education was engaged to be married in June, 2008 and offered to be the Bride for the girls in the spring semester. This gave our class a hands on bride to work with. It was a "win - win" situation for everyone. The girls followed through with the wedding and all was well.

Sherry, her family, my family and I, have all become good friends through this chance meeting at OTC. Sherry and I are now "Stampin Up" buddies. I have since joined Sherry's stampin club and I love every minute of it. I would like to introduce you to the new Coker Family - from left, Nick and Jayden Dziwanowski, Sherry, Joe and Kenzie Coker.

50% off Accessory Blowout

Signature Weddings is offering a GREAT holiday special. Need stocking stuffers for the Bride in your family? We have Flower Girls Baskets, Ring Bearer Pillows, Toasting Flutes, Cake Knife Serving Sets, Cake Toppers, Bride to Be Tote Bags, Bridal Slippers, Bridal Robes, Satin Pillow Cases, Hand Towels, Bath Towels, Just Married Flip Flops, Sunglasses, Unity Candles, Flower Girl T-Shirts, Ring Bearer T-Shirts and much, much more. View our website at http://www.signatureweddingsbykim.com/ to view our current inventory. Each accessory item on the web site is now

50% off. Call for pricing and delivery options. 417-496-6887.

In partnership with Budget Printing in Springfield, Missouri - we offer invitations from Birchcraft, Carlson Craft, CheckerBoard, Masterpiece, McPhearsons, National Engraving, Nu-Art and Stylart. Beginning January 2009 we will be offering custom made invitations. Appointments are required for invitation ordering.

Tips for Your Reception

We know that the most important part of your wedding is the marriage itself. But we also know that your reception is also important since it will be the first time you greet family and friends as a married couple. We suggest that you plan your reception nine to twelve months in advance and book the location earlier if necessary.

Whatever you are considering, ask the facility personnel if you can observe another reception there so that you can see the flow of traffic and how the site handles set up. Plan to serve food appropriate for the time - no dinner food for a 4 pm reception and certainly more than hors d'oeuvres at a 6 pm reception.

Never have a cash bar. If your budget doesn't cover an open bar, serve something you can afford. Charging for drinks is like charging a guest for dinner at your home. You invited them. Do not allow bartenders or musicians to put out tip jars. Gratuities will be handled through the final payment.

Be sure that your wedding coordinator and musicians are clear about what music to play and that your Emcee' knows about when and what announcements or introductions are to be made. Have the band or DJ play a variety of music so guests of all ages can enjoy dancing.

Have your wedding coordinator make arrangements for gifts to be placed in a secure room. Be sure your photo session does not last too long.

Happy Planning,

Kim

Table Linens

Research reveals that our ancestors first used the sides of tablecloths as napkins! Not the most elegant sight. Napkins themselves came into existence in the 17th century, when long tables were placed across the end of a "Great Room". The host, his family and honored guests sat at those tables in chairs with arms. A long cloth was placed across the knees of the diners who shared this group napkin.

By 1660, a separate napkin was furnished for each diner. Eventually, individual napkins were placed in special holders so that each person was assured of getting his/her own unlaundered napkin back at the next meal.

Today's napkin rings are available in many materials and are considered a fashion accessory for the well-dressed table. Fortunately times have changed and fresh table linens are available for every price range and dining style. A collection of table linens and accessories will accent your china and complement your lifestyle choices for the table and entertaining.

Happy Planning,
Kim

Which Vendor Do You Tip?

This is one of the questions brides often ask. For this party (your wedding celebration) there are many people involved in providing service to you and your guests. You may not have much experience in working with some of them, but feel fairly comfortable in dealing with others. BRIDES' magazine offers the following guidelines - understanding that local customs may trump these suggestions. But it is important to consider these expenses when putting together your budget.

Usual Tips:

Caterer or club manager or hotel banquet manager - 15% of total food and beverage bill UNLESS it is already in your contract.

Reception wait staff. Plan on 15% of the total food bill, given tot he catering manager or maitre d' to distribute UNLESS it is already included in the contract.

Reception musicians or DJ's - $25 - $50 each suggested.

Limo Driver - 15% of total bill UNLESS it is built in the contract.

Powder Room and Coat Check attendants - 50 cents to $2 per guest. Be sure to place a sign where guests can see it clearly - "Gratuities have been arranged by the host".

Valet Parking Attendants - $1 - $2 per car parked. Be sure to have a sign clearly visible for guests alerting them that the gratuity has be taken care of.

Hair and/or Makeup artist - 15% of the total bill.

Wedding Planner - 10% - 15% of the fee.

The above vendors are the ones whom provide services for you - the ones listed below are the ones you buy actual product from. Custom say that you don't have to tip the following; however, you may wish to tip or give a gift; Florist, Photographer, Videographer, Baker, Stationer. Remember fees for the following - The officiant, organist, soloist, altar boys.

Happy Planning
Kim

And the Weddings Continue with Carmen and Paul

Carmen and Paul are two of the sweetest people. I absoultely loved working with both of them.

This wedding was one very anticipated wedding in the Springfield area and guests were not disappointed. Carmen and Paul were a bride and groom that did not leave us the day they got married, they continue to be our friends. As Carmen said to my husband and I as she started her walk down the aisle "I love you guys", this is one of best gifts a wedding coordinator could ever receive.

Tis' the Season of Weddings

Just wanted to share some photos from some of our recent weddings. First of all my son was married on April 12, 2008. Being a proud mom I wanted everyone to see how good looking he is, his beautiful wife - and yes - my beautiful granddaughter - and her not so beautiful moment.

Two Cuties!!

Cory and Katie - DJ's with B# Entertainment, having fun at the Merrick Wedding Reception. Cory is my son who just got married.

Something New

Okay, I've been lacking in keeping up with my blogging. It has been sooo busy. Most of you know I'm teaching a class at OTC for Professional Wedding Planning, my son just got married, I just bought a new house and the list goes on.

I have some new photos I'm excited to put up for everyone to see. I am so forunate to be able to work with some of the coolest couples. Megan and Nate went to Mexico to have their beach wedding and do a "Trash the Dress" session with Dawn Shields Photography. Megan and Nate did an awesome job as well as Dawn Shields. Hope you enjoy.

Happy Planning

Kim

Kristina & Nick

I wanted to show you this cool photo of the monogramed floor. It's just another detail that adds a jaw dropping effect.

Happy Planning

Kim

Megan & Nate December 15, 2008

What a beautiful way to put a new twist on a look from the past!! Megan was one beautiful bride who had a little bit of "Hip" and "Funky" to her. Megan and Nate were married December 15, 2007 at Stonegate Class Chapel towards Branson. The ceremony took place a 7:00 pm and the woods were snowy and quiet - The scense could not have been more perfect if we had set it ourselves. This was one time mother nature did a "great job".

Megan and Nate went to Mexico the first part of February to continue their wedding journey with a beach wedding and a "Trash the Dress" photo shoot. Check back in a day or two to get some photos of that or you can check it out on Dawn Shields blog.

I absoultely loved working with these two. We started the planning process about a year ago and had a wonderful wedding planned and then some things changed and we planned a wedding for December 15 in about two weeks. BUT - it was beautiful!!

Enjoy,

Kim

Kristina & Nick February 16, 2008

What a wonderful way to start the year - a wedding with a bride that had an endless smile. Kristina is one of those who has a smile no matter what. It was hard for her to be serious.

Outside the weather was cold and raining - inside it was filled with blooming cherry blossoms, smiles and yes - chocolate!!

Our wedding took place at the Community Presbyterian Church in Forsyth, Missouri and they danced the night away at the reception at the Tower Club.

We invite you to take a look at our day and how much fun we had!!

www.prestondial.info/Merrick_Wedding


Enjoy,
Kim

FOREVER ON FILM

There is a tradional view that photographs are forever. Your wedding ceremony and reception will be preserved on film long after the guests have gone home and the flowers have dried. This truism makes it critiacal that you select your photographer and videographer with great care. You need to be absoultely confident that they are skilled and creative. When selecting your offical photographer to record the significant events of your day, you will want to consider referrals, look at his/her work and creative talent. Wedding photographs are a highly personal look at the beginning of your new life together and you need to feel comfortable with the person(s) behind the camera. Growing in importance is the video specialist who will record your entire ceremony (with the approval of the priest or minister or rabbi performing the ceremony). Be sure to review his/her work and express your preferences before signing any contract. Beyond the formal recording of the ceremony in stills and video, there is increasing interest in having a video playing during the reception, which captures the essence of the couple themselves. A collage of family photos and a record of their courtship transferred to video tape along with music that matters to the couple is a favorite to be playing during the cocktail hour or early in the reception. Couples also record a message to their guest, which can play on large screen TVs in the reception area. Friends could create a gift for the couple by interviewing friends and family at the wedding and reception. They would then present the good wishes and memories offered by the guests themselves. Videos could also contain footage of a dearly departed friend or family member. What a special way to include their memory in this important record. The film and video record of your day is so important, so look for and hire the best. Encourage friends and family to capture important moments of the day with cameras readily available. One of your experienced consultants will give you more ideas for recording this once in a lifetime event.

OMG!! Certified Wedding Planning Course at OTC

Wow - I can't believe this is happening. I had to this the hard way, now there is a course being offered at OTC here in Springfield, Missouri for Certified Wedding Planning. This hands-on program covers everything a wedding planner needs to know to get started in the business; from contracts to etiquette, flowers, music, day of services, marketing, business practices, trade secrets and industry specific applications. Whether you plan on working part-time, planning only a few weddings a year or full-time career, this program will provide you with all the tools necessary to work as a wedding planner or start your own wedding planning business.

This course will run from February 11 - April 21, 2008. The cost of the course is $725 and there are payment plan options.

The best part of this course -I'm teaching it!! We already have some signed up and I hope several more of you will.

If you need to get more information on this class, please email pattersd@otc.edu or call 417.447.8888.

My first wedding after this course begins in Saturday, February 16. I am hoping you will be able to help work it.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you on Monday, February 11.

Happy Planning,
Kim