HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I Want It Perfect!! We have been assisting brides with wedding plans for many years. And we have never been disappointed with the ceremonies and receptions that we have seen, planned and attended. In addition to all of our ideas and helpful plans, we think one of of our most valuable gifts to our brides is this piece of advice. Enjoy your wedding day and everything that happens that day, but do remember that while everything may be perfect, don't think of this as the BEST day of our life. This one will have been wonderful, memorable, charming, exciting, elegant or spectacular - the list of adjectives is long - but don't expect FLAWLESS or think it is the best. Go through life believing that the best is yet to come - because it is. You will have a lifetime of days that you will consider "perfect". Your wedding day will be a wonderful day, a deeply moving and remarkable day. It will be a fabulous party and an elegant event that guests will long remember and talk about. But it won't be the only perfect day in your life nor will it be the only best day of your life. It will be a happy day - one in a series of special moments yet to come in your life. As one recent MOB said "It was a great party. It was the perfect wedding. But was it the best day of the bride's life? No. There are even better days ahead for her." We agree with this mother. Don't look for perfection and don't get thrown off kilter if something unexpected happens. It will!

Wedding Colors

In her booklet "With This Ring", June Jenkins writes about the origins of many wedding traditions. She has this to say about white - "Long before the color white represented purity, it symbolized joy." She talks about ancient civilizations that painted their entire bodies with white paint on the eve of their wedding ceremonies. In other cultures, white was worn on happy occasions like religious feasts and birthdays.

But in spite of this heritage, white has not always been the favored color for wedding dresses. Roman brides preferred yellow for their gowns and brides in the Middle Ages in Europe often wore red gowns. Not to be outdone, grooms in the Middle Ages also wore bright and colorful outfits. It wasn't until Victorian times that white became the norm for wedding gowns as white became the color that denoted purity and virginity.

An old Japanese superstition forbade anyone, guests and all, from wearing purple at a wedding. Purple faded faster than any other color, and might therefore, signify the fading of marital happiness.

Middle Eastern brides had blue ribbons tied to their gowns since that culture considered blue the color of purity.

The tradition of ribbon trims extended to Europe in the mid 1500's and love knots which symbolized the wedding knot, were tied to the bride's dress. The ribbons were multi colored - with a different meaning for each color. Some represented virtue and good fortune, other fertility. Green represented fidelity.

Gowns this season reflect that long tradition of color. And touches of pastels or vibrant colors enable today's bride to make both a fashion statement and link their wedding centuries of celebrations. Let your experienced consultant help you plan a colorful and meaningful wedding wardrobe.

Grooms Attendants

We always talk about the girls - now let's talk about the guys. . .

While it's usual for grooms to just ask buddies or brothers to "be in the wedding", many men say "sure" without being too clear about what they've just committed to. Being an honored attendant means a lot more than dressing up for a big party.

The best man is a title given to a brother or best friend who will take his responsibility seriously. In many areas, it is traditional for the groom to choose his father for this role. (It is helpful if he is also someone who gets along with the bride.) It is the best man's job to take care of all bachelor events and provide support for the groom. He keeps track of the wedding rings, even if there is a ring bearer. He initiates the toasts at the rehearsal dinner, makes the first toast to the bride and groom at the reception and reads anys telegrams that come for the couple. He transports the groom to the church and helps him dress. He delivers the officiant's fee before or after the service and signs the wedding certificate as a witness. Many men don't realize this, but his responsibilities may also include returning the groom's wedding attire to the cleaners or rental shop.

Groomsmen are usually chosen from the groom's old friends, cousins and both the bride's and groom's brothers. Come weddings have both ushers and groomsmen. In this case, the ushers seat the guests and the groomsmen stand at the altar as attendants to the groom. Other couples elect to have their attendants usher as well as stand at the altar. It is not necessary to have the same number of groomsmen as bridesmaids, but it is a better balance if the numbers are at least close. They may wait at the altar with the groom and best man or many accompany a bridesmaid down the aisle in the processional and recessional. While there is no definite number of ushers you "must" have, the rule of thumb, one usher per every 50 -75 guests. An usher offers his right arm to each woman guest. Bride's guest are seated to the left and groom's to the right. This order is reversed at Jewish services. They are expected to arrive at the church one hour before the ceremony to seat early guests.

They distribute wedding service programs if they are provided, direct the placement of wedding gifts if the ceremony and reception are in the same location and seat all people with pew cards in the reserved or special section. Just before the processional they unroll the aisle carpet if one is to be used, then take their places.

Happy Planning,

Kim

Church Policies

We find that many brides are not aware that most churches have policies concerning what can or cannot be done at a wedding. While your individual church will have its own rules and regulations,k in general most churches have these guidelines in place.

Typically a church will not allow permanently attached furniture to be moved. No thumbtacks or nails can be driven into the woodwork nor can anything be used to deface it.

Saucers or mats must be placed under all palms or floral arrangements that rest on the floor.

All arrangements for music, ceremony and decorations must be submitted and are subject to the approval of the priest, minister or church wedding coordinator.

Floral arrangements or candles that must be taped to each pew are likely to be forbidden. The best rule is to remember that decorations should be kept to a minimum so as not to detract from the dignity of the sanctuary.

The church may require that its organist be employed.

The church may require that no pictures be taken during the ceremony - especially flash photos.

Many would require that all fees be paid in cash prior to or at the rehearsal.

And common sense dictates that no trash be left behind in the building and no alcoholic beverages be served or consumed in the building.

If you have not been provided with a printed set of guidelines for the place you have chosen for your ceremony, be sure to ask for clarification.

We are here to help you with all of the details surrounding your wedding ceremony.

Happy Planning,

Kim

Some Reception Thoughts

We are always asked about ideas for receptions. We have answered lots of questions from brides who wonder what to do. Here are some of the questions we have been asked.

1. How can I handle guests who respond to the invitation and state on the reply card that the number planning to attend is larger than the number invited? - If you truly can't handle the additional guests, we suggest that you turn to your maid of honor or a tactful bridesmaid or your Wedding Coordinator. Ask that they call the guests and explain that the bride would love to extend her guest list, but unfortunately it is impossible. The reason? Budget concerns or space already filled. If the person is offended - and some will be - they are not true friends. After all, they were the ones who have overstepped the etiquette boundaries. Often, the "extras" are uninvited children. To avoid this situation, the reception card should read, "adults only reception". Emotions are involved in these situations; so don't get upset if people sometimes act rudely.

2. Everyone seems to have an opinion about what I should and shouldn't do at my wedding. How can I please so many different people? - We suggest that yo do not try to impress anyone. Long after the event is history, it will be your creativity and warmth that are remembered, not the suggestions that you did not follow. Have pots of your favorite flowers as table centerpieces, serve local specialties, label tables with your favorite places or hobbies, assign singles to a partner, place nibbles at strategic places, and be generous with warm greetings. The success of your reception depends on efforts to create warm hospitality.

We hope this helps, if you have further questions, please feel free to give us a call.

Happy Planning,

Kim

I'm Back!!

It's been a while since I've been on the blog. I promise I am going to do better. The world of weddings was really crazy early in the year and now things have calmed down.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Signature Weddings has decided we will no longer be selling wedding invitations. We are going back to what we do best and that is Coordinate Weddings. This decision has taken a large load off our shoulders. We will continue to work with our clients to ensure that they get the best possible service when ordering their invitations and we will always be there to consult with our clients in regards to the etiquette.

Happy Planning
Kim

Princess for a Day

Yesterday was Ashley's day to be a princess. When she came to me to start the planning process I asked her to give me three words that would best describe what she was looking for. Her answer - princess, red and purple.

It was then my job to bring this fairy tale to reality -

The fairy tale came true -

Ashley has been one of the sweetest, most gracious clients I have had. Her Groom, Ricky and her entire family were wonderful to work with.

I wish Ashley & Ricky the very best that life has to offer them. They are a very deserving couple.

More Wedding Traditions

It is fun to tell brides about some time-honored traditions, which bring a sense of history to wedding events. One tradition that most couples choose to follow is the exchange of rings. And it's still customary for the groom to ask the bride's family for their blessings before the engagement. While Queen Victoria of England is credited with being the first to wear a white wedding gown as a sign of affluence, American brides should feel free to choose any shade of white or ivory or subtle color. A veil was once used to cover the bride's head while she was being captured. In other cultures one was also worn to protect the bride from evil spirits. For brides who seek a more contemporary feel, a headband, tiara or flowers might be the right accessory to complete the headpiece and/or veil. Receiving lines, once thought to be the way to share good fortune with everyone the bridal couple touched, are often replaced by couples making their way from table to table during dinner. The important thing to remember is to use the traditions that work for you and feel free to adapt them to your contemporary needs.

5 Inspiring Ideas

That offers ways to create a wedding that's unforgettable - for both you and your guests.

1. Give classic black-and-white decor a colorful lift - Whatever strong hue you put with black and white will look sharp and really stand out. A recent wedding punctuated the Hollywood regency-inspired look with bright yellow accents. The dining tables alone were decorated with more than 300 stems of yellow calla lilies, which offset black-bordered linen runners.

2. Personalize your bouquet with a beloved heirloom - Adorning the bridal bouquet has become quite popular, but the key is to do it in a meaningful way. Some brides will add a broach that had or does belong to her Grandmother. The Grandmother is known for wearing broaches on her jacket lapel and/or hats. The bride will always be moved when she sees her bouquet.

3. Transport your guests in comfort - and vintage style - There's charm in an old-fashioned, slow-moving trolley. Providing a chic ride lets guests enjoy themselves without worrying about driving between venues. The best part would be to have a trolley that is open on all sides as to offer the alfresco experience.

4. Savor the flavor of a cherished family recipe - Whether it's your aunt's chicken noodle soup or your dad's famous chocolate-chip cookies, most high-end hotels and caterers will accommodate your request to have a favorite food prepared as part of the wedding dinner.

5. Organize ceremony seating so all guests can see - Guests at a wedding are usually divided into two groups: the bride's family and friends on the left, and the groom's on the right. Realizing, however, that people in the back rows often have trouble seeing and hearing the vow exchange, opt for a circular or amphitheater seating. Instead of 15 rows - you have four or five and everyone has a great view.

Frequently asked Questions

1. My sister/friend/aunt/cousin/mom is will to help me coordinate on the day of my wedding. Wouldn't their assistance be enough?

While it is aways important to include loved ones in your wedding, wouldn't you want them to experience your wedding day to the fullest extent without have to "work"? After all, they are your invited guests and deserve to be treated like VIP's, not employees! A wedding planner will handle all the details for you and troubleshoot all the little emergencies that inevitable always pop up during the course of a wedding. While family and friends mean well, they are probably not always going to be equipped or knowledgeable to handle last minute issues.

2. If I have a strick budget for my wedding, wouldn't hiring a wedding planner be an extra-added expense?

If time were money, you would be saving a fortune by hiring a wedding planner. While it would be an extra-added expense that you probably didn't plan for, a wedding planner will end up saving you money in the long run by referring you to quality vendors within your budget, helping you stick to your budget, and suggesting ideas or alternatives to meet your budget. I have yet to find a client who didn't tell me that they would definitely be willing to pay more for my services after their wedding was over. They all realize that the help I provided them before and during the wedding was priceless!