Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Programs


As a weddings planner, brides often ask me about what they should include in their wedding programs and if they even need one. We suggest that they do have a program especially when the attendants are not known by a majority of the guests. The important thing is to familiarize guest with the participants and the order of the service. Programs can be very simple-listing only the names of the bride, groom attendants, the clergy, both sets of parents, musicians, soloists, and date, time, and place. The attendants should be listed in the order they walk down the aisle. Other couples use the program to detail the entire wedding event. They may include details of how they were chosen. Programs often include the vows, readings, music and explanations of any ethnic customs that are included in the ceremony. If a song or any portion of the ceremony is dedicated to a deceased loved one that is also listed in the program. Programs may be as simple as a bi-fold , computer - generated sheet or as elegant as an elaborate ribbon-trimmed printed booklet. Programs are handed to each guest by designated attendants. They may also be in decorative containers and placed where the guests will pick them up. A program makes a wonderful souvenir.

Monday, February 15, 2010

A Schedule of Events 2

As a wedding planner, I am often asked about the toasting order at receptions. While we know that the rules of toasting are not "carved in stone", there are some traditions which make the process simpler and less confusing for everyone. Traditionally the best man makes the first toast to the bride and groom. This is done anytime after the receiving line has ended and everybody has been served a glass of champagne or whatever beverage is being served. Next, the groom thanks the best man and proposes a toast to his bride and both sets of parents. The bride might then thank her husband. Family friends, relatives and anyone else who wishes may then toast the newlyweds.

Here are some other hints that make toasting easier


  • The person being toasted NEVER raises the glass or drinks from it during the toast itself. It is fine to take a sip after everyone else has done so.

  • If you are in a position where you may be asked to propose a toast , be sure to have a few short appropriate toasts memorized.

  • Don't mix your toast with another message. It can be confusing and too long.

Happy Planning,

Kim

Monday, February 8, 2010

A Schedule of Events

As a wedding planner, I believe that the secret of planning a fabulous stress-free reception begins with finding the right venue. We provide the following tips to help you avoid costly mistakes. Location: As soon as the day is confirmed with the clergy, contact should be made with the managers of the sites you are considering. You need to determine availability as soon as possible. If you do not have a specific place in mind, explore options considering hotels, parks, boats, historical sites, clubs, and gardens. When choosing a location, you should keep the convenience of you guests in mind. It is recommended that reception venues be no more than half an hour away from the ceremony site. Space: The facility coordinator will know the maximum number of people the site will accommodate as well as the optimum seating arrangements. Privacy: Check to see how many events will be taking place at a multi-event location and/or how much time is allowed between events scheduled the same day. Is parking adequate? Restrictions: Are there restrictions regarding the type, volume or duration of the music? Is there a public address system? Is there an adequate power supply for speakers, instruments and amplifiers? Support: Does the facility provide someone to cue musicians for the first dance, toast, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss or do you have to provide a person for these events? Menu: Does the food service provided offer you the settings you wish, the china and table settings you like and the food quality you want your guests to experience?

Happy Planning,
Kim