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.