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!

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