Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 2015 XX

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Wedding Planner2015

Wedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding Planner2015

Wedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding Planner20152015

Wedding Planner2015

Wedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding Planner2015

Wedding PlannerWedding PlannerWedding Planner2015

INSIDE

Finding the Right Vendor

Valentine’s Day Weddings

Outdoor Weddings

Wedding Dress Re-do

Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 20152B

Few things set the tone for a wedding ceremony and reception better than music. The decision of whether to hire

a band or deejay often comes down to per-sonal preference and budget.

BandLive musicians spend years honing their

crafts, and watching a band play at a wed-ding reception can be akin to attending a concert.

A live band can bring with it a sense of sophistication. Performers can tone the

music to the crowd and improvise if neces-sary to meet the needs of the room. A good bandleader also will serve as a master of ceremonies at the reception.

Many wedding bands can competently play songs from various genres of music, while some are especially skilled at recre-ating the sound of a particular group.

Bands tend to be more expensive than deejays, and that’s something couples must factor into their budgets if they prefer a band to a deejay.

DeejayThe deejay is one of the first vendors

people think of when they envision a wed-ding reception. Perhaps because they are less expensive, deejays tend to be more popular than bands among today’s cou-ples.

Deejays are advantageous for various reasons. Thanks to the accessibility of digital music, deejays can often procure just about any song a couple desires for

the reception. That’s a significant benefit for couples who want to hear the original versions of their favorite songs.

Deejays also can read the crowd and make adjustments to the music at any time. If a particular genre is not working, deejays can easily transition to another type of music to get guests back on their feet. That’s not always possible for bands whose repertoire is exclusive to a partic-ular genre.

Many deejays also blend songs seamless-ly and may incorporate lights and other effects into their performances, which can encourage guests to loosen up and hit the dance floor.

Deejays also tend to travel with less equipment than bands, so they will take up less space in a party room.

No matter which road a couple chooses to travel, it’s a good idea to listen to a dee-jay or band perform live before making a final decision. Couples also should confirm that the performers they meet or audition will be the ones who will perform at their weddings. Make sure this is written into your contract.

Couples should provide a list of songs they want to hear well in advance of their wedding day. This affords a ample time to find or learn the songs before the big day.

Deciding between a band or a deejay

Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The average wedding tends to be one of the most costly ventures in a cou-ple’s life together. Many couples seek

ways to cut costs, and negotiating with prospective vendors is one way to do just that.

Too often couples overlook haggling for better prices because they may be intim-idated by the process or simply want to plan the most memorable day regardless of cost. Many vendors build some wiggle room into their prices, and the key for cost-conscious couples is to find the right strategy to unlock that lower price.

• Explore your options. Weddings are big business for vendors, and the competi-tion is stiff. Visit a variety of vendors and compare their services and prices prior to making any decisions. This will give you an accurate range of costs and informa-tion for future negotiations. Vendors may be willing to match competitors’ prices, so knowing what the photographer down the street charges can provide you with some negotiating leverage.

• Dress modestly for meetings. It’s tempting to want to dress to impress, but very often wedding vendors judge potential clients by their appearances. If you walk in with a designer handbag and driving the latest model luxury vehicle, a vendor may get the impression you have extra money to spend. While you do not have to play the pauper, dress modestly so your appearance doesn’t hurt you at the

negotiating table. • Never take the first offer. A good busi-

ness person will tell you there always is room for negotiation. Avoid the loaded question of “What can you spend on this?” by the vendor. Instead, let them

bring up a price first, and realize that this first quote can almost always be negoti-ated down. Inform the vendor that you would really like to work with them but he or she needs to lower the price. See if they can offer a different package or pro-

vide a discount.• Negotiate the big-ticket items first.

Discounts on big-ticket items, such as the reception venue, will save you the most money. For example, you will save more by getting 20 percent off at the catering hall than if you save 20 percent on your wedding gown. Once you free up extra money, you may find you don’t have to negotiate as hard with smaller vendors.

• Walk away if need be. Always have a Plan B in place. This way if you tell a vendor that their price is too expensive and you have to pass, you really have a fall-back option. Some vendors will sweeten the deal, but others will actually let you walk out the door. And remember, you’re more likely to get a better price by being amenable and well-mannered than making threats or arguing.

• Some deals aren’t actual discounts. A vendor may be able to work with you by offering additional services in lieu of actually taking money off of the price tag. Extra photo prints, a dessert bar and an extra hour of time in the limousine may seem like great deals, but that’s only the case if you truly need these bonuses. Even if it’s a great deal, you’re still spend-ing more than you had hoped.

Wedding prices can be overwhelming. However, negotiating for lower prices is always an option for cost-conscious cou-ples.

3B

Successfully negotiating with wedding vendors

Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 20154B

Valentine’s Day evokes strong emo-tions in so many people. On the official day of all things love, many

eagerly anticipate the chance to spend time with their sweethearts.

Couples who already have hearts in their eyes and are enamored with all things Valentine’s Day may want to tie the knot on this special holiday, and few can argue when a couple decides to become husband and wife on this day devoted to love and affection.

Valentine’s Day is a popular day to tie the knot, as more than two million people choose February 14 to walk down the aisle in the United States alone.

Valentine’s Day is an easy day to remember, meaning it will be hard for husbands and wives to forget their wed-ding anniversaries.

Another benefit to getting married on Valentine’s Day is the ambiance may already be taken care of by various estab-lishments in the community. Reception halls may be embellished with flowers, balloons and other décor, while business-es may already be displaying hearts in

their windows and twinkling pink, red and white lights for Valentine’s-focused customers.

Couples who may not know which col-ors to choose for their wedding parties and table linens can just go with the colors and themes of Valentine’s Day if they decide to tie the knot on February 14. Chocolate brown, red, lavender, and pink are primary hues for the season, and any combination will complement the festivi-ties and ceremony - whether they’re the color of the napkins or making up the bouquet.

Valentine’s Day treats and trinkets make for great wedding favors. Guests can take home individual boxes of choc-olates or crystal candle votives, while buffet dessert tables can be embellished with vases filled with chocolate kisses or candied hearts.

Couples looking for a special day to tie the knot need not look any further than Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to couples and the affection they share for each other.

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Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 2015 5B

The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. Long ago, the cake was usually cut at the very end of the reception and would signal to the guests that it was the end of the festivities. Today, cutting the cake is an unspoken signal that represents that the formal wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude. Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying through the dancing that could extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves another practical purpose for couples who are paying a photographer by the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can save couples a substantial amount of money

Wedding cake triviaNowadays, many wedding guests are

not ready to call it a night after the deejay plays the last dance at the reception. After parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after party is not neces-sarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole.

After parties can be anything a couple wants them to be. They can be a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club.

• Choose a place within walking dis-tance or close by to the reception hall or hotel. Guests have likely been indulging in alcohol during the wedding, and safety should always be a priority. If only a few people are going out, you may be able to pile into a cab, but if it’s more than a hand-ful of guests, choose a close venue.

• Limit the food and drink choices. Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or sangria and finger foods. This will help avoid disagreements over the bill.

• Go comfortably. If you’re ready to get out of wedding finery, by all means change into something more comfortable.

• Take advantage of hotel services. Many hotels have conference rooms or attached bars and restaurants that make perfect gathering places for an after party. Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or

the front desk in advance. • Delegate responsibilities. A busy bride

and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer.

• Leave whenever you want. Partygoers will eventually need some sleep. Feel free to leave the after party whenever you want. Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.

After parties are growing in popular-ity. Those planning on celebrating into the early hours of the morning can start thinking creatively.

After party planning pointers

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Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 20156B

Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of cou-ples are exchanging vows amid an expan-sive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop. If Mother Nature cooperates, outdoor weddings can go smoothly. But even if the weather does not cooperate, there still are ways couples can enjoy a memorable ceremony.

Preparation and planning help keep out-door weddings moving along. Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, so it is always best to account for various scenari-os. The following are some tips to consider.

• Be mindful of hot weather. As anyone who has had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines. Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly. Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may strug-gle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the cer-emony brief so that guests are not melting away in their seats.

• Keep wind in mind. A stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles.

Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a sweeping train. Couples should advise their hair-stylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight materials may get blown away.

• Check for power sources. Choose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets. Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require the use of microphones and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easi-er for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception. If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supplemental lighting that illuminates the festivities.

• Ensure accessibility. Outdoor ter-rain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting locations, select a wheelchair-ac-cessible spot that can be easily traversed. Understand that turf can become water-logged and challenging to walk over should

it rain the day of the wedding or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Also, choose a location that isn’t too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature.

• Face away from the sun. Glares can make it difficult for guests to see the cer-emony. Be sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun. This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony.

• Ensure food is properly chilled or heat-ed. Dining outdoors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that is supposed to

be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protect-ed from insects. Improper handling of food can result in foodborne illnesses.

• Use fresh flowers in potted plants. Cut flowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather. Rather than waste money and beautiful flowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if well-tended. Guests can then take the plants home and continue to cher-ish the wedding long after it is over.

• Budget for a tent. It is always better to have a contingency plan. Even if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in place if the weather is uncooperative. A tent with surrounding sidewalls may be sufficient. Otherwise, determine if there is an indoor location that can be kept on standby.

• Mix up the candles. Intersperse citro-nella candles with the decorative ones to help keep bugs at bay. You can also consid-er placing small bottles of insect repellent on the tables. Guests will appreciate the gesture.

Make sure Mother Nature doesn’t rain on your outdoor wedding. Plan for all the possibilities so that an outdoor ceremony or reception goes as smoothly as possible.

Working with Mother Nature for a successful outdoor wedding

Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 2015 7B

Estimates suggest the average wed-ding gown costs $2,000. A designer dress can cost upward of $5,000. Even the most expensive dress will only be worn once. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways brides can recycle their wedding gowns.

HeirloomOne of the easiest ways to get more from

your gown is to pass it down to another bride after your wedding day. Brides fre-quently save and preserve their gowns with the intent of passing it down as an heirloom to a daughter or another family member. Maintain the beauty of the gown by hiring a professional dry cleaner or wedding gown preservation service to treat and package the gown before storing it for some lucky lady’s future use.

Religious ceremonyIf you feel the style of the gown won’t

keep up with the times, the fabric of the gown can be repurposed into a baptis-mal outfit or a communion dress or suit. Christian children are welcomed to the faith in white clothing, which is a symbol of purity and cleansing of sin. Seamstresses can fashion beautiful dresses or suits from original wedding gowns.

Dress-upMany little girls and boys like to play

dress-up. And rather than have a gown sitting in the closet, use it to make play clothes for little ones. The gown can be turned into a dress for a fairy princess or an ice queen.

Ornaments or favorsLace from gowns can be turned into doi-

lies, accents on other clothing, undergar-ments or decorative pieces for the home. A lace-covered lampshade can commemorate your wedding day for years to come.

ArtUse the gown as a background for art-

work. Simply stretch it across a wooden frame and staple on the back. You then have a handy canvas at the ready.

Nursery décorDecorate a baby’s nursery with a portion

of the wedding dress, which can be turned into a crib skirt or pillow. The dress can also be used to create frilly curtains. A white dress will blend with just about any pattern.

Anniversary tableclothMeasure out the length of a dining table,

and cut and sew the gown into a special occasion tablecloth. Use it each year on your anniversary and special occasions.

DonationSome less fortunate people cannot afford

a gown. Work with a church or shelter and find out where you can donate the gown to be used by someone who normally would not wear something so lavish.

TheaterMany plays and musicals feature wed-

ding scenes. An upstart theater company would benefit from having a wedding gown in their costume department.

Wedding HandkerchiefCut out a piece of the gown and sew the

hem. Offer it as the “something old” or “something borrowed” for a loved one’s wedding.

Wedding gowns don’t need to be relegat-ed to a closet once a bride has said “I do.”

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Times Community Newspapers Wedding Planner, Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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