Wedding Arrangements, LLC

New Technology

2011-06-21T09:55:00.004-04:00

So, I have to begin the blog by thanking those that are still following Wedding Arrangements, LLC. The first couple of years are the hardest to find your way but I have to thank those that are sticking with us.

OK, one of my favorite radio talk show host, Mr. Joe Madison consistently states the phrase, "So what are you going to do about it?" My issue was that I wanted to have a newsletter to keep Wedding Arrangements, LLC in the public eye for Delaware but I did not have the time to get to my laptop at the end of the day and days became weeks and weeks became months but fortunately, I have not let a full year go by without getting back onto the blog. What I have decided to do to resolve this issue is breakdown and take on the expense of a smart phone: T-Mobile G2x, http://www.t-mobile.com/ (not to mention the cellphone companies have created unlimited texting and Internet packages).

This is a whole new world of possibilities and will work where ever there is access to the network. I should be able to get my updates and feedback up on the blog when it is "fresh" in my mind and this phone is capable of taking photos with good resolution.

I am excited of what the future has in store. Unfortunately, I was not able to post this posting via the phone (couldn't figure it out last night :O ) but I am determined to figure this technology out because I understand that if I do not, I stand to fall behind and any entrepreneur should work on catching up with the new technology if they are looking to multi-task in this microwave era.

If you have any helpful suggestions, they are appreciated.

Stick with me, I have plans on being as creative as possible to catch the eyes of those in the state of Delaware.

Thank you for your support!

Heels to Flats!

2010-07-19T22:38:00.004-04:00

Look at what Dr Scholl's has created: Fast Flats

For brides, this is an economical purchase because it is convenient and it doesn't put a dent in your wedding budget. This could also be something that can be provided for guests of the wedding if the wedding is not that large so that everyone can continue to dance the night away.

I do know that they are sold in Delaware Rite Aid Pharmacy stores.

I have not purchased this product yet but I have reviewed some feedback and it seems as though folks are discouraged because once you change your shoes from heels to the flats, the pouch the flats come in do not hold your heels so you still have to carry around your heels.

There is an additional product that was suggested as well footzyroll: www.footzyroll.com

This product is similar to fast flats but it provides a large enough pouch to hold heels.

There is a cost difference $9.99 (Fast Flats) versus $25.00 (Footzyroll)

Both of these are cool ideas and should be thought of, for not only a wedding but for those weekend all-nighters.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Bridal shower game - Bath and Body Works

2010-07-06T22:29:00.002-04:00

When scanning the websites for new products and shopping for personal items, sometimes I find gems when I am not looking.

Recently, I was introduced to the Bath and Body Works scent of White Citrus, it is a refreshing scent that wakes you up in the morning. I LOVE IT! I was on the website looking for the candle because the store told me that it was discontinued and I came across a bridal shower game and some key bridal survival/emergency items (remember the "just in case" bag):

Bridal Shower Game: This game is for the small intimate bridal shower game for best friends to play before the wedding. $13.00 (on date of posting)

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3628824&cp=2484530.3601787

Hollywood Wedding tape: This is an assortment of double-sided tape designed for wedding attire. Exclusively online for $9.95

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3590034&cp=2484530.3601787

Hollywood Touch Up: This is a square shaped material that was developed to remove lint from your clothing. It eliminates the need to carry the portable lint brush or the lint roller tape. This can fit into your purse. Exclusively online $4.95

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3590032&cp=2484530.3601787

Hollywood Squares Deodorant Remover: This is material that is designed to help remove deodorant from that little black dress that somehow always gets on your dress. Exclusively online $4.95

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3590033&cp=2484530.3601787

It seems like everyone is getting into the wedding industry; this benefits brides and provides them with more options to create the wedding of their dreams.

Motivation

2010-07-06T22:18:00.002-04:00

To those that have been made aware of Wedding Arrangements, LLC and have been following...thank you for being patient with me.

Hunger helps a new entrepreneur get to the starting line but what keeps them motivated? Getting started and having that first customer should not be the end to the dream, it is the beginning.

I received a call tonight from a friend and she asked me some questions about the industry that I enjoy and it felt good to provide advice to someone that is looking to enter the industry and hopefully become a partner.

Last year, Wedding Arrangements, LLC completed two weddings and coordinated a family cruise. In 2010, there are three family weddings that are on the calendar and more are welcome.

The economy has hit every industry but the wedding union and associated festivities should not suffer but unfortunately the brides and grooms do not have the budget for a coordinator and family members are requested to step up and help handle things. My continuous mantra is that a bridal coordinator/planner is needed to provide a non-bias point of view to the wedding so always consider a coordinator and if the budget is small, negotiate the cost with the coordinator and you may be surprised at the services you will receive.

Remember, Wedding Arrangements, LLC, Where Your Dreams Become A Reality!

2010 Wedding Season - Experience brings knowledge

2009-10-21T09:18:00.002-04:00

All,

Wedding Arrangements, LLC is closely approaching its one year anniversary! I have to check the exact date of the first business license so that can be used as our official date but with all that said this is a wonderful milestone because there were so many people that said we could not make it and that it would be difficult. They were true about how difficult it is but it is so rewarding. I have made some new contacts and friends within this year.

With experience comes knowledge and the pricing structure for Wedding Arrangements, LLC will be revised and in effect January 1, 2010. If you or someone you know is getting married in 2010, they can reserve Wedding Arrangements, LLC in 2009 to capture the 2009 pricing structure. Believe me, I understand that you want to get what you pay for and if you talk to me and my assistant, we have given out more than we have brought in but again with experience comes knowledge.

Pass the word.

Keep Your Friends Closer

2009-08-22T19:16:00.003-04:00

Today, I attended a 50th birthday brunch for the fabulous Joyce Dungee Proctor (Seminars by Joyce: www.seminarsbyjoyce.com) at the Christiana Hilton. Throughout the day, I listened to the reflections that were made and it made me tear the whole time. She has a host of friends from all walks of life. Today she received her flowers while she is alive. It was awesome.

The importance of friends was made apparent and it is important that on your wedding day that you specifically select the friends that will be able to openly communicate with you to inform you of your behavior or question the style for the betterment of the wedding day.

I have experienced having conversations with brides that have added additional bridesmaids and groomsmen to make their wedding look larger than what it actually was. Unlike the bridezilla mantra of the bridesmaid is supposed to be the bride's maid, the bride should gather the bridesmaids that mean the most to her and that are special in her life. The same goes for the groom.

Remember that your decision to get married will change some of your established relationships and your true friends will be there during and after the wedding. Keep those friends closer so that you have someone on speed dial when you have job or relationship issues.

Call one of your friends today and let them know how much you appreciate them!

Travel Agencies

2009-07-08T15:47:00.006-04:00

All,

I have been working on organizing my family cruise. This has been a rewarding experience because in everything there is a lesson. The travel agent that I have been working with is Mrs. Barbara Patterson of All Around Travel, Inc. She has been doing a wonderful job and has recently moved into a storefront in conjunction with other travel agents.

We are in the midst of a recession and I have found that people have either been developing professional home-based businesses or have established joint agreements with others to obtain a storefront. Wise move in these tough economic times! But back to the topic at hand...

OK, the travel agent that I am working with introduced me to one of her colleagues that owns Creative Travel, Inc. He has a fabulous tool that he introduced me to which is a wedding registry for travel. It works similar to having a bridal registry at a store but this is with all of your travel expenses. Now you don't get something for nothing at the start of the process; you do have to purchase your trip and than you can place the trip on your registry to have some of your guest defer your trip costs or you can just have the trip extras on the registry such as horseback riding, snorkeling, para sailing, etc. All those great things you see in the brochures when you arrive at a destination but do not have the spending money to purchase at that time (At least that is my experience :0) They also will create a wedding website along with your wedding registry to help you publicize your registry to your family and friends. Check their site out and give them a call!

Alright, Alright... I network alot and have three travel agencies in my arsenal and have been looking for more so if you are one, please contact me so that we can promote one another!

My third travel agent associate is Crystal Gooding. She is well-known for her recurring articles in the WomensJournal newsletter that comes out in Delaware and she owns Simpson Travel. She is an excellent resource for all of your travel needs.

My advice for travel agents, just like anyone, you want to work with someone that can work with you. I do not mean this in the sense of financially but personality wise. If your personalities clash, you will not be able to conduct business like you should.

Wedding inspired stamp

2009-06-30T17:21:00.004-04:00

Everyone the United States Postal Service currently has a wedding band stamp out for purchase and it has been a featured stamp for a couple of months now. For the brides that are getting married this year or having events this year, this would be a cute addition to your envelopes.

The reason I am focusing on this year's brides is that the Post office is planning on raising the rate of the stamps next year (AGAIN) and you will have to add penny stamps to this $0.44 stamp.

Outdoor wedding advice

2009-05-21T13:30:00.002-04:00

Tis the season for nice weather, the sun is shining, birds are singing, and bees are buzzing....hmmm; outdoor venues are beautiful for weddings but there are many things that you need to consider. The Perfect Wedding Guide has provided some tips on how to arrange for an outdoor wedding:

Choose a safe date. If you avoid hurricane and blizzard season, you might keep weather disturbances to a minimum. Maybe.
Complement your surroundings, don’t compete with them. The natural beauty of your chosen setting shouldn’t need a lot of embellishment.
Take a careful look at how your guests will reach your wedding site. Think about exits. Make sure that guests don’t stumble through darkness as they leave.
Assure that your guests will have access to restrooms.
Ask your floral designer, caterer and other vendors much time they’ll need to set up at your site.
Factor electrical needs into your plans.
Ensure your plans meet local ordinances – get appropriate permits and inspections.
Use microphones so your guests don’t have to struggle to hear the ceremony.
Protect the food. Ask your caterer to take special precautions to preserve the freshness of the food.
Proper lighting is key. If nature can’t or won’t supply what’s necessary, call on an expert.
Have your wedding site sprayed for mosquitoes, fleas and gnats two days before the event.
During the event, use citronella candles. You might informally supply insect repellent if your site has unfriendly pests.

Following this outdoor wedding advice can help you avoid an outdoor wedding nightmare!

My personal advice is to think about the things that you do not like about the outdoors (at whatever time you are having your wedding) and ensure that you have resolved that concern so that the atmosphere has been properly prepared for your wedding.

Remember that Delaware has a number of state parks that are beautiful for outdoor weddings as well as the Courtyards of hotels and beaches.

Enjoy planning for your wedding and do not forget to have fun! Consider Wedding Arrangements, LLC to help make your dream wedding become a reality.

Renting is becoming big business!

2009-05-02T07:44:00.002-04:00

All,

I have noticed that with the economic crisis that is going on, the weddings have not stopped occurring, everyone is becoming innovative to create the wedding of their dreams and renting their items gives people the best of both worlds. In previous blogs, I posted two of the best rental companies for weddings, Anderson Rental and Diamond State Rental and then it was a posting on renting a cake (of all things!:)) But now and I do not know why I did not have this earlier but I found a company the rents out jewelry. Check out their site and let me know what your thoughts are:

http://www.adornbrides.com/

Rental Cake

2009-03-16T12:42:00.005-04:00

Hello All,

I have been reading about the cost cutting measure of having a "fake" cake and have even introduced the concept to some of my clients but the truth is, if your guest count is not over 125 people, it is not worth it. Typically, the cake is sold by the slice which is usually around $2.50. For those that have a large guest count and would like to impress them with your cake but not pay the full cost of purchasing the cake; Fun Cakes (Cake rental) is for you http://cakerental.com/index2009.html!

The owner has an array of cakes displayed in the photo gallery for pre-designed cakes. It is hard to believe that they are all STYROFOAM! They even have a little trap door for you to insert a slice of actual cake for the cake cutting ceremony. It is a lovely concept and I would definitely use it if my guest count was high enough.

Brides-to-be, please note: the guest count is the driver for the majority of your decisions for the wedding so make sure that you are inviting those that you truly care about and will be a support to your new union.

Don't let the recession keep you from planning, let Wedding Arrangements, LLC help you bring your dream wedding to reality. Contact us today!

2009-02-20T12:49:00.004-05:00

Hello All,

As you can see I am not an everyday blogger and that is because I wanted to provide good nuggets of information as I find it.

I have located some good places for receptions but everyone is feeling the pinch with the economy in the state that it is in and the consumer is looking for a deal while the venue/vendor does not want to sell themselves short. I will provide my followers with some good locations at a later time.

My post today is around loving the one that you are with whether they are your boy/girlfriend or wife/husband. February is the month for love because of Valentine's Day and as I always say, I love, love! These tips are helpful in keeping the relationship fresh and lively.

8 Tips that I found from a little Delaware newspaper called Your Better Years for the mature communities (I read all things that look interesting and you never know what you will find):

1. Take time to touch. remember how good it feels to just hold hands or put an arm around a shoulder. Everyone wants to be touched by their significant other as a sign of affection and appreciation.

2. Be complimentary. It takes a little extra effort to simply offer a compliment such as "Your hair looks nice today" or "Thanks for helping me carry the groceries." Tell your partner all the things you love and appreciate.

3. Do something unexpected. Call for no reason to say, " I love you."

4. Rent a romantic movie and sit close when you watch it.

5. Dine rather that just having dinner. Dress up and cook something special and have dinner "out" in your own home.

6. Remember how you fell in love. Reread old love letters or look at your wedding album and/or video.

7. Dance for romance. For no reason, turn the music on and dance around the room. It's even better if you can dance in the backyard under the stars.

8. Schedule date night once a week. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to be special.

I take advantage of #8 whenever I get a chance with my husband and it has worked wonders for our relationship because he and I would look at each other at the end of the year and say we did not go dancing or do anything special all year. We would be disappointed at each other for not making the initiative to plan a special night or two or three so that we have something to put in our memory box. But after our second child we made it a point to take advantage of every moment that we have with each other because it helps us appreciate each other more, learn more about each other, and just love on each other.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wedding Arrangements is on Facebook!

2009-02-07T16:49:00.002-05:00

Wedding Arrangements, LLC also have a presence on Facebook! This site is where I post links of local vendors that I have come in contact with.

We are currently checking out rental equipment to understand which vendors have a showroom for bride and grooms to-be to look and feel the items that they are looking to rent for their special day.

Also there are many small businesses that are having promotions that are not using alot of advertising and it is up to you as the consumer to seek them out. That is where Wedding Arrangements, LLC is looking to help. In parallel with helping couples with their special day, we are also keeping in contact with resources to collect any promotions that we can share with potentials.

If you have a facebook account, look me up so that we can be friends and than I can invite you to join the group.

Good advice for the engaged and married

2009-01-28T15:02:00.002-05:00

I know that I am not the only one that receives e-mails from friends that insists that you should pass it along to recieve good fortune. Well, the e-mail I received today was truly something that I wanted to share with everyone. It is an illustration of the 100/100 plan (it is alittle long but it is worth it!) :

January 26, 2009 The Futility of the 50/50 PlanBy Dave BoehiDon't you hate it when you see a couple arguing in public? A couple of weeks ago I was sitting at my gate in an airport, waiting to board a plane. Nearby was a young couple with a baby, and observing them was like watching someone open a can of Coke after shaking it for 30 seconds. I knew what was about to happen, and I wanted to duck for cover. They were frazzled and frustrated. Each wanted to relax and let the other person take care of a cranky baby and a pile of carry-on items. The husband appeared to be one of those men who gets angry whenever things don't go as he wishes. As they walked down the ramp to the plane, the wife received a phone call as they walked down the ramp to the plane. She wanted her husband to hold the baby while she talked, and he exploded. "I've been taking care of her all day long!" he complained (loudly). "You're always on the phone." "You've hardly helped at all," she replied. "And you're never on the phone yourself?"It went on from there, all the way down the ramp. I wondered how they treated each other behind closed doors if they acted like this in public. Fortunately they calmed down on the plane, thanks to the intervention of a saintly flight attendant who showered them with attention and encouragement. She did everything she could to make the flight pleasant for them, and that seemed to relieve the pressure. It appeared that this couple had no clue about how to resolve conflict in their relationship. But I found myself thinking about an underlying cause of their conflict: They seemed to be operating under the common worldly pattern of marriage--the "50/50 Plan." She felt she was doing her part in raising their daughter, and her husband was not doing enough. He seemed to feel the same about her.As discussed in FamilyLife's Weekend to Remember® marriage conferences, the 50/50 Plan is based on performance. Typically, couples work out some sort of agreement about how they'll divide family responsibilities and household duties, declaring, "You do your part, and I'll do mine." Acceptance and affection is often tied to how well each spouse does his or her part. As Dennis Rainey writes, "Performance becomes the glue that holds the relationship together, but it isn't really glue at all. It's more like Velcro. It seems to stick, but it comes apart when a little pressure is applied."On the surface, the 50/50 Plan sounds reasonable--why shouldn't both spouses pledge to do their part? But in the end, it won't work, for a number of reasons:
You can never meet all of your spouse's expectations.
Inevitably you focus on your spouse's weaknesses and failures and lose sight of your own.
It's impossible to know when your spouse has met you halfway. The truth is that both spouses in a marriage are sinful, flawed human beings, and both want their own way. As Rainey continues:
What a marriage needs is the Super Glue of Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself." It's what we refer to as the 100/100 Plan, which requires a 100 percent effort from each of you to serve your spouse.The Bible describes this plan well in Matthew 22:39: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There's no closer neighbor than the one you wake up to each morning! And since most of us love ourselves passionately, we are well on the way to implementing the 100/100 Plan if we take a similar approach to loving our spouses.Start by stating the 100/100 Plan like this: "I will do what I can to love you without demanding an equal amount in return." With the 100/100 Plan, both husband and wife are willing to step in and do all the work. At home, both are willing to get the chores done. At the airport, both are willing to care for a fussy baby. The 100/100 Plan allows for the inevitable trials and difficulties that any couple will encounter during the different seasons of life. It keeps a family going when one spouse is sick or injured, or working odd hours, and is therefore unable to contribute as much. It allows for the richness of a relationship in which each spouse complements the other because of differing strengths, personalities, and abilities. In short, it's the plan that provides the best picture of a biblical marriage.

Delaware Bridal Events for the Newly Engaged/Potential Bride

2009-01-06T05:13:00.002-05:00

All,

I wanted to provide this consolidated listing of Delaware bridal events to assist in providing information to newly engaged brides/couples:

January

WJBR - Bridal Extravaganza
University of Delaware - Clayton Hall
Sunday, January 18, 2009
11:00 to 4:00 PM
Free Admission
http://www.wjbr.com/index.php?page=489
Contact: Matt Smith (302) 442-6243

Harry Savoy - Winter Bridal Fair
Harry's Savoy Ballroom
Sunday, January 25, 2009
12:00 to 3:00 PM
Admission: $5.00 per person
http://www.harrys-savoy.com/ballroom_weddings.asp
Contact: Gloria Talbot (302) 475-3000

February

Delaware Today's 19th Annual Bridal Show
Embassy Suites (Newark, DE)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
12:00 to 3:00 PM
Admission: $10.00 per person (at the door); $8.00 in advance
http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/Signature-Events/Bridal-Show/
Contact: (302) 504- 1364

March

The Ultimate Bridal Fair
Hotel DuPont; 11th & Market Street, Wilm. DE 19801
Sunday, March 8, 2009
12:00 to 4:00 PM
Admission: $12.00 per person (at the door)
Contact: (610) 917-9300

2009 Delmarva Bridal Event & Expo
Sheraton Hotel; 1570 N. DuPont Hwy (Dover, DE)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
1:00 to 4:00 PM
Admission: $10.00 per person (at the door)
www.bridaltradeshows.com (has a coupon to defer cost)

Modern Trousseau Trunk Show
Jennifer's Bridal & Tuxedo (Hockessin, DE)
Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st
By appointment only
www.jennifersbridal.com
Contact: jennifersbridal@aol.com
Contact: (302) 235-1660

There are a number of resources within Delaware that can help you have a wedding that will fulfill the vision that you have always dreamed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2008-12-26T23:24:00.003-05:00

All,

Here is my Dear John to state that I apologize for not blogging as much as I wanted to so that I could provide you with all of the information that I have been learning but I have done somethings to fix this and hopefully not put any strife in my own marriage. Santa Claus has sent me my very own laptop so that I can express my creativity (like so many others), online. Also, making things wireless in the house has added a great deal of convenience to the work that comes along with wedding planning.

OK, now that I completed the formalities, let me bring you up to speed. Wedding Arrangements, LLC will be in full effect in 2009 as planned with a Delaware business license, marketing paraphernalia, and technology to keep me electronically connected at all times. My assistant and I are excited to move into 2009 with one definite wedding and one potential at this time. Don't let my calendar fill up without you contacting me regarding your upcoming wedding!

I have researched two potential wedding venues within the last five days.

The first was Saint Anthony's in the Hills which is located on Rte. 7 right before you get to Rte. 41 in Pennsylvania. This venue is truly for the outdoor couple because it does not have indoor accommodations available. I took a look at the "peacock" area because the upcoming wedding party that I have is less than 100 people. This location has covered platform with decorative iron bars on all four sides. It has a mini-kitchen with only a table and refrigerator so any caterer that comes on the premises have to be prepared. The nice thing about the sight is that it has the covered platform along with the gazebo area directly across the platform. Also, if there are children in attendance and the wedding will be scheduled during the day, there is a playground in the area, in the event, they become restless and do not want to be around the adults. Check them out at www.stanthonyinthehills.com.

The second was Historic Houses of Odessa which is located on Rte. 299 right off of Rte. 13. It is on Main Street in Odessa. This venue has a rustic feel to it when you enter into its beautifully renovated homes which are potential locations for small wedding receptions/ceremonies but my main focus during my visit was the outdoor area where there is a dedicated area for outdoor wedding ceremonies, which is just beautiful. The wedding party will walk down a cobble/brick walkway through an array of flowers to a grass opening where the groom and pastor is waiting. There is a large area to the left of the ceremony area where the couple can place a tent for an outdoor reception. Check them out at www.historicodessa.org.

Lastly, I did not visit this site but am aware of it from past experience is the Rose Garden in the Brandywine. If a bride wants to have a wedding at this location, she will need to contact Delaware Park and Recreation to obtain a permit so that there are no issues if a Park Ranger approaches the event.

There are two free promotion spaces left, please do not hesitate because a wedding planner is an essential part of making your wedding day flow as you have always envisioned. Contact us today!

Happy Holidays!

2008-11-29T18:49:00.006-05:00

It is funny how time gets away from you when trying to start something "new". I kept telling myself that I am going to type in the blog and when there is a spare moment, I start reading something and the moment passes by. I have even heard of a "ghost" blogger.... Has this section of technology become so big that people want to participate but can't and actually pay someone to type up their thoughts?? How can that be? Well, it is definite that there is no one that can type my thoughts up but me because I have a hard enough time getting them together myself.

So here I am on the blog after a month, I have to apologize to any reader that is discouraged but keep the faith because I am getting better.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Later on tonight, I am going to upload a photo of a nice inexpensive Thanksgiving arrangement that I created for a dinner party. This is to inform people that it is not expensive or difficult to become a DIYr if you enjoy what you do.

Well, Christmas is around the corner and I have some cute Internet deals that I have been reading about that I can share as well. Maybe I will post those later tonight as well......

Delaware had some nice galas this past month, that I was not able to attend but Delaware Today has detailed so eloquently that I felt as though I was there. That is a good magazine to glance at when you get a chance to get to know the "whos who" and the "whats what" in Delaware (primarily Greenville area).

Remember that Wedding Arrangements, LLC is having a 2009 promotion, pass the word to your friends!! Check out the website http://www.weddingarrangementsllc.com/!

2009 Promotion!

2008-10-24T02:02:00.004-04:00

Guess who has a 2009 promotion......

Wedding Arrangements, LLC is seeking out three brides to offer free wedding planning services (Level II Arrangements).

Check out http://www.weddingarrangementsllc.com/ to view details and hurry before someone takes your free coordinator.

Who needs a NEW wedding dress??

2008-10-24T01:51:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since my last posting but I have been doing some research for potential brides. SO stay tuned....

Everyone is familiar with David's Bridal because of its location and building size but have you been in there lately. It is a nice place to visit but not during the prime hours when there are more brides than consultants to assist. If you do need a dress from David's Bridal visit them during your normal working hours (this may involve the use of some of your vacation time) because most people want to visit them on the weekends. Nice collection of dresses with quick service but it is impersonal. Check out some of the smaller boutiques like Anastasia's Boutique in Greenville, DE.

For those that are not connected to the thought of having a new dress, check out the following sites:

http://http://www.preownedweddingdress.com/, the equivalent of Craig's list for brides that want to sell their expensive dresses at a reduced price. It is a benefit for both parties (buyer and seller).

http://www.resaleboutique.net/Bridal_.html, this is a resale boutique on Philadelphia Pike (Wilmington, DE). Check them out, they have a variety of wedding items.

There are many more resources to help potential brides reduce their overall costs for their wedding.

As I opened, stay tuned.....there will be more.....

So many colors........

2008-09-30T10:20:00.010-04:00

You know when I speak with potential brides, the colors of their upcoming weddings are sometimes a mystery to them. I have a trick that can apply to your upcoming wedding or even that next meal that you have to prepare.

I have the pleasure of taking the drive up Rte. 52 in Delaware every morning, it is a relaxing nature drive in the midst of the morning rush but the amount of natural color that I pass by always amazes me. Too many of us, ignore the obvious that sits in front of us. The Earth has sprouted out its own color palette of beauty that we can draw inspiration from. The next time you are walking or even for a drive take some time out to appreciate your surroundings and take note of the color combinations that you see so that your wedding can be that unique event that you want it to be.

Isn't the above image beautiful... it displays the different shades within the Yellow and Orange family with a hint of Sky blue to break up the monotony.

Now the tip for your next dinner is similar. I used to have a friend in college that worked with me in the Library (hey, something had to help pay off the school loans) and he would always ask for advice on what he could make for dinner. My advice to him would be envision your plate and think of the colors that you will be placing on the plate because lets face it, we only eat what LOOKS appealing to our eye. He would say I am going to make steak with grilled onions but I don't know what else to make with it. My first instinct tells me that there is not enough color on his plate so I would advice him to make a roasted seasoned red potato (with the skin) and a steam mixed vegetable medley (seasoned with olive oil(for sheen and slight flavor) and preferred seasonings) . You want you plate to pop with color so that you mouth cannot wait to take the first bite! MMMmmm...Good!

The shrimp dish below illustrates my intent around the use of color to make a platter appetizing:

Look at the color combinations: Lime and Peach; Yellow and Orange; Green and Lime....if you keep looking you can come up with many more combinations.

Check your surrounds for your upcoming wedding colors, you may be surprised at what you see.

Let me know your thoughts....

Look at how simple!

2008-09-24T14:13:00.004-04:00

I wanted to illustrate to everyone the simplicity of adding color into your wedding without spending alot of money.

The attached picture caught my eye because it was a nice basket (beautiful shade of green) with bright hot pink napkins and matching forks. From a far, it looks like a flower arrangement.

See simple but nice without the large price tag! You can use something like this to bounce other decor off of to create a sort of shabby chic wedding decor......guest will think you spent alot of money.

2008-09-22T13:49:00.005-04:00

Having worked some weddings, I have seen some things that couples will/can appreciate re: saving them money on their nice wedding.

Remember that perception is everything. I have noticed that couples are purchasing these beautiful cakes and after they do the initial slice of the cake, they do not see it again until they have a slice on their plate back at their table after they have completed dancing. Wonder want goes on in the back with the cake...... Well, it is sliced up (of course!) but the question is, is all of the cake used at the wedding and the answer is "no" the slices of the cake are not that large that all of the cake is used. The couple can do one of many things:

*The extravagant cake can be purchased and you perform your initial slicing of the cake but request that your wedding planner ensure that the venue or caterer save the cake that is not sliced or slice extra pieces of the cake for the cake table for guests that would like to enjoy an additional slice. You can ask the baker for the box that the cake came in or for them to supply you with a box so that the cake can be packed up and sent home with you along with your gifts. Otherwise, the remaining cake is discarded with anything else that is left at the venue.

*You could have a tiered cake created with the bottom tier being the only "real" cake. There are bakeries that will be accommodate this requests. If you need to have additional cake for your guests purchase a regular sheet cake to ensure that everyone enjoys cake.

*Remember that cake is part of tradition and if you truly want to be unique with your wedding why not change up the dessert. Who is to say that you cannot have cupcakes, assorted donuts, pies, assorted homemade cakes, and even a ice cream/fruit bar. Your wedding should reflect your lifestyle so do not get caught up in the tradition of a large wedding cake.

Sunday, September 22nd Wedding

2008-09-22T13:26:00.005-04:00

I am working on gaining experience at planning weddings by working at the Winterthur Museum as a bridal attendant. This is a wonderful experience that was a true blessing and a joy to work, not only because of my co-workers but the couples with the families are very nice.

This Sunday, I assisted Elaine and Joe Dillion with their wedding reception. This was a laid back couple that was appreciative of everything that was being done for them. They were not nervous at all and kept smiles on their faces the whole time. It was a small intimate wedding, full of love, elegance and simplicity. They were married outside at the Winterthur Museum reflecting pool at 6:30, right before the dusk of the day and when the sun went down the group stayed outside for a while and mingled with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by candlelight. The Gallery was converted into a lovely dinner party style atmosphere with beautiful floral arrangements by Flowers by Yukie (http://www.flowersbyyukie) and the Winterthur (http://www.winterthurweddings.com) had some new brown and turquoise linens that were just lovely.

The wedding and reception was over by 10:30 PM which gave the couple ample time to change and prepare for their honeymoon trip. It was truly a lovely night where the weather agreed with the event and the couple truly exemplified their love for each other the special guests that they invited.

Growing Pains

2008-09-15T15:13:00.001-04:00

My sister turned sixteen and it was automatically assumed that I would be the one to organize her party within a month of the event date. My mother did most of the correspondence with the vendors and has been a great resource in finding local vendors that are affordable............................ because expensive to mom is reasonable to me so she is the perfect asset to the business.

We had everything ordered and contracts were signed and then.... it rained on the night of the party. It was nice all week long and even predicted to be beautiful after the party but not the night of. Oh my where do we start with the phone calls that occurred that day, we had the make-up artist state that she was not coming out in the storming rain. The DJ got lost but did not want to admit it. He kept on saying that he was 10 minutes away and when he finally got to the venue, he circled the place for another 5 minutes. The caterer had just started a new job which had her behind schedule and she came just before the party girl and than she brought the raw food (on ICE) that she was not able to cook because she had to work late. The decorating crew miscalculated how long it was going to take us to decorate the hall so we were all rushing to get changed right before the "ON TIME" guests arrived.

This is why this posting is called "Growing Pains"... everyone starts out somewhere and most of these vendors were new at their craft which does not mean with more practice they will not get better but a chance was given so that they can learn where their weaknesses are and the areas they need to strengthen.

I wanted to illustrate that even though the event was a success there are some things that the planner has to endure and rectify to make the party keeps going because when the day of the event is here, IT IS WHAT IT IS!

The Sweet Sixteener had a nice time at her party and she is still receiving rave reviews, in light of the preliminary events that she and her attendees were not made aware of.

The only thing that I could not anticipate was the way that the new generation dances these days. Some wanted to battle on the dance floor whereas others were having close encounters that needed to be monitored.

Look at what I have gotten myself into....... I will post some of the party pictures on a later post.

You have to start somewhere....

2008-09-15T14:48:00.001-04:00

To start a formal business or do it on the side...... That was the question for a long period of time. Until I turned thirty, had two children, and finally got to a place where me and my husband can begin to grow together.

2008 is the year of new beginnings and that is what I have done. I have begun the process to have a fully publicized small business in the state of Delaware. Wedding planning utilizes my skills in a different manner than my full time career does within the Corporate/Engineering realm; it brings color and design to an ordinarily drab "thing" called organization and planning. You have to deal with every member of the family, not necessarily just in the wedding but throughout the course of a wedding planning career, you will meet a ......-zilla of some sort.

I wanted to take this journey on but not do it alone. As I accomplish different milestones, they will be shared on this blog for your education (so you learn from my mistakes) and enjoyment (everyone needs to learn how to laugh at themselves every now and again!)