Filed under: Wedding Planning 101

courtesy of Victor Sizemore photography
After doing last Thursday’s post: A Return to Formailty: 5 Wedding Trends Designed to Razzle Dazzle ‘em, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I spent almost half my time browsing through the images I found under “wedding chandeliers.”
I’m not even kidding.
Between the rustic and refurbished to the formal and fabulous, reception chandeliers, lanterns and the like were enough to make my head spin! For serious! When you consider the range light ceiling accessories have, it’s almost impossible NOT to be in awe! Well-lit, hanging fixtures can be adorned with everything from flowers and bubbles to crystals and twinkles… making them agreeable to sleek and modern settings, as well as eccentric and outdoor scenes!
Not only that but it’s the fact that all these overhead fixtures will all provide lighting… and everyone – from photographers and reception hall coordinators to designers and professional planners – will all agree that LIGHTING is key when it comes to creating ambiance and setting / keeping a mood.
Sinead Kelly of Duluux Color wrote:
Lighting is such a subtle – yet vitally important – design tool. Good use of lighting will bring to life the most mundane design schemes. Put together with a great interior and you’ve got the perfect partnership. Picking a fantastic light fitting is just one element of the job. Where you place it, how it operates and the effect it has on its surrounding area is twice as important.
And I couldn’t agree more! Think about it… Consider two evenings. Both are EXACTLY the same. You’re enjoying a nice meal with a nice man in a nice restaurant, but one is by candlelight and the other is under the harsh florescence of flickering bulbs. One (the prior) has a warm, romantic connotation; while the other almost takes on a the beginnings of a horrow movie classic. Not(&)Good.
Hence why lighting is sooooo important for setting the scene on your big day, and when you’re setting it, consider some of these overhead exposures, shimmering chandeliers and lovely lanterns for creating (& captivating!) just the right one! Check out below and let the lighting inspiration begin:

courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) flickr.com, perfectweddingcollections.blogspot.com (inset), bellethemagazine.com, bridalguide.com, onewed.com, 1chandelierslighting.com, platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, weddingomania.com, onewed.com, dawnephoto.com, stratfordevents.blogspot.com, artfire.com (inset), platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, onewed.com, weddingelation.com and dawnephoto.com
May 7, 2013

courtesy of loverly.com
That’s right, friends! As top wedding trends remain on the upswing of all things fabulous, patterns and prints have become all the rage. From bridesmaids dresses and bridal accessories to photo booth backdrops and table settings, today’s modern bride is pleased as punch to incorporate print-tastic patterns into her wedding day decor!
In a recent interview for the top wedding trends of 2013, Gaby Frescura of SouthBoundBride.com reported:
In my book, prints will be a kiey trend for 2013 weddings. We’ve already seen a few of these starting to come through, but this year and next, I think it will really catch on – everything from stripes and chevron to delicate florals and bold graphic prints. Look out for print fabric used as table runners and napkins, print bridesmaids’ dresses (either as one of a mismatched grouping or a striking collection) and even on groomsmen’s shirts or pocket handkerchiefs. Done right, it’s a great look, and if you tie it into your stationery well, can create a lovely ‘brand’ that brings the whole design of the wedding together. (Gaby, SouthBoundBride.com)
And after further research, I can honestly say that I wholeheartedly agree! A word of caution, however, for brides having a “prints charming” wedding, you need to be weary not go overboard and create a scheme of pattern overload or one that is too matchy-matchy. The point of patterns is to create interest and not to cause confusion or too much repeat.
Because patterns offer such a wide variety of shapes, styles and designs, it’s no wonder brides have found them to be such a vital part of wedding planning. Just consider for a second how much more upscale, high fashion or chic a wedding will be when you pair one of the following to your big day celebration…
Contemporary, mod-inspired nuptials + Sleek chevron = LOVE

courtesy of envisionblog.com, societybride.com, bellethemagazine.com, newportweddingglam.com, societybride.com, tealcouture.com, eventlucky.com and bellethemagazine.com
Elegant, upscale wedding + Demurely damask = LOVE

courtesy of bride.ca, dreamdaycakes.com, apriloharephotography.com, beckabellastyleinspirations.com (two dresses), ibsyndrome.wordpress.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, brides.com, fanswedding.com and hourglasslighting.com
Boho-chic ceremony + Overflowing floral = LOVE

courtesy of onewed.com, southboundbride.com, brendasweddingblog.com, southboundbride.com, prestonbailey.com, onewed.com, spotonseattle.com and weheartit.com
Seriously, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, ladies! So go out, get print crazy and let us know how it goes!
April 16, 2013

courtesy of huffingtonpost.com
While I’ve always been a huge fan of sweets, I can’t say that cake – in any of its flavors or forms - has ever been a favorite in my the dessert world kingdom. In fact, I’m not even sure it’d make my Top 10 — there’s just too much tongue teasing treats in this world to allow my sweet tooth to be limited to cake alone.
However – and this is a HUGE however – when it comes to a wedding reception, I am nothing short of a sucker (sweet treat pun intended!) for the wedding cake! Oh, you have multiple tiers with several different flavors and a number of fillings and cake center combos? Fantastic. I’ll try them all! Maybe even go back for seconds! I don’t know if there’ll be time!
***No need to insert your judgment here. I’m already judging myself.***
Anyhoot, it seems that wedding cakes will always win when it comes to receptions… especially those of the nuptial variety! Even with all their competitive counterparts – ie. candy bars, cupcake towers, fudge brownie bakes, homemade favorites from Grandma’s kitchen, or whatever else brides and grooms see fit to sink their sweet teeth into – the wedding cake will more than likely always remain on top of the marital food chain!
This is due to a number of reasons. One, not only do cakes cover the traditional side of a bride’s appeal, but they have the ability to continually be reinvented and amaze guests with their look, flavors and overall appearance!
And today’s brides, as well as their favorite flavoring bakers, are no stranger to this modern theory of thought. From eye-popping patterns and bold colors to flashy combinations and standout designs, wedding cakes have the talent to adapt to all kinds of settings. From over the top to under the radar, it’s the cake can have a key “ooh la la” factor in every reception they’re featured in… Check out below for some of today’s most fantastical wedding cakes!

courtesy of getmarriedcakes.com, mehndiparadise.com, timduncanevents.com, weddingpartyapp.com, brides.com, flickriver.com, arabiaweddings.com, glamour.com, weheartit.com, thepastrystudio.com and mountainsidebride.com
April 2, 2013

courtesy of oncewed.com
Alright, ladies and gents, let’s point the pinkies outward and get classy for a moment, shall we?
<sips champagne from her Waterford crystal… and go>
While weddings have always been and will continue to be an affair for every bride and groom to plan as they see fit, there has been a definite resurgence of refinery as of recent years… and the pip pip cheerio of it all has me pleasantly surprised :) Sure, this kind of a sophisticated splendor never really went away, but one way that it’s really made an impact of late is in plated dinners at reception hall feasts.

courtesy of laynecorban.wordpress.com
Talk about decadently delightful :)
During an interview with Bridal Guide, Elizabeth Creasey of an LA based catering company, WHOA, Nelly! stated one of their current, biggest requests from Hollywood A-Listers in reference to these plated feasts is for gold silverware, suggesting a “more sophisticated” affair. Check out below for some examples of this golden boy appeal :)

courtesy of mylittleapartment.com, unitedwithlove.com and bellethemagazine.com
And if adding entree choices to your buffet free meal is an option, might I suggest you consider adding a dish that showcases either yours, his or both your cultural culinary? This is an extremely popular take for brides and grooms cross all cultures, and it adds an additional touch of sentimentality to an already beautiful occasion.
But if you’re wondering what to offer that will have mouths watering for more, why not try 2013′s go to dish wish: pork! ‘Tis true, kiddos. Apparently pork has become the go-to meat for today’s modern wedding settings. While it is one of the oldest and most commonly consumed meats all over the world, it also has the ability to be transformed into sooo many delicious dishes… so, forks up, porks up! Ha, I couldn’t resist :)
But no matter what you decide – buffet styled, plated meals, pitch in or otherwise – just be sure you make it your own :)
March 19, 2013

courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
Metallics. Both classy and flashy, bold golds and sterling silvers are two trendy accessories a bride can count on to never go out of style. From jewelry and shoes to clothing and headpieces, details dressed in metallic bling take on level of fabulous that simply goes unmatched by most accessorizing counterparts.
And when this stylish sass is added to wedding invitations, brides and grooms the world over are learning just how ahhh(to the)mazing their opening statement can be! For cereal, I just received one of these metal-stamped musings in the mail this past week, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was WOW’ed when the initial reveal took place. The foil stamped invites had just the right amount of three dimensional shimmer and truly created an ooh-la-la factor without a lot of fuss. *Fridge-worthy for sure!
In fact, it was the simplicity of the design itself that caught me by surprise the most. The actual invitation used to set the background for the foiling was nothing spectacular or out of the norm… just plain, crisp white 80# cardstock. And yet, the entire look was utterly fab!
It doesn’t take much to give a lot of drama when it comes to metallic-infused invites; so, brides and grooms can go with a very simple, very basic invite – which, plus side news flash! means they start off significantly cheaper than overly ornate versions! – and still get an expensive look with both sophisticated and inviting features. Not only that, but the metallic look doesn’t have to stop with the typical brassy-colors generally associated with precious metals… you can pretty much foil stamp whatever color your little bride-to-be heart desires! Yay!
There is one thing, however. While I can’t deny the DIY nature that most wedding invitations create, I also can’t help but foresee the trouble a do-it-yourself’er may encounter when it comes to foil stamping on their own. There are several sites – not to mention YouTube videos – dedicated to delivering brides how-to info on foil stamping from home… I can’t really see how this is feasible unless you have an extra $500-$1000 just lying around. Legit, the pressing machine is nothing short of a pretty penny!
And who wants to spend their money on a foil press machine when there’s a dress and accessories to buy!?? Pfffffttttttttt!
But as far as the trend goes, it’s nothing short of hot! Hot! HOT! And while buying a foil press machine for your home may not be on your Top 10 wedding needs list, it’s still something that’s totally doable for the professionals and looks absolutely incredible when complete!
AND! even if you’re a bride a dead set on doing your invitations, don’t want to buy a foil press machine but still want the look it creates, try stamping instead! Custom stampers and metallic looking ink pads are incredibly inexpensive and can still give you that same look for waaayyyy less!
Check out below for some foil stamped inspiration OR go to our simply chic invitations and get started stamping today!

photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) ohsobeautifulpaper.com, kandievans.com, bellafigura.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, ohsobeautifulpaper.com, cecinewyork.com, swisscottagedesigns.com, invitationsbyajalon.com, orlandomagazine.com, digbyrose.com and invitationcrush.com
March 7, 2013

courtesy of hdw.eweb4.com
The day of my wedding, I was eerily calm. I suppose the wedding coordinator at the church was more accustomed to bridal flip outs and freak outs, however, because she just kept repeating very calming mantras over and over again as we all waited to walk down the aisle.
Not one to rain on anyone’s parade, I just let her do her thing, and was incredibly grateful I did. When it was just my dad and I and her left behind the double doors she uttered the following words, which left me forever grateful I never shushed or shut her out:
“Bottom line, there’s a lot that could go wrong today, but no matter what those things are, no matter how big they seem, just remember – at the end of the day – you’ll still be married and get to spend the rest of your days being a wife to a husband who’s so happy you said yes… that’s what the day is all about anyway.”
While I wasn’t stressed in the very least, I could totally understand how this could calm down even the most nervous of brides. Seems silly to be stressing over the details when the main event will still be yours to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, etc. for as long as you both shall live. And knowing this will happen regardless if the napkins are folded at 90 degree angles and / or the flower girl makes it down the aisle without a meltdown should be enough, right?
Welllllll, I’ve been involved in enough weddings to know that this is not always the case. Sometimes all the calming words in the world won’t bring a bride down from her inevitable meltdown. So, what’s one to do in preventing this? Well, my pretty ladies in waiting, the answer is simple: plan, Plan and PLAN.
Just like in sports where practice makes perfect, when it comes to wedding day bliss… planning will always be the most important ingredient. The more you plan, the better your chances of having everything go smoothly will be. Therefore, don’t leave everything to chance and last minute scramble. Start early. Finish earlier and breath easy. One of the best guidelines – I use the term “guideline” here because that’s precisely what they are… a guide, a jumping off point, if you will, to set you on your way… was created by wedding planner Dewey Beene along with Dolly Lewis.
Check out below and let the wedding planning begin!
_____________________________________________________________
12 – 16 Months Before the Wedding
- Choose wedding date
- Start a wedding file
- Discuss and choose style and formality of wedding
- Put engagement announcement in local paper
- Decide on wedding budget
- Select ceremony location
- Select reception site
- Start shopping for wedding dress – yay!
_____________________________________________________________
8 – 10 Months Before the Wedding
- Select bridal party
- Secure wedding officiant
- Hire reception caterer
- Find and contract out photographer and videographer
- Book band or DJ
- Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses
- Start compiling names and addresses for guest list
- Sign up for gift registry
- Plan and have an engagement party
_____________________________________________________________
5 – 7 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize guest list
- Send out Save the Dates, if applicable
- Shop for wedding stationery
- Arrange accommodations
- Select wedding cake
- Begin preparations for honeymoon – including ordering passports, if applicable
_____________________________________________________________
4 Months Before the Wedding
- Book florist
- Shop for wedding bands
_____________________________________________________________
3 Months Before the Wedding
- Send out invitations
- Select tuxedos
- Arrange for rental of items
- Discuss finalized menu options and costs with caterer
- Arrange transportation / limousine service
- Order wedding favors
- Shop for bridal party gifts
- Begin any necessary counseling sessions with wedding officiant
_____________________________________________________________
2 Months Before the Wedding
- Choose wedding music
- Select location for rehearsal dinner
- Confirm with formal wear shop
- Schedule alterations
- Schedule fittings for bridesmaids and flower girl
- Order address labels with couple’s new names and address *adds a personalized touch when sending out thank you cards
- Confirm order with florist
_____________________________________________________________
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Design wedding programs
- Apply for marriage license
- Have final gown fitting
- Choose all wedding accessories
- Visit hair stylist
- Visit makeup artist
- Get hair and makeup done and have formal bridal portraits done, if applicable
- Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers
_____________________________________________________________
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Call any non-RSVP guests
- Give caterer finalized head count
- Pick up marriage license
- Give DJ or band list of songs
- Confirm rehearsal plans
- Obtain any legal information
- Complete floor and seating plan
- Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times
- Confirm arrival time for all attendants
- Check parking arrangements
_____________________________________________________________
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Make any last minute seating arrangements / adjustments
- Organize wedding day attire
- Confirm honeymoon reservations
- Confirm reservations for out of town guests
- Pack for honeymoon
- Pick up passports, if applicable
- Gather all necessary documents for travel
- Confirm rehearsal plans with attendants
- Confirm reservations for rehearsal dinner
- Pick up formal wear
_____________________________________________________________
1 Day Before the Wedding
- Go through list of things to do and make sure all bases are covered
- Pack wedding day emergency kit
- Get manicure and pedicure
- Put wedding attire and accessories together
- Give rings to best man
- Try to get a good night’s sleep – haha!
_____________________________________________________________
Wedding Day
- Eat something – try not to overload on sugar or caffeine
- Get hair and makeup done
- Have someone check reception site
- Dress for wedding
- Have candid photos taken with family
_____________________________________________________________
After the Honeymoon
- Have your wedding gown, flowers, etc. preserved
- Write thank yous
- Change your name
- & live happily ever after :)
_____________________________________________________________
March 5, 2013

photo courtesy of eventsbyshelly.blogspot.com
During the month of February, I can’t help but get a little case of cabin fever. Sick of the never-ending winter weather and over eager for spring to FINALLY arrive, it seems like every year, the shortest month of the year inevitably becomes the llloooooonnnnggggeeessssttt one on record.
And I feel horrible to even be mildly annoyed with it. It is – after all – the month that harbors the holiday for lovers AND both my parent’s birthday… I know. I’m an awful daughter, haha! But alas, it’s true. I’m sick of the gray, bleak, blustering days and smudged snow edging every road!
I’m ready for a warm up and a change of scenery.
With that said, I came across this wedding trend the other day, and I couldn’t help but get even more pumped for the season just around the corner and all the promise it holds! That’s right, ladies and gents, nothing quite says “Spring has Sprung!” quite like blooming fields of flowers and mouthwatering fruits and veggies.
Florals – of course – fit hand in hand with wedding bouquets. And now, so do fruits and vegetables! Don’t roll your eyes at me… I’m serious!
I know. I know. It sounds crazy, right? But when you see how it can be put in the works, I know you’ll have no choice but to agree! Not only are the colors of V8’s finest plush and vibrant, but the texture can be equally as incredible. And did I mention the cost?? Talk about a significant slim down on the cost of the more traditional blooms! Especially if they’re seasonal, you can save more than a pretty penny of your budget by incorporating these tasteful treats into your arrangements!
On the Fruitier Side of Fun: Take for instance, the apple. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the apple can create an ideal pop of color and is fun for a spring, summer and even fall weddings. Then, there’s the strawberry. Richly hued in deep red, petite in size and topped with its own greenery, this deliciously seeded fruit even has all the elements to be a fantastic floral :)
There’s also grapes, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, lemons and limes! All proportionately sized and brightly colored, they can add just that extra pop of delectable whimsy!

photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blovedweddings.com, sethandkait.blogspot.com, baysidebride.com, myinspiredwedding.com, weddingsatwork.com, brendasweddingblog.com, onewed.com, etsy.com and mywedding.com
And what about the Vivacious Veggies: Hmm, where to even start? Firstly, not only are so many vegetables brilliantly colored, but their texture is a force all on their own! Sure, broccoli and cauliflower were never any child’s favorite growing up, but pair them with calla lilies and roses, and you have a killer combo of epic proportions.
Some veggie tales even come equipped with flowers! Hello!? Ever seen an artichoke in full bloom? Ahhhmazing! Heck, I could probably dedicate a whole post to the awesomeness that is the artichoke bouquet. I won’t. But I’m just saying :) Pair with carrots. Turn up the turnips and even pepper with peppers, and these textured vegetable bouquets have me sprouting all kinds of love. *Pun intended.

photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) onewed.com, blueprintaffairs.blogspot.com, abbeyhepner.com, dmagazine.com, brides.com, crosspollinationfloral.blogspot.com, weddingwindow.com, elizabethannedesigns.com and beccadilley.com
And it’s not even a trend that is secluded simply to the bouquet; any of these ideas can be intertwined into so many other aspects of the big day celebration: centerpieces, main table décor and even boutonnieres! Check it :)

photos courtesy of eastonevents.com, pinkposhphotography.blogspot.com (insert), onewed.com, mywedding.com (insert) and bridalcookie.com
February 12, 2013
I want to lead off by saying we here a Marilyn’s Keepsakes are super duper pumped for the Olympics!!! We couldn’t help but dish a little bit about some of the amazing people competing over in Foggy London-town! U-S-A! U-S-A!….but I digress. Let’s dive in! Swimming joke. Get it?…….*insert sound of crickets here*
OK, I want you to do something for me before I get started. Close your eyes and I want you to visualize all of the stress, all of the decision making, and all of the pressure that goes, is going, or is about to go into planning your wedding. Got it? Good. Now, take that pot of sweet, sweet madness and blow it up to about the size of a swimming pool(aaand swimming joke numero 2)! That is about the weight Olympic athletes Brittany Borman and Jennifer Nichols are carrying around on their shoulders as they compete in the London 2012 games….and plan their weddings!

Brittany Borman (top) and Jennifer Nichols (bottom). Images courtesy of Google Images.
Brittany Borman is having a whirlwind summer for the record books! Let’s do a quick rundown to bring us up to speed shall we? This summer, she has: graduated from the University of Oklahoma, landed a sponsorship deal with Nike, qualified for the Olympic Games in javelin, and has been planning a September 2012 wedding……wait….WHAT?! I’m going to let her speak on this one as I pick my jaw up from the floor. “My mom is planning the whole thing,” Borman told reporters with a laugh. Well, there is a little stress off I suppose, but fellow teammate and maid of honor, Tia Brooks, isn’t letting her off that easy! “Oh, we talk wedding all of the time,” Brooks said, “pretty much every day. She wants to get as far away from it as she can, but I won’t let her. I feel like it’s my wedding.”
Jennifer Nichols, an 3-time Olympic archer, has a way different “little helper” if you will. Fiance, Chris Hardy, is planning out the couples September wedding solo right now! Get it, dude! So, while Nichols has been hunting bullseye’s, Hardy has been hunting wedding cakes. I think we all know who wins there….yum. In a bittersweet turn of events for Nichols, she sadly lost Tuesday, losing out by two points that would have sent her to the medals round. Bummer!! It was a nail biter for sure, but she isn’t down about it! Nichols is joining her fiance once again back in the planning trenches to push to the end, September 1st.
Moral of the story here, it could be worse ladies. Instead of balancing caterers and DJ’s, you could be juggling, well, those things, plus the media, fierce competitors from around the globe, Olympic medals, and the pressure to not let your country down! So, before you lose your mind over the color of the linens you just ordered(mint is NOT the same as sea green…I know), take a deep breath, and remember….it could be worse. (I was going for a hat trick of swimming jokes, just couldn’t pull it off. One might say I “bellyflopped”? Haha!….OK, that was a reach, but, nailed it!)
August 2, 2012
Over here at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, we are THRILLED to introduce our very new very amazing very spectacular very own line of personalized photo products. We have stretch canvases and framed photographs and window clings and, heck yes, bottle huggers!

Courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer Photography
We are so excited to offer our new services to you. With the abilities of our printers here, we can capture, print, package and ship the product directly to you. You have the opportunity to personalize each product exactly how you want it, everything from text, photos and colors. So your potential of your piece is practically limitless. Any photo you deem worthy of becoming a photo is fair game. Tip: If you are thinking about using professional photography from a special event, please ask the photographer to make sure you have the rights to do so. I’d totally love to see my work on some of these beauties, personally.
The charm and personality comes alive with each piece that is distinctly you. I simply love the fact that they make perfect personal gifts for friends and family. They make it easy to share special memories, such as weddings and birthdays. I’m very tempted to buy the Custom Photo Collage Flask (PH1134C) for nights out with my best friends…just don’t say anything to them.
Marilyn’s Keepsakes offers so many different products to personalize with photos, that the uses for you are endless. Window clings for the wedding get-away, shot glasses for a (very fun) 30th birthday party, toppers for that gorgeous wedding cake, canvas prints and framed photographs to decorate your home, just to name a few. The piece-DE-resistance? The ability to create your product yourself, right on your own computer screen so you know EXACTLY what you’re getting. There’s no guessing game involved! How easy is that?
Personalized Photo Products are becoming quite the trend this wedding season and I can see why. What a lovely keepsake to cherish for years to come!
June 21, 2012

courtesy of cptphotography.com
I recently came across an article on sheknows.com – a smart, beguiling website / professional hub filled with fun content and deft information – and thought it appropriate to share with all my favorite brides-to-be. Enjoy, kittens :)
- Weather. Think about the time of year your wedding will take place and consider the weather complications that could come with it. If rain is in the forecast, be safe and put a tent on hold. For impending tropical storms, make sure you have a secondary location so you and your guests will be safe.
- Alcohol. Staying sober on your wedding day keeps you in control and constantly aware of your surroundings. After all of the time, money and energy you have spent on making your day perfect, make sure you stay clear-headed so you can enjoy it!
- Wilting wedding flowers. Consider the elements your flowers will be subjected to before making a decision. If it’s hot and humid, delicate flowers won’t make it very long. Ask your florist what will work best after considering the environment.
- Overspending. When planning a wedding, spending over your budget is easy to do. But in the end, remember that you want to enjoy not just the wedding day itself but also the memory of it. If you go into debt over your big day, that won’t be the case. Instead of overspending on the wedding, put aside some money for future anniversary vacations.
- Vendor drama. Three days before your wedding, make sure all vendors have been contacted about arrival times and contracted services. Confirm all details and expectations on the contract.
- Untamed children. Making an effort to entertain the children attending your ceremony and reception can go a long way with your guests. Fill children’s activities boxes with coloring books, small toys or even games to keep them entertained and out of trouble.
- Toast(ed). Ask those giving toasts prior to the wedding what they are going to talk about. Feel free to give suggestions or ask them to leave out any unnecessary or embarrassing information.
- Unhappy guests. If you aren’t doing a receiving line, make sure to visit each guest’s table during your reception. Saying hello to your guests and thanking them for their gifts will make them feel appreciated.
- Unexpected music. Unless you want to watch grandma do the funky chicken five times in a row, make sure your entertainment knows what you expect from them and what music not to play.
- Last minute loose ends. Want to know the best thing you can do to make sure your day is perfect? Hire a wedding planner! From full planning to day-of packages, wedding planners offer a variety of services that help you take care of any and all unexpected dilemmas on your big day.
(sheknows.com, 10 Possible Wedding Dilemmas, Ashley Gain, 29 September 2011)
April 24, 2012
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