planning….forever events blog

what would you change (at your wedding)?

I twittered a question to the public, what would you change about your wedding if you could. Thought the answer would be interesting and even talked about it on Fox 7.

What would I of changed? Luckily, not the groom (tee hee).  I would of seen each other before the ceremony. Our wedding ceremony and reception were at the same location and I would have loved to join in on cocktail hour with my guests. It was silly to put it off and I felt rushed.

Here are a few of the anonymous answers:

• My wedding was 1 1/2 years ago, but I wish I would have interviewed more photographers. My photos weren’t the best.
• I would have danced more and not worried so much about family drama.
• Broken traditions. I didn’t think outside the box on anything. Biggest thing would have been to have it outside, not church.
• Had a handler for my MIL. I would have had someone passing out a midnight snack as guests left.
• I wouldn’t have skimped on photographs!
• I wish I hired a wedding planner for at least the day. Too much going on and I stressed!
• I would have hired a videographer, and I would have left more time for pics of just me and my husband,  sans bridal party.
• I wouldn’t have changed a thing about mine! Unless, I could have controlled the weather
• I would have changed one of my bridesmaids &I would have got a better cake.
• I would of chosen a different groom.
• Gotten 2 photographers…have one of hubby getting ready! Also I think I would of chosen my bridal party slightly different.
• Oh wow ONE thing? I wish I had a BETTER planner. That would’ve taken care of a few things, things I wish had been different!
• I am not recently married, it’s been 3.5 years, but I would have hired a better photog. I don’t really like the pictures I got.
• I wish we had chosen a navy pintuck linen instead of navy cotton w/ runner.
• I wish I had hired a planner instead of trying to do it all myself!
• Not use husbands cousin for flowers. Didn’t listen—flowers not as expected. Caution with family-creates for sticky situation!
• I would have hired a dj or band.

Soooo…… what would you have changed? Come ‘on, leave a comment… I know you want to…..

And brides/groom’s … I hope you learned a few things above!

Tags: humor, traditions, wedding planning

seeing each other before the wedding ceremony :: part five/finale

This is the finale of  the discussion whether or not you should see each other before your wedding. We’ve talked about where the tradition comes from, how you can create a special moment and/or meeting for you two, the emotional benefits and now we’ll cover why it can help logistically.

it’s all about timing

When planning your timeline for your wedding day you will be shocked at how fast the day can go by. There is hardly enough time to get everything done! Including your wedding photos. No matter how good your wedding photographer is, it is physically impossible to get 40 formal shots of you and your extended family in 30 minutes after the wedding. Getting the majority of photos done before your wedding will free up so much time for you and your wedding party.

photo credit: walker studio artistic photography

imagine….

1. Actually being able to go to the limo after your ceremony for a true Send Off to the reception.
2. Having more time to spend together with your wedding party between the ceremony and reception. These are the memories that you will remember and hold on to forever!!!
3. Not keeping your guests waiting so long for your arrival. That can lower consumption of food and bar!
4. In case of bad weather you have opened yourself up to having two possible choices for outdoor pictures!
5. Depending on the timing of your day, you may be allowing yourself enough time to go to a second location (something fun) between the ceremony and reception to get some cool shots!
6. Not feeling rushed, rushed, rushed!!!

confession time

When I got married, we did not see each other before the wedding, which was quite silly really. Our ceremony was outside on a beautiful golf course and our reception only a few feet away. We went with the tradition although I was totally peeking to get a glimpse of him. We had our guests wait while we finished up pictures after the ceremony. They all stayed outside and watched us, which made me feel uncomfortable because as the consummate hostess, I felt bad they had to wait. We also started losing some natural sunlight. If I had to do it over again, I would have met my husband and taken time to walk around the beautiful golf course to capture some awesome photo moments. Instead, I felt rushed and awkward after. You can see it on my face.

bottom line

It’s your decision which direction you want to go. Just whichever you choose, decide NOT to be rigid. Enjoy your day and embrace it. If your finance catches a glimpse of you rounding the corner, everything is going to be o-k-a-y. I had a client once ask me if we could hold up a sheet as she walked into the ceremony location so he wouldn’t see her until she turned the corner to walk down the aisle. Huh? Then I had another client who ran out to see her groom (she was in her wedding dress) to greet him when he arrived before the ceremony. It was spontaneous, lively, and full of love. Just what your wedding should be like. For pete’s sake people, plan your wedding….but LIVE on your wedding day!

Read part four of this series…

Tags: brides, groom, photographer, series

rehearsal dinner; think casual

This week we will be discussing the wedding rehearsal dinner! This is an event where families and friends can come together after the wedding rehearsal to eat and drink as a pre-celebration of the couple’s nuptials.

This entire week we will explore traditions, new ideas and what you need to know when planning a fabulous rehearsal dinner.

modern twist?

Wedding rehearsal dinners have traditionally been formal events. Sit down dinner, full bar, well-orchestrated toasts, etc. Now couples are looking for something different. Something exciting and shaking up the norm!

a more casual event…

Not surprising, couples are looking for a more relaxed event for their rehearsal dinner. They are choosing locations such as their favorite pizzeria, restaurant bar or possibly a private residence.

When appropriate they also match the casual environment by wearing jeans and business casual clothing.

if you go the route of wanting a mixer and guest mingling atmosphere then choose food that promotes that ease of guests moving around. Select food that can be easily displayed on food stations and eaten while standing.

Come back tomorrow for more details on how to really plan something different for your rehearsal dinner!

Tags: rehearsal dinner

debunking money saving tips for weddings!

Guest blogger (again) at the fabulous DIYbride.com.

This time we delved in to discuss the real truth about money saving tips for your wedding. Sometimes the tips you read in the wedding magazines aren’t always accurate.

Check out the article!

Tags: budget

timelines :: crucial to your wedding!

An accurate timeline can be your best friend before the wedding. Writing down all of the events and knowing the arrival times for your wedding party and vendors will let you have a peaceful wedding.

At planning…forever events we are well-known for our wedding timelines and production schedules. I will admit, when we first started five years ago we had very detailed times, such as; 2:55pm – Exit Church. Looking back I have to laugh a bit.

Now when we sit with our clients for consults we can basically tell them within 15 minutes of how their wedding will flow and how long it will take to serve dinner, cut the cake, toasts etc.

If you’d like to learn how to create your own wedding timeline or itinerary, we guest blogged about this very subject last week on the super-duper, fabulous DIY Bride.

One last thought: you never want to be a “Timeline Natzi” at a wedding. Yes it is good to know the flow of events and keep to some time structure, but never at the expense of you enjoying your day or taking in those special moments!

Plan on! -saundra

Tags: brides, engagement, groom, marriage

tagged. again.

Off we go…..