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- The traditional naked cake – if there can be such a thing as it is still quite a new wedding concept, a traditional naked cake is layer upon layer of Victoria Sponge filled with cream, buttercream, or vanilla frosting and decorated with fresh flowers, fresh fruits (usually strawberries) and icing sugar. It is an impressive statement cake and can be easily adjusted in height to suit any wedding party size.
- The chocolate naked cake – chocolate sponge is substituted for the Victoria Sponge and then the fillings might remain vanilla, fresh cream, or be swapped for fruit flavored or even chocolate frosting.
- The mix & matched naked cake – all bets are off as vanilla and chocolate sponge are mixed with any type of frosting or filling you can think of from double chocolate to passion fruit. A glorious mix of flavours, bound to be something for everyone in the wedding party.
- The tiered naked cake – most naked cakes simple stack layers and layers of sponge and frosting on top of each other in graduated layers rather than relying on actual cake boards, columns, and tiers. But some do. A great compromise if you love the idea of a naked cake but would like to make a nod to the traditional. I think it might also be a great way of having a cake made by a friend or family member who would likely be able to manage the weight distribution issues better using boards and columns.
- a bride
- a groom
- a witness
- an ordained minister
- date, time, rendez-vous point
- venue of your choice (public or private)
- at the base of a historical landmark
- museum grounds
- public park
- sea-side or on the beach
- public courtyards
- greeting guests upon arrival
- making sure guests are seated prior to bridal party entrance
- introducing bridal party (pronouncing all names correctly)
- introducing bride and groom
- facilitating entertaining activities (speeches, couple’s first dance, cake cutting etc.)
- ensuring the reception runs smoothly by keeping track of time and schedule
- Select a venue that has a lot of character and offers inclusions such as linens, ceremony on-site, and simple decor elements; you won’t need as much decor, saving you money.
- Have your cake and eat it too! Consider cutting dessert from your menu and serve wedding cake or have a sweets table instead.
- Simplify invitations and save on postage by using email or a wedding website to collect RSVPs and provide guests with hotel and map information.
- Repurpose your ceremony florals and decor: use the alter arrangements at the reception and place the wedding party’s bouquets on head table.
- Offer a reduced bar (wine, beer, signature drink) instead of full open bar, guests will be able to enjoy themselves but won’t stick you with the premium liquor bill!
Katie & Matthew
May 20th, 2016| Ceremony & Reception: Canadian Museum of Nature | Officiant: iPronounce You | Hair: Showpony Hair + Spa | Make-Up: One Fine Beauty | Ceremony Musicians: Virtuosi Productions | DJ: Dynamix Productions | Photographer: Grace & Gold Photography | Florist: Flowers Talk Tivoli | Catering: Thyme & Again Catering | Decor & Linen Rentals: Sage Designs | Cake: Thimble Cakes | Planner & Styling: Kennedy Event Planning |
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Cultural Series: Chinese Weddings
March 16th, 2016
In starting to plan for a wedding, couples may desire to honour their own culture. Whether you were heavily influenced by your own culture when growing up or have always wanted a culturally-focused wedding, the decision to incorporate your culture might be a simple one. On the other hand, you prefer to include only specific aspects of your own culture, while excluding others. The great thing about this decision is that it’s your wedding – you get to decide how much or how little you want your wedding to be influenced by your culture.
The first in this blog series will highlight the unique characteristics of Chinese weddings. Traditionally, Chinese weddings are very elaborate and include several major elements including, but not limited to: wedding date fixing, wedding door games, tea ceremony, and the formal wedding ceremony and reception.
Wedding Date Fixing
The Chinese are superstitious by culture, and when thinking of a wedding date, the Chinese lunar calendar is consulted in order to choose a “lucky” day. Typically, the couples’ Chinese zodiac signs will also be taken into consideration in the choice of a wedding date.
Wedding Door Games
Wedding door games usually occur at the start of the wedding day – they’re a great way to start off the day in a fun and light-hearted way! The groom and his groomsmen arrive at the bride’s family home and proceed to complete a series of tasks (set out by the bridesmaids). The groom and his friends do these tasks in order to gain passage into the house and in to see his bride, while the bride is kept hidden inside the house awaiting her groom’s successful entrance. For some ideas on what games to play, click here.
Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony also occurs the day of the wedding and can either take place at the bride’s home, at the groom’s home, or at both the bride and groom’s separate homes. Historically, the bride would have served tea to her own family privately the morning of the wedding, while the couple would serve tea to the groom’s family after the exchange of vows (after the wedding ceremony). In this modern time, you may choose to have both families (bride and groom’s family) present at one tea ceremony in one house, thus, saving you the travel time between the different houses.
The purpose of the tea ceremony is to show respect to the couple’s families. The order of service is usually parents first, grandparents, grand-uncles and grand-aunties, uncles and aunties, elder brothers and sisters, and then elder cousins. Traditionally, the bride and groom serve the tea to their relatives while kneeling; however, modern families may simply require the couple to bow while serving the tea. In exchange for serving the tea, the couple receives red packets (with money in them) and marriage advice in return.
In terms of attire, bride and groom are required to wear red silk during the tea ceremony; however, these days, the bride is able to wear a traditional Chinese red dress, while the groom can wear his wedding suit.
Formal Ceremony and Reception
After all pre-wedding ceremony activities have taken place, it is then time for the wedding ceremony! The ceremony usually includes the exchange of vows and rings and will vary depending on the couple’s religious affiliations.
Then comes the reception! The reception is usually a big affair and can include a guest list that, on average, can go up to 200 to 350 guests! With that many guests, it becomes that much more important to plan well in advance! The modern Chinese wedding reception includes many of the same elements of a Western wedding reception, including: speeches, a several course meal, games, first dance, cake cutting, as well as the bouquet and garter toss. One element that is unique to Chinese wedding receptions is the bride’s dress change into her traditional Chinese dress. In some cases, the bride will complete 2 different dress changes during the reception, from the white wedding dress, to the traditional Chinese dress, and then to an evening dress.
Reception Food
Chinese wedding receptions usually include 9 to 10 courses, each symbolizing long life and prosperity. There is usually a cold appetizer dish of meat, jelly fish, seaweed, and bean curd. Following the cold appetizer is the shark fin soup, which symbolizes wealth.
After the appetizers, 8 main courses are served – 8 because the Chinese consider this a lucky number! Main courses usually feature fowl that mate for life (i.e., duck or geese). Chicken and duck are usually served because these two fowls represent the balance between the man and the woman in their new relationship. Other main courses served include lobster, which symbolizes joy and celebration as well as sea cucumber, which symbolizes harmony and absence of conflict between the newlywed couple. Something else that is unique to Chinese wedding receptions occurs after the 5th dish is served. Following the 5th dish, the bride and groom along with their families will approach each table and make a toast to their guests. In this way, the couple is able to speak briefly to their guests and thank them for coming!
Whether planning on your own or with the help of a wedding planner, when all these elaborate cultural pieces come together, you’ll have yourself a spectacularly colourful day!
*Photo courtesy of Leah Kua, “Suzie & Ryan” Cotswold, England.
Naked Cakes
June 3rd, 2013If you have been following any of the popular wedding style blogs and magazines, then you probably share our food crush on the biggest trend to hit wedding cakes since cupcakes and donuts: the naked cake!
A naked cake is a classic sponge cake, layered to perfection, un-iced. That’s to say that they don’t have any of the fondant icing or traditional details that you would normally find on a wedding cake. With their sides left au naturel, these adorable naked cakes allow you to see the inside cake layers and all the goodness that they have in between, like icing, cream and fruit, cream cheese frosting, dusted icing sugar, or caramel for example.
With their rise in popularity being attributed to the ever growing trend for rustic themed weddings, it would seem that the naked cake is here to stay. Perfect for a couple who wishes to offer a wedding cake that stands apart from the traditional wedding cake there is a cake trend that may be just the thing. These adorable cakes are ideal for those who aren’t fans of a lot of frosting, are wanting a cake with a unique look, or wish to add it as the perfect Groom’s cake.
Here are some of the top variations on the theme:
If you have the pleasure of living in the Ottawa area, like we do, then you have to try Ottawa’s own It’s a Matter of Cake: Xposed! Made with care and served by local baking guru, Matthew Somers, these amazingly delicious naked cake creations are a must have at your next event. Matt is currently serving up mouth watering flavours that include: the Rocky, Maple Carrot, the Split, and Peanut Butter Crunch. Available at Ottawa Farmer’s Market – Brewer Park, the Flour Shoppe, or by pre-ordering online.
So go pour yourself a big glass of chilled milk and let’s get un-iced – naked wedding cakes are simply about the whole cake and nothing but the cake!
*photos courtesy of Pinterest & It’s a Matter of Cake, “Xposed”, Ottawa, ON
Wedding Dress Styles
May 27th, 2013The most exciting part about a wedding for most brides starts with picking out their wedding dress. For those of you who don’t know what you’re looking for, here are some tips and finding your dream dress. Dresses, just like all types of clothes, are suited to your shape and size; by knowing your body type finding a dress style or shape will be easy. Don’t worry if you’re looking at yourself right now and can’t decide what type of dress would best suit your body and highlight your assets, there are many professional bridal boutiques who can help you, don’t be afraid to seek a professional opinion if you need it.
Let’s start with the basics, there are five main dress styles or shapes: mermaid, a-line, sheath, ball gown, and empire.
The Mermaid or Trumpet: The mermaid dress, the sexiest style there is because it tends to show off all your curves in a style that is fitted all the way down to your knee and then flares out at the bottom. Due to its body hugging style, this dress is recommended to those who are confident in their skin. Curvy, or skinny, either body type can pull off this style.
The A-Line or Princess: For those brides who love the princess look, this is the way to go because it flatters any shape and size as it is fitted at the top and flows down to the ground. It covers the lower section of the body and can balance out those who are a little heavier on the top. The full skirt creates the illusion of curves for those of us who don’t have any and it can.
The Sheath or Column: Just like it’s name, this dress is shaped to flow straight down and not flow out. Recommended for lean brides with a balanced figure as it does tend to hug the body and show off your curves. It is a timeless style and helps elongate the body for those who are quite petite. Keep in mind ladies, this dress is quite tight and might restrict any vigorous.
The Ball Gown: Right out of a fairytale, The ‘Cinderella’ dress. Your guests will actually see you ‘floating on a cloud’ even though you already are on the inside. The dress is made up of a bodice and very full skirt that can flow into a train. It helps accentuate or create a waist line and hides the lower body. However, a large skirt can overpower a slender, petite frame.
The Empire: The most flattering of all dresses with a seam right under the bust and the rest flowing down to the floor. This dress suits any shape and size, it helps those with a small or large bust because it helps accentuate or helps support; those who are pregnant because it is comfortable and flattering; finally, if you’re self conscious about your hips and legs this dress flows down to the ground smoothly.
Necklines can change for nearly every style dress, so don’t worry if you want to have a sweet heart neckline and add or take away straps; speak with a professional tailor, they will be able to direct you in the proper changes to make without losing the integrity of the design. The right dress is out there, we promise, once it is “the one” – you will know!
*photos courtesy of Vera Wang, Bridal Collections (spring & fall 2012-2014).
Guerrilla Weddings
May 21st, 2013Do you consider yourself adventurous? Do you think outside of the box? Do you want to have a truly unique wedding? Are you willing to be a little risky (not to the point of completely defying the law, but enough to give you an adrenaline rush that you’ll remember forever)? If you answered YES to any of the above questions, then you are the perfect candidate for a Guerrilla Wedding. Guerrilla weddings are nearly free, completely spontaneous, require very little planning, and no bride will suffer from Bridezlla Syndrome when opting for this type of impromptu ceremony.
Here is all you need:
It is as simple as that! Remember to only invite no more than twenty of your family and friends otherwise you will need a permit and that is not very “guerrilla-like”. Make sure to tell your guests what your plans are, spontaneous weddings are hard to handle as is, so if it is a complete surprise it might just give them a heart attack.
If you’re planning a guerrilla wedding here are a few location ideas to get you started:
Your options are endless and the world is truly your oyster! Just don’t be silly and invite a huge entourage because you will get caught, also make sure to be respectful, clean, and quiet. Guerrilla weddings allow the couple to be right in the moment with each other. The excitement and spontaneity of the moment, the rush, and the romance all come together to make it a truly special couple of minutes that will never be forgotten – not only by you or your guests, or the on-lookers, or even the security that you might be running away from (like in the movie scene, Screen Gems & Spyglass Entreatment’s 2012 film, The Vow).
Weddings are about you joining together and celebrating what you share as a couple. You don’t need a fancy venue, five-piece band, or an open bar to share the day with your nearest and dearest. Do what will mean the most to you, and if it’s free – hey! all the better! The only formal planning that you might need to do would be to select your reception venue. Your favourite restaurant perhaps? Maybe somewhere special, where you went on your first date? Or where you got engaged? This would require some planning, but it’s as easy as it gets because all you’d have to do is call and make a reservation. And that’s it!
Happy Planning!
*photos courtesy of Carmen Santorelli Photography, “Andrea & Scott”, New York City, NY.
** video courtesy of Screen Gems & Spyglass Entertainment, “The Vow”, 2012. All copyrights reserved.
Picking the Perfect MC
May 17th, 2013Picking the perfect Master of Ceremonies (MC) for your reception is crucial to ensuring your wedding’s success. No one wants to reenact or relive James Franco’s hosting duties at the 2011 Oscars (awkward)!
Choosing the right person is almost as important as selecting your venue; the MC is the one who keeps your guests engaged, provide vital information to your guests, and works with your wedding planner to control the scheduled events for the evening. As the person whom guests have to listen to the most, you absolutely do not want them to bore your party to death. Couples typically select a close friend or relative who is both entertaining and comfortable with public speaking.
The main responsibilities of a MC include:
There is nothing worse than a boring MC. A good MC must be able to capture a large audience and grasp their attention quickly and effectively, enjoy public speaking, be easy-going, and comfortable with a microphone. They should also know what to talk about, know how to stall, and how to engage the audience.
Your MC must also be responsible and able to take control of any situation. You do not want them to be intoxicated before dinner or be taking a smoke break at the wrong time, and especially not one who will change the schedule of the evening without consulting the bride, groom, or wedding planner in advance!
Select someone who is funny and can think fast on their feet. There is no better situation to have these two qualities than when hosting a wedding reception, particularly if they have to stall and entertain your audience because there has been a wardrobe malfunction or the best man is missing right before his speech.
When in doubt, ask a professional. If there isn’t anyone in your life that you feel is qualified for this position, professional MC services are available for hire in most major cities, however, their services can be expensive. Another other option is to ask your officiant or DJ do all the talking – but proceed with caution, as they might be boring or cheesy. Make sure that you get to know their personalities and how they react under pressure with a large audience in front of them.
A good MC, whether a personal connection or a professional, ensures that the evening is seamless and will know what they are talking about in advance. In order to make sure you and your MC have the same vision of your big day make sure to go over the entire wedding ceremony and reception with your wedding planner so they are comfortable and can make sure that your day pans out exactly as planned.
*photos courtesy of Orange Girl Photographs, “Jenna & Ross“, Field, British Columbia.
Planning with Pinterest
May 4th, 2013Planning a wedding can be quite an overwhelming task, from picking out the colour pallet, dress, venue, décor and food, the list of details can grow pretty quick! If having an ultra-stylish wedding is your goal, it’s important to stay organized and be open to new ideas. The perfect way to balance both organization and creativity has been introduced to us by the wonderful world of Pinterest!
This pinboard-style, photo-sharing, social media site allows you to manage photos in groups based on specific themes created by the user. Now considered the fasting growing and most popular social platform for wedding planning, Pinterest is used by 1 in 3 brides to plan their wedding. In fact, “Pinterest is now more popular for wedding planning than Facebook, Twitter, and other forms” (such as The Knot) combined, according to Splendid Insights.
Get started:
Creating a Pinterest profile is very easy! Simply start by going to Pinterest.com, create a log in and profile using your email, Facebook, or Twitter accounts, and follow the instructions.
Create boards:
Once you have opened your profile, start thinking about themes that you would like to explore and separate them into categories/boards. For example, separate wedding gowns, venues, reception décor, bridesmaid dresses, food, groom’s tux, and wedding photo ideas onto separate boards rather than one board labeled “wedding”. By doing so, it will be less overwhelming for yourself and anyone you share your profile with and much easier to view and sort.
Start pinning!
Start looking through the “wedding” category or specific try searches to find things that you find inspiring. Pin them to the according board and see your dream wedding come to life! Some of our favourite inspiration boards include: Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, and The Perfect Pallet.
Share:
Two heads are better than one! Consider making your wedding boards viewable (ie: not Pinterest secret) for bridesmaids, your groom, family and friends; allowing them to see what you have envisioned for the wedding and add their own suggestions. Pinterest also makes it easier for your wedding planner to see the ideas you have started putting together, and in turn, allows them to collaborate on the design with you to bring your dream to life. You can allow others to pin to your board by adding their profile under the “edit board” option.
Proceed with caution:
The dark side Pinterest is that it can set unrealistic expectations for the wedding and your budget (in addition to being completely addictive)! Always keep in mind that a budget has been set for the wedding and should be adhered to at all costs. It’s called a budget for a reason: you set it and don’t “budge”-it! We recommend asking your vendors for realistic estimates and breakdowns of how much your desired ‘pinned’ design would cost and then ask yourself, is it reasonable for the wedding budget?
Check out our Pinterest account for amazing, organized wedding inspirations. If there is a board you’d like us to add, let us know and we’d be happy to oblige! Happy Pinning!
*Photos courtesy of bobbi+mike photography, “Dawn & Anthony”, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Trim Your Wedding Budget
April 29th, 2013
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, however, with the average wedding in Canada costing between $25,000 to $35,000 according to Weddingbells Magazine, it will also be one of the most expensive! Whether you are hosting a wedding celebration that’s simple but elegant or an over-the-top blowout, every couple has a budget and every element of the wedding comes with a price tag.
Here are six ways to save on your wedding day, regardless if you have champagne taste and caviar dreams or a ramen noodle and soda budget:
Create a guest list, but be ruthless!
When creating a guest list consider omitting children and co-workers, they are easily the two social groups that are least likely to be offended if they are not included in your festivities. Plus-ones can be tricky so consider only including significant others (defined as relationships that are over 6 months, live-in partners, and spouses) but exclude casual dates. It may be difficult, but try to keep your wedding party small, this will instantly save you from extra expenses on gifts, bouquets, hair and make up, and accessories.
Establish what you can actually afford:
Never – and we mean never – go into debt to pay for a wedding! When setting your budget be honest and realistic with your fiancé, it might be tough but it is important to host an event that is within your means. Another tip, don’t charge your wedding bills to a credit card unless you’re able to pay off the balance as soon as the statement comes in. Interest rates and charges can seriously add to the over expense of the wedding. If you have to carry a balance, try to do so for only a month or two.
Manage your expectations:
Do your research and educate yourself! In the early stages of setting your budget it will be very useful to price shop and do some fact-finding on your local vendors. Not only will this make you a savvy bride but it will also give you a more accurate estimate of costs of your “dream” wedding. Once you have a better idea of what things actually cost, sit down with your fiancé and identify your “must haves” & “nice to haves”. Be prepared for your priorities to be different from your fiancé’s but know that a successful wedding should include: good food, fun entertainment, and professional photography.
Be flexible and make compromises:
Huge savings can be had by hosting your wedding during the “off” season (in Ontario: November through April) or on an alternative day of the week (Sundays thru Thursdays). Many venues will offer discounts to couples who are flexible to alternative dates, in many cases offering savings of 10-25%! If you must host your wedding on a Saturday, consider having a morning ceremony followed by brunch. Not only will you save on overall food costs, think of how much you will save on the bar bill!
Maximize your registry:
With more and more modern couples choosing to live with one another for a period of time before getting married the need for toasters, towels, and tea sets is becoming less and less. Forgoing a traditional registry, couples are choosing to sign up for honeymoon, photography, or cash registries, allowing their guests and family members to contribute to their lives in new, more useful ways.
Find ways to be creative with your budget:
Setting a realistic budget, making smart choices, managing your expectations, and keeping track of your purchases will ensure that you have a beautiful and memorable wedding, without breaking the bank!
*Photos courtesy of Polly Alexandre Photography, “Julie & Zac”, Paris, France.
Trend Setting: Modern Grooms
April 26th, 2013The dated idea of a wedding being the “bride’s day” is a thing of the past. Modern grooms are doing what brides have wished of them for years: they are getting involved with all elements of the wedding planning and loving it!
Modern grooms have realized that they, too, wish to make their wedding day special, tailoring to both their and their wife-to-be’s needs. By paying close attention to the details and attending meetings and appointments, these grooms are creating trends that we expect will continue past 2013 for years to come.
Here are five trends that modern grooms are setting (and the girls are loving them for it):
1. Male Engagement Rings: No, we don’t mean that after the groom gets down on one knee, the bride has to as well. However, grooms wanting a ring on their hand as well, to show their dedication and commitment to their future wives. This is not a money grab created by jewelers, it is the grooms themselves who are asking for them. How sweet! If the bride’s get one then why shouldn’t the groom?
2. Co-ed Bachelor Parties: What a penny saver! Although it does sway away from traditional boys-only nights, bringing the entire bridal party together is an incredible bonding experience. The options are endless: take the group on a tour of the vineyards in Niagara, a trip to Wonderland and unleash the inner child, or head to Vegas! If you are still craving “boys’ time”, be sure to set aside time right before the big day for a guys-only poker night, host a groom’s roast, or a trip to the barber shop to get ready for the big day.
3. Different suits: The black tuxedo “James Bond” look is not for everyone, as modern grooms getting more trendy with their wedding wardrobe decisions. The groom’s party is changing up the colour of their suits to include various shades of grey and blue, and much like their bridal counterparts, celebrating varying styles of suits amongst the men; good bye uniformity! They are also more open-minded with their accessory decisions including: adding suspenders, custom ties, funky patterned socks, and other pops of colour to their wedding attire.
4. Scotch & Bourbon Bars: The latest modern groom trend that we love is including a special bar, separate from the main bar, featuring the groom’s favourite beverage. Thanks to Don Draper and the other Mad Men, scotch and bourbon have made a strong come-back with modern grooms, encouraging guests to grab a drink and mingle in the lounge area that surrounds this mini bar.
5. Groom Pinners: What’s more surprising to find than walking in on your husband-to-be surfing Pinterest? Well, get used to it, because it’s happening, and happening a lot. Although it is considered a “girls-only” page that is not stopping the men from getting some inspiration themselves. Visuals tend to help get the brain going, and what better than Pinterest where everything from engagement ideas, honeymoon destinations, and funky sock ideas can be found in one place?
Modern grooms are changing and setting wedding trends that are sure to stay, and their brides are embracing these ideas; letting the grooms have aspects of the wedding that they can call their own.
*Photos courtesy of Craig & Eva Saunders Photography, “Sarah & Pete”, Edinburgh, Scotland.
You’re Engaged, Now What?
January 28th, 2013Congratulations! You’ve found someone incredible to spend the rest of your life with now it’s time to start thinking about planning your wedding. While the task can be daunting for some, we’ve put together a list of the first steps you should take to make sure that your wedding planning adventure gets off on the right foot.
ENJOY IT!
Enjoy this time together! Spend a few weeks just enjoying being engaged, wrapped up in all the and joy that you are feeling, knowing what it means to be engaged and not stressing out about what needs to get done. Go on romantic dates, dream about the day you’ll say “I Do” and flash your ring finger whenever you have a chance. You’ll only be fiancés for so long, so say it often!
MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT
The first thing you’ll want to do is tell everyone you know. We recommend making personal announcements to your immediate family, send out a printed announcement to remaining family and friends, consider submitting an engagement announcement to your local newspaper or post the happy news online to Facebook and other social media outlets. Everyone will be so happy to hear the news straight from you, so choose whichever method best suits your style and budget.
CELEBRATE!
Before you start planning the wedding, plan an engagement party. Gather your friends at your favorite local bar, meet up with family for lunch at a fabulous restaurant or invite everyone to your apartment for hors d’oeuvres and plenty of Champagne. Be sure to have both families at the event if possible – you’re building a new life together and joining two families, so why not start it off with a fantastic celebration?
LOOK TO THE FUTURE
You don’t have to set a date just yet, but now is a great time to start thinking about the season you’d like to get married in, which will help determine how much time you have to plan. Knowing the season will start to guide your search for venues, conversations with vendors and your wedding dress hunt. And even if you don’t decide on the date for a few more months, your mom will be thrilled to tell her friends that you’ll be tying the knot in the fall of 2013 or spring of 2014!
CONSULT THE BANK ACCOUNT
Before you book vendors or buy a dress, you’ll need to know how much you’re planning on spending and how your budget will be broken down. Now’s the time to figure out if anyone will be contributing to your budget or if the two of you will be paying for the wedding yourselves. Though things will probably change as the months go by, having an idea of how the money will be used will keep you from using your entire budget for a photographer or venue deposit.
HIRE A PLANNER
Planning a wedding isn’t all fun and games, there is a lot to do to prepare for your big day! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner is a professional consultant who will help you with most (if not all) of the tasks involved in planning your wedding. From vendors, accessories, etiquette and even the smallest of details, this expert has the skills and contacts necessary to make your day come together seamlessly. Not to mention that hiring a wedding planner will help you enjoy the planning process more by taking stress out of the equation!
*Photos courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography, “Lia & Rob”, New York City, New York.