Memorials at Weddings

It is an unfortunate part of life that all of our loved ones are not always here to celebrate with us on our wedding day. Even though they are not here with us in person does not mean they cannot be with us in spirit. There are many ways to honor these special people on the big day.

When my husband and I were married I had recently lost a close cousin and also a very special great aunt. To honor these wonderful ladies we had a beautiful floral arrangement put together and placed on the piano at the front of the church. In our ceremony programs we mentioned this arrangement and told our guests who it was a memorial for.

Beyond flowers there are many ways to remember loved ones on your wedding day. One of my favorite memorials for weddings is the photo frame on the bride's bouquet. This is where the bride has a picture of her lost loved one in a frame attached to her bouquet, very personal and meaningful.

Other ideas for remembering the lost are placing framed pictures of them on a "In Remembrance" table at the reception or the cocktail hour. Lighting candles for them during your ceremony or already having them lit and placed somewhere viewable for the guests. Even playing a special song or doing a special reading as part of your ceremony is a beautiful idea.

There are so many wonderful and personal ways to remember your loved ones. Anything that you feel is special will work, make it your own.

Gift Giving Etiquette

This is the time of the year when invitations begin to arrive in mailboxes across the country. As we start to see our calendars filling up, dollar signs flash before our eyes reminding us of all the gifts we will have to buy.

We often wonder what the exact etiquette is for these gifts we will be giving. Here are a few tips to help you through this wedding season...

1. How much should you spend?

• There is a myth that you should spend as much as the couple is paying per guest for the reception. The cost of a gift should be dependent on your relationship with the couple, the closer you are to them the more you should spend. But in no case should you feel obligated to spend more than you can afford. Whether you spend $10 or $1,000 the couple should be thankful for your gift.
  

2. Are you obligated to send or bring a gift?

• If you have received a formal invitation to a wedding, it carries with it an obligation to send a gift, whether you are able to attend or not. You may either deliver gifts in person before the wedding day or on the wedding day to the reception, or send them ahead of time. Traditionally, if sending the gift ahead of time, it should be sent to the bride's parents home addressed to the bride.
• Gifts may be sent as soon as you receive your invitation. For your convenience most stores offer delivery to the recipient.

3. Can I give a gift of cash?

• Yes, cash is always an acceptable gift. Although, it is not good etiquette for the couple to tell guests ahead of time that they would prefer cash. Checks are also quite common; if you are writing a check make it out to the bride under her maiden name if before the wedding and made out to the couple if after.
  

4. Should I purchase off of a registry?

• My answer to this is always yes. A couple registers for gifts to ensure that they receive the items they want and need for their new life together. If you are feeling creative and know the couple well enough, you may purchase something not registered for; but please include a receipt in case they want to return or exchange it. Often times, I personally will purchase from the registry and then add a little personal touch by buying the couple something fun to go along with the other gift but always staying with the same theme (kitchen, bath, camping, etc.)
  

Who Escorts the Bride?

Posted by Michelle...

(Matt Ballard Photography via google images)

Traditionally, the bride's father escorts her down the aisle, but there are many different reasons and situations where this may not be a possibility. Who else can escort the bride?

We live in a day and age where it is completely acceptable for anyone to whom the bride is close to walk her down the aisle. One of the main duties of the escort is to keep the bride calm as she makes her entrance. It does not matter whether it is her mother, step father, an uncle, brother or grandfather as long as the bride is comfortable with the chosen escort. I have even seen a confident bride walk alone down the aisle and it can be a very special moment.

(image via google images)

I'll never forget one of my first weddings as a planner; I had a bride concerned about whether to have her father or her step-father walk her down the aisle, both of whom she was close to. In the end she was escorted by both, one on each arm and it was perfect for her.

If you are confused or concerned with who to ask to walk you down the aisle on your big day just remember...nothing has to go by the book. You may have whomever you want escort you, it is your wedding day.

Let It Rain!!

This was originally posted back in April, but on a day like today I couldn't resist re-posting it.

Everyone hopes and prays for good weather on their wedding day but don't let a few rain drops take away the excitement. Check out these AMAZING shots these couples got on their big day, shots they would never have had if the weather was perfect.

(google images)

(LifeImages via Polka Dot Bride)

(Braedon Weddings via A Cup of Joe Blog)

(Wed by Kez via google images)

(google images)

(google images)

There are other fun things you can use to embrace the rain...buy or rent colorful umbrellas or wear fun rain boots.

I LOVE this idea that was featured on Earth Friendly Weddings. The bride's great aunt and uncle saved some rain from the wedding day and bottled it as a gift for the couple, engraved with the wedding date. Awesome.

Meaningful Processionals

Posted by Michelle...

If you saw my last post about the importance of doing a "First Look", you maybe wondering how I feel about the processional. Don't worry I'm not going to post the infamous YouTube video!

I do not believe that seeing each other before the ceremony makes the processional any less meaningful. After all, it is "the" moment when you realize in just minutes you are going to be husband and wife in front of all your family and friends. It's that special moment when the bride is escorted by someone special to her, a parent, step parent or even just a friend. It is one of my favorite parts of weddings. I love it all, the music, the bride's smile and of course the groom beaming with pride for getting to be the one waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

The following are three very special and fun bridal processionals captured by Steven F. Fox Photography along with a brief description of each from Jessica of Steven Fox Photography.

"Bette and Steve had a very special wedding in our minds because they had never kissed until they were husband and wife. They were a very sweet couple and we loved being there."

"Jani and Dejan had a Serbian Orthodox wedding. The grooms family parades up the street and comes to the brides home. They come bringing gifts of food and drink. The groom must "purchase" his bride and the family barters bit by bit. First he pays for a shoe, then a glimpse of her hand and so on until he has paid enough to see her and make her his bride. Steve says this is the most fun he has ever had a a wedding."

"Linnzie and Chris got married in Douglas at his parents vacation home. When Linnzie came down the aisle Chris raised his hands in the air in celebration. Oh, and he won a bet that she would make it down the aisle. LOL"

So cute, I love hearing fun stories about couples, every couple is unique and so is every wedding day.

The "First Look"

Posted by Michelle

When developing a time line with a couple, the first and most important question I ask is if they are going to see each other before the ceremony. This can make or break a time line for a wedding day. Why is this so important? If a couple is waiting to see each other until after the ceremony, that also means the majority of the photography must wait until after the ceremony. When you do your photography can greatly affect your guests' experience.

I highly encourage couples to do a "First Look" before the ceremony. A First Look is where the couple meets up (usually where the ceremony will take place) and shares a private moment together before all the festivities begin. The reasons I suggest this are many:

• Intimacy - A wedding is THE most intimate moment of a couple's life together. Personally I would rather see my groom for the first time alone than in front of 150 people. It gives you a chance to say some private words to each other before the big moment.
• Nerves - I have had so many brides nervous about crying while walking down the aisle and because of that not remembering the moment. It can be very overwhelming and seeing your groom beforehand can help to calm those nerves. I still love to see a bride and groom choke up while reciting vows and even with a First Look this still happens.
• Photographs - Some of the sweetest and most emotional photographs I see from weddings are the ones from the First Look. There is always so much raw emotion when a couple sees each other knowing they will soon be husband and wife.
• Time Lines and Guest Consideration - I am a HUGE believer in being courteous to your guests. Yes, it is your big day but your guests are taking their time to come and celebrate with you and bring you gifts. It is your responsibility as the host to think of them and their comfort. After all haven't you been planning this big party with their experience in mind? Doing a First Look, in order to take pictures before the ceremony, helps to make the guests experience very positive. Why would that matter? If you end up doing pictures between the ceremony and reception, that can leave a giant gap in your time line. Thus, making your guests wait an hour or two for the reception to start and for them to enjoy dinner.
  

Doing a First Look or not can be a very personal decision for some couples, both because of tradition and beliefs. It's not for everyone but is something to consider when planning out your wedding day.

Here are some adorable pictures from Jenn Dean Photography...

Is That Wedding Music that I hear?

Posted by Tami...

Being a musician, I know that one of the most difficult part of your wedding plans can be finding professional and appropriate ceremony musicians at reasonable prices.

EVENTS by September's Bride has developed relationships with many local classical and church musicians who can offer you some beautiful choices in music. From talented students to local professionals; solo pianists to string ensembles, we can help you find your style at your budget.

Recommendations are included in any of our Planning & Coordination packages; or you may schedule a Consultation just to discuss music options where we can help you choose the musicians and style that is right for your ceremony. Call or e-mail us and relax, knowing that EVENTS by September's Bride will be sure your music is fabulous!

Managing Your Guest List

Having a hard time cutting back your guest list? Does your fiance want to invite everyone he has ever met? When couples are trying to stick to a strict budget cutting back the guest list can mean a huge savings. The difference between 100 and 125 guests doesn't sound like a lot but that is 25 more meals, 3-4 more tables and centerpieces, more favors, programs and invitations. Sounds a little different when you put it that way, doesn't it? Here are a few tips on making the tough decision of who to leave off the final list:

1. Make a preliminary guest list as early as you can. This will help narrow down venues that can accommodate your wedding.

2. Before you ask your future in-laws to submit a list give them parameters upfront to avoid confusion later. Break the guest list down into percentages, say you and your fiance have 50%, your parents get 25% and his parents get 25%. This can be adjusted with family sizes, if you have a very large family and he has a small family as well.

3. Remember the people that mean the most to you, as much as you will want to talk with everyone you may not be able too. Trying to give everyone equal face time with you will take away from the people you most want to celebrate with.

4. Because an acquaintance invited you to their wedding 5 years ago and that was the last time you have spoken with them, you don't have to "repay" them by inviting them to yours. There is no rule saying you have to use your wedding as a source to return favors.

5. You don't have to invite all of your co-workers, but be careful with this one, if you are constantly talking about your wedding in front of them you may hurt a lot of feelings when they don't receive the invitation. Be cautious about talking about your wedding plans in front of people you aren't inviting. The size and intimacy of where you work can affect this as well.

6. Do not feel compelled to add "and guest" to invitations sent to unmarried friends, especially if they have only been dating someone for a week. This also helps your friends who are single and are stressed about having to find a date just for your wedding.

7. Having an adults only wedding or limiting the guests to no children 12 and under will help cut back a lot too. Be careful when adding "and family" to an invite...some people may read this as everyone they are related to, not just those in their immediate family. Specifically spell out who is invited on the envelope.

8. When going through your over-sized guest list ask yourself this question "will I still know this person 2-5 years from now?" if not, then cut them from the list.

9. If you have a lot of out-of-town guests on the list, send out Save-the-Dates to get a feeler for who is willing to make the trip and who will not.

10. If you are still having a dilemma on cutting back, make an A and a B list. Send out the invitations for the A list 8 weeks before the wedding. This will give you time to receive back any regrets and still give you time to replace those with guests from the B list. And no one will ever know which list they were on.

Don't forget this is YOUR wedding day, you may feel pressure from people to invite guests that you don't plan on, but you don't have to give in to that pressure. Taking care of the guest list early on will help relieve a lot of stress and help the rest of the planning to go much smoother.

Good Luck!

What does a Wedding Planner really do?

When talking to brides, both brides-to-be and newly married; I hear two comments over and over again. First from the bride-to-be, "I'm planning my wedding myself; I don't need a Wedding Planner". And second from the newlywed, "Oh! I wish I would have had someone like you to help me on my wedding day".

So in order to help that bride-to-be not become the newlywed with wedding day regrets, I am going to explain what a Wedding Planner really does.

A Wedding Planner has many roles such as: adviser, coordinator, supervisor, financial planner and mediator.

• Adviser - From the correct etiquette of invitation wording to matching your personality and budget with the perfect wedding vendors, a Planner will advise you using their knowledge and experience of the industry.


• Coordinator - A Planner will help you develop the perfect time line for the entire day both for the bridal party and the vendors. They will help you with the timing for the ceremony and help you lay out the entire reception, detail by detail to ensure a smooth event. On the day of your wedding, the Planner will coordinate all of these details with everyone involved so that you do not have to worry about a thing.


• Supervisor - A Planner will oversee all the details of the day; including the multiple vendors you have contracted for your wedding. A Planner will act as a liaison for you; why should you have to worry about what time the cake will arrive or if the DJ has the right size table? And why would you want to add this stress unto a family member or friend instead of their enjoying the day with you?
  


• Financial Planner - When working with a budget, things can get a little overwhelming. A Planner will guide you throughout the planning process making sure you get every penny's worth and helping to stretch every dollar. They will keep you on track, ensuring that your money is allocated to the details that are most important to you as a couple and to your families.
  


• Mediator - Weddings can be a very emotional time for everyone, especially when there are complex family dynamics involved. A Planner can act as a third party to help mediate in certain stressful situations.

There are many other roles I could add to this list such as Decorator, Boutonniere Affixer, Button Re-Attacher, Cake Cutter, Candle Lighter, Last Minute Errand Runner, etc. I could go on and on with the things of which a bride and groom would never imagine. They are in no way there to take over your big day and should never be the center of attention. It is their job to be behind the scenes coordinating everything; without your guests even imagining all the moving parts. A great Wedding Planner also smooths over anything that goes awry without the bride and groom knowing or worrying about it as well.

Wedding Planners and Consultants are hired because of their knowledge and experience and this includes being extremely familiar with the area in which they work. Hiring a Planner in your wedding location, if you are having a destination wedding, is a wonderful idea. They can help you find great vendors that you might not find from an internet search and local vendors can almost always save you money on delivery or travel fees. If you are not able to regularly visit the area of your event, a local Planner can keep an eye on things and attend meetings if you are unable to do so.

Events by September's Bride has many different levels of services available from Set Up and Ceremony Coordination to Complete Planning. Couples that are planning the entire wedding on their own but do not want to deal with the stress on the big day may hire a Planner for Wedding Day Coordination services. Other couples that are too busy with their careers or do not feel they are organized enough to plan on their own may be in need of Partial or Complete Planning assistance. We also offer hourly consulting for the bride and groom that have some ideas but are not sure how to get started or how to pull everything together.

A Planner can be a valuable asset to your wedding team; having an ally along the way to take your side in a dispute with a vendor; share ideas, and even just someone to call and vent to when you feel overwhelmed. Events by September's Bride would love to be that ally to you, we will use our experience and knowledge to make your dream day into reality.

Please contact us today to find out more about our services and to reserve your wedding date.

Cupcakes in a Jar

I just had to share this DIY project because I am in love with it! Two of my favorite things are DIY projects and cupcakes, plus it does help that these are Red Velvet cupcakes too.

These cupcakes would be the perfect addition to a tea party, small intimate garden wedding or even a special picnic. The presentation is adorable and the overall assembly doesn't seem to difficult or time consuming.


You can check out all the instructions at cakies; found via Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Welcome!

Welcome to Events by September's Bride, the lake shore's premiere wedding and event planning company; located inside downtown Holland's upscale bridal boutique, September's Bride.

Events by September's Bride provides wedding and event planning services from Venue Set Up to Complete Planning, as well as hourly consultations to help along the way. See our Available Services section for more details on these packages. Events is the result of the teaming up of two great West Michigan vendors, Tami Parks of September's Bride and Michelle Torno of Memorable Events. This collaboration will be a huge benefit for our clientele, both doubling our experience in the industry as well as our vendor network. Of course, for both Tami and Michelle, customer service has always been the number one priority and this will continue to be the case with Events by September's Bride.

We welcome clients from the entire West Michigan area as well as those from out-of-town who are planning a destination wedding on the Lake shore. We are looking forward to serving you soon, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.