Directions to your Reception

I am often asked what information should be included in a wedding program.

In addition to the "traditional" information such as order of ceremony, music, attendants names, etc., I always suggest including directions to your reception on the back of the program.

You would be surprised the number of people that end up calling your reception venue stating they are "lost" and need directions!

People leave their homes thinking they know where a certain venue is to find out they really don't.

If you have decided not to have programs, print out a direction sheet to have available as your guests leave the ceremony.

JENNIFER AND DAVID

This week's wedding was Flawless! I worked with David and Jennifer for over a year on every detail.

Their wedding reflected their personalities to a T!!!!

They are very "OUTDOORSY" and met running! When David proposed to Jennifer he asked her if she would be his running partner for life!

They are now on their honeymoon in Montana, horse back riding and hiking the beautiful trails.

I will miss seeing their smiling faces every month!

Congratulations Jennifer and David!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONES

Whenever we plan any special events in our life, especially a wedding, our thoughts turn towards our loved ones who are no longer with us.

There are several ways that you can honor your loved ones at your event that will give you and your family comfort knowing that theses special people are with you in spirit.

1. List their names and display in frames . Pictured above there were several family members and friends being remembered. Three smaller frames were used to display the names, and a larger frame was used to simply say. "In Loving Memory , You are with us in spirit as we celebrate our special day." Candles and simple flowers were used to highlight the table. This table was place in the back of the church so guests could see it as they enter.

2. If you are having a smaller wedding, 100 people or less, have a table set up in the back of the church with as many votive candles as guests, with instructions that each guest should light a candle in memory of a loved one that they lost. (You may need 2 tables, one on each side of the door as guests enter). A Groomsman or a special friend could be asked to stand by the table instructing guests.

3. Place a white rose on the seat where your family member or friend would be sitting.

4. You can simple have a sentence or two in your program remembering those who could not be present.

This is a very sentimental, emotional subject, and should be handled with sensitivity and respect.

Change in Seasons

The view at RYC in the Winter!


As I was driving home from work today, the sun was shining and the leaves were so colorful......It was a truly glorious day....then...I realized......WINTER IS NOT FAR.....I FELT SICK!! ha ha

It was almost like an OMEN...when I came home and turned on the news there was a segment on the winter salt supply!!!! YUCK!!!

SNOW, ICE, WIND, COLD......The thought of it makes me sick! Then I started to think of all of the people who no longer have homes due to Katrina, Rita, Gustave and Ike.....and started liking snow much better!!!

I started seeing the glass half full instead of half empty and realized that winter isn't really that bad!! Even though there are days that it's not safe to drive around...we always have food, water and a place to go where it is warm, dry and SAFE!

I am privileged to live on the lake.......I call my house my "BOX ON THE LAKE!" It is a little beach house.....very close to my very favorite place THE ROCHESTER YACHT CLUB...The reason it is my favorite place is simple.......It is pictured above! THE VIEW!!

TOP LAYER OF YOUR WEDDING CAKE

The tradition of eating the top of your cake on your first year anniversary has been around for a long time!

I have nothing against tradition, however, have you ever tasted a cake after it has been frozen for a year??ha ha

Start a new tradition.....Cut the top layer of your wedding cake into 12 slices and share a piece of cake to celebrate your anniversary each month for your first year of marriage.

Your last slice won't taste as good as your first..but it is a fun way to celebrate each month!




Cake by Gourmet Goodies, Victor, NY

MATCHING COLORS

Have you found a color you love for your bridesmaids dresses? Are you having a hard time deciding on an accent color?

If you are having problems coordinating colors.....go to your local paint store!!!

Paint samples will give you a visual of what color flowers will look great with the color dresses you have chosen for your bridesmaids dresses.

Some paint stores will let you borrow or purchase color wheels like the one pictured above.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot have their paint samples available on either individual cards or on cards of 3 colors. They are free and you can take as many as you would like.

When you see colors next to each other, you will be more creative and realize more colors go together than you may have originally thought!

OUT OF TOWN GIFT BAGS

lined baskets from Overstock.com











Personalized boxes from bridestuff.com


Personalized bags from Hubpages.com





Guests that travel a distance to attend your wedding incur added expenses, so a small gift of gratitude is always appreciated.

Gift baskets/bags/boxes are always a good idea. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you would like. If you need to make a lot of bags you may want to choose simpler, inexpensive items or those which can be purchased in bulk, however, you can still be very creative in the packaging. If you only have a few to make, you can get more elaborate. I have compiled a list of possible items.

REMEMBER: While you are creating your list, keep your budget, number of out of town guests, and wedding theme in mind.

• Bottled water
• Bottled juice
• Homemade cookies
• Hot chocolate packets
• Mini-marshmallows
• Wine/wine glasses
• Hard candy
• Chocolate/truffles
• Candles/matches
• Schedule of wedding events
  
• Map of the city
• Post cards
• Activity map of city
• Cheese/crackers/knife
• Travel-size toiletries
• Pretty soaps
• Snacks
• Restaurant ideas/directions
• Playing cards

DON'T PANIC--- COME PREPARED!!

After working on hundreds of weddings over the past seventeen plus years----I know a little emergency will arise at every wedding. Someone looses a button, rips a seam, stains their dress or shirt or forgets something fairly important.

I have a huge toolbox on wheels with lots of compartments filled with everything you could possibly think of!! I also bring a cooler of water in my trunk with lots of ice, especially during the hot months.

My clients are usually amused when they see my show up with this enormous industrial tool box……until I open it ..then all of their fears are calmed knowing I will be able to take care of anything that happens…even insect bites!

I have compiled a list of items that I keep in my toolbox, of course your emergency kit does not have to be as extensive as mine, select items to fit your needs.

~Hollywood tape or double sided tape
~Stain remover; tide to go, shout wipes, etc.
~A bottle of rubbing alcohol (this removes difficult stains from silk or satin.
~Sanitary Napkins and Tampons
~Pain reliever; Advil, Aspirin, Tylenol, Etc.
~ Antacids
~Antibiotic Cream (Neosporin)
~Band aids
~Insect spray and insect-bite cream.
~Clear nail Polish for panty hose runs
~Safety Pins
~Needle and Thread.. ( I have black, white, Ivory and the color of the bridesmaids dresses. I also pre-thread the needles with each of the colors so if there is a problem you can just grab a threaded needle..this saves lots of time!)
~ Black Socks for the men ( this is especially important if they are dressing at a hotel or any location that is not their own home!)
~Mints
~Gum
~ Hair Spray
~Brush/Comb
~Emery Board/Artificial Nail File
~Crackers, Nuts, Power bars, etc.
~Tissues
~Paper towels
~Wet Wipes
~Extra Make Up
~Mirror
~Lotion
~Body Spray
~Baby Powder or Shower-to Shower Powder
~Bobby Pins
~Small hairdryer (to dry fabric after applying stain remover)
~Floral tape
~Floral Pins
~Cotton Balls/Q-Tips
~Steamer
~Small Terry Cloth Wash Cloths (Works well to place under fabric while steaming dresses)
~Hem tape
~Buttons
~Small Scissors
~Static- cling Spray
~Lint Roller
~Straws for drinking without smearing lipstick
~White Chalk to cover up stains on bride’s dress
~Saline Solution/Contact Lens Solution and Eye Drops
~Deodorant
~Mouthwash
~Brush-ups (disposable tooth brushes)
~A Couple Disposable Cameras
~Duct Tape
~Small umbrella
~Nail Polish Remover
~Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
~Extension Cords
~Batteries
~Power Surge Strip

FAVORITE SPA GIFTS

Spa gifts are always a hit whether it be for a shower gift or wedding gift.....who can resist a gift of relaxation!!

Depending on your budget.....you can put together combinations of items that will make an AWESOME gift!

Spa gifts are also a great gift to give to bridesmaids or a special friend who has helped you out with tasks for your wedding.

Below are a few ideas:

~ His and her robes with a couples massage gift certificate
~ A basket of wine, candles, lotions, soaps, bubble bath, etc.
~ Spa gift certificates for the entire bridal party to be pampered together the day before the wedding.

These types of gifts are frivolous..........something most people don't indulge in often....unless you are me of course..........I am ADDICTED.

I am much easier to live with after a pedicure that is how I was given the "enduring" nick-name of "THE WEDDING DIVA!"

CHANGING YOUR NAME

I received an e-mail last week from a bride-to-be asking me how to go about changing her name.

Changing your name is not as time consuming as it use to be. The Internet will save you many steps!

There is a very useful website that has all the forms you need available to download free of cost. In some cases you can fill the forms out online.

The website is http://www.angelfire.com/ma/dnsassoc/tools.html

It easy to forget to change every document, charge card, etc. so I have compiled a list that hopefully will help you to remember everything!

Also, on the above website there is a basic form that you can copy and send to just about everyone, so that will save you from making a ton of phone calls.

Social Security Card
Divers License
Tax Forms
Voter Registration
Passport
Wills
Health Care Proxy
Living will
Power of Attorney
Mortgage
Gas and Electric
Telephone
All Doctors and Medical Professionals
Dog license
All Credit Cards
Library Card
Water Authority
Garbage Pick Up
Snow Removal Contracts
Lawn Maintenance Contracts
Cable
Any Service Requiring A Contract

LEARNING TO SLOW DOWN

I am a typical TYPE "A" personality....I have 2 speeds....FAST AND FASTER!!! I am usually multi-tasking 17 things at one time......I have a real problem relaxing and shutting off my mind!!

Earlier this summer, I was pretty sick for about three weeks.....the STRESS of my CRAZY life caught up with me!!!! It was a scary experience but it made me realize that it was time to SLOW DOWN! This revelation came weeks before my 55th birthday that was weighing heavily on my mind! I realized that I have more life behind me than in front of me ................ SO............I decided to slow down!!!!!

I really had to work at it.....but it is starting to feel pretty good!! I moved my office a couple miles from house, and right down the street from my daughter's new house. My Grandsons walk over to visit me....and I LOVE THAT!!

For the past 18 years I have worked non- stop...It has taken a while to get it through my head that it is OK if I don't go into the office at 7:00 AM every morning......I can answer E mails from my bed with a cup of coffee watching the Today show......It is OK to breeze into my office at 10:00 and have another up of coffee before I start working! I AM NOT GIVING UP CAFFEINE!

Life is too short not to enjoy every day. Each day, even if it is a "BAD" day is a gift from GOD!

My husband gave me a plaque to hang in my new office...it says: LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS, IT IS ABOUT DANCING IN THE RAIN!!!!!!

So now everyday, I dance in the rain and appreciate all that I have!

KEEPING PROGRAMS IN PLACE

Outdoor ceremonies can get pretty windy. Placing a program on each chair looks great, however, they will not be there for very long.

Collect stones and spray paint them in a color to coordinate with your wedding. (Make sure they are large enough and have enough weight to hold down the program.)With a metallic or paint pen write inspirational words, your names and date, etc.....they look great, can double as a paper weight if your guests decide to take them home and your programs will say put!!!

MEANING OF YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS

Below is a list of popular wedding flowers and their meanings. It is fun to include a couple kinds of flowers that have a special meaning to you.

Babies Breath: Everlasting Love
Carnation: Pure Love
Crocus: Cheerfulness
Daisy: Innocence
Fern: Magic
Forget-me-not: Remember Me
Freesia: Gentleness
Fuschia: Confiding Love
Geranium: True Friendship
Hyacinth: Sport and Play
Hydrangea: Romance
Ivy: Friendship
Jasmine: Amiability
Ladies Mantle: Comfort
Lilac: First Emotions of Love
Lily of the Valley: Happiness
Mint: Virtue
Orchid: Beauty
Pansy: Thoughtfulness
Peony: Bashful
Rose: Love
Snowdrop: Hope
Sweet Pea: Delicate Pleasures
Tulip: Declaration of Love

CEREMONY OUTLINE

I received an e mail today from a couple who asked for help with their ceremony.

I always thought that all officients.......whether they are are from a religious sector or a Justice....provides their clients with a basic outline for their ceremony.

I am finding out that is not always the case!!!!

Below is a basic outline for a non-denominational ceremony.


The Opening/Welcome

The Readings

The Address/Sermon

The Expression of Intent

Vows

Exchanging of Rings

The Blessing

Unity Ceremony

The pronouncement of Marriage

The Closing

RECEIVING LINES

Receiving lines have been the long time tradition of greeting guests after your ceremony or before your reception.

A traditional receiving line consists of the entire bridal party and both sets of parents. The formal order of the receiving line is as follows: bride’s mother, bride’s father, groom’s mother, groom’s father, bride and groom, maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen.

Today’s modern times have brought changes to this practice. Attendants sometimes feel uncomfortable being in a situation of greeting guests; also there are so many time constraints that a receiving line can be impractical.

If this tradition is important to you, and your ceremony site is different from your reception site, it is usually best to have your receiving line at the ceremony.

Having a receiving line at your reception will cut into your cocktail hour and you may miss the opportunity to mingle with your guests.


ALTERNATIVE RECEIVING LINES

• Modify your receiving line by having only the bride and groom and parents’ participate. The order of this type of receiving line is as follows: bride’s father, bride’s mother, bride and groom, groom’s mother and groom’s father.

• Bride and Groom only.

• In place of a receiving line, as the bride and groom are recessing, they exit into a private area. While the couple is sharing a private moment, the guests are gathering in a double line facing each other with their wedding bubbles that they were given as they were editing. When all guests have gathered, the bride and groom walk through a “Tunnel of Bubbles”. This makes a great photo opportunity.

Even though you are not actually greeting your guests, they are pleased that they had a chance to see you after the ceremony.

Alternatives to bubbles: bells, birdseed, rose petals, flower heads, fall leaves, etc. Make sure you check with your ceremony site as to what they will allow, and who is responsible for any clean up afterwards.

SPECIAL EFFECT LIGHTING

Special Effect Lighting by Ed Hufsmith, Balloon Effects International


Some reception sites, especially tents can be very stark and plain. An easy and effective way to change the feel of a room is with special effects lighting.

You can do something as simple as up-lighting which will wash the walls with a glow of light in just about any color you would like .......... which would be the most economical choice.

You can get as elaborate as your taste and budget allows.

Pictured above: (1) Lighted three-dimensional stars and amber up-lighting in a standard hotel ballroom, (2) globes hang from a ceiling in a tent....and a bright amber glow from a tent at night

There are so many effects you can get from lighting depending on the ambiance you are looking for.