Stop "Shoulding" on the Bride!

While awaiting service in a local department store today, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation taking place between who I can only assume were a bride-to-be and her mother. It went something like this;

b-2-b; "Really, I can't wear white?"
mob; "Of course not, in fact your dress really shouldn't look all that bridey, and you shouldn't wear a veil either, this isn't your first time after all."
b-2-b; "Really? wow, I had no idea, are you sure?"
mob; "Darling, I've been there and done that, and I can tell you it's a big mistake. Listen to your mother and choose the ivory cocktail dress, you can't go wrong with ivory."

Now as much as I'm sure that mom often does know best, this is one time I really wanted to butt into a conversation with a big loud "WHOA!" What's with all this "shoulding" over second (even third or fourth) time brides?

Okay, I know as well as the next Wedding Planner that there are "guidelines" and "common practices" and certain schools of thought about what's generally considered as acceptable for second, third, even fourth time brides. But with polite apologies to Emily Post, I say it's time to take a big leap into the 21st century and shake loose those old rules. At least a few of them.

Color: White's right if it feels right. So's ivory, lilac, silver, even red or black.
Veils: There's nothing wrong with a short veil, but even I'd encourage a little moderation here.
Attendants: Hey, it's a celebration! And what's a celebration without friends and family?
Showers: Even if you're combining two households, a lingerie or bar shower can be lots of fun.
Tradition: Nothing at all wrong with toting out traditional vows, the boquet toss, garters, etc.

Basically what I'm advocating here is that we stop all this nonsense of "Shouldn't because you already did." SO WHAT if you already did? When you know better you do better, so cut loose whether it's your second, third, even fourth time down the aisle. Have fun. Express yourself. Live a little. "Shoulda, coulda, woulda" has no place in your planning. Do what feels right and you'll pull off a wedding without regrets. Moderation in all things is always a good guideline, and by all means, steer clear of an exact repeat of previous vows, gown styles, cakes ... you get the drift. A wedding is a time of joy, it's a celebration of love. It's a time to shake off the dust of doubt and dig into your new life with both hands wide open.

And if you need someone to speak with mom about it, call me, I'll kick those shoulds to the curb!

Lori

Simply Centerpieces

Among the countless items vying for attention on every brides to-do list, is the question of how to decorate the reception area to create the right mood. From lighting to chair covers to table linens and table centerpieces, the bride has many choices to make, and many options to consider.

Whether you choose an edible wedding centerpiece such as multiple mini-wedding cakes, centerpieces that guests take home as wedding favors, a classic floral arrangement that incorporates the same flowers carried by the wedding party, or a centerpiece that lends soft romantic light such as candles, your centerpiece is something you'll want to put some time and thought into.

That said, centerpieces don't have to break the bank to enchant your guests and highlight a stunning wedding reception table. Here are some simple yet chic ideas for the harried bride-to-be to consider in choosing her wedding reception centerpieces;

* A tall clear glass cylinder filled with colored water, glass bubble beads in a contrasting color and a small candle (perhaps a flower) floating atop sets a fun and colorful tone for the table.

* A medium sized round glass bowl with floating flower heads and floating candles lends beauty and elegance to any reception table.

* One of the latest trends in weddings is the "Green Wedding" or "Eco Wedding" as more and more couples look for something that lives beyond the party. Grasses, potted plants, even bonsai trees are gaining in popularity and echo the sense of the life ahead of the happy couple.

* Do double duty with mini-wedding cakes boxed up for guests to take home as their favor. A pretty box in wedding colors, perhaps with the happy couples monogram is an elegant way for guests to carry this flavorful favor home.

* Cupcakes !!! A tiered display of colorful cupcakes takes the place of traditional wedding cake and gives your guests easy access to a tasty dessert.

Whatever you choose, make sure your centerpiece has your imprint and reflects your own personal taste. Working with your wedding planner and/or floral coordinator is the best place to start. Whether you're a traditional bride or are leaning towards "eco-chic", there's a centerpiece to suit your needs and taste out there just waiting to be discovered by you!

Tell me again why I need a Wedding Planner

A wedding planner helps engaged couples coordinate the logistics of a wedding day. It sounds simple doesn't it? And it can be, if you have a wedding planner who believes that weddings aren't cookie-cutter events. While no bride really wants to be a "Bridezilla", there's no reason every bride can't have Her Day - Her Way.

Here's how I can help you ensure that your wedding vision becomes your reality;

Typically, a wedding planner's services include the following:
* several meetings with the couple to establish the couples vision and theme for the wedding as
well as to learn their expectations, needs, and to review their budget
* phone and email contact
* reviewing wedding vendor contracts to establish vendor obligations
* calling vendors to confirm details such as time of arrival and extent of services
* creating a timeline to schedule the events of the wedding day
* coordinate the wedding rehearsal
* provide in-person coordination of the events of the wedding day at the wedding venue

Many weddings are so elaborate that the bride can go crazy trying to organize it all by herself. This is where a wedding planner can be helpful. The planner is usually hired by a bride, and therefore treated as a vendor who has promised to deliver a service. The planner will stay in constant contact with the bride throughout the entire wedding planning phase, sense when there is a problem, and find a way to take care of it so as not to further stress the bride.

Wedding planners may actually be able to save the bride some money, even with their own fees factored in. Many planners have relationships with specific venues and/or vendors, and by providing them with multiple clients, may be able to receive discounted services .

Wedding planners usually have a thorough knowledge of a specific city/area, which may benefit brides monetarily as well. Planners know which venues are worth the money, and which are too good to be true, ensuring that the bride gets a fair value for the money she's spending.

Are you a bride who prefers to do the planning yourself? Do you just want someone to take the reins on the wedding day itself? I can help!

As a Day of Coordinator (or DOC's), a wedding planner is hired to work only on the wedding day, instead of the whole planning period. This way, the couple has total control over every aspect of the wedding, but has the ease of mind letting someone else make sure it comes together on the big day.

Like full blown wedding planners, DOC's are responsible for catching and troubleshooting any issues that may arise on the wedding day, so that the couple is free to focus on what they need to do personally to get ready.

This year, 21 percent of those marrying will use a wedding planner, according to Shane McMurray, author of the Wedding Report, a market research website.

There are so many components of a wedding - from the ceremony, to all the activities that take place during the reception. A wedding planner makes sure that you keep on schedule, maintain a great flow, handle any crises that may arise and make sure the day is worry and stress free for you.

Love U Mean It believes that every bride deserves to have her day - her way, and I'm here to help you do just that.

Contact me at L.U.M.I@cox.net to schedule an appointment to meet to discuss how my talents can best serve your needs. Since no two brides are exactly alike, all of my wedding planning packages are customized to your personal needs, with fees based accordingly.

Let Love U Mean It give you Your Day - Your Way!

Lori