A BIG thank you to all of our amazing friends, family, vendors, and clients for a wonderful and memorable 2010! We look forward to an incredible 2011! We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and fabulous New Year! Cheers!
Friday, December 31, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A BIG thank you to all of our amazing friends, family, vendors, and clients for a wonderful and memorable 2010! We look forward to an incredible 2011! We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and fabulous New Year! Cheers!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
On the twelfth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
The BIG Day!
Hooray! Smile, you're getting married today! All of that planning, and yes at times hard work, has paid off. This is the day you have been anxiously anticipating and waiting for. Be sure to eat a light breakfast. You will also want to allow amble time to get ready (see our post yesterday on timelines). But most of all, relax and enjoy every moment!
Happy Planning, and Happy Holidays!
Photo from a wedding we did at the FIlter Building, by Jimmages
Friday, December 24, 2010
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas
On the eleventh day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
A timeline!
As you prepare for your big day, you will want to confirm of all your vendors and final details (or have your wedding planner do this for you). You will also want to create a complete wedding day timeline; which will outline in detail the events of your wedding day from beginning to end. Such as when you will have your makeup done, when vendors will arrive and setup, when photos will take place, when you will have your first dance, when toasts will happen, when you will cut your cake, etc....down to when you have your send off and the vendors strike.
The timeline will keep everyone involved in your wedding on track, it will help all of the moving parts stay organized and aware of the days' events. It will also tell those involved in your wedding (your bridal party and family) where to be, when to be there, and how to be there (for example- all groomsmen at the venue at 4pm, dressed and ready for pictures). Your timeline is essential for a smooth wedding day.
Contact us for a FREE consultation and/or assistance with your wedding day timeline by emailing info@deaniemichelleevents.com with 12DaysXmas as the subject, or by calling 214.810.4024 and mentioning the 12 days of Christmas.
As you prepare for your big day, you will want to confirm of all your vendors and final details (or have your wedding planner do this for you). You will also want to create a complete wedding day timeline; which will outline in detail the events of your wedding day from beginning to end. Such as when you will have your makeup done, when vendors will arrive and setup, when photos will take place, when you will have your first dance, when toasts will happen, when you will cut your cake, etc....down to when you have your send off and the vendors strike.
The timeline will keep everyone involved in your wedding on track, it will help all of the moving parts stay organized and aware of the days' events. It will also tell those involved in your wedding (your bridal party and family) where to be, when to be there, and how to be there (for example- all groomsmen at the venue at 4pm, dressed and ready for pictures). Your timeline is essential for a smooth wedding day.
Contact us for a FREE consultation and/or assistance with your wedding day timeline by emailing info@deaniemichelleevents.com with 12DaysXmas as the subject, or by calling 214.810.4024 and mentioning the 12 days of Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
On the Tenth Day of Christmas
On the tenth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
Wedding Vows!
Writing your own vows is a popular alternative to reciting the traditional vows, and helps create a personal touch. If you choose to write and say your own vows make sure you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page regarding saying your own vows. Take the time to write your vows in advance and to practice saying them out loud, you don't want wedding jitters or speaking in front of a crowd to leave you tongue-tied. You can take inspiration from poetry, songs, or other sources.
Consider taking a piece of prose that expresses the love you share with your fiance, or a reading from a religious text, that can add special meaning to your ceremony. These are especially moving when sung or read by a family member or friend. You can structure it into your ceremony in a way that is beautiful to you and your hubbs-to-be.
Photo is from a wedding we did recently at St. Thomas Aquinas, by Dallas Digital Events
Writing your own vows is a popular alternative to reciting the traditional vows, and helps create a personal touch. If you choose to write and say your own vows make sure you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page regarding saying your own vows. Take the time to write your vows in advance and to practice saying them out loud, you don't want wedding jitters or speaking in front of a crowd to leave you tongue-tied. You can take inspiration from poetry, songs, or other sources.
Consider taking a piece of prose that expresses the love you share with your fiance, or a reading from a religious text, that can add special meaning to your ceremony. These are especially moving when sung or read by a family member or friend. You can structure it into your ceremony in a way that is beautiful to you and your hubbs-to-be.
Photo is from a wedding we did recently at St. Thomas Aquinas, by Dallas Digital Events
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
On the Ninth Day of Christmas
On the ninth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
Patience and Clarity!
Through all of the planning and all of the engagement madness, take a moment every so often and remember why you are doing all of this wedding planning in the first place...love.
While the pretty flowers and yummy cake and fun parties are great, planning a wedding can be stressful and I bet there will be moments when you and your hubby-to-be won't see eye to eye over the details. That is why it is so important to take a step back from the wedding plans and to refocus your energy on yourselves and on your love for one and other.
During the course of your engagement schedule in some "me time". Get a spa treatment, workout, take a yoga class, meet a friend for coffee, read a book. Take time away from planning your special day to help rejuvenate and gain clarity.
When your love and you aren't seeing eye to eye, take a "time out" from the wedding planning, and do a non-wedding planning activity together. Go for a walk, watch a movie, meet friends for a drink, play a game, exercise. Again, anything to reinvigorate yourselves and to gain some clarity.
Doing these small, and fun, things will help you stay focused on your love and why you are getting married in the first place. It will also help you to be patient with your man and with everyone around you. Because let's face it planning a wedding can be tough, and it can be stressful.
So remember, patience and clarity will help you thru this crazy exciting journey that we call engagement (and planning a wedding).
Through all of the planning and all of the engagement madness, take a moment every so often and remember why you are doing all of this wedding planning in the first place...love.
While the pretty flowers and yummy cake and fun parties are great, planning a wedding can be stressful and I bet there will be moments when you and your hubby-to-be won't see eye to eye over the details. That is why it is so important to take a step back from the wedding plans and to refocus your energy on yourselves and on your love for one and other.
During the course of your engagement schedule in some "me time". Get a spa treatment, workout, take a yoga class, meet a friend for coffee, read a book. Take time away from planning your special day to help rejuvenate and gain clarity.
When your love and you aren't seeing eye to eye, take a "time out" from the wedding planning, and do a non-wedding planning activity together. Go for a walk, watch a movie, meet friends for a drink, play a game, exercise. Again, anything to reinvigorate yourselves and to gain some clarity.
Doing these small, and fun, things will help you stay focused on your love and why you are getting married in the first place. It will also help you to be patient with your man and with everyone around you. Because let's face it planning a wedding can be tough, and it can be stressful.
So remember, patience and clarity will help you thru this crazy exciting journey that we call engagement (and planning a wedding).
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
On the Eighth Day of Christmas
On the eighth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
Flowers, linens, cake, and music...oh my!
You have hired a wedding planner, made your budget and started a checklist, found your wedding dress, you have booked your venue (and set your wedding date), hired someone to capture your special day, you have selected and asked your bridal party to stand up for you, and you have started your registry. You have been busy little bride-to-be you! But your wedding planning work is not quite done yet. Now comes the fun...creating the look, feel, and mood (a la ambiance) you want for your wedding. It is now time to book your other major vendors; florist, rentals, bakery, and a band or DJ.
Here are few questions to ask yourself to help define the ambiance you desire:
1. Do you prefer formal or informal?
2. Do you like large centerpieces or smaller ones?
3. Do you like bold colors or more subdued ones?
4. When you see yourself walking down the aisle; are you walking to the sounds of a string quartet, a piano or organ, a jazz combo, or songs you've given to a DJ or that are on your Ipod?
5. For the reception do you want a master of ceremonies (MC) to announce throughout the reception or do you want a more mellow mood?
6. Do you want to dance at your wedding?
7. What other kinds of entertainment would you like? Photo-booth, flip book, lounge area, candy or dessert bar, make your own sundae station, etc... The possibilities are endless!
8. Do you like cake, cupcakes, or do you and your hubby-to-be have another favorite dessert you would rather serve?
9. Are you having a sit down dinner, buffet, or a cocktail reception?
10. Does your venue provide chairs and linens? Do you like the ones they provide? Would you prefer a chair cover in your color of choice? Do you like the clean look of chivari chairs? Or the sleek look of lucite chairs?
11. Do you have any favorite colors? Are you thinking of a theme?
12. What are your favorite flowers?
13. Do you like the traditional hand-tied bouquet or do you prefer a cascade style bouquet?
14. Do you want a simple 3 tier cake? Or a more grand 7 tier cake?
15. Does your venue require a lot of decor? Or is it ornate and only need a small touch?
Asking yourself these questions will help you visualize the wedding you want. Then, it's time to hire the professionals. Just like when you hired your photographer; ask your wedding planner for recommendations (you can ask us for our recommendations), or ask your friends and family members who they used. You will want to make sure that your vendors are reputable professionals.
And most of all...have fun!
Photo is of a design board we made for one of our couples.
You have hired a wedding planner, made your budget and started a checklist, found your wedding dress, you have booked your venue (and set your wedding date), hired someone to capture your special day, you have selected and asked your bridal party to stand up for you, and you have started your registry. You have been busy little bride-to-be you! But your wedding planning work is not quite done yet. Now comes the fun...creating the look, feel, and mood (a la ambiance) you want for your wedding. It is now time to book your other major vendors; florist, rentals, bakery, and a band or DJ.
Here are few questions to ask yourself to help define the ambiance you desire:
1. Do you prefer formal or informal?
2. Do you like large centerpieces or smaller ones?
3. Do you like bold colors or more subdued ones?
4. When you see yourself walking down the aisle; are you walking to the sounds of a string quartet, a piano or organ, a jazz combo, or songs you've given to a DJ or that are on your Ipod?
5. For the reception do you want a master of ceremonies (MC) to announce throughout the reception or do you want a more mellow mood?
6. Do you want to dance at your wedding?
7. What other kinds of entertainment would you like? Photo-booth, flip book, lounge area, candy or dessert bar, make your own sundae station, etc... The possibilities are endless!
8. Do you like cake, cupcakes, or do you and your hubby-to-be have another favorite dessert you would rather serve?
9. Are you having a sit down dinner, buffet, or a cocktail reception?
10. Does your venue provide chairs and linens? Do you like the ones they provide? Would you prefer a chair cover in your color of choice? Do you like the clean look of chivari chairs? Or the sleek look of lucite chairs?
11. Do you have any favorite colors? Are you thinking of a theme?
12. What are your favorite flowers?
13. Do you like the traditional hand-tied bouquet or do you prefer a cascade style bouquet?
14. Do you want a simple 3 tier cake? Or a more grand 7 tier cake?
15. Does your venue require a lot of decor? Or is it ornate and only need a small touch?
Asking yourself these questions will help you visualize the wedding you want. Then, it's time to hire the professionals. Just like when you hired your photographer; ask your wedding planner for recommendations (you can ask us for our recommendations), or ask your friends and family members who they used. You will want to make sure that your vendors are reputable professionals.
And most of all...have fun!
Photo is of a design board we made for one of our couples.
Monday, December 20, 2010
On the Seventh Day of Christmas
On the seventh day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
A wedding registry!
The months leading up to your wedding is that fun time when you can walk into stores and indulge your shopping spree whims without worrying about your bank account (or your wedding budget). But more than just the ultimate shopping spree and a fun outing with your hubby-to-be, setting up a wedding registry is a great way to let your guests know which items you want to start your new life together. Your wedding registry will also be a great aid in keeping track of who bought what (in case cards go missing from gifts). Having a wedding registry will reduce your likely hood of receiving duplicate gifts.
While china, flatware, glassware, cookware, table linens, bed linens, and bath linens are traditional items to register for it is absolutely acceptable to add other non-traditional items as well like luggage, outdoor grills, and even sporting equipment. These days couples are even registering for their honeymoon.
Some of your friends and relatives might want to get you gifts as soon they hear about your engagement so it is best to begin your registry early on. Even if you start with just a few items, you can always add on. You will want to register at least a month before your engagement party and/or first shower.
Stick to two to four stores that you love. Choose at least two to three that are large department stores or chain stores (i.e- Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma).
*Get your registry started with our ultimate registry list ($2)
When it comes to letting your guests know where you are registered, proper etiquette dictates that you should never include registry information on your wedding invitation or in your wedding invitation suite. Rather rely on family members and your bridal party to spread the word. It is completely acceptable to put your registry information on your wedding website, which we highly recommend.
Happy shopping/registering!
Photo from Martha Stewart
The months leading up to your wedding is that fun time when you can walk into stores and indulge your shopping spree whims without worrying about your bank account (or your wedding budget). But more than just the ultimate shopping spree and a fun outing with your hubby-to-be, setting up a wedding registry is a great way to let your guests know which items you want to start your new life together. Your wedding registry will also be a great aid in keeping track of who bought what (in case cards go missing from gifts). Having a wedding registry will reduce your likely hood of receiving duplicate gifts.
While china, flatware, glassware, cookware, table linens, bed linens, and bath linens are traditional items to register for it is absolutely acceptable to add other non-traditional items as well like luggage, outdoor grills, and even sporting equipment. These days couples are even registering for their honeymoon.
Some of your friends and relatives might want to get you gifts as soon they hear about your engagement so it is best to begin your registry early on. Even if you start with just a few items, you can always add on. You will want to register at least a month before your engagement party and/or first shower.
Stick to two to four stores that you love. Choose at least two to three that are large department stores or chain stores (i.e- Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, William Sonoma).
*Get your registry started with our ultimate registry list ($2)
When it comes to letting your guests know where you are registered, proper etiquette dictates that you should never include registry information on your wedding invitation or in your wedding invitation suite. Rather rely on family members and your bridal party to spread the word. It is completely acceptable to put your registry information on your wedding website, which we highly recommend.
Happy shopping/registering!
Photo from Martha Stewart
Sunday, December 19, 2010
On the Sixth Day of Christmas
On the sixth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
The bridal party!
You've hired a wedding planner, came up with a budget and put together a checklist, found that perfect dress, booked the venue(s), and hired someone to capture the special day. Now it is time to ask your attendants to stand up for you, and delegate their duties.
When choosing who would like next to you think of your very closest friends and family. And don't forget each other's siblings (i.e- his sister, if the two of you are close). Consider the size of your wedding, if you are anticipating around 100 guests than 4 attendants on each side is ideal (4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen). If you are having a larger wedding, let's say 300-400 guests, than you can "get away with" having a much larger bridal party (such as 8-12 attendants on each side).
Yes, anything goes these days when it comes to weddings, but it can be nice to follow traditions. Here is a brief run down of who should do what, according to traditions. You can most certainly put your own spin on the traditional roles, just be sure to let attendants know what you would like them to do and make sure that they can follow through.
Maid of Honor- Your maid of honor will organize and host the bridal shower. She will sign the marriage license as a witness. You may want to have her help you with your attire, before and after the ceremony...holding your train while you walk, bustling your train after the ceremony, helping you with your veil, etc... During the reception you can have your maid of honor look after your purse and personal items.
Bridesmaids- Trustworthy friends who are your support system. As well as the support team for your maid of honor. Your bridesmaids will be there to help you with pre-wedding tasks when you need them. Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor and help get the party started.
Flower Girl- A little lady (typically age 2-8) who walks down right before the bride. Either with the ring bearer or right after he walks down. Have her scatter flower petals from a basket, or she can carry a pomander.
Best Man- Aside from planning and organizing the bachelor party, your best man will also sign the marriage license as a witness. He can help your hubby-to-be with his attire before and after the ceremony. Your best man will carry the bride's ring. He should make the first toast, after your parents.
Groomsmen- Trustworthy friends who will help your hubby-to-be with preparing for the big day. Aside from helping plan and pay for the bachelor party; they may decorate your getaway car, dance with dateless ladies, and act as ushers if you are not having separate ushers.
Ushers- Ushers ensure that guests are seated before the ceremony. Your ushers will escort guests, and any family members who are not in the processional, to their seats. You can also have your ushers hand out your ceremony programs to guests as they arrive.
Ring Bearer- A young boy (age 4-8 recommended), who will walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen and just before you and your dad. He can either walk with the flower girl or right before her. Ring bearers carry a pillow with rings tied to it (we recommend fake ones so that your rings do not get lost).
Happy planning!
Photo by Shaun Menary Photography, is from a recent wedding we did.
You've hired a wedding planner, came up with a budget and put together a checklist, found that perfect dress, booked the venue(s), and hired someone to capture the special day. Now it is time to ask your attendants to stand up for you, and delegate their duties.
When choosing who would like next to you think of your very closest friends and family. And don't forget each other's siblings (i.e- his sister, if the two of you are close). Consider the size of your wedding, if you are anticipating around 100 guests than 4 attendants on each side is ideal (4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen). If you are having a larger wedding, let's say 300-400 guests, than you can "get away with" having a much larger bridal party (such as 8-12 attendants on each side).
Yes, anything goes these days when it comes to weddings, but it can be nice to follow traditions. Here is a brief run down of who should do what, according to traditions. You can most certainly put your own spin on the traditional roles, just be sure to let attendants know what you would like them to do and make sure that they can follow through.
Maid of Honor- Your maid of honor will organize and host the bridal shower. She will sign the marriage license as a witness. You may want to have her help you with your attire, before and after the ceremony...holding your train while you walk, bustling your train after the ceremony, helping you with your veil, etc... During the reception you can have your maid of honor look after your purse and personal items.
Bridesmaids- Trustworthy friends who are your support system. As well as the support team for your maid of honor. Your bridesmaids will be there to help you with pre-wedding tasks when you need them. Bridesmaids are often expected to hit the dance floor and help get the party started.
Flower Girl- A little lady (typically age 2-8) who walks down right before the bride. Either with the ring bearer or right after he walks down. Have her scatter flower petals from a basket, or she can carry a pomander.
Best Man- Aside from planning and organizing the bachelor party, your best man will also sign the marriage license as a witness. He can help your hubby-to-be with his attire before and after the ceremony. Your best man will carry the bride's ring. He should make the first toast, after your parents.
Groomsmen- Trustworthy friends who will help your hubby-to-be with preparing for the big day. Aside from helping plan and pay for the bachelor party; they may decorate your getaway car, dance with dateless ladies, and act as ushers if you are not having separate ushers.
Ushers- Ushers ensure that guests are seated before the ceremony. Your ushers will escort guests, and any family members who are not in the processional, to their seats. You can also have your ushers hand out your ceremony programs to guests as they arrive.
Ring Bearer- A young boy (age 4-8 recommended), who will walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen and just before you and your dad. He can either walk with the flower girl or right before her. Ring bearers carry a pillow with rings tied to it (we recommend fake ones so that your rings do not get lost).
Happy planning!
Photo by Shaun Menary Photography, is from a recent wedding we did.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
On the Fifth Day of Christmas
On the fifth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me....
Someone to capture the day!
After all of the thought, planning, and hard work that you have put into your special day, you will want someone to photograph every moment. You will want to look back and reminisce on all of the love and fun you shared with your family and friends. Here are just a few of our tips on finding someone to capture your day.
1. Make sure you hire a professional. Someone who comes highly recommended by your wedding planner (you can ask us for our recommendations), or ask your close friends and family who they used. While there are a lot of photographers out there some are more experienced than others. If you want quality images that you will be proud to show off, and images that truly capture the raw emotion and beauty of your wedding than you will no doubt want to hire an experienced professional wedding photographer.
2. Be sure that the photographer you hire specializes in wedding photography. And you will want to look for someone whose style of photography matches the look and feel of how you want your photos and wedding album to turn out. Be sure to ask if you can see their portfolio before hiring them. The key is to ask to see one whole album of a wedding they've done and also sort through an additional album with several different weddings in it to get a good feel for the photographer's style.
3. Tell your photographer what it is you want. Be very specific and detailed about the photos you do not want your photographer to miss. Do you prefer black and white, color, or both? Formal poses, candids, or a combination? Be sure to vocalize these wants with your photographer. We highly suggest you create a "must shoot list" for your photographer to reference on your wedding day. Some poses you might want to include; mother of bride with bride, groom with bridesmaids, bride and groom with ring bearer and flower girl, groom with brides parents, etc... It may seem obvious but during the photos some of the most important "poses" may get missed unless your photographer knows exactly what you want and has a list to refer back to.
4. Consider doing a first look. A first look is when you and your hubby-to-be see each other for the first time prior to walking down the aisle and have a special private moment together . A first look is a beautiful moment, and allows your photographer more one-on-one time with you and your groom for photos. A first look also means you will have less post-ceremony photos to do and can spend more time with your guests.
Whether you want posed or candids, formal portraits or no formal portraits, a vintage romantic feel or a high fashion feel, etc... there is a photographer out there for you. For more tips and ideas as well as a list of photographers we recommend, contact us for a FREE consultation at info@deaniemichelleevents.com or 214-810-4024. Please be sure to mention the 12 Days of Christmas when emailing or calling.
After all of the thought, planning, and hard work that you have put into your special day, you will want someone to photograph every moment. You will want to look back and reminisce on all of the love and fun you shared with your family and friends. Here are just a few of our tips on finding someone to capture your day.
1. Make sure you hire a professional. Someone who comes highly recommended by your wedding planner (you can ask us for our recommendations), or ask your close friends and family who they used. While there are a lot of photographers out there some are more experienced than others. If you want quality images that you will be proud to show off, and images that truly capture the raw emotion and beauty of your wedding than you will no doubt want to hire an experienced professional wedding photographer.
2. Be sure that the photographer you hire specializes in wedding photography. And you will want to look for someone whose style of photography matches the look and feel of how you want your photos and wedding album to turn out. Be sure to ask if you can see their portfolio before hiring them. The key is to ask to see one whole album of a wedding they've done and also sort through an additional album with several different weddings in it to get a good feel for the photographer's style.
3. Tell your photographer what it is you want. Be very specific and detailed about the photos you do not want your photographer to miss. Do you prefer black and white, color, or both? Formal poses, candids, or a combination? Be sure to vocalize these wants with your photographer. We highly suggest you create a "must shoot list" for your photographer to reference on your wedding day. Some poses you might want to include; mother of bride with bride, groom with bridesmaids, bride and groom with ring bearer and flower girl, groom with brides parents, etc... It may seem obvious but during the photos some of the most important "poses" may get missed unless your photographer knows exactly what you want and has a list to refer back to.
4. Consider doing a first look. A first look is when you and your hubby-to-be see each other for the first time prior to walking down the aisle and have a special private moment together . A first look is a beautiful moment, and allows your photographer more one-on-one time with you and your groom for photos. A first look also means you will have less post-ceremony photos to do and can spend more time with your guests.
Whether you want posed or candids, formal portraits or no formal portraits, a vintage romantic feel or a high fashion feel, etc... there is a photographer out there for you. For more tips and ideas as well as a list of photographers we recommend, contact us for a FREE consultation at info@deaniemichelleevents.com or 214-810-4024. Please be sure to mention the 12 Days of Christmas when emailing or calling.
Friday, December 17, 2010
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
On the fourth day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
A venue!
Looking for that perfect venue (or venues) to exchange your vows, become Mr. & Mrs., and party the night away is an exciting process and can be exhausting all at the same time. You will want to look for charm, personality, and roominess. Here are our top 5 things to consider while out on venue tours.
1. Ample Space - Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space make look roomy when it's empty, but keep in mind that you will need enough room for tables, chairs, buffet, the band or DJ, the dance floor, possibly a lounge area or a photo-booth...and each of this things can take up a lot of space. The best way to assess the size of a site is to ask to see the venue when it is being set up for another wedding.
2. Privacy - Privacy varies widely from place to place. If you are getting married in a park, on a golf course, or in a botanical garden be prepared for some on-lookers and possibly even a few smiles, waves, and well wishes from passer-byers. If this bothers you, consider a lawn at a private estate. Be sure to ask the banquet hall or hotel if they book more than one wedding a night and if they have another wedding booked for your desired wedding date. If it will bother you to hear the noise of another party or for another bride to share your venue, than consider trying to book your wedding on a date when there won't be another one next door.
3. Color - If you have your heart set on a particular color palette or theme make sure the colors of the carpet, walls, curtains, and chairs do not clash. If you have your heart set on a spring pastel palette of rose pink, ivory, and sage green then that brown carpet just might wreck the effect. The venue doesn't have to match exactly, but it shouldn't clash with your mood or theme either.
4. Outlets - Make sure to take a good look around the room to see if it has a lot of outlets. Especially if your venue is not a regular host to weddings. The main user of the outlets will be the entertainment and lighting, so take note of where the outlets are located. And be sure to ask your entertainment vendors (i.e - band/DJ, lighting, photo-booth, etc...) how many outlets they will need. Be sure they are dedicated outlets so that they don't blow a fuse.
5. Parking - You will want to make sure that the venue has a well light parking lot or garage nearby, or enough space on the street for parking. If parking is sparse at the venue than consider a shuttle bus to transport guests from a better parking location to the venue.
If you would like more ideas or help on finding the venue for you, please contact us at info@deainemichelleevents.com or 214-810-4024 for a FREE consultation. Be sure to mention the 12 Days of Christmas when emailing or calling.
Happy venue hunting!
Photo from a wedding we did at Arlington Hall, taken by Katie Mosley Photography
Looking for that perfect venue (or venues) to exchange your vows, become Mr. & Mrs., and party the night away is an exciting process and can be exhausting all at the same time. You will want to look for charm, personality, and roominess. Here are our top 5 things to consider while out on venue tours.
1. Ample Space - Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate the number of people on your guest list. The space make look roomy when it's empty, but keep in mind that you will need enough room for tables, chairs, buffet, the band or DJ, the dance floor, possibly a lounge area or a photo-booth...and each of this things can take up a lot of space. The best way to assess the size of a site is to ask to see the venue when it is being set up for another wedding.
2. Privacy - Privacy varies widely from place to place. If you are getting married in a park, on a golf course, or in a botanical garden be prepared for some on-lookers and possibly even a few smiles, waves, and well wishes from passer-byers. If this bothers you, consider a lawn at a private estate. Be sure to ask the banquet hall or hotel if they book more than one wedding a night and if they have another wedding booked for your desired wedding date. If it will bother you to hear the noise of another party or for another bride to share your venue, than consider trying to book your wedding on a date when there won't be another one next door.
3. Color - If you have your heart set on a particular color palette or theme make sure the colors of the carpet, walls, curtains, and chairs do not clash. If you have your heart set on a spring pastel palette of rose pink, ivory, and sage green then that brown carpet just might wreck the effect. The venue doesn't have to match exactly, but it shouldn't clash with your mood or theme either.
4. Outlets - Make sure to take a good look around the room to see if it has a lot of outlets. Especially if your venue is not a regular host to weddings. The main user of the outlets will be the entertainment and lighting, so take note of where the outlets are located. And be sure to ask your entertainment vendors (i.e - band/DJ, lighting, photo-booth, etc...) how many outlets they will need. Be sure they are dedicated outlets so that they don't blow a fuse.
5. Parking - You will want to make sure that the venue has a well light parking lot or garage nearby, or enough space on the street for parking. If parking is sparse at the venue than consider a shuttle bus to transport guests from a better parking location to the venue.
If you would like more ideas or help on finding the venue for you, please contact us at info@deainemichelleevents.com or 214-810-4024 for a FREE consultation. Be sure to mention the 12 Days of Christmas when emailing or calling.
Happy venue hunting!
Photo from a wedding we did at Arlington Hall, taken by Katie Mosley Photography
Thursday, December 16, 2010
On the Third Day of Christmas
On the third day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
A Wedding Dress!
You have found “the one”, that special man in your life who you are embarking on this amazing journey with. And you’ve got that beautiful bling on your finger. Now....it is time for you to find “ the one”, that perfect wedding dress! For many it is the most anticipated and exciting part of the wedding planning process, for others it is the most dreaded part of planning their wedding. Where-ever you fall in the desire to find your dress, we are here to help with a few simple tips on finding the dress for you.
- Go in with an open mind. Yes you probably have an idea of what you do and don’t like; lace, no lace, strapless, straps, long, short, beaded, no beading, etc... But be open minded, try on several different styles and looks...you just never know what will be the most flattering on you, and what you will end up falling in love with.
- Bring just one or two close friends and/or your mom along with you. We do not suggest bringing your entire bridal party along for the ride when you are dress shopping. You know the saying “too many cooks in the kitchen”, well if you bring any more than one or two people with you to dress shop than you are bound to have way more opinions (and differing opinions) than you really want. Also, most of the wedding dress shops are on the smaller size and showing up with an entourage can cause for a cramped experience.
- Just like yesterday when we recommended you create a budget, we recommend you have a set budget in mind before you step out to go dress shopping. It is completely okay to have a range, but stay within that range and do not break your budget on your dress. In fact, we highly suggest you do not try on any dresses are that over your budget.
- Begin thinking about the style, look, and feel that you want for your wedding. Your wedding dress should echo this style. If you want a modern wedding you probably won’t want to wear a very traditional dress and vice versa.
- Have fun! Even if the thought of trying on dresses makes you cringe, have fun with it. This is (hopefully) going to be the one and only time you are a bride....embrace it and have fun!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
On the Second Day of Christmas
On the second day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
A budget and a checklist!
It may sound like school or work here (eeeks!). But planning a wedding involves MANY tasks. And in our opinion the only way to accomplish these tasks is to have a clearly defined budget and to be organized (call it the planner in us!). The cost of a wedding can add up very quickly. And while your wedding day should be everything you've always dreamt it would be (and more), it should not leave you with empty pockets and debt. There are ways to cut costs without looking like you've cut corners. We suggest every couple prioritizes and sets a budget very early on in the planning process. Once you've set your budget, it's time to get going with those wedding tasks. Being organized with a checklist will help you check those items off of your to-do list.
Need a budget template to work from, download ours ($10) by clicking the "add to cart" button.
Want a checklist to work from, download ours ($5) by clicking the "add to cart" button.
Or for a FREE consultation please email us at info@deaniemichelleevents.com, with 12DaysXMAS as the subject line.
Happy (organized) planning!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my wedding planner gave to me...
Herself!
Yep, that is right we suggest that the vendor you hire first and foremost is a wedding planner. A wedding planner will help you with the ins and outs of planning a wedding. This is probably uncharted waters for you, as we assume for most of you this is your first time planning a wedding ;-) Get the most out of your wedding planners' wealth of knowledge by hiring him/her early on in the planning process. He/she will ease the stress that comes along with planning a wedding...yes there are stressful moments (we will touch on that later this week). Hiring a wedding planner early on in the planning process will allow you to benefit from their expertise during each stage of planning your wedding.
Give yourself the best wedding (and Christmas) gift you can...a wedding planner!
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