When I found the magazine in W H Smith earlier today, I ignored the usually appealing “Retro Chic, 50′s style dresses” and “Discover the delights of Mauritius” and instead, turned instantly to page 85.  My beautiful models on an A4 page.   Now, I know this isn’t a national mag, I know it’s not Vogue and I’m aware that I’m not about to be called up to photograph the next Royal Wedding (though I might send a copy to Buckingham Palace just in case!!)  but this is a whole new area for me so I can’t deny, I was pretty happy.  I will even share with you my desire to stand at the till and proffer the mag to each customer – conveniently held out on Toni-Anne’s advertisement of course!

Did I?  No.  I drew composure from I don’t know where and purchased two magazines (any more would have surely looked peculiar!) and walked with my head held high from the building – without even showing Angela, the checkout lady.  Then I grinned all the way home.

Ladies, you are officially published models.

* Catching the garter: Guys compete to catch the brides garter as the groom tosses it up in the air.

* Garter game: At some weddings the guy who catches the garter locations it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet or they have the subsequent dance.

These superstitious marriage ceremony video games have develop into element of the marriage ceremony tradition right now. It is considered that by participating you are bestowing upon the few very good lot of money.

A century in the past, marriage ceremony superstitions have been even more deeply rooted.

* Marrying a guy whose surname began with the exact same letter was assumed to be unlucky.

* Marrying on Friday the 13th cursed your wedding ceremony from the start.

* Brides who opt for to be married in December have been assumed to be the wisest woman mainly because she undoubtedly would be marrying her genuine really like.

The desire for a marriage to last is robust, and as a result weddings are especially susceptible to superstitious beliefs that can supposedly have an effect on it. My ideas? Try not to get any of them significantly, there are so a lot of superstitions to observe it can drive you nuts! And of course there’s the whole “superstition” facet. You do know that it’s all created-up, correct? That it’s not heading to have any bearing on your marriage or marriage ceremony day at all, ideal? Great. I’ve acquired to go get the penny out of my shoe now. Excellent luck!

A marriage ceremony reception can be formal or informal, but you ought to make sure you do it proper — in other words you should adhere to the standard marriage ceremony reception protocol as that is what men and women will expect. Note however that the protocol is not as rigid as you could possibly think, and can be regarded additional as a set of tips. But what is the regular wedding ceremony reception protocol?

A formal marriage ceremony reception is generally held in the restaurant of a hotel where by facilities and staff are on-hand for a total sit-down meal — at times however referred to as the “wedding ceremony breakfast“. An informal reception with a buffet menu can be a less expensive possibility.

When the guests arrive at the reception, they should be greeting by a obtaining line. This is usually the bride’s mother and father, the bridegroom’s mother and father, the bride, and finally the groom — in that purchase. If there is a significant number of visitors you could want to simply have the bride and groom welcoming the friends.

Guests are then commonly offered with a drink, and when everybody has arrived they can start to look for their identify cards in the dining region. The bride and groom ought to have sorted all this out effectively in advance, and the only point of protocol right here is that at a formal marriage ceremony reception there is generally a major table for the principal members of the marriage ceremony party.

brides magazine
weddings
brides magazine

I visited a Collegues’s blog the other day and just thought this was perfect.  You have no idea how many times I am sitting across the table at a tasting and I see the look of sheer confusion in the eyes of my Groom not knowing which fork to pick up.  So thanks Lia for this article.  I know my clients can use a little etiquette tweeking.  You can see Lia’s work at  Full Circle Eventi.  She is located in Royal Oak, MI 48068 (We’re from Grosse Ile Mi originaly) 248.930.9195  or her at info@FullCircleEventi.com

Of course most of us will never set the table at our receptions, but it’s important to know the difference between the formal and informal place settings for your big day. Your table setting should continue to reflect your wedding theme and formality to ensure a consistent and beautiful day. For any of you DIY brides, here is a little brush up for your team!

Now this is a fairly basic way to set a table.  Depending on what part of the world you are in it can vary.  Place settings are a great way to personalize your tablescape, even when following the “rules.” 

Of course most of us will never set the table at our receptions, but it’s important to know the difference between the formal and informal place settings for your big day. Your table setting should continue to reflect your wedding theme and formality to ensure a consistent and beautiful day. For any of you DIY brides, here is a little brush up for your team!

Now this is a fairly basic way to set a table.  Depending on what part of the world you are in it can vary.  Place settings are a great way to personalize your tablescape, even when following the “rules.”

Those are the basics, but as I mentioned before, you can get creative in the styling and presentations of each item! Cloth napkins are a must for a few reasons.  1. They look so much more elegant than paper, 2. they are environmentally friendly, and of course 3. they can be folded in many ways to dress up the appearance of the table.

If you have simple plates, one way to jazz it up is with colorful napkins and napkin rings. You could use vintage jewelry to make your napkins look simply elegant.  I just love these images I found at Leslie Arna‘s blog site.

Ribbons, twine, broaches, flowers and feathers make great napkin holders, you just need to be resourceful and scavenge for the perfect item! Place mats, chargers, and table runners can also add some drama to your tablescape.

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois.

What if the unthinkable happens? Do you know what to do? Can you change the contracts you signed?

You have everything set and the unthinkable happens, you have to change your wedding date, or worse yet you have to cancel your wedding.  You had everything set and all the contracts signed and deposits paid.  NOW WHAT?  Never say Never, things in life happen so the time to prepare for any possible changes is in the beginning.  KNOW what you are signing.  Always, always, and I will emphasize it again ALWAYS read and understand the cancellation clause.  First let me try to explain why there is such a clause in the contract in the first place.  The cancellation clause is there to protect the vendor.  You must understand that this is a person’s job, they pay their electric bill, mortgage… from the fees they take in.  I know that you probably know that already but we forget this is a vendor’s livelihood.  If you book a date with them most wedding vendors handle only a few clients per weekend, so with that said once you book they turn people away obviously for that date.  OK, so no one goes into planning a wedding thinking something is going to happen but let me tell you it does.  We have seen it all, the good, bad and ugly stories of girls that come to us once they have signed contracts and then need to change them.  So, hind sight is 20/20.  I have had to re-negotiate and cancel my share of contracts so here is a bit of advice I hope you will follow.

It is true with all contracts to read the contract before you sign it.  Yes everyone knows that but yet not everyone does it.  Read and understand the cancellation policy completely.  Here is a sample of a cancellation clause;

Cancellation Policies.

In the event this agreement is canceled by you, you agree that we will have lost the opportunity to offer
our services to others and will incur additional costs in attempting to book our services for the date reserved for your event. You agree that the exact
amount of our damage will be difficult to determine. You agree that this liquidated damages clause in this agreement is a reasonable effort by you and
us to agree in advance on the damages that we will suffer due to a cancellation. Therefore, you agree that should you cancel your event for any reason,
you will pay as liquidated damages to us immediately upon notice of cancellation the following percentage of the total amount of our services for your
event as follows:
A.)Notice of cancellation received more than 180 days prior to event will result in a refund of 25% of your total deposit.
B.)Your deposit is 100% transferable to another date based on TOM VENDOR’S  availability without penalty.
C.)Notice of cancellation less than 180 days prior to contracted date will result in a refund of 0% of the total deposit.
In providing notice of cancellation you must provide a written notice along with a copy of your signed agreement. The refund you are entitled to based
upon the aforementioned cancellation policy will be mailed to you within thirty (30) business days.
We will not consider notice of cancellation valid and will not release you from the full amount due under the agreement until payment of the liquidated
damages are received.

Sample #2

After a period of 14 days from the date of signing the contract, as compensation for loss of income for Joe Smoe Weddings the following charges apply as a percentage of the total fee due. (Number of days before the wedding) 90 days or less – 100%, 89-120 days – 75%, 119 on up- 50%. Should the cancelled wedding turn out to be a postponement, then, subject to availability, all money paid may be applied to the new wedding based upon availability.  If Joe Smoe Weddings is unavailable all monies are non refundable and payment if required in full.   If Joe Smoe Weddings is unable to rebook a wedding of equal or greater value for said wedding client is responsible for 100% of monies due from the original contract.  In this case, the total fees chargeable shall be the fee which applies at that time. In the event of Joe Smoe Weddings taking another wedding booking for your cancelled or postponed date a full  refund of your monies paid minus the non-refundable retaining fee shall be made.  Cancellation requests must be made in writing.

Now can you see why you have to read the cancellation policy!   I will say to defend the vendor this protects them from losing dates.  If a vendor books you and then they turn other clients away, if you cancel they have lost opportunities to make money that day.  You wouldn’t tolerate that from your boss so you can understand why a vendor has to be protected.

So what can you do if the unthinkable happens?  COMMUNICATE!  These people are just that, people.  We once had a bride with a tragic story; the groom was diagnosed with stomach cancer and died six months before they could even be married.  TRAGIC, of course vendors understood.  She did  lose some deposits but really everyone was so kind.  Well what if you just change your mind?  COMMUNICATE!  Again they are people and you need to be honest about what is going on.  It is their livelihood so you may lose your deposits.  I will say vendors are more apt to release you from the contract if you are honest and upfront about what is going on.  If you lie to them and get nasty you will not only lose your deposit but you can be held responsible for the entire amount booked.

You can be proactive and ask a vendor to modify the cancellation policy, they just might but be prepared to live with what you negotiate.  It is important that both parties are protected.

So read your contracts, understand the terms and if something happens deal with it by communicating with your vendors and being honest.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/?p=1063

1. A wedding web page. Having a wedding web-site is often a fast, effortless, low-cost as well as green solution to invite guests to your wedding and also to publish all the details and news about the wedding day with them.

2. An all in onewedding venue. Numerous civil ceremony locations can easily look after your ceremony, wedding breakfast, and reception. By holding your day in a single location it is possible to work out an improved package.

3. Different day. By holding your wedding on any day but Saturday, you will save money. The more alternative the day, frequently means the biggest the saving. More money can be rescued simply by holding you wedding outside of holidays too.

4. Provide your own bar / alcohol! Using a wedding venue that will let you use your own alcohol, may save you lots of money, specifically if you cheekily request attendees to contribute by bringing their own alcohol as well.

5. Designing your personalized engagement ring and outfit. This sounds like it must be higher priced but often it’s not especially if you go with a more risky vendor for example; students or someone off abroad.

6. Student photography. This is a risk but students should have a portfolio which you can look at and they are usually more imaginative than regular photographers.

7. Non coordinating wedding party. Let your bridal party as well as groomsmen to wear a outfit or suit of their own. This will not only help you save money but can help these folks feel more comfortable. Bring the group through matching ties for the guys and accessories for the girls.

8. In case everything else does not work out run off! This can be always cheaper than a home wedding day and spares you having to buy dinner for people you don’t like.

The easiest way to maintain charge of the wedding finances are to remain organised. Start organizing your wedding by selecting from the selection of wedding website templates to get your friends loved ones and relations enthusiastic for your wedding day.

 

What Music Do You Want as You Walk Down the Aisle

Recieve a Complimentary Guide on ‘How to Plan your Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare

We have gone through alot of information.  How is your budget looking?  Have you added things up lately?   Where do we stand on your checklist?   You should, hopefully by now have your checklist crossed off!  We have two things left to talk about.  Limousines and Wedding Ceremony Music.  Here is your checklist, what does your’s look like?

• X Catering (if not provided by your reception venue)
• X Reception Venue
• X Ceremony (if he/she is not already part of your ceremony site)
• X Flowers
• X Music
• X Photography
• X Videography
• X Cakes (if not provided by your reception venue or caterer)
• X Dresses
• X Stationery & Invitations
• Transportation
• Ceremony Music
• X Favors & Gifts

Ceremony Music  Don’t forget the music for the most important part of the day.

What type of music do you want at your ceremony?  Do they have an Organist?  Piano?  Do you want a  String Trio or String Quartet?  What about a Harp and Flute?

Try to see your wedding as the perfect romantic movie with different “scenes.”  You will need the right musical score to add the necessary drama  that will highlight your day.  Here are your scenes.

• Pre Ceremony Music
• Wedding Processional / Bride’s Entrance
• Wedding Hymns and Blessings
• Unity Candle Songs
• Wedding Recessional or Exit Songs

It is basically your preference.  If your ceremony venue has music available it may be more cost effective to utilize what is there.  If you want something more classical, like a trio, quartet, or harp and flute.

• String Duo (two violins or violin and cello)
• String Trio (two violins and cello)
• Flute Trio (flute, violin, and cello)
• String Quartet (two violins, viola, and cello)

Another suggestion Bagpiper  Love this Guy call Ted! http://www.prairielandpiper.com/

A Bagpiper Adds a Dramatic Touch to the Ceremony 

Here are some great people to call.  They start at $250/hour.

Topaz Strings http://www.thetopazstringquartet.com/

The 1st Choice Agency  www.vcellomusic.com or directly athttp://vcello1.home.comcast.net/~vcello1/1stChoice_files/1stChoice.html

We have also been very successful with a group of Illinois Wesleyan Students.  Call me, Margaret 309-706-1686 and I  will give you their information.  I don’t want to post students info on the internt for safely reasons, you understand.

Harp and Flute

Rex Moore (Yes He is my brother in law without trying to sound biased They are really wonderful) Call me, Margaret 309-706-1686  I will give you his number he does a very limited number of weddings per year. �

Transportation! Do you need a limo?  Do you need a Limo Bus?

First determine the number of people you want to transport.  Do you want your entire wedding party together?  or Do you want a cozy ride with just the two of you to the reception?

Here are two great Limo Companies in Central Illinois.  We have worked with both companies and they are both fantastic!  A limo bus will run you around  $500 give or take.  If you just need a pick up after the ceremony call and check on a pick up price rather than a 4 hour rental.

Elegant Limosuines http://elegantlimoandbus.com/

Star Limousines  http://www.starrlimos.com/

If you are looking at your budget and are getting close, you might want it to just be the two of you being wisked away to the reception and assign your bridal party to drive together in designated vehicles.  Or you can do it the old fashion way: decorate your car and your bridal party in their cars and beep your way to the reception.

So, you are getting married.  Keep it in perspective.  Enjoy the moment!

Recieve a Complimentary Guide on ‘How to Plan your Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare

2010 Margaret Moore, www.simpleeleganceeventsandweddings.com
Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:

Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes this weekly e-zine. Get your FREE  “My Dream Wedding without the Nightmare”  atwww.simpleeleganceventsandweddings.com