Wedding Wisdom Wednesday-Why are Weddings so Expensive?

WATCH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su_3C0YsBGc

The average wedding these days costs, depending on whom you ask, somewhere between $19,000 and $29,000. Those outrageous numbers, we recently learned from this AOL WalletPop video, you can blame at least in part on Marshall Field’s.
The Chicago department store that is now history (it was acquired by Macy’s, Inc. in 2005) played a big part in the history of weddings in the United States — and how they evolved to become the retail extravaganzas we are accustomed to today.
In 1924, Marshall Field’s became the first department store to launch a bridal registry. It was also the first to start catering to middle-class brides by introducing low-cost knock-offs of high-fashion garments, according to Timothy Long, the costume curator of the Chicago History Museum, where wedding gowns from the 19th century through present are now on exhibit.



Today, bridal registries have become a staple of wedding planning — and, let’s face it, plenty of brides dream of a designer gown that likely carries a price tag higher than anything they ever have or will spend on a garment to be worn just once.
In the 19th century, meanwhile, wedding dresses were little like those we’re used to seeing walk down the aisle today. To begin with, they were not white. To wear a white dress, in fact, would have been considered ostentatious and rude, according to Long: white was not only difficult to produce, but also difficult to keep clean. Back then, wedding dresses were meant to be worn again, and again. In fact, according to WalletPop, the typical cost of a wedding back then would have been around $400.
By the 1940s, the term “white wedding” had already entered our vocabulary. And that meant trouble for those footing the bill.
In an article published in the Saturday Evening Post on May 26, 1946 (a scan of which landed in our inbox thanks to Shane Murray of The Wedding Report), author Horace W. Osborne gives a humorous, if overly detailed account of his daughter’s wedding preparations — and all the costs involved.
“To the distaff side, a ‘white wedding’ merely means that the bride will be married in a white wedding dress,” he writes.  “But to the old man ‘white’ forever afterward will be linked inseparably with the past tense of the verb ‘to bleed.’”  His daughter’s wedding dress cost $191.45, the florist charged $220 and the wedding cake was $45. The total tab wedding tab ran at $2,238.47.
And before you marvel at that inexpensiveness, remember that those numbers are not adjusted for inflation. We used the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator to do just that and arrived at the following, in 2010 dollars:
Dress: $2,320.57
Florist: $2,666.62
Wedding cake: $545.45
…
Total: $27,132.49.
So much for blaming today’s overblown wedding budgets on reality television.
“Why Are Weddings So Expensive? Historians Find The Answer” video provided by WalletPop.com.

Taken From-http://www.mint.com/blog/trends/wedding-costs-06262010/

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday-Choosing a Caterer

Choosing the people responsible for creating mouthwatering delicacies for your wedding can be a real challenge. There are a few things you must consider before making your decision. I wish there had been someone to warn me when I was going through this because the wedding catering business is quite diverse and quality of food can make the world of a difference. With my experience in mind, I developed this article to hopefully help another bride to be.

Start with the Basics
The best way to begin you selection is to come up with a basic meal plan that you both agree on including a couple appetizers and the main course. This doesn’t have to be definite, just an idea for each caterer to expand on with their specialties when you go food tasting. An example might be baked chicken, potato, beef roast, white fish, rice dish, noodle dish, seasonal vegetable. Then they have the opportunity to turn each part into a nice dish to impress your taste buds.

Budget Considerations
Another important aspect of choosing a wedding caterer is the cost. This comes in when you choose the type of meal you would like for the wedding and the specific caterer. You should get a list of about 10 caterers in the area to start your decision making. It is important you get rough figures from each caterer based on the numbers from you estimated guest list to eliminate any out of your budget to save yourself time and trouble. Also this is the time to ask if each caterer is available on your wedding date and if they allow you to provide you own beverages which can save you money.

The cost of your caterer will differ with the type of meal you provide at the wedding. Sit down vs. buffet style are your two main choices and each have good and bad aspects. Sit down dinners are wonderful because everyone gets what they ordered and they just relax as the wait staff serves the food and cleans up the plates while continuously refilling beverages on the tables. They are also not so great if you don’t want to spend a lot of money and time planning every detail.

Sit down dinners require you to send out eating cards to get everyone’s order, which you typically get to pick two or three choices and the more you choose the pricier the bill. Also you then have to have a seating chart which can be a huge headache if your families don’t know each other extremely well or there is a divorce on either side. However if you do want a seating chart you can arrange it with either type of meal. One last thing is that sit down meals require the same portions so some people will have too much food and others won’t have enough. This tends to lead to wasted food, which in the end costs you more.

Buffet meals on the other hand are more flexible with portions because people eat as much as they need and require less wait staff to serve food which saves you money. Also you have the option for more types of food because people can choose the sides they want and take a little of everything. This keeps the stress off of what you picked to go along with each main course. You also don’t have to worry about getting meal cards from everyone you invited and planning what meal goes with which main course and the price is right. Buffets cost about half to two thirds the price of a sit down meal which works well if you are on a tight budget. Just make sure your venue has the room for the set up and people walking around to get to and from the buffet. Overall I loved the buffet at my own wedding and it allowed me to taste a little of everything with room for cake!

Good Eating Enhances the Day
After reading all that I know it seems like a crazy process with a lot of headaches but it really can be easy as long as you follow your budget and taste buds. If you shop around and find that catering a full meal is way out of your budget you can always have your wedding around late lunch time and order a bunch of appetizers. This way you don’t have to pay for a sit down meal or a buffet and can have food and beverages provided at less cost. There are many great caterers out there and the right one can help you with the hard decisions. Good luck with picking your caterer and I hope this advice helps!

http://www.chefdougbrown.com/

Copied From: http://weddingmusings.com/2008/01/how-to-pick-a-wedding-caterer/

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday-2012 Weddings

2012 is the year of Romance. From the dress to the

decor, think - dreamy, sentimental, love

Bridal Gowns - What says romance more than Victorian-style. Sleeves and illusion necklines provide an aura of royalty for every bride.

Full-Scale Themes - More than a color palette, themes are carried through from the invitations to the flowers to the linens to the dessert. Some popular themes include: Vintage, Rustic & Nautical. But creativity knows no bounds, so pick one that reflects you & show it in the details.

Outdoor Venues - Natural settings are hugely popular for the beauty and ambiance that they provide & the minimal decor that is required. Popular places include: Vineyards, Gardens & Farms.

Dessert Tables - Gone are the days of only having a wedding cake and maybe a groom's cake. Today, couples are offering up their favorite desserts at their receptions. From pies to cupcakes to cookies, it's a buffet of beautifully displayed flavors and options for guests.

Good Night Station - Couples now are combining food and favor into a fun, interactive station for their guests.  Buffets of pastries, doughnuts or candy, provide guests with a goody bag to go.

Faux Flower Decor - Whether paper, fabric, tissue or feathers; Bouquets, centerpieces & pomander balls aren't just made from fresh flowers anymore and are used in non-traditional ways.

Personalized DIY decor - This is not a new trend but continues strong as many brides are getting crafty to showcase their personality & theme and save some money.  The creativity is in using 'found' and natural elements to create centerpieces, escort cards, guest book alternatives, swizzle sticks, table numbers & decor.

Photo credits:

Pomander: http://shannonandevan.blogspot.com/2010/01/pomanders.html

Hangar: http://www.etsy.com/shop/janagaildesigns

Window: http://www.projectwedding.com/photo/browse?photo_to_show=3655164&tag=window

Inspiration board: http://www.projectwedding.com/photo/browse?photo_to_show=3144573&tag=%22inspiration+board%22&thumbs_page=20

Car photo by: Joe Latter Photographer - http://www.projectwedding.com/photo/browse?photo_to_show=69215&tag=vintage&thumbs_page=101

Dessert buffet:http://www.pursesoutlet.info/tag/backyard-wedding/page/8/

Dress: http://www.legendsbyromonakeveza.com/

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday

Pinterest: a perfect online place to store all your wedding ideas

Do you know about pinterest? If so, I’m guessing you are probably a bit obsessed, if not – be prepared to become obsessed! :) So what is pinterest? It’s a place to store all your online inspirations. Perfect for all your wedding ideas, right? All those jpgs you’ve been saving on your desktop or links you’ve had booked marked – all conveniently in one place now. So easy to share with your bridesmaids, your mom and your fiance!

Just install the simple browser plugin “pin it” on your browser and you are ready. So anytime you see something you want to remember, you just click the plug in and install it your page. You can also create boards to keep everything organized. So, not only can you store all your wedding ideas, but also ideas for your home, parties, fashion, DIY projects, babies and more. No more wondering where that photo came from or wondering where the DIY instructions are. Each photo links to the original source – that is one of my favorite things about it!

So click here to sign up and start “pinning” all your wedding inspirations!!!

Taken from Green Wedding Shoes Blog

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday-Vera Wang Style

Vera Wang—or the Consummate Empress of Bridal Fashion—listed for Women's Wear Daily ten nuggets of wisdom on wedding style and planning. So, obviously, we thought you should know what she had to say:

1. "Feeling comfortable in your appearance is incredibly important. If you feel comfortable with the way you look, you will radiate the most confidence."

2. "Determine what kind of wedding you are having. The volume, silhouette, proportions, amount of adornment, tailoring and other elements of the dress should have a lot to do with not only where you have your wedding, but what time of day it is being held and what the temperature is. [The dress is] not only about how it looks on your body."

3. "It's really important to see the whole look -- the dress, the headpiece, the size of the bouquet and the shoes. I would even go so far as to include the makeup. A lot of girls put a tremendous amount of effort into the dress, but they don't give a lot of thought to the headpiece, tiara, barrettes or other accessories. Very often they are an afterthought."

4. "Go easy on the bouquet. Bouquets that are too large or too loud will detract from the dress."

5. "Hem lengths are very key. You have to make sure you don't see the shoes. The dress should definitely be floating above in the front. If it is too long in front, it's treacherous. In order to make a wedding a success, the bride should not have to lift the dress. Someone tripped in my most recent show. It can be a particularly long walk down the aisle."

6. "Makeup is another thing to think about. I'm not crazy about strong red lipstick with a white dress. If you never wear blue eyeshadow or purple eyeshadow or glitter, why wear it on your wedding day? You want to avoid any makeup that makes you look disguised or that makes you no longer look like yourself. That is huge. It should be the same with the hair. Sometimes stylists can get too elaborate with hair styles and colors. Wearing [hair] accessories and [bobby] pins are very much about editing."

7. "I have to say I prefer a shoe on the quieter side whether it is a fashion shoe (though it doesn't have to be) or something with a bit of a wedding feeling. I like a shoe with a tapered toe box. I'm not someone who is into a full-on Swarovski-covered glittery shoe. I don't think you want that much attention. A little kitten heel is nice if you are marrying someone shorter than you, or a platform if you are marrying someone taller."

8. "It is just as important to have black-and-white photography done as it is to have color. Black and white is chic and timeless."

9. "Step into your dress whether it is large or narrow. There are things no one can compensate for. I once had a bride get red lipstick on the front of her dress when she pulled it on over her head. Keep anyone with colorful drinks, beverages or makeup away from you."

10. "Savor the moment. There's a tendency when people get married to rush down the aisle as soon as the ceremony has ended. I'm not sure if it's relief or what. But you have to remember the guests spend most of the time looking at your back during the service. So much work goes into planning. Take your time when walking back down the aisle. Let them see the dress."

Taken From Article on www.Brides.com

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday

Doing Receptions Right!

When planning your wedding, you have to take a lot of practical things into consideration. For example, choosing the number of guests, booking the venue, and co-coordinating the arrival of the flowers, cake, and other necessary items. But there's another side to wedding reception planning as well- the creative side. It differs greatly from person to person, but that's the beauty of the occasion. You want a celebration that reflects you, your partner, your tastes, and your relationship.

Who?

One of the first things to do when planning a wedding reception is to decide who will be invited. The number of guests you are inviting to your wedding reception will affect many other decisions you make in your planning process. Your budget, of course, plays a big role in this decision, so you, your fiancé, and anyone else helping to pay for the wedding will have to determine a workable number.

Where?

Now that you know how many guests you're having, you can figure out the location of your reception. You'll have to first decide whether the wedding ceremony and reception will be held in the same place, or whether they will take place at separate venues. When choosing a venue, you should ask a lot of questions. Does the place have in-house catering? Does it have a sound system for the band or DJ or will you have to rent one? Is there adequate parking? What is their cancellation policy? Then there are the aesthetic factors. Does the venue look clean and stylish, and does it suit your wedding's theme? Is there anywhere attractive (like a staircase or park) to take your photos? If in-house catering is offered, be sure to taste the food, as even a beautiful venue can produce less than ideal food options.

What?

Wedding receptions can range from very basic to over-the-top glamorous and everywhere in between. Many venues and vendors bundle their services into convenient packages that include many of the basic items most couples want at their reception—a beer and wine bar, DJ, food, basic table linens, etc.—and they will often offer additions and upgrades. You just have to decide which extras you want and which you can afford. This will have a lot to do with your personal preferences. Are you a flower-lover? A foodie? There may be an area or two where you want to go big.

When?

Choosing the right date is important, as is planning in advance. Generally, a small, casual wedding will take less time to put together, but if you're planning a medium to large event, a destination wedding, or any wedding during “wedding season” (typically May through October), you’ll want to secure your venue and wedding services far enough in advance so that you’re not shut out. You may have heard that having your wedding on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon, late in the fall or during the winter months (with the exception of December, which is pretty popular for throwing holiday-themed wedding bashes) will save you a pretty penny, and this is true! The demand for wedding services drops drastically during these times, so why not use them to your advantage? By going against the grain, you will discover that you have more options and flexibility when it comes to dates and rates for venues and wedding services.  

How?

Dreaming of the perfect wedding reception is easy; executing all that needs to be done to make it happen is another matter entirely. A good wedding plan is essential to help your day go as smoothly as possibly. The reception is usually the part of the event that requires the most planning, preparation and expense, so being organized is essential. You can make a detailed list of the things you'll need to purchase, book, and plan for your big day. It's usually best to plan a year in advance, if possible, so you can spread the preparations out over a reasonable period of time and not feel rushed. Some brides prefer to hire a wedding planner to help organize the event. The best part is you can decide how involved they will be. Do you have a flair for interior design, but would rather not deal with negotiating rates for wedding services? If this is the case, you can decide to take charge of the décor, while your wedding planner uses their know-how and connections to find you the best deals in town. 

Why?

Because you love each other, of course! But the “why” in this context refers to the “meaning” you want to express through your reception. This gathering is the heart and soul of your relationship, and you want it to reflect that. You should take into consideration any religious, cultural, or family significance you'd like to weave into your reception plan. Think hard about the décor, music, and food. Listen to your intuition on these matters, but be sure to include your fiancé in the decision-making process! 

Regardless of how you choose to arrange the celebration, a wedding reception celebrates the pledge you made to one another at the marriage ceremony. It's a great way to start your new life together with joy and positive energy from all of your loved ones.

Article taken from www.marthastewart.com

Getting creative with wedding favors? Check out these cute ideas from one of the fun blogs we follow http://www.lovelybride.com/blog/index.php/2011/11/16/decor-details-wedding-favors/

Bridal Gown Heaven!

Every Friday on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress, Randy Fenoli makes brides' fantasies come true. He's the ultimate FOB (friend-of-the-bride), one of the most trusted names in bridal fashion and every bride-to-be wants to work with him. But what's a girl to do if her budget doesn't include a trip to New York?

Never fear! It's Randy to the Rescue: TLC's Ultimate Bridal Event!FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, Randy is going where no couture-loving bridal fashion director has gone before - off the runway and behind the wheel of a big rig - to bring his favorite gowns, his unsurpassed dress knowledge, and his signature "head-to-hem" styling approach to you!

Randy will serve as host to a series of the most FABULOUS bridal style events around the country! The first stop: DALLAS, TX!

HUNDREDS of gorgeous gowns from the bridal world's most EXCLUSIVE designers. One chance for a personal consultation with RANDY himself!

Randy will roll into town with his bridal salon on wheels, and kick off each event with a special presentation tailored to the bride-to-be. He'll dish out his top tips on bridal style, do's and don'ts, and the hottest trends for the season. From dresses and accessories to makeup and hair, it's the complete look from head-to-hem.

Plus, The Wedding Guys® have brought together a collection of the best wedding experts to help you with your wedding plans.What could be better?

Join all the fun on December 11th at the Hilton Anatole.Trust us, tickets are going fast, so get yours today at
 www.theweddingguys.com/randytotherescue.html

"Thursday Therapy"-now why didn't I think of that?

Wedding Professionals love to get together and talk about events they haved worked, events they are working on, and to meet some fun individuals in the same industry! I am excited to say I will be attending my first "Thursday Therapy" event next month and am excited to get the chance to meet the girls who run it! My goal is to host one of the next events at the Orion to get this hidden gem the exposure it deseves : )

If you are a professional in the event industry, click here http://thursdaytherapy.net/dallas/ and RSVP for December 1st! Find me so I can talk to you about all the exciting plans I have for The Orion!

Wedding Wisdom Wednesday

As the new Event Sales Manager of the Orion and a newly engaged girl myself, I am always looking to get advice and pass it along to other brides. From this need to know of the dos and don'ts of this vast endeavor called wedding planning, I have created Wedding Wisdom Wednesdays where I plan to post a little bit of expertise I have picked up along the way. So here it goes...

1. Have you seen the weather lately? Consider not getting married outside in May. Unpredictability is not our friend. Venues that can host both ceremony and reception are ideal for brides who do not like things out of their control. Um, hello! When has Texas weather ever been "controlled"? The Orion is a beautiful indoor space that can hold up to a 175 person ceremony and seating for 250 during reception.

2.  Save money and don’t print one wedding program per guest. Try printing just 50. No matter how large your guest count is. That’s all that’s ever used up anyway. I see brides that spend way too much time and money assembling programs that are either left in the church or tossed away by the servers after an outdoor ceremony.

3.  Hire a wedding coordinator. Have I said this before? I understand the need to cut back in areas of your big day that you don't feel are neccessary, but let me stress the importance of having someone for day of. Your mom, your sister, and your best friend do not want to be setting up your engagement pictures all across the venue or lighting candles on every table. Hire someone to make sure every detail is covered and that the DJ sticks to the timeline. Yes, wedding coordinators want everyone to have fun too but we also want to make sure your family and friends get to see you cut the cake or run through the sparkler exit.

4 .  Your wedding photographs can never be redone. Hire a good photographer the first time. They are second most important to hiring a wedding planner. Consider a videographer in the budget as well. Even if you don't have one too many glasses of champange during your wedding, I guarantee you will not remember every word from the Best Man's toast, or the look that your sweet grandma gave you as you were coming back down the aisle. You want these moments captured! (Love to all my photographer and videographer friends, you know your place in my heart.)

5.  That leads me to my next case...If your toast givers (Maid of Honor and Best Man) are likely to be intoxicated half way through your reception, consider sparing them and every single person in the room the embarrassment, and place the toasts in the beginning of the night. Or have your fathers on deck to give a sentimental speech about you growing up. Trust me, you want a Plan B.

Stay tuned for more Wedding Wisdom next Wednesday!

B