Forever Savvy: Wedding Planning Blog

January 21, 2010

How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer

Filed under: Wedding Planning — Almesha Campbell @ 1:12 am

Wedding photography must be done right, the first time. In order to ensure that you have the best quality wedding photos, you must research wedding photographers in your area and work with them to produce the best quality photos. Be careful in making this decision as not all photographers are capable of taking quality wedding photos. This is mainly because some do not have the equipment necessary to take the photos. A good place to start research wedding photographers is in your local telephone directory, bridal shows, and by asking around.

Here are some tips for choosing your wedding photographer:

1. Attend a bridal show. Most wedding photographers would have photos of previous weddings displayed. There you can ask as many questions as you like and you can compare prices and photo quality, in one place.

2. Ask to see photos of different angles: bride getting dressed, wedding ring, reception etc. These different angles will show you how the photographer was able of handling the different lighting etc.

3. When choosing a photography company, find out the name or names of the photographer(s) that would be assigned to your wedding. Develop a relationship with them and make sure they understand your needs. It’s a good idea to also get an emergency number in case a photographer is running late or does not show up.

4. Find out the turnaround time for getting your photos. It should not take a month to get your photos back. If the time given is unsatisfactory to you, move on and find another photographer.

5. Ask for references. As with any caterer you choose, it’s a good idea to be able to talk to other couples or former clients to find out the type of working relationship they had with this person or company, and if they were pleased with the end result.

6. Request raw prints of wedding photos; this way you can look at them before the retouching process.

7. Ensure that your photographer shoots in digitally. This mode of shooting is much better and more modern. Proofs would also be ready quickly and you’ll be able to see all the photos before they are printed. Many photographers upload digital photos online and give their clients a password to access them.

8. Of course you will need to know how many photos you can get and for what price. If you are on a tight budget, make sure you indicate this to your photographer. Find a package that works for you, ensuring that you get the coverage and the price you can afford.

9. Read through all the find prints before your sign the contact. Be sure time, cost, number of photos, turnaround time for proofs and photos etc are included. There should be a clause also for if the photographer was late or did not show up. Everything must be in writing, even possible overtime charges.

10. Find out what type of equipment the photographer has. He must have quality lightening equipment and be able to shoot the number and quality of photos you would like. They must also have liability insurance in case of accidents involving their equipment and your guests.

And because you only get to do this once, smile!

January 18, 2010

Tips for Your Winter Wedding

Filed under: Wedding Planning — Almesha Campbell @ 10:45 am

More and more couples are opting to have winter weddings despite the harsh weather elements. Winter weddings are usually cozy and festive; taking advantage of the holiday mood. From winter whites to cozy honeymoon spots, winter weddings have lots to offer to bride and groom. Winter weddings allow bride and groom to have a winter wonderland wedding, use a family cabin, get married on a snow capped mountain, or spend their honeymoon skiing.

Here are some tips to guide you as you plan your winter wedding:

• Always check the weather and have alternative plans for outdoor weddings.

• Since this is the holiday season, travel fares would be higher and there will be higher instances of delayed flights.

• Choose colors that coordinate with the season, such as whites, creams, silver, red, gold, and black.

• Choose flowers that coordinate with the season. See our list of flowers and their corresponding season (Choosing Your Wedding Flowers).

• Use candles for warmth, as well as elegance.

• Chocolate Cake will be a great option for the wedding cake.

• You can choose to have a Black Tie, Winter White or Festive theme.

• For the getaway transportation, ditch the traditional car or limousine and go with a ski or snowmobile (if it’s snowing of course). If you are going for that fairy tale motif, choose a horse drawn carriage.

• Make the wedding cozy and intimate by using a private club or historic mansion.

• It is easier to have your menu coordinate with the festive season: ham, turkey, soups etc.

• Keep your invitations, thank you cards and other stationery the same as the wedding theme.

• If you wear a traditional wedding gown without sleeves, you can wear a fur stole to compliment the gown and the weather.

• Keep your decorations the same as the theme; to cut down on cost, buy seasonal items at the end of season before your wedding to benefit from off season prices.

• If you choose to get married outdoors, be sure to keep the venue warm. Use tents with heaters installed or a gazebo.

• Choose to spend your honeymoon in a cabin on a ski slope or go to a tropic island.

January 4, 2010

Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Filed under: Wedding Planning — Almesha Campbell @ 12:30 pm

Writing your own wedding vowsMany couples today are now opting to write their own wedding vows in lieu of or in combination with the traditional vows. However, some find writing their vows intimidating and/or difficult. Some people say it’s simple, just speak from your heart, but do you really want everyone at the reception to know what’s on your heart? And what about those last minute jitters?

If you decide to write your own wedding vows, here are some tips to help make the task easier:

• Check with your wedding officiant to ensure that it would be acceptable for you to personalize your vows. Some churches prefer to stay traditional, and do not allow couples to recite their own wedding vows.

• Coordinate with your fiancé to ensure that both persons would write their vows. Decide if you will work together and share the written works before the wedding day.

• Ensure there is nothing too personal in the vows. Some things are better left in private.

• Look at past letters and photos to reminisce on your dating experiences. Some of these will make great wording for your vows.

• Think about some of your favorite works of poetry and what you like about them.

• Stay positive and focus on the good times and the things you love most about your fiancé; when you first knew you wanted to marry them or how you first fell in love.

• Keep it honest.  Avoid making up stories that you most likely will not remember on your wedding day.

• Talk to someone who knows both you and your fiancé, and ask them what they like about the two of you as a couple; you would be amazed of how you could be inspired.

• Let your maid of honor or best man look over your vows (a second pair of eyes is better).

• Practice! Practice! Practice!  Be sure to finish your vows a few days before the wedding so you’ll have sufficient time to practice.

• Give a copy of your vows to your maid of honor or best man in case you have last minute jitters.

In lieu of writing vows, some couples decide to sing songs that express their love towards each other. My husband sang as I walked down the aisle and I recited vows. Choose whatever best suits your situation and/or abilities, and whatever makes you comfortable. It’s your day.

October 20, 2009

Our 20-Step Guide to Writing Thank You Cards

Filed under: Wedding Etiquette — Almesha Campbell @ 8:21 am

Thank you cardWe all know that one of our favorite parts about getting married is to receive gifts. We have created our bridal registry and we are eager to see how many of those items we will receive. We look forward to sitting down with our spouse to unwrap the gifts and feeling blessed for all the friends and relatives who presented us with gifts. However, we become overwhelmed when it’s time to write the thank you cards. Here is our 20-step guide to assist you in making this experience a pleasant and easy one:

1. Make sure that you have your invitation guest list with complete addresses. This will come in handy when you are ready to mail your thank you cards.

2. Keep a good record of all the gifts you received prior to, at and after the wedding. Use a notebook or computer spreadsheet to record the name of the giver and the type of gift you received.

3. Purchase blank thank you cards prior to the wedding. Thank you cards should preferably coordinate with your wedding colors or theme.

4. It is impolite to send preprinted thank you cards. Handwritten notes are more personable and show that you appreciated for the gift.

5. Assign someone to label your cards while you are on your honeymoon. That way, as soon as you return, you can start writing your thank you notes. Put your return address on the cards as well.

6. Ask your husband to help you with the note writing. This way, it will not be too overwhelming for you and the job can be done much faster.

7. Write your notes in blue or black ink. This will make your note easily readable for everyone.

8. Keep your notes simple, but honest and sincere.

9. Greet the person you are writing the note to. e.g. Dear Cousin Mary.

10. Always say “Thank You.” e.g. “Thank you for the electric blender.”

11. Mention the name of the gift in your note and say how you and your husband can use the gift. If it’s cash, still say how you’ll use the money.

12. Mention your gratitude for the person attending your wedding. e.g. “It was a pleasure seeing you at the wedding.”

13. Say “thank you” one last time. e.g. “Thanks again for your generous gift.”

14. Wrap it up. e.g. “Love, Cindy and John”

15. Because the note is for the giver, be sure to say “you” more often that “I” or “me.” This will put the focus on the giver and show that you really appreciate their generosity. This is not the time to write about to talk about your honeymoon or how much fun you had on your wedding day. This note is to simply thank the giver for their thoughtfulness.

16. Send thank you notes to everyone who assisted you with your wedding – even caterers and bridal shower hosts. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

17. Write separate notes for each gift you receive, even if they are from the same person.

18. It is important that you send thank you cards for shower gifts within 10 days of the bridal shower and two weeks after the wedding. It is impolite to wait longer.

19. If you receive gifts before the wedding, be sure to send out those thank you cards as the gifts come in.

20. If you receive a gift that you do not like or that you cannot identify, never express that feeling in that note and never ask the person what the gift is. Keep your thank you note simple and sincere. e.g. “Tom and I sincerely appreciate your generous wedding gift.”

October 12, 2009

How to Tame Your Inner Bridezilla

Filed under: Stress-Free Wedding Tips — Almesha Campbell @ 9:46 am

Bride on the beachMany of us have heard about the television show, “Bridezilla,” which promotes itself as a show “where brides go from sweet to certifiable.” The brides on the show unleash their inner diva on everyone from family, to friends, to vendors. Even the grooms do not escape their wrath. These brides unleash their fury for everything from someone being two minutes late to learning that they cannot get a cake as large as the reception hall. Their demands are often times outrageous. They get so consumed with perfection that any minor mishap is seen as a threat to their happiness. They become self-centered, and even their groom cannot calm them down. In fact, sometimes the grooms are even excluded from the planning process and everything is about the bride. This show is hilarious to watch, but do you really want to have a meltdown on your wedding day? Do you want to go into your wedding with everyone mad at you? Here are tips to help you tame your inner bridezilla and be relaxed on your wedding day.

1. To avoid panic and confusion, start planning your wedding at least 9 – 12 months in advance. This will give you enough time to attend bridals shows, weigh your options, find the right caterers and wedding planners, as well as ensure that you have everything in place at least 1 month before the wedding date.

2. I know as first-time brides we prefer to handle every detail of our wedding, but this can become overwhelming. Delegate some of the responsibilities to the maid of honor, mother, close friend or relative. Give them the specifics of what you want and be open to some suggestions. Never shut out your mother or in-laws in the planning process.

3. Hire a bridal consultant and a wedding coordinator. This will save you a lot of headache. Find someone who you can work with and that will bring your vision to life. Start researching for consultants and coordinators in your area; attend bridal shows and ask around. Take note at weddings you attend and find out who the consultant and coordinator was. Interview your potential consultant or coordinator to ensure that they have the capacity to handle your wedding and pay close attention to their willingness to go the extra mile.

4. Remember that the wedding is not just about you. The wedding ceremony is about you and your future husband, and that the reception is about your guests. Plan accordingly.
5. Involve your fiancé in the planning process – it’s his wedding day too. Do not take the approach of “me.” Instead, keep “we” as the focus. The more you do this, the more you realize that things will run smoother.

6. Have back up plans. If you wanted the church that your mother got married in and it’s not available on your wedding day, do not panic. Find a church that is similar in structure and beliefs and have your wedding their instead. It may not be what you wanted, but it may be the next best thing.

7. Be polite to everyone you have to deal with – from your wedding party to the caterers. They are the ones that will help you bring it all together for a memorable wedding day. You boss them around and they’ll surely become miserable and hesitant to assist you.

8. Check your demands. Sometimes we want things we cannot even afford or things that are not available or seasonal. Make sure your demands are within reason and that you express clearly and politely exactly why you would prefer a particular thing; maybe there are alternatives that can be considered. For example, if you wanted fresh lilies and lilies are not in bloom, then consider artificial lilies.

9. When something was not done that/how you requested, repeat your instructions clearly and politely. Then ask for clarification in order to clear up any misunderstandings.

10. If things start getting really stressful for you in the days leading up to the wedding, hit the gym or take up boxing to manage your stress. Most of all, ask for help if things are becoming overwhelming and let your groom deal with situations that are stressful to you.

If you are relaxed and confident on your wedding day, it will result in beautiful photos, wonderful memories and happy guests. Have a beautiful and stress-free wedding.

September 29, 2009

Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Wedding

Filed under: Eco-Friendly Weddings — Almesha Campbell @ 8:46 am
www.gardenpathflowers.com

www.gardenpathflowers.com

Eco-friendly weddings are becoming popular these days, especially with all the “Go Green” initiatives by companies, agencies and people like Former Vice-President Al Gore. From eco-friendly vehicles to recyclable paper, today more than ever, people are expected to play a role in securing the same standard of living that we are enjoying for future generations.

For the couple who would love to have an eco-friendly wedding, we have some tips for planning your wedding. From decorations to wedding gowns, there are options available for the eco-friendly couple. You do not have to feel overwhelmed in trying to plan your unique and environmentally friendly wedding; we have tips that would make your planning easy and stress-free. If ever you start feeling overwhelmed, just think of all the good you are trying to do for the environment.

Venue/Decorations:

• Choose 100% soy candles in either recycled votives or cylinder containers.
• Potted plants and certified organic cut flowers are great substitutes for floral arrangements.
• Make ribbons made of 100% cotton to adorn pews and potted plants.
• Choose a venue that does not have furniture made of endangered materials such as those in mahogany.
• Use locally grown, seasonal flowers for your bridal party. Have a florist to design an artificial bouquet to use as your wedding keepsake.

Food & Drinks:

• Make cocktails from fresh organic produce that can be found at your local farmer’s market.
• Choose Organic wines that are completely free of chemical and pesticide.
• Select locally brewed beers and wines from local wineries.
• Avoid paper and plastic products; reduce waste by using glass products that can be reused.
• Use a caterer that specializes in preparing/serving organic foods.

Wedding Attire and Accessories:

• Opt for organic, vegetable dyed fabrics. Places like www.rawganique.com sell hemp wedding attire.
• Have a local dressmaker make your dress of organic cotton, vintage fabrics or silk blends that are all sustainable fabric.
• Organic wedding attire range in the same price as the traditional materials.
• You can choose to rent the wedding dress, where it will be reused.
• Purchase a used wedding gown from Ebay, Craigslist or other used gown stores.
• Opt to have the bridesmaids select a dress that they can wear again; let them choose their own style and color.

Invitations/Thank You Cards:

• Plantable paper has become popular in recent years because they are recyclable.
• Use 100% cotton paper with vegetable dye and recycled paper.
• Many classic brides are flocking to the internet to send their invitations. Some couples even use wedding websites to share the news with their loved ones – this avoids paper waste and reduces cost.

Rings:

• Choose family heirlooms.
• Purchase antique rings for your union. Some antique rings are just as beautiful as traditional rings.

Entertainment

• Hire a pianist or any instrument that uses the least amount of electricity.
• Play pre-recorded music.
• Hire a big band orchestra – no need for electricity.

Bridal Registry

• Register at stores that offer a wide range of organic products. Sit with the bridal consultant at the store and express your desire to have an eco-friendly wedding.
• Ask guests to donate to your favorite charity in lieu of a wedding present.

Favors

• Opt for organic candies and almonds.
• Personalized soy candles.
• Wildflower or other flower/plant seeds in plantable paper envelopes.

Now that you have successfully planned your eco-friendly wedding, be sure to encourage your guests to “go green.” Take your wedding photos with a digital camera and upload them to your wedding site or print them on recyclable paper. Instead of using a limo as transportation, try a horse-drawn carriage or an eco-friendly vehicle.

September 21, 2009

Planning Your Bridal Registry

Filed under: Bridal Registry — Almesha Campbell @ 1:14 pm
Bride shops online for gifts

Bride shops online for gifts

We’ve all seen at least one bridal registry that had everything from fine china to teeth whiteners; the type of registry that leaves you shaking your head. Many brides get carried away, clicking or pointing the hand-held scanner at every item in sight, without much thought of whether or not the item fits the décor or whether or not it’s appropriate for a bridal registry.

I’ve heard many stories where brides put everything from a hair brush to a toilet seat on their bridal registry. The last story I heard, my friend claimed that the overzealous bride had items on her registry that were not couple related; she had everything for her daughter on there – from Hello Kitty night lamps to the toddler bookshelf. This is a definite turn off for guests.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being the “talk of the town” for all the wrong reasons:

1. Plan your registry by making a list of any items that you don’t already have and would need. Consider both “everyday” and “formal” dinnerware, table linens, glassware etc. Select your color scheme and patterns, and coordinate the items.

2. Include your hubby in the planning process, so he can choose things that he may like. If he’s available to visit the store or go online with you to registry, that would be great too.

3. Dedicate a sufficient amount of time planning and registering. You do not want to rush the process and end up not having items that you want.

4. Think about the possibility that you’ll have to host family and gatherings such as dinner parties. Register for at least 8 place settings.

5. Register in advance of the wedding. Some brides like to register prior to the bridal shower, allowing guests the option of choosing a shower gift from the bridal registry and some brides just opt to have a separate registry to coordinate with the theme of the bridal shower.

6. Do your research and find out about Return Policies to ensure you’ll be able to return an item that you may not need. It’s best to have registries that are both available at traditional mortar-and-brick stores and online; giving guests buying options. This will especially come in handy for out of town guests or those who would not be able to attend the wedding, but would still love to send a gift.

7. Choose 2 or 4 places to have a registry, giving guests options to buy from their preferred place. Be sure not to have the same items on the registries to avoid excess and returning hassles. You can choose to have all linens from one store and all dinnerware from another.

8. Keep track of your registry; this will allow you to manage what items are remaining and if you will need to delete items from another registry.

9. Be sure to ask stores about any perks that they may offer. I remember receiving a cash-back reward for completing my registry, as well as a number of discount-off coupons.

10. Choose items in a range of prices that are affordable for your guests. Make the choices appealing for your guests, catering for the young and the old. Remember, grandma may not feel comfortable buying you lingerie.

Be sure to frequently check Forever Savvy for more tips on planning the perfect wedding registry. We’ll be adding more tips periodically.

September 3, 2009

How to Tell a Friend That They Will Not Be In the Bridal Party

Filed under: Wedding Etiquette — Almesha Campbell @ 6:12 am
Bride examines who to invite to her bridal party.

Bride tries to narrow down bridal party members.

 

You just got engaged and you are excited about planning your big day. You sit down to decide upon your wedding party, when all of a sudden you realize that you have more people than spots available for the bridal party. For a brief moment you even thought of just putting everyone in the party and avoid hurting someone’s feelings; that’s before you came to the realization that it would be impossible to put in all your close relatives and friends in the wedding party. Besides, there isn’t enough room at the altar for all these people. So, you start racking your brain about how to manage the situation and make a decision that would be favorable for not only you and your future husband, but for your friends and family.

The issue has been a very delicate one for brides for years, but being honest and open about your decision will make things less complicated. First of all, this is your wedding and you have every right to decide who will be in your bridal party, in consultation with your fiancé of course. Keep in mind that you may have to include people from his family as well, and he should have a say in that decision. These decisions are never made lightly, because you want to be able to look at your wedding photos 20 years from now and still feel comfortable with the people who stood beside you on your wedding day. So, be sure to discuss the wedding party thoroughly with your fiancé and be certain about your decisions.

After you and your fiancé have thoroughly gone through the bridal party – made selections and discussed them for confirmation – decide upon how you would break the news to those who did not make the cut. First of all, you should never announce your decision via email, text message, social media sites such as Facebook or other impersonal forms of communication. Most of all, as indicated before, not saying anything to them at all is never a good idea. The best way to cause a rift between you and the friend or family member who did not make the cut, is to completely avoid the situation and never tell them they did not make the cut. This is never a good idea, but there’s no simple way to tell someone who has expectations to be in your wedding party that they did not make the cut.

However, handling the situation maturely and honestly will ensure that you have done your part. Forever Savvy recommends that you invite your friend to your home or take them out for a drink or dinner and explain the situation. Explain to the friend that all the spots are filled and explain why each person was chosen – relatives of fiancé, siblings – or that you and your fiancé decided upon a small bridal party.  Explain to your friend or family member that because they are special to you, you have another role important for them to play in the wedding.  They can fill spots such as ushers, guestbook attendants and even special assistants to the bridal party. If they are truly a friend, they will understand and respect your decision, and serve in another capacity on your wedding day.

After you have done all of this, call your wedding party to share the good news.

August 20, 2009

Keeping the Savvy in You: A Brides’s Prayer

Filed under: Bridal Poems — Roslyn Warren @ 9:04 am

Bridezilla

Please…Please…Please…

Let this be the Best Day of My life
Just let everything go Right!
May the caterer remember to use butter cream and not vanilla
And Please Don’t Make Me Turn into a BrideZilla!

Keep the flower girls and bellboy
and ring bearers and the baby bride and groom
Out of the way of dirt, snags, the dog or the cake
So that I can try for goodness sake
To be the best bride that I can be
No swearing, no yellin’, not a bleep of mean
For I want to be a Savvy Queen
Like the brides in the magazines!
                                           
                                             

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