Always and Forever Weddings

Here it is January 2010 and couples are full swing into planning their summer wedding event.  It may seem as if there is plenty of time, but as we all know that time passes by so quickly we will eventually look back and think how did those days fly past so quickly.  Keeping yourself organized now will be an essential skill that will keep your plans and tasks on target.  Here are some great ideas for how to keep organized.

1.  Purchase a notebook or day planner for wedding event notes only--nothing else.  Keep all your phone numbers, appointments, notes to self, ideas, and other important wedding information in this location. 

2.  Make lists and re-do often.  Date your lists so that you can see in an instant how the time is moving along.  A visual reminder of the days passing helps to keep on track.

3.  Hire a coordinator or planner to help you with items that are too big for you.  Planners are terrific organizers and great at taking some of the pressure off because they already know the ins and outs of the planning scenario.

4.  Stay calm and take time to de-stress.  Schedule massages, quiet times, fun only days or other relaxing activities to keep your Spirit nourished.

5.  Have fun.  This is your wedding and is meant to be a beautiful experience from the engagement to the Big Day!

Summer Wedding Season 2009 is in full swing and it is gearing up to be a fun and exciting season!  Many couples are choosing lovely gatherings with family and friends at private homes and vacation rentals due to the current economic climate.  Not only does this save resources, but it also gives couples the opportunity to spend more quality time with their special ones.

Here's a couple of suggestions if you are planning a close family and friends wedding celebration at a private home or vacation rental.  Guests have difficulty hearing your ceremony with an outdoor setting which is often used in smaller home venues.  Sound systems can resolve this concern with your officiant and couple both using small, but efficiant microphones, ensuring that your guests feel included.

Making a home welcoming for a wedding celebration can be lots of work for the homeowner.  Asking for help from a coordinator can go a long way in providing the homeowner relief from excess stress.  A coordinator may not do the cleaning but he or she will be able to take care of your guests while you enjoy the festivities!

During these difficult economic times you may be cutting back and spending less on everything, including your wedding.  However, you don't have to forego elegance when you are on a budget.  Simple and tasteful are themes that bring forth great beauty in many things, including your wedding day!  Here are some ideas for you to consider as you plan.

#1  Venue  - Schedule a long weekend and have your wedding event on a Thursday instead of a Saturday.  You will find that venue rentals are less expensive during the weekdays.  Afterwards, enjoy a long weekend getaway together! 

#2  Flowers - Choose flowers that are in season and are grown locally.  Include  more greenery in bouquets and centerpieces, focusing on just a few colorful blossoms instead.  For the guys, use fragrant greenery for boutonneres.  For the girls, consider corsages instead of bouquets.

#3  Dresses - Rent simple bridesmaids dresses and make them unique by using accessories such as jewelery, scarf sashes, or wraps.

#4  Decorations - Create amazing looks by using light instead of expensive decorations.  Lots of glowing candles lit and mini white lights say romance!  Use the mini lights for outdoor weddings.  Buy in bulk and you will also save.

#5  Food - Schedule your ceremony early in the day and have a luncheon instead of a full dinner menu.  Keep your menu simple and serve buffet style. 

#6  Drinks - Eliminate serving alcohol and instead have a soda, juice, coffee and/or tea bar. 

#7 Napkins - Save by eliminating printing on napkins.

#8 Eliminate extras - Such as seating cards and favors for guests.  These are items that most guests don't expect and normally just add clutter to tables. 

#9  Recyle - After your event, sell items you purchased but will never re-use. 

#10 Hire a coordinator -  Your time and energy are costly.  Make plans to hire a professional wedding coordinator to help you and to provide you with peace of mind!

Seems like only yesterday that the 2008 Wedding Season was in full swing.  However the 2009 season is just around the corner and couples have been planning for their weddings for several months now.  But what about the couples that are are just now enjoying being newly engaged?  Is it too late for setting a date in the 2009 season?  Absolutely not!

If you are just beginning to consider your wedding for the 2009 season, there a few first things to take care of that are most important and that are listed below.  Once these important pieces are in place, the details of your event will be much easier to plan. 

#1--Determine the type of venue you desire and begin making the calls now to find out what is still available.  If you are planning an outdoor wedding, keep in mind the climate and weather for your area.  For example, in Oregon July, August and September are the safest months for outdoor weddings. 

#2--Settle on a date for your event.  Many times your choice of venue will determine your choice of dates.  When choosing a date, it may be wise to consider if you will have friends or family that will need to travel.  Air fares and gas prices increase around summer holidays.  If you are interested in astrology, look at the planetary influences for your choices of dates.  New moons influence new beginnings; full moons influence culminations; check the placement of Venus, the planet of love and marriage.

#3--Interview and hire a coordinator, even if you are planning to do most or all of the planning yourself.  A coordinator is absolutely worth having especially on a day-of basis.  She or he can save your valuable time, energy, and stress by keeping you on schedule, providing input, connecting you to vendors, and organizing the wedding day so that you can relax and enjoy.