I CAN'T WALK ON WATER!

Today I have to say something that I wish I didn't have to say! I recently did a wedding that had many problems, none of which were in my control to fix! Things happened due to personalities, the bride's lack of maturity and unrealistic expectations and a general lack of discipline in those in the wedding party. Most of the drama happened the day before the wedding. The wedding itself was very nice. The ceremony was lovely, the caterer did a great job, the party was a success. But, there was nothing that made this girl happy. She found fault with everything! And, she treated all of us very rudely- shouting orders and having temper tantrums at every turn. Girls! Every wedding has something that isn't perfect! And, as a planner, I can't perform miracles! I am passionate, I work very hard and I will do everything in my power to make sure your day is the best it can be! I have countless "thank you's" from brides, their mothers and their guests to prove it. I have never had an unhappy bride, a bride that berated me, or a sense of dread- until now! Though I know it wasn't me, it is very disconcerting to have someone so negative interfere with my strong sense of pride in what I do. I hope that by writing this I will make you think about the fact that, even with the help of a planner, your attitude and your expectations have to be tempered with common sense and respect. It is a huge event in your life, but the whole point of the day is that you are beginning a new life with someone- forever! Shouldn't that be your focus?

AN APPLE A DAY!

These are from a spring wedding, but can be translated for Fall or, change the fruit and use a pear or an orange. What a great idea for a different kind of centerpiece than to use fresh, vibrant fruit in a large cylinder with beautiful blooms on top! I love this look- ti is so different!

A WORD ABOUT PLANNERS!

Ok girls! This is the bottom line about planners. First of all, a recent bride does not a planner make!! It isn't glamorous, it isn't always fun and it is VERY hard work that requires a myriad of skills and a unique personality. Second, don't hire someone "by the hour"! If I charged by the hour, I would be worth millions! No one can calculate the time they spend on your wedding in hours and if they do they are charging you so much more than someone who quotes a fee and sticks to it! Third, if you hire someone for the day of your wedding and they "show up" on the day of your wedding with no prior input or knowledge- you have been cheated! When you hire me for the day of your wedding, I am available to you from the time you sign the contract and I WILL be involved for anything you need. Not even the most seasoned planner can just attend your wedding and do a good job. Finally, every bride needs someone not involved in the wedding to oversee her special day. You are the bride, your maids have a job and your mother is the hostess. Oh, and Aunt Sally can't pick up the slack in a pinch! Hire a planner! It isn't that much more in the scheme of things, and you will be so glad to have that pair of able hands after all the time, money and planning you have done!! Ladies! There are all kinds of people out there claiming to be wedding planners, from decorators, to caterers, to the person assigned to your wedding at your reception site. When you hire someone, make sure they are going to be with YOU all day. Make sure you like them and connect with them in the beginning. And, don't sell yourself short! Even if you are having a small wedding or a lower budget wedding- it is YOUR wedding!! It should be perfect and the happiest memory of your life! I promise, I will make it so! Give me the chance!

WHAT A DOLL!!

Ok girls! If you want THE MOST adorable and capable make up artist for your wedding and one of the best photographers all in the same package, call Darah at www.dollfacestudio.com!! I am so happy to be doing her wedding in July! She and her partner are the best and you won't find a better deal anywhere!! Check out their website and then call!!! You will be so glad you did!

A GREAT INDIAN WEDDING!

I did an Indian wedding this weekend and had such a good time! What an education!! I learned about the Hindu ceremony, got my mendhi on my hand and spent the day with the most wonderful family and the sweetest bride! I loved this wedding and I am ready to do the next one!

YOU'RE FIRED!

"Why did I ask her to be in my wedding?!" Have you ever asked that question and want to know how to eliminate a bridesmaid? Well, according to Miss Manners this is how and when to rid yourself of a "bridesmaid from hell". But, be careful girls. There is a warning for you, the bride, in her advice.
"If it was that your friend must accept the honor of waiting on you hand and foot while surrendering control over her own time and money and wardrobe, it was an illegitimate deal. Those terms exist only in the minds of brides who have worked themselves into a state of self-inflation that has rendered them thoughtless toward their own closest friends. Miss Manners is not going to help you fire a friend for refusing to turn into an indentured servant.
However, if your bridesmaid has been telling you that you can do better than marrying the gentleman in question and that she hopes to make it to the wedding but can't promise, it is she who has broken the deal. In that case, you could say, "I don't think you realized what you were getting into when you kindly took this on, and I can see it's becoming a burden to you. You know how dear you are to me, and I'd be just as happy to have you at the wedding without your having to go through all the business of being a bridesmaid."

UP, UP AND AWAY TO THE "ALTAR"

Destination Weddings! Fun, romantic and usually less expensive than traditional weddings. If you are thinking about a destination wedding, try researching the ups and downs of having a getaway wedding. www.destinationweddings.com is a good place to start. And, don't do it without help! Lou Marrocco at www.brandywineevents.com will be glad to see to every detail. He can be reached at lmarrocco@brandywineevents.com. He has many years of event planning and he is a gem in the industry!! Bon Voyage and congratulations!