Gifts You Give

   There are many special people who help make your wedding day a success. It is a nice token to say thank you for their help or their presence. Brides come to us for advice on what to give to members of the bridal party, to families and to guests. We have plenty of ideas that we are happy to share with our brides. Here are some of our guest gift favorites.

• Some of the most popular wedding favors are edibles. Wrapped chocolates or truffles in an attractive box that is imprinted with the couple's names and date are a big favorite. Also popular are chocolate covered pretzels, nuts, fruits as well as chocolate hearts. In many areas, couples choose to give cookies frosted in wedding colors and packaged in tulle or color matched gift boxes. Some brides have chosen to give small wine bottles with personalized labels with or without wine charms that bear the wedding date and/or names of the couple. 
• Couples are also giving living items that bloom and grow like your marriage. Weddings with garden motifs, environmentally themed weddings and ceremonies in outdoor or rustic settings choose favors like potted plants, seedlings, flower seed packets and miniature bamboo shoot plants. 
• Other brides prefer a permanent keepsake that is both useful and attractive. Some of the favorites are picture frames, candles and candle holders  glass bowls filled with colored sand or rocks, small books or albums, CDs with favorite songs, ornaments for Christmas weddings, coffee mugs with coffee or hot chocolate packets tucked inside. 
• Some couples are choosing to make a donation to a favorite charity rather than provide a gift item. In that case, a printed card is included in each place setting which informs the guest of the donation. 
• Be sure that each item has a thank you note attached. They are likely to be pre-printed although handwritten notes are lovely as well. 
• The placement of favors depends on space available. Many brides have the favors arranged on a separate table near the exit for guests to make their own selections. Or you can ask a friend or friends to help with the distribution as guests leave the party. 
• Grouping the favors in the center of the table in an attractive basket or on a mirror does double duty. It insures a centerpiece without incurring the cost of flowers, and thanks the guests for sharing in your special day. 

Engagement Photographs

   As more and more couples choose to have engagement photographs taken, the opportunities to depart from a formal studio posed photo grows. Engagement photos can be used in newspaper announcements, on save-the-date-cards, or as part of the wedding day decor. Working with a photographer on engagement shots also gives the couple a chance to see how they like the photographer and his/her work before they sign a massive contract for wedding photos.
   If the couple is game, these photos can be more colorful  fun, and creative in the sites chosen. Some of the themes chosen for engagement photos can be introductions to the wedding's theme or just a fun expression of the places and things that mean a lot to the couple. Discuss your ideas with your photographer.

• This is a chance to try some vintage shots. Use a prop like an old car or antique bike or wear vintage clothes. 
• Pose with suitcases, next to planes or trains or boats to show your mutual love of travel. 
• Take advantage of sites in an urban setting. Shot against a skyline or against an old brick or masonry wall can result in photos that will be different in look and feel from your wedding day pictures. 
• For a change of pace, have the pictures taken at night. Outdoor lights can be shot on timed exposures, or consider candles, holiday lights or night lights in active parts of town. 
• Nature shots provide an opportunity for wide ranging activities. If you have a love of the out of doors, have photos taken as you canoe, fish, water ski or skate. 
• If you love carnivals, have your photos taken on a roller coaster or Ferris wheel or in bumper cars. 

Role Models ~ Just What are Your Attendants Supposed to Do?

Taken from "Bridal Guide" July/August 2012

   So, you've established who's going to be in your bridal party - that's great - and they'll all have specific jobs and obligations to fulfill. Here's a rundown of who does what.

Ladies First
   Your maid of honor (matron of honor, if she's married) is the key bridesmaid. She signs your marriage license as a witness, and offers the most help as you plan the wedding. It's her job to coordinate dress fittings, take charge of bridal shower and bachelorette party plans and keep the other bridesmaids in the wedding loop. On the day of the wedding. she will help you dress, arrange your veil and train during the processional and recessional and hold your bouquet during the ceremony. Your bridesmaids help you with tasks like addressing invitations and will help plan the shower and bachelorette party (and contribute to the cost). The maid/matron of honor and all bridesmaids pay for the own attire, as well as transportation and lodging if they travel to the wedding from elsewhere.

Hey, You Guys!
   Just like the maid of honor, the best man signs your marriage license as a witness. In addition, he brings the wedding rings to the ceremony and holds the officiant's fee until after the ceremony. Other tasks: coordinating the groomsmen's formal wear fittings, organizing the bachelor party and delivering the first toast at the reception. The groomsmen, also known as ushers, assist the best man in planning and hosting the bachelor party (and help finance it). Groomsmen greet and seat the guests on the wedding day. They pay for their own attire, and are responsible for being fitted for and picking up their clothing from the formal wear shop. As well, they pay for their own travel and lodging expense.

Children's Hour
   The flower girl (between the ages of 4 and 8) walks ahead of you during the processional, usually scattering flower petals along the way or simply carrying a pretty bouquet or basket. The ring bearer (also between the ages of 4 and 8) walks down the aisle either alongside the flower girl or right before her, carrying the ring pillow with two wedding bands tied to it (most couples use fake ones lest the little guy lose them). The parents of the flower girl and ring bearer are expected to pay for their attire and are invited to attend the rehearsal dinner.

Tween Scene
   A girl between the ages of 9 and 13 is often considered too old to be a flower girl, so she is typically known as a junior bridesmaid. On the wedding day, she wears a dress that's usually more demure than those the adult bridesmaids wear, in the same color and fabric. Her male counterpart is a junior groomsman or junior user (he wears a tuxedo). These "tweens" neither attend the bachelor/bachelorette party nor are they held to the same financial obligations (though their parents will be).

You Have Duties Too
   Don't forget your responsibilities to this fantastic team.

• Be flexible. If most of your bridesmaids don't love their dress, consider another style or color. 
• Be sensitive about the time commitment your bridal party is making. Decide on dates for showers and parties as soon as possible so they can clear their schedules. 
• Be budget-conscious. Don't assume that everyone can afford a bachelor/bachelorette party in Las Vegas, a $300 outfit or pricey spa treatments on the day of the wedding. Also, expect that you won't receive expensive gifts from them - after all, look how much they're already spending on the big day. 
• Be a good sport! Let them embarrass and tease you a little. They know your limits, so just go with the flow. 
• Be grateful - extremely grateful. Honor them in the ceremony program, tell a member of the staff to pay special attention to them at the reception and give them a fabulous thank-you gift with a heartfelt, handwritten note. 

Classic Venue ~ Full-Service Hotels Can Handle All Your Nuptial Needs

Taken from "Weddings in Cleveland" December 2011

   Unless you're a professional party planner, chances are planning your wedding has been anything but easy. There are vendors to interview, colors to match, cakes to taste, and guest lists to manage. There is one part of your wedding plans that could keep your hassles to a minimum: the location.
   Where you choose to hold your wedding will shape the mood of the entire day. And whatever mood you're striving for, a hotel can provide everything from catering to guest accommodations to event planning assistance: all under one roof.

Where to Start Your Search
   If you've read this far then you probably know that one of the best places to find a hotel to help with your wedding is right here in Weddings in Cleveland magazine. The ceremony and reception section is filled with the area's best locations to help you sort out all the details. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for within these pages, ask friends and family members for recommendations. Jot their ideas down along with what they liked and disliked about the locations so you'll be able to ask detailed questions when you interview the different properties. It's a good idea to have a date in mind when looking at hotels, along with a general idea of the number of guests you'll be expecting. Both will help narrow down your hotel choices and give you a realistic idea of which property will provide the best fit.

What to Look For in a Property
   Finding just the right location in a sea of hotels can seem like a daunting task. Begin with your guest list: if it's on the large size, check out area properties that boast convention centers, meeting facilities, and ballrooms. If your list is smaller, a boutique or historic hotel might be a better choice.
   Once you've narrowed down your locations, decide which services you'd like to hotel to provide. The catering director or event planner will be able to give you all the options and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
   Don't be afraid to ask questions or request a articular item or service that's not in their initial proposal. You never know until you ask and they might be willing to negotiate in order to gain your business.
   If you're planning to use the hotel's ballroom as your reception site, you might also want to check out other areas of the property for the rehearsal dinner, after party, and host wedding brunch. It might be a convenient and cost effective alternative to plan all your pre- and post-wedding events at one property.

Why a Hotel is a Good Idea
   There are so many details to manage when planning a wedding that it can be very hard to keep everything straight. When you hold your celebration at a hotel,  you'll be working with professionals who assist brides every day in planning the wedding of their dreams.
   You can hand off an outline of the specifics you'd like for your celebration, and someone at the hotel will take care of the details for you. They'll work with the caterer (in-house, in most cases), coordinate with a linen supply company, contract servers and bartenders, and make sure that the room is set u to your specifications. And when it's all over, they'll even take care of the clean u. Add to that the ease of on-site guestrooms for all your out-of-town guests and a honeymoon suite for you, and you've got yourself a location that's convenient for you and your guests.
   A hotel can provide as much or as little as you need for your wedding day. Professional event planners, award-winning catering, to-of-the-line accommodations, and an elegant venue are just a few of the perks that come along with booking your celebration at a hotel.

Your Ceremony

   He asked you to marry him and you said yes! Congratulations! If you know that you will be married in a church ceremony, as soon as you have shared the good news with close family members, it is time to think about when and where you will be married.
   Once you have determined when, lock in the ceremony site and the reception venue. Then other plans can fall into place. As soon as possible, meet with the officiant and/or his/her representative to determine the "rules" guiding ceremonies in that church or synagogue. With that information in hand, you can begin to formulate your own personal touches with the goal of creating a beautiful setting that helps to establish the mood for your ceremony to come.
   As guests arrive, the setting - candles, lights, flowers and music can create a lovely atmosphere.
   Instruct ushers to make friendly small talk with guests as they arrive and as they are escorted to their seats. This is truly welcoming and helps guests to feel at ease. If yours is a small wedding, ushers can present a single flower to female guests along with a note from you welcoming them to the wedding. A welcome flower can also be presented along with the programs.
   Consider having ceremony hosts welcome guests at the entrance doors. Choose one from each family - someone who is likely to recognize the majority of the guests as they arrive. Your parents may be mingling with guests at this point or may be needed with the wedding party.
   If you have music playing as guests arrive and are seated, be sure someone is ready to cue the music to change tempo or volume or both so that special music plays as the parents of the bride and groom are seated. More and more couples are choosing to have a card or note from them along with a single flower or small wrapped gift  waiting in the pew for parents as they are seated.
   Consider having the music change again as the groom and his best man take their places. Then as the processional begins, the music should change again for the bridesmaids and flower girls.
   The bride should make an entrance cued by more dramatic "announcement" music. If the church or facility can manage it, consider dimming the house lights and turn on pre placed lighting aimed at the aisle just before the bride begins her walk to the altar.
   Above all remember that the ceremony that the ceremony is the cornerstone of the day and the reason the guests have gathered. The reception celebrates what has happened in that church.

 

Centerpiece Choices

   Seen at current weddings - a wide variety of centerpiece options which complement the theme of the wedding and/or reflect the couple's search for "something unique"!
   For fans of traditional floral arrangements, there is the assurance that given the right color combo and size, guests will feel right at home with the idea of flowers on the table that complete the look of elegant special occasions. Flowers work beautifully as long as the arrangements are either low enough (under 12-14 inches) or high enough (at least 30 inches) so that guests can converse across the table - or at least see each other. Formal arrangements in glass or silver containers send one message, while daisies or sun flowers in canning jars send another.
   With the changing view of wedding cakes, many brides are opting to make desert the centerpiece of guest tables. Cupcake trees, lollipop cakes, cookie and dessert bar assortments and miniature versions of the bridal cake make perfect centerpiece options.
   Guest favors artfully arranged on clear plastic or glass trays work well when accompanied by thank you notes from the bride and groom.
   Candles of varying height and shape arranged on mirrors make a wonderful centerpiece for each table and their accumulated impact is wonderful. However, be sure to check the reception hall's heating/cooling system. If a lot of air is going to be blowing over the tables, your candles won't last long. If your reception is in a tented area, think about LED tapers that look almost real.
   Some brides have made the wine being served with dinner an integral part of the centerpiece. With some greenery and/or wrapped cheese miniatures the different bottles make an intriguing focal point.
   Collect a variety of glass serving pieces and fill them with beverages (or water) the theme color of the wedding.
   Photos of the bride and groom as children framed and grou♂2ed in the center of the table, work well as centerpieces and conversation starters.
   For more good ideas, give us a call at (419) 626-8539 or better yet, stop in and see us! We're at the corner of Rt. 4 and Perkins Ave. in Sandusky, OH. We'd love to see you!

"Here Come The Bridesmaids"

   Taken from "Bridal Guide" May/June 2012

   When you select your bridesmaids - whether one or a dozen - you are choosing people you truly care about, who share a deep connection with you. And just as your bridesmaids have specific wedding responsibilites, you my dear bride, have a responsibility to your girls.

Choose Wisely
   Now is not the time to make any bridal party decisions you may regret. If you are choosing between someone you knew in college and a new sibling-in-law, remember that a party of your new life as a spouse-to-be is to put family first - including his. Your friends may not be there forever, but your sister-in-law will be. So if you are pressured to choose a family member (even if you would rather not), bend. You will thank me later when she's not give you the look over Thanksgiving dinner table, still upset that you did not give her the honor of wearing the lavender dress or ask her to fluff your train. That is your first priority is your new family is something everyone will totally understand.

Be Upfront
   Once you've decided on your bridal party, ask each potential 'maid individually. Ask with kindness and respect. This will set the tone for the wedding planning to come, and serve as a preview to how the experience will play out for all of you. Clearly lay out the groundwork as you see it. A bridesmaid can't just show up one day and be in the wedding! Have all your information in place, so there will be no uncomfortable moments as the months unfold. Are you, my bride, paying for the bridemaids' attire? If not, what will your bridesmaids be expected to lay out for the fabulous dresses you have your eye on? What about hair and makeup services on the big day? If you're thinking about a bridal shower and/or bachelorette party, who in the party will be taking the lead in handling all the details and logistics - and what are the financial expectations?

Be Nice
   My grandmother always said, "Treat others the way you would like to be treated," - and that is precisely what you, dear bride, should be doing for your bridesmaids. Get off to a good start with a fun and festive dinner or spa get-together. Bridesmaids' gifts are always appreciated, especially when they are unique to each girl. Include your 'maids in planning details, but let them breathe. Okay, so maybe the tasting you just had wasn't quite up to snuff, or the flowers you had your heart set on are out of season. Go ahead and vent to your bridesmaids for a moment, then move on. They are members of your bridal party, and while they are a support system, they are not your indentured servants!

Universal Truths
   It should go without saying that you should look for bridesmaids dresses that flatter all body types, as opposed to look more at home on a runway. Take individual style into account, rather than insisting on a cookie-cutter approach to hair and makeup come wedding day. Finally, always remember that your girls are giving up a significant amount of time to be in your bridal party. So make it count in the best way possible.

New Bridal Trends

   This season's bridal gowns are reflecting new looks that one fashion writer termed "More Kate and less Kim". Many gowns are reflecting more traditional looks and a bit of classic charm.
   Gowns are showing more coverage. Not necessarily Kate Middleton's long sleeves, but cap sleeves are being shown along with illusion necklines for those brides who want more coverage than strapless gowns provide.
   Longer veils are back in vogue after being absent for a period. In a survey of brides 75% reported they plan to wear a veil with preferences for floor length or longer.
   Many brides are selecting plainer gowns with less "bling" and focusing on fabulous accessories like jewelry and expensive shoes. More and more brides are choosing colored shoes with blue and popular choice.
   Some brides are including "costume changes" in their selection of the wedding gown. One gown is chosen for the formal ceremony and either adaptations are made in that gown for the reception and dance or a second and more informal gown is worn for the reception.    We are also seeing bridesmaids in white thanks to Pippa. All white weddings have been appearing in areas, but more brides are choosing the mono theme for spring and summer.
   Brides continue to create a personalized wedding with signature color(s), monogrammed items, and motifs to set and reinforce the theme of the event.
   What is your view of your ideal wedding gown?

Some Planning Tips

   As one wedding planner put it, "Just because you have planned something, doesn't mean it is going to happen." Here are some tips from professional planners to help insure that everything works well at your wedding.

• Getting Ready. Of course you want to look your best on this big day. You may have booked a hair stylist for yourself and your bridesmaids. Maybe someone is doing makeup for all. In order for everything to flow, treat this as a salon appointment and require everyone to be on time for the appointments. Work with the stylists to establish a sensible timeline and insist that your wedding party be on time. A lot goes on before you walk down the aisle, and you don't need to add undue stress to the list.
• Photographs. Every couple wants the album of perfect pictures from the wedding. Check out several photographers and insist on seeing their work. Some specialize in formal shorts and others are masters of creative vignettes. Some do both. Make sure that everything goes smoothly by giving the photographer a list of the people you want to make sure tare included in your wedding album. Appoint a friend to run interference for the photographer and make sure that each of those persons is available for photos. The photographer should spend his/her time shooting pictures, not searching out the people you want in the photos.
• If you are planning a cocktail reception, make sure that the caterer has wait staff ready with trays of cocktails as the guests enter. For the first five to ten minutes staff should focus on getting beverages into guest's hands. Once that has been done, then they can start passing canapes. Stress the importance of this to the caterer. You don't want lines at the bar if you are having an open bar. Appoint someone as host/hostess at your reception and introduce them to the caterer before your event. They  an make sure that guest's are not standing in lines waiting.
• Order of Service. Think of your guests. If you have elderly relatives, make sure that they are served first. Unless you feel strongly about it, consider having the head table served last. That gives the couple a chance to chat with guests and socialize.
• Be aware of "down time". Weddings can lose energy after the food course. Guests are at different points in the meal. This can be a good time to introduce one or two toasts. But have the best man announce that toasts need to be kept to a minimum of 3 - 5 minutes.

   For many other helpful ideas to keep your party flowing nicely, stop in and talk with one of our experienced consultants.

Contemporary Traditional

   Do those two terms seem contradictory? At one time they may have, but more and more couples are looking for ways to place their personal stamp on their wedding plans. The term "unique" is heard more and more as brides search for ways to make their weddings memorable for them and their guests.
   Our consultants have lots of ideas on how to do just that, so do stop in to chat with them about ways to personalize your wedding ceremony and reception.

• Consider replacing the traditional bachelor or bachelorette party with a get together that combines both events. Consider a hike, beach party, bike ride, cook-out, softball game or evening out at a skating rink or bowling alley.
• Rather than hold the rehearsal dinner at a typical restaurant's party room, book an art museum, a university facility, a park or a historical building to serve as a special setting for your event.
• Supplement your florist's handiwork and create reception decor with native wild flowers, leaves, twigs, fruits and herbs from a local grower or farmer's market.
• Some brides have decided to let their bridesmaids select their own gowns based on a color scheme and degree of formality. This works well when you admire their taste in clothes. It is wise to set some guidelines - degree of coverage desired, tailored or fluffy, plain or elaborate, length etc. But within those parameters, maids can choose their own wearable outfits. Many bridal salons have several designers who can work to truly individualize a bridesmaid's gown within the "look " of the wedding.
• If you have a unique reception venue chosen, consider hiring a local chef you admire or a culinary school to put a special spin on your reception menu. Think about including family food traditions that may be important to both the bride and groom. If you can't afford a sit down dinner, there is nothing wrong with having a desert reception or a small plate limited cocktail reception and wedding cake.

Photographs and Memories

   On your wedding day you will know how celebrities feel. You will be photographed from every angle and in many settings. You will be the centerpiece of shots from your photographers as well as every family member who has ever clicked a shutter. To make sure that the pictures are perfect and what you want, take time to pre plan their role on your day.
   Consider these questions.

1. How much do you want to spend? Have a figure in mind, as you approach professional photographers. If you want the one with the most impressive portfolio or is considered the best in town, be prepared to pay accordingly. By the same token, don't settle for minimum shots on a low budget if photos and memories are important to you. Consider if you want to split the budget between still shots in an album or video - or both.
2. How do you want to remember your wedding? What is your preferred style of photographic memories? Are you fans of formal portraits and posed pictures or are you fans of more casual and candid shots? Do you want a nice mixture of both? Be sure you talk over these preferences with the photographer you've selected. Most photographers want to know about your shot preferences and will appreciate a list of those "must have" relative shots. More and more families are choosing to have family portraits taken that day since all are present and looking good.
3. Find out if the photographer you have chosen will have an assistant along that day to help attendants assemble for the group shots. It is always helpful to have another eye scanning the group for dress mishaps, dropping boutonnieres, crooked ties or smeared makeup. If you have a personal attendant, he or she might be able to provide that extra eye- providing the photographer knows who she is and there is an agreement on her role.

   Talk with our professional consultants about other creative ideas for capturing the memories that will last a lifetime.

Guest Tips

   Your college roommate is getting married in June. Your cousin is getting married in July. A co-worker is planning an August wedding. While the bridal couple may be knee deep in planning, guests have a role to play in helping the couple have a wonderful wedding. Guests are invited to provide public witness to the legal ceremony taking place and to help the newly wedded celebrate the importance of the steps they have taken. Marriage is a public statement indicating the new legal status of the couple.
   While there aren't many "rules" about what it means to be a wedding guest, there are some time honored expectations and one question - what should I wear to the wedding - is real. While our culture may seem more casual than in decades past, this is still an important event that one honors by dressing appropriately. Check the web page of the couple for clues to how formal the wedding is likely to be. Ask members of the bridal party if you know them. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

• Don't dress to stand out. Remember that the bride and groom are the stars of this production.
• Men should wear a tie (unless the wedding is at a beach somewhere).
• When in doubt, it is usually better to overdress rather than under dress.
• Avoid any low cut, tight and/or skimpy dress. Watch the sequins and the glitter.
• A black cocktail dress is OK, while white can be iffy. If one does choose white, it is necessary to make sure that it looks nothing like a wedding gown. Creamy white and simple style that is totally different from the gown is better.
• If the wedding is to be "informal" nailing down appropriate apparel can be touch. Ask around to get a feeling of what other guests are planning. Take a cue from where the ceremony is being held. If it is in a large cathedral that will tell you one thing. If it is in a party room at a horse ranch, you know that informal means something else. If you get no clue from the ceremony location, try the reception spot next. A country club cocktail reception will mean something quite different than a reception where beach volleyball will be the main entertainment.
• If the wedding is semi formal, it means that men should wear a suit and tie. At one time dark suits were indicated, but that is relaxed now and tan or khaki suits are OK. Women should wear a suit, a tailored dress or pant suit. She could add some "bling" but don't overdo it.
• If a wedding is clearly a formal affair, men should wear tuxedos and women should wear cocktail dresses - long or short.

   Whatever level of dress a guest decides upon, the other item to include is one's best manners. This is an important day in life of a couple and one honors them by behaving well. Wearing one's best behavior is always in style.

Using Technology

   Brides Who are used to communicating with electronic "tools" may be tempted to "do it all" with technology when they think of wedding planning. We caution our brides to take a careful look at the world of Eplanning. There simply are times when the bride needs to leave the keyboard or apps and do some of her planning face to face.
   The Internet will be a help in searching out reception sites that may fit one's budget, but a bride simply must check it out in person. She may be able to hear music played by a band she is considering, but nothing beats meeting the group in person.
   Cake makers can show photographs of some of their creations on line, but until you've tasted the actual product, how can you decide?
   Ordering your wedding gown or bridesmaid's dresses on line is also a bad idea. Sizing and quality can vary widely so you and your maids should try on your gown choices before making a purchase. to assure that gowns will be in on time, don't risk ordering from an online resource. Shop a reputable store that stands behind its merchandise.
   Before registering online for wedding gifts, we recommend that you meet with an expert sales associate at a major retailer. They have years of experience helping couples select registry items.
   Brides may be tempted to send "virtual invitations", but once again we caution brides against that. Use the Internet to enter pertinent information about your wedding but plan to send printed invitations. As one bride put it, "I may be old fashioned, but there is a touch of class I want associated with my wedding and an electronic invitation doesn't cut it."
   We advise our brides to be careful about disclosing information about their weddings on the social networks. Here we feel that "less is more". Certainly share the joy of the upcoming wedding but don't constantly post updates on the status of your plans. Don't go overboard posting photos. A select few are a nice touch. Too many will leave a bad impression.
   By all means use the Internet as an information resource to get ideas and lists of vendors to visit. But make the key decisions in person with family input as appropriate.

Bon Appetit!

From Bridal Guide Sept/Oct 2010


     You know the saying, "You are what you eat"? Well, when it comes to weddings, you are what you serve. We know you're hungry for fresh ideas, so we asked leading chefs and caterers for their big-day advice.

Choosing a Caterer
     As with any vendor, it's helpful wot get word-of-mouth recommendations. But just because your aunt loves a local caterer doesn't mean that person will suit your taste. It's all about finding a good partnership-someone who possesses the underlying qualities you're seeking, says Olivier Cheng, owner of Olivier Cheng Catering and Events in NYC. That could mean a chef who is service-driven, uses only organic foodstuffs or specializes in a certain type of cuisine. Peter Callahan of NYC's Callahan Catering agrees: "Everyone has things they are good at and like to do. You want a caterer who likes to do what you are looking for."

When and How
     Start your search six to nine months out. Many caterers post sample menus on their websites, which you can browse to get a sense of their culinary style. Reputable companies should offer a complimentary tasting. "If a caterer charges for a tasting, that to me would be a red flag," says Lisa Dupar of Lisa Dupar Catering in Seattle. "I compare it to test-driving a car. You want to get the feel of it before you spring for it."

Rules of the Table
     First and foremost, feature foods you love. "I always ask clients, 'What would your last meal on earth be?" says Rolando Mafnas, catering director at San Francisco's Betty Zlatchin Catering. "Not that we'll necessarily serve those exact things, but we can incorporate some of them into the event." Share your favorite cuisines and restaurants with your caterer as well as anything you strongly dislike. And consider a few general ground rules: Stay away from garlic, onion, heavy spices and stringy greens that stick in teeth, as well as thin fish or meats like veal that are difficult to cook for large numbers.

Budget Matters
     Brian Kiefer, a senior sales consultant at Chicago-based caterer Food for Thought, recommends setting a food and beverage budget in advance of the tasting, to help direct the chef. Also, be aware that businesses vary in how they quote pricing. Mafnas says, "A lot of companies start low on the spectrum and then - when you choose to work with them - tack on all the necessary items, so your budget spirals out of control." When comparing costs, be sure to ask what's included in an estimate. Does it cover labor (servers, bartenders), rentals (china, flatware, glasses, linens) and service charges (taxes, gratuities), or just the menu? Make sure your contract contains a detailed, line-itemed proposal.

Food and Service
     The next step is deciding on the food and its presentation.
    
     The Sit-Down Meal. This provides a focused dining experience. "Any item can be plated more artistically on an individual scale," notes Eric Fenster, co-founder of Back to Earth Organic Catering in San Francisco. "Everyone gets that piece of art in front of them." It also dictates a level of formality. "I recommend it for the bride and groom looking for a traditional fairytale wedding," says Mary Giuliani of NYC's Mary Giuliani Catering & Events. To reduce costs, don't offer a choice of entrees or ask for the selection in advance - taking an order at the table requires that the kitchen have 80% of each item available. And you really don't need more than two or three courses, according to Mafnas.
     Menu Suggestions: A sit-down dinner gives chefs the most freedom to experiment with complex cooking techniques and presentations. Cheng may start with a sweet pea and tarragon soup, followed by wild striped bass en papillote with fingerling potatoes and truffle butter, or a rack of lamb with sweet onion soubise. Callahan likes to serve crispy cod in a chervil sauce, with shaved asparagus and a carrot puree. Although restaurant-style sophistication is one approach, "You don't need caviar to be classy," says Giuliani. "I had a bride insist on serving tomato soup and grilled cheese for a first course and the guests loved it!" For another couple that met in New Orleans, she served po' boys with tasting-sized hurricanes, a popular local cocktail.

     The Buffet. These are best for partying crowds that might get restless confined to their chairs. But even so, consider plating the first course and setting the tables with china to eliminate those unappealing piles of plates beside the food display.
     Menu Suggestions: Callahan recommends offering beef, poultry and seafood items as main-course choices (his favorites are flat-iron steak, lemon chicken and lobster), along with some starches and veggies. Fenster points out that pastas and grain dishes (lasagna, risotto) are ideal for a buffet spread or shared sides.

     Stations. This means offering a mix of small plates, sometimes prepared by chefs on the spot. Stations allow for greater variety and customization - but this often comes at a higher price than the more budget-friendly buffet.
     Menu Suggestions: You could have a sushi chef prepare made-to-order rolls or offer a customized ceviche, dim sum, crepe or taco bar. Kiefer takes a cue from Spanish tapas creating highly composed small plates, such as braised cage-free chicken with cornmeal gnocchi or pork belly and radish chips over an Asian slaw.

     Family Style
     Menu Suggestions: Dupar recommends open-faced ravioli with fresh corn, sweet peas and smoked ricotta. Callahan likes short-rib burgers with zucchini frites, or shrimp, avocado and mango spring rolls with snow peas julienne: "We serve them on hip acrylic plates, so the food has a chic appetizer feel to it, while being big enough for dinner."

     The Cocktail Hour/Cocktail Party. Another trend is what Giuliani calls an "all-passed" wedding, which means that hors d'oeuvres are circulated on trays throughout the night. Of course, comfort foods are always crowd-pleasers. ("Everyone loves pigs-in-a-blanket," says Giuliani. "Don't fight it!") Cheng notes that "you can be a lot more eclectic with cocktail fare. A sit-down dinner has to have continuity, but with passed appetizers you can offer both hamachi tacos and croque-monsieurs." Dupar adds, "We can credit the Food Network for people letting go and having more fun with food. For hors d'oeuvres, I like Dungeness crab cakes with remoulade, and ricotta gnocchi with bolognese and shaved pecorino." Fenster suggests endive cups with strawberries, chevre and candied nuts; tartlets filled with squash, cheese and herbs; and seared risotto cakes. At Food for Thought, signature amuse-bouches include Brie and pear quesadillas with maple salsa, and lobster "push-ups" (mousseline in a sliding plastic vessel like the popsicles with the same  name). Callahan Catering offers inventive creations, such as their "beef and beer": steak carpaccio paired with mini mugs of Guinness. For formal fetes, Mafnas gives mini foods an upscale twist - think tater tots stuffed with fontina and wrapped in prosciutto. If the party goes into the wee hours, Giuliani recommends passing bite-sized breakfast items, like mini bagels with scrambled eggs and mini pancakes.

 Region and Season
     Because fresh ingredients always taste best, many caterers get inspired by the wedding locale and encourage regional specialties (wild salmon in the Pacific Northwest; steak in Texas). But remember that while a fish and vegetarian option would suit a crowd from either coast, beef is a safer bet for Midwesterners. Above all, experts advise going with what's seasonal. "No chocolate-dipped strawberries in December!" says Dupar.

     Fall and Winter. Go for rich dishes like braised peach chutney beef short ribs or rosemary chicken with squash; for vegetarians, consider a mascarpone polenta or veggie paella.

     Spring and Summer. Dupar suggests serving Alaskan halibut on coconut cilantro rice with watermelon salsa. Cheng says, "In summer go for color, like gazpacho with avocado salad." For a July reception, Kiefer developed a chilled menu: cold morel mushroom ravioli with tomato salad, a chilled tenderloin entree, and a trio of refreshing desserts.

Delicious Drinks
     Sparkling cocktails set a celebratory tone, and adding seasonal fruits - like peach or pomegranate - shakes up a classic champagne royale. Or consider a specialty spirit station, like a margarita or bourbon bar. For signature drinks, artisanal mixers (juices freshly pressed or pureed on the premises) are hot, as are vintage concoctions. "We're seeing a swing back to the Fifties and Sixties - Manhattans and Rob Roys - maybe from the Mad Men series," says Kiefer. Giuliani suggests an "all-white bar," with prosecco, pinot grigio and a vodka cocktail. "It's chic and saves money," she says.

     Desserts and Alternatives. An ice-cream truck, a make-your-own macaroon bar or a camp-style  s'mores pit adds an element of surprise without undermining the wedding cake. "It's a conversation piece," says Amy Atlas, a NYC event designer known for her elaborate tables of treats. Some couples have a dessert reception featuring a never-ending stream of sweets. If you're more into pancakes than cupcakes, a brunch reception might be up your alley. Whatever you do, just be sure it suits your taste!
    

Choosing Your Hues

Taken from Bridal Guide Sept/Oct 2010


     Ever since you announced your engagement, you've probably been repeatedly asked this question: "What is your color scheme?" It is important, and it's also one of the first questions I ask when I meet a bride. Color is actually an extension of you, as a bride, and the hues you choose will affect everything - from the ink and paper choices of your invitations to your bridesmaids' dresses to your bouquets and floral centerpieces to your tablecloths, your specialty cocktails and even your favors. and oh, yes, the cake!
     OMG! This is a huge decision. So let's step back a minute and think about color in everyday life. Color can create a mood and affect the energy of a space. When you paint a room in your home the choice of color will evoke a feeling. Yellow is happy and exciting, and it makes me think of the morning sun, so I love it for a kitchen. Red is associated with passion and adventure, while blue is calming and peaceful. In my home everything is splashed with color - from a red kitchen to a purple bedroom, and everything in between. for some people that may be too much, but for me different colors create different experiences - and isn't that what life is all about?
     So color is a very personal choice, but when I ask brides about their color schemes, most tell me that they want all white or shades of pink. Now these are safe, but less daring than I'd like. My advice is, add personality - your personality - by choosing a splash of color. Together, consider your favorite colors as well as your season and style. What do certain colors mean to each of you? (The pink of the peonies in your mom's spring garden? The blue of the summer sky at the beach?) Now purchase inexpensive paints, brushes and paper and start splattering, Be a little crazy, a little Jackson Pollack! Or pick up paint chips at your local home improvement store, and play with different combinations. You might be surprised by what you both like.

Shades of the Seasons
     I try to avoid color schemes that are too predictable. For example, a fall wedding that's orange and brown makes me think of Halloween and pumpkins. "Harvest" colors are too cliched; you don't want your wedding to be too "themey." Instead, consider taupe or burgundy with cooper and a hint of lavender. Fall is perfect for being fashion forward with unique colors.
     Spring: Spring colors are usually all about pastels, but change it up a bit by adding deep splashes of plum or coral.
     Summer: Go for bold yellows, purples, reds and blues. Or select different shades of a color: Coral, salmon and a deep burnt orange would be stunning.
     Winter: All-white is gorgeous, but add a splash of lavender for warmth. Or go for a metallic, like pewter, silver, copper, bronze or gold, for depth and richness.

     Your wedding is a blank canvas just waiting for you to paint it in your special colors. Have fun creating a masterpiece!

     David Tutera's Rule of Thumb: Color is fabulous, but don't overdo it. For an elegant, stylish look, choose no more than three or four hues. After all, it's your wedding - not a circus!

Spring Fling

Taken from Bridal Guide March/April 2011


     We all get so overwhelmed with our frantic lives: rushing to school, to work, to meetings and trying to see family and friends. There's never enough time for everything. And now that you're engaged (congratulations), you somehow have to find time to plan a wedding! Yes, it's a lot - how will you do it? First, try something that I have learned to do: Stop and breathe. And when you do that, smell the roses!
     And speaking of roses, all you brides planning a springtime wedding are so lucky, because it truly is the season when you can stop and breathe and smell the flowers all day long. Spring reminds me of everything coming to life, the arrival of Easter (not to mention my own April birthday). Flowers are where it all began for me. As a child, I worked in my grandfather's flower shop, and from the very beginning I was mesmerized. My Pop-Pop taught me the names of the flowers, how to prep them, how to purchase and design them and later how to do weddings. So flowers remind me of my grandfather, which always brings me joy, and I love to see how flowers bring so much joy to brides.

Your Paper Trail. For your invitations and other printed materials, choose springtime hues. Whether you're planning a garden fete or an indoor loft reception, consider using ribbons and floral design accents in your invites.

Your Fashion Look. If you love drama, you can choose a ballgown accented with a floral motif; if understated is more your style. consider a gown with a floral design woven into the bodice trim and hem, or perhaps one with florets that start at the sweetheart neckline and are then scattered all the way down to the hem. For spring I love to see bridesmaids in long, flowering chiffon gowns in wonderful colors, like deep orange embellished with coral; golden yellow accented in buttercup; and vibrant raspberry tinted with blush pink. The trend now is bold floral hues instead of the predictable pastel tones, allowing your attendants to pop with color!

Your Menu. Start with a garden salad that looks and tastes like a burst of springtime, and garnish with colorful pansies. Choose a light entree, like halibut encrusted with Parmesan cheese served with spring vegetables, or a poultry dish served with a bundle of greens and drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette.

Your Design. The first explosions of flowering branches - yellow forsythia and cherry blossom - always make me smile. Flowering dogwood, quince, apple and pear branches all create drama or a romantic garden feeling. Hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, irises, peonies, ranunculus and sweetpeas are wonderful choices too. Have each bridesmaid carry a single flower - an orange tulip, a coral ranunculus, a yellow daffodil - to create a living painting of an array of garden blooms. And the bride's bouquet? A collection of every flower from her garden of bridesmaids - but all in white.

Your Cake. Consider a fondant-covered confection with blooms to match the flowering branches on your tables. Or how about tiny fondant baskets filled with sugar flowers that are served to guests just as you and your husband cut the wedding cake? Then everyone shares that moment - and feels as if they, too, can stop and smell the flowers.

     For all my girls planning their wedding day, or just dreaming of their special day, remember that life is a gift, and that taking a few moments every day to stop, sniff and breathe can make you appreciate how very sweet it is!

Say No To Photo Mistakes

Taken from Brides September 2010


Brides were recently polled to find out what photo pitfalls plagued them the most. Here are some tips to help you prevent the same problems.

Problem: Even with a shot list, the photographer didn't take a single photo of the bride's beloved Nana.
Prevention: Assign a good pal or bridesmaid who knows your family members to work with the photographer on the wedding day, shot list in hand, pointing out the key people and rounding them up for photos.

Problem: The "getting ready" Photos in the bride's bedroom appeared on the shooter's blog.
Prevention: Read the contract's fine print before signing. While the photographer most likely owns the copyright to your photos, make sure he doesn't have the right to publish, post, or share them without your okay.

Problem: The photo session went on so long, the bride and groom ended up missing half the reception.
Prevention: Work out a schedule for posed shots, the bulk of which should be taken before the ceremony. Bonus: Your hair and makeup will look extra-fresh!

Problem: The photographer missed some major moments, like the best man's toast and the first dance.
Prevention: Before you book anyone, ask to see examples of entire weddings he's shot, from arrival at the bride's house to reception's end. Just seeing selected pix from many events - similar to a highlight reel - won't give you a sense of how thorough he is.

Problem: The photographer's "creative" poses - the groom giving a piggyback ride to the bride or pretending to throw her into the pool - made the couple feel silly and look ridiculous.
Prevention: Hire a pro whose personality, artistic style and sample books you like. Also, before signing a contract, ask for referrals (couples whose wedding he recently photographed), and specifically ask them what he's like to work with. Go over a shot list (whom and what you want captured) with the photographer a few weeks before the wedding.

Problem: The photographer had another guy sub for him - and the album looked as if the ring bearer shot it.
Prevention: When you book through a studio that has multiple photographers, make sure your contract stipulates that the lensman you're hiring is the same one whose portfolio you loved, not the less-experienced apprentice you've never met.

5 Must-Shoot Moments:

• When dad sees you in your dress for the first time.
• The groom's reaction as he watches you walking down the aisle toward him.
• Kids being kids: dancing freestyle, sleeping on chairs, hiding under tables. 
• The two of you moments after the ceremony, exuding pure happiness.
• The little details - flowers, place cards, programs, favors, table settings - that define the wedding and make it all yours.

Additional link to help you find the perfect photographer.

http://www.pictage.com/planning-guides/one-of-the-most-important-factors-in-choosing-your-wedding-photographer/

What's Hot in 2011...Fabulous Food

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011


     It's all about going local. According to Elizabeth Claire of WhoaNelly! Catering, "More people are getting excited and educated about food, and they're proud to say to guests that the food the serve is fresh from local markets." The right food at the right season is a must. In winter, Elizabeth loves braised short ribs and braised leeks. In spring, she'll pair a vegetable ragu with asparagus, and English peas with gorgeous spring lamb. Summer is the time to embrace grilling, or to select fish to pair with the fabulous veggies available. and fall is harvest time: perfect for roast pork with apple compote.
     Try a twist on a market menu. "I do a farmer's market-style cocktail party," says Sasha, "where guests can graze on the local, seasonal and fresh ingredients of the area."
     2011 will get whimsical with hors d'oeuvres. WhoaNelly! likes to offer shot glasses of Bloody Marys, with a grilled shrimp and cucumber wedge balanced on the side. "You can dip the shrimp into the Bloody Mary." Another adorable idea is mini bagel chips stacked with house-smoked salmon and mascarpone.
     Go retro with your late-night treats. "We're doing mojito push-up pops," says Olivier Cheng of Olivier Cheng Catering and Events. "When it comes to dessert you can have a little more fun with your choices."
     Sweets get sophisticated. While Mason jars of skittles and M&Ms are over, Elizabeth loves the idea of tray-passing handmade chocolates, such as caramels dipped in chocolate and sea salt, chocolate berry truffles, fudge dusted with sugar crystals or even mini chocolate bars from local candy companies. "It's a nice surprise, and such a sweet way to finish the night."

So What's Out This Year? "I'm over the whole cooking station thing," Elizabeth says. "You have people wandering around and balancing dishes, and there's no time spent at the table together to get acquainted or to catch up." Guests can't pay attention to the food, either, when they aren't seated. "And that defeats the whole purpose of a fabulous menu!" she notes. Olivier's pick for the trend that's had it's day is the over-the-top caviar bar. "People want luxury, but nothing so showy," he explains.

What's Hot in 2011 - Drink Up!

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011

     The latest cocktail? The pisco sour. "It hit first in San Francisco and it's been catching on all over the place," says Elizabeth Claire of WhoaNelly! Catering in Los Angeles. This year's pick for wine? Rose, says Olivier Cheng of Olivier Cheng Catering and Events in New York City.
     Clink glasses in style with champagne saucers rather than flutes. "They're really cute," Tara says. "You can even do a pyramid of them - that old-school look is so back."
     If you like straight-up, you're in luck. Small-batch distilleries are going to be huge. "Say the couple is from Texas, you could do a tasting of small-batch vodkas from Tito's or Dripping Springs," says Tara. "Or you could do a bourbon-versus-scotch tasting. Or just pick one small-batch liquor that's really special to the couple."

Definite dont's? According to Tara: "Don't arrange platters of food on top of the bar as in a buffet. And don't have red plastic straws at the bar - they're small, but they will ruin your color scheme! Clear acrylic stirrers are so much better." Olivier has his own take on what's out. "Martini bars at weddings are definitely done and finished.

What's Hot in 2011 - How Inviting

Taken from Bridal Guide January/February 2011

In or out? Melinda Morris of Lion in the Sun, a Brooklyn, NY, paperie, has the lowdown on invitations.

• Out! Big ribbons or bows. Poufy invites have had their day.
• In! Luxurious textured papers, such as ultra-thick cotton sheets, natural rice or bamboo papers, and anything with a deckled edge. the paper surprise of the year? Wood veneers mounted on paper for the ultimate rustic look.
• Out! Magnets. They're clichéd and they're expensive.
• In! Calligraphy, and not just for the envelope. Invitations will be hand-lettered, and even slightly splattered. Invitations should look personal, almost as if you took the time to write each one yourself. 
• Out! Satin and silk moray. Instead, envelopes, the back of your invites and even bellybands get a pop of pattern. Choose two different patterns and mix them up: dotted swiss and plaid, anyone?
• In! Letterpress and laser printing. The bold color you can get from offset printing is still strong, but thermography - while always a staple - won't be used much this year.

Personalize! Melinda's pick for the top look in invitations for 2011 are hand-drawn illustrations and watercolors. Whether it's a constellation of small images that tell the story of how you met or one gorgeous illustration that captures the feeling of your day, the most coveted invitations will feature artwork created just for you. One of Melinda's favorites is an image of an elephant walking across the Brooklyn Bridge - created especially for the wedding of an Indian bride.