Wedding Diva's Blog

FREE WEDDIING OPPORTUNITY

2008-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

If you would like to get married, but cannot afford the wedding of your dreams....Register to win a free wedding with The Nuptial Network of Greater Rochester and WARM 101.3.

Visit the WARM 101.3 website at http://www.warm1013.com and tell us why you deserve a free wedding.

The wedding will be held on Sunday March 29, 2009 and both the ceremony and reception will be held at the RIT Inn and Conference Center.

You must be willing to have the WARM 101.3 listeners select everything for you from your dress to flowers and everything in between.

You also must use all of the participating vendors from the Nuptial Network of Greater Rochester.

There will be no substitutions, additions or exceptions made.

We would love to hear your story!

BRIDAL SHOWS

2008-12-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BRIDAL SHOW SEASON!!

If you are planning a 2009/2010 wedding and are not planning on hiring a planner, you may want to think about attending a couple of bridal shows.

I don't suggest going to more than 2 or 3 shows or you may become confused and also they get to be very repetitious at that point.

Below are some tips to make the most of each show you attend.

Many vendors will offer a special discount, as a show special, but don't let that intimidate you...take your time and make sure this is the vendor that you want. If you decide to book a service at the show to take advantage of any specials, make sure the vendor provides you with a contract. Take a few minutes to read the contract and understand it before you sign and pay a deposit. Some vendors will allow you to take the contract home to show your fiance or parents and will still let you take advantage of the discounted price if you book within 24 hours...SO ASK QUESTIONS!
Bring self addressed labels, this will speed up the process of registering at each booth.
Bring your appointment book/pda to make appointments.
Bring a camera to take pictures of vendors or ideas you like.
Collect information from all vendors to read over when you get home and are relaxed.
Bring Cash, some shows offer a cash bar or snacks at your own expense.

Also, if you win a prize, make sure you discuss exactly what you have won with the vendor and ask for something in writing as to the terms of that prize...ie...a percentage off a service, etc.

CONGRATULATIONS

2008-12-28T11:08:00.001-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS.......TO EVERYONE WHO BECAME ENGAGED OVER THE HOLIDAY'S!

First of all....enjoy the next couple of days.....once you have chosen a date...DON'T GET OVERWHELMED...stay focused...and STAY ON TRACK!

Over the next few weeks, I will be giving you information to get started.
Once you have set a date....the first thing you should do is answer these three questions:

1. Where would you like your ceremony and reception. If the answer to this question is "I DON'T KNOW" ...that s okay...we can come back to this.

2. How many people are you inviting? You can't choose a reception site until you have determined how many people you will be accommodating.

3. How much money do you have to spend. Whether you have a $10,000,00 or $100,000.00 to spend, you must start with a budget or you will get very confused.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a Safe and Happy Holiday!!!!!!!

Christmas

2008-12-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

Every year starting around Thanksgiving, you take your life in your own hands going to the grocery store or mall. Everyone is miserable and just plain rude!!

Everyone complains about all of the preparations for the Holiday Season and seem to resent it!!

This year with the economy being what it is, it seems worse! I have to admit, sometimes I fall into this category, I think at one time or another we all get caught up in the negativity of the holiday rather than focusing on the positive.

I think we all seem to loose the true meaning of Christmas. It is not about how much money you spend or how many presents you buy, it is a time to focus on your spirituality and your family. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Start special traditions that will be meaningful to you and your family. Create memories that will last a lifetime. Plan a very special Christmas dinner and don't complain about it.

The next time you run into one of these "grumpy, negative" people in the mall ..... smile and wish them a Merry Christmas. They may not respond or smile....but you will!!!

PLANNING A BACHELORETTE PARTY

2008-12-09T09:51:00.000-08:00

When most people think of a "Bachelorette Party" they think of bar hopping, drinking and strip clubs!

More and more women are getting married at an older age, and they are not comfortable with bar hopping!

If the bride isn't all that thrilled about going out drinking there are other fun bachelorette party ideas.

Many beauty salons and day spas are now offering bachelorette parties---you book a room for the entire party, and each guest gets a manicure or pedicure. Often the spa will throw in drinks and munchies or will allow you to bring in your own, which will cost you less. Check with your local salons and day spas for prices and "party specials."

Join forces with the "groomsmen" to combine the bachelor and bachelorette parties. A wine tour is always a fun alternative. Rent a limo, stock it with munchies and hit your favorite trail!

Usually each person involved pays for themselves and everyone "kicks" in for the bride.

The point of the party is to give the bride a fun "send off" into married life......make sure whatever you plan is something she will enjoy and always remember!!!!

YOUR WEDDING REHEARSAL

2008-11-19T17:35:00.001-08:00

A wedding rehearsal is really not a rehearsal.........It is only a "walk-through" of what will happen during the ceremony.

It is not like a Broadway play or Hollywood movie, where everyone has to practice all their singing, dancing, acting, and stunt parts together.

If you have readers or musicians, they do not need to take up everyone's time by practicing at the rehearsal. If your readers feel they would like to practice, they should arrive a little early to practice their reading.

Most rehearsals take about 30 minutes or less. It should not take longer than the actual ceremony.
All your bridal party needs to know is when to walk in, where to stand (or sit), and when to walk out.

The purpose is to show people where they fit in so they will hopefully feel a little less stressed about their roles in the actual ceremony.

I really feel that a simple rehearsal or "Walk-Trough" is very important to put everyone's mind at ease and to make the parties involved feel a little more calm and confident.

ADD SOME SWEETS

2008-11-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

Every wedding, I see so much cake wasted!! Some people just do not like cake! (Wish I was one of them...ha ha)!

I always suggest to my clients to order cake for less people (example: 200 guests, cake should serve 130 people) and then order pastries and/or cookies. Guests like to have the choice and it always looks great on the table along with an elaborate coffee/tea station...whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, chocolate shavings, etc.

Serving the cake as a dessert at each place setting just does not work! It takes 45 minutes to an hour for the cake to be cut, plated and served. By that time your guests are up dancing, visiting or getting a drink at the bar. Sometimes they never return to their table and never see the cake. It always works much better when the cake is displayed on a station.

I AM BAAAAAACK!

2008-11-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

We had a Spectacular vacation!!!! 12 days of PARADISE!!!! We swam with Sea Lions in the Dominican Republic, snorkeled with big blue parrot fish in Aruba and saw giant star fish, sea turtles and Manatees in Curacao and had a GREAT time at Margahritaville in Cozumel!!! (We are both big PARROT-HEADS!!!! I have every Jimmy Buffet song on my I-pod)!

We saw unbelievable sunsets that actually gave you chills!!! It was one of the best vacations I can remember!! We also got a lot of rest and met some wonderful people! The weather was in the 90's most days...we did sail through a tropical depression and it rained 2 days, but it didn't matter because we were on a beautiful ship in the middle of the Caribbean Sea!

It is always nice to come home, but reality hit when we hit got off the plane Sunday night to 38 degree temperatures!! ha ha I was ready to turn around and go back!!!!

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite pictures!!!

ESCAPING TO PARADISE!!!

2008-10-26T06:32:00.001-07:00

This was the view from our balcony on our January, 2008 trip....(Puerto Rico)

I will not be posting for awhile....I am leaving tomorrow for a 12 day Caribbean Cruise. Needless to say I CANNOT WAIT!!

This will be our 13th cruise!! Our first cruise was in 2000 and we became totally addicted!!! Cruises are such EASY vacations, it is all paid before you go, everything is done for you.........the food is great and the entertainment is always Top Notch.

We are leaving from NYC and visiting 5 islands......Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaco,Belize and Roaton, Honduras. This is a repositioning cruise....we leave from NYC and end up in Miami.

The one thing I am looking forward to the most is our shore excursion in the Dominican Republic......we are going to swim with the Sea Lions!!!!!! You all know how much I love animals...This is going to be the highlight of our trip!

It has been a very busy wedding season, so the rest is very welcomed! :) My husband will not let me take my lap top.....which is probably a good thing!!!!! :)

I will be back on November 9th....I will post pictures and give you all of the glorious details! LOL

PLACE CARDS

2008-10-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

Place cards are usually on tented cards and displayed in a row....maybe with some rose petals around them..HOW BORING!!! Ha Ha

I encourage my clients to get creative....the place card table is usually the first thing guests see.

Pictured above are some ideas......below are some things to think about when you are thinking of place card ides.

1. Make sure your place cards are in alphabetical order not in table order...this will make it easier for your guests to find their card.

2. Use an easy to read font when printing your cards...if you are hand writing them, make sure they are legible.

3. display your cards in a manner that will enhance the general "look" of your reception.

4. Be creative....

There are lots of websites that will give you ideas... a site I recommend often is: http://www.beau-coup.com/placecardholders.htm

THE PUMPKIN PATCH

2008-10-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to my daughter and
son-in-laws house for breakfast. We walked in to the wonderful aroma of pancakes, sausage and fresh coffee.....however.....there were no babies running to the door excited to see us.......I guess those days are long gone!! My oldest grandson Ryan (17) was at his girlfriend's house for breakfast with her family, the middle one...Joel....(15) was off to a Bills game with a bunch of his friends. He was picked up in hummer limo...no competition for his grandparents!! The youngest one Matt...(13) was home.....but he was very engrossed in video games! :)

After breakfast, I was able to convince Matt to come with me to Powers Farm market to go through the teepees and buy cider and doughnuts....Steve, (my husband) was going to stay at our daughter's to watch football..so....Matt and I also planned to go to a movie!!

On the way to the "Pumpkin Patch" we listened to music and talked. I realized that my babies were all young men now, and I had to enjoy them in a different way!

When the kids were little our "grandma" days were a weekly event......now they don't occur as often ..... but they are even more special!!

OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

2008-10-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

More and more the trend is leaning towards outdoor ceremonies . (I had 6 this summer!!)

They are casual, relaxed and there is nothing more beautiful if it is a warm sunny day with a cool breeze!!

WHAT IF IT RAINS ????? WHAT IF IT IS HOT AND STICKY ????? DO YOU HAVE A PLAN B ?????

Below are some tips for you to follow to help make your outdoor ceremony everything you dreamed it would be.

SELECTING THE TIME: You should consider the month of your wedding when selecting the time for your ceremony.

~SPRING OR FALL: Spring or fall: The middle of the afternoon is a good choice when
the sun is the warmest.
~ SUMMER: Late afternoon or early evening works best when the sun is beginning to set
and not blazing on your guests.

PLAN B: Weather can be VERY unpredictable, you never know when a thunderstorm or windstorm may blow in. Make sure there is an inside location available a your site that you can use in case of bad weather. If thee is not, you should rent a tent

What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case.

Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be moved to the back of the room during the ceremony.

A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won't flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides.

MAKE YOUR GUESTS COMFORTABLE: Take a few steps to ensure your guests comfort at an outdoor ceremony:
~ Have large tubs of ice water available as your guests arrive or have your usher hand out bottled water as they seat your guests.
~ Print your programs on fans.
~ Check the weather report the week of the wedding and if the forecast is HOT, rent some fans!
~ If you are not having a tent, have a basket of sunscreen available. Some guests may not realize that they will be out in the sun and not be prepared.

PREPARE FOR THE WIND: Not only do you have to think of the rain and the blazing sun, DON'T FORGET THE WIND!!!

If you are having a unity ceremony, consider a sand ceremony or wine ceremony instead of the traditional Lighting of the Unity Candle. If you must have a candle, make sure you have it in glass, but even then, remember you have to light a match or torch to light the candle and that may be difficult.

Tell your hairstylist that you'll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style accordingly..

SOUND SYSTEM: Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

DECORATIONS: One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you. Work with that, not against it.

If you have an idea in your mind for decorations, make sure you select a site that will support your ideas.

Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mown, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the groomsmen to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it's been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows.

MUSICIANS: Strings or a harp are great instruments of an outdoor wedding, but remember, Instruments do not like the hot sun…make sure there is a shady spot under a big tree or arrange for a canopy for the musicians to sit under.

DON’T INVITE PESTS: Ask the management of your ceremony site if they spray for pests. If they don’t, be sure to provide citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won't spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

PERMITS: Don't forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.

LINENS

2008-10-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Linens shown here are by Table Toppers Of Rochester, Village Gate

When client's ask me what color linens their reception site offers I always say "stained" white or "stained ivory." :)

Linens in different colors and textures enhance the look of your reception. Get creative by choosing one linen for your guest tables and something a little different for the cake table.....As long as everything blends and complements each other you can even use a third linen for your place card, gift tables and cocktail tables.

They may cost a little more.....but they are well worth the money!

A UNIQUE ADDITION TO YOUR CAKE/PASTRY STATION

2008-10-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Add a unique touch to your cake, pastries and coffee station....chocolate shot glasses filled with Bailey's Irish Creme.

If you are in the Greater Rochester area, the Chocolate Shot Glasses are available at Encore Chocolates in Irondequoit. If you are from another area, try a specialty Chocolate Shop in your area.

The only problem with offering these are that you can't refill the tray fast enough!!!! THEY ARE ALWAYS A HUGE HIT!!!!

Fall Wedding Ideas

2008-10-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

(right) Floral Ring Bearer Pillows by Edgerton Floral Co, Park Ave.

(below) Fall inspired cake by Gourmet Goodies,Victor

(below, right) Apple Favors

(below, left): Pumpkin Centerpieces by Edgerton Floral Co,

Today's Wedding of Sue Yi and Chris Hunter was held at Shadow Lake's Tent. Being that it is the middle of October, I was quite concerned about the weather.

We were all very grateful when we woke up to a glorious day...72 degrees and bright sunshine....It was almost HOT during their ceremony on the pier.

Sue and Chris's wedding was full of great fall ideas I wanted to share with future fall brides!

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HOTEL BLOCK

2008-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Once you have set up your room blocks at hotels, make sure you keep track of your blocks by calling periodically and asking how many rooms have been reserved.

Ask the hotel representative to email or fax your guest room list so you will be able to make sure that all of your guests who need a room gets one.

Most hotels will only let you hold 10 rooms at a time. By keeping track, you will be able to add more rooms if they are available.

It is always good to advise your out of town guests to book as early as they possibly can so you will be able to manage the block more effectively.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT

2008-10-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my daughter told me about A "ritual" on my grandsons football team. (They both play on the varsity team at W. Irondequoit High School)!

The night before each game they have a pasta dinner at the school cafeteria.
All of the parents take turns bringing in food ..... I am still not quite sure how it all happened....but guess who signed up to provide pasta for this week's dinner?

So I woke up this morning and immediately started on my project. (I was really looking forward to this...why..I still am not sure!) I worked at home so I could let my sauce simmer to perfection.

I loaded my car with 5 pounds of pasta, 125 meatballs, sausage, pepperoni, and Italian bread!!! I had no idea what to expect when I arrived!

There were 5 or 6 moms hovering Around buttering bread and mixing
salad....I walked in with all of my food.....and started to help set up.

One by one the boys started filtering in from their practice and sat down at the several tables in the cafeteria....they were surprisingly quiet and patiently waited for their table to be called.

My two grandsons hugged and kissed me, thanked me for being there and told me they loved me in front of their friends...the first shocker....then their friends (whom) I've met several times hugged me....the NEXT SHOCK!!! The biggest surprise was when I realized these kids were all respectful young men....I also realized that my grandsons were 2 of those men.

I HAD SOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!! I have always said I am not a COOKIE BAKING GRANDMA... So I think I shocked myself!!! I left the dinner and stopped in at my youngest grandson's volleyball game....I felt grateful and blessed that I had spent the day making spaghetti!!!

Top: Joel 15, Matt 13, Ryan 17

Middle: Ryan #11 Wide Receiver and Safety

Bottom: Joel #5 Quarterback

Directions to your Reception

2008-09-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

I am often asked what information should be included in a wedding program.

In addition to the "traditional" information such as order of ceremony, music, attendants names, etc., I always suggest including directions to your reception on the back of the program.

You would be surprised the number of people that end up calling your reception venue stating they are "lost" and need directions!

People leave their homes thinking they know where a certain venue is to find out they really don't.

If you have decided not to have programs, print out a direction sheet to have available as your guests leave the ceremony.

JENNIFER AND DAVID

2008-09-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

This week's wedding was Flawless! I worked with David and Jennifer for over a year on every detail.

Their wedding reflected their personalities to a T!!!!

They are very "OUTDOORSY" and met running! When David proposed to Jennifer he asked her if she would be his running partner for life!

They are now on their honeymoon in Montana, horse back riding and hiking the beautiful trails.

I will miss seeing their smiling faces every month!

Congratulations Jennifer and David!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF YOUR LOVED ONES

2008-09-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

Whenever we plan any special events in our life, especially a wedding, our thoughts turn towards our loved ones who are no longer with us.

There are several ways that you can honor your loved ones at your event that will give you and your family comfort knowing that theses special people are with you in spirit.

1. List their names and display in frames . Pictured above there were several family members and friends being remembered. Three smaller frames were used to display the names, and a larger frame was used to simply say. "In Loving Memory , You are with us in spirit as we celebrate our special day." Candles and simple flowers were used to highlight the table. This table was place in the back of the church so guests could see it as they enter.

2. If you are having a smaller wedding, 100 people or less, have a table set up in the back of the church with as many votive candles as guests, with instructions that each guest should light a candle in memory of a loved one that they lost. (You may need 2 tables, one on each side of the door as guests enter). A Groomsman or a special friend could be asked to stand by the table instructing guests.

3. Place a white rose on the seat where your family member or friend would be sitting.

4. You can simple have a sentence or two in your program remembering those who could not be present.

This is a very sentimental, emotional subject, and should be handled with sensitivity and respect.

Change in Seasons

2008-09-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

The view at RYC in the Winter!

As I was driving home from work today, the sun was shining and the leaves were so colorful......It was a truly glorious day....then...I realized......WINTER IS NOT FAR.....I FELT SICK!! ha ha

It was almost like an OMEN...when I came home and turned on the news there was a segment on the winter salt supply!!!! YUCK!!!

SNOW, ICE, WIND, COLD......The thought of it makes me sick! Then I started to think of all of the people who no longer have homes due to Katrina, Rita, Gustave and Ike.....and started liking snow much better!!!

I started seeing the glass half full instead of half empty and realized that winter isn't really that bad!! Even though there are days that it's not safe to drive around...we always have food, water and a place to go where it is warm, dry and SAFE!

I am privileged to live on the lake.......I call my house my "BOX ON THE LAKE!" It is a little beach house.....very close to my very favorite place THE ROCHESTER YACHT CLUB...The reason it is my favorite place is simple.......It is pictured above! THE VIEW!!

TOP LAYER OF YOUR WEDDING CAKE

2008-09-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

The tradition of eating the top of your cake on your first year anniversary has been around for a long time!

I have nothing against tradition, however, have you ever tasted a cake after it has been frozen for a year??ha ha

Start a new tradition.....Cut the top layer of your wedding cake into 12 slices and share a piece of cake to celebrate your anniversary each month for your first year of marriage.

Your last slice won't taste as good as your first..but it is a fun way to celebrate each month!

Cake by Gourmet Goodies, Victor, NY

MATCHING COLORS

2008-09-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Have you found a color you love for your bridesmaids dresses? Are you having a hard time deciding on an accent color?

If you are having problems coordinating colors.....go to your local paint store!!!

Paint samples will give you a visual of what color flowers will look great with the color dresses you have chosen for your bridesmaids dresses.

Some paint stores will let you borrow or purchase color wheels like the one pictured above.

Stores like Walmart and Home Depot have their paint samples available on either individual cards or on cards of 3 colors. They are free and you can take as many as you would like.

When you see colors next to each other, you will be more creative and realize more colors go together than you may have originally thought!

OUT OF TOWN GIFT BAGS

2008-09-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

lined baskets from Overstock.com

Personalized boxes from bridestuff.com

Personalized bags from Hubpages.com

Guests that travel a distance to attend your wedding incur added expenses, so a small gift of gratitude is always appreciated.

Gift baskets/bags/boxes are always a good idea. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you would like. If you need to make a lot of bags you may want to choose simpler, inexpensive items or those which can be purchased in bulk, however, you can still be very creative in the packaging. If you only have a few to make, you can get more elaborate. I have compiled a list of possible items.

REMEMBER: While you are creating your list, keep your budget, number of out of town guests, and wedding theme in mind.

Bottled water
Bottled juice
Homemade cookies
Hot chocolate packets
Mini-marshmallows
Wine/wine glasses
Hard candy
Chocolate/truffles
Candles/matches
Schedule of wedding events
Map of the city
Post cards
Activity map of city
Cheese/crackers/knife
Travel-size toiletries
Pretty soaps
Snacks
Restaurant ideas/directions
Playing cards