Behind the Scenes- Taste of Excellence

Food is a HUGE part of the wedding day and finding good food that fits your taste, style and budget is important and difficult.  The best thing you can do is use a referral from a planner, family or friend. While reviews are helpful, people have very different taste and different expectations of food so you really should taste food from any company that you work with for your event.  Also, never be afraid to ask for changes to the menu if you prefer different flavors or portion sizes.  Taste of Excellence has had a consistent presence in the market place for years and they staff some of my VERY favorite people.  I really love working with them and thankfully they were kind enough to be interviewed for the blog.  

Let me introduce my FAVORITE of favorites with Taste Of Excellence- Taylor Amsden-Winter

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: The amount of time and manpower it takes to execute an event, from set up to dinner service to breaking down at the end of the night- it takes an army!

Q: How you describe your style and your brand? 
A: We’re a completely custom-designed catering service. We use all local and organic products when possible and pride ourselves on keeping up-to-date with current culinary trends.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?
A: A big mistake is not sitting down with each vendor before booking them so that as the vendor, we can better understand the client’s vision and get to know them.  This helps the client feel more at ease throughout their entire planning process knowing that we can provide the level of service they envision.

Q: What things should a client look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?
A: They should look for a vendor that they can trust is going to deliver what their expectations are the day of the event. Anyone can tell you that they have experience, as a client you have to do your research and trust that your vendor will follow through with what they say.

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: The same thing we offer all of our clients- exceptional service, creative menu planning and exquisite cuisine based off of their vision for their big day.

Q: What are a few things that clients should review in contracts?
A: Everything- every detail of that contract is imperative to the clients understanding of the product and service that they’re receiving. We require a meeting with our clients a week prior to their event to review the details of their contract so as to insure that no detail is left uncovered.

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: Communication is key throughout the planning process- it’s our job to help inform and guide our clients throughout their planning.

Q: Who is your ideal client?  
A: Someone who likes to eat! 

That's some great information from Taste of Excellence and as you can see they believe in the same things that All Events Planned believes in- good service (no matter what your budget), value and hard work.  

Check them out here www.taste-food.com 

Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com 

Behind the Scenes with Thomas Limo

Here is another of our Behind the Scenes series and it features Thomas Limo.  When I started my career, I was based out of Akron and this was one of the companies that I worked with then (15 years ago!!!) and still work with now!  Transportation doesn't get the attention it deserves when planning your wedding but the wrong company can ruin everything.  From being late to not even showing up, you need to make sure you get a reliable and professional company that has a great reputation!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: Our biggest misconception would be what type of vehicles we offer. Before our company name change a few years ago we were known as Thomas Limousine Service, which lead everyone to believe we only offered “limousine” type vehicles. Which is/was farthest from the truth. We actually have a fleet size of over 90 vehicles and growing! Which is why we made the decision to re-name the company TL Worldwide Transportation, to hopefully eliminate that idea of our service being limited to just limousines. We offer sedans, SUV’s, vans, shuttle buses, mini buses, Sprinters, and Limousine Buses.

Q: How you describe your style, your personality, and/or your brand?

A: Best word to describe our company would be “professional.” We have many years of experience, and offer a true experience rather then just a “ride” from point A to point B.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?

A: Over the years the biggest mistake we have seen when choosing a limousine company is the bride/groom/family NOT going to visit the company before booking. We encourage everyone to GO to the facility, meet the people, see the building, and most importantly see the chosen vehicle in person!!! Anyone can put anything on the internet these days, and unfortunately, we know that some companies use “stock” photos of their vehicles. Its important to go see the vehicles in person, so there are NO surprises on the most important day of your life!!

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?

A: As previously stated its important to go to the company before making a deposit, in order to have seen first hand what will be arriving the day of!! Smell the vehicle, sit inside and judge just how much room you are going to have, look at how the cars are taken care of (Are they parked outdoors, or in a garage), and etc. Its important to research!!! Find reviews, ask around, and one of the most important things to ask would be if that company is fully insured. Do they do driver background checks before hiring? How often are their vehicles maintained?

Q: One thing a bride could save on when booking with you?

A: All of our vehicles have a “hourly minimum” in order to book. We always try to find ways to help the bride/groom maximize that time.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?

A: GUEST SHUTTLING!! If you have room in your budget, shuttling your guests to/from the reception to make sure everyone has a safe way home is an amazing gift to offer your guests, and give you peace of mind that everyone can have a great time and not worry how to get back to the hotel.

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas/products/services would you offer them?

A: Rehearsal dinner transportation and honeymoon airport service!! Rehearsal dinner night you could have everyone ride together and sometimes this is the first time people in your bridal party are meeting for their first time, so it gives everyone a chance to bond. Secondly, I would say airport service to/from the airport for your honeymoon. After an amazing wedding weekend, frankly you’re exhausted!! Most flights leave really early, and it would be nice to just get picked up right from your front door, and dropped off right at your departure gate. Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts?

A: Deposit policy. We make sure all of our future clients read over the contracts in detail and ASK any questions if there is any confusion on the terms. Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?

A: We can never have too much information!! Sometimes, we have clients book with us months before their wedding date, and we are actually calling them the week of asking for details! We know it’s a crazy/busy time planning a wedding, but the more information we have the smoother the day can go. Our drivers are EXTREMELY experienced and so professional. We are truly blessed to have them apart of our TL family!!! They are going to give you the experience that you deserve and will never forget! I cant count how many “thank you” cards or emails have come to us WHILE people are on their honeymoons because the experience was just that memorable they took time out of their honeymoon to send a thank you!!

Well, that was some great information and again, I can't stress enough how important it is to be sure you know what you are getting from your transportation company! If you are still looking to book, contact Thomas Limo today!

Happy Planning!

www.alleventsplanned.com

Behind the Scenes with A Cookie & A Cupcake

We love getting to know more about our favorite vendors as well as getting to see "behind the scenes".  We created this series more than 7 years ago and are thrilled to start presenting some new interviews with area vendors.

First up, A Cookie & A Cupcake

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: So the truth is there is only one big misconception about baking in general, and I know I speak for many pastry chefs and bakeries when I say this.....There are not unicorns and puppy dogs magically baking our product  lol. People think that an 8 tiered cake can be whipped up in no time and can be completely custom, let alone that you may have any other previous projects due, but it will cost next to nothing. This sometimes disappoints many bakeries but truth is, its all about educating the client. So, we at A Cookie and A Cupcake will always try and fit whomever into our schedule with any project but we may have to adjust the design a bit. Our suggestion to clients is to always be well prepared, ask questions, and be reasonable about your budget expectations.

Q: Describe your "brand" at A Cookie and A Cupcake? 

A: A Cookie and A Cupcake has always prided ourselves on our handmade, from scratch baking....we don't keep a freezer full of cakes, but we make everything to order. This not only helps with the freshness of our cupcakes but it extends the life for our client to be able to buy them and enjoy right away or in a few days. We love making and creating and our heart is in everything we do. 

Q: What are some mistakes you see couples make when choosing their baker? 

A: I don't think its necessarily about mistake in choosing a vendor, but more of being realistic. You often see people using their "aunt who has a  friend that bakes" or a friend who will do it for free.....this doesn't always work. So being realistic about your budget and your expectations is the key in choosing a vendor. We are not the cheapest around nor are we the most expensive, but we are "seasoned", with amazing product that your guests will enjoy and remember.

Q: What should a client look for in bakery? 

A: Well, I may say the same thing over again for this question....Always know your budget ( a realistic budget) and your expectation of product before choosing a vendor. So many brides are burdened with keeping in a certain budget and have Walmart prices in mind but want a amazing cake or cupcakes. Now, we do not think that Walmart is bad, but we are a boutique bakery using amazing local ingredients with care and are able to produce a much better product. So if you need to evaluate what you want versus what you can truly afford. 

Q: What are some benefits to working with A Cookie and A Cupcake?  

A: The bride can count on not having a bunch of small fees with A Cookie and a Cupcake. We have a package that includes the delivery fee ( up to 20 miles), and display stand. Also, when choosing A Cookie and A Cupcake you get a large flavor list to choose from for the same price. 

Q: What is something that you think a client should splurge on with their wedding cake?

A: Well a couple should feel like they are in good hands, from custom designs to amazing product. So you should always feel like using the endless list of flavor combinations to your advantage. Whether your choosing a tiered cake or a cupcake wedding, enjoy having a dessert not just plain cake, pick flavors you would like and this will be something your friends and family will appreciate. Now I always say splurge on design as well. there are plenty of ways that you can get an amazing cake if you don't have the budget, and that's what I am here for, but if you had to choose I would say spend the money on designing a one of a kind cake!

Q: What would you do with a client who had an endless budget for cake? 

A: We love helping our clients with creating the most amazing cake for their budget, but we have had a few lucky times when their is not a set budget...and this is a great opportunity for our client. We love designing one of a kind cakes and cupcakes. many times we draw up sketches and work together to create something that is just for the couple. This also included unique flavors as well as unique edible favors. 

Q: What should clients pay special attention to in their cake contract? 

A: I think the fine print is what many people forget to read. The feed back I get from clients about their other vendors is they forgot or didn't see the fine print and end up paying much more then intended. We are very open (as many bakeries are) about out policies and costs. there are no hidden fees or taxes and gratuities to worry about. But I have heard couples say they have run out of money because they didn't see something in their contract and it added "blank" amount of money. So, my advice is not only to read the fine print but take notes and right down reminders. Couples are too busy the last week of their wedding to get hit with hidden fees, so if you are prepared it will go smoothly. 

Q: What are some things a client should know to make working with you an easier experience? 

A: I think its mainly that we want you to feel like you are the only client but we do have many clients and most bakeries are hands on owners. We work extreme hours and most of the time we have endless days. We do this because we love it and we want to make people smile when they enjoy our product....which we never get to see them enjoy lol. So the more time you give a baker the better....it helps us manage our production schedule and our personal schedule .

Q: What do you love most about working with clients? 

A: I love when a client is excited about their special event, they are enthusiastic and want to have a wow piece as their dessert. These clients acknowledge the time put into their product and choose us because we can make that happen. These clients are usually back every year for birthdays, anniversaries etc.....and that's why we love them. 

You can see from the answers that A Cookie and A Cupcakee is a company that loves what they do and enjoys the process.  I hope that you have a great wedding cake for your big day, if you aren't sure who to book, be sure to check out A Cookie and A Cupcake!  

Happy Planning!

www.AllEventsPlanned.com 

Where are they Now? - Beth and Bobby!

We had the honor of being a part of Beth and Bobby’s wedding almost 7 ½ Years ago, in September of 2009! We are so Happy that we got to take the time to interview Beth and Bobby and see where they are now. This Blog is a must read; you are going to love hearing about their first dance song, wedding advise and all the amazing places they have traveled!

Questions about the Wedding: 

Flowers By: Neil Lesson

Q: What was one of the things that you disagreed about the most about the wedding or during the planning? When you look back now and think it was silly?
A: I pretty much did all the planning. He didn't really have much input and trusted my judgement, so we really did not disagree about anything.

Q: How did you feel the day after your wedding?
A: I remember thinking…I cannot believe it was over?!? I spent a year of my life planning this one day and It went so fast.

Q: How did you feel the day of your wedding? Example, calm, overwhelmed, emotional, like a natural host?
A: Super Calm. My bridesmaids kept asking me if I was ok as I am generally not a 'calm' person. We were on time, actually ahead of schedule, for everything. We had plenty of time for pictures and just hanging out. I really thought I would be running around like crazy the day of, but it was the exact opposite.

Q: What was your first dance song and why did you choose it?
A: We did the Cha-Cha to Lady Gaga's- Just Dance…which included a standing back flip by my husband. We picked it because quite frankly, who wants to watch 2 people slow dance to some sappy song that is only special to the two dancing??

Q: What do you wish you would have spent more time/money on or less time/money on when planning the wedding?
A: Looking back I wish we would have spent less time and money on everything. A more intimate affair with about 50 of our closest family and friends vs. 300 acquaintances and random family that we have not seen in 5+ years would have been way better all around.

Q: What is the one thing you wish you would have done differently?
A: Downsized everything, especially the guest list.

All Wedding Photos for Beth and Bobby By: Spencer Photography

Q: What did guests comment about most after the wedding was over?
A: The candy bar, the flowers (Thanks Neil Leeson) and the DJ's (Thanks Marino Brothers). I must admit, I loved all 3 as well. I have yet to attend another wedding that rivaled my flowers, candy bar and DJ's.

Q: Did you have a wedding cake? If so, were you nice about feeding each other, or did one of you smash it in the others face? (uh-oh!)
A: We did have a cake, a beautiful one actually. My husband was on his best behavior but I attempted to smear it on him. I wasn't very successful.

Q: What advice do you have for brides planning their wedding?
A: Just breathe. Everything is going to be ok. The things that are not ok, you probably won't even know about :)

Questions About Now: 

Q: How did you celebrate your first anniversary?
A: While honeymooning in Bora-Bora, we met another couple from Dallas, TX that was also celebrating their honeymoon. We hit it off and decided to make sure we stayed connected. For our first anniversary, we all decided to celebrate together on the Amalfi Coast in Italy for 2 weeks. We have celebrated our anniversaries together ever since. We have been to Italy, Ireland, Costa Rica, St Lucia, and Aruba to name a few. We also get together multiple times each year to just catch up.

Q: Does married life feel different to you?

Cake By: The West Side Bakery

A: Not really, it is still pretty comfortable in terms of a relationship and we are still really busy with our careers.

Q: Most exciting thing that’s happened since you’ve gotten married?
A: We have had a lot of exciting things happen, but it just seems like everyday life to us. My husband was featured in Forbes Magazine and I won CFO of the Year from Crain's Magazine.

Q: Have you moved since the wedding day?
A: Not yet, but we are in the process of building a new house. We should finish and move by October 2017.

Q: How have your careers or family changed?
A: We now work together, something we vowed never to do.

Q: Have you traveled anywhere fun as Mr. & Mrs.?
A: We are so fortunate and travel a lot. We have been to Portugal, Bora Bora, Moorea, Italy three times, Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Aruba twice, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, a Silver Seas Cruise (the best vacation ever), Prague, St. Lucia, Los Cabos and many more. Did I mention we are super blessed to be able to travel?

Q: What have you learned about weddings or planning that you didn’t know before going into it?
A: That everyone considers themselves experts, from cousins, to random friends, to strangers. I finally had to tune out other people's opinions as they were driving me crazy and causing me to second guess what I knew I really wanted.

Q: What advice do you have for newlywed couples?
A: Where do we start…although we are so happy together and our wedding was fabulous, we wish we would have done something on a much smaller scale. I was so obsessed with every little detail. Today, I couldn't tell you a single thing that I worried so much about!

If you are going to hire a planner, even if it is just for Day Of Coordination, bring them in sooner rather than later. Things that I spent days pondering, Brandi had solved in 2 minutes. Planners know this industry. They live it, breath it and die for it. There is an extremely high chance that they have encountered whatever it is you are struggling with or stuck on. If you are like me and have Type A-OCD when it comes to wedding planning, it will save you so much time and effort to have her, especially sooner rather than later..

Beth and Bobby!

Where Are They Now- Tina & Joe

Over the last 16 years, All Events Planned has helped a countless number of couples with their wedding day. We have been there from the start to finish of the planning, wedding ceremony and reception. For the wedding planner, that is where it ends, but for the bride and groom, that is just where it starts.

With this in mind, we thought it would be fun to follow up with some of our past couples and see where they are now and how life has been since we said good-bye the night of the wedding reception.

The first couple we followed up with was Joe and Tina whose wedding was in 2010 at Park Lane Villa.  They had a glamours wedding at this amazing venue with a Sinatra Duo singing during cocktail hour to a crystal coated cake.  

Q: What was the most memorable part of the ceremony?

A: The exchange of vows was the most memorable part of the ceremony for us.

Q: Before the exchange of vows, there was the planning. What was fun part of the planning?

A: Cake tasting and checking out various venues for the reception!

Q: Most stressful part of planning?

A: The stressful side of planning was definitely dealing with our families, moms, who gets involved with the wedding details and the guest list.

Q: What advice do you have for brides currently planning their weddings?

A: Be organized, you can never start too early in the planning process.

Q: While overall Tina loved everything about her wedding day, if she had to change one thing it would have been….

A: We would have had our photographer make a wedding album. I was given a CD-ROM with full rights but I never found time to get an actual album made.

The wedding and reception is over and you’re finally married! The first day of married life is magical right?

Q: How did you feel the day after your wedding?

A: We were crazy tired.

That doesn’t mean that marriage hasn’t been fun for them, because it has.

Q: What has changed since your wedding day?

A: Since our wedding, we have enjoyed traveling together to Vancouver, British Columbia, Ireland and other places. On top of that, we have recently moved and welcomed our first child into the world, Baby Joe, who is now 19 months old.

With all that has transpired over 6 years of marriage and 10 years of being together, they had this advice to share with newlywed coupes….

 “Slow down and enjoy each other before jumping on the baby train.”

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Tina and Joe! We wish you many more years of happiness!

Being there when the Bride finds "the one"

My favorite part of every wedding is the few minutes right before the bride walks down the aisle. After months of meetings, planning, decisions and chaos... the moment has arrived. We are fixing, pulling and tugging to make sure that all our brides are flawless.

On Saturday, All Events Planned spent the afternoon at All Brides Beautiful in Hudson for the Nicole Miller Trunk show. The two story bridal shop was warm and welcoming. Bobbie and her staff gave us full access to the experience of helping a bride along with her closest friends and family pick the perfect wedding dress. For some brides it took trying on 26 dresses, others only needed to try on two. Regardless of the time it took the staff remained attentive and patient. When the perfect dress was found it was time to celebrate! A round of applause, chilled glasses,crisp sparkling cider and a toast to finding "the one." 

This was such a special time for me. It brought my favorite moment full circle. So the next time I am on my knees with my hands under our brides dress trying to get the layers of tulle just right. I can think back to today truly understand the excitement of the first time she had that dress on.

-Nataya Harris

All Events Planned

www.alleventsplanned.com/

Today is National Proposal Day!

In honor of March 20 being National Proposal Day I thought I would share with you one of the best proposals I’ve heard from Eric and Kathryn.

Eric proposed to Kathryn on Christmas Eve, but this is much more than a Christmas proposal….

It was Christmas Eve in 2014 and for the past four years Kathryn has catered a family Christmas Eve dinner in their home. She had asked if Eric could come up towards the end of the evening to help clean up so they could get off to their own family Christmas Eve dinner.  When Eric arrived Kathryn noticed he was acting very strange but strange in a good way. She was busy working when she looked up and saw Eric talking to the family, who she was catering for, like he had known them for years but Kathryn knew they had never met Eric before.  She was plating the dessert when Santa arrived to give all the children their presents.  This was nothing unusual as it had been this way for the last four years.  All the children had received their gifts when Kathryn heard Santa say, “We have one more present!” Kathryn turned and saw Santa motioning towards her.  She still didn’t think anything of it and figured it might just be a gift from the host.  She made her way toward Santa and sat on his lap.  She began unwrapping the package and discovered it was a box with a beautiful ring inside it.  Even looking at the ring it still took her a minute to realize what was happening but this was the moment!  Eric walked toward her and proposed!  Afterward, with huge smiles, Eric and Kathryn headed off to their Christmas Eve dinner to share the wonderful news with their families!

“It was a glorious evening that I will always remember!” said Kathryn.

 

We love to hear the proposal story when our brides meet with us so feel free to share your proposal story too!  Whether yesterday or 10 years ago, your proposal will always be a great story to tell and remember for years to come!

-All Events Planned

Kathryn & Eric on their wedding day in 2015

Is it really the best day of your life?

From the time you were old enough to watch romantic movies, it was instilled in you that your wedding day is going to be the best day of your life, but is it really?

I want you to enjoy your wedding day and love every second of it because frankly there will never be another day like this in your life. It is a day to celebrate the love between you and your fiancé.  It is a day to celebrate the start of your married life.  It is the day to celebrate you and your fiancé with all the people who love you both, and the people who first taught you to love. Your wedding day is indeed a wonderful day but it is not the best day of your life.

The second you said “yes”, your life forever changed.  From that moment all these questions started swirling: Who do I tell this news to first? When do I post it on Facebook? When are we getting married? Where are we getting married? Who will be invited? When do we take engagement pictures? What food will we serve? Where will the reception be? Where will I get my dress? What style dress do I want? Who will my maid of honor be? And the list goes on…There are so many details that go into your wedding day to make it as perfect as possible, but believe me it will never be “perfect.” It will be what you make it, but it still won’t be the best day of your life.

Your wedding day should be seen as the start of a lifetime of “best days” with the person you vowed to love forever.  Your wedding should not be stressful or overwhelming.  You should wake up and have nervous-excited butterflies in your stomach and a smile on your face all day.  Today is the day that you enjoy, to have a party to celebrate your new life.  After the guests have left and the reception is over, you have changed.  You both leave that reception together to live a new life.  Even if you lived together before the wedding, you are not leading a dating life anymore, now it’s a married life. You will go to bed each night and wake up each morning next to your partner.  You will learn more about them and they will learn more about you every single day.  You will find there are some things that they do that drive you crazy, and some that really make you smile.  Maybe they have really bad morning breath and that grosses you out, but you learn to love it because every morning you smell that breath because they kiss you on the forehead first thing to let you know they are choosing to love you, first and foremost, every day of their life with you. Maybe the day you realize that, it’s the best day of your life.

If one day you decide to bring a child into your life, into that love that you share and into that world you created, it will bring along another set of “best” days.  It may bring you some difficulty. Until the day you finally know that you are certain to be bringing a child into your family. You spend all day planning how you are going to tell them and once you have the perfect plan, you feel those nervous-excited butterflies again.  As they walk through the door, you can no longer contain your excitement, you tell your partner the news and that wonderful smile spreads across their face and you see tears in their eyes.  Maybe that is the best day of your life.

Years later and 2 children later you see your partner teaching your daughter how to ride a bike in the driveway.  You smile and silently cheer her on from inside the house.  You watch as she takes off and your partner lets go of the bike and she starts to wobble.  He sees her uncertainty and grabs her before she falls off the bike.  You watch as he takes her into the lawn and sets her in his lap and rocks her reassuring her it’s going to be okay and kisses her on the forehead.  In that moment you realize, your partner is really a great parent.  Maybe that is the best day of your life.

Years and years later you both sit on the porch watching the world go by and your grandchildren play on the lawn.  Your partner reaches out and grabs your hand.  Your hand looks a lot different now, more veins and wrinkles, but that ring is still there.  Gleaming as bright as it did the day he put it on your finger.  You look up at him and he smiles at you.  He looks different than he did when you married him but he is still your partner with that same smile and same eyes you fell in love with years ago.  You start thinking of all the things you’ve experienced over your lifetime with him.  You begin to realize there was never a “best day” of your life, it was a life filled with best days.

The truth is your wedding day should be a great day, but by no means the best day of your life.  As a bride said to me, “All I can hope is that this ISN’T the BEST day of my life, I have years to spend with my partner, I sure hope it isn’t all downhill after my wedding day.”  Keep that in mind while you are going over the details of your wedding day, whether with me or another planner or by yourself.  Keep it in perspective and say to yourself “This is going to be a great day, that will lead to a lifetime of best days to come.”

-All Events Planned

Will Unplugging Really Solve the Problem?

Search the internet for the topic "Unplugged Wedding" and you'll find TONS of articles on how offended people are by guests taking photos at their wedding or in their way while while shooting photos at a wedding.  

Article by angry photographer showcasing guests rudely standing in the way of his photos
http://www.refinery29.com/2015/11/97207/unplugged-weddings-photographer-rant 

Article by less angry photographer about the dos and don'ts of taking photos at weddings 
http://petapixel.com/2013/05/15/guest-photographers-or-why-you-should-have-an-unplugged-wedding/ 

A Knot discussion on to ban or not to ban
http://forums.theknot.com/discussion/970771/cellphone-camera-ban/p1

An article on HOW to word the banning of phone photography at your wedding
http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding-templates 

(Not a single phone to be seen!)

My feelings, as a planner, is that it isn't the phone photography that is the problem, it is the rude guest that is the problem.  There are always guests at the wedding who disregard etiquette and polite conduct.  This guests is the one who will show up late for the ceremony and walk right in the front door (usually in the middle of the ceremony) anyhow or the guest who will loudly complain when the bar closes for dinner (and demand someone get them a drink).  This person is the same person who most likely ignores polite conduct in day to day life as well.

I suggest we ban rude guests from the wedding, not photography.  We can ask that guests use some basic common sense at our weddings. We ask that they please regard this as a valued and important day to the two people who are joining their lives together.  We explain that the people at the wedding are considered the most important and cared for people in the bride and grooms lives and they should conduct themselves in such a fashion.  

Other suggestions would be that they stay quiet during the ceremony, that they stay present during the couples vows and that they pay attention to the day and what the bride & groom have asked of them.  

We ask that they show up on time, maybe even a few minutes early.  We ask that they sit where they have been escorted and take the programs, bubbles or rice without complaint.  We can ask that they not argue with the bartender over what liquors are/are not available at the bar.  We can ask that they enjoy the food and their chosen entree without expecting the staff to accommodate their change in mood/mind or taste in food (which somehow only applies to that evening).  We ask that they get up and show interest for the special moments of the evening, the cake cutting, the first dance and just a few others.  We can also ask that even if they don't like the favor, they take it at the end of the night, because someone picked it out in hopes that you would appreciate the thought.  

I don't think asking the guests to be unplugged is the answer.  There are so many times that my clients have been thrilled to see all the photos that their guests have taken of their big day.  The special view that someone was able to get, the secret look that another was able to catch and the fun interactions that your guests had together are all great things you'll miss when you insist on unplugging everyone. Even I'll follow the hashtag to see what is happening at the very wedding where I'm working.  I have the chance to see what guests are doing, what they are seeing and what they are thinking.  It's fun and these are unique photos that while they will never make it to your wedding album, will be photos that you cherish having.  

I think we need to expect more from our friends and family.  We should expect polite behavior, kindness and some common sense.  I don't think that's asking too much but I do think that's asking more from people than they are normally used to giving.  I'll start a hash tag for my weddings that would be as simple as #commonsensewedding or #myguestsdon'tsuck or #stopbeingsorudeatweddings (too long maybe?) 

What do you think?  What are your stories of your guests?  Was everyone amazing?  Was everyone involved?  Share with me, and let's start a trend of awesome weddings with equally awesome guests!

Happy Planning!

Brandi Hamerstone
www.alleventsplanned.com  

Brides Magazine June/July 2015- Read with Me

Don't have the time or energy to find the content among all those ads in this June/July edition of Brides Magazine?  Well then, read along with me as I highlight the highs and lows of what they have to offer in this edition.

Well, 28 pages in through a majority of ads and a the table of contents, we come to this month's Question to the staff of Brides magazine.  This month's question:


Where's the most romantic place you've been?
(And let me just say this now, the staff at Brides magazine must be making a fortune because these are not your average locations for the average bride & groom to travel to for romance) Some of the answers from the staff were:
Como Shambhala Estate in Bali
Linda Vista in Costa Rica
Patricia, Italy
Le Sain Geran in Mauritius

I'm not kidding, their year end bonuses must be incredible to afford these trips.

PAGE 78- My favorite section is Ask Us Anything. I love wedding advice, especially reading the question and figuring out what advice I would give and then finding out what they say.  

Most Uncomfortable Question-One of my friends keeps asking me when I'm choosing my bridesmaids.  I already have...and she's not one of them, how do I break the news?

Yikes, that's a tough one and I can honestly say I was almost at a loss for advice.  Maybe avoid her forever?  I have uncomfortable situations, especially around weddings because everyone is so emotional when it comes to the decisions you have to make.  They offered some great advice to tell her ASAP and just let her know the bridal party is small and possibly offer her a role of a reader.  Still a tough situation.  

PAGE 82- Another favorite Brides Poll- This month, my favorite topic, working out/exercise.
They are saying that 4 out of 5 are working out but only 50% are dieting.  That process has to go together because all the working out in the world won't fix bad eating habits.  Trust me.  

PAGE 102- The After "AFTER" Party-
A whole article on having sex on your wedding night.  While some of you may want to shy away from this topic, it really is a valuable piece of information.  More than half of my brides end up saying they didn't have the time/energy to be intimate on their wedding night.  While we all know that the days of saving yourself until marriage are long gone (for some people) this is a really special day and the night should be just as special.  You spend that entire day with SO many other people, celebrating and talking, this night is just for the two of you to come together and enjoy each other, for the first time as husband and wife.  We won't get too much into the details of everything but you will feel like you missed out if you don't make this something of value.  Just have a little talk before about trying to leave a half hour early or start sipping water towards the end of the evening and be sure to have a late night snack before you head to your room so you aren't starving!  

PAGE 116- Haute Inspiration-
I have to say I'm more of a classics style girl so the idea of feathers, pleats and 3-D floral for my wedding gown just doesn't appeal to me.  Maybe for a styled shoot but not for my actual wedding day.  

PAGE 141- Braid Upgrade 
There is nothing more that I love for hair than a braid.  I was so excited when this style came back and LOVE seeing how much can be done with the basic braid.  Up, down and to the side, this look always comes together perfectly for most brides.  Of course, my favorite is the picture they use for the main title page of Blake Lively, stunning! 

PAGE 161- 25 Ways to Personalize Your Party
I tell ALL of my clients, if you are going to spend this kind of money on your wedding day, make it all about the two of you!  Incorporate personal touches when you can without going overboard, but remember people are there to celebrate the both of you, let them know more about how you met, why you fell in love, etc...a few of the more original ones are- 

#2- Do a LAST Dance- I've had a few clients do this, and really it is more for the two of you, a way to wrap it all up.  This may even help with the "after, after party" plans as well.  

#21- Hand Painted Shoes- I had one bride do this for her wedding day along with her dad and they both had these amazing, personalized shoes to wear.  It was something special for them and an extra touch for the select few that pay attention to details, to appreciate.  

#24- Use Personal Photos- Love having photos of the two of you growing up, dating, travelling and just being a couple.  It is so fun to see the two of you in love and again, that's why the guests are there!

Then we pass through a few articles, photos shoots, travel locations, etc...nothing that appeals to me a ton in this months edition.  

Page 264- Their section of weddings they feature that are typically not your "typical" bride and groom.  This month has a Mexican model and her husband an equity manager.  Their wedding is, of course, lovely.  They, of course, had a wedding planner, yay!  

Page 268- What's your TOP Priority
Wonderful article on prioritizing your marriage.  I'll take the highlight from the article to give you an idea on why it is so great-
"I've seen beautiful couples crash and burn because they gave something else priority over their relationship and proved it one small choice at a time" 
That's how all relationships fall apart, one small thing at a time.  Eventually all those small things add up and start eating away at all the good things you worked so hard to have.  Don't let that be you!

Page 276- You're Invited
A Capital Affair- Stunning wedding with the most amazing color palette in DC!
Urban Oasis- A wedding held in my favorite, a clear tent!
Clear Skies in Seattle- A very brave wedding held outside without a tent?!?!  

That's it for this edition of Brides magazine.  Did you read on your own?  Have different feedback?  Love different articles?  Let me know!  Read along with me next month!

Brandi Hamerstone
www.alleventsplanned.com