Category Archives: Tips from a wedding planner
Colorado Wedding Planner: Mistakes Brides Make When Dress Shopping
Posted by johnna-patton on March 24th, 2015
Before you hit the salon, read these top bridal blunders to avoid!
Demanding the Wrong Size
Wedding gown sizes typically run one or two sizes smaller than street clothes, so try not to get hung up on the number. “Do not fixate on the actual size but instead on how your measurements compare to the particular line on the specific designer’s size chart,” said Gesinee of Gesinee’s Bridal in Concord, CA.
Planning on losing weight before the big day? Play it safe and order a size that fits your current body. Any dress can be taken in, typically up to four sizes without affecting the look of the dress, but most can only be let out one full size.
Buying a Dress You Don’t Love
“The biggest mistake I’ve seen brides make is settling on a dress because someone influenced them to purchase it instead of going with her heart,” said Cristina DeMarco, of Bridal Reflections in New York, NY.
If you find yourself liking a dress but also having doubts, or if you’re feeling pressured from a part of your entourage or a salesperson to make a purchase, it’s okay to go home empty-handed, sleep on it, and return at a later point if you’re still dreaming about the dress.
Trying on Dresses You Can’t Afford
You see a stunning gown on a mannequin that’s way out of your price range, but you want to try it on just for fun. What’s the harm? “It can lead to heartbreak and disappointment,” said Debra Lash, of The Wedding Tree in La Crosse, WI. “You need to be able to afford anything you try on.”
Make sure you are completely clear on your budget before you hit the salon—and make sure that the salon you choose respects your budget. One of the top complaints Lash hears from her brides is that other salons showed them dresses that were out of their respective budgets. “We have a strict policy in place to keep the customer within budget, which makes her happier with the entire process,” said Lash. “Happy bride equals happy life for bridal shop employees!”
Not Choosing Your Store Wisely
If you’re a plus-size bride, call ahead to see if your desired store carries a sizeable amount of plus-size samples—not all do. Otherwise, your only option is to play “paper dolls” to get an idea of what a style would look like on you, said Gesinee.
Also, make sure that your store is an authorized retailer for the designer you’ve selected, said Gesinee. If the retailer isn’t authorized to sell that particular designer, there’s a good chance that you won’t receive an authentic gown. That means that the designer won’t stand behind it if anything is wrong. To find out which stores are authorized in your area, check the individual designers’ websites or call the number listed.
Sticking With One Style
“Ninety percent of our brides leave with something completely different than what they had in mind when they walked in,” said DeMarco. Bringing in pictures of dresses you like is a good start, but if your consultant recommends something different, give it a try. It’s impossible to tell what a dress will look like on your body just from seeing it on a hanger.
Happy Shopping!
Colorado Wedding Planner: Wedding Trends for 2015
Posted by johnna-patton on January 31st, 2015
With 2014 behind us we have started to look ahead at the trends that we think will be big in 2015. We hope these ideas will inspire you as you plan your big day!
Greenery
From table runners to decorative wreaths, garlands, and more, we’re seeing greenery emerge from the sidelines and into the spotlight. It’s versatile, and provides an Old World look that’s so chic right now.
Daring Wedding Dresses
Skin is in! At New York Bridal Fashion Week this October, jaws were dropping as these sexy gowns sashayed down the runway. While over the past few years (post-Royal Wedding), we’ve seen an abundance of dresses with lots of coverage, things are likely going to take a turn toward the skin-baring in 2015.
Blue Men’s Attire
While the classic black tuxedo will never go out of style (and gray and khaki suits are also wedding staples), blue is the new hot color for men’s attire. Navy is a subtle twist on basic black, while going royal blue is fashion-forward and modern.
Keeping Guests Informed Via Apps
Having a wedding website is a given nowadays, but couples are going one step further by connecting their wedding websites with an app (http://wedsocial.com) to provide their guests with information and photo-sharing capabilities while on the go!
Loose and Romantic Updos
Bridal updos are becoming less structured, for a loose and romantic look. Sideswept updos are the hairstyle of the moment, and we’re looking for that to continue into the new year.
“Thinking out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
This tune is our pick for the top first dance song for 2015.
Destination Wedding Planner: Tips for planning a Colorado winter wedding
Posted by johnna-patton on December 7th, 2014
We don’t care if the wind has ruined our freshly blow- dried tresses or we’ve stood in a puddle for the third time this week. We’re so excited that winter is upon us! It’s the most romantic time of year filled with hot drinks, cozy evenings, tasty treats and festive decor. And such a special season to have a wedding! We’re definitely believers that a winter wedding can be just as intricate and gorgeous as a summertime fete! With the right elements, your winter wedding will be a wonderland!
Match your invitations to the climate
Treat your guests to a carmel apple bar
Or a hot chocolate bar
Use pinecones and succulents in your flower arrangements
Scatter candles everywhere
Send guests home with cup cozies
Or gloves
Or hot cocoa
And thank your wedding party with cozy blankets
Destination Wedding Planner: How to include your dog in your wedding day
Posted by johnna-patton on October 22nd, 2014
If you are thinking about including your best fury friend in your wedding plans, here are some tips for you:
The first thing to consider is the personality of your dog. If the event will be more stressful than fun for your dog, you may want to weigh in how important it is to include him or her.
If you have decided that Fido is in fact going to make an appearance, the next thing you want to do is make sure that dogs are allowed at your wedding venue.
Make sure you arrange for care before, during, and after the ceremony and reception, so a handler has specific responsibility for your dog at all times.
Make sure to have an exit plan if they can’t sit through the ceremony, or things don’t go as expected on the wedding day.
One last thing is you might consider wedding insurance, especially with a dog in attendance.
To many of us, our dogs are such an important part of our lives. To celebrate such a life changing event without our furbabies there to share in the love just wouldn’t seem right!