Category Archives: Tips from a wedding planner
Breckenridge Wedding Planner Plans Her Wedding!
Posted by elizabeth waldmann on February 27th, 2014
Wedding Goals and Direction
When thinking about what direction I wanted our wedding to go in, I started by thinking about what I dislike most about weddings. There is just so much I love about weddings I thought this would be an easier route. Wes and I are huge outdoor people and try to be mindful of the environment in everything we do. We try to buy local whenever possible and always recycle. Why not carry these same thoughts over to our wedding. I realize it’s part of the job but being a wedding planner I unfortunately see so much waste at the end of a wedding. During the process of planning our wedding, I am going to try and be as gentle to the environment as I can and still pull off an amazing wedding. I am going to share these ideas in my upcoming blog posts so keep a look out!
Keeping in mind one or more goals for your wedding will help you pull off a wedding of your dreams. So remember, it’s your wedding day so make it yours.
Wedding Planner Tips: How to Avoid Holiday Fluff :)
Posted by elizabeth waldmann on December 10th, 2013
With the holiday season approaching, many of us find ourselves surrounded by festive food and the subsequent concern of weight gain. Studies have shown that the typical American may gain two to seven pounds over the six-week holiday season.
We may also find it harder to maintain our exercise program with all the holiday parties, shopping and travel. In addition, many people have much more stress during the holiday period, which can result in overeating as a “feel good” response.
The best way to avoid gaining weight over the holidays is to eat in moderation, keep a consistent exercise program and try my 10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain.
1. Stick to a regular routine with sleep and exercise. Many times feeling tired or stressed is mistaken for hunger.
2. Watch your alcohol intake. Alcoholic beverages contain “empty calories,” offering little to no nutritional value and contributing to excess weight gain. Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated.
3. Eat a small, healthy meal before party time. It’s a common misconception that you will lose weight by skipping meals. The truth is your metabolism slows down causing you to store body fat if calories are too limited for too long. Another negative result is that you are more likely to binge later at night resulting in greater weight gains.
4. Don’t stand by the food at the party. You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you instead move, mingle and socialize with friends.
5. If you’re hungry at the party, reach for the vegetables (without the dip), fruit or rye crackers. If you do host a party have plenty of water and low-calorie snacks available.
6. Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a “full” sensation and signal the brain that it’s had enough. Slow down and listen to your body.
7. Set goals and keep a food diary. Plan your weekly food intake and calorie count to include those treats or Christmas cookies in your diet — in moderation, of course. Don’t totally avoid sweets and holiday food; just plan for it and eat more fruit and vegetables during the week to allow for this. With this plan you can also avoid the guilty feeling afterward that can add to your stress level.
8. Eat protein. Quality protein includes lean meats, seafood, chicken, turkey, eggs, yogurt and low-fat cheeses. Protein will help you feel full and control your appetite.
9. Try to stay consistent with your workout routine. Don’t fall prey to the excuse that you’ll get back on track after New Years Day or when the weather warms up again. You may need to modify your program for the busy holidays. Do what you can, but keep it up, trying new fitness activities and cross training to keep things fresh and fun. Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.
10. Always remain positive. If you do have a “bad” day, don’t worry or stress about it. Just get back on track the next day.
Maybe this can be the year your New Year’s resolution doesn’t include dropping those extra holiday pounds.
Recycled/Green Wedding Details: Bridesmaid’s Dresses
Posted by elizabeth waldmann on December 5th, 2013
This is a look I love. When all the bridesmaids wear something different and when they come together, they all correspond with each other. It translates into something so beautiful. When considering what is disregarded after a wedding, one time use bridesmaid’s dresses came to mind. A bride will choose one dress that all of her bridesmaids will wear to look cohesive. Now there are other great ways to have your bridesmaid choose a dress to fit their personal style and still look cohesive. One way is to give a general color and have all of your ladies choose a dress in that color scheme. Give them all the same bouquet and have that tie the look together. Another way is to have all of your bridesmaids choose from a certain dress designer that has many different styles. Assign the color but they can pick what best fits their body. Thank you Rachael Grace Photography for these amazing photos!
Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Dress
Posted by elizabeth waldmann on November 14th, 2013
Often times we are asked how couples can save money in their wedding. One of the ways to do this is to save on the wedding dress. There are so many options and different prices for wedding gowns. With these few tips, you can save money on the dress and put that money towards another important aspect in your wedding.
Sample Sales: Most gown salons have sample sales to get rid of older gown and make room for new ones. This is a great opportunity for you to buy a designer wedding gown at a discounted price. This works particularly well if you’re a size 8 to 12, as most sample gowns are in that size range.
Trunk Shows: If there’s a designer that you love, look on their website and find a trunk show near you. Often, gowns from a featured designer are discounted during a trunk show – usually around 10 percent – plus you’ll be able to see exclusive gowns that aren’t normally carried in stores.
Be Honest: Before you start trying on dresses, tell your consultant your budget – and be firm. Ask the price of each dress before trying it on. If it doesn’t fall within your price range, move on to the next. You don’t want to fall in love with a gown that you can’t afford – so don’t even let it become and issue.
Go Simple: The more beading and embellishments and wedding gown has, the more expensive it will be. Instead, look for dresses that don’t have a lot of adornments and add a sparkly sash or brooch if you need a little extra sparkle.
Limit Alterations: If you’re shopping at a sample sale, don’t assume that it’s more cost effective to buy a gown that doesn’t fit and get it altered. Major alterations can cost more than the dress if you’re not careful. And also, choose a gown that you love pretty much as is with limited customizations. Adding straps, changing a silhouette, changing a color – all of these changes can add up.
Recycled/Green Wedding Details: Lace, Ribbon, Burlap
Posted by elizabeth waldmann on October 2nd, 2013
After creating the tin can lantern for the recycled/green wedding décor project with Rachael Grace Photography, I wanted to do something else with tin cans. The idea of being able to place something in the recycling instead of the trash at the end of the night was so appealing. As a wedding planner, the end of the night can be a little sad. Not only is the big event over, we also have to throw away so much décor. With tin cans, you can just throw it in the recycling. Much better! To make these cans only took about 10 minutes. Wrap it with your wedding colors in lace or ribbon and voila! You have a green, recyclable vase!
