An Outdoor Treat

One of my July bride's, Nicole, was so excited about this idea I suggested, I thought I would share it. Nicole is having an outdoor reception and was very worried about the Virginia humidity and her guests. I suggested having a vintage snow cone machine at the reception as a special treat for her guests to help cool off. The idea is perfect for a park, beach, or vineyard wedding. When it comes to weddings, its OK to think outside the box ... happy wedding planning!

Is there a food and beverage minimum?

I cannot stress enough how important this question is! However, I have found about 50% of the time that the food and beverage minimum is not always understood. Therefore, I thought it was very important to address it. A majority of reception sites that have on site catering will require a food and beverage minimum. The food and beverage minimum is the least amount of money that is required to be spent on food and beverages combined BEFORE tax and service charge. Therefore, if the reception location has a food and beverage minimum of $8,000; the sub-total has to equal $8,000 or more. The food and beverage minimum is NOT the overall total for the catered reception. Instead, its just a minimum that is put in place by the catering department for the reception location. This minimum is usually based off the amount of guests you have attending the reception and the amount of space you will require. Its crucial to ask the Catering Director or Manager what minimum they require and ensure you see that minimum stated on the contract. Remember the minimum does not include taxes, and taxes can vary from city to city. Therefore, ask the Catering Director to provide you with a cost estimate including tax and service charge of the desired menu you have chosen with the exact guest count. This will provide you with the overall catering figure. Happy Planning!

Wedding Planning On Your Cell Phone?

My Wedding Concierge is a new iPhone App that I love! This new App allows for busy brides to find local vendors, read bridal reviews, organize their bridal party list, review recent wedding blogs, and share their findings in a facebook like environment. Not only is the app a great resource it's also free! To find out more about My Wedding Concierge, check out the iPhone App video review on The Daily App Show: http://dailyappshow.com/my-wedding-concierge-vendor-guide

Is there a difference between a "Certified Wedding Planner" and a "Wedding Planner"?

YES! I have a lot of couples that will ask me this question, and I'm always excited when they do because it means they have been doing their research. There is a HUGE difference between a Certified Wedding Planner and a Wedding Planner. Although they share the similar title, they are not the same!

If you meet with a Certified Wedding Planner, that individual has learned and mastered everything from wedding tradition, proper etiquette, interfaith ceremonies, budget maintenance, marriage license requirements, wedding timelines, and the list goes on. In addition, in order for a Wedding Planner to be certified they typically belong to an association that upholds them to certain standards and requirements to ensure that are providing each bride and groom with the best possible guidance and knowledge.

It's true a Wedding Planner it not required to be certified. However, just because someone has watched the Wedding Planner twenty times it does not qualify them to help plan or coordinate a wedding. Although this a funny thought, while working in the hospitality industry I have seen too many brides and grooms who hired Wedding Planners who claimed to know what they were doing. However, instead of providing the bride and groom with peace of mind, the end result left the bride and groom disappointed and stressed on their big day due to the planners lack of experience.

When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure that you are hiring professionals that have the experience and knowledge of planning a wedding. A wedding is not like planning a party; one must know how to manage timelines, vendors, and sometimes that Mom and/or friend who thinks she knows better then the bride and groom.

We all agree, when we have a broken sink or bathtub we call a qualified plumber. Just remember to do the same with a Wedding Planner, or you will be "flushing" your money down the drain!

Some Easter Inspiration...

Inspiration Board provided by Snippet & Ink

" Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something "Robin Egg" Blue". This is my favorite time of year! The Spring colors, the weather, sunshine, and of course wedding season begins! I'm so excited for all my brides, its going to be a great spring!

The New Hot Wedding Color

Lime is very big right now! Lime can soften such a dramatic color like red or add a punch of color to a metallic themed wedding. However, always remember to never overdo a color, small bold splashes of color, can always make a statement.

Welcome to Divinely Wed!

2010 is going to be an exciting year for weddings. The common trend for 2010 seems to be uniqueness. More and more brides are looking for that unique setting for their ceremony and reception, and I'm so excited to be a part of it!