~Bride 2 Be University~

Those fabulous event planners at Stella Event Design have come up with a great idea. One that I admittedly have been brewing in the back of my mind for quite some time this year, but, thanks to the blessing of so many wonderful weddings to create, I have not had the time to pull together. No worry, for Jessica at SED has developed the classes and I can’t wait to be involved with her endeavor! Complete information can be found at www.bride2beuniversity.com  These classes are full of vital information and offered at such a low price, that you just can’t pass them up!  Sign up now for Fall/Winter classes and don’t be left out!  Here’s what’s being offered:

Bride2Be 101:: The Ultimate Jump Start to Planning Your Wedding
You’re engaged! Now what? This class is the ultimate way to kick start your wedding planning! We’ll help you get started by leading you through the first steps of planning including: finding the perfect venue and asking questions, creating a wedding budget, making a guest list, finding & working with vendors in your budget, and more! This class will get you jump started in the planning process and on track to plan a wonderful (and stress free) wedding! Class will include an additional 15-30 minute Q+A portion!

First Dance 102:: Beginner Ballroom Dancing for the Bride & Groom
You’ll only have one first dance, so make it memorable! Whether you’re looking for a fun night out with your fiance, or want to master the waltz for your big day,  this beginner ballroom workshop led by professional instructors will give you the confidence to tackle the dance floor like a pro on your wedding day!

Beach Weddings 104:: Planning a successful Beach Wedding
While beaches are relaxing and care-free, planning a wedding on the beach can be difficult. We’ll give you insider tips and tricks to make your beach wedding go more smoothly, including: where to rent affordable chairs for your beach wedding (this can save you hundreds!), which beaches to avoid, logistics of a beach wedding, choosing the best time & location, and more! This class is a MUST if you are hoping to plan a 2010 wedding on the beach! Class will include an additional 15-30 minute Q+A portion!

Green Weddings 210:: Creating an Eco-Friendly Wedding
Planning a “green” wedding doesn’t have to mean growing your own flowers or wearing a gunny sack dress. We’ll go over creative, chic AND realistic ways to make your wedding day more eco-friendly, and it’s easier than you think! Class will include an additional 15-30 minute Q+A portion!

DIY Weddings 301:: DIY Details for Your Wedding
For the ultimate DIY Bride—This class explores easy, creative & budget-friendly ways to personalize your wedding and save money!  Topics include DIY table runners and overlays, budget-friendly DIY centerpiece ideas (with in-class examples) and more! Class will include an additional 15-30 minute Q+A portion!

Choosing your Wedding Officiant

Many considerations should go into your decision to choose one officiant over another.  The real estate motto of finding the right home is location, location, location. For finding the right officiant, think Reputation, Dedication, Location.

Reputation. Is your officiant someone you feel you can trust with the most intimate ceremony of your life? Do their promises follow up with action?  Are they referred by vendors that know them or have glowing reviews from couples that used them?

Dedication.  Have they put their couples needs as a priority?  What does their website look like?  Are they giving you a surplus of time and information?  Again, what did prior customers and vendors have to say?

Location.  Are they near you or your venue? If not, are they willing to travel there? If you are working from a distance, how are they getting to know you on a personal level? Are they even trying?

These are the foremost elements when considering who will be the celebrante for your special day.  Meet with them and come prepared with questions for them. Choosing the right officiant can make your wedding a special memory for years to come!

Rev. Carleen  www.withthisringwed.com

DIY Wedding Trend

Who doesn’t want to save money on their wedding? Unless your name is Trump, Rockefeller or Hilton, you probably do. But is cutting corners the wisest way to go? In this economy, DIY is the only way many couples can afford to even get close to their dream wedding. Let’s face it, weddings are expensive!

I think that it’s a personal choice per couple. If going this route, each couple needs to decide which things are the most important to them and spend the larger parts of their budget there. Anything that they are going to try on their own should only be attempted if it won’t “crush them” if it doesn’t go as planned, or if they have a KNOWLEDGABLE family or friend member willing to help. Ask to see examples of their work to be certain they are going to do things your way. If you don’t like how they do it, you aren’t locked in. Deciding to go with a professional will save you heartache, because it can’t be redone. However, if Aunt Paula is awesome at cakemaking and wants to help, by all means, take advantage of that opportunity!

I hear horror stories about couples that tried to save money by having a friend ordained online to marry them. This is fine if your friend is a great public speaker and writer, with some knowledge of how to put a ceremony together. However, I have bailed out a couple that had the person back out a month before the wedding with nothing done; and heard about the cousin that had a “couple of nerve calmers” before the ceremony and had to leave during the service for a minute to use the facilities!

If you want something done right you have to do it yourself. This belief leads people to hold on to too much. Unfortunately, people who cling to this belief often become an organizational bottleneck. Everything has to be done by, or through, them. It is hard for some brides to emotionally detatch themselves from every aspect of their wedding, so they decide to take care of it all. Those are the ones that end up extremely stressed out, things don’t turn out the way they wanted, and ultimately they didn’t enjoy their wedding day. Realize your limitations both talent-wise cash-wise and time-wise.

The way you handle the wedding planning will give you both an opportunity to see how you can work as a team before the marriage, as well. Remember to listen and respect each other in the process.

I think every aspect of the wedding can be a DIY, but not every aspect for every wedding.

www.withthisringwed.com

Wedding Ways to be Eco-Friendly

Are you concerned about the carbon imprint your special day will leave upon this earth? Leaving your wedding guests with a beautiful and memorable ceremony and reception doesn’t mean you can’t go green! Use the following tips to reduce, reuse and recycle your wedding. 

Save the Date cards, Invitations and Programs

 

Purchase recycled paper to print your invitations and programs on or purchase them from someone who does use recycled paper. Send your invitations in a picture attachment to emails when you can. Explain why you are doing this to avoid hurt feelings. (Not only will this save paper, but postage costs and the fuel used to transport mailings). Establish a wedding website (most are free) and communicate though that with your wedding party and for RSVP’s from invited guests.

 

Your Dress

 

Your mom, grandma, aunt or even that vintage or charity shop downtown may have the perfect dress at little or no cost. Even if it’s not exactly your style, it can be taken to a dressmaker to change it to suit your personality. Renting a dress has become a more popular option now, as well. Why not? We ask our men to do this, and really, are you going to wear it again? You can get a lot more expensive dress by renting, too. Also, look into purchasing or having one made from sustainable fabrics. Lastly, be good to your wedding party and have them help in the selection of their dresses. They need something they will wear again, or even let them select from their own closet, if feasible.

 

Your Venue and Caterer

 

Ask them (and all vendors) what they are doing to minimize waste, conserve water and reduce energy use. Are they recycling? Do they use LED or CFL lighting? Can you use the same location for both the ceremony and reception? This reduces your costs, and cuts down on transportation waste. Is your caterer using food from local markets to reduce carbon emissions? Do they use food that is organic, pesticide-free, or cage-free? Ask the cake decorator if they use fair trade sugar and dried fruits. Even if the vendor isn’t doing much now, you could get them thinking. Rent as many things as you can, including linens, silverware, table service, aisle runner and centerpieces.

 

Flowers and Décor

 

Using potted plants as your centerpieces are not only lovely, but can be replanted. Find ways to use them for both the ceremony and reception. Choose local, seasonal flowers and let guests take them home. Tree seedlings are a better choice for table favors and can be replanted to replenish oxygen to the atmosphere. As the tree grows in their yard, they will think of your special day!

 

The Honeymoon

 

Try a Bed and Breakfast nearby. You’ll feel like you “got away” without the hotel and airfare price. Try taking the train to your destination, too. It’s a great way to connect on your way to the destination and cuts carbon emissions, as well.

 

Bravo Bride and Green Hanger Shop

 

Buy never used and slightly used items for your wedding at www.bravobride.com or www.thegreenhangershop.com .  It’s like Ebay, but for your wedding. You can then earn some of your expenses back after the wedding by selling your items you no longer want or need.

 

These are only a few ways to be greener at your nuptials. Keep thinking “outside the box” and I’m sure you’ll find more.

 

 

“Earth’s the right place for love. I don’t know where it’s likely to go better.” – Robert Frost

 

withthisringwed.com