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How to time your Wedding Reception

OK you have everything set, now how do you figure out the timing for the reception. How long should the cocktail hour be? How long should I plan for everyone to eat? Should I start the first dance when they are eating dessert…HELP! Do not despair it is not as difficult as you think. You want your reception to flow as smoothly as possible so here is some advice. Talk with your reception coordinator and get their timeline, then talk with your DJ or MC and get their timeline, now merge the two then go back to both of them and show them your time line and make sure the two are one! Now everyone is on the same page, YEAH!

Here are some basics:

The Cocktails and appetizers should be served  for 45 minutes  to an hour and a half .  It will depend on if you have to turn the room around, often the ceremony is held in the same place as the reception, and so therefore, you may need more than an hour for turn around time.  If it is a simple event, an hour should do.  If you have a larger event, you may want to give yourself an extra half an hour.   Always plan to serve a variety of foods during cocktail receptions. Provide one bartender for every 75-100 people.  Offer nonalcoholic beverages in addition to beer, wine and  liquor.

How do I plan the food?
•You should allow enough time for guests to eat leisurely and socialize with friends and family.
•Depending on your meal type here are some guidelines:

• Brunch Reception 30 to 40 minutes
• Luncheon Reception 45 to 60 minutes
• Dinner Receptions 20 minutes per course for dinner.  If you are having a Buffet Dinner than allow 60 minutes for dinner.  If you have lines that can go along both sides that will help with the flow.
• Just a thought consider donating leftover food to homeless shelters or distribution organizations for the needy.  You will have to ask your venue for their policy.
• Consider requesting one server for the head table and two family tables.
  Most facilities allow one server for every two tables, for standard, three- or four-course meals. Check with the facility to determine if there will be additional labor charges for the extra servers.

When do I cut the cake?

We have found that it is best to cut the cake after your entrance introduction.  You are introduced, walk to the center of the room, the DJ or MC welcomes your guests on your behalf, cut the cake….waiters take the cake to the back and prepare it to be served.  This saves time and the cake is ready immediately after dinner to be served.

Yes, you can have the cake or dessert served as you begin the Bridal Party dances.  People are seated and all eyes are on the new couple,  The Bride and Dad, the Groom and Mom and the Bridal Party.  They can eat their dessert and enjoy the moment then be ready to dance the night away.

It is not that tough to keep your reception flowing.

Join us at “The Wedding Gallery” June 5, 2012  6:30 pm – 7:30 pm for

“WEDDING CAKE DEMYSTIFIED”

1701 S. Veteran’s Parkway  Bloomington  IL (Next To Starbucks at Veteran’s and Morrisey Dr)

Join us at “The Wedding Gallery” June 5, 2012  6:30 pm – 7:30 pm for

“WEDDING CAKE DEMYSTIFIED”

1701 S. Veteran’s Parkway  Bloomington  IL (Next To Starbucks at Veteran’s and Morrisey Dr)

A cake workshop to help you figure out cake…yes come join the Premier Bakers of Bloomington and find out what cake you like.  Learn about pricing, how they are made, choices for icing.  Cake is an individual thing.  This is an opportunity to meet several Bakers in a quiet atmosphere and actually enjoy finding out what is available.   What a concept!  Unlike a Bridal show where you feel like cattle going through the aisles instead  you can sit down, learn a little, and taste great cakes all in one spot at “The Wedding Gallery”

You have no doubt gone through all of the wedding magazines you could get your hands on.  You’ve looked at hundreds of pictures of cakes.  Now, what is it going to cost you?  Well that depends on how elaborate you would like to get.  You must realize that many hours can go into creating the fantastic cakes you will see on ‘WETV” and that costs money.  The cost of your cake will be determined by the type of icing, how the cake is decorated, and the size of the cake, and also whether there is a brick and Mortar store (remember Girls these people make their living at this.)   The number of servings will determine the number of tiers you’ll need.

Cake is an individual thing.  I mean everyone has different tastes.  I can be at a wedding and think, OK the cake is good (not great in my opinion)  but my partner will be going crazy about it.  When someone tells you, “You just have to have “so and so” for your cake they are fantastic!”  Maybe they are but to you they may not be that great.  TASTE THE CAKE!

Before you run around like a maniac, you should by now know whether your reception venue provides a cake.  If so, then this is one thing you may not have to worry about.

ADVICE:  Make sure you taste the cake from your reception vendor if they provide it.

Why? What if you don’t like it?  If you don’t want their cake, see if they will give you a credit on the cake and find your own.

WARNING!  Make sure you will not be charged an extra cake cutting fee though. It can range from $1 per person to $4 per person.  I hate that fee.

Also, if you are providing the cake to a reception hall venue, for example at a hotel, they may require that the person making the cake holds a State Food license. Make sure you check on that, you would hate the day of the wedding to find out and not be able to serve your cake.

Let’s talk Cake.

Icing – Frosting, what is the difference?  Is there a difference?  What is fondant anyway?  Ganache, what’s a ganache?

1. Frosting/Icing The more labor intensive the more expensive it will be.

You will have the choice of: fondant, marzipan, royal frosting (icing for you southerners), chocolate ganache, and flavored buttercream.

• Fondant is a paste made of sugar and water. This paste is rolled and flattened then placed on top of a cake previously frosted in order for the fondant to “glue” itself to it. Fondant is a thick chewy form of frosting.
• Fondant and marzipan are the most expensive, because of the labor involved in rolling it to a perfectly smooth surface.
• Marzipan is an almond and sugar paste used to ice cakes and other pastries or sculpted into a variety of shapes.  It can also be eaten as candy as well as used for cake decorations.
• Royal icing is a hard white frosting, made from softly beaten egg whites, powdered sugar, and sometimes lemon or lime juice.  It can be used either as a smooth covering or it can be used to create decorative flowers or other decor.  Royal icing can be piped into shapes which are then allowed to harden.  They can then be arranged to create edible decor on your cake.
• Ganache is a rich mixture of chocolate and cream which can be used as a frosting or filling.  Depending on the intended use, different ratios of chocolate to cream are used, to create anything from a light glaze to a creamier frosting consistency.  It is very rich.
• Buttercream is the simplest type of frosting.  It is made by creaming butter with powdered sugar, although other fats can be used, such as margarine, shortening, or lard.   It is then flavored with a variety of options. CAUTION:  Outside wedding in August?  Buttercream melts so be careful.

2. Cake Decorating  The more labor intensive, the more expensive it will be.

• Your cake decorations will depend on the type of frosting you pick.  Rolled fondant allows for amazing decorating because the surface is smooth.
• Buttercream, the best choice for decorations of fresh or silk flowers.  When you use buttercream the cake is decorated with patterns or swirls.  You will often see decorative satin ribbons around each tier.  Caution:  buttercream is delicious (my favorite) but it melts.  Ask me about the tent wedding in July and the cake melting incident.  I felt so bad for the girl delivering that cake.  Buttercream will not stand the heat.

Things you should ask the Baker:

1. Will you do a custom wedding cake, or are there a set number of designs for us to choose from?’
2. How adaptable are wedding cake designs, especially due to budget concerns?
3. Do you have or can you rent items like cake toppers, stands, tiers, fountains, and cutters?  Will we be billed extra?
4. If I want to use fresh flowers on my cake, will you coordinate with my florist, or will I have to manage getting the flowers to you?
5. What ingredients do you typically use?  What kind of icing do you use?
   (Better ingredients will cost more, but will make the cake taste better)
6. How long before our wedding are the cakes prepared?  How long does it take to make a cake?
   (The closer to your wedding that the cake is prepared, the better it will taste. BUT, anyone who tells you that they can bake a wedding cake in a day is not telling you the truth, or isn’t being realistic.  Due to the complicated nature of wedding cakes, they usually take between three and five days. )
7. Are your wedding cakes priced by the slice?  Is there an extra cost for special fillings or details?  Will you charge extra for my design?  Is there a price list I can take home with me to study?
8. Can you give me a written proposal I can take home?
9. Do you do deliver?  How much does it cost?  Will the delivery person be able to make emergency frosting or decoration repairs and arrange the cake table?
   (For anything even slightly complicated, getting them to deliver is best. You won’t want to be stuck with 150 ruined pieces of wedding cake at $8 per slice, much less on the morning of your wedding.)  You can find these questions on http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingcakes/a/cakequestions.htm

How much will I need?

At Tiers Designer Cakes in Bloomington, Jessica does amazing cakes!  Obviously you can see the pictures.

At MadHouse Cakes you’ll love Erin and her cakes are fantastic!  Check her out www.madhousecakes.blogspot.com.

Sugar Art http://www.kamsugarart.com/weddingcakes.html

Kamra is a trip, you will love her sense of humor and her daughter is so sweet.  Kamra Pierce has been designing cakes and preparing food for over 30 years.  

So, you are getting married. Keep it in perspective. Enjoy the moment!

2012 Margaret Moore, www.simpleeleganceeventsandweddings.com
Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:

Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes this weekly e-zine. Get your FREE “My Dream Wedding without the Nightmare” at www.simpleeleganceventsandweddings.com

Is getting married really necessary?  I thought how ridiculous.  What kind of  a question is that?  We hear it all the time the divorce rates are 45% to  50%  for first time marriages, 60% to 67% for second marriages, and a whopping 70% to 73% for third marriages….

I have heard young girls say, “I just got married too young.”  What is it with today?  It makes you stop and think.  I will be married for 33 years this year.  I can’t believe I can actually say that.  I love Sam, always have, always will.  I will say though it is amazing how much you can love someone and how much you can hate them all in one – 24 hour period.  I swear there are days when I thought  to myself, “My life would be impossible without him” and then” How and why did I marry you, you are driving me crazy?”  No doubt Sam has probably thought the same thing,  but we are happy.  It is alot of work to stay married..I think that is it, it is work.

I had surgery last week so I have not been to spunky to write but I was looking at, go figure Wedding stuff and I found this article that I thought was amazing.  I just had to share:

7 Reasons To Believe In Weddings

written by Liz Coopersmith

If you let most newscasters tell it, marriage isn’t “in” anymore. We see all sorts of headlines: Divorce rates are up. Twentysomethings choose cohabitation over marriage. Marriage isn’t for everyone. I could go on and on. Everywhere I look there’s a new study or story on why people aren’t getting married, waiting much longer to get married, or just plain miserable in their marriages. Yet, as a newly married woman all I can think about most days is how happy I am in my own marriage and how blessed I feel to have found a wonderful man willing to take this journey with me.

Dear naysayers: I don’t agree. Marriage can be wonderful, if you marry the right person at the right time. I can’t tell you who or when to marry, but I can give you seven damn good reasons why you should, at least, believe in the power of the institution. Read them before you pass judgments, please. Put simply: I’m only about a year and half into a marriage, and I can already find seven reasons to tell you it’s worth the work — that’s got to be a good sign.

1. Marriage can heal you.

Sometimes I realize my husband’s love has slowly but surely healed parts of me I never even knew were broken — some small, some big. If you let it, the love your spouse has for you can repair the pain other parts of your life have caused.

2. Marriage motivates you.

Just like becoming a parent makes you want to be better for the sake of your child, getting married makes you want to be a stronger more present person in your relationship. You share a life and beliefs with your spouse — the achievements and the consequences — and knowing that your failures are theirs as well makes you want to succeed for the both of you.

3. Marriage is a test you’ll want to take.

Remember those times in your life when you walked away from something prematurely only to wish later on that you’d at least given it a try? Marriage is a test of your inner will and your devotion to yourself and another human being. It’s also a test of your honor and commitment when life is most unkind.

4. There is someone for everyone.

I believe this wholeheartedly. And if you don’t, well then, hey, why are you even reading this right now? There are billions of people in this world, and when you find that one needle in this humongous haystack we call life, you feel so truly blessed and so lucky that it will be hard not to want to give all you have to them.

5. Marriages keep it real.

In life you can lie to everyone else but yourself — this we know. And who knows you better than you know yourself? Your spouse just might, if you let them in. They will be the one to call you out on your bullshit when no one else will. When everything else in your world seems confusing and out of place, if you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with the right person, they will be there to help you put it all into perspective — even if you don’t particularly like what they have to say. Like it or not, you’re gonna need that type of raw honesty at some point in your life. Why not when you say, “I do”? When they commit to you, they commit to a lifetime of openness and honesty with you. (Or, at least, they should.) That’s a gift.

6. Marriage is resilient.

Yes, you may know of quite a few people who are still reeling from failed marriages — they might even be your parents, friends, aunts or uncles. But I bet you also know at least one couple who is happily married right now and working hard to keep it that way. Studies will have you believe that marriage is something that used to be a good idea but isn’t so smart today. Marriage has taken a beating over the years in the press, but if you pay attention, there are still millions of weddings a year in the U.S. alone. Why do you think that is? Despite what negative aspects of marriage others see or hear about in their own lives, they still feel compelled to try and are willing to fight for.

7. Marriage reopens parts of your heart you never even knew were closed.

Remember the joy you felt when you were a kid and you rode an amazing coaster again and again because you didn’t want the high you felt to end? Or how excited you were to unwrap that giant birthday gift you’d been staring at all week? Can you remember the last time you felt that good? On the best days, a healthy marriage can warm your heart in those very same places and really make you feel that alive and vulnerable again. Your spouse’s love can go to those places, promise.

Thank you Liz Coopersmith, I could not agree with you More.  I always say,”So, you’re getting married?  Keep it in perspecitive,  Enjoy the Moment.”  Today I will say, “Learn to enjoy the moment for a lifetime.”

I think Mr. Hank’s said it best:

told by Margaret Moore Senior Planner of Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs

Lovely Tent Reception

I just want a simple tent reception. … I  want to save money by having a tent wedding…It will be so much easier to have a reception in my backyard…  How many of you have said or are saying this?

Tent Receptions can be just beautiful but let me tell you there is more to it than you think.

Things you need to know when planning a Tent Reception.

1. Size of the Tent or Tents

• This will be determined by the number of guests.
• Are you having a DJ or live Band (They will need room to set up)
• Dance floor size (you will need to rent this)
• Bar and Cocktail area (The bar and number of bartenders will be determined by the number of guests)
• Catering Staging area (will you need a tent for your caterer or is there a separate staging area?)

 2.  Electrical Source

• What type of electrical outlets area available for your caterer. Can they support the  electrical load?  (Fire is not what you want at your wedding)   Are they bringing convection ovens, microwaves, coffee pots, fans…..?
• Will you need lights for the evening hours of your reception?  What type of lights will you use?

   3.  Water Source

• Yes, you will need water for the caterer to make coffee, ice tea, lemonade (or whatever) but also to wash glasses, dishes and clean tables.
• Will there be a sink for the caterer or will they have to put together a wash unit?  How are they going to wash their hands?

Would you like to use this information on your blog or newsletter.  You can if you include a link to Margaret Moore Senior Planner Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs www.aweddingtodreamof.com

Brides, couples and Moms stated arriving at 6:15 pm last night at the Gallery.  It was great having them look through Kelly’s pictures and listen to their stories.   Every Bride received a “Wedding Workbook” full of just worksheets on how to plan your wedding.  I personally hate those planning books that girls buy.  They are huge and they inundate you with unnecessary stuff.  I think it makes girls crazier thinking they have to fill out and read all that stuff!  The workbooks were straight and to the point.  They were just simple worksheets to help the Brides find vendors, checklists, and  volunteer helper sheets.  All the girls took home a great list of vendors they can call.  Every girl left with a goody bag chocked full of savings from many of the local vendors.  If they use them it will save them hundreds.

We started with our PowerPoint presentation on “How to have a Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare!”  Stephanie from the Doubletree and Kim from Eastland Suites were so helpful helping the Brides understand what they need to do when booking a reception venue.  They handed out samples of information that the venue needs to pull off a great reception.  The brides were full of questions and it was nice to have Stephanie and Kim there to help the girls understand the details for a reception.

Everyone got a chance to meet Rev. David Brown a local Wedding Officiant.  Kelly Lyle was there answering questions the girls had about Photography.  He then had to hustle next door to Starbucks to meet with a new couple to talk about their wedding…I think they even booked him!

I know I had fun presenting some simple advice on how to make your day easier.  The evening ended with a questions and answer session.

All in all I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  I just wish everyone would have eaten more brownies!  I ended taking too many home.

Join us on April 24th for Wedding Decor 101

Planning, planing, planning…..things can get crazy in the process.  How do you keep from going crazy?  You have a tight budget and you cannot afford to hire a planner, so what do you do?  You enlist volunteers!  This does mean you become a tyrant.  I am sure you have plenty of people that love you.. at least I hope you do.  I am sure you do.  Keep it simple.  I mean really keep it simple.  Your bridal party for example the more you have the crazier and costlier it becomes.  So what is wrong with only having three bridesmaids???  Nothing!  You cannot have every childhood friend in your wedding!  Keep it simple.  Your guest list.  You cannot invite everyone to your wedding.  I know she was your sorority sister but really you have to draw the line somewhere.  Keep it simple!  I hear girls all the time say, “I just  hate the chairs at my reception and I hate white linens my venue provides.”  OK, well learn to use what you have and take advantage of what comes in your package.  So you don’t want white tablecloths add colored napkins for a pop of quick affordable color.  Keep it simple.  Money is tight so don’t hire the limo.  Remember the good old days when they decorated cars and drove to the reception beeping their horns?  I remember that, it was fun!  Just keep it simple.  The more you do the more you have to clean at the end of the night!  Keep it simple really do you want to be up until 2 am tearing down a reception room?

Three words…

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

You need a work force for free!  Here is a dandy list for you to copy and print off.  Ask your family for help and assign those that you trust a few duties.  Don’t overload just one person.  If you keep a list of who is doing what and are nice you will be surprised at how much smoother things will run.  So you can’t afford a planner, that’s OK.  You have family and friends and if you can’t use your family and friends who can you use!  That is what having family and friends is all about.

Free Wedding Planning Workshop

“How to Have a Dream Wedding Instead of a Nightmare!”

April 10, 2012 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at “The Wedding Gallery”

1701 south Veteran’s Parkway in Bloomington (right next to Starbuck’s  on Veteran’s and Morrissey)

Yes you read it correctly:  Free, yes Free Workshop to help you plan the day of your dreams.

Simple Elegance with the help of the Doubletree and Eastland Suites  will be presenting:

“How to Have a Dream Wedding Instead of a Nightmare”

The cost and planning of a wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life.  Cost of life is just skyrocketing and everyone wants a wedding that David Tutera did!  Have you seen the new statistics from “The Knot”?  Check out the average spending.  Although Manhattan is the city with highest price ticket, Chicago is second on the list.

2011 Average Wedding Budget Breakdown

OK, so we are Central Illinois and not Chicago but really you and I both know we look to trends from the “Windy City.”

Here are the New Trends compliments of  “The Knot”

Top 10 2011 Wedding Trends

BIGGER BUDGETS. Brides are spending more on their weddings. For the first time since 2008, the average wedding budget has grown year over year, hitting $27,021. Fewer brides (29%) say the economy affected their wedding budget – a decrease from 31% in 2010 and 34% in 2009. Wedding standards also rose for the first time since 2009, as the average wedding spend per guest increased to $196, compared with $194 in 2009.

PLANNING BEGINS EARLIER. Some brides are even starting to plan their wedding before their guy pops the question. Brides are now allowing themselves more time to plan, with one in three (31%) beginning to plan more than 12 months ahead (up from 28% in 2010). Plus, 16% of brides now plan their wedding before getting engaged. In the last three months leading up to their wedding, brides spend an average of 11 hours a week working on wedding details. Nearly one in three hire or use a wedding planner, with more than half of those brides (51%) hiring them for day-of coordination.

3-DAY-LONG, LUXURY WEDDINGS. High-end weddings are far more traditional. Theluxury wedding segment (those spending an average of $100,000 on their wedding) had approximately 85,000 weddings in 2011 and represents a $9 billion industry. Luxury weddings are more formal/black-tie (46% vs. 15% of the non-luxury market) and larger (204 guests compared with 137 guests attending non-luxury weddings). Luxury weddings are also longer, with 74% of couples hosting three or more days of events. The look is also more traditional: Ivory/champagne and metallics are the most popular wedding color palettes among luxury brides.

LESS FORMAL STYLE. Casual weddings grow. Wedding style continues to move toward the more casual end of the spectrum. In 2011, 16% of brides said their wedding style was “casual,” compared with 14% in 2010 and 12% in 2009. While the “semi formal” category still reigns, with 65% of brides planning a wedding with that style in 2011, fewer brides are going for the “formal/black-tie” tradition, with only 16% describing their wedding that way in 2011, down from 18% in 2010 and 20% in 2009.

FALL WEDDINGS ARE MORE POPULAR. Unique wedding dates alter seasonal landscape. While summer will always be “wedding season,” 2011 saw a shift in seasonal popularity with only 37% of weddings taking place in months of June, July and August, down from 41% in 2010 and 2009. Partially owing to the popular wedding dates of 9/10/11 and 11/11/11, in 2011, fallgrew in popularity, with 36% of weddings taking place in September, October and November months, compared with just 30% in 2010 and 2009.

PURPLE REIGNS. Purple is the fastest-growing wedding color. Purple weddingscontinued to be extremely popular, with one out of four brides (25%) choosing the palette, up from 21% in 2010 and only 16% in 2009. Other popular wedding colors include blue (30%), green (24%) and pink (22%). On the other hand, brown weddings are on their way out, with only 11% choosing the color in 2011, down from 21% in 2008 (when brown was the “it” color).

WEDDINGS ARE MORE INTERACTIVE. New types of guest “entertainment” are on the rise. Eating and drinking isn’t enough anymore. Custom guest entertainment, such as photo booths and comedians, is on the rise, with 22% of brides incorporating additional guest entertainment into their wedding (vs. 15% in 2010 and 11% in 2009). In addition, interactive food stations, such as a sommelier with wine tastings, a sushi chef or a cheesemonger, continue to be popular, with 14% of brides including this option in their receptions (up from 13% in 2010).

COUPLES STILL LOVE CUPCAKES. Wedding cakes have much more competition.While a majority of brides (67%) still go for a traditional tiered wedding cake, other desserts are also served during the reception. Great dessert options include items like a groom’s cake (19%), candy (15%) and baked goods like pies, cookies and brownies (20%), and cupcakes, surprisingly, grew again in popularity from 13% in 2010 to 17% in 2011.

EVERY WEDDING HAS A WEBSITE. Couples increasingly communicate with guests online. The vast majority of couples now have personal wedding websites (69% of couples created one in 2011 vs. 65% in 2010 and 60% in 2009), and brides are increasingly using social media to share wedding details with guests (45% of couples did so in 2011 vs. 32% in 2009). Nearly one in six brides (15%) even kept in contact with their vendors via Facebook and/or Twitter.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY. Wedding planning has gone mobile. Nearly three out of five brides use their smartphones for wedding planning. Brides who have smartphones are doing a lot on the go, from taking and sharing wedding-related pictures (58%) and looking up wedding vendor contact information (47%) to accessing wedding planning websites (33%) and managing theirwedding gift registry (32%).

So if you are overwhelmed and need a little free advice join us on Tuesday.  Receive a complimentary “Wedding Planning Packet” and Preferred vendor list.  Sip some wine and have a strawberry or two and RELAX.

HOPE TO SEE YOU!

Written by Margaret Moore Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs credit to “The Knot” for their fantastic statistics.

I want to tell you a love story.  The story of Jeff and Stacy.  It is a story that proves true love will always find its way home.

Stacy and Jeff were High School Sweethearts.   Jeff was a little older than Stacy and went off to college.  So, they went their separate ways.  They both married and started their lives in different directions.  Stacy ended up living out of state and had a beautiful daughter.  Jeff remained here in Bloomington.  Years passed as they always do and they both divorced.  Stacy still has family here in Central Illinois and old high school friends.  Jeff remained close with many of his high school friends.  It was by chance that both of them stayed in touch with one mutual friend.  I have one word, FACEBOOK.   Yes, you heard it correctly they reconnected on Facebook.

It was a beautiful March Day, unlike any other I have ever experienced.  It was 75 degrees even the Magnolias were blooming.  I guess they could have had their outdoor wedding after all.  The day began at the Doubletree Hotel where Stacy, her daughter and dear friend prepared for the day.  Tabetha Smith of “Gathered Hair Together” started at 9 am with hair and make up.  I will tell you she did an amazing job.  Stacy’s hair was beautiful and it survived the windy photo shoot outside the mansion and around town.   Tab even took care of the groom the week before at Stacy’s trial run.

Amazing Hair and Make up by "Gathered Hair Together"

The day was off and running.  Kelly and Sarah arrived a little after 9 am to begin shooting the story of the day.  I brought Starbucks and bagels from Panera.  It was a calm and quiet morning of pampering.  Tabetha worked her magic.  Sarah buzzed around the room catching all the  moments between Mother and daughter and between two best friends.  In the meantime Kelly made his way over to the Groom’s house to get some fun shots of Jeff getting ready.

12:45 pm time to get to Broadview Manor and get ready for the early afternoon Ceremony.   It was an intimate setting for family and friends.  This historic house was buzzing with the sound of truly happy people.  We had veggies and “La Gondola” to snack on and both Pepsi and Coke!  (There were definitively two separate camps on this issue.)  We made sure we had a Diet Dr. Pepper for the Matron of Honor as well.  Kelly and Sarah snapped away taking so many incredible pictures.  The story unfolded in such a wonderful way.

2 pm the guests begin to arrive.  They are greeted by  Kim of the Simple Elegance Team and a friend of Stacy’s as they put  their thumbprint on the Thumbprint tree.

It was fun to watch guests press their thumbs against the paper and listen as they pointed at who they knew.  What a great momento!

The guests are greeted with the soft music of the Harp played by Rex Moore.

2:30 pm It is time.  Rex begins the family seating and the SE team is all in place.  Kelly and Kalya (our interns) cue the family and the seating begins.  The music changes the two bridesmaids make their way down the stairs.  They take their places in the front of the room.  Jeff’s Stepmother stands and the Bridal music begins.  Amber assists Stacy as stands at the top of the stairs.  The sun catches her from behind and she is beaming.  She softly makes her way to the entryway.  I have her stop for a moment as I fix her dress.  She glances down, I touch her arm and tell her this her moment.  Jeff’s face…there are no words to describe it.  He just loves her that’s all.  They join hands and Doug our officiate begins.

The ceremony was a simple one with very meaningful moments.  Jeff and Stacy wrote their own vows.  They were touching.  They included an Irish Hand-fasting which  is a traditional Celtic ceremony. It usually involved the tying or binding of the right hands of the bride and groom with a cord or ribbon for the duration of the wedding ceremony.  They had the tie made in Ireland, watch for pictures on Kelly’s Facebook page.  The real tear jerker was the Dedication to Stacy’s daughter.  Stacy and Jeff presented her with a beautiful necklace for her to remember their love for her.   And before you could wipe another tear it was announced, “You may kiss the bride!”

Stacy and Jeff made their way upstairs for a quiet moment to themselves as the guests went out on the front porch of  Broadview.

Now for the fun to begin.  The reception was held at The Doubletree Hotel.  Stephanie did a fantastic Job.

Star Talent events provided the entertainment for the evening.  Guests went crazy in the Photo booth.  The uplighting highlighted the room in a soft blue.

The decor set the mood for a soft romantic reception.  Miranda, Julie and Kathi created exactly what Stacy wanted.

From this to....

...after the Simple Elegance Team work their magic!

The day was over and the reception ended.  It was a special wedding.  Two hearts reunited and finally complete.  We thank Stay and Jeff for letting us share their day.  They will always hold a special place in our hearts.

True Love Truly Happy

It is this picture that I love.  Look at the two of them.  What a wonderful story.

Let your Wedding focus on what is really important. Picture by Kelly Lyle Photography

So you are engaged.  NOW WHAT?  Where do you start?  How do you get the most for your money?  How much money are going to spend?  Are you going to have enough money?  The questions go on and on.  Well on April 10th at 6:30 pm join us for “How to have a Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare” Workshop at “The Wedding Gallery.”

Everyone is invited for this 1 hour of  planning advice.   Enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers while we help you start to put things into perspective.

Items we will discuss:

1. How do I set a Buget? Budget Analysis-What does an average wedding cost?
2. How to allocate your funds-In other words;  How much can I expect to spend on vendors for my wedding?  What will a photographer cost?  What if I want a photobooth, what is that going to cost?  How much can I expect to pay for an open Bar?  What are my options for alcohol?  …..
3. How do I interview a vendor?  What questions do I ask?
4. How do I negogiate a contract?
5. How do I make up an itinerary for the day?   What is a BEO?
6. Question and Answer session

So let’s talk about these things for a minute or so.

1. How do I set a Budget? Budget Analysis-What does an average wedding cost?

The #1 thing to do is realize what you can afford to spend.  Without a reality check at the beginning it will cause your costs to skyrocket out of control.  I know you have watched “My Fairy Wedding” and “Say Yes to the Dress” and you have bought every Bridal Magazine you can get your hands on an you know exactly what you want…now what can you afford?  That is the ticket!

Sit down with whatever parties are contributing to the wedding and have a frank serious conversation about money.  Money is the one thing that always causes arguments so be upfront with it right from the start.  Do not assume that your in-laws are going to pay for the rehearsal, ask them.  Don’t assume your parents will pay for the whole thing.. ask them!

Here is a link to an excel spreadsheet that will help you keep track of your expenses…USE IT!

This site will keep track of your spending!

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/wedding-budget.html

2.  How to allocate your funds-In other words;  How much can I expect to spend on vendors for my wedding?  What will a photographer cost?  What if I want a photobooth, what is that going to cost?  How much can I expect to pay for an open Bar?  What are my options for alcohol?  …..

Here is a link to help you know where to put your money.

http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/20000-wedding-budget-worksheet.html

This is not an exact but it will help you divide up the expenses.  You will have to prioritize what is important to you and anyone else that is contributing to the cost.  (I hate to break it to you but this is not just all about you.  It is also about your family.  So keep that in mind when making decisions.)  You can rob Peter to Pay Paul, in other words decide what is really important to you.  If you want a fantastic meal and open bar, you may have to compromise on the decor.  If you just have to have that $5000 dress you might not be able to get those Chivari chairs… and so on.   You get the picture.

3.  How do I interview a vendor?  What questions do I ask?

The choosing of vendors will occupy a great deal of time, so how do you choose the right one.  We will discuss questions you need to ask and provide everyone with a list of those questions   In fact all the attendants will receive a free information packet to get you started in the right direction.

Although you will have a particular set of questions you will ask the vendor, here are some basic things to keep in mind.   We have found that it is useful to ask an open ended question first.  The purpose of the open ended question is two-fold.  1) Some of their discussion may answer the questions you already have, and 2) You can get a good sense of their personality and communication skills.  For example you can ask:

• Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself, your business, and how you work?
• What is your philosophy on photography (or catering, officiating, etc.)?

Their Personality does matter. You’re going to be  in contact with this person for the length of the planning process, it is essential to make sure you have a vendor that meshes with your personality.

Know What You’re Looking For or at least be open about why you don’t know what you’re looking for.  Identify your criteria for the type of vendor you’re interviewing.   Outlining your criteria shows that you know what you want and that you’re not some flaky bride they’ll have to deal with.  If you’re not sure what you want, tell the vendor you are not sure they may be able to help guide you in the right direction.  But do not be a push over, listen then look over what is presented and make comparisons before you make a major decision.

4.  How do I negotiate a contract?  Yes contracts can be negotiated but you must first read it..yes read it.  I don’t care that it is ten pages long, READ IT!  If there is something you don’t understand ask.  If you want something added tell them you want it added.  If there is something you do not agree with do not sign it.  ask if it can be altered.  I cannot tell you how many times girls come to us with issues all because THEY did not read the contract carefully.

5.  How do I make up an itinerary for the day?  Work Backwards!  What is a BEO?  It is a Banquet Event Order prepared by your reception venue.  You will use this to help with your itinerary.  We will give you sample itineraries to help you make up an outline for the day.

6.  We will then let you ask as many questions as you need to.

Join us April 10th at 6:30 pm at “The Wedding Gallery” for a workshop for You!  “How to Plan a Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare.”  We look forward to seeing you.

Want to use this information, you are more than welcome as long as you credit the author

written by Margaret Moore Senior Planner of Simple Elegance Evets and Wedding Designs.

April 10 How to Plan a Dream Wedding instead of a Nightmare

Simple Elegance Planners will  help you prioritze. We will focus on budget analysis, negogiating contracts and How to interview wedding vendors.

What is a BEO anyway?

April 24 DIY Wedding

Join the Decor designers of Simple Elegance and find out if a DIY wedding is for you.  How long does it take to set up a reception?

May Workshops

How to Plan a Fantastic Honeymoon

Steve Aves from Travel Agents International will help you find the perfect trip.

Cakes of Central Illinois

Join us as we share an evening of Cake.  We have invited all of the local Wedding Cake Vendors to come and share their cakes with you. A private cake tasting.  Don’t have time to run around to all the shops in town trying to decide?  No need to just come to “The Wedding Gallery” for cake at your fingetips.  Tiers Custom Cakes, MadHouse Cakes….

Join us at “The Wedding Gallery”

1701 s. Veteran’s Parkway

Suite B

Bloomington Il

Click here for Google Maps