The Rhode Show!

On June 22, there was a segment on the Rhode Show regarding wedding etiquette, and I had the pleasure of being a part of it!
http://www.foxprovidence.com/dpp/wildcard_7/wildcard_70/rhode_show_the_buzz_20090622

One of the topics covered was whether or not the bride has the right to ask her bridesmaids to change their appearance and the extent to which they can do so. Other topics included how to handle the “plus one” situation, mow much a guest should give, and how to handle those guests that do not answer well to RSVPs. There are also many other aspects and situations that may call for use of proper wedding etiquette.

As far as the bride’s relationship with her bridesmaids goes, there should be a mutual understanding on how much too much is to ask of each other. The bridesmaids are expected to understand that it isn’t their special day, but the bride’s. The bride should also keep in mind that the women she chose to be her bridesmaids are either family or close friends. Because of this, she should refrain from asking her bridesmaids to make drastic changes such as losing weight, changing their hair color or covering up tattoos. She should be accepting of her bridesmaids’ individuality.

Aside from situations concerning the brides and bridesmaids, there are always questions coming from the guests’ point of view. The “plus one” is a popular question. It is a given that a person invited can bring their spouse, fiancé, or even a long running significant other. However, for those who are single, should they find a date or go stag? There usually is no problem with going stag. The majority of the time, the party attending will know the family or friends so it will not be as if they are lonely the entire time. Every person and situation is different so if unsure ask the bride or somebody else who will be attending for a second opinion. Ideally, one should bring the cost of the plate which can usually be estimated around fifty dollars. Is bringing a guest worth that amount of money?

A common occurrence in planning a wedding can be acquiring a guest count. From those “plus one” ambiguities to those who seem to never RSVP. The RSVP is very important and timely. There are vendor deadlines that must be met. When there is a guest who seemingly forgot to RSVP, it is alright to call or email them to check up on their decision. Always be friendly about it. One never knows if there is a legitimate reason or if the guest simply forgot. There is still a slight possibility that they never even received the invite.

Have a great week!!!

Wedding South Beach Style and Big Move!

Welcome to Wedding Season 2009!! There will be much more blogging this season about our weddings so keep checking out the site! Our most exciting news is that we have moved to Newport! Our office is located at 129 Bellevue Avenue, so if you are in the area please drop by and visit.

On to the weddings...

We had the honour of being a part of Jen and Craig's wedding this past weekend at Astor's Beechwood. They brought South Beach to the old style mansion, which looked fabulous!

Broadway Florist did an outstanding job with creating a lounge in the ballroom and the lighting from Bentley Meeker was absolutely incredible. Congrats to Jen and Craig!

NBC 10 Wedding Giveaway Blogs

I thought this was cute and wanted to share. Here is Kate and Steve's latest blog. Enjoy!

Monday, December 15, 2008
Our Twelve Days of Christmas
Kate and Steve
We love Christmas!!!!!
Our Twelve Days of Christmas(By Kate and Steve)
On the first day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: An NBC 10 Free Wedding.
On the second day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Steve Passarelli, from A Better Sound, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the third day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Christine Clark, from Planned to Perfection, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the fourth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the fifth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the sixth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the seventh day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the eighth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the ninth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the tenth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Honeymoon in Mexico from AnyPlace Travel,A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:
A Dream Come True,
Honeymoon from AnyPlace Travel,A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding!!!!!!!!!

ABC Conference

Last week I attended the Association of Bridal Consultant's annual conference in Newport Beach, CA and what an amazing experience it was for me. I came away with so many new and exciting ideas and some great products that I can offer my clients. One of them is Kate Aspen products, you can click on http://plannedtoperfectionllc.0.kateaspenshops.com/ and order their amazing and unique favors. I also had the privilege of watching Colin Cowie speak, I am in awe of his creativity and enthusiasm for events. I am working to further my education with the ABC and become an Accredited Bridal Consultant by the end of December. I am looking forward to the 2009 season so that I can put all these idease into amazing events. Have a great Thanksgiving!

What is the worst thing?

Many couples have asked me in the interview process what is the worst thing that has happened at an event that you have had to fix on the spot. I have to admit it has been awhile since something has happened. So when I was asked the question on Friday, I recalled a story of a few years ago when the bride went to put on her dress before leaving for the ceremony and it was four sizes to big. YIKES! Same dress style, not her dress!! So I get in touch with the bridal salon and they rush the dress over, iron it as quickly as they can. I keep the bride and groom as calm as possible and in the end it all works out. Note to bride: Always try on your dress before you leave the bridal salon for the last time. I hang up the phone after this call and think to myself, I am so glad these issues are rare. Fast forward to Saturday when everything is going smoothly at a wedding. Then the bus catches on fire. Yes, the one the was carrying most of the guests catches on fire en route to the venue. Thankfully, no one was hurt and we managed to have all the guests squeeze onto the other bus. Another bus from the company was called and made it to the venue so that everyone could get back o.k.. So I no longer will be thankful that is has been a long time since I have had an incident, I will be thankful that I can handle the incidents!

I am coming around to this blogging thing.

I always mean to write a blog, and then the wedding season takes off and now it is August. This has been a wonderful wedding season thus far. I have been a part of some fun weddings, having a dog as a ring bearer and sneaking him on the property. And by the way he did a wonderful job, better than some 3 year olds I have seen. A bride and her bridesmaids choreographed some outstanding moves to Dancing Queen, it was quite impressive. I am excited for the remaining weddings that I have this year and am so excited to announce that I will be the wedding planner for the NBC 10 wedding that will air in February. Be on the lookout and make sure to vote for your favorite wedding items this fall on their website. We are also offering brides and not just the ones that hire us the opportunity to have a Pampered Chef bridal registry. You don't even have to leave the house to register, and you get amazing products. I promise, I will get better at this blogging thing and update with more great weddings.

Themes

Sometimes the word "theme" freaks people out. They think I am not a theme person and not going there. But a theme does not have to be only the Wizard of Oz as the focus of a wedding. Themes could present themselves in a color, flower, or location. Since I am in New England, beach themes or New England themes tend to be pretty popular but you definitely can be suttle if you want to add that special "theme" flair. One couple that I worked with instead of using table numbers, named each of their tables various lighthouses, throughout New England. Another couple named their tables places that they had travelled together. If you love a certain flower, why not have that flower in all the bouquets and in the centerpieces. There are many options to incorporating bits of your personalities into your wedding day without making it an all out "themed" wedding. Who knows maybe your guests will end up learning more about you as a couple!