Okay so the question was popped, the ring is on the finger, and now what do you do? You begin to research on the internet and the lists are overwhelming, the options are endless, the stress begins and you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders…
Have no fear because this basic list is the key to planning a successful wedding. The lists you find on the internet can be so detail oriented that you get lost reading them. Some of the lists contain 100 plus tasks that need to be done to plan a successful wedding. Take a deep breath and follow the checklist below to plan your perfect special day.
Remember this is your day and you make the decisions. It is ultimately what you want and no one else.
Pick a date: The season, the day of the week, and the time of the day will all affect your budget. Remember to be flexible with the day and month you are interested in when selecting your venue and vendors.
Determine your budget and determine who is responsible for what of the budget: Take steps early to come up with a realistic budget and who will be paying for what portion of the budget.
Reserve the Ceremony and Reception Locations: Spend some time at each location and really think about what YOU envision for your special day.
Select Your Wedding Party: Pick those that are close to your hearts that will make your day drama free and make it a memorable day for you!
Book and meet with the Photographer, Florist, DJ or Band, and Officiant: Once you have booked these selections you are on the right track to having all the items you need for your wedding day!
Choose a Color, Theme and Style: The wedding reception will start to come together and the dreams you envision in your mind will all start to piece together the most important day of your life!
Begin the Guest List and Send out invitations: Remember to put those on the list that are most important to you and remember everyone has to cut some people out of the list. It is inevitable so do not let it stress you out and ruin your day!
Select the wedding dress, mother’s dresses and bridesmaids’ dresses: Everyone will have an opinion when it comes to the dresses but remember Rule # 1… this is your day and you make the decision. It is ultimately what you want and no one else.
Plan the honeymoon: This is important to do with each other. Try not to get opinions and advice from everyone else… this is a decision made between you and your fiancée. Also remember when booking to not mention it is a honeymoon as most places tend to increase the rate on vacation fees once you say the word honeymoon.
Remember Rule # 1… remember this is your day and you make the decision. It is ultimately what you want and no one else. Always remember to be flexible and remember nothing is perfect!
As hard as it is to imagine; there are only 33 days left of the year 2012 and already the trends have begun in the wedding industry for 2013.
If you are in the process of planning a 2013 wedding or perhaps are anxiously waiting for that special gift this Christmas and the plans have already begun before the ring… take a look at these fabulous trends for 2013. I can assure you they will get the wheels turning to make your wedding day a spectacular event.
1. PATTERNS, GINGHAM, AND LACE OH MY!
Incorporating patterns, lace and bold prints will be the hot trend for 2013. Do not be surprised to see more gingham; polka dots and lace shape the table settings, bridesmaids’ dresses, and even the ties on the groom and his groomsmen.
- Virtual Guests – Technology continues to trend…
Many may be surprised that the virtual-streaming of weddings are going to be a wide spread epidemic in 2013 with the advancement of technology. There are always battles in our lives where some of the most important people in our families are unable to attend the wedding. With the opportunities of the internet; brides and grooms will be bringing the wedding to those that are unable to attend via Skype and live streaming of the wedding.
Not only is the live streaming available, there are now several applications for cell phones to become wedding cams… ditch those disposal cameras on your dining tables and have your guests download the wedding application.
- Localized Weddings
The trend continues in 2013 for brides and grooms to really want to customize their wedding to their home town. More weddings will want to incorporate local brewed beers and local wines as well capture the local farms in their menu selections. This is a great way to make your guests feel part of the home that you are so proud of.
- Mini Menus
The trend started slowly in 2012 with the idea of mini menus for your appetizers, desserts and even late night snacks for your guests and continues to be popular in 2013. Mini menus that will continue to soar include late night snacks of mini sliders, French fries and mini milk shakes; to the s’mores bar; to even the multiple mini individual cakes for your guests. If you go with this trend, just make sure to ask your caterer to order enough to go around to all your guests!
- “Lounge Space”
Another trend that started to rise in 2012 that will continue to soar in 2013 is the “lounge space” for your guests. This is the groom’s ideal spot for the night because it is a place to sit and socialize and relax while not having to dance or stand the entire night. This gives guests the opportunity to take a break from the dining tables and engage in conversation in a comfortable atmosphere.
Once again, the holiday season has snuck up on us. As much as we would like to organize our holiday plans, we still find it hard to believe that the festivities are within a stone’s throw! Before panic sets in, stop and remember to enjoy this holiday season. After all, you only get to be this festive once a year! Here are just a few tips to help get you and your elves through the holidays…
- Create a check list: This list will include many things from shopping to baking to wrapping and delivering. First, begin with the happy recipients on your list. Who will be enjoying your generosity and what type of gift would they like? Check the internet first for great specials and coupons that may be redeemed in the next few weeks. Strategize your shopping so that you can complete the most tasks at one time. If you choose to give the gift of baked goods, schedule your delivery date now so that you can schedule your “bake date”. I always try to stick with one “bake date” so that my kitchen only has to go through the flour tossed tornado once a season. If you need a little inspiration, you can find a few cute ideas at Real Simple: http://browse.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/index.html
- Decorating the house: Yes, there are some years when decorating the house can feel more like a chore than a fun time. Remember that you can always cut back on the amount of decorating that you do, but a few decorations are sure to keep your holiday spirit high until the end of the year. Get your family involved to create a decorating event for everyone to enjoy. Incorporate hot cocoa and bake cookies while you spend this time with your family… it is sure to be a memory creating kind of day! Here are a few DIY holiday projects for the family: http://spoonful.com/christmas/christmas-decorations
- Remember to eat! Yes, as much as we think we may eat during the holidays, we don’t always take the time to eat a proper meal or the “right foods”. You will find yourself surrounded by sweets and the once-in-a-while treats at holiday parties and it’s perfectly fine to indulge then, but make sure that you are packing healthier snacks for work and other activities to help keep the balance. Also, prepare foods during the holidays that you can easily stretch. For instance, prepare a pot of soup or chili that it super easy to re-heat and eat on the run. Prepare a casserole or two that you can enjoy while wrapping presents or sewing a costume for your child’s recital. These are dishes that will help stretch your dollars, your patience and will be very friendly to your busy schedule. For a few menu ideas, check out: http://www.myrecipes.com/menus/weeknight-meal-planners-00420000011372/
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Color Combos
It appears that a few questions always follow once you have become engaged which include:
1. What is the date you have selected?
2. What are your wedding colors?
For some reason everyone wants to know what wedding colors you have chosen. The wedding colors have become one of the most popular topics of conversation for weddings and it one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process.
The most recent trend seems to be thinking “outside of the box” when it comes to colors. Brides are really trying to push the envelope and go for the bright and bold color scheme. This is a great way to make a statement and customize your wedding to your personality but it is also extremely important to pick the perfect wedding combo.
The following are some perfect wedding color combos this year:
Aqua & Chartreuse Garnet & Tangerine
Lavendar, Cream & Chocolate Fuchsia & Navy
Lemon & Celadon
Wine & Tapas
Wine & Tapas event was back in action again for 2012 taking place this past Thursday, April 26th, 2012.
Our first Wine & Tapas event took place in April of 2011 and was such a success that Heritage Shores Club decided to make it an annual event.
This year the event doubled in size with guests. This was such great news as the purpose of a tapas party is to encourage conversations amongst guests.
The serving of tapas was created not to focus upon eating an entire meal but to engage in conversation amongst new people. We were able to create four stations for guests to have the opportunity to mingle and to enjoy the small plates and wines for this special event.
The menu included the following:
Station 1: Grilled Chicken and Wild Mushroom Risotto
Paired with: Acrobat Pinot Gris
Station 2:HickoryShrimp in Apple Wood Smoked Bacon with BBQ Sauce
Paired with: Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Station 3: Prosciutto and Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus
Paired with: Cupcake Shiraz
Station 4: Silver Dollar Potato Pancakes with Boursin Cheese and Chives
Paired with: Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc
All wines tasted at the Wine & Tapas are available for purchase in the Passwater’s Restaurant and 1730 Tavern.
We hope to continue this special event and perhaps have two Wine & Tapas events a year!
