Wedding Contract…

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

You just got engaged! There are few things in life that make one as giddy as that golden period just following your engagement. And yes…you do need to get the ball rolling. Book the church, venue, look at dresses. But don’t let your excitement carry you away.

When you decide on your venue, read all the fine print before you sign the wedding contract. Yes, I know, it’s pages and pages of gobbley goop. But even if you’re not an attorney, you just may catch something that makes you uncomfortable. And believe it or not, most companies are ok with your crossing out offensive language, (and I’m not taking swear words here —) :-), and making amendments. When I signed KK’s contract, the wedding planner said I was one of only about 2 % who read it entirely. Consider asking for the contract in advance of your meeting – sometimes they are available on line on the company’s website. Then you can read it through at your leisure You may be surprised by “hidden” items. For example, if we didn’t choose one of their “preferred” bakers for the wedding cake, we had an up-charge of $3.00 per slice! Took care of THAT quickly…

Also be mindful of any language that addresses photos/media. KK’s contract gave the company control of any photos taken by staff at her reception. They then had authority to post the pictures on THEIR Facebook page, UNLESS noted otherwise. We noted otherwise. Always better to have control than not.

When making that initial deposit, it’s not a bad idea to use a credit card. Then if something goes awry, you have your bank backing you up. I am a big fan of American Express and use my American Express Credit Card all the time for these types of purchases or spending. I have never made a dispute against a vender where they did not find in my favor.

Remember, the vendors work for you. You are the boss. Their job is to please you…without being a Bridezilla. Sometimes…it’s a fine line. 🙂

Next time…photography, wedding dress, floral contracts.

Header:www.chicagonow.com

Image #1 www.jamesferrara.com

Image #2 www.meliandangi.com

Image #3 www.brides.com

Image #4 www.overstock.com

Wedding Hairstyles

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

chignon – Above photo – Love the two-tone color look!

How will you wear your hair for your wedding? Best advice… pick out a wedding hair style in advance, and be realistic – yes it may be beautiful in a picture, but is your hair long and thick enough? More food for thought…if you usually wear your hear down, are you sure you want an undo? Just as you do not want your makeup to deviate too much for your everyday look, you don’t want your hair to either. Next, make your appointment early so you can book your favorite stylist. When your veil comes in, make a “Dry-Run appointment”. Take your mother or maid of honor with you in case she is required on the big day to attach your veil/headpiece. Maybe take a video on your phone on to remember how your stylist attaches it. Be certain to protect your fragile veil with plenty of protective wrap. And don’t forget that if may also need a steam, as well as your dress, before your wedding day. It’s not really something you want to “iron” at the last minute!

Will you wear flowers or some sort of other adornment for the reception? I kept my veil on during our entire reception. What a pain. I highly recommend removing it. But I also think an embellishment of some sort is flattering. If you choose to wear flowers, silk holds up better than fresh.

I am happy to announce…KK will very probably be wearing my headpiece! It goes beautifully with her dress and veil..fingers crossed!

I really like how this veil is attached under the bride’s undo. Only thing to consider, she really can’t incorporate a “blusher”, (the veil covering a bride’s face), with this look. But maybe that is not important to this bride. Without a veil covering her hair, one surely has the ability to admire her beautiful hair.

Header: www.chicagonow.com

Image #1 www.bridalguide.com

Image #2 wedwebtalks.com

Image #3 www.modwedding.com

Wedding Social Media Tips

Posted on January 10, 2015January 11, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

So… You think you have your wedding covered, as best you can, on social media? You’ve posted your preferred “hashtag” # for instagram and twitter. You may have looked into using an instagram growth service to make your event really stand out. Those running a wedding planning business may want to stay up to date with social media marketing strategies and buy Instagram likes to drive engagement. You may have even made a cute sign to ask all guests to turn off their cell phones. I suggest one step further… Print out a short (you really want your guests to read it) blurb on social media wedding etiquette. It could be placed on the table where your guests pick up their place cards and get their table assignments. Make it cute, and slightly humorous, if possible – don’t want to offend anyone. You might have even had a surprise like an adventure wedding photographer either hiking or by helicopter that was going to help you make an amazing entrance for your wedding. You wouldn’t want guests ruining the surprise for those that don’t know! Of course, they are more than welcome to post photos of the special day afterward! We should all always be so grateful that people have shown up to celebrate one of the biggest days of our life so we should thank them all for taking pictures and being so invested in our happiness.

Below is an except on a “Social Media Wedding Tips/Survey” from David’s Bridal. Some thought provoking ideas to incorporate into your “social media manual” if you choose to use one.

“According to David’s Bridal survey, 44% of brides believe digital rules are important in setting the tone for their guests. Only 14% of brides are taking cues from some celebs and are asking that there be absolutely NO social media posting.

Here are some other findings from the survey.

Don’t Spoil the Surprise: 62% of brides believe the bridesmaids should not post any photos of the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. And I personally agree with this one. If the groom can’t see the bride before the ceremony, why should anyone else.

Wait Your Turn: 58% of brides believe the bride and groom should be the first to post a photo from the wedding.

Viral Video Stars: 32% of brides are saying I don’t to any video content on YouTube from my wedding, which means no chance of a viral video.

#BestWeddingEver: 26% of brides want you to use their specially-created hashtag should you post anything about the wedding.Have you thought of a hashtag for your wedding yet?

Sharing is Caring: Only 22% think the bride and groom should be the only ones to post photos from the wedding.

And check this out. A majority (56%) of brides will update their profile with their new name within a day of the wedding, and 10% will actually do it as the wedding is happening! I know I am guilty of stalking a bride’s page to see when the name change takes place.” http://kaicongroup.com/2014/05/21/social-media-wedding-etiquette/

Header: www.chicagonow.com

Image: #1 mdmentertainment.com

Image #2 mashable.com

Image#3 www.etsy.com

Image #4 problog.weddingwire.com

“Handwritten Thank You Notes”

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Mary P Karnes

So many things have changed since Kenny and I married thirty-one years ago. At that time, it was de rigor for the bride and groom to send a handwritten thank-you note for each gift. Is it still so today? In my opinion, yes it is. But it is a personal choice. With the advent of printing ease, and technology, there are so many more options – many deemed perfectly acceptable.

The card above is a unique approach. It is personalized with the bride and groom’s picture, but it is a pre-printed card to be sent to all gift-givers without mention of their specific gift. Do you like this style? Would you, as a wedding guest, be happy with such a response? I would prefer a handwritten thank you card, but if this is not possible for a busy couple, I would like at least like to know that my gift was received. I have been to a few weddings lately and for a few, have received no gift confirmation. This makes for an awkward situation. Does one ask if the gift was received? I never have the guts…

If you do choose to write personalized thank you notes, it’s a good idea to order them when you order your wedding invitations. That way, as the wedding gifts begin to arrive, you have the option to write them asap. Get a head start!

I came upon a cute “thank you” idea recently. The bride and groom took “selfies” with as many wedding gifts as possible, and then texted the pictures to the gift givers. I love this idea. (I have it under good authority that this couple also sent handwritten thank you notes as well).

Whatever you decide to do…let your guests know their gift was received. 🙂

Header: www.unitedwithlove.com

Image #1 bridalguide.com

Image #2 weddingmoments.net

Image #3 brownlink.com