Tag: wedding planning tips

The Day After

Post author By sclarke
Post date April 12, 2017

One of the most emotional and important days in a woman’s life is the day when her partner gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him. This day should be perfect and magical and everything you have ever dreamed of. After this, the next thing in your mind is probably the wedding day, however, there is a long and exciting process in the in between that you should take the chance to enjoy.

Wedding Preparations

Planning a wedding itself can be stressful at times, especially as the big day approaches, but every bride-to-be should relish in the moment and enjoy every step of the way. There are a number of details that go into making sure the wedding turns out as perfect as you’ve always imagined it so make sure you give yourself (and your partner) enough time to enjoy the wedding preparations.

The Church and the Venue

The church and the venue for the party are two of the most important things so you might want to start with them. Once you have this set, you will be able to go into details. Try to make sure they are close to each other and even look at options for marriage within the venue itself rather than having to move from one place to another.

The Party

Most of the wedding preparations go into the party. You’ll need to decide whether you want live music or a DJ, flowers or other kind of decorations on the tables, the menu, the cake and even whether you will give your guests some kind of favor. Take the time to talk things through with your partner to make sure you are both getting what you want and always remember that this party is supposed to be about celebrating your love for each other so personal details will always make it much nicer!

Tags wedding planning, wedding planning tips

Wedding Flowers: Artificial or Real?

Post author By sclarke
Post date March 22, 2017

One of the huge pieces of your big day is your wedding flowers. While you’re planning your wedding, you want to make sure that you’ve taken into consideration the flowers for the day. You have to choose wedding vendors for a variety of items, including your flowers. One of the biggest things you need to consider is the budget you want to allot for the flowers. Do you want to go with artificial or real? Who needs to have flowers?

All of these questions play into what type of flowers you’ll have and how many. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Budget First

Make sure you decide on what you want to spend on flowers. Are you a true flower lover? Then you’re going to probably want to allot more to flowers than the person who is not as big on flowers as decoration. Pick your budget up front to help guide in type and amount.

Who Needs Flowers?

Decide on who will carry flowers and where you want them to be displayed throughout the wedding and reception. Are you going to use flowers as centerpieces on reception tables or are you going to go with candles or lights? Make a list of those who will need them to carry and to wear on their clothing to distinguish them from others at the ceremony.

Silk and Real Can Go Together

Remember, you can always use a mixture to keep your budget in line. If you prefer your bouquet to be real but need to cut the budget, your bridesmaids can have silk arrangements. Also remember that real flowers can have issues on the day of the wedding so silk may be a better solution to have peace of mind.

Tags wedding flowers, wedding planning, wedding planning tips, wedding vendor

Wedding Planning Tips

3 Tips to Keep Your Cool During Your Wedding Planning

Post author By sclarke
Post date March 1, 2017

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your entire life. You have dreamed about this day for as long as you can remember, and now you’re ready to plan it officially. What do you do when all of the excitement turns into anxiety because of meetings with caterers, photographers, and making decisions on your honeymoon? Here are three tips to help you keep your sanity during the hustle and bustle of all your wedding planning days.

Remember Your Groom

Don’t make them take a backseat to the planning. Be sure to include him in everything you’re doing, except the wedding dress shopping. He is there to help you through this and you must remember you’re not alone. Also, make sure you make time for you two to hang out together and talk about anything except for the wedding. You need to keep your connection and be together without wedding talk.

Make a Plan

Get yourself a plan together for the big day and all those days leading up to it. Surround yourself with your friends and family you know you can count on and delegate specific details to them. For example, have someone designated with a cell phone on the big day in case anyone is lost on the way to the venue. They have someone they can contact that is ready to help them get to your big day.

Consider a Hotel Stay

The night before your wedding rent a hotel room for you and just you. This will give you some time to yourself to relax, do Yoga if you want, or just breathe before the big day. Be sure to take care of yourself and make time for yourself. Then you’re sure to be ready to enjoy the day ahead!

Tags wedding planning, wedding planning advice, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

Unique Halloween Wedding Ideas

Post author By sclarke
Post date October 19, 2016

Have you always dreamed of a unique wedding? Is Halloween your favorite time of year? Why not consider joining the two and making a very memorable, fun and unique wedding? There are tons of great ideas for your big day that can make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Here are a few ideas for planning a wedding with a Halloween theme.

Start with the invitation

Remember that the invitation is the first hint of your wedding event that your guests will see. Make it fit your theme with incorporating elements of the event. You can make it super creepy if that’s how you want your wedding to go or you can go for a more lighthearted element.

Consider something other than white

If you’re truly wanting to go with a Halloween décor, then consider getting a grey or even black dress instead of the traditional white. This can be easily done with the variety of wedding gown ideas on the market. Most brides go with less traditional dresses these days and this will help you find one that fits your theme, and personality, perfectly.

Incorporate a photo booth

Talk to your CT wedding photographer about setting up a Halloween themed photo booth on-site for your guests to take fun pictures after the wedding ceremony. Some vendors may even offer to take the picture for them and have a site where all the guests can go afterwards to see the pictures and get copies.

Don’t forget the food!

There are many ways your food can go for the wedding reception. Discuss with your caterer if you want an elegant Halloween theme or more lighthearted and fun. There are many routes you can go from the delicious fall pumpkin recipes to a creepier eyeball in the punchbowl type of theme. It’s all up to what you and your spouse to be have in mind.

Halloween can be elegant

If you want elegance with your Halloween motif, then be sure to discuss this with your wedding coordinator. You can incorporate Halloween with beautiful white pumpkins, black sequins and even gold accents for a classy, yet still Halloween, décor.

Tags unique theme, wedding planning, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

Colors, Budget, and Ideas for Your Big Day!

Post author By sclarke
Post date July 6, 2016

Weddings come in all sizes, shapes, color and even flavors. Once you start planning out yours, you will need to narrow things down as much as possible to start working towards the perfect ceremony and party you have envisioned.

There are millions of wedding ceremony ideas online and it can be easy to get confused about what you want once you’ve seen the perfect wedding at the beach, the small gathering at a wood clearing and the elegant ceremony at the trendy hotel in town.

One of the easiest ways to narrow it down is by determining the number of guests first and the budget you have. Once you’ve done this, your next step should be finding a place you like, within your budget that is available on a date you can work with. Once you have this, you can actually sit down and look over the wedding ceremony ideas.

One classic, simple idea is going with white. Using the color as the theme will allow you to explore options that will turn your ceremony into an elegant moment. Of course, this can be done with any color, or combination of colors, adding joy, tenderness and any number of feelings to the ceremony.

You will also want to think about the music that will play. Will you want to hire a string quartet? Maybe you just want a harp? Or maybe you want a full choir along with the instruments.

Don’t forget to think about the party as well, will you want classic chairs and tables or go with something more modern, with square tables and wooden chairs and bright colors like orange or purple? Whatever you prefer, make sure it is something you will enjoy and something that, once you look back on it, you will feel happy about doing.

Tags themes and colors weddings, wedding planning, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

How can you make the day of your wedding full of fun?

Post author By expertservice
Post date March 1, 2015

The day of your wedding is the most special day of your life. So, if you are a fun-loving couple, you would definitely want to incorporate some fun and amazing elements in your wedding to make it special for you and your guests. Making the day of your wedding full of fun and excitement won’t cost you a lot of money. You just need some nifty and fun ideas to make your guests laugh heartily on the day of your wedding. Here are some ideas through which you can touch the heart of everyone present on the day of your wedding:

You can write your love story with colors on the aisle runner: This is a wonderful idea that can make your wedding full of fun. All your guests can read your love story and would feel connected to you. You must make it colorful so that it grabs the attention of everyone.

You can do some fun thing with your pet: If you have a pet dog or a pet cat, then you can do some fun things with your pet. For example, you can make your dog wear a board on which it is written, “My humans are getting married.” Such funny ideas will make the day of your wedding full of smiles and laughter.

Movie-inspired poster: If you are a movie buff, then you can definitely create a beautiful movie-inspired poster for the day of your wedding. Alternatively, you can also create a movie-inspired wedding card and send it to your guests.

Tell your grandmother to become your flower girl: For a unique touch to your wedding, you can tell your grandmother to become your flower girl. She would look amazing and your guests will be charmed by this wonderful idea.

Opt for a fun cake topper: There are plenty of funny cake toppers available in the market. Therefore, instead of going with the boring cake toppers, choose some fun cake toppers to make the day of your wedding full of fun.

You can add beautiful glitters on your dance floor: To make the day of your wedding full of fun, you can add some bling to your dance floor. A sparkling dance floor looks attractive and people cannot resist hitting the dance floor.

These are just a few fun ideas that you can incorporate on the day of your wedding. There are no limitations to your ideas. So, let your creativity flow to make the day of your wedding full of fun and entertainment.

Tags Wedding Cake, wedding day, Wedding Dress, wedding fun ideas, wedding planning, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

Tips for Planning an Amazing Rehearsal Dinner

Post author By wedding_steps_admin
Post date June 30, 2014

Rehearsal dinners have become a standard part of Connecticut weddings. It is as expected as a funny story in the best man’s toast. So how do you make your rehearsal dinner a truly amazing event?

Choose the right venue

The right venue can make a big difference in the rehearsal dinner. It can be in any restaurant, but for an outstanding rehearsal dinner, look at what your wedding venue offers. If there’s a smaller venue that couldn’t accommodate your full guest list, why not have your rehearsal dinner there?

Add some entertainment

The best rehearsal dinners aren’t silent affairs. They have music, they have dancing, and they have a few toasts. This is a chance for you to celebrate with the members of your immediate family and wedding party, so enjoy it with great entertainment.

Have an end time

While it might seem like a great party should never end, this really isn’t the case on the night before your wedding. Remember that you and everyone at your rehearsal dinner will have to be up early to get ready for your wedding. A great rehearsal dinner won’t be remembered that way if everyone is exhausted and hungover on your wedding day.

What do you have planned for your rehearsal dinner? The Connecticut wedding vendors at our upcoming shows can help you plan something truly fantastic!

Photo: Flickr/Sean O’Shaughnessy

Tags connecticut bridal show, Connecticut wedding, rehearsal dinner, wedding events, wedding planning, wedding planning advice, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

Beat the Heat on Your Summer Wedding Day

Post author By wedding_steps_admin
Post date June 23, 2014

Connecticut summers can be hot and humid, so if you’re planning a summer wedding, you are probably concerned with how you and your guests will be able to handle the heat. While it can take some extra planning, it’s not difficult to keep everyone cool and comfortable at your summer wedding.

Start with the venue. When you choose a venue for your summer wedding, think about the temperature. If you are having an outdoor event, make sure there’s a suitable indoor area for people to get out of the sun, or a tent they can relax under. For indoor events, ask about air conditioning.
Think about attire. While you might love the idea of a full ballgown and a tux with tails, and all of your guests in black tie, it might not be suitable for your summer wedding. When you think about your attire and your guests’ attire, keep the weather in mind and adjust it, if needed.
Offer refreshments. The best way to beat the heat at a summer wedding is to stay hydrated. Don’t wait until after the ceremony to offer guests something to drink. Whether it’s bottled water or large drinks dispensers filled with water, lemonade, and iced tea, make sure your guests and bridal party have access to drinks throughout the ceremony and reception.

Whatever you do, though, don’t dismiss the idea of a summer wedding just because of the heat. Connecticut’s best wedding vendors can help you create the perfect wedding any time of the year. To find out more about them and to start planning your big day, come to one of our upcoming Connecticut bridal shows!

Photo: Flickr/Ryan Polei

Tags attire, beat the heat, Connecticut wedding, keep cool, refreshments, summer wedding, wedding guests, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

What Your Wedding Guests Can Expect

Post author By wedding_steps_admin
Post date June 9, 2014

When you plan your wedding, it’s sometimes difficult to step back and think of things from your guests’ point of view. However, there are a few things that your guests can reasonably expect, and that you should do for them.

Send the invitation in a timely manner. You’ve had the date of your wedding marked on your calendar for ages, but your guests might still need to get time off from work, arrange for child care, and plan travel. Make sure they have enough time to do this and get good prices on everything. If you’ve sent a save the date card, make sure that everyone who received one is getting a formal invitation when they are ready to send, too!

Be clear about who is invited (and be ready to explain why). Are you inviting their kids? Are you allowing them to bring a guest? Make sure this is clear on the invitation so your guests don’t make plans based on an incorrect assumption. If they are confused, be prepared to explain why you have or haven’t extended the invitation to their children or date.

Don’t expect a gift. Yes, you’ve registered for gifts at a variety of prices to ensure that everyone can find something they can afford. But no, this doesn’t mean your guests are bound to buy you something. Whether they give you a gift or not, they should still get a thank you card after the wedding, though. After all, you are thanking them for being part of your big day, not for the new kitchen equipment!

To find out more about making sure your guests have a great time at your wedding, come speak to some of our area’s best wedding vendors. You can find them at any of our upcoming Connecticut bridal shows!

Photo: Flickr/Jason Meredith

Tags connecticut bridal show, wedding guests, wedding planning, wedding planning advice, wedding planning tips

Wedding Planning Tips

What Should the Groom Do In Wedding Planning?

Post author By wedding_steps_admin
Post date June 2, 2014

So much of wedding planning is focused on the bride. From choosing the perfect wedding dress to knowing what you want for the finer details of the decor, much of the work ends up with the bride. However, you shouldn’t rule your fiance out of wedding planning altogether.

While there are some parts that are obvious choices for him — the tuxedo he’ll wear, for instance — there are plenty of other aspects of the wedding that he may want input on. If your fiance wants to be involved in all parts of planning, you should let him. Working together on your wedding can be a good way to practice working together on other difficult things throughout the rest of your marriage!

However, if he really doesn’t want to get involved in the wedding planning, you shouldn’t force him. Whether this is because he doesn’t feel he has time for the work involved or just doesn’t find choosing flowers interesting, you shouldn’t take this as a bad sign. He wants to be married to you and have a great wedding, but he just doesn’t have the interest in event planning.

If you’re looking for ways to involve him, you can give him a task that he does like. This could be finding the entertainment or tasting menu options. You can also bring him to a wedding expo, where he might find that wedding planning is much more fun than he thought!

To find out more about our upcoming Connecticut wedding shows, click here.

Photo: Flickr/MsSaraKelly

Tags connecticut wedding planning, fiance, groom, groom planning, tuxedo, wedding entertainment, wedding ideas, wedding planning, wedding planning tips, wedding shows, Wedding Steps