The Lookey Loo

So this year is a bust for weddings since the economy is pushing many couples to the breaking point. They are either extending their engagements another year to save up some extra cash or they are cutting way back in order to get it done this year. Because of these financial cuts, some are saving money by opting for the backyard wedding. But, when it comes to the backyard reception one thing holds true - nobody wants the guests milling around inside looking for the bathroom. Nor, do I need to mention - jamming the septic system. So, what's a girl to do? The obvious choice is the port-o-potty. Ewww, yuck right? Well, yes maybe the big blue box is a bit tacky but when you are on a budget - they work. So let's have a chat about the bathrooms then. You have several options above the blue box. The next level up is the white trailer with the stairs - we're getting a bit better if not pricier. Add in the men's side and you've got luxury without the line, right? Well, recently I went on a site visit to check out Mohegan Sun nightclubs for the baccelor/ette parties. While there, I stopped for lunch and met a great bartender who let me in on he and his partners secret plans for the latest version of the potty. I am thinking - what? plasmas in the trailer - heard of it, more toilets - been there, lights - ooooohhh. So, what's new with the Loo, I wondered. He began to describe a potty that blended into the yard. A shed if you will. I gave him my card and waited to see the result. Well, the results are in ladies and you have never seen anything like this! At least I have not and I have seen a lot of potties. I got the pics today and I will tell you - this is the holy grail of potties. The unassuming exterior, the gorgeous fixtures, the REAL linens and artwork - who'd have thought! So if you need a potty check out www.luxury-loo.com. I have not worked with them YET - but they will be my top potty referral. So, forget about holding it till you get home - this potty looks like you won't have to douse yourself with Purell - or announce your departure with a loud THWACK-ing door. Ahhhh, a privvy privvy.

Fundage

Today's Brides have come up against some serious issues affecting their wallet. I personally believe this is due to the wedding industry itself. I do love to look at all of the trade mags to see fresh ideas and tips on how to decorate, what to serve, gifts, etc. But, what these mags have done is actually make some brides feel they have to have it all. I find it is unfortunate that so much money is put into elaborate favors, chair covers, monogrammed everything, specialty lighting, etc. When I consult with a bride - I always discuss my top three most important reception services: food, entertainment and cake - in that order. That is where they should put their money first & foremost. I say that because when I work a reception, I like to check in with the guests to see how their evening is going and ask if they are in need of anything. Their most common responses are - "oh no, I am still so full", "Can you get me some new feet! They are killing me from dancing in these shoes" or "Who made that cake - it is absolutely gorgeous!" I have never, ever heard a guest say how cute the monogram on the favor was, how nicely the napkin matched the chair cover or how great it was that the flowers didn't obstruct their view across the table. While these touches may be special - if your on a limited budget focus that money on your food, entertainment and the cake. Why is the cake so important you say - well, how many weddings have you been to where guests are crowding the cheese display to take photos of it?

When it rains...

As a planner, one of the questions I always ask when I meet a new couple is "what if it rains. Would they roll with it or completely freak out"? I know that most Bride's want a beautiful sunny day for her wedding but in reality rain is frequent duing the prime wedding season between April and October. Because of this, we always come up with a Plan B. When booking an outdoor location for your ceremony, always ask if there is an indoor option and can this option be done at the last minute. If it has been raining most of the morning and stopped an hour before your ceremony - make sure your seating has been out of the rain during that time. Some rental companies drop it off the day or two prior. If it was exposed - it must be dried completely before guests arrive. If you have hired a day of coordinator - they should have the necessary tools on hand to handle this situation. But, even if there is a dry chair - you may have to go without some other elements such as a runner - imagine a muddy mess on a white sheet. If you are able to move the ceremony indoors - will that location fit your guests - seated? Some may have to stand in the back and sides of the room. Depending on the space, your aisle may need to come in from around a corner or even through a side door eliminating a grand entrance. Your floral arrangements may also need to be changed because of the new plan. This is true especially if you ordered the tall garden trellis decorated with greens and blooms. But, even when I hear that they would completely freak out if it rained - I always remind them - at the end of the day, rain or shine, they are still married. Try to remember what the day is about and not what it wasn't. Afterall, an absolutely perfect Wedding day leaves nothing much to talk about in the years to come.

The Receiving Line?

At most weddings, once I send the Bride down the aisle to greet her Groom, I head outside to chat with the limo driver about the estimated length of the ceremony. This way, they can anticipate when to break out the Champagne and get the AC pumping in the limo. But, oh yeah - there's a receiving line. A receiving line is a great way to thank guests for coming if you are not having a formal reception. This was the norm back in the day when most families would not have elaborate affairs following a church ceremony - usually just cake and punch in the church basement or at the Bride's home. Since then, the receptions have become longer and with less formality and stiffness. It is becoming common for couples to host a cocktail reception, dinner reception, dancing reception and sometimes - the after party. During these receptions, the Bride and Groom are able to socialize with their guests all evening and the function of the receiving line is moot. What's the big deal you say? Well, many couples from the time they wake until the ceremony - are on a strict timeline. So, take for example, a couple may only have thirty minutes tops for photos at the church due to a Mass following their ceremony. If you are late for your ceremony - at all - this will eat into those 30 minutes easily. If you have a receiving line - say goodbye to the photography? I think not! So, save the hugs and kisses for the reception - your photographer will be able to get the photos you are paying for and not to mention - the Grooms boutonnierre stay's hug free!

A Few Words About Aisle Runners

I truly have a few words about aisle runners and none of them are proper to post. So, here comes a rant. I don't care if you have them personally monogrammed, your grandmother stitched it with a piece of her dress in it, the florist suggested it or you bought one from Michaels. Don't waste your time or money. Regardless of the number of pins used to tack it down, it will shift, drag, blow off or catch in some way. Yes, I get, it - the rug is ugly, it has stains or it keeps your heels out of the grass, whatever the reason - just dont. I had a gal get a runner to cover the concrete walkway for her outdoor ceremony. The only way to keep it from blowing away was to tape it down. The tape would not stick to concrete under the runner so they had to tape the edges. I am sure you can imagine how pretty that looked! There are better ways to camo the flooring. You can use freeze dried rose petals to create an aisle or to keep your heels out of the ground - wear wedge heels. I have seen tripping, heels stuck through the runner and dragged and even a pin catch a shoe which tore a four foot strip down the edge. I literally had to run up and step on it to keep it from getting worse. The guests in the rear rows were focused on the bridesmaids and motioning to them to "watch out". Now really - is that what you want? All eyes on you baby - nix the runner.

Megan & Brandin's Wedding

The sound of bagpipes after a morning rain began my day with Megan and Brandin at the Free Evangelical Church in North Easton yesterday. This Scottish clan was thrilled to have received the bagpiper, Scott Fletcher, (as a surprise gift) to greet arriving guests. It is always so nice to give a nod to the other familys' heritage. It makes the day that much more touching and special. For me, I was so proud to assist Megan because her sister, Shelby, is my trusty assistant. It felt like I was assisting family! When Megan arrived at the church - I could not believe how absolutely perfect she looked. She was one of those girls that looked like she just stepped out of a bridal magazine! The bridesmaids wore soft chiffon gowns in Bahama Breeze (turquoise) and they all looked unbelievable. The groomsmen, stood tall as they escorted the ladies down the aisle to the regal "Highland Cathedral". After a poinant service performed by Rev. Greg Bar and a blessing from Rev. Powell, the party moved on to Independance Harbor in Assonet. I'm still amazed about IH! The staff Captains, Matt & Madeline, are magicians with ESP and everyone there is so accomodating and knowledgable. They really know what they are doing and I would recommend them to any Bride. My Bride and Groom posed for photos on the lush grounds surrounded by Foxglove and Peonies. I hear the owner cares for the grounds himself. Absolutely amazing - absolutely perfect.

The Candy Buffet

I just wrapped up another wedding this past weekend and had to comment about candy buffets. This was my third "buffet" and had the caterer control this one. The bride purchased a great assortment of the couples favorite candies and had provided great containers. The caterer used risers to make the candy jars different heights to create dimension. It looked fantastic - so what's the problem? People absolutely go berzerko for the candy. They wanted it early, continuously asking my bride where it was - so it was brought out early and devoured in mere minutes. People dove into the candy as if they didnt just eat a three course meal. Another wedding that we prepared last year had coordinating pink and brown candies. there were lollipops, jellybeans, custom M&M's and ribbons. It was lovely. The buffet was set up in a side room for departing guests to take a sweet treat on their way out. Unfortunately, the bar was switched at the last minute to the sweet room for the cocktail hour - and the guests went hog wild on the candy. By the time the bride came to see how it looked - it was a complete mess. People were sitting at their little tables with cocktails, Hors D'Oevres and goodie bags choca-block filled with candies. On both of these occasions - the bride, who worked so hard to find the best stuff to make it look decadent and oh sooo cute, was so upset that they 1. didn't get to see it all put together, 2. felt that there may not have been enough candy so they felt guilty that they didnt do enough to make their guests happy and 3. thought for one second - that all the running around to get all the stuff was a complete waste of their time. So, I get it, you want your guests to see how creative and cute your wedding can be - and probably was - but I guess when guests are fighting over your candy - your buffet was THE bomb and not A bomb. So don't fret over the candy buffet. People love it and it will be gone in 30 seconds. If you want to see the candy all set up - make sure SOMEONE takes a picture - I can assure you it will last longer. Now please hand over the last Atomic Fireball - I love those things!