Finding Vendors

Hello to all my brides
I wanted to tell you about a new wedding that I am planning here at Elaine's Weddings and Events and how when you wait to the last minute (a few months can be the last minute) you don't always have the selection of vendors that you want.

I was just hired to plan a weddig for a wonderful couple who are two very busy people in their careers and just haven't had the time to call vendors, set up interviews and most importantly make decisions. So needless to say we are about four months before the wedding and starting the process of planning their wedding. They had chosen there location, so that was an excellent start.

What I try to do is match the best vendors with my clients based on taste, budget and design. Luckily my florist was available and we have had our initial meeting and that is progressing well. However, all of the DJ's that I would normally recommend are booked so now I'm having to go outside of my comfort zone and look outside of the area for a good DJ. We can not be so concerned about the price at this time, but have to try to find the right person to match with this bride and groom. We also ran into this same problem with the photographer. Luckily one of my favorites had a cancellation and was able to step in and do our wedding.

The point I am trying to make is that although you think you have lots of time to plan your wedding, so are many other brides and grooms doing the same thing. The earlier you get started the better your choices will be and you don't want to settle for "second best" on your wedding day.

For this couple, hiring myself has given them the opportunity to let me do all of the ground work trying to find the right vendors and then we only will have to set up appointments to make the final decisions.

If you find yourself in a similiar situation, don't continue down the same path thinking that you can get this done in a short period of time, hire a wedding coordinator to get you back on track so you will have the wedding of your dreams !!!

Making a Decision on your Wedding Gown

I wanted to talk with you about how hard it is to make a decision. I know you second guess yourself with everything that you are doing in planning your wedding.

The first big decision that you make is choosing your dress. You go to the local bookstore and purchase all the latest Bridal Magazine's and rip out the pages of the dresses that you "think" you want. But have you considered what the prices are on these magazine dresses? Also, have you thought about how the dress will look on you since the model in the magazine picture is probably a size 4 or 6. It's so easy to get caught up in all the hype that is shown in the magazines and get disappointed when you find these dresses are out of your price range or not suitable for your body type. Maybe the best way to handle your shopping experience is to decide what type of gown you want that will reflect your style and "theme" of your wedding first.

Take that information with you when you visit your local bridal store and bridal consultant you work with will help you find a dress that meets those requirements that are within the budget and style that you set for your dress. Don't look at dresses that are outside of your price range, because Murphy's Law will prevail and you will fall in love with a gown that would be a down payment on a new car or future home.

Let's be realistic with what you can afford. There are so many choices and you will certainly find a dress with the features you are looking for in your price range. With the current price of gas, you should venture out to your local stores where you will find an excellent selection of gowns that will certainly meet the qualities that you are looking for. You can get your alterations done local, have the dress steamed and ready for you wedding locally and not have this be "another" stress on your wedding day. Visit the local stores and you will find wonderful sales associates willing to help with the process. They have the answers to your questions; just let them help you as you find the gown of your dreams.