Tis the season for Bridal shows.  When you have found your true love and said “yes” then what is next.  Simply put – you start planning for the BIG day, yes your wedding.  But what to do first.  If you don’t have the Simply Elegant Wedding Planner, then start with bridal shows.  There are bridal show that started in January in almost every medium to large town or city area.  They might be big or small, in a mall or a hall, (ok almost sounds like Dr. Seuss ), but they come in all sizes, shapes and designs.  Some are HUGE productions, some not so much.  Here are a few tips you can use when attending a bridal show that will help you navigate your surroundings:

Tip #1: Pre-print address labels so that you can quickly place them on all the FREE drawing cards or give aways the vendors offer.  Put your name, email and wedding date – that way WHEN you win they can contact you.

Tip #2: Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be doing alot of walking, talking and standing.

Tip #3: Take a tote bag or pull cart (piece of luggage) with you to put all those brochures, cards, samples and information in.  Don’t rely on the venue giving you one. 

Tip #4: Visit each vendor, even if you’ve already choosen a photographer or Dj, look at their portfolio, maybe you will get ideas from them for the vendor you have already hired.

And Last – Tip #5: This is girls day!  Give your groom the day off, let him have a guys day.  Unless he is really involved in the planning process, really ladies – he doesn’t care – let him be with the guys and you go with your mother, mother-in-law to be, brides maids, sister and other girls.  Go enjoy, be giddy and have fun.  Eat lots of cake and other samples too.

Happy Planning

Planning a wedding is usually a long process and should be fun.  Well try putting a wedding together on the “fly” in less than 8 days.  Yes, I have one happening at my home tomorrow – Thanksgiving!  I quickly pulled out the “Simply Elegant Wedding Planner” and got to work.  I was called a week ago Tuesday by my sister to figure out her wedding in 8 days.  Here’s how it went:

Ceremony-Reception: My home – Ceremony in the yard or house whatever weather permits.  Reception – quick cake cutting – Champagne and the guests will be on their way.

Dress: Borrowing her daughers from 4 years ago (assuming it fits).

Photographer: If she gets back in town – otherwise everyone else will have throw away cameras and other family members will have cameras

Florist:  Only a Brides Bouquet and wedding cake flowers

Music: In home stereo system

Cake: ordered for 40 people – 3 tier white with fresh flowers

Catering: None – Thanksgiving Dinner will be waiting

Invitations: Phone Calls

Transportation: She will drive herself to our home.

Misc items: Officiant for the ceremony – check, marriage license – check obtained yesterday. Appetizers for guests – check the bride is bringing them with her, ceremony time – check – High Noon.

All this on a budget of less than $1000.00 – except rings – they have plain gold bands until they go out Friday to purchase the real things……

So that’s how it’s done on an 8 day notice.  I’m happy to do it – it is my sister….  This just brings back memories of 4 years ago when it happened for her daugher in about the same amount of time because her fiance’ was being deployed 4 months early to Iraq.

Oh yah – did I mention that I’m also serving Thanksgivings Dinner after the ceremony for family to 18 people at 3pm?  That’s my Thanksgiving.

 Hope your Thanksgiving is happy and full of thanks like mine will be.

Teresa

They did get hitched…  Yes, the 8 day wedding went off as planned.  The Officiant arrived with the cake in tow and set it up (how versatile is that).  She set up the wedding march CD, got the license signed, talked to the couple and only 15 minutes later than planned the Bride entered to be given away by her father (for the 3rd time)and mother.  A small party of about 20 guests were present for the ceremony.  Immediately afterwards champagne toast, cake and the guests were on their way to their own families and Thanksgiving Dinner.

So it can be done.  No frills, no thrills – just plain and simple I Do’s and everyone is happy, healthy and off to a new adventure in life.  You can do it too.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Teresa@weddingplannernotebooks.com