Susan and Chris were married on March 29th, 2009 on St. Petersburg Beach at the Grand Plaza Resort. Susan and Chris had chosen a shade of green and orange for their tropical beach wedding and reception. For the beach ceremony they chose to have clusters of seashells and tulle for decor on the chairs down the aisle and a tropical arrangement to be placed on the top of the arch that was provided by their Florist- Casey from Alma Ingram Flowers. Due to the large gusts of wind leading up to the ceremony, the tulle and seashells were decorated on the palm trees lining the aisle instead of the chairs. Josh from Island Boys played the Steel drums for the Ceremony. After the ceremony, the guests were escorted to the Cocktail hour on the deck outside the Imperial Ballroom. After Cocktails and Photos by Gracia Bennish from Gracia Creative Photography , the guests collected their Sand Dollar place cards and took their seats which had chair covers and celadon sashes supplied by Coast to Coast Event Rentals. The sashes were then accented with Starfish and raffia supplied by us for an added wow. After the First Dance and Blessing, the guests were treated to a fabulous dinner buffet by the Grand Plaza Resort. After the toast and cake cutting( fabulous cake by Cakes by Carolynn), Jeff Staples rocked the house and kept every body dancing until the end of the night! Below is the non-professional pictures of the set-up of the Imperial Ballroom. Looking forward to the pictures from Gracia to share also! Thanks again to all of the vendors for making Susan and Chris’s day so Special !
Nova 535 -Vegas Themed Networking Meeting
On Thursday , March 26th, 2009…. Nova 535 was the location for the Association of Bridal Consultants Central Florida West Local Networking meeting. We decided it would be fun to do a Vegas themed meeting complete with BlackJack tables… We were also able to showcase a new caterer in town. Ken Jurgenson from Chives Catering. Fabulous Food, Amazing location,awesome entertainment and great people in attendance.
Thank you again to these amazing vendors for helping put on this event!
Connie Duglin Linens- Toni Tassoni
Chives Catering- Ken Jurgenson
DanMar Productions-( Blackjack Tables) Mary Spikes
Nova 535- ( Location) Courtney Caton
Jemstar Entertainment- Jeff Mufson
Centerpieces- Special Moments
Cocktail Tables- Coast to Coast Event Rentals- Jesse Caya
Rolls Royce- Ambassador Limousines- Michael DeArruda
Photography- Britt McAllister
Enjoy the photos below courtesy of Britt McAllister
Japanese Wedding Traditions
A Japanese wedding ceremony is an elaborate ritual interwoven with Japanese culture & tradition. It is usually small & private. In Japan, the Shinto ceremony is the standard. Some Japanese-American couples choose to combine East and West. Christian, Buddhist, or Shinto style are all wonderful options.
Sake Ceremony
Known as one of the oldest traditional Japanese wedding customs, san-san-kudo, or sharing of sake is still performed today. This custom is the heart of a Japanese wedding ceremony and takes the place of vows. The groom, then the bride takes three sips of sake from three different sake cups. They then offer the sake to the families: first the groom’s 
father, then his mother, the bride’s father, then her mother. This beautiful gesture represents a new family bond and demonstrates respect for the parents. If it’s a Western or Buddhist ceremony, the sake ritual happens at the reception.
Wedding Attire
In Japan, brides may wear a colorful silk kimono or a shiromuku, a formal gown passed down over the ages and still used today as traditional bridal dresses. Some Japanese brides choose to wear a modern wedding gown. In Japan, white symbolizes purity, elegance and “new beginning”. Only very traditional Japanese brides don white face makeup, painted red lips, and a wig with expensive combs and decorative ornaments. After the wedding, the bride will change into the irouchiakake, a beautiful silk kimono with red, gold, silver, and white colors. This kimono usually features a crane which symbolizes a long life. Near the end of the reception, the bride changes into the furisode, a kimono with wide sleeves worn by an unmarried woman. The tradition symbolizes the last time she will wear the furisode. The groom usually wears a men’s kimono called haoiri-hakama or a tuxedo.
Reception
The Kekkon Hiroen or wedding reception is formal. Consequently, reception attire is also formal. Women guests attending the reception may choose to wear kimonos. The style and scale of wedding receptions vary depending on the regions in Japan. Traditional Japanese bride and grooms partake in a ritual that consists of lighting a candle at every guests table to 
symbolically share their warmth and light. The music at the reception can vary. Traditionally, stringed instruments called Samisen and Japanese drums will provide the music for the reception. Wedding guests are highly respected in Japan. Consequently, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to spend $50 or more per guest on hikidemono or parting gifts. Less pricey are the kohaku manjyu, round steamed buns with bean paste filling, which are often presented in pairs to guests, one red bun and one white bun.
Shugi -Bukuro
Guests attending a Japanese wedding reception are expected to bring Oshugi, a cash gift. Sometimes, the amount is specified on the invitation. Typically the amount depends on the guest’s relationship with the couple. The cash is presented in a decorative envelope called Shugi-bukuro.
1,000 Pape Cranes
According to Japanese legend, cranes are thought to live a long life. The construction of 1,000 paper cranes symbolized good fortune, fidelity and longevity.
Sand Ceremony Tips
5 Tips for a Successful Sand Ceremony
Looking for a little “something different” to incorporate into your wedding
ceremony?. The sand ceremony might be just the thing. It’s a practical
choice for outdoor weddings but couples in all sorts of venues are choosing
it for its message of unity. Of course, it also makes for a beautiful
presentation.
Speaking of presentation, here are five tips to help you plan for a
memorable and picture-perfect sand ceremony.
Plan a Smart Set Up
It’s nice when guests can have a good view of the sand ceremony unfolding
instead of a good look at your backside. One option is to set up the vessels
on a small table so that the officiant can stand in the middle facing the
guests, and you and your partner can stand facing each other with the table
in between. Another option is for the two of you to stand on the same side
of a table facing the guests, with the officiant to one side.
Set the Scene
A bare, boring table with a vase of sand tends to look like an afterthought
and it doesn’t make for a very pretty picture. Try to get a table that’s on
the small side so that the vessel isn’t visually lost. If you can find a
pretty decorative table or stand, great. If not, make sure you have a nice
tablecloth and consider adding a pretty table runner or tapestry to dress it
up. You may also think about scattering rose petals or seashells to add more
visual appeal.
Keep it Smooth 
On especially humid days your sand could be holding some moisture causing it
to clump together which makes it rather difficult to pour elegantly. Keep
your sand well sealed and dry until you’re ready to use it, and make sure
the person setting up your ceremony checks the texture and gets rid of any
lumps.
Minimize Mess
When it’s time for both of you to pour sand at the same time you may want to
have your officiant slip a funnel into the top of the central vessel. You
won’t have to worry about making a mess, and all of the sand will land where
it’s supposed to. The funnel can simply be a pretty piece of paper that
you’ve rolled and taped or tied into a cone shape.
Practice
Make sure you and your officiant discuss the specifics of the sand ceremony
during your rehearsal. Who pours when? How fast should you pour? When does
the officiant speak? Getting yourself comfortable with the timing will allow
you to concentrate on the meaning instead of worrying about “getting it
right”.
Hindu Wedding Traditions
Many Hindu Americans desire a wedding which reflects their native heritage. You must understand where relatives and ancestors may have originated from to plan the wedding reflecting your heritage.
We have included many traditions from India and the Hindu religion. Please feel free to contact us with your comments, and any other traditions which you would like us to include. Enjoy!
Wedding Traditions
The Indian culture celebrates marriage as a sacrament (Sanskara), a rite enabling two individuals to start their journey in life together. In a Hindu wedding, the multiplicity of creation becomes possible when spirit (Purush) unites with matter (Prakritti). The Hindu wedding lays emphasis on three essential values: happiness, harmony, and growth.
The institution of marriage can be traced back to Vedic times. The ceremony should be held on a day in the “bright half” of the northern course of the sun. 
Months before the wedding an engagement ceremony known as Mangni is held. This is to bless the couple, who are then given gifts of jewelry and clothing by their new family.
Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands)
The couple exchanges garlands as a gesture of acceptance of one another and a pledge to respect one another as partners.
Madhupak (Offering of Yogurt and Honey) 
The bride’s father offers the groom yogurt and honey as the expression of welcome and respect.
Kanyadan (Giving Away of the Bride)
The father of the bride places her hand in the groom’s hand requesting him to accept her as an equal partner. The concept behind Kanyadan is that the bride is a form of the goddess Lamxi and the groom is Lord Narayana. The parents are facilitating their union.
Havan (Lighting of the Sacred Fire) 
The couple invokes Agni, the god of Fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar rice and oil are offered to the ceremonial fire.
Rajaham (Sacrifice to the Sacred Fire)
The bride places both her hands into the groom’s and her brother then places rice into her hands. Together the bride and groom offer the rice as a sacrifice into the fire.
Gath Bandhan (Tying of the Nuptial Knot)
The scarves placed around the bride and groom are tied together symbolizing their eternal bond. This signifies their pledge before God to love each other and remain faithful.
Mangalphera (Walk Around the Fire)
The couple makes four Mangalpheras around the fire in a clockwise direction representing four goals in life: Dharma, religious and moral duties; Artha, prosperity; Kama, earthly pleasures; Moksha, spiritual salvation and liberation. The bride leads the Pheras first, signifying her determination to stand first beside her husband in all happiness and sorrow.
Saptapardi (Seven Steps Together)
The bride and groom walk seven steps together to signify the beginning of their journey through life together. Each step represents a marital vow:
First step: To respect and honor each other
Second step: To share each other’s joy and sorrow
Third step: To trust and be loyal to each other
Fourth step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and service
Fifth step: To reconfirm their vow of purity, love family duties and spiritual growth
Sixth step: To follow principles of Dharma (righteousness) Seventh step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love
Jalastnchana (Blessing of the Couple)
The parents of the bride and groom bless the wedded couple by dipping a rose in water and sprinking it over the couple.
Sindhoor (Red Powder) 
The groom applies a small dot of vermilion, a powdered red lead, to the bride’s forehead and welcomes her as his partner for life. It is applied for the first time to a woman during the marriage ceremony when the bridegroom himself adorns her with it.
Aashirvad (Parental Blessing)
The parents of the bride and groom give their blessings to the couple. The couple touches the feet of their parents as a sign of respect.
Menhdi (Henna Ceremony)
The traditional art of adorning the hands and feet with a paste made from the finely ground 
leaves of the Henna plant. The term refers to the material, the design, and the ceremony. It is tradition for the names of the bride and groom to be hidden in the design, and the wedding night is not to commence until the groom has found both names. After the wedding, the bride is not expected to perform any housework until her Menhdi has faded away.
Mangalasutra (Thread of Goodwill)
A necklace worn specifically by married women as a symbol of their marriage.
Bengali Wedding Traditions
In the presence of a Purohit (priest), the bride and groom, (after approval of each other), their elders (usually parents, grandparents and elder aunts and uncles) sit down together. It is established that the couple are not close blood relatives and have the same status. This occasion is called Adan Pradan. After this takes place the date of the marriage is set according to the Indian calendar. (There are several time periods during which a wedding cannot be held.)
The Aashirwad is a confirmation of the marriage alliance. It takes place a day or two before the actual wedding in the evening. A priest is present. The ceremony takes place at either the groom’s or the bride’s home. The door of the entrance is decorated with a string of mango leaves which will stay for a period of one year after marriage. The bride is given a sari. The groom is presented with a ring, gold buttons and a watch.
On the day before the wedding, the priest will visit the house of the bride and the groom and offer a prayer to the ancestors. This ceremony is called Vridhi.
On the day of the wedding, early in the morning, before sunrise, the Dodhi Mangal ceremony is held. Eight to ten married women accompany the couple to a nearby pond. They invite the Goddess Ganga to the wedding and bring back a pitcher of water from the pond to bathe the bride and groom. The bride and groom are offered the only food they will eat that day. This meal is fried fish, curd and flattened rice.
At the actual wedding ceremony the groom’s father and all other relatives are present. The groom’s mother does not attend. A paternal or maternal uncle gives away the bride. The bride’s father and other relatives attend, but her mother does not. It is believed that if the mothers are not present it will protect the bride and groom from the evil eye.
As the groom arrives he is welcomed by blowing conch shells, ringing bells and ululation. The mistress of the house touches the silver plate to the groom’s forehead and then the ground, and up to the groom. This is repeated three times, the groom is offered sweets. Water is then poured on the doorstep of the house as the groom enters.
The priest comes with an idol of God and in the presence of the family and friends the ceremony begins. As a part of the ceremony there is an exchange of the floral garlands and other rituals. While the ceremony is taking place, dinner may be served. After the ceremony is over, games are played and the couple is kept awake that night by songs, poetry and jokes offered by the family and friends.
The morning after the ceremony the bridegroom applies vermilion on the bride’s forehead. This is a symbol of her marriage status. At the Mandap ceremony, in the presence of the 
priest, they then worship the Sun God. They seek the blessings of all elders and set out to the groom’s house.
On arrival at the groom’s house, women pour water on the ground under the vehicle which they have traveled and the couple exit the vehicle.
In some houses, the women wash the feet of the bride with milk and flour before offering sweets and sherbet to the couple. In others, the bride steps into the milk and flour and imprints her soles on the the mixture. The bride is then led by the women in the house.
The elders present bless the couple. Ornaments and saris are presented to the bride. She and her groom sit on a wooden plank and the Bou Bhat ceremony begins.
Women blow conch shells, ring bells, and take up wailing. The bride does not eat any food in her in-laws house. That night, the bride wears a new sari. The bedroom is tastefully decorated with flowers. The flowers and clothes come from the bride’s house along with the sweets.
A few days after the wedding day, the newly wed couple return to the bride’s home. The thread which was tied on the bride’s wrist by the priest is cut.
The Man Registry
We were internet surfing last evening looking for a few photos for a inspiration board we are designing for a client coming up and ran across this great website for the Groom.
What is The Man Registry?TheManRegistry.com is an online resource for grooms and is the internet leader in grooms wedding tips and wedding advice for grooms. The website features a specialized wedding gift registry featuring hundreds of wedding gifts tailored toward grooms, including electronics, barbecue grills and accessories, bar supplies, tools and outdoors gear and items from favorite sports teams — In addition to the wedding registry, the website also offers a wealth of information, how-to articles and resources designed to help successfully guide the 1.2 million grooms who get married each year through every step of the engagement, wedding and honeymoon planning processes.
Our Story
Three brothers started TheManRegistry.com in 2007 when they noticed that many of their close friends and family were getting married, but too often were registered for wedding gifts that were strictly geared toward the kitchen and bedroom. Where were the wedding gifts that the groom could get excited about? It was clear that creating a wedding registry tailored to grooms was necessary. Thus, TheManRegistry.com was conceived and built as the place where grooms and brides could register for wedding gifts they could put to use in the backyard, garage, or basement bar.
Here is a quote from ABC news about this site below:
Grooms-to-be can not only register on the site and pick out the type of gifts they’d want, but also pick up handy tips on how to pick out a tuxedo and numerous pointers on how to saddle up for the big day.“
“I’ve heard of guys registering for PlayStations, tool sets, and camping equipment, and now there’s a brand-new online wedding registry site made just for guys — it’s called TheManRegistry.com. From barbeque grills to electronics, they’ve got it all.” ~ The Knot -
Chinese Wedding Traditions – The Ang Pow
Chinese weddings are very symbolic. Every step of the Chinese wedding ceremony is peppered with items and gestures to symbolise the bringing of good luck to the couple. Although some traditions have been forgotten in today’s modern times of convenience, one particular Chinese wedding tradition that has carried through the times is the giving of the Ang Pow or Lai See. 
Unlike the Westerners who present the bridal couple with wedding gifts, the Chinese believe in giving money in a red packet (Hong Bao) instead as a gesture of good luck. Chinese are very practical people and this gesture of giving money is also meant to contribute towards the wedding expenses the couple has had to bear. While guests usually try to give enough for the couple to cover their reception costs, close friends and relatives will usually give bigger hong baos as a gesture of luck to the couple. In return, the couple gives out ang pows throughout their wedding to their helpers to thank these people and to return some of their good luck. Read below to understand when the ang pow is given during a Chinese wedding ceremony.
Before The Wedding
- The groom’s family often presents the bride’s family with a “dowry” or a sum of money in a red packet as a form of respect to the bride’s parents for having raised her.
- An ang pow is also usually given to the bride’s mother for bringing her up as part of the items brought by the groom’s family.
Wedding Morning
- The groom usually carries several hong baos in his pocket when he leaves his home to pick the bride.
- The first red packet will go to the younger brother or younger male relative of the bride who is tasked with opening the car door for the groom when he arrives. This is considered to be the first point of “defence” the groom is required to go through!
- The groom and his helpers (or heng tais) will then be stopped at the door by the brides’ friends (or chi muis) and relatives who will demand certain tasks to be performed and sufficient hong baos to be given before he is allowed to enter. Be warned as the ang pows can sometimes shoot through the roof, depending on the negotiation skills of both parties!
Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony
- With the bride safely by his side, the couple will then have the Chinese traditional tea ceremony with the bride’s family before she leaves the home and with the groom’s family when she enters his house.
- Lai see (red packets) or gold items will be given by both families after the tea is served to them. In return, the couple will be required to give ang pows to their younger siblings or relatives who serve them tea as a form of respect.
Wedding Dinner Reception
- Guests who attend the wedding dinner usually bring a red packet of money with them to be presented to the couple. Over time, this has started to be known as a “saman” (or summons) especially when one receives several wedding invitations for that month!
- The couple usually gives their helpers angpows at the end of the day to thank them for their help and to bless them with good luck.
The amounts in the red packets can vary depending on the couple’s financial position and family backgrounds. While it is a practical and charming tradition, unfortunately, over time, this significance of good luck behind the red packet has been somewhat lost as a certain sum is sometimes expected to be received or given in the red packet. Hence, while every little contribution of cash is helpful to the wedding, the blessings and good luck wishes from others as symbolized by the lucky red envelope are just as important!
WEDDING RINGS
WEDDING RINGS
Of all the many things you plan for your wedding ceremony, the most enduring remembrances are your wedding rings. While your wedding flowers and wedding cake will one day be just happy memories, your wedding rings are meant to be with you thru out your marriage. Because wedding rings are exchanged as you and your spouse recite your wedding vows they are a very symbolic part of the wedding ceremony. Long past your wedding day, they will endure as a token of your love and your relationship for as long as you are married. As you choose your wedding rings, there are many things to keep in mind as you search for the right wedding rings for you and your spouse.
Five Factors of Importance
Your choice of wedding rings is an important decision. There are many factors to consider to help ensure that the wedding ring you choose today will be one that you can enjoy for many years into the future. When selecting wedding rings, you will choose between styles, gemstones, metals, and cost. You will also need to decide if you and your spouse want matching wedding rings. This is a personal choice that varies from couple to couple. As you consider all your choices, there are basically five factors of importance:
- Set your budget – perhaps somewhat unromantic, but very realistic
- Your wedding ring should fit your lifestyle – so you can wear it everyday
- It should be durable – so it will endure and not wear out
- It should be well designed – so it will securely hold and protect the diamonds
- You should love the way it looks!
Even if a wedding ring meets all the other criteria of being well-designed, durable, and practical, if you don’t like it, then it’s not the one for you. If you keep looking, you will find just the right one.
Wedding Rings and Your Lifestyle
Remember to take your lifestyle into account when choosing a wedding ring. Not only should you love the look and style of your wedding ring since you will be wearing it everyday, but you should also choose a wedding ring that is comfortable and one you can wear all the time. One of the most basic choices is whether you want a wedding ring with diamonds or other gemstones or one without. If you choose one with diamonds or gemstones, you will want to consider the differences between prong and channel set stones. A prong setting lets in more light and creates more brilliance in the stones, but prongs can snag clothing or scratch skin. A channel setting is smoother to the touch and is not as likely to scratch or snag anything, but channel set stones usually do not appear as brilliant as prong set ones because not as much light reaches the gemstones. The height of the setting is another factor to consider, as a high set ring is more apt to catch on things. A high setting may not be practical for many professions or activities. There is not a right or wrong choice when choosing a wedding ring, the choice is just what you love and one that will continue to give you satisfaction as you wear it thru the years. 
Choosing a Wedding Ring Setting
Your wedding ring setting should be durable and able to withstand daily wearing. Most wedding rings are worn everyday and subjected to all kinds of normal situations which can slowly wear away the metal – such as contact with chemicals in cosmetics, soaps, cleaning products, and swimming pools, abrasion with other objects, from silverware and steering wheels to even the sheets on your bed. For these reasons, it is important to choose a metal that will hold up to the daily wear and tear over time. The most traditional wedding rings metals have endured because they have been proven durable – 14kt gold white gold, 14kt yellow gold, 18kt gold, and platinum. Two new metals which are also durable and new to the wedding ring market are titanium and tungsten carbide, which tend to have a more masculine appeal. The long term durability of your wedding ring will also be increased if you choose a heavier design and thicker band, no matter what metal you choose.
If you choose a wedding ring with diamonds or other gemstones, you want to make sure the setting is designed to securely hold the stones. If the wedding ring features a large prong set stone, a six prong setting is more secure than a four prong setting. A stone set with six prongs is less likely to be damaged or lost than if it were set with four prongs, but this is usually only a consideration for a larger center stone, not the accenting side stones. Channel settings and bezel settings are becoming more popular and are also safe setting styles. Lower set stones are less likely to be damaged than higher set stones and heavyweight prongs hold up better than lightweight prongs. These details are often overlooked when choosing a diamond wedding ring but they can make a difference between losing the diamond from your setting or keeping it secure.
How Much to Spend on Your Wedding Ring
Contrary to popular advertising, there is not a right or wrong amount to spend on your wedding rings. This is a decision based on your current financial situation and personal desires. Setting a budget is a valid consideration. If you decide what range you want to spend before you go wedding ring shopping, you can use your shopping time more productively. If you look at rings that cost more than you want to spend it takes time away from finding the right wedding rings that fit within the amount you have budgeted.
Your Wedding Ring – It’s the One!
Just as you know your spouse is the one, when you find the right wedding ring you will have no doubt. You love the style and it meets all the other important criteria as well – it’s a durable metal, a secure setting for the diamonds, quality workmanship, and it fits within your lifestyle and budget. When you know what you want, ask the right questions of your jeweler, and pay attention to the details of the ring, you will find a wedding ring that makes you happy both today and into the years to come.
Your Wedding Songs
YOUR WEDDING SONGS
Wedding music sets the tone and creates the mood of your wedding ceremony and reception – let the wedding songs you choose reflect your style and personality. There are many special musical moments to consider, from the bride’s walk down the aisle to the couple’s first dance at the reception. Although you may not select every song that is played at your wedding, you probably want to choose the special songs for the important musical moments. Take the time with your fiancee’ to find the songs for your wedding that are romantic and fun and meaningful.
FINDING THE WEDDING SONGS
To find the wedding songs for your wedding, take notes when you listen to the radio or listen to CD’s, read thru lists of the top wedding songs that can be found on the internet, in wedding books or magazines, and from the musical director of your wedding location or from the musicians you hire for your event. Many musical choices are available, whether you prefer traditional or modern wedding songs.
SPECIAL WEDDING MUSICAL MOMENTS
- Prelude: The music that is played before the wedding ceremony begins.
- Processional: The music that is played as the family and wedding party walk down the aisle.
- Bridal Processional: The music that is played as the bride walks down the aisle.
- Interlude: The songs performed during the wedding ceremony.
- Recessional: The music that is played as you walk up the aisle together as husband and wife.
- First Dance: The song played for the first dance as husband and wife.
- Father/Daughter – Mother/Son: The song(s) that the bride and her father and the groom and his mother dance to.
- Cutting the Cake: The music played while you cut the cake – can be a reprise of the first dance song.
- Garter and Bouquet Toss: The music played for the garter toss and bouquet toss.
- Last Dance: The last song of the night – often the same as the first dance song.
- Getaway: The song that is played as the bride and groom leave the reception.
PLAYING THE WEDDING MUSIC
If your wedding is in a church, you may be required to use traditional accompaniment of a piano, organ, harp or string quartet for your wedding songs. In other wedding or reception sites, you should find out if they have any restrictions for the musical entertainment, including the rules and regulations on hiring outside performers, noise restrictions, or on music selection.
Also, make sure the site has the proper requirements necessary for the musicians, such as access to stages and electrical outlets, and loading, setup and sound check information.
CHOOSING THE TALENT
When you are looking for the musicians for your wedding, you have many ways to audition them. Most bands or DJ’s will be happy to send you a demo and provide lists of wedding songs. Some musicians may have audition nights where they put on a show for prospective clients. Some musicians may invite you to attend one of their local performances or show you a video of other events they have done. It is helpful if you can get a word of mouth recommendation from other happy wedding couples. Your wedding music definitely affects the outcome of your event, so take the time to consider your options and investigate the references.
MUSICAL BUDGET
Although you have an amount budgeted for your wedding music (often 10% of the wedding budget), the amount you pay does not always reflect the quality of music or level of enjoyment. Take the time to find a musician that will provide you with fun and romantic and appropriate wedding songs that will make your wedding celebration wonderful. Ask if they will play wedding songs of your choosing or if they limit the choices to their own wedding song list.
The choice of who is hired to provide the wedding music can affect the price – the fees for a DJ often ranges from $150 to $450 an hour, while the fees to hire a band may range from $400 to $800 an hour. Some musicians may charge a flat rate for a set amount of time. A standard amount of time is four hours for hiring a band or DJ.
Don’t Stress over Wedding Planning Timelines
We had a conversation yesterday with a bride getting married in October 2010. She knows that she has a lot of time to plan but she was nervous that she would miss something on the bridal to-do list.
Wedding planning timelines are a guide. You don’t have to follow them to a T – it’s just a way for brides to know what tasks they should get done and an estimate of when. Some things are obvious: You can’t book vendors until you set the date and book a hall and you can’t order invitations until you have the date and location and you have to order them about three to four months before the wedding to get them mailed out by the six to eight week mark. Other tasks can happen in almost any order. Once you book the hall you can hire all of your vendors in any order – photo, video, flowers, music.
Timelines are definitely helpful and you should look to them to make sure you don’t forget something but from the 12-month to the 3-month marks, the tasks can be done in almost any order. So don’t make yourself too crazy about checking off every item in the right order shown.
In the words of Capt Barbossa: “They’re more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules.”
