Phase One: ENGAGED! You buy every magazine out there, you are on PINTEREST pinning everything in sight or up all night reading every wedding blog for inspirations and DIY projects and become overwhelmed with the prospect of all the colors, ideas, and many choices.

Phase Two: The planning process starts. It’s fun! Your friends and family are interested. Strangers in line at the grocery store know you’re getting married and before they leave the checkout they know your colors and number of bridesmaids. The whole world is happy for you!

Phase Three: Anarchy in the ranks. Why does your mother think hydrangeas aren’t appropriate? Why do your bridesmaids think they can pick out their dresses?

Phase Four: The wedding wall. “I have plenty of time, the wedding is months away.” You believe things will all work out, you just need a break from the planning for a couple of weeks.

Phase Five: “Oh my gosh! The wedding is almost here!” You panic that there’s not enough time to individually hand-stamp all the cocktail napkins or make all the favors! Help!

When you get to Phase Five, there is still time to hire a wedding planner to get you out of this phase.

Special Moments has different services available in all planning phases of your wedding. We also offer an A-La-Carte Pricing structure, where you as the Bride can choose what services you need help with and what services you can handle on your own. The other great part of this pricing structure is you do not have to choose all of your services when you book Special Moments, you can decide along the way, if it gets down to the wire, you can also add on more services if needed. Special Moments also offers a wedding planning package ( Treasured Moment) that includes complimentary use of our wedding decor inventory. That is a great value along with some definetly unique items that will Add to your wedding or reception at a fraction of the cost.  Special Moments also offers a complimentary “Meet and Greet ” session , so we can get to know each other and listen to your vision and ideas for your “Special Day” without it costing you any initial money out of your pocket.

For  information you can go to our website at www.eventsbyspecialmoments.com and then click on the investment page to  review package options…

• Just as the bride needs time to organize her wedding gown, you will need to start looking into your options about 4 or 5 months before the big day. Don’t wait till the week before your wedding to figure out what you’re going to wear because you may not be able to find what you are after on such short notice.
• Make sure you have decided beforehand if you will rent or purchase a suit for the day and also find out which style will suit you best. Your formalwear should be purchased or reserved about 4 months before the wedding.
• Ask your bride for some details about her gown. This will help you to co-ordinate your outfits so that you’ll both look fantastic on the day and your outfits will compliment each other.
• Try not to shave the day before your wedding. Have a shave right before you plan to get dressed for the ceremony. You’ll be soft and smooth for your bride. There’s nothing worse than prickling her with stubble.
• The last thing you want is a shaving rash. Avoid razor burns by shaving in the direction of hair growth.
• Keep breath mints in your pocket and you’ll have a fresh breath all day long.
• On the day of your wedding eat a hearty breakfast and try to relax.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol before the wedding ceremony. You will want to smell and behave your best when you arrive at the wedding ceremony location.
• Perfume and flowers will fill the air so you don’t need to wear cologne. The clean smell of soap should be all you need.

Make sure you have these things before the wedding day:

• Polished shoes
• Shirt studs for tuxedo shirt
• Tie
• Cufflinks
• Socks usually black
• Tuxedo or suit
• Cummerbund/vest

  LovingUnity Wedding Officiants

                  Reverend’s Virginia & David Bishop

& Associates

www.lovingunity.com

LovingUnity@gmail.com

Fifteen Things to Look for When Choosing An Officiant

Who recommended the officiant?  If you receive a referral from a family member, there may be a strong expectation that you simply accept the person as the one who will tie your knot.  Referrals from friends or people you find on your own usually have fewer “strings attached”.  In any event, you will receive input and opinions from family members and friends, and although they are welcome, this is your wedding day, and the ultimate decision should rest between the two of you.

Do you like the officiant’s voice?  A person’s voice is not the only consideration in choosing an officiant, but it is very important.  Is the voice soothing or shrill?  Does he or she speak slowly or clearly?  Can you understand what is being said?  Remember, the officiant is communicating the special words of the wedding ceremony to every single guest.  If the voice is too soft, be sure that amplification will be provided.  The voice must be able to carry to the last row of guests and hold their interest.

How flexible is your officiant?  If your uncle wants to sing a solo during the lighting of the unity candle, will the officiant forbid it?  Are you able to select your own vows and special romantic touches?  Do you want a little humor in your ceremony?  Even if you don’t know up front what kind of ceremony you want, are you confident that the officiant will allow for changes as the day approached?  Can your officiant work with you to develop a ceremony that will honor the religious traditions and beliefs of both families, still speaking meaningfully to the two of you?  For example, if you were a Christian and your fiancé is Jewish, is the officiant willing to read a passage from the Old Testament instead of a New Testament scripture?  Will the officiant allow flash photography to be taken during the ceremony?  How about a video camera near the altar? (Cameras on the altar may be a distraction).

What is your officiant’s background? The government doesn’t issue licenses to ministers, so an officiants experience with weddings is important.  How many have they performed, and is there any other pastoral work that they have done? (baptism, memorial services).  The officiant should be willing to share names and phone numbers for references.

What is the religious slant of your officiant?  Most ministers work with and subscribe to the doctrines of a particular faith. There are officiants that are non-denominational.  It is your choice to have the minister work with you on a ceremony that is true to your own beliefs, and you should not have to fit into the denomination of a particular minister. 

Are you looking for a church to attend?  Some people are looking for a lifelong relationship with a minister and a church.  Others just want a minister to officiate their wedding.  Be clear about your preference. 

What moral criteria does the officiant expect you to meet?  If you and your fiancé are living together, already have children, are expecting a child, or have been through a divorce, it is important to tell the prospective officiant your situation during your first phone conversation.  Some officiants will advise you whether you need to see an alternative person to conduct your ceremony.  Others, non-denominational, will be glad for your honesty and will work with you to create a beautiful ceremony that is pleasing to everyone. 

What about premarital counseling?  Some couples want counseling.  In the state of Florida, if a couple completes the pre-marital counseling course, they receive a discount on the cost of their marriage license.  It is important to find out if our officiant provides the counseling as part of their arrangement with you for your ceremony, or if there is a separate cost involved. 

What is the cost of the officiant services?  Officiants spend many hours meeting with you and working with you to prepare for your big day.  They research, counsel, advise, and work hand in hand with you to make the ceremony truly unique and stress free.  Fees vary from county to county but generally are in the $250-$500 range. Some fees may also include a video and the marriage preparation course. 

How many meetings will you have?  Some officiants may say that there are no meetings necessary and that they will just show up for the wedding and that you can run your own rehearsal.  Others will want you to go through a personal meeting, phone calls, pre-marital counseling and a rehearsal.  Some officiants are willing to meet with you in person if you would like if you were seeking information for a “good fit”.  Can the officiant meet your wishes?  Will the officiant be available by phone or email if questions arise?  Can you trust this person with family secrets if you need to talk with someone about personal matters?  You would like to find an officiant that is as helpful to you as you want them to be without being overbearing.

Will the officiant run the rehearsal?  An experienced officiant at your wedding rehearsal can be very helpful, but she or he may not be available at that time.  If the officiant is not going to be available, other arrangements should be made for someone to put your wedding party through the paces. Don’t believe an officiant that says you can easily run a rehearsal without some advance practical help!  If the officiant is running the rehearsal, does the facility have an assistant there to help?  If so, the best way to run a rehearsal is to have the wedding coordinator help walk you all up to the front and then have the officiant rehearse the ceremony (without the actual words) and then have the coordinator direct the recessional march at the end.  Ask the officiant if it is alright for the two of you to face each other during the ceremony.  It is nicer for pictures, and the guests get a better view of what is happening during the ceremony.

Should I invite the officiant to my rehearsal dinner or reception?  If the officiant has a long-term pastoral relationship with you or the family, by all means issue and invitation.  Otherwise, the decision is entirely yours.  Some officiants will provide a dinner grace or blessing at the beginning of the reception.  The decision is yours, but if you plan to invite them, make sure they get an invitation in the mail and have them listed in the seating plan.

How will the officiant be dressed?  This may seem like a silly question, but ask it right up front!  Some male officiants wear a suit and tie, others may wear robes.  You can ask to see a picture of the robe, if it is the wrong color or has symbols that may be offensive to some family members, ask the officiant if they would consider wearing a plain suit instead.  Some officiants are willing to wear special items for wedding if there is a theme, for example.

How elaborate will the ceremony preparations be?  Many officiants only offer one or two ceremonies.  Be sure you get to read their ceremony and make sure it harmonizes with what you want said at your wedding.  Ask if they have an extemporaneous sermon as well.  Others have other choices with the option of adding your own ideas, so that you can create the ceremony that speaks to you.  Others will sit down and design a customized wedding just for you.  Always ask how long the ceremony will take, this is important information for your facility, photographer, caterer, etc.  You may prefer something simpler than what the officiant is offering.  Whatever it is that you want, be sure to let your officiant know up front.

Do you feel taken care of?  Many people feel that they have to meet the ministers standards and in some religious traditions that is entirely valid.  Remember, the original meeting of the word “minister” is “servant”.  Is the minister serving your needs on your big day?  Are you comfortable in the minister’s presence?  Find a minister who is eager to serve you and your wedding day will be a beautiful one for everyone!

]]> http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/17/fifteen-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-an-officiant/feed/ 0 Special Moments http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/16/the-man-registry/ http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/16/the-man-registry/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 09:29:37 +0000 Special Moments http://specialmoments1.wordpress.com/?p=2185 ]]> 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.

www.themanregistry.com                                                                                 

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 -

Instead of paying someone to fancy up your initials, why not have a professional designer create a logo that really describes you as a couple?

A professional logo designer can create something unique for you and you can incorporate it throughout your wedding. From invitations and programs to dinner menus and dance floor light projections, your logo tells much more about you than your initials. As a last meaningful touch you can have the design printed and beautifully framed so you can remember the big day. You could even take it an extra step and use it on your family website or future baby announcements. A logo is a clever and unique choice for couples who want to change it up a bit!

You can even dress them up!! Put a cute little bow tie or even go as far as a dress! Not only will it look cute for pictures but it’s a way to have one less boutonnière (if you are working on a limited budget). Your guests at your wedding will love the thought incorporated with your dogs becoming members of the party. Just make sure your dogs have relieved themselves before they make the walk down the aisle, so there aren’t any surprises for the most special moment of your life.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid? Gourmet Chocolate Bridesmaid: $13.95.

A rehearsal dinner is typically an informal meal after a wedding rehearsal, which takes place the night before the actual wedding. It’s a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other better, and most importantly, it’s a chance for the bride and groom to thank all the people who have helped them out with the wedding planning.

Do I have to have one?

You don’t have to have one, but there are very few reasons not to. You’re going to need to eat on that night anyway, why not eat with your loved ones?

Who pays?

Traditionally the groom’s parents pay but nowadays you’ll often see couples include the cost in their overall wedding planning budget. Another scenario is for both parents to host it together.

Who plans it?

It is traditionally the realm of the groom’s mother. Check in with your mother-in-law and see if she is willing and able to do so. If she wants to, it’s a good idea to let her – it gives her a role in the wedding and even if the rehearsal dinner is completely different from your taste, guests will presume that you didn’t plan it.

What happens at a rehearsal dinner?

Along with eating, of course, the bride and groom offer up thanks and toast their families and the wedding party. There are often many other informal toasts. Sometimes this toasting becomes a roasting of the bride and groom – but it’s all in good fun.

Best Man Speech at Rehearsal Dinner

You may also plan ice-breaking games or other activities including poker, pool, darts, a short funny home-movie, or backyard games. If you’re not having a bridesmaid’s luncheon, this is also an appropriate time to give bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.

How do I invite my guests?

Typically, printed invitations are sent a few days after you send the wedding invitation. These don’t need to be elegant and expensive – the easiest thing to do is to get the templates to print on your home computer. Do I have to invite out-of-town guests?

Once upon a time, a rehearsal dinner was only for the wedding party and the immediate family of the bride and groom. Now, wedding magazines will tell you that you have to invite all of the out-of-town guests. Here’s my opinion: it is a nice gesture, so that you don’t leave them at loose ends in a strange town the night before the wedding. However, if you don’t invite them, you can include a list of restaurants or things to do in the area on your wedding website. Also, you can hold the rehearsal dinner on the early side, and then include a note in your invitations saying “If you’re in town the night before the wedding, we’d love to see you! We’ll be at the East Side Pub after 9 pm – please join us if you can make it.” A nice touch is to get the bar to provide pub snacks and appetizers to your guests, which will still be less expensive than providing them dinner.

What if I can’t afford a rehearsal dinner?

First, reexamine your expectations – it doesn’t have to be some grand formal thing at a restaurant or catering hall. Some of the best rehearsal dinners I’ve seen are relaxed backyard barbecues which allow people to really get to know each other. Set up a volleyball net or get a game of touch football going. It can even be a potluck. But do have one – it’s your opportunity to thank all the people who made your wedding day possible.

What are your ideas for a great rehearsal dinner?

We think this question has many answers……

1. Yes, they are marrying you because you have attended the church since you were a child and will hurt their feelings if you do not extend the invitation to have them celebrate after the actual ceremony…..

2. Yes, because after all, who is going to do the blessing before dinner at the reception?

3. Yes, because they have traveled possibly quite a distance to be there and the ceremony lasted for 15 minutes and now you expect them to leave and go home while everybody else gets to stay and have a meal and celebrate…..

4. Yes, because it is just a courtesy and if they are not close friends of the family. 90% of the time , they will decline gracefully…..

5. No, You have hired them to do a job and they did the job…..

Would Love to hear feedback on your opinions on this subject….