10 ways to make sure your wedding isn't boring

Attending a wedding may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a pleasure. The last thing a bride and groom want is for their wedding guests to spend the reception checking their watches. Here are 10 tips to keep any wedding guest yawns at bay.

1. Make introductions at the rehearsal.

A wedding brings together two families and sets of friends -- which usually means a big group of people who don't know each other awkwardly attempting small talk. The solution? Invite relatives and out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner to break the ice, and introduce those who might have common interests. (That uncle who always loved Top Gun? Definitely link him to your fiance's fighter pilot cousin). By the time the wedding rolls around, your guests will have met in a more relaxed atmosphere the evening before and (hopefully) keep the conversations going at the reception.

2. Stick to the schedule.

No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force your guests to idle around while you take your formal wedding pictures. This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks, drinks, plenty of places to sit, and even a little music to set the mood and keep the party atmosphere alive.

3. Don't let guests go hungry.

Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your grand entrance -- lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, even fried macaroni and cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from the ceremony -- and grateful for the sustenance.

4. Plan an exit strategy.

If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward. Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives guests the freedom to relax (drink) without worrying about getting home safely when the party wraps up.

5. Consider your venue.

Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you throw your wedding, but picking an interesting reception site can go a long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet areas with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a photo booth), so be sure to talk to your site manager about your options.

6. Work your seating chart.

There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school together -- particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your guests spend time with people they like -- or even to set them up with someone new!

7. Put a time limit on toasts.

Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor, best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.

8. Bring in the...clowns?

Remember that scary clown/magician from your eighth birthday party? Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for wedding entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers to singing waiters -- these people are pros at making sure weddings aren't boring.

9. Think beyond wedding cake.

Wedding cakes are still a staple, but consider expanding the selection for those with a sweet tooth -- we're talking a full dessert bar with everything from whoopie pies, truffles, cupcakes, candies, along with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The dessert bar can double as your wedding favor by setting out plastic bags or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.

10. Relax -- seriously.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when the day arrives, everyone will have more fun if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it: Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a bridesmaid, relative, or your wedding planner -- and designate a friend who, if they observe you getting stressed, will ply you with a cocktail or two.

reposted from  http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/10-ways-to-entertain-wedding-guests.aspx

Bridal Emergency Kit

What to bring with you…especially when emergencies arise!!!!

Asprin or Tyelnol

Anacids

Bacitracin ointment/first aid lotion/cream

Bandaids

Bobby pins/barrettes/pony tail holder

Bottle water

Breath mints or spray

Cash (you never know)

Checks (to pay any leftover balance to vendors)

Cell phone charger

Clear deodorant

Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)

Comb/brush

Compact mirror

Contact lens & contact solution if applicable

Cortaid (or anti-itch cream or lotion)

Cough drops/throat lozengers

Dental floss

Emery board/nail file

Eye drops

Extra earring backings

Extra panty hose

Hairdryer/Straightener/Curling Iron

Hairspray

Hand sanitizer

Hem tape

Iron

Krazy glue (to fix shoe heels, broken nails, decorations, etc)

Lint brush

Lipstick/lip gloss/chap stick

Lotion

Makeup

Makeup mirror

Marriage license (for officiant to sign and mail to clerk of courts)

Medication if needed

Mini sewing kit

Moist towelettes

Nail glue

Q-tips/cotton balls

Safety pins

Scissors

Scotch tape

Smelling salts

Snack

Spot remover

Static cling spray

Straws (do you do not mess up lipstick)

Sunblock (if outdoor wedding)

Tampons/pads

Tissues

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Tweezers

Vaseline

Vendors telephone numbers

.

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

Biggest Things Brides Overlook

Biggest Things Brides Overlook

Setting A Date

You will want to consider the time of year for many reasons. Depending on where you live, weather could be a big factor when choosing the date for your wedding especially when you need to think about unpredictable weather.  You may have a certain color in mind for your wedding and certain flowers in that color may only be available certain times of the year. Is the day you choose close to another event such as a major holiday, could that cause a problem especially if you have your heart set on a particular venue, would they be booked that time of the year?

Know Your Deadlines

Wedding planning guidelines are available to help you prepare for your wedding day and these timelines include deadlines. You do not want to have your heart set on a venue to find out they are booked and then have to choose a place you are not happy with.

Wedding Venues

Book your venue as soon as possible and be prepared to have a couple of backup dates.

Having an outdoor wedding

It may sound quaint to have a backyard celebration in the comfort of your own home but think about a few things; is there enough space, who is doing all the cooking and cleaning, and what would the cost of wedding rentals be? Unless you happen to have access to a bunch of tables and chairs, it might be worth your money to book a wedding venue. Many hotels and local venues include tables, chairs, and even linens into your wedding package -- which can save you big in the end!

Do you have a plan B if it rains? If you are getting married at a venue, ask if they have a plan B before you book so you will be happy about the location even if it rains. What if it is unusually cold, could you get heat lamps or fans if it is unseasonable warm.

You don’t stick to your budget

It is important to have a budget for your wedding. If you prioritize what is important, it helps on what you where you want to save and where your want to splurge Maybe photography is more important than the flowers, or maybe the flowers are more important than the music or maybe the music is more important than the centerpieces. Money issues cause more stress than anything else when planning a wedding. Be sure your set a realistic budget and stick with it!  It is important not to get so stressed out over the cost of the wedding that you cannot enjoy the excitement of planning the wedding or enjoying the wedding day.  Most people do not have a clue what a wedding actually cost, make some calls, set up appointments with vendors and find out what it cost. After you gather the information, then you can prioritize what is important and what you can comprise on…just remember do not compromise on the amount of food! You may not be able to have the filet mignon and lobster you envisioned but can comfortable have chicken instead and remain within your budget.

NOT HIRING WEDDING PROFESSIONALS

There is no substitute for expertise and experience. If you want everything to run smoothly, hiring professionals is the way to go. When you rely on experts, you do not have to stress! If you want a smooth and relatively worry free planning process it is important to hire the pros. Professionals have seen it all, which makes them the best source for creative ideas and handling any challenges that may arise. Think twice before you ask friends or accept offers from friends and relatives for major responsibilities for your wedding. Relationships are put to the test when well intentioned friends and relatives causing wedding catastrophes. I have personally heard many stories including missed important photographs, blurry photographs, dry wedding cakes, wedding dresses tearing and ripping at the seams during the ceremony and more horror stories. You do not get a second chance to make it right!

Buying a wedding dress online

When looking online, it is probably better to just look to get an idea of what is in fashion. You may fall in love with a dress, which may be tempting to purchase, but what if it does not fit right. A pretty dress may loose its appeal if it does not fit you properly.  The dress may also need costly alterations. Your best bet is to go to a bridal boutique, remember it is your special day and you do want to look your best. Think about the amount you may be spending on photography and how you want to look it the pictures. You do not want to be saying “well, it did look like a pretty dress online”.

Doing your own hair, nails, and makeup

Having your hair, nails, and makeup doe professional ensures you will look great! You may want to have a trail run on hair and makeup. Ask your professionals to try different hairstyles and makeup and decide what look you want for your wedding. I think it is important to have hair and makeup trails, you do not want to be surprised on your wedding especially if you chosen a style from a magazine or an updo you dreamed up.. You want to look and feel great on your wedding day.

Wear the shoes you’ve chosen before your Wedding

I know you want to keep your shoes in pristine condition, but if you have never worn them before, you could get painful blisters and pinched toes. You want to be comfortable and a suggestion would be to wear them around your house for several hours to break them in and make sure you will be comfortable wearing them to walk down the aisle.  Some brides wear a different pair of shoes during the reception to be more comfortable while dancing and talking to guests.

Don’t pack last-minute for the honeymoon

Packing last minute means forgetting things you need especially when your wedding day is on your mind, not your honeymoon. You do not want to worry, did I pack my contacts or toothbrush. You booked your trip early, pack early, then concentrate on your wedding, trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Skimping on the Food

Buffet style dinners are fine, but you need to make sure there is enough food, drinks, napkins, plates, silverware, and cups. If you decide to cut corners, at least hire a caterer and work with the caterer on how many people are on the guest list. You and your caterer can work together and still stay within your budget while making sure your guest do not leave hungry.

Choosing out-of-season flowers

Before you decide on what type of flowers you want at your wedding, think about what flowers are in season. It cost more to have flowers flown in, talk to your local florist about what types of flowers are in season and available on your wedding day.

Doing Everything Yourself

It may save you money by making all the invitations, seating cards, bouquets, favors, centerpieces, etc., but do you have the time involved in making everything yourself? Do you want to do last minute preparations on your wedding day? Wouldn’t you rather spend your wedding day getting pampered with someone doing your hair, nails, and makeup? What if well meaning friends and family offered to help on your wedding day, then backed out last minute…even if they have a good reason. As the bride you want to be completely involved with the planning, but do you have to do everything yourself? Do you really want to be stressed out before and on your wedding day? Do you want to be up all night, then walk down the aisle with dark circles under your eyes? You may want to do some of the projects yourself, but be honest with yourself and decide how much time to you have to devote to the projects.  Leave some things up to professionals; it will save you a lot of headaches in the end.

Ceremony

Be true to yourself on what type of ceremony you and your finance want. Some people like to write their own vows and for others it causes a great deal of anxiety.  Talk to your wedding officiant and make sure the wedding officiant will work with you.

Write down your vows

Even if you’ve practiced it in front of a mirror a million times, keep a small piece of paper with your wedding vows on you or ask your officiant to hold them. No matter how many times you practiced, you do not know how you may feel until you are standing at the alter. Think of it as your safety net. I have also had brides and grooms tell me to have vows prepared in case they do not think they can say the vows they have written where other brides have asked for help with the vows they have written because they were too emotional to say them. Talk to your officiant and see how accommodating they are.

Reception

Your reception should be fun and if you are stressed, so will your guest. The bride and groom will set the tone for the party, if both of you are enjoying yourself, so will everyone else!

Having a Friend or Family Member Be Your Photographer

You have a friend who has professional equipment and states she takes great pictures. You know she will take pictures at a really good price, perhaps even free. Do you know if she is a good photographer? This may seem like a really great idea, but usually it does not work out to be a great idea in the end. What if your friend or family member becomes more of a guest and less of a photographer? Is it even fair to your friend or family member to miss out on “guest moments”?  What if some great shots are missed, especially the important moments! Hiring a professional photographer will ensure those important moments are not missed. Many have packages at different price points. Perhaps family and friends will still take picture, but you hire a professional photography and purchase a smaller package. Not hiring a professional photographer is a common regret I have heard from brides throughout the years!

Using an iPod for music

If you are picky about what music should be played during your reception, you still could hire a professional. Interview professionals and tell the DJ or  Band a list of what can and cannot be played to ensure you get the music you want. Your iPod could lose music halfway through the night and how are you going to fix it? A professional is always prepared!

Decorating yourself

It might be fun for you and your family to do the last minute decorating, typing ribbons, blowing up balloons, putting linen on the tables, doing the flowers, etc., but what if your “helpers” are late, or if last minute décor does not arrive on time. Do you want to be stressed a few hours before your wedding? Last minute issues always come up, no matter how much planning and preparation is done ahead of time. Professionals are used to last minute issues and come prepared. The only thing you should be doing the day of the wedding is enjoying yourself.

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

Wedding Expenses You Should Never Skimp On

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Wedding Expenses You Should Never Skimp On

This is your wedding, this is the day you’ve planned perhaps since you were a little girl!! Hopefully this will be your only wedding and it will be worth the investment. Many brides look back and have regrets.  The day should be about you and your fiancé.

Top of Form Bottom of Form Photography – These are your memories!!!! Even if your friend or a family member took a photography class and offered to do it for free for you, you want to hire a professional who will get the “important moments”. Do not give guest disposable cameras and hope for the best! A professional knows how to capture those “memorable moments”.  A great photographer can turn an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary wedding  Your wedding day should be the best day of your life, but it will be a whirlwind. When its over, the flowers will be gone, the food will be eaten, and your dress will be packed Food – You do not need to serve lobster and filet mignon, but you also do not want to service hot dogs and beans. Hiring a professional caterer can discuss with you different meal options that will fit your budget. You also want to have enough food to feed all of your guests. Guests with an empty stomach tend to get unpleasant, cranky, short tempered, and perhaps a little tipsy if serving alcohol. If you need to save money, cut the guest list not the caterer!!!!   Wedding DJ or Band-  The music gauges the audience's energy and works to create an exciting atmosphere for guests. Do you want your guest to be bored and just sitting at their table? The goal is to get your guests up and dancing or tapping to the beat with a smile on their face! It is important to keep in mind that your guests are expecting a great party and you should give them one, after all it is your party and you want them walking away with happy memories! Bridal Gown – This is your day, the day you waited for possibly since you were a little girl. You want to look nice and feel good! When you look back at your pictures, you want to fondly remember wearing your bridal gown and how it made you feel. You should feel like a princess and wearing a dress you love that looks good on you, will make you feel like  a princess!!! Hair and Makeup – This is your day and you want to look your best for the day and for the photographs you will look back at. There are many makeup artists and hair stylists who can make you look even more amazing! A good makeup artist can highlight your best features while making sure you still look like you!! Makeup shows up lighter in pictures than it does in real life and makeup artist know how to adjust the right amount of makeup. You also want to feel pampered and relaxed on your wedding day, it will also help to relieve some stress! I also suggest using professional beauty services rather then doing each other’s hair and makeup. If you are thinking about using drug store makeup to save money, think again because only professional makeup will last long and show up well on high definition cameras.  This is your chance to look like a movie star and remember everyone will be looking at you in persona and you’re your photos and videos. Don’t shortchange your self on the most important day of your life! Professional hair and makeup will make you look polished and stylist. I would recommend doing a trail run before your wedding.

Venue – It does not mean you have to spend a lot of money on your venue, it means you should be smart about the venue you choose. Make sure your venue has plenty of room for your guest and the ceremony can be done in a separate location then the reception. If you are thinking about an outdoor ceremony, make sure there is not a lot of loud noises from street traffic or airplanes. Make sure if you have it outdoors there is a plan b in case of bad weather! The venue is also the hub where everything else revolves around. Higher end more experienced venues also tend to give better service which will make guests more comfortable. 

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Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430

Wedding Etiquette

Wedding Etiquette 

Etiquette Tips for Creating Your Wedding Guest List

Creating a wedding guest list can be extremely stressful because you may be worried about hurting someone’s feelings. Here are some tips on how to create your wedding guest list:

·      Figure out your budget and know how much money you can spend on food at the reception

·      The bride and groom need to each make a list of friends, co-workers, and family

·      The parents need to make a list also

·      Break down each of the list with “must invite”, “should invite”, “could invite” – this will prioritize each person in case the list needs to be cut due to budget (remember it is very important to stick to your budget!

·      As a general rule, always invite family first, less close friends, then co-workers

·      If you are planning to invite single friends or family members, remember your budget before offering the option of bringing a guest; but if your single friend or family member is in a long term relationship, etiquette does call for inviting their significant other even if they are not married.

·      Don’t feel obligated to invite co-workers but if your budget allows, there is an unwritten rule that says to invite co-workers and business acquaintances

·      Deciding whether to invite children can be a tough decision to make. If you are having a black tie affair, you may not want a lot of children especially if it is at night and children tend to become tired and cranky. If you are having a casual wedding in the afternoon, the more children the merrier, but again remember your budget when considering on whether or not to invite children. If you are having young children as your flower girl or ring bearer, remember to invite them! If you or your fiancée has children, they should be at your wedding and if immediate family; sisters or brothers have children, they should be invited at your wedding also!

The Etiquette of Writing and Addressing Wedding Invitations

• Spell out professional titles, such as Doctor and Reverend, and all military titles (General, Major, and so on.) for names on your invitations. Acceptable abbreviations are the nonprofessional titles of Mr., Mrs., and Ms. Don’t include academic titles, such as PhD, on the invitation unless the person is a minister with a theological degree. Nicknames should not be used; address David instead of Dave, Jeffrey instead of Jeff, and so on
• Spell out street names, such as Avenue, Boulevard, and Street, on all invitations. Also spell out days of the week, dates, months, times, and numbers in addresses for invitations to black tie and formal weddings. For invitations to semiformal and informal weddings, you can use numbers freely.
• Do not include gift registry information or gift suggestions on your invitations. And never, ever, handwrite anything on the invitation.
• Address the inside envelope with exactly whom you’re inviting. For example, writing “Mr. and Mrs. ” tells your guests that just the Mr. and Mrs. are invited, not their children .
• When inviting single friends and family members; address it as Mr., Ms., or Miss and only write and guest if your budget allows. If your budget does not allow, tell the guest.

Etiquette of who pays for what?

As mentioned previously, budget plays an important part of who pays for what.  Another important factor is if the wedding is formal or informal. It is not like it was decades ago, there is nothing that is set in stone; but there is a general guideline;

The Brides Family

            Wedding gown, veil, headpiece and accessories

            Flower bouquets for the bride and the bridesmaids

            Flowers for the ceremony and the reception

            Canopy/Carpet/Candelabras/Candles

Items for the ceremony such as sand and glasses for a sand ceremony, wine and glasses for a break the wine ceremony, etc.

Rentals for the ceremony or reception

Invitations, Announcements, Programs

Napkins, Matches, Printed items

Fee for the venue

Band/DJ/Photographer/Video Photographer

Caterer

Wedding cake

Wedding Favors

Bags of rice

The Bride

            Wedding ring for the groom

            Wedding gift for the groom

            Bridesmaid’s gifts

The Groom

            Wedding ring for the bride

            Wedding gift for the bride

            Groomsmen/Usher gifts

            Corsages for the Mothers and Grandmothers

            Boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen and ushers

            Marriage License

            Wedding Officiant

            Limousine Service

            Honeymoon

Bridal Party

Dresses, Tuxedos, shoes, and accessories 

Children in the Bridal Party

         Their parents pay for dresses, Tuxedos, shoes, and accessories 

Out of town guests

            Their own accommodations

Again who pays for what is not set in stone! It is not the same as it was decades ago. Today, the Grooms family helps to pay for many of the grooms expenses, the bride and groom share many of the expenses, and sometimes the brides family pays for more than is listed above. The key is for the bride and groom to see if they can afford to pay for any or all the expenses then ask their families to see who will pay for what.

Wedding Tipping

Tipping has always been a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated. Many times gratuities are added to the final bill for caterers. It is considered proper to tip the servers, sometimes their tip is already in the contracted price. Other people who should be tipped if not already in the contracted price include catering managers, banquet managers, bartenders and bridal consultants. The customary amount to tip a server is 15%. If someone has gone above and beyond, additional tips may be added even if the final bill includes gratuities.

Limousine Driver usually get tipped 15%, your contract may already include the gratuity.  Photographers, florist, musicians, officiants and bakers are generally tipped for extra special services 

How To Write a Thank You Card

·       Thank you cards should be personalized

·       Never preprint thank you cards

·       Thank you cards should be handwritten

·       Send a thank you card to thank people for gifts, arranging bridal showers, and bachelor parties

·       Mention what the gift is in the thank you card

·       Thank you cards should be sent for shower gifts within ten days of the party

·       Thank you cards should be send for wedding gifts within two weeks after returning from the honeymoon

·       Use blue or blank ink 

Always and Forever Florida Weddings
Reverend Arlene Ponack
alwaysandforeverfloridaweddings.com
alwaysandforeverflweddings@gmail.com
(407) 271-2430