How To Delegate Wedding Tasks

Delegation of wedding tasks is important as most couples don’t have the time to handle all aspects of their wedding planning.  Here are some tips to help you do it successfully:

Explain what you want in a way that is understood. The person you trust wedding tasks to is doing you a great favor, but only if they understand what you want done.  Take the time necessary to explain the task and the expected outcome or you are wasting your time and theirs.  If you ask your maid of honor to find dress ideas, explain what styles you like and provide her with a swatch or color sample to work from.

Show them what you like. Many people are visual communicators and there are endless resources to help with that. Inspiration images and Pinterest boards are perfect ways to share your creative vision.

Work with vendors you can trust.  There are numerous websites devoted to reviewing wedding vendors, many by real brides.  Check out vendor’s online profiles at sites such as  weddingwire.com and theknot.com.  Wedding professionals can provide referrals for other vendors for your wedding day.  Once you have selected a wedding vendor, it is important that you convey your vision to them so they can create the wedding keepsake you desire.  Make sure they understand your vision, but allow them some flexibility to use their professional experience to make your wedding day a success.

Schedule progress updates. When you assign a task to someone else, agree in advance for dates for progress updates and completion.  Most people will complete a task when they know there is a timeline to go with it.    When deciding a deadline for completion, build a little time into your timeline to allow for delays.

Let go.  No one likes to be micro-managed.  When someone is completing a task for you that you lacked the skill or time to complete yourself, let go as much as possible.

Thank them. Unless you are working with a wedding planner or wedding service provider, the people helping you are not obligated to.  They do what they do out of love.  Be gracious and genuinely give them thanks.

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Don't Become Bridezilla

Bridezilla.  That single word encompasses so much.  Whether it’s being demanding of your bridal party, throwing a fit over minute details or just being a general pain, it’s easy to stray into bridezilla mode.  While bridezillas make for fun TV, no one wants to deal with one for real.  Here are some tips on how to avoid being labeled a bridezilla.

Share Your Vision.  Getting married to your best friend is of course the big plan for your wedding day.  But what else do you want?  An over the top event, a rustic romance, a casual affair?  Whatever your ideal wedding day would be, make sure you and your fiance agree, and then share that vision with anyone that will impact the success of it – family, bridal party and wedding vendors.

Don’t Solicit Advice You Won’t Take.  From the moment you announce your engagement, well meaning people will tell you what you “have to do”.  While it’s not always easy to deal with all the suggestions with grace, it’s best to try.  If you have no intention of including someone’s suggestions, be sure not to ask for them.  It will quickly lead to hurt feelings, or worse family rifts.

Practice Effective Communication.  While technology has made it easier to communicate quickly, it can also lead to misunderstandings.  Short text messages can seem demanding or email tome misunderstood.  If you need to communicate big concepts consider using phone, face to face or Skype to do so.  This allows the recipient to hear your tone, see your body language and better understand your message.  If you have a message that might be hard to hear, or a big request to make, do it in person whenever possible.

Have Realistic Expectations.  Although your wedding day can be perfect, things may still go wrong.  Dinner may be delayed, those who didn’t RSVP might show up, or it may rain on your outdoor ceremony.  While you can’t control all aspects of the day, you can control how you react to them.

Ask, Don’t Order.  As you work through your wedding plans, it’s good to remember that it is your wedding day.  Not everyone you will deal with has the same vested interest and emotional attachment to making your wedding favors.  If you need help with a project, ask for it without making it a demand.

Don’t Become Uber-Focused.  If every time someone asks “How are you” and you launch into how you can’t figure out how to trim the guest list, people will stop asking.  While this is an extremely important day to you, it is not the only thing going on in your world. Remember to take an active interest in others, do activities that aren’t focused solely on the wedding and take a break when it gets to be too much.

Have A Great Attitude.  Planning a wedding can be a stressful and emotional time.  Wedding budgets, merging families and a big event are a lot to deal with.  Decide in advance that you will roll with the punches and keep smiling because those around you will look to follow your attitude.  If you continue to smile, so will everyone else.  Remember to say please and thank you as it will go a long way.  Being gracious will leave family, friends, and guests with positive memories of your wedding day.  Having their support for your relationship after the wedding will help you have a happy and healthy marriage.  And isn’t that the point of the wedding day after all?

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How To DIY Your Wedding

Many couples choose to DIY elements for the wedding to both personalize the event and save their wedding budget.  But how do you decide which elements to do yourself and which to leave to the professionals?  Before taking on any DIY projects, you should calculate the cost of materials and time versus hiring a professional to handle the project.  You should also consider how close to your wedding you would have to complete the task.

Here are some tasks to try:

Stationery

Get single-page invites to save on postage.

Have favors double as escort cards, such as tagged bottles of wine.

Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.

Table name or number markers can be as simple as framed printed card stock or photos.

Guest Favors

Have favors double as escort cards.

Cookies in a jar, candles and photo favors are simple projects.

Candy buffets are popular as guest favors. A candy bar is creating by choosing 5-10 different types of candy and displaying them in glass containers on a sweet table or in smaller containers on guest tables.

Ceremony and Reception Elements

The ring bearers pillow or flower girl baskets can be store bought and embellished to match your wedding theme and wedding colors.

Embellished birdcages or boxes wrapped in flocked paper for wedding cards are simple DIY wedding projects.
Simple candle and flower arrangements can be created for centerpieces.

Brooch bouquets are a top wedding trend for 2013.  They can be a great way include family pieces for your something old.

Items best left to the pros:

Large Flower Arrangements and Centerpieces – knowing which flowers are in season, take time to open, and how to present is a big task to take on.  The creation and setup are best left to the pros.

Your Wedding Dress – a well fitting and properly altered wedding dress will allow you to feel confident and that will show in your wedding photos.

Wedding Cake – due to the timeline needed for freshness and the complex designs, this is a task best left to the baker.

Catering – most venues will require you to use their caterer.  And do you really want your family to spend the day cooking and serving food?

Photography and Videography – after the wedding, your photography and videography will be the only tangible memories you have.  Make sure they are preserved by professionals.

Ceremony and reception music – the success of your wedding reception is often judged by how great the party is.

Linens – it is usually more cost effective to rent linens and have them set up for you.

Tips for DIY

Limit the number of DIY tasks you try to one open project or one per month.

Make sure you can complete all tasks at least one week prior to the wedding so you can relax before the big day.

Consider your budget for each item.  Unless it’s a task you really want to do, allow professionals to do any item that the cost is close.  Evaluate each DIY element on a cost versus time basis.

Don’t assume your family and friends will be available to help.  They likely have busy lives too.

Consider how many of a particular element you will need to make.  DIY guest favors are easy for 50, but take significant longer for 200.

Shop wholesale and locally when you can.  This will save you time and shipping costs.

Evaluate your skill set before taking on a project.

Get DIY inspiration on our Pinterest boards.

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Bride's Morning Playlist

A bride has a full day before walking down the aisle – and we have the perfect playlist to fill that time.  While you are getting ready with your friends, these songs are sure to keep the mood upbeat!

1. “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups
2. “Wishin’ And Hopin’” by Dusty Springfield
3. “Today I Met The Boy I’m Going To Marry” by Darlene Love
4. “Ever Ever After” by Carrie Underwood
5. “I Do” by Colbie Caillat
6. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars
7. “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band
8. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys
9. “Glamorous” by Fergie
10. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
11. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
12. “Accidentally In Love” by the Counting Crows
13. “It’s In His Kiss” by Cher
14. “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root
15. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce
16. “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge
17. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
18. “Stay With You” by John Legend
19. “Stand By Me” by John Lennon
20. “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce
21. “Say Hey (I Love You)” by Michael Franti
22. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
23. “Happy Together” by The Turtles
24. “Today was a Fairytale” by Taylor Swift
25. “You’re The One That I Want” from Grease
26. “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
27. “Rhythm of Love” by Plain White T’s
28. “I Say A Little Prayer” by Dianna King
29. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder
30. “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw
31. “Forever” by Chris Brown
32. “I Gotta Feeling” from the Black Eyed Peas
33. “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole
34. “True Blue” by Madonna
35. “Get Me To The Church On Time” by Frank Sinatra
36. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
37. “Breathless” by The Corrs
38. “Marry Me” by Train
39. “I’m Yours” Jason Mraz
40. “At Last” by Etta James

We’re here to help you create the perfect playlist for your wedding reception.  Click here to get started.

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College Themed Weddings

The big game between Michigan and State is this past weekend and it got us thinking about all the great ways we have seen couples incorporate their alma mater into their wedding theme. Whether it’s table linens, cupcakes or bridal party attire, the colors of your school can easily be woven in to the day. A visit to the campus or a visit from the mascot are great ways to show your school spirit too!

Table linens tie the school colors into the reception.

 

Bridal party attire in school colors can be quite complimentary.

A sweet way to show your school spirit.

 

A visit to where it all began adds personal history to your day. 

Fight songs are perfect for the grand entrance! 

Add some school spirit to your personal details. 

Party with a few of your favorite friends. 

Continuing the theme to your wedding album is a great way to complete the story.

Interested in learning how we can help capture your wedding theme?  Click here.

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Planning A Fall Wedding

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• The rich and vibrant colors of Autumn make it the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.  If you are planning a fall wedding, here are some tips:

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Outdoor Weddings

• Choose a location with a view of the fall splendor.  Locations that feature deciduous trees such as elms, maples and oaks will provide the most color, but it is often hard to predict the peak color weekend in advance.  
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• Ask the venue coordinator to see pictures from other weddings during that time frame that show other landscape features such as gardens as alternative color displays.

Plan for chilly temperatures.  Gas patio heaters and warm beverage stations, such as warm cider, cocoa and teas, will help to keep your guests comfortable.

Have a “plan B” location in case of bad weather.  You might also consider tent rental.  Discuss this in advance with your ceremony venue.

State “outdoor ceremony” on your invitations so guests are prepared for their time outside.

Seasonal elements

Pumpkins, sunflowers, haystacks and harvest fruits are easily incorporated into your reception decor.  These elements can be part of your centerpieces, cake decorations or great scene setters.

Seasonal flowers such as mums, marigolds and dahlias are perfect for a fall bouquet – and budget savers.  Other popular fall flowers are asters, gerbera daisies, and zinnias. 

Miniature pumpkin pies are perfect guest favors.  Autumn scented candles are also popular.
Cider mills and barns are great locations for your Romantics portrait session.  

Fall weddings are the perfect time for seasonal colors such as orange, yellow, crimson, and berry.  

Complimentary jewel tones such as purple, sapphire and ruby are standouts.

Metallic colors will pop against the autumn backdrop.  Consider touches of gold, copper and bronze.

Schedule accordingly

Autumn brings with it a flurry of activities.  School days, football games and other events may determine the availability of guests and should be considered when selecting your wedding date.Fall wedding dates have gained in popularity in recent years so prime locations and wedding vendors book quickly.  

Due to the sun setting earlier, you may want to consider a First Look session to capture the images you want and keep an efficient timeline.

Fall music

If your wedding date is close to Halloween, your DJ can work with you to include some fun dance mixes with a spooky flair or a fright themed cocktail hour.

Popular choices include:

“Thriller”
“Monster Mash”
“Dead Man’s Party”
“I Want Candy”
“Lil Red Riding Hood”
“Werewolves of London”
“Time Warp”
“Ghostbusters”

Fall menu

Fall wedding menus often feature comfort foods such as roasts, turkey, potatoes, corn bread dressing and other traditional fare.

Give your bar an autumn upgrade with craft beers and hard ciders.  Many have a decidedly Oktoberfest theme or feature pumpkin flavors.

Warm cider and doughnuts can be added to your dessert stations to continue your fall wedding theme.

Wedding cakes can be created using pumpkin, carrot cake or dark chocolate.

Candy bar stations can include Halloween favorites such as candy corn and caramel squares.  S’mores can also be included.

Click here to learn more about Michigan wedding DJs, photography and HD videography.
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Wedding Cake Advice

In ancient times, the breaking of cake, like the breaking of bread, was seen as a fertility rite when performed during a joining ceremony.  The practice of layering several cakes, one on top of the other, just to the tipping point, began much later. The bride and groom were expected to attempt a kiss above the precariously-perched cake.  Their success in kissing without toppling the layers would result in a lifetime of good fortune.

Designing Your Cake

Before contracting with a baker, check your venue agreement.  Many venues require you to use their in-house baker.  If you will interview bakers, here are some questions you might ask:

• What flavors of cake do you offer?
• What fillings are available?
• Do you offer a gluten free option?
• What shapes do you offer?
• Do you specialize in a particular flavor or design style?
• How early should I order?  Deposit requirements and final payment dates?
• Is there a delivery charge?  How much setup time is needed?
• Do you offer tasting sessions?
• Will you supply the cake stand?  Cake knife and server?
• Will you provide storage box for the top tier?

The Most Popular Wedding Cakes

While visual presentation is important, the best wedding cakes are the ones that taste as good as they look.  The most popular wedding cake flavors are:

1. Chocolate devil’s food cake and vanilla buttercream

2. Chocolate devil’s food cake, vanilla buttercream, and raspberries

3. Yellow butter cake and chocolate buttercream and/or chocolate ganache

4. Lemon cake, lemon curd, and vanilla buttercream

5. Chocolate devil’s food cake, chocolate ganache, and praline buttercream

Wedding Cake And Your Budget

To maximize your budget, consider these budget savers.

• Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).
• Keep the add-ons simple.
• Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.
• Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.
• Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

Beyond The Wedding Cake

Many couples choose to highlight the groom’s hobbies or interests with a groom’s cake.  The groom’s cake can feature his favorite team, alma mater or any other interest he has.  This cake is often placed near the wedding cake and can be served as a dessert option, wrapped as guest favors, or kept for the one year anniversary.

As cupcakes have grown in popularity, so has their appearance at weddings.  You can choose to share cupcakes at your wedding, or have a small cake to cut and serve cupcakes as dessert.

How To Cut The Wedding Cake

When it comes to cutting the wedding cake, many newlyweds don’t know where to begin. Follow these tips to cut your cake like a pro.

1. Using her right hand, the bride will usually hold the handle of the knife and the groom will put his hand over hers. Begin cutting the bottom tier of the cake using the pointed part of the knife and make two cuts. Making a vertical slice at the junction of those points will allow you to cleanly remove the small slice and place on a plate. From there, the bride and groom will then feed each other as a sweet start to their new life.
2. If you will be serving the cake as dessert, cake cutting is usually performed after the grand entrance, before toasts begin. This will allow your serving staff to clear and cut the cake during dinner service. If you will give the cake to guests as they leave, cake can be cut at any time of the evening. You will likely need to order cake boxes if this is your plan. (For more on reception timelines, click here.)

For cake inspiration, check out our Pinterest board of Wedding Cakes and Cupcakes.

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