What Do You Need Beyond a Wedding Dress?

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, it’s time to accessorize your look.  Here we’ll give you the rundown on completing your wedding day look.

Headpieces and Veils:  

Most veils are held in place on your head with a hidden comb.  A headpiece is an additional accessory such as a tiara, headband, or wreath that can be worn alone or along with your veil.  Tips for topping it all off:

Before shopping, decide on the hairstyle you will be wearing on your wedding day.

Your veil or headpiece should coordinate with your gown.  The color, type of fabric or material, and adornments of sequins, beads, or crystals should all match those on your dress.

Keep it simple and flattering.  Experiment with different proportions, sizes, and lengths to balance your overall look.

Remember that you will be moving around in your headpiece, not just standing still.  Be sure that your choice is comfortable, allows you to move your head with ease, and that the veil can be removed after the ceremony.

Shoes:

Although white is still the most popular color, many brides are choosing various colors such as ivory, pale pink, blue and even metallics to keep their feet stylish.  Tips for putting your best foot forward:

Choose shoes that will work with the style and circumstance of your wedding and venues.

Go for comfort as well as style.  Focus on the simplicity and silhouette of the shoe.

In addition to classic satin, you can choose from a number of different materials, such as lace covered fabric that will complement your dress.

Remember that your wedding day is a long one, and that you will want to be dancing at the end of it.  Comfortable shoes can ensure this!  Break in your shoes a bit by wearing them around your home ahead of time, and gently scuff the soles to avoid slipping on carpets and polished floors.  Another option is a fun pair of sneakers for the reception!

Choose natural materials that breathe to avoid sweating and blisters.

Wraps:

If your wedding will take place during the cooler months you might need something to take the chill out of the air as you move between locations or venture outside for your Romantics photography session.

Many bridal salons offer fur or faux fur wraps in coordinating shades to wedding dresses.

Capes can be very stylish for a winter wedding.

Consider pashminas in your wedding colors for you and your bridal party.

Jewelry:

Many brides choose to wear a family heirloom piece on their wedding day (and free is a great wedding budget saver).

If you like the idea of a statement piece, but are a bit timid about it, consider adding it for your wedding reception look.

Try your wedding jewelry with your dress during your final fitting.  This will allow you to make adjustments if something isn’t working before the big day.

Often, the groom will present the bride with wedding day jewelry as a gift the day of the wedding.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

What You Need For Wedding Day Transportation

Transportation is more than just getting from points A to B…it’s the party in-between!  Arranging the perfect wedding transportation can allow you and your new husband to share a few moments of peaceful togetherness while rolling away from your ceremony in the highest of style.  Or, give you both a chance to party down with all of your attendants in one vehicle on the way to your reception.   Or, perhaps most importantly, allow you to ensure that your wedding party will be exactly where they are supposed to be, at exactly the right time.  Secure your transportation ahead of time, and let go of one more thing that could cause a hassle on your big day.

Your Getaway.  First things first: transportation for the two of you. Like every other aspect of your wedding, selecting your own getaway car should complement your style. Do you see yourself arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, or convertible red Mustang? Departing in a classy Rolls Royce, or rock-star stretch limo? Though the options are many, choose something that fits your budget as well as your personality.

Popular Options.  Many brides choose the classic transportation options of limos and Party Buses. Depending on the size of your bridal party and how many people you want traveling with you; the number of passengers may decide which vehicle is best for you.  Often, the vehicle drives the girls to the ceremony and the entire bridal party to the reception … with fun stops in between.

The Details.  Be sure to compare prices and ask lots of questions about you vehicles.  For example a luxury stretch limo and a corporate limo are very similar in exterior, but differ in price and extras such as DVD Players and mini bars.  You many not have enough time on your wedding day to enjoy all the luxury extras.

Getting the most for your money.  If your ceremony and reception sites are close together you could ask to have your driver make multiple trips instead of renting multiple cars. Also, instead of paying for a driver to wait around during your ceremony or reception, hire one limo to take you to your reception and another to take you home after.

Tips to Save You Money 

Choosing your transportation

Be wary of any limo agency that’s pushing you to book more or larger cars than you had in mind. A good service will ask you what you think you need, then respectfully suggest any changes they feel necessary.

Ask about different kinds of cars. A luxury stretch limo and a corporate stretch limo might be similar- except for the price and a few incidentals (VCR and TV) you’re unlikely to be using on your wedding day.

If the ceremony will take place close to your home, ask if the driver will make several trips to shuttle bridesmaids and family, rather than renting a fleet of extra cars. 

Depending on your wedding-day itinerary, it may be more economical to book a car for a full day, at a flat rate, rather than by the hour.

Most rental companies have one- or two- hour minimum. Avoid being charged waiting times by hiring one limo to go from home to the ceremony to the reception, and another to pick you up when the reception ends.

Questions to Ask

How many years have you been in business?  Make sure you feel comfortable with their experience and industry credibility.

How many vehicles do you have available?  This gives you an idea about how large their organization is.

What types, sizes, year of vehicles are available?  Be sure that the vehicles you want are available when you need it. 

How many drivers are available?  Make sure they have enough drivers to provide just-in-case backup.

Can you provide back-up vehicles in case of an emergency?  Have a plan and second choice vehicles in case the ones you chose aren’t available.

How do your drivers dress for weddings? Can you show me photos of your drivers?  You should feel confident in their level of professionalism.

Do you have liability insurance?  This gives the company credibility.

What is the minimum amount of time required to rent a vehicle?  Be sure this fits your transportation needs and schedule.

What is the cost per hour? Two Hours? Three Hours? All day?  It could be cheaper to rent a vehicle all day versus by the hour. Decide when and for how long you will need transportation.

What is the payment/cancellation policy?  Make sure you know before you sign anything.

How much gratuity is expected?  Gratuity should be accounted for in your budget.  Plus, it is good to know what is expected.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Save The Date Ideas

We love photographing engagement sessions and seeing the creative ways couples announce their wedding date.  Check out some of our favorites below and then go to our Pinterest board for more engagement session inspiration!

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

20 Questions To Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue

Every bride and groom would love to hear that theirs was the most beautiful, most unique, or most fun reception ever!  With time spent on creativity and planning, you can easily have them saying all three.  But behind those statements are the details…food selection, service staff, seating charts, and more. There are countless options available and questions to ask.  The key to serving up the ultimate reception is the organization of these options and questions; know what you are looking for, what you ultimately want, and what is available to you and from where.

Use these 20 questions to find the perfect venue for your wedding reception:

What is the approximate cost per guest for a seated dinner vs. buffet style dinner?  What is the approximate cost for a cocktail reception for your guests?  What is the approximate cost for an open bar for your guests?  Be sure to get a clear explanation of what these costs include such as menu items, servers, bar tenders, etc.

Do they staff the event based on your number of guests, and what is the ratio of servers/staff to guests?  Make sure they will provide adequate staffing, typically 1 server per 8-10 guests for a seated dinner.

Do they have a limited or previously set menu, or can you modify it to your liking?  Be sure to tell them your ideas for the menu.  If you are aware of guest menu restrictions and food allergies, be sure to ask about accommodations early.

How long prior to your wedding will they need a final head count?  Make sure you are both clear of this deadline.

Do they offer menu tastings, or allow viewing of their work at a different event?  Most offer tastings, make sure book an appointment to taste.

What services do they provide?  What services should you secure elsewhere, and how do they coordinate with the services that they do not provide? For example, do they supply tables, linens, and place settings.

What is the rental charge for items such as linens and china, and can you see them and provide input on which ones they use at your reception?  Ask if you can combine their rental supplies with your own decorations.

What are the drinks provided by the venue?  Include questions about non-alcoholic beverages including water, soda, coffee, juices, and mixers for the bar, as well as if they provide the alcohol.   Ask about any additional fees such as corkage fees for champagne.

Is it ok to supply outside items yourself, such as your wedding cake or pastries and treats? Be sure to discuss delivery, set-up and display of these items as well as cutting or service fees.

When and how will each food be served?  Discuss the particulars of the serving of hors d’oeuvres, the meal, and your dessert or wedding cake.

Do they allow for the feeding of your service providers such as your photographer and DJ, and are you required to include them in your head count?  Many venues offer vendor meal options for discounted meals for your providers?

Are there a minimum/maximum number of guests that you must have to secure the event?  Ask if there are alternatives to having a specific number of guests.  Some venues will allow you to meet a minimum dollar amount rather than guest count.

Can your venue provide you with a maximum price per guest on anticipated meal cost to account for fluctuation in food costs?  Get this number in writing. Have your hall provide you with a list of any and all additional fees you should be prepared to pay.  (For example, cake cutting, corkage, or administrative fees.)

What is there payment policy?  What forms of payment do they request, such as cash, check, or credit cards?  What is their policy on tipping the staff, and is it included in your price?  Include all these numbers in your reception budget.

How many hours are included in your package price? Do they charge an overtime fee and what is it? What is their cancellation fee?  Again, get these numbers in writing.

Is there a private room available for use as a dressing room?  This is a great perk for your wedding party.

Is the hall is accessible to disabled or elderly guests.  Make sure you venue accommodates for all your guests’ needs.

Is there an additional fee for a dance floor?  What is the size and cost of the dance floor?  Ask for advice for how your guests will fit on it.

Is it possible to have the ceremony at the hall?  What is the cost?  This could be a great way to save on your budget.

Are there any discounts for booking the hall on an alternative day such as a Friday or Sunday?  Many brides are using this alternative.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

What To Ask A Wedding Florist

Flowers are a great way to add color, aroma, and life to any wedding.  Unfortunately, they can also be a major budget buster.  Don’t spend your planning sneezing away your time and money. Choose flowers that compliment your theme and color pallet, or perhaps even the weather. Here are some questions to ask as you interview wedding florists: 

Does the florist have a design philosophy?  Be sure this fits with your style, theme, and personality.

Can you see photographs of their work or live floral arrangements?  View their creations and compare them to what you are wanting.

How big is the shop, how many staff members, and who will work on your wedding?  Make sure you feel comfortable with their numbers and people.

Do they have recommendations for the flowers available and appropriate at the time of your wedding, and suggestions about how to creatively work with this selection?  This can keep prices lower and flowers fresher.

How can you maximize your options? Are there ways in which you can save money? Can your florist provide recommendations based on your budget?  Make sure you communicate your budget.  Bits and pieces really add up here.

Can the florist provide you with information about current wedding flower trends in the area, such as popular flowers, colors, and styles of bouquets and decorative pieces?  This can help in your choice and planning.

Have they done weddings at your ceremony and reception sites before? Can they suggest appropriate arrangements for your venue, as well as how and where they should be placed?  Ask to see pictures of arrangements done at your site.

Will the florist deliver flowers for your wedding, spend time at the site, and set up?  Make sure you talk prices here as well.

How many weddings will the florist do on the same day/weekend as yours?  Make sure you feel comfortable with this answer.  Go with your gut.

Can the flowers be delivered to separate locations? (For example, centerpieces to the reception site, bouquets to the bride’s parents house?)  This can be very convenient, and likely well worth any additional fees.

Does the florist offer rental items, like vases, potted plants, candelabras, or cake topper?  This could be cost cutting versus buying new ones for only one day.

What is the substitution policy if your chosen flowers are not available on the day of your wedding?  Do you have any input on the substitutions?  Plan for the unexpected.

In what way does the florist ensure that your flowers will look fresh and beautiful on your wedding day?  Do they mist, wrap, and/or protect flowers for delivery?  Make sure you are comfortable with their answers.

For pin-spiring wedding bouquets, click here.

For pin-spiring reception table centerpieces, click here.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Questions For Your Ceremony Venue

When selecting a venue your wedding ceremony, there are many factors to consider. Whether you hold your wedding ceremony at a church, hall or outdoor location here are some questions to ask.

Is there adequate space to accommodate your wedding party?  Are there private rooms for dressing that are large enough for your entire party?  Dressing at your ceremony venue is convenient and cost efficient.   Getting ready at your ceremony location can also help to maximize your photography timeline on your wedding day.

Is there a specific way that the processional, recessional, and seating are typically handled?  This a great way to get ideas for the order you will like.  If your family traditionally likes a receiving line after the ceremony, be sure to ask if the venue can accommodate.

Is there adequate space for seating all of your guests?  Make sure all guests can easily view where you will be standing.

Is the venue accessible to elderly or disabled guests?  Review your guests and their physical needs before booking.

Will there be adequate parking for the number of guests you have invited?  Is there a shuttle service if the parking is separated from the venue?  If there isn’t enough parking near by, inform guests of car pooling locations.  This is particularly true for downtown locations.

Are there any certain religious requirements enforced by the venue?  Check their requirements early.  They may affect your readings, songs, even your dress.  You may also be required to take classes or complete counseling prior to your wedding date.

Do they allow you to include and/or supply music for the ceremony?  Do they have a specified space and necessary electricity needs for your chosen music?  Make sure all equipment is in proper working order.

Will your chosen officiate perform the wedding ceremony in your chosen location?  Some judges or clergy members will only perform weddings in certain locations.  Be sure to coordinate your officiant and venue.

Is there available protection from the weather if planning an outdoor event?  Develop a possible backup plan.

Regardless of your chosen location, is the altar space visible to all of your guests during the ceremony?  Walk around your venue checking different viewpoints.

Are there strict rules in place for the photography and filming of your wedding?  It is helpful to know and share any rules regarding the photography and videography of your wedding ceremony.  Some venues may limit the movement and camera placement during the ceremony.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Building A Strong Marriage

It’s a new year and that means diets, gym memberships and other great intentions…and probably breaking those resolutions pretty quickly.  But how about resolutions for your marriage?  We have a few resolutions that you can make for a strong and happy marriage 2014 and beyond.

Resolve to spend time together.  Whether you are wedding planning, recently married or wedding veterans, it seems like there are so many things that are pulling you in different directions.  Spending time together with no agenda other than being together will strengthen your bond as a couple – and help when you just can’t agree on wedding plans.  

Resolve to plan together.  Wedding planning may be the first large scale project that you and your fiance tackle together.  As you plan your wedding, you are also beginning the process of building your marriage.  This involves your interactions as a couple and with your soon-to-be blended families. While it’s common for the bride to take the lead role in planning the wedding, remember that the groom likely has some ideas too.  Be sure to have him play as an active of a role as he feels comfortable with.  Don’t make large scale decisions without at least running the idea past him.  Be sure that your are presenting a united front to your families and respecting the fact that you are now a couple.

Resolve to focus on each other.  Whether it’s the well meaning mom, the one-upper friend or the must-do column, you will be bombarded with voices telling you what your wedding day should be like.  The voice that you should pay attention to is that of your fiance.  You are planning your wedding day.  Together.  Be sure to remain as a team as you work through the process.

Resolve not to assume.  Even if you think you know what your fiance would want, ask the questions.  It shows you value him or her.

Resolve to understand perfection doesn’t exist.  The best partners practice patience and give the acceptance they want in return.  This includes the little things like leaving the toilet seat up and the bigger things like parenting issues.

Resolve to communicate.   Annoyances can turn into frustrations and frustrations into resentment.  Create an environment where open communication and honest expression is respected and appreciated.  By airing their issues they are able to overcome issues and create stronger bonds.

Resolve to be giving.  In successful marriages, both spouses understand this to be fundamental.  Marriage is 60% giving and 40% taking, by both parties.

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

Easy To Use Wedding Budget Spreadsheet

The Wedding Budget.  It’s something that might seem difficult to work out, and even harder to stay on track with.  So to help you out, we’ve put together a wedding budget spreadsheet with some suggested percentages for your wedding budget.  Before starting, check out these quick wedding budget tips:

Set your budget.  Whether your budget is $10,000 or $100,000, you can make sure you have what is truly important to you.

Allocate a percentage of your total budget to each category. If photography is more important to you than stationery, for example, then budget a larger percentage to it.  Be mindful of those things that have the biggest impact on a successful wedding and fun reception.

Now, multiply those percentages by the ENTIRE budget.  That will give you the amount that is able to be spent on each section. You can always modify your percentages, but try to stick to the bottom line.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR WEDDING BUDGET SPREADSHEET

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

www.mikestaff.com

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!

How To Find The Perfect Wedding Dress

The wedding dress.  It may be the most iconic symbol of being a bride – and the most exciting to shop for.  Use these tips to help you find the perfect wedding dress.

What to wear. You’ll be trying on a lot of dresses when looking for your dream dress, so wearing a dress that is easy to get in an out of makes a lot of sense.  You will likely get assistance from a store rep, so you want to plan for that in advance.  Wearing tights and a strapless bra will give you some coverage during those times.  A side benefit of those is the tummy control panels and extra support a bra can offer will make the dress look better.  If you will wear heels on your wedding day, bring a pair that is close to the height you plan to wear.

When to shop.  Saturdays are usually the busiest days at bridal salons.  If possible, make an appointment for a week day evening.  This will result in more personalized attention for you.

Dresses can take four to ten months to arrive from the manufacturer.  If your chosen style may be discontinued, it may be necessary to buy over a year ahead of time.

Who to bring.  Shopping for your wedding dress is a fun event.  You may want to bring your mother, maid of honor or sister.  Avoid bringing your entire bridal party – too many opinions can become overwhelming and be too much distraction as you shop.

Just remember…no matter how enthusiastic everyone gets, don’t buy in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to recover from the perfect dress “high”, and go back later to buy it. The vast majority of dresses in are non-returnable, so when you’ve bought it, you’ve bought it.

Before you shop.  Bring pictures of dresses you like with you to your appointment.  This will help your shopping assistant find similar dresses for you to try on.  This can help you to define the materials and styles that appeal most to you.  Be open minded though, you won’t know the perfect dress until you try it on.

Stay hydrated.  Trying on dresses can be a workout!  Dressing rooms are often warm, so bringing a bottle of water with you is a good idea.  Most wedding dress shops do not allow soft drinks or coffee to protect the dresses.

Bring a camera.  Most wedding dress shops will allow you to take a picture of yourself in dresses you are considering.  Check their policy before taking pictures though.

Wedding dress timelines.  It is common for your wedding dress to arrive 4-6 months after you order it.  You will likely need alterations once it arrives.  Ask the representative when you need to order your dress to allow for their timeline.

Buyer’s remorse?  Once you buy, stop shopping.  You do not want to find one you love more, or a better deal.  It will only make you feel bad and maybe even justify yourself on the need for two dresses. Instead, what you need to do is remember why you chose the dress you did and how it made you feel. Go get your dress out of the closet, put it on and stand in front of the mirror. You’ll remember exactly why it’s perfect.

Other wedding day items.  Once you’ve found your dress, you can select your wedding veil, shoes, slip and other items.  Many wedding dress shops also offer a full line of wedding accessories.

Questions to ask.

1. Does the store design custom gowns, update vintage gowns, or provide options when ordering particular gowns (for example, neckline or sleeve styles)?  What is the cost of these services?
2. Is the store willing and able to order a sample gown you may have seen in a catalog or magazine if they don’t have it in house?
3. What is the estimated wait time between ordering and arrival of dress?  If necessary, can the store accommodate rush orders and what are the additional costs?
4. What is the store’s policy for down payments, deposits, cancellation, and when is the balance due?
5. What is the cost of alterations?  Can you get the estimate in writing?  

www.mikestaff.com

Contact us to get started on your wedding plans.

Follow us on Facebook.

Get inspired!