11. Waiting till after the wedding to pack for the honeymoon. If you are leaving for your honeymoon the day after the wedding, pack two or three days before the wedding. If you rush around at the last minute, you will forget something, and you sure don’t want to be doing laundry on your wedding day.

12. Planning to be your own wedding coordinator. On the wedding day you will be so focused on being where you need to be (hair appointment, photos, ceremony, reception) that you won’t have time to find out if the cake was delivered, the DJ has arrived and is set up, the centerpieces are set out, candles are lighted, and all the myriad details a wedding coordinator will handle. Don’t expect your mom to act as the coordinator. She will be busy too and she will want to enjoy spending time with the guests. Hiring a day-of coordinator is one of the best investments you can make.

13. Not considering transportation needs of your guests. It is a courtesy to consider the needs of your out of town family and friends and how they will get to and from the wedding. Check with the hotel where you blocked rooms to see if their shuttle van might be available for a fee to take guests to the ceremony and pick them up afterwards. Alternatively, you might rent a trolley or ask your wedding coordinator to have the phone number of a taxi service available for those who need it.

14. Using an iPod or laptop for your music. This works only if you carefully plan your play list and you have an experienced person to operate the iPod or laptop. You can’t hand it off to someone who doesn’t know how to operate it or who doesn’t know what to play when. A beautifully planned wedding can be ruined by problems with the music. If you are not totally confident in the ability of a designated person to handle everything smoothly, hire a professional and don’t risk ruining your ceremony or reception.

15. Making a seating chart the night before the wedding. Seating charts are a major headache. You need one only if you are having a sit-down dinner with multiple entree choices. If it is a sit-down dinner with only one entree or a buffet, have your caterer or coordinator reserve tables for the wedding party and parents, then allow the other guests to sit where they want.

16. Asking for gifts. It is socially taboo to indicate to your guests that a gift is expected and what it should be. An invitation to a wedding is a request for family and friends to join you in celebrating a joyous occasion in your life. It isn’t about gifts. If you register, and it is helpful if you do, registry information should not appear in your wedding invitation. (A shower hostess may mention it, however.) And it is never okay to ask for money in a wedding invitation. If you prefer money, then don’t register and when people ask, verbally tell them you prefer money, but don’t be surprised if some still bring gifts. If you live in another area, encourage guests to choose gifts from your registry and have them shipped to your home rather than bringing them to the wedding.

Forget about having a money tree; your guests are not obligated to help pay for the wedding or honeymoon. The same is true with money dances. Unless it is part of your culture, you may offend more people than participate.

17. Having a cash bar. This is frowned on in many areas of the country. In Idaho we have a host liability law which makes the event host liable for the actions of guests. Therefore, it is common in this area to host beer and wine or a champagne toast and allow guests to pay for other alcohol if they choose to imbibe. Alternatively, don’t make alcohol other than beer and wine available at all. It is also appropriate, and budget-friendly, not to serve alcohol at all.

18. Not having a hair or make-up trial. Plan to have your hair done about a month before the wedding. Take your veil with you and also take a camera to record the style you like. The hairdresser won’t remember every detail, so the photos will be helpful.

19. Not creating a day-of itinerary. You and your wedding coordinator should create a plan for the day, then she should share it with your photographer, DJ and officiant, so they can work together to make the day flow smoothly just the way you want. If you don’t have a coordinator, you will need to create your own plan before the rehearsal. Nothing frustrates officiants more than being unexpectedly placed in charge of an unplanned or poorly planned rehearsal. With a plan, you should be able to run through your rehearsal twice in less than 45 minutes. Without one, your rehearsal can easily take two hours or more.

20. Becoming stressed out and not enjoying your day. Don’t let all the details get to you. During the months leading up to the wedding, take some time away from the wedding planning; get enough sleep before the wedding; be sure to eat on the wedding day. Your guests don’t know what you planned, so don’t stress the details. Remember, it is the marriage that counts, not what happens on the wedding day. With a bit of pre-planning, you can have a wonderful day free from any major glitches.

Submitted by:

Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
www.memorable-events.com

©2011, Glenna Tooman; all rights reserved

• How clear is the ice and how do you get it that way?

Typically, ice carvers will use large blocks that are frozen with water circulating during the process. Each block may take anywhere from 2 – 5 days to freeze. Ask your potential sculpture artist what form of freezing they use and ask how the clarity of their ice compares to the competition.

• How long does an ice sculpture usually last?

Depending on the design of your ice sculpture, you can typically expect it to look good for approximately 5 to 7 hours, when in a controlled 70 degree environment. If your wedding will be an outdoor event, exposure to the elements will reduce the lasting time of your ice sculpture to less than 5 hours. Work with your designer to come up with a design that will stand up to the environment of your wedding.

• How long does it take to carve an ice sculpture?

Depending on the design, some ice sculptures can be carved in 2-3 hours while more intricate and large scale designs can take up to 2-3 days. Different sculptures utilize different carving techniques. Ask your potential ice designer what techniques they use and ask to see examples.

If you’re going to make an investment of an ice sculpture at your wedding, consider where and how long your reception will be and what style of design will support your wedding best. Also consider incorporating the ice sculpture into a major centerpiece for your guests to appreciate – and maybe even include your ice sculpture into your drink service. Something interactive and fun will allow your guests to appreciate your investment and have fun at the same time!

Indoor Wedding Venue Ideas

You have dreamed of your wedding day since you were a little girl, and now your engaged and trying to put together your dream wedding. There are so many decisions to make and one of those tough decisions is whether or not to hold the wedding at an indoor or outdoor wedding venue. This decision affects many other decisions during your planning process. The venue can help you decide the wedding date, your wedding theme, to include decorations, wedding party attire, guest favors and more.

There are pro’s and con’s to choosing both options, and really it comes down to risk tolerance and personal preference. Holding your wedding at an indoor venue ensures that you and your guests are comfortable. You have air conditioning, even flooring, and comfortable seating for all of your guests. You’re protected from inclement weather and you have easy access to rooms dedicated to the bridal party for freshening up. High heels won’t dig into the dirt or the sand, and guests won’t sweat or get rained on. Plus, there are no bugs or critters to worry about. Allergies wouldn’t be a problem, and neither would sunscreen or bug repellant. Lighting would be continuous and even so your wedding photographer won’t have to keep adjusting his lens based on available light, and he won’t have to race the clock so that he doesn’t lose precious sunlight. This is a safe bet and if you don’t want the stress of risking everything there is to battle with the elements then having your wedding at an indoor venue.

If you love the look of an outdoor wedding, but don’t want the stress of possible rain, you can create the outdoor look inside as well. Lighting is a great way of creating ambiance at a wedding and indoor venues allow you to maximize its effect, creating the perfect mood and allowing you to have the exact lighting you desire. Indoor weddings also mean better climate control. The advantages of having your wedding indoors is the year-round aspect. Whether your wedding is during the winter, spring, summer, or fall, there is no issue with weather. There are so many options for an indoor wedding, from historic buildings, stunning hotel banquet rooms, luxurious reception halls to indoor greenhouses, just to name a few. The opportunity of having an “off-season” wedding in an indoor venue is also a plus, as hosting a wedding when venues are not busy may save you some money by the discounts that these venues can offer during their quiet season. Golf clubs, for example, welcome events with open arms and sometimes reduce their rental rates and offer special wedding packages to bring in some business during their off-season.

Submitted by: Dawn Rising — Delicate Designs — www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Idaho Outdoor Weddings - things to consider

Outdoor Wedding Venue tips

Having an outdoor wedding is a trend we see more and more from Wineries, Inns and retreats to large city parks and gardens.  We are lucky here in Idaho, to have such amazing locations and natural scenery.  An outdoor wedding venue provides bridal couples the freedom to customize a design that is completely their own, with little to no limitations of an indoor venue.

There are a few things that are a must when using an outdoor wedding venue and a check list is very important to making sure every detail is accounted for, so your special day go according to plan.

Outdoor Wedding venue location:

Selecting a venue can be challenging, due to a lot more thing you as a couple needs to consider when visiting each location.  Below are a few items to consider:

• Size and terms: Larger enough accommodate your wedding guests, yet still able to provide an intimate atmosphere.  If on government land, what paper work and permits are needed, along with any special codes and rules?
• Level ground:  The perfect location will have plenty of level surfaces for a dance floor and tents.  Size up the level areas, not be to at a bottom of a hill, incase of rain before, during or after your reception, it may be muddy or very soft.
• Tents/Gazebo: This is a fantastic back up plan, to your outdoor venue. Even though the open-air concept is amazing, the weather; be it heat or rain, can be unpredictable. Make sure to do this well in advance, to get the best quality for the lowest price.
• Table/Chairs/Linens and other items: Some outdoor wedding venues may supply tables and chairs, but linens, tableware (plates, silverware, napkins and glassware) are all extras through a rental company. Renting and setting them up your self will cave cost, yet time consuming. Note: Average wedding reception table seats 8 people, so arrange table accordingly).
• Time: It is critical to visit the outdoor venue you’ve selected a few times, approximately the same time as you wedding and reception is scheduled, so you know how the venue will appear to your guests, photographer and many be where you will place the tents for shade.

Submitted by:

Diane Estey  —  Delicate Designs –  www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Idaho Outdoor Weddings

Are you an Idaho bride planning your wedding  for this year or next? Moving your wedding celebration outdoors is definitely a trend that is continuing through 2010. When moving your wedding outdoors, there are still a number of ways you can go.

Outdoor – Upscale:

Enhance the beauty that mother nature provides in your location by utilizing rentals. Rent chairs and tables, tents and a dance floor. Add decorations that tie in with the outdoor beauty such as lights, crystal and other decorative elements traditionally used indoors. Make sure that you rent tents to provide areas of shade and protection from any light breezes or possible rain. Hire a wedding decorator or coordinator or talk with rental companies to find unique ideas that will help to elevate the natural beauty of the location you choose.

Outdoor – Casual:

Go simple. One of the advantages of living in Idaho is we have such a wide variety of possibilities for outdoor wedding locations. Consider a casual “summer dress” style wedding. Have your bridesmaids choose their own dresses off the rack but matching your colors. Consider asking your guests to dress casual for a wedding in the park. If your family and friends are the outdoors type anyway – you might want to even have games lined up such as croquet, horseshoes, frisbee, etc. – and consider renting a bounce house or other entertainment for kids. You could even do a shoes optional theme and hand out custom designed flip flops or flower anklets. Be creative and use mother nature as your inspiration!

When having your wedding outdoors in Idaho you have many choices and sources of inspiration. Take advantage and think outside the box to help make your wedding day unique and a perfect reflection of you!

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception - make it more than just a dance.

One of the most poignant moments at a wedding reception can be the father daughter dance. In my final consultation with brides prior to their wedding, I often find some getting emotional when they describe sharing a dance with their dad. As the father of two girls, I know firsthand the strong bond that can be formed between a father and daughter.

Here are four ideas to consider as you plan for this special dance with your dad.

1. Let your Dad choose the Song – I remember one wedding where the father chose the song they danced to and I shared over the microphone the story behind its meaning and significance. The father was driving down the road one day long before his daughter was born and he heard a song on the radio. He told himself that if he had a daughter, this would be the song he would dance with her on her wedding day. Tears flowed down the brides cheeks as they danced to this old classic song.

1. Share your Favorite Memory of your Dad – A great way to personalize this special moment is to have your MC share your favorite memory of your dad. Here is an example I shared at wedding last year “One of Jennifer’s favorite memories of her dad was when she turned 18. Her dad told her that he had something he wanted to show her and asked her to jump in the car with him. Jennifer was really confused when they pulled into the U-haul parking lot. John told Jennifer, your 18 now, so we’re going to rent a U-haul and load up all your stuff ….your moving out! “DAD!!!!” She reluctantly went inside and stated to the person at the desk, I don’t know why I’m here but my dad made me come in. In on the trick, the salesperson reached over and handed her keys to brand new car. A car she still drives to this day.”

1. Have a Photo Montage Playing in the background during the Father Daughter Dance – Another great way to personalize this dance is to have photos of you and your dad taken over the years projected on a large screen or LCD TV. Talk to your DJ/MC about creating a personalized music video to be shown and enjoyed by everyone at the reception. This feature is best accomplished at an indoor reception facility where the lighting can be controlled and dimmed to get the best possible image.

1. Invite other Fathers and Daughters to join half way Through – To involve others, invite all fathers and daughters that are present to join halfway through. This can also serve as a foreshadowing for younger ladies of their future wedding day.

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception that leaves everyone in tears. Consider these ideas to make to make it more than just a dance.

Submitted by:

Dave Meine
DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey Entertainment, LLC.

208-571-9807
www.djdaves.net

What's old is new again

One popular trend brides are leaning towards is revitalizing styles from the 20s and 50s. Gowns are trending towards shorter and more color than the traditional white or ivory. Check out old TV shows or movies from those eras for inspiration for your wedding. Look at renting more traditional or older style venues for your wedding location to fit with a retro theme. You can probably find a great bargain on a “non-traditional” wedding venue rental.

Not only are the look and feel of weddings taking inspiration from the old – but brides are using heirloom items in their decor. Take a look at vintage items to spice up your decor – incorporate photographs of parents and grandparents into your decor. Utilize vintage napkin holders and chandeliers into your decor. Visit antique stores and second hand stores for a variety of old looking picture frames.

Look for other ways to include generational items into your theme as well. Perhaps (with a little altering) you can wear your grandmother’s wedding dress or your mother’s necklace. Your wedding is, after all, a celebration of the creation of your new family. Incorporating traditions and pieces from your family and your new husband’s family into your wedding day can increase the memories and traditions you are building.

Planning a Vintage or Retro-inspired Idaho Wedding

Congratulations you’re engaged! You have your wedding date picked and now you are ready to begin planning the most important day of your life. But have you asked the question: What are the hottest wedding trends for 2011?  Here are a few I thought might be helpful.

Vintage Modern:

Vintage and retro-inspired with a modern twist.  What’s old is new.

• Vintage wedding dresses with cap sleeves
• Beautiful textures
• Ornate details
• Natural settings, including outdoor and backyard weddings
• Vintage photography
• Nontraditional veils, vintage or heirloom combs.

Eco-friendly weddings:

Environmentally friendly weddings. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses, LED lighting, recycled paper invitations and programs, and food from local Idaho farms and Idaho providers. Charity donations are a popular option instead of traditional wedding favors, and couples can ask for donations to their favorite charity instead of wedding gifts.

Contributed by:
Dawn Rising   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Wedding Photos from Guests - Be Creative and Respectful

Now that Spring is officially here you’re probably gearing up for the wedding season. Most likely, you’ll be attending at least one wedding this year, and you’ll probably bring your camera along with you. Consider these tips before you pull the “trigger”

• If the bride and groom have hired a professional photographer, take your cues from him/her. Chances are if they’re not taking pictures at a certain time during the ceremony, you shouldn’t be either.
• Feel free to get creative, but be careful not to get in the professional photographer’s way.
• Make sure you have your camera “noises” tuned off as much as possible during the ceremony. Noisy beeps might just get in the way of the “I DOs” and you don’t want to be responsible for that.
• Think Candid. Remember, that even if there is a professional photographer there, nobody is going to be able to capture your unique wedding experience as candidly as you!
• Consider your surroundings. If you’re sitting at a reception table, ask the folks you’re about to take a picture of to stand up so you’re not getting  table full of half eaten food in the mix. Or, consider zooming in real close so you’re filling the entire picture with a perfect expression of one or two guests’ faces.
• Keep kids in mind. Children have an innate ability to convey very animated expressions. Take advantage of this – utilize a wedding favor or borrow a bridesmaid’s bouquet and see what happens.
• Most of all – be creative and HAVE FUN!

Sometime the absolute best wedding pictures come purely out of luck. I know one of my favorite pictures was taken by a dear friend attending my ceremony. So… don’t forget your camera and help contribute to beautiful Idaho wedding memories this year!

Going bold with your wedding colors

Selecting your wedding style and colors will be some of your first items to do, helping to set the décor decisions you will make from here forward. Not all brides want traditional wedding colors like white with pale pink or navy blue with silver accents. When you are looking for ways to incorporate the “wow” factor into your wedding, think about using colors with more intensity and boldness. One of the most intense color combinations is purple and red for a wedding with pizzazz.

Purple and red make a strong statement together; they work well for bridesmaids dresses, selecting one of the colors as the focal point and accenting the other. For example: Deep Eggplant Purple could be accented with a red sash and red flower in hair, or a Red dress with a Deep Purple Shawl and strappy sandals to coordinate.  Your bridesmaids will look fabulous and flirty and your groomsmen dashing. There will be no demure looking attendants with this color palette!

These intense colors of purple and red should be accented or layered with a subdued color such as burnt orange or chocolate brown to keep your wedding color palette deep and mysterious. You could also add a lighter color for contrast such as cream, taupe or pale gold. It depends on the time of day, the formality and how dramatic you want your wedding and reception to be.

The modern weddings of today are amazing and the wedding food and drinks served at them can be paired with your color scheme. Signature drinks in purple and reds would look fabulous lined up on the bar for guests to take for a most impressive look.

Every bride and groom wants to express the love and passion they feel for each other, so a dramatic purple and red wedding color scheme is just what you will need.  From the flowers to bridal party attire and the food to the favors; this dramatic color pairing will make for an unforgettable wedding.

Contributed by:
Diane Estey   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com