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Do You Have a “B” Plan for Your Outdoor Wedding?

April Showers Bring May Flowers!!

Photo by Concept Photography

Are you getting married in the Spring? If so you may want to really consider having a back up plan if any part of your wedding is taking place outside. Winter months are a given but even in California you should be prepared during the Spring season too.

Weather can be beautiful and sunny in the morning and quickly change to rain later in the day. Regardless of the month you are getting married, I would say ALWAYS have a “B” Plan if your wedding is taking place outside! Mother nature is very unpredictable and you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and as planned.

When you chose your venue, make sure they have an indoor area large enough to hold your guests if something should happen. The venue should be prepared to move everything indoors so they are not caught off guard that day. If an indoor space is not an option, consider ordering a tent ahead of time and have it on stand-by. You may have to put a depoist down and if you don’t use the tent you may lose the money, but if it does rain you will have the peace of mind that your wedding will still continue. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule a tent because they may not have one available at the last minute.

Photo from Weddingbee.com

If you decide to relocate your wedding because of the rain make sure that you call your florist, catering company, and DJ to tell them of this change. They may have to come up with a new plan too, but they will be happy you told them a few days or hours ahead instead of being caught off guard when they show up on site.

Having umbrellas for your guests to use would be ideal to make them feel comfortable. If the weather only mentions light showers you may not have to relocate but the umbrellas would help keep guests dry for the rest of the day. You can even get them personalized and make them as a favor for your guests to take home.

It has been said that rain is good luck for your wedding day! So if it does rain on your big day don’t stress. Be confident that you have a “B” plan and just relax and enjoy your time!

Tags: Wedding Tips by ssopkin
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Grooms Attire

Some brides dream about their wedding dresses their whole lives and know exactly when they find the perfect one, but what about your groom? Your groom should look just as good as you at the wedding, and might need a few tips.

A dark suit or tuxedo in black is very traditional and classic, you just can’t go wrong with this option. But, this option is more common and easy to find. What if your groom wants to add a little pizazz to his black suit/tux I would suggest he consider pattern options like:

*Pinstripe- thin lines running vertically on the suit jacket and pants and is a very flattering for all body types.

*Windowpane- vertical and horizontal stripes crossing each other to make a windowpane effect, making this print a little more playful.

thefullerview.tumblr.com

I love the groom that is ready to be completely different and non-traditional. That would fall under the category of a light color suit, perfect for spring and summer time weddings. Colors such as tan, grey and taupe bring a lighter and more causal feeling to the wedding overall and will help keep your groom and groomsmen cooler during the warmer months. Grooms who enjoy the casual look may also consider not wearing a jacket at all. A vest or simply a button down shirt, are always great options as well.

What if you still want to keep it formal but your groom wants to make a fashion statement but stay clear of the traditional black? How about a velvet jacket, dark paisley or even white jacket? These will be sure to make a fashion statement!

upscalehype.com

Some of the best dressed men just walked the red carpet at the Oscars. Draw on their style for inspiration for your groom. Just make sure your groom’s attire compliments and is in the same style category of the dress you choose! Don’t wear a formal gown and have your groom in a linen, tan suit! Your dress sets the tone so make sure you have purchased it before your groom goes shopping!

Tags: Wedding Tips by ssopkin
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What’s Your Station? …Favorite Food Station That Is!

As brides become more creative, weddings become more unique, creating a “Taste” of their own characteristics and personal style, infused into their wedding.

The reception room is not just tables and food with a few centerpieces. Today’s guests want to be intrigued as they anticipate entering your reception room, wondering what special treat awaits them. So get your guests up and moving around and break the mold of the traditional wedding reception!

One to a few stations of any possible food or drink is a very fun and a chic alternative to the stale buffet or traditional sit down dinner. There are endless possibilities to stations you can design, just talk to your caterer, I promise they will be excited to come up with some unique ideas for you. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination go wild!

Idea #1: Interactive, Made to Order Stations are the trend like Carving Stations, Baked Potato, Sushi, Pizza, Pasta, Mac and Cheese, Crepes, or even a Waffle Station.

Idea #2: Keep your traditional sit down dinner and add some fun self-serve stations like, Fruits & Veggies with fun, flavored dips, Popcorn, Candy, Sweets & Desserts, S’Mores and my favorite, make your own Ice Cream Sundae.

Idea #3: Don’t forget the libations, like a Vodka Bar, Ice Luge, Cappuccino/Espresso Bar or Flavored Soft Drinks!!

My mouth is watering!!! So what’s your favorite food station? No matter what you choose, it’s guaranteed that your guests will be engaged in mixing, mingling, eating and drinking and enjoying your beautiful day!

Stations are imaginative and add delightful memoirs that will leave you and your guests with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Tags: Wedding Tips by LaDawn
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What’s Your Wedding Theme

Let me just start out this weeks tips by saying that ALL Weddings have a theme! Some are more subtle then others but when you set out to design your wedding day, you ultimately have to have a vision, a plan and an overall look of what you want. That boils down to a theme or if you prefer a style. I think theme and style can be interchangeable. Once you decide the “look” of your wedding, that’s when you set out to create all the elements that will ultimately make your wedding unique.

Industrial Theme Wedding – Riverside Art Museum

1. Having a themed wedding is one of the best ways to showcase you and your fiance’s style and favorite things. What are some of your favorite things, and how can you incorporate those elements into your wedding? One of my brides is obsessed with corn, literally!! So we added a popcorn buffet as her favors and it was a huge success! Think of something you would you love to share with your family and friends and add it to your wedding!!

2. Theme’s allow you to be original and wow your guests. Even if it’s a theme that has been done before. Put a twist on it, personalize it and set a trend!! Have your cocktail hour before the ceremony, have a late night snack, eat from a food truck, pose in a photo booth, weddings are really fun these days and there are no rules so go for it!

3. If you are a more traditional bride, you don’t have to be so specific about your theme. You can just have your color, location or season be your inspiration! Or do one spectacular surprise that your guests will never forget!

4. Plan a destination wedding. You can extend your wedding over several days, including activities such as beach BBQ, spa days, diving trips and rounds of golf. You can also incorporate traditions, foods, and music from the local area into the wedding ceremony and reception to make your wedding just that bit different.

5. Try and continue your theme in all of your stationary. There should be a common thread. Create a family crest, monogram or special font and use that on everything. Your Save the Dates, Invitations, Programs, Escort Cards, Menu Cards, Signage and don’t forget your Thank You cards. Have fun with it!!

Create an inspiration board, it can be a good road map to keep you focused and not all over the place. What I really think is Sensational, is coming up with something new and different so that brides coming after you will look to you for the new trends.

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Images by: www.trueemotions.com

Tags: Wedding Tips by LaDawn
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Guidelines to Obtaining a Marriage License in Southern California

Requirements:

The couple must appear together, no exceptions.

Both must be over 18. If under 18 a court order must be obtained.

You are required to present a current government-issued photo I.D. (passport, a driver’s license, a state I.D. card, or a green card).

Other documents like (e.g. adoption papers, superior court name change, etc) may be applicable for the issuance of a marriage license. Before coming to the County Clerk’s Office, call and explain your situation in detail.

For Foreign Citizens a passport is required.

If you were previously married and the final dissolution was within the last two years, a copy of your divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate will be required. If the final dissolution was more than two years, written proof may not be required, but the date of the final dissolution must be provided at the time the license is requested.

You must completely fill out either a written or online application

Non- Requirements:

A blood test or health certificate are NOT required to obtain a marriage license.

There is NO residence or citizenship status requirement.

Other Important Info:

The marriage license is valid for 90 days from when it was issued from the county.

Proxy Marriages or Marriage over the phone or internet are NOT LEGAL in California

There is no waiting period. The license may be used upon issuance. After you obtain a marriage license, you may be married by your choice of one of the following persons qualified to perform marriage ceremonies:

Priest, Minister, or Rabbi of any religious denomination who is 18 years of age or older. An active or retired Judge, Commissioner, or an Assistant Commissioner of a court or record, or Justice Court of California. A Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages.

At least one witness must be present at the ceremony unless the couple is marrying using a confidential marriage license in which case no witness is required

Please visit your local County Clerk’s Office to get the processes started!

For specific county locations, you may contact Platinum Lining Events:

info@platinumlining.com

(909) 946-7222

Tags: Wedding Tips by LaDawn
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Hiring a DJ vs. a Live Band

One of the most important decisions you will make while planning your wedding is Your entertainment! Should you hire a DJ, Live Band or Both? I honestly don’t think one is better then the other. I think no matter which direction you choose, as long as you hire professionals your guests will have a great time.

However, below I give you a few comparisons on how they are different, pros and cons and a few ideas to help you make a decision for Your wedding reception!

Personal Preferences, Budget, Reception Logistics, and Guest Satisfaction.

Preferences-What kind of tone or ambiance do you want at your reception?

Party time!!! If your preference is party all night after the nuptials, a DJ might be your best bet. DJ’s have access to a large variety of music right at their finger tips. So more than likely, every guest can have the opportunity to hear a song that makes them get up out of their seat. DJ’s have also become the more traditional choice of brides and grooms and appeal to all generations.

Band

Live music always adds a “Wow Factor” to any wedding. Live bands are more interactive, guests can sing along and feel like they are at a concert. Bands can perform different renditions of your favorites and make your reception much more personalized. There is an inherent power and energy in live entertainment that usually captivates and appeals to the audience.

Budget- How much are you willing to spend?

DJ’s are less expensive for the most part. Unless you hire a Celebrity DJ. The average DJ ranges from $800- $1800. Your DJ can play music for your Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Reception relatively easy moving between spaces.

Band

Live bands will always be higher in price compared to DJ’s. The average price points for a live band can range from $2000 to $12,000. You also have to take into consideration that a band is more than one person; you are paying for the ensemble as well as paying to feed all of the band members (usually in all band contracts after so many hours). A less expensive option is hiring a band during your Ceremony and Cocktail hour and hire a DJ for your reception.

Reception Space- Can your reception site accommodate big entertainment?

DJ’s take relatively less space, which leaves more room for dancing and mingling and guest tables. Most DJ’s equipment is so compact these days you may not even notice them. Usually DJ’s also Emcee and they can move around and and interact personally with your guests.

Band

Bands need more room to accommodate members and instruments. This could cut into the wiggle room for you and your guests and make it a little uncomfortable to maneuver around if it’s a small space. Most bands prefer to be elevated on a stage, do you have the budget and room for a stage? Because of their instruments they are stationary, but still can interact with your guest just in a different way.

Guest Satisfaction- I want my guests to have the time of their life!

Guests love to request songs. DJ’s have access to thousands of different genres that will accommodate any music choice. Just make sure you give your DJ a “do not play” list and I encourage you to ask your DJ to play all clean versions of your play-list. You don’t want to offend your grandma or anyone else for that matter; it is a Wedding.

Band

A live band will excite your guests, but bands usually don’t have a wide, on the spot music variety. Because it’s live, the members will need to take breaks. Be sure to ask if they will play pre-recorded music during intermissions otherwise you will have moments of silence!. You don’t want the party to come to a lull, because its break time.

As always, when selecting a DJ or Band, interview them first. Ask for a video or if you can see them in action. Get references! Besides the cost, preference and accommodations, make sure you love the personality of the DJ or Lead Band Member! They must fit your style and the style of your wedding. You want someone engaging and upbeat. Someone who can keep the party rolling. You don’t want anyone who has zero personality at your wedding. You want a crowd pleaser along with a fabulous play-list. Be clear and concise about what you want from your DJ or Band. This is your wedding you MUST know what you want and especially what you don’t want.

Image: Alan Mead from 5 Star Mobile DJ

Tags: Wedding Tips by LaDawn
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End of Summer/Fall Weddings!!

It’s back to school time and before you know it the leaves will start turning brown and the weather will start to get cooler and poof it’s Fall. I am still holding on to my last few weeks of summer before the Fall Season officially begins (Sept. 22nd). I will be sad to see Summer go, but with the change of seasons comes opportunities for new excitement, new challenges, and new delights!

Sometimes is California it’s hard to plan for season changes because our seasons are so similar, but when it comes to planning your wedding there are some fun ideas you can incorporate as the “season” changes!

The end of summer, going into fall, is a great time for a wedding because the season is changing. In my opinion this is one of the best times to get married in Southern California. Usually it’s not as hot and certainly not as cold as other parts of the U.S.!! September, October and November are great months to tie the knot! I got married in September and it was perfect (so I may be a little biased)!! Here are some tips to transition into the fall months.

Tip # 1: Often this can be confusing on what colors to chose for décor if you chose to follow the seasons. Using the bright summer colors everyone loves but toning them down to a darker shade or choosing a lighter shade is a great place to start. Popular colors for this time are often orange, yellow, and green in different shades to bring out the best of the season.

Tip #2: Try thinking of the things you like about the fall and lighten them up so its still playful for the end of summer beginning of fall. An example might be serving glasses of apple cider over ice for the guests at cocktail hour.

Tip #3: Rustic décor is very trendy this year and is a great cross between summer and fall. Keeping it simple with mason jars and bottles of different sizes wrapped in burlap accents of rope is classic and easy.

Tip #4: During the fall months keep in mind where you want to go on your honeymoon because the Caribbean and tropical areas usually have hurricane season during our fall. Plan ahead.

Tip #5: Consider heading to the dessert like Palm Springs during this time it is actually perfect weather out there during the fall months!!

Tags: Wedding Tips by LaDawn
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Setting A Formal Table

Setting a formal table correctly for your wedding reception is an essential part of etiquette for your big day. It will also come in handy if you are hosting any dinners or other parties during your planning. There are a few tips we would like to share with you to make sure to impress the guests.

When it comes to Silverware there is an order in which each piece should be placed. The piece of silverware that is to be used first should be placed on the outside, furthest from the center plate. For example if you are planning on serving a salad as the first course, the salad fork (usually smaller) should be placed on the outside. Just remember, forks on the left side and spoons and knives with cutting edge facing the plate on right. The butter knife should be placed across the bread plate, which is placed at the top left corner of the main dinner plate.

The Cups are to be placed at the top right corner of the main dish. The water glass is above the knife and the wine and champagne glasses go to the right of water. Coffee cup and saucer are placed to the right of knife and spoon. The dessert fork and spoon, smaller in size, are placed at the top center of the dish right below the place setting card. The fork belongs below the spoon facing in the opposite direction.

The Napkin is placed on top of the main plate or to the left of the forks.

Knowing how to set a proper table is a skill you will use even after your wedding. Think about all the dinner parties you will be having after receiving the beautiful china plates you registered for! Your guests will notice and appreciate the time you took to set the table perfectly.

LaDawn Williams is the CEO/Executive Director and Certified Wedding Planner and Designer of Platinum Lining Events, an event planning and design company located in Southern California. She is also an award winning Wedding Planner, 5 Star Rated with Wedding Wire and a Certified Wedding Consultant from the American Academy of Wedding Professionals. She is a Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant™.

Tags: Wedding Tips by ssopkin
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Guest Room Blocks Read the Fine Print!

It is always great to have out of town guests attend your wedding and offering them a discounted hotel rate is a great incentive. Often times, the discounted hotel rate is available through booking a block of rooms.

If you are having your reception at a hotel it makes it very convenient to have your out of town guests stay at the same hotel, if not try and contact a nearby hotel, but be careful of the contract. This one can be tricky, make sure you are very clear about YOUR responsibilities!

Tip #1: Make sure that when you go to sign the contract for the reception, your guest’s rooms are not included in the same contract. If you reserved the rooms for your guests the hotel may put the rooms under your contract, meaning you personally will be paying for the rooms. Be sure to double check the contract and read all of the fine print or you could be unexpectedly paying thousands.

Tip #2: Another point in the contract to be aware of is your minimum guarantee. Make sure you understand what YOUR responsibility will be if the minimum number of rooms blocked are not reserved. Sometimes they may raise the rate, some contracts make you financially responsible for a percentage, sometimes it’s as simple as them just releasing them back.

Tip #3: Know what specific room types are being blocked. Number of rooms blocked for each room type. Overnight room rate for each room type. Any additional person charges, service charges, taxes should also be mentioned here. If you have negotiated any complimentary rooms (Good for you!), then this should be mentioned as well. The format should should be clear and should state that if an X amount of rooms are reserved, then you will receive a complimentary suite or room. Any additional details that you have negotiated like complimentary shuttle service for your wedding guests should be outlined here, including shuttle times, availability and restrictions.

Tip #4: Know your release date, this is the date that any rooms not booked get released back to the general public. Make sure your guests are aware of the release date so they can make their reservations in time. You can include this information in your invitations and on your wedding website. Make sure you understand the attrition rate if they have one in their contract. Usually this means if you reserve twenty rooms and you only use eleven, you will still need to pay for a percentage of the unused rooms. Ask if you can release the unreserved rooms thirty days in advance of the wedding rather than having financial penalties.

Tip #5: Make sure YOU are not responsible for any No-Shows! If a guests reserves a room and then doesn’t show up, make sure you don’t have to foot the cancellation fee. There should also be a force majeure clause that terminates your contract in the case of an emergency that you do not have any control over.

Tip #6: As an extra treat for your guests, preparing welcoming bags is a fun and easy thing to do. A few things you could put in the bag would be snacks, water bottles, candy, and a schedule of events for the weekend. Your contact information, just in case and a list of restaurants or things to do for fun in the area is always a good idea. This will make the guests from out of town feel more comfortable and included in your celebration. Decorate the bags with something personal about the guests, or stick with your theme and get crafty. You can always shop around and find a reasonable tote bag that can be reused in the future so the guests will always remember your special day.

Reserving discounted hotel room rates for your guest is a nice perk, but just make sure, before you sign the contract, you are fully aware of what your responsibilities are.

Tags: Wedding Tips by ssopkin
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5 Tips on how to Choose Your Florists & Flowers

Photo By: Kimberly Saxelby www.trueemotions.com

More than decoration, the flowers you choose for your wedding are very symbolic in weddings. They also hold meaning and represent your love, friendship, abundance, and passion. Sometimes deciding which flowers to use can feel like an impossible task; it pays to enlist the help of a professional to help you sort through the possibilities and bring your vision to life.

Tip #1: One mistake that brides make is to not have a budget in mind when they first meet with their florist. You should give your florist an idea of what you want to spend on flowers so that you aren’t wasting your time or the florists.

Tip #2: You have to be realistic about your decor, in line with your budget, just like everything else in your planning. What I usually recommend is to concentrate on the areas that show the most and are the most important to You. For example, if you want to get more bang for you buck, you want to concentrate on the focal area of the ceremony. You may want to pull back a little bit on the aisle. Your guests main focus will be towards the alter as well as many of your pictures.

Tip #3: If you don’t have much to spend on flowers, don’t despair. There are ways to stretch your budget:
Buy flowers that are in season: For an August wedding, asters and Gerbera grown locally will be significantly less expensive than peonies, which are out of season at that time. Use less-expensive varieties. For example, thousands of daisies can make a wonderful display for the cost of two or three elaborate orchid arrangements. Also carnations are making a come back! Find ways to make flowers do double duty. Bring the arrangements from the church or ceremony location to the reception, or place the bridesmaids’ bouquets around the cake or head table. Avoid a wedding date that coincides with holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day, when flowers are at a premium.

Tip #4: If you decide to hire a professional, talk to a few different florists to contrast what they offer, and how well they would fit your needs, style and personality. Tell them about your ideas, listen to theirs, and have your questions prepared in advance so you won’t forget anything important. In addition to questions about rates and offers, ask if you can change your order later if you’re inspired by a new idea, or if you would be stuck with your initial order.

Tip #5: Even if you plan to create and arrange your own wedding flowers, consulting with a florist first is still a good idea. A florist’s first-hand knowledge and years of experience can prove extremely useful, ensuring you don’t overlook small but important details and that your floral scheme matches your wedding style. I will suggest that if you choose to do your own flowers that you designate a friend that is not part of the bridal party and certainly don’t volunteer a family member to assist with the set-up on the day of your wedding. This is a day that I recommend you hire all professionals, no matter how tempted you are to go downtown and do it yourself!

LaDawn Williams is the CEO/Executive Director and Certified Wedding Planner and Designer of Platinum Lining Events, an event planning and design company located in Southern California. She is also an award winning Wedding Planner, 5 Star Rated with Wedding Wire and a Certified Wedding Consultant from the American Academy of Wedding Professionals. She is a Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant™.

Tags: Wedding Tips by ssopkin
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