Here it is: The shot that every bride wants/is now requesting: a picture of the groom seeing her walk down the aisle. Adorable ring bearer catching a peek: optional.
Look at his face. I just received a ton of pictures back from Steve and Cheryl after their destination wedding in Mexico earlier this year. I knew this couple was special when I met them, and everytime we got together on the phone or in person I felt in my gut that they were always supposed to be together.
Look at his face. When I meet with couples, I don't always work with them. Sometimes the chemistry isn't right, other times the bride unleashes her bridezilla too soon, and once in awhile I don't see the marriage lasting. That's right, if I don't get a good vibe from you, I won't plan your wedding. To date, none of my clients are divorced. ZERO.
Look at his face. But there are couples that get my heart more than others (I allow them onto my personal facebook page and everything). This couple was one of them and I feel very blessed to have planned their entire wedding. I laughed with them, and now I cry looking at their beautiful pictures and just being so incredibly happy that they found each other. Anytime Steve spoke to me about Cheryl, I could hear it in his voice how happy he was. Anytime I spoke to Cheryl, she sounded the exact same way. That never changed over the entire year that we planned this amazing wedding together.
Look at his face. Because sometimes there's drama, sometimes brides lose their minds, sometimes family members get crazy, sometimes it rains...sometimes things just go wrong. I always do my best to make sure that everything is flawless, but of course, sometimes things are out of my control. None of that matters if the love is deep and real enough.
Look at his face. That is a groom in love. That is what a wedding is about. And THAT is why I love my job.
Congratulations Steve and Cheryl....thanks for letting me plan your wedding. xo
Ah, glitter. Glitter on invitations, glitter on the cake, glitter stuck on your skin for the next 500 years. What is it about glitter?
Whether a couple wants rustic or glamour, there is always a way to bring glitter into the style of their wedding. Of course, just how much glitter is a different story, but I rarely work with a couple that doesn't want at least a hint of it. Wedding glitter, however, isn't just your average "pick it up at Michael's and throw it all over the place" glitter. No, no, it's much more expensive than that. The more you want, the more it costs, and pretty soon you've got a hefty price tag for the sparkly stuff.
For instance, if you're looking to glitter bomb your cake, that extra decoration is going to drive the price up. Just the way fondant flowers will cost double what real flowers cost, glitter is going to make that one expensive piece of red velvet. Of course, if you still want the glitter but don't want to pay for it, there are some alternatives. You can ask your baker to use real glitter fabric and wrap it around the base of each tier. Another thought is to drape your cake table in a glitter linen. Most couples forget the "side tables" at the wedding, and this is one that you should remember because the cake is frequently front and center the entire night. Opt to not have any glitter on your cake, but put the cake on a spectacular glitter linen.
With gold being a hot trend right now, we have many couples asking for glitter on their invitations. This can mean anything from a sparkly backdrop to the writing being in glitter. Heads up because this can get pricey! While there aren't a lot of options here, we recommend using the glitter on things like your escort cards, menus or table numbers. That way, your invitation price will not be so scary, but you will still get the glitter in your decor at your wedding.
To really keep the glitter cost down, but still keep the look in your wedding, look for bigger statement pieces. Consider big, glittery candleabras for your wedding reception, or a glitter backdrop for your photobooth wall. Small touches like glitter encrusted votive holders are a nice way to incorporate some sparkle without going overboard.
No matter how much or how little you want to bring glitter into your day, there are ways to do it without breaking the bank and still looking fabulous.
We are always looking for new and interesting ways to display photos of our work. There's canvas, metal, framing, and now, there's "montage"...specifically, We Montage.
A few weeks ago I stumbled across a post from a company called "WeMontage" (www.wemontage.com) and was really impressed by what I saw. It is literally a montage of whatever images you want put together as one. They offer all different sizes and will customize anything for you.
For example, we sent over a bunch of portfolio images, and they stitched it together as seen in the picture above. No nails and hammers are needed here because it literally sticks to the wall. That's right, sticks right on! No need to go find a custom frame, no need to put holes in the wall, just peel and done!
While I love this because it's a great showcase of some of the work we've done, I especially love it for my clients. If you're hosting an event, you're obviously hiring a photographer. Why not take some of those images and put them into a montage like this to have in your home. No more trying to decide which photos to print, because with this service you can print a bunch and put them all together!
For my couples getting married, I love the idea of putting your engagement pictures like this together and having it displayed at your wedding. It's something different and can be placed anywhere around the room: near the guestbook, by the cake table, over the sweetheart table..endless possibilities!
You have to check out the website for yourself! James is great to work with and can walk you through the entire process. The delivery is fast and easy and you will love how it looks.
And if you're trying to be ahead of the trends for your wedding, this is a great way to start!
We've blogged in the past about dates to avoid when selecting your wedding weekend. Dates we're not crazy about include the summer holidays (Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend), Mother's Day/Father's Day, etc. But recently, a good friend of mine and a fabulous member of the wedding industry, wrote and asked about a date that I have never touched on: September 11.
This year, September 11 falls on a Friday. September is the most popular month to get married in the Northeast, and it's quickly gaining popularity around the country. In a wedding world where more couples want to have their event outside, the need for a month without rain is important. September happens to be the driest month over in the NYC-NJ area, so it books up quickly. In fact, we're completely booked up...except for September 11.
Personally, I would prefer not to plan a wedding for that date. I lost friends that day and it will never be the same. I don't know that I could separate what happened that day from planning a day where everyone is supposed to be happy. I almost find it disrespectful. I've never been asked to plan on that day, and I hope to never be asked.
This friend of mine happens to work at a venue that overlooks the skyline of NYC...the skyline that used to be very different from what it is now. Personally, if I were going to plan a wedding that weekend, I would want to be as far away from downtown NYC as possible. However, her venue, looks right at it. I feel like people that attend a wedding on that date, don't need that view right in front of them. If you're going to get married on September 11, it's probably best to have it as far removed from NYC as possible. Like on a field in the middle of Nebraska.
My friend is asked constantly about this date and if it would be a bad omen to have your wedding on a date when thousands lost their lives. I don't think it's a bad omen, but I certainly wouldn't want to share my anniversary on that day. On the other hand, our friend had a bride book her wedding for that date because she lost a family member in the attacks and it was a way to remember that person and have them "there" at the wedding.
This one is tricky because like the dates listed above, you have to consider your guests. The reason I say to avoid holiday weekends is because your guests don't want to use their only free time going to a wedding. Likewise, they might not be too thrilled to celebrate on 9-11, especially if they lost someone near to them.
What do you think? Did you get married on 9-11 or are you considering that as your wedding date? This year it's on a Friday and next year it falls on a Sunday. Two days where you can catch a break on your cost. Would you plan for that day if you found the perfect venue and could only afford it on an "off" day instead of a Saturday?
Curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this...
You've decided to hire a wedding planner, congratulations! Hiring a wedding planner is one of the best decisions you can make once that ring is on your finger. Maybe you hired a planner because you're simply too busy to handle all of the details or you just want to know that you have someone in your corner. Whether you've decided to bring one on for "Day Of" Coordination, partial or even full planning, there are some tips you should follow when working with your planner.
1. Listen. Your planner has experience (I hope) in the wedding and event planning industry and knows what they are talking about. It is your planner's job to steer you down the right path and away from danger. Think of them as the selection you always want to pick in a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book. Option one: ignore the planner, option two: listen to the planner. Know what happens if you pick option one? You get eaten by a dragon/fall off a cliff. It seems so simple, really. You're investing some of your wedding budget into this planner, so don't brush off their suggestions. For instance, if you're hosting a wedding that requires you to bring everything in from tables to chairs to catering and lighting, listen to what your planner has to say. If they recommend that you have one set of chairs for your ceremony and another set for your reception, spend the extra money and do it. If you don't, don't blame your planner that the chairs didn't get moved in the right amount of time. A good planner will tell you what can and can't be done, and how to get things done the right way. They aren't trying to spend more of your money, they are trying to make your day run smoothly.
2. Read What They Send You. There will be countless contracts that go back and forth during the wedding planning process. Each vendor will have a separate contract and those contracts will contain what they are (and aren't) responsible for. Your planner will read the contracts and even negotiate them, but they will also assume that you are taking the time to read them as well. Planners aren't mindreaders and they can't figure out what you did or did not read. For instance, we sent a contract to a client once outlining everything they had selected for their venue, along with all of the costs associated with it. They signed off on it but when it came time to put the deposit down, they screamed that the price was wrong and that they never agreed to it. "It" being the contract that they signed. Planners can't spoonfeed you everything. Be an adult and read what you are signing.
3. Read THEIR Contract. Speaking of reading...your planner will present to you a contract which will include what they are responsible for (well, we do, at least). This will be an outline of everything they will be taking care of and what you have contracted them to do. Go over this multiple times and ask tons of questions before you sign. Did you want your planner to be responsible for something that isn't in their contract? Speak up! Don't want until your wedding day to ask why certain things aren't being done, because you may hear "it's not my job". As much as I don't like to make that an answer, there are situations where my team and myself are so busy doing our jobs, that it's unfair to expect us to do someone else's. Trust that your planner is doing the best that they can to complete their tasks and if they can pick up someone else's slack, they will. But know their job.
4. Trust. Hiring a planner is a difficult decision because everyone wants control of their special day. I understand that because I am an OCD control freak and no way was I allowing a planner to do anything for my wedding. If this is you, then don't hire a planner. Seriously. It's OK to be like this. Some people just can't allow anyone else to do anything for them because they know that no one can do it better. I relate and understand. That said, if you hire a planner, you have to trust them. Trust their suggestions, trust their everything. I'm not saying not to question them, by all means, if you have questions, then ask...ask away! But you have to trust that they are there for you and in your corner and that you are their only priority. Personally, I protect my clients and know how much trust it takes. I respect that and do my best to give them the day that they envisioned.
5. Hire Their Vendors. This one is tricky because it will test just how much you trust your planner. Many planners take commission from vendors, which means their recommendations are complete bullshit. I can't recommend someone I don't trust and that I wouldn't work with, and no amount of money will buy my recommendation. So, if I'm recommending a photographer, DJ, officiant, etc. know that it's because I trust them and would work with them on my own events. While I am more than happy to reach out to new vendors and someone that you suggest, I can't speak for them and therefore, I can't guarantee solid service. What sucks about that is that if they screw up, then my company gets blamed. Your DJ ignored your timeline that I put together with him because he was drunk and never did a wedding before in his life? Yup, you're going to put that on me when really, it wasn't my fault, wasn't in my control and it wasn't my vendor. It's not our job to jump behind the DJ booth, grab the mic and take over. You hired him, he's your problem.
6. Be Honest with your Budget. You've pinned everything but don't know what anything costs. Why should you? With thousands of blogs out there telling you that you can have your dream wedding for 4 pennies and a bag of sand, why would you think that it can't be done? Because it can't be. Planners know what things cost and that's why we need to know what you are willing to spend. We're not judging you, we just need a number. I will assist my clients with their budget and then do the best I can to keep them inside those numbers. Sometimes, it's not always possible and there are extras that come up, or the vision changes or we need to go slightly over to make something work. It happens. But always be honest with the total amount that you want to spend and let us handle how to break it up.
7. Show up to your Appointments. Planning requires meeting with vendors...a lot of them. We will give our clients countless recommendations until we find the right person to work with them. However, we require that our clients meet with many of these vendors to make sure that they click. If you don't meet your vendor before your wedding, bad things can and will happen. I had a client never meet her DJ before her wedding, and that DJ flaked on the rehearsal, and was a disaster on the actual wedding day. In fact, all he cared about was getting paid (and I have the countless text messages to prove it). Had she met him before the wedding, maybe she would've gotten the bad vibe from him and never hired him in the first place. We know the vendors we are recommending, but we want to make sure that you like them too. I will schedule appointments for my clients, and all they have to do is show up. Never ever cancel last minute (unless someone is dead) and never ever flake. It makes your planner look really bad, and yes, that's a problem. If you need to cancel, 48 hours notice is best. By the way, that DJ that flaked, was not one of our vendors. Duh.
Those are my top 7 tips for working with a wedding planner. You're investing in them, so spend your money wisely. Ask questions, read everything, and know that your planner is always on your side and fighting for you.
Happy 2015 everyone! We are so excited to get back in the swing of things now that everyone is back from holiday! It was super quiet around here throughout most of December, but now it's engagement season and we've already brought new couples into the R.E.D. family!
2014 was a crazy busy year for us and we kicked it off at The Wilshire Grand as we hosted New Jersey's first same sex wedding giveaway! We received entries from all across the state, and on January 9, 2014 we announced Kris and Wesley as our winners. Their wedding took place in July 2014 and was a smash hit.
Given how successful our first event was, another venue wanted to show their support for the LGBT community, so we hosted the second annual contest. This year we are planning the wedding for Greg and JP and we can't wait to give them their special day!
2014 brought us a lot of rustic brides and grooms looking for barns and farms. This was a super popular trend and we have plenty of it in 2015 as well. It's safe to say that we are the experts in rustic design and decor and we love it! If you are looking to plan that type of wedding, please reach out to us so we can help out.
We also traveled to California to work on a wedding that will be coming to Bravo in the next few weeks. If you're a fan of the show "Vanderpump Rules", be sure to check out the amazing wedding of Scheana and Shay this February! We worked with this couple (and they are, by the way, so in love it's adorable) for their beautiful wedding at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley, California. Be sure to tune in to see all of the details and drama. PS. It was 100 degrees out!
There are also some amazing trends for weddings in 2015 that we can't wait to see. Of course, rustic chic is still big, and pink is still a popular color, but we'll be seeing lots of all white weddings, as well as jewel toned ones in the Fall and Winter. Our couples this year have so many amazing ideas and we can't wait to show you the pictures!
The first wedding of our year takes place next week in Rivera Maya, Mexico. This couple has been working with us for over a year now and they are taking off in just a few days. If you're looking to plan a destination wedding, we can help you with every last detail, starting with finding the perfect venue. We want to wish Steve and Cheryl lots of luck as they walk down the sandy aisle and become our first married couple of 2015!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for behind the scenes photos, feature stories, blogs and more! We're also in the process of updating our website so make sure to check back soon for that.
Happy New Year! Let's kick some ass!
Danielle Rothweiler
Rothweiler Event Design
....always bet on R.E.D.
