Unregistered

UNREGISTERED

Get it in Writing!

While a verbal agreement may seem like the way to go, make sure to get this list of vendors to sign a written contract:

Baker
Caterer
Ceremony location
Florist
Musicians
Photographer/videographer
Reception ha
Rental equipment company
Invitation and announcement provider
Transportation service
Tuxedo rental store

Unity Ceremonies

There are so many forms of unity ceremonies that I have decided to take some of my next few posts to explain the different types there are - some are common, some are not, some of religious, some are ethnic, but all symbolize the unity of marriage.

My first will the the traditional Unity Candles.  

Instead of explaining in words, I've posted a video from thebridesbestfriendmagazine.com - she does a good job explaining that its not purely for a religious purpose, as well as the how-to of the ceremony itself.

Don't Forget the Groomsmen!

Before I really got into the research aspect, I used to believe that the groomsmen just stood up at the church and looked handsome for everyone... little did I know they actually have a few expectations...So for those of you out there like me who may not have known, heres a list of their traditional "expectations."

•  Lighting the aisle candelabra 15 minutes before the ceremony
• Seating guests
• Taking down pew ribbons as the pews are needed
• Putting the aisle runner in position and removing it after the ceremony
• Participating in the processional and recessional
• Escorting the bride’s and groom’s parents out, then dismissing one aisle at a time after the ceremony
• Dancing with the bride and bridesmaids

Destination Wedding Welcome Bags

Planning a Destination Wedding? Heres a few ideas on what to welcome your guests with, just fill an expensive bag or box:

• Edibles
• Souvenir
• Pampering product
• Toy
• Map or guide book
• Personalized item from the bride and groom
• Welcome note
• Itinerary for the wedding activities
• Stamped picture postcard of the area
•  Contact information

Bridesmaids Beware!

As a wedding planner, I have heard of (and seen) my fair share of bridesmaid horror stories.  Whether they're complaining about the dress, making the show "about them" or just not offering help at all...heres a list of general "tasks" that traditionally bridesmaids have been responsible for.

Pre-Wedding Tasks

• •       Attend dress fittings and ensure their alterations are completed on time.
• •       Attend the wedding shower the bachelorette party and assist in planning these events if needed.
• •       Spread the word about the shower, the bachelorette party, and about where the couple has set up a gift registry
• •       Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• •       Helps address invitations for the wedding and the shower, if needed.

Day-of Tasks – Before the Ceremony

• •       Attend the pre-wedding breakfast, if there is one planned
• •       Run any last-minute errands the bride needs help with
• •       Help decorate the reception hall, if needed
• •       Attend hair and makeup appointments
• •       Get dressed on time, and help the bride get ready if the maid of honor needs assistance
• •       Participate in any pre-ceremony photograph sessions that have been scheduled

Day-of Tasks – After the Ceremony and During the Reception

• •       Pose for photographs with the rest of the wedding party. Also help round up relatives and other members of the wedding party to pose for photos.
• •       Stand in the receiving ling, or mingle and introduce guests to each other while the bride and groom finish taking photographs.
• •       Get the bride water, food, or anything else she needs throughout the reception, since she’ll probably be too busy to think of these things herself.
• •       Troubleshoot any problems that happen, such as picking up flower arrangements that fallen over, or preventing a fight between to great aunts who don’t like where they’ve been seated.
• •       Take photos during the reception, if asked.
• •       Help get the guests dancing, and mingle to keep people happy

Post-Reception Tasks

• •       Help clean up after the reception, if needed.

Avoid Unexpected Wedding Crashers

Whether its parents bringing their misbehaving children, or your fifth cousin expecting to bring a date just so they aren't alone... the trick to avoiding these wedding "crashers" is simple...

On the RSVP card state how many seats you will be "reserving" for them at the reception.

For example, "We have reserved ____ seats in your name."

Just fill in the card and and mail out... No unexpected guests allowed!

Five Ways to Save

Save a significant amount of money with just these five tips!

1. Cut the Guest list (can save up to $200 per person!)

2. Cut out Liquor - instead go for one signature drink plus beer and wine

3. Skip Flower girls bouquets - use alternatives (see an upcoming post for more ideas)

4. Order a 2 tiered cake - then cut up a sheet cake in the back

5. Used digital printing for stationary (saves about $1000!)

For more tips like this visit www.theknot.com

How to Go Green!

Heres a few tips on what and how to go green with your wedding!

1. Rings: choose recycled metal or heirloom jewelry

2. Favors: use bio-degraedeable packaging

3. Dress: try out organic cotton

4. Transportation: a bicycle built for two or a hybrid car

5. Decor: rocks and moss

6. Invitations: recycled paper

7. Centerpieces: Pottend plants

8. Menu: locally grown produce

9. Site: marry locally not far away

*Information was adapted from the BRIDES December 2010 issue

Help me out - get a FREE goodie bag!

Help me meet my goal, to have 5 customers registered on my eBoutique (no purchase required)! Each person will get a magalog in the mail along with a free goody bag! Register now at: www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

MARRYING ON A HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Here’s a few tips to remember if marrying on a holiday weekend is part of your wedding plans!

• •       Plan WAY in advance
• •       Book the venue and vendors early  (12+ months in advance)
• •       Send out save the dates (8-12 months in advance)

How to Save on Catering

•       Do not have a sit down dinner; instead choose a brunch, afternoon tea, desert or late-night cocktails.

•       Have your guests choose their meal choice in advance.

•       Choose liquors priced at the mid-line.  Don’t go for the most expensive.

The Traveling Cocktail Party

In one of my past Blog Posts,  I mentioned a Traveling Cocktail Party in the tips from 1000 Best Wedding Bargains about the wedding size.  It’s exciting and has a different mingling factor to it.  Here’s how that works:

•       Have champagne and hot hors d’ oeuvres on the terrace for one hour

•       Have a hot buffet in the banquet room for two to three hours

•       Enjoy cake and champagne and other desserts on the terrace

*It’s a known fact that cocktail parties can save you 15-45% in per-guest charges!

White by Vera Wang

Vera has gone budget-conscious.  Her new line is available exclusively at davids bridal.  I've taken a look and have fallen in LOVE. Check it out at www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_White-by-Vera-Wang

Google Gone Bridal

Visit Google's wedding site for some handy spread-sheet tools to help in the planning of your big day.

Note to the Wise: they're a little confusing if you are spread-sheet familiar!


www.google.com/weddings

Website Update

I have redesigned our website with a more professional/modern look.

Take a look

www.wedsandmorebyash.com

Flowers

Check out http://www.costco.comand look at the grocery/floral tab… they have a small selection of flowers… BUT its cost effective and does the job!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

4 Quick Tips for Lasting Lipstick

1. Line with liner

2. Cover lips with single ply tissue and apply powder

3. Line lips again

4. Apply lipstick

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The FOB is MIA ... WHAT?

Use these chat room codes to help you along with the planning process
STD – save the date
MOB – mother of the bride
FOB – father of the Bride
FMIL – future mother in law
FFIL – future father in law
BM – bridesmaid
MOH – maid of honor
GM – groomsman
DH – dear husband
NWR – not wedding related
(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011)

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What to Say in Your Thank You Cards

Here's an idea of what to say in your thank you cards for all your wonderful wedding gifts. Just add your own words in the ( ).

Dear (Name),
Thank you so much for the (adjective) (type of gift). (Fiance's Name) and I can't wait to (Explain what you will do with it). We'll think of you each time we use it.
See you (next time you'll see him/her).
(Your Signature)

(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2001)

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Is it time to upgrade your makeup???

Is it time to upgrade your makeup?

Mascara - should be replaced about every three months

Foundation - should be replaced every year

Concealor - should be replaced every 12 to 18 months

Powder - should be replaced every 18 months

Blush and Bronzer - should be replaced every 18 months

Cream Blush - should be replaced every 12 to 18 months

Eye Shadows - should be replaced every 18 months

Pencil Eye Liners - should be replaced every 18 months

Liquid Eyeliner - should be replaced every 6 months

Lip Stick and Lip Gloss - should be replaced every year

Nail Polish - should be replaced every year

Sponges - should be replaced every month, and be washed after each use

Makeup Brushes - should be replaced every 5 years (if cleaned and properly taken care of)

Now that you know what's good for how long? 

Is it time your makeup bag was upgraded for the New Year?

shop my mark store now to stock up

www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

Host a Mark show and get $20 in FREE products!

How awesome is this???

Host a mark show with me (either in your home or a book show) and have sales of $100 or more and get $20 in FREE products (of your choice!)

But hurry because this offer's only good until February 28th.

Heres the two ways to host a show:

Home Show:

• host a show in your home
• send me a guest list with names, emails, addresses and phone numbers - ill send out invitations via email and mail
• let your friends know about your party - just talk about it with them
• ill bring my makeup kit (full of over $300 worth of makeup products and samples) and let you and your friends try and sample the products
• place orders with me that night with check or credit card
• ill get or ship the products to you (along with some mark bags) and you can get them to your friends.
• after $100 in sales has been reached... youll get to choose your $20 in FREE Products!

Book Show:

• have a book show by passing out catalogs
• ill send you several mark magalogs (each with order forms and directions and some mark samples) that you can pass out to your friends
• follow up with those you gave magalogs to about 2 weeks after you pass them out
• collect the orders (with cash, check, or credit card information) OR they can place an order online with credit card at my mark website
• send me a list of people you gave magalogs to (phone numbers, email and address - so that i can track those who place orders online)
• after $100 in sales has been reached ... you'll get to choose your $20 in free products!

See...its that easy... and the makeup will sell its-self! ... 

mark is endorsed by actress Ashley Greene!

Contact me:

• by call or text at 518-937-3473
• by email at makeupnjewels@gmail.com
• by website at www.wedsandmorebyash.com

What's new at mark!

Heres a few snap shots of whats new at mark...


enjoy and don't forget to shop!

mark. January Incentive!

Hey everyone...

Place an order of $15 or more through my website, phone or email and

i'll throw in a FREE hookup of your choice!  

(just e-mail me the one you want!) akahler03@gmail.com

Hurry... Offer ends January 31st!

place the order now at www.mymarkstore.com/akahler

email me now at akahler03@gmail.com

call or text me now at 518-937-3473!

Budget Percentages

Keep these percentages in mind when you're looking at your budget. Remember, you can adjust according to what you desire!

48% Reception
15.2% Photography
7.1% Flowers
6.1% Rings
5.8% Attire (for the Bride)
2.6% Transportation
2.5% Invitations/Stationary
1.9% Attendants Gifts
1.5% Hair and Makeup
1.4% Officient
1.2% Favors
0.9% Grooms Formal Wear


(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011)

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Mail Call!

As a wedding planner I sure get a plethora of magazines, catalogs, post cards and other items in the mail. While some may consider these things junk…I, myself LOVE to flip through the catalogs and read the mail to see what kinds of treasures I can find. (Plus…they make great blog posts!) Today I received the Oriental Trading catalog, the one catered to weddings. While I have purchased items form Oriental Trading before, quality has been somewhat questionable…but I have never purchased from their wedding line. So you might say I have hope for it. As I flipped through the catalog, I was so excited to see what they had this time around. They had a great line of black and white products and even a line for summer, fall, winter and spring! If you're looking for some ideas… check it out!
www.orientaltrading.com

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Budget Don'ts

Make sure you don't do these…

Have a cash bar

"Accidently" forget to invite someone

Demand discounts

Ask a 16 year old to be in charge of photos

A garage band to get the party started

Skimp on food and drinks

(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011)

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Get Engaged...Get Organized

Here's a list of some great organizational tools to help as you begin the planning of your wedding.

Small tape measure
Label maker
Staple-less stapler
Highlighters
Bookmarks
Binder clips
Colored pens
Tape
Scissors
Small notepad
Binder
Pencils
Pencil pouch
Divider tabs
Business card holders
Planning calendar
Calculator
3 hold punch
Page protectors

Its best to get the types of items that are "mini" and readily portable so you can take them to all the important meetings you'll be having.
(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011)

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First Things First

Once you're engaged…there's a few things that you'll need to do, BUT make sure you do them in order… It'll help a lot during the planning process.

BUDGET – once you know this, other things will fall into place
SIZE – Intimate or not? (shoot for an estimate first)
LOCATION/STYLE – local places make planning easier
SEASON – holidays, work schedules
TIME OF DAY – evening=PARTY, Mid-Day=Brunch

(adapted from BRIDES magazine January 2011)

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Make Cakes Your Centerpieces!

Get a bunch of cakes from a local bakery - its pretty cheap. And use the cakes as dessert AND as your centerpiece - its great if you can't decide on what kind of cake to get - choose several different kinds and let guests table top to taste the different kinds!

Plus as an added bonus its a great way to save money! Think small cakes like this average a price of $12 or so each - for a wedding of 150 guests with 10 people to a table... You do the math...
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Engagement Photos

Don't skip out on this great photo opp! Its a great time of fun and memories. If your tight on funds have a friend snap some shots of you and your fiance.

If your stuck... Here's a few ideas of where to take these photos - but as always make sure to get permission if needed.

Culinary School
Subway Platform
Playground
Science Lab
Ski Slope
Alma Matter
Baseball Stadium
Aquarium
Pumpkin Patch
Bowling Alley
Where you had your First Date
Where he Proposed

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Wedding Entertainment

Want to go above and beyond to make sure your guests enjoy themseves at your wedding? Here's a list of some entertainment ideas to keep the fun going.

For Outdoor Weddings:
Horseshoes
Croquet
Bocci Ball

For Indoor Weddings:
Hula Hoops
Limbo
Freeze (blast a song, then stop)

Entertainment to Avoid:
Twister
Dodgeball
"Strip" Anything
Duck Duck Goose
Water Balloon Toss
Beer Pong
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