Six Tips for Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

Shopping for your wedding dress is probably one of the most exciting aspects of planning your wedding! Enjoy today's tips on how to get the most out of your shopping experience.

Real Weddings: Anita and Maurice - May 26, 2012

It was a beautiful day on Clearwater Beach…the first day of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.   And  it was a great way to for Anita and Maurice (Mo) to start their new lives together.  Family and friends traveled from across the country to share in their special day. 

The intimate guest list gathered on the Starlite Majesty Cruise ship for the 12:00pm ceremony.  Immediately following, we set sail into the Intercoastal Waterway, and were treated to breathtaking views of Clearwater Beach. 

The bride desired a simple and meaningful day, and that is exactly what she received! The bright yellow colors in her flowers, centerpieces and linen were perfect for the occasion and the season.    Their guest book and cake, complete with sea shells, set the tone for their nautical nuptials.  And the guests raved over the homemade cookies made (with love) by the bride’s mom. 

I’ve never had a groom rave so much about wedding planning, but Mo was really pleased with our services and sees the value of hiring a wedding coordinator!

All photos courtesy of Rachel O'Brien Photography.

Many thanks to Brides N Blooms (flowers), Starlite Majesty (venue and catering), Rachel O’Brien Photography, Ronay’s Designs (linen) and Publix Bakery (cake) for such great service!

Five Tips for Improving Communication With Your Fiance': It's Not That Hard!

It been said that men and women are from two different planets, particularly in the ways we communicate. Men tend to be more matter-of-fact and are concerned about 'what' (i.e., what do you need me to do?), while women tend to be more sensitive and are concerned about 'how' (i.e., how do you feel?). These are generalizations, of course, but how do two people who come from two different perspectives mesh when it comes to communication? These 5 tips are based on my own experiences as a wife and my observations in working with engaged couples. Whether you're married or engaged to be married, the concepts are applicable to you! 

Start with the right attitude

And what is the right attitude, you may ask? What if you need to have a conversation with your fiance' to try to resolve a disagreement, or to let him know how you feel about a particular issue. Before you begin, try to calm whatever negative feelings you may have. If you are mad, the last thing you need to do is start speaking with anger in your voice and showing it in your demeanor. If you have been crying, try to calm yourself down before you speak. Your sadness or anger will get in the way of the other party hearing what you have to say!

Have an open mind

As your fiance' is talking to you, be open to what he has to say. Keep in mind that you are not a mind reader, so you need to be receptive to what is being said. Don't pre-judge the conversation and try to predict what he will say...he may surprise you!

Really listen to your fiance'

I'm sure you've heard this before....we have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason! When I say 'listen' I'm not just referring to the physical act of using the sense of hearing. I mean both hearing and absorbing what is being said. Along with listening to his words, also take in his tone of voice and body language. This will help you get the true meaning of what he's trying to communicate. And, please do not start planning your response before he stops talking! How can you respond accurately when you are trying to get your words together before he's finished?

Keep your conversation with your fiance' confidential

Your fiance' needs to be able to trust that what he shares with you will not be repeated (unless he gives you the ok to do so). Your mother, his mother, or your best friend are not parties in the conversation, and should not brought in after the fact. The relationship you have with your future husband is yours alone, and there is no room for meddlers and busy bodies!

Give and show respect

All men want to be respected. Show your fiance' that you respect his opinion and thoughts, even if you don't agree with them. Don't say things like 'that's dumb' or 'that doesn't make any sense' or 'are you crazy' when responding to him. This is sure fire way to shut down the lines of communication, that can be sometimes hard to rebuild.

Your Planning Assignment

Put these tips into practice! They will go a long way to ensure the lines of communication between you and your future husband remain open, and will help you have a healthy relationship. If you have issues in this area, seek out the advice of a professional therapist or counselor.

Edible Wedding Centepieces

Have you considered edible centerpieces for your wedding decor? Check out this article from Sleek Gossip, as well as a few pics, and let us know what you think!

http://sleekgossip.com/wedding-decorations-edible-table-centerpiece-ideas,2012374

Your Planning Assignment

Be open to the idea of an edible centerpiece! They can also be a nice gift for a guest at each table!

What Does a Day-of Coordinator Really Do?

The team “Day-of Coordination” can be a somewhat misleading.   Several brides who have reached out to us are looking for someone to just “pull it all together.” But a wedding coordinator does far more than show up on the day of your wedding, review what’s in your wedding binder, and make things happen!  He or she gets involved weeks and months before your wedding and has a checklist of several things to do BEFORE your big day.  Some of these tasks include:

• Meet with you to understand the vision you have for your wedding - you have been working on your wedding for months and months, so your coordinator needs to have a full understanding of your thoughts and ideas
• Review all of your contracts – this will tell your coordinator exactly what your vendors will provide, when final payments are due, etc.
• Contact and meet with all of your vendors to confirm the specifics of your wedding
• Put together a wedding day timeline to ensure the smooth flow of your wedding day – this timeline is very extensive and includes specifics like what time your hair and makeup will start (and how long it will take), any travel time between venues, and what time your venues will be available for setup.
• Visit your ceremony and reception venues to confirm the layout of the space and the setup you require – the day of your wedding is not the first time your coordinator has seen your venues!
• Meet with the wedding officiant to review the ceremony and prepare to conduct the wedding rehearsal – Some wedding officiants like to run the rehearsal completely themselves, while others will work alongside the wedding coordinator to do it.  Either way, your coordinator and officiant work this out well before you arrive at the rehearsal.
• Learn the names of the important people in your family and bridal party, and be familiar with any specific family dynamics – If there are particular family situations that can affect your day, your wedding coordinator needs to be fully aware of them.  For example, when the bridal party is introduced, your coordinator needs to know if your divorced parents will enter the reception together or with with someone else (if they have remarried).

And of course, on your wedding day, your coordinator and his or her staff will:

• Ensure your venues are set up correctly
• Confirm your vendors are ready for an on-time start
• Resolve any issues that may arise
• Make sure you and your bridal party are dressed and ready on time
• Direct the flow of their entire day (ceremony and reception)
• Assist in seating guests and making them feel at home
• Make sure all the little details are handled (cake knives on the cake table, bride’s comfortable shoes under the sweetheart table, etc).

This is just a general idea of what many planners and coordinators will provide with this kind of wedding package.  Share with him or her if you require more so that your exact needs can be met.

Hiring a day-of coordinator really is an investment in your wedding.  You have spent countless hours planning, deciding, arranging, and choosing; who should you trust to make sure all of your plans, decisions, arrangements, and choices are carried out the way you desire them to?  Your mother or maid-of-honor may have with you throughout the entire planning process, but as your wedding approaches, it’s time for them to really step into the roles they are called to be.  Your mother has been anticipating your special day, as well as her moment in the spotlight, for quite some time, and the last thing she needs to be concerned with is “who’s going to set up the room?”or “what time are the flowers being delivered?”  And your maid-of-honor should be focused on making sure you are calm and collected, and ready to walk down the aisle!

 

Your Planning Assignment

Seriously consider this vital role in your wedding.  A day-of coordinator can give you peace of mind and comfort knowing your plans are in the hands of a seasoned expert.  Trust this responsibility to an experienced professional!

My Animoto Video

Hello!  Check out this video I made...in less than 20 minutes!  Animoto is a great tool.  If you haven't given is a try, do so today!

My Animoto Video

Wedding Veils and Headpieces: Options, Options, Options!

So you’ve started looking at bridal gowns (isn’t that fun?)….but what about your veil or headpiece?  Here are a few options for you to consider….your choices are endless!

Traditional veils

I love this option for semi-formal and formal weddings!  You can choose to go with just a flyaway veil (with or without a blusher), or a cathedral length if you are having a very formal wedding, or any length in between.  Here are a couple of examples of cathedral length and flyaway veils. To see all of the veil options available, check out Pinterest board called “Favorite Wedding Headpieces” at http://pinterest.com/anelegantaffair/favorite-wedding-headpieces/.

Tiaras

Do you want to look at feel like a queen on your wedding day?  You can go simple or elaborate with a tiara, and can choose to include a veil that you can wear for the ceremony and remove for the reception.

Combs/Clips

A comb or clip is a great way to add a bit of flair to your hair!   Pearls, rhinestones, or feathers…they can be a lovely addition to your beautifully styled wedding do!

Headbands

Another option to consider is a headband.  Check out the pic we’ve included below….it’s just one example of what is available!

Your Planning Assignment

Whatever you choose should line up with the formality of your wedding, the style of your dress, and of course, your own personal style!  The consultant at the bridal salon is a great resource to help you decide what will be perfect for you! Happy Planning!

Top Ten Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer

Photo courtesy of Rachel O'Brien Photography

As you begin to make appointments with photographers, prepare yourself for the meeting by reviewing these questions:

How long have you been in the photography business?
You want to choose someone who has experience not only in photography, but in particular with wedding photography. Review the potential vendor's website to get some background on the person or company you are considering hiring. Also, look at their testimonials for feedback on what other clients have experienced (this applies when researching all types of vendors).


What is your style of photography? From the article "How to Choose Between the Different Wedding Photography Styles," there are 4 different styles: Traditional (more formal, posed), contemporary (more relaxed and informal), documentary (photographer will record events as they happen, also known as photojournalistic style), and artistic (photographer produces a unique set of images). When choosing a photographer, your individual preferences should be in line with the photographer's specialty. So, if you want more casual pictures, don't choose someone who specializes in only formal, traditional photography. For more information on the various styles, check out the article at http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Between-the-Different-Wedding-Photography-Styles.

Are you a member of a professional association (such as Professional Photographers of America?
I believe it's important for any wedding vendor to be a member of a professional organization. Each organization has codes of ethics and standards to which their members pledge to follow. In addition, organizations strongly encourage or require that members continue their education to be informed of the latest trends and technology in their field.

Do you have liability insurance?
Some venues may require vendors to provide proof of liability insurance, so be sure to ask this question before you contract with a photographer (or any other vendor).

Do you have backup equipment?

The answer to this question should be a resounding YES! Backup equipment is absolutely necessary in case there is an issue with a memory card, lighting or camera. You don't want any special moments to be missed because of technical difficulties.

When are proofs available for review?
A photographer should provide an approximate timeframe when your proofs will be ready for viewing after the wedding. This will also be outlined clearly in their contract.

Will I have the copyrights to my pictures?
Some photographers offer full copyrights to the pictures as a part of their packages and services, and some choose to retain the rights to them. If you can obtain the copyrights, you will have permission to do whatever you like with the images (post on Facebook, etc). Make sure you understand clearly what the photographer's policy is regarding this.

What kind of packages do you offer?
When meeting with a potential photographer, he or she will provide detailed information regarding their packages and what items are included (number of hours, number of photographers, album type etc.). If there is a package that you would like to tweak, don't be afraid to ask!

Do you have assistants working with you on wedding day?
As noted above, packages should be clear on how many photographers are included to shoot your wedding. One advantage to having more than one shooter is that they are able to capture events from different angles. I strongly recommend more than one shooter...the additional expense is well worth it!

What are the options on wedding albums available?
If you choose to have a wedding album produced, inquire about the types of albums available. Also, find out if parent albums are available as well. For more information about the types of wedding albums, check out this article: http://www.ehow.com/list_7243396_types-wedding-albums.html

Your Planning Assignment
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make. After your wedding, your pictures will be what remains of your special day. Don't trust them to anyone other than a professional! And as always, feel free to leave a comment on our Facebook page about this article. Happy Planning!

Mother of the Bride Dresses: Mom Should Look Gorgeous Too!

While you were looking for the perfect dress for your wedding, your mother (or mother figure) was probably with you at every appointment, sharing this very special time in your life. Now that you’ve chosen your dress, it’s time for mom to focus on and start to consider what she will wear. Here are a few thoughts I have about mother of the bride (MOB) attire:


What should your mothers wear?
What your mothers wear should fit the formality of your wedding. If you’re having an informal event, it would look strange if your mothers wore long gowns. They should look STUNNING, as your wedding is a day they have been anticipating for a long time! I’ve included some pics of dresses that I think are elegant, classy and stylish, yet not frumpy as some MOB dresses tend to be. What are your thoughts on some of these dresses for your mothers?  Note: we've pinned these dresses on our Pinterest board too! (http://pinterest.com/anelegantaffair)

Should your mothers’ dresses match in some way?
Not necessarily (in my opinion). I don’t think the mothers’ dresses should match exactly (they are not bridesmaids after all), but I think it’s nice when they coordinate colors. For example, if your colors include purple, it’s nice when your moms can wear a shade of purple to compliment your color scheme. Even if they decide not to blend into the color scheme, whatever they wear should be tasteful! As I write this, I am reminded of a wedding I attended years ago. The mother of the bride decided to wear a silver sequenced mini-dress that was so distracting that attention was drawn away from the bride. Although mom enjoyed the attention, her daughter was none too pleased. Moms, if you are reading this, don’t be that mother!


Your Planning Assignment
Brides, don’t be a dictator about what you want your mothers to wear. Allow her the freedom to choose a dress that is appropriate and flattering to her. And remember, this day is just as important to her as it is to you! Happy Shopping!

An Elegant Affair wins the WeddingWire 2012 Bride's Choice Award

{Riverview, FL} – January 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce An Elegant Affair has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Wedding Planners!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, An Elegant Affair was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.
An Elegant Affair is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate An Elegant Affair for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that An Elegant Affair is one of the very best Wedding Planners within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/an-elegant-affair-llc-riverview/aa3aeaf673e0f110.html. 

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.



About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.



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What Tools Can Help Me with My Seating Arrangements?

One of the most important (and sometimes most challenging) tasks to complete is your reception seating chart. Who’s going to sit by whom? Which people should be placed on opposites sides of the room? How should my reception room be arranged? This article shares a few of the online tools that are available to help make this part of wedding planner easier.


TheKnot.com
One of the most popular wedding planning sites available, a very popular feature is the seating chart section. You can design your floor plan, name and arrange your tables, and assign guests to a table. You can then print the diagram, although I’ve heard from a few couples that it can be a bit of a challenge to get on one page if you have a large layout.

Seatingarrangement.com
This site has many of the same features as TheKnot. It’s really easy to design your floor plan by dragging and dropping icons for tables, bars, etc. You can also change the dimensions of the room and sizes of the icons, so you get a realistic picture of your specific venue. Finally, just like The Knot, this tool is free!

Perfecttableplan.com
We liked this site as well, but found it was a bit easier to add and save guests than seatingarrangement.com (just our opinion). What I like most about this site is the fact that it has online tutorial videos that give you an overview of the site, and also provide instructions on how to do specific things (such as adding guests or assigning seats, for example). You can download a 30-day free trial, or purchase the home edition of the product for $29.95.

Wedding Magic
A tool from Frogware.com (http://frogware.com/wedding_magic.html), this is an overall wedding planning tool, and is not just for seating arrangements. Many of the same features in options above are available in this one. One additional feature is the ability to email guests and vendors directly from the software. You can also download a 30-day free trial or purchase the CD for $32.99.

Your Planning Assignment
As you can see, there are many options from which to choose. Try each one (or search for additional options) to decide which one fits your needs best. Happy Planning!

Stacey and David's Wedding - 9-10-11

The Grand Plaza Florida on St. Pete Beach was the perfect setting for the wedding of Stacey and David on 9-10-11. Although their wedding date was a popular one this year, this wedding was full of unique elements to make it a very special day, not only for Stacey and David, but also for their guests, who traveled from across the country to witness their nuptials.

The beach ceremony began at 10am, with guests enjoying the warm breezes of the Gulf of Mexico and harp music provided by Jessica Cardwell. The bride thought of everything, and provided flip-flops for guests to slip into and cold water for them to drink as they entered the beach. The bridal party was appropriately dressed, with the gentlemen attired in linen (including custom made shirts by Ya-Ya’s Little Secret), and ladies wearing sunshine yellow one-shouldered short dresses perfect for the beach.

Following a moving ceremony, guests were escorted to the Presidential Ballroom for light appetizers and drinks, including the bride and groom’s signature drink – frozen Blue Hawaiian. Tables were named after beaches the couple has visited or plans to visit, including Ft. De Soto Beach, Vero Beach, and Clearwater Beach.

The afternoon rain did not dampen the spirits of the newlyweds or their guests. Guests enjoyed their choice of main entrée, followed by wedding cake provided by A Piece of Cake. The groom’s cake highlighted his love for the game of chess. Following a sumptuous meal, guests then danced the afternoon away with entertainment by DJ Ron of Universal Music Entertainment (in fact, there is a pair of shoes that, as of this writing, still has not been claimed by a wedding guest!)

In addition to the partners listed above, many thanks to Streets and Streets Photography and Video Productions, Patrick Burley Photography, Nicole White Photography,  makeup artist Lorretta Taylor, and Jonathan’s Flowers for helping make Stacey and David’s wedding day one they will cherish for a lifetime.

Top Ten Questions to Ask a Travel Agent

As you begin to plan your honeymoon or destination wedding, consider these important questions!


Are you a licensed travel agent?
This is an important question! You want to ensure you are dealing with a professional and someone who is credible. There are too many travel scams out there that are after your money!

Do you specialize in honeymoons?
A honeymoon is more than a vacation...it's a trip that kicks off the beginning of your married life. Seek out someone who has experience in planning honeymoons and has insight into what newly married couples want to do.

Do you have honeymoon packages?
This question is closely related to the one above. Ask about what honeymoon packages may include (champagne upon arrival, breakfast in bed, etc) that can make your trip extra-special!

Do you plan destination weddings?
If you are considering a destination wedding, you want to work with someone who has experienced in this area. They should be able to coordinate room types and rates for your guests, help you plan your ceremony and reception, and guide you regarding the marriage laws of your particular wedding location.

What types of vacations do you handle (cruises, resorts, spas, etc)?
If you are looking for a specific type of venue (cruise ship, all-inclusive resorts), consider working with someone who specializes in them. They can share with you the unique features of each so you can make an informed decision.

Do you have special relationships with particular vacation vendors?
Again, this goes hand-in-hand with the previous question. Many travel agents are certified with particular vacation vendors (Sandals and Royal Caribbean for example), and because of the special relationship they have, may be able to offer you specials. And because of their certifications and special training, they can tell you what ships or resorts best suit what you are looking for.

Have you visited the destinations you are recommending?
There is nothing like first-hand experience, right? Travel agents certified with a particular vendor are required to visit the properties, so they can provide great insight!

Can you assist me in obtaining travel insurance?
I always recommend obtaining travel insurance. If your luggage is lost or your trip is delayed, travel insurance can come in handy. Talk to your travel agent about the specifics of what is covered in a policy.

What forms of payment do you accept?
This question is an obvious, but important one. Ask it before you decide to go with a particular agent.

Are you able to book airline reservations also?
If they are able to do this for you, find out whether or not they can accept any frequent flyers miles or points you may have with a particular airline. Also, do your homework....maybe you can book your own flights at a better rate via travel websites or directly with the airlines.

Your Planning Assignment
When meeting with a travel agent, ask these questions. Compare the answers of a few agents before you make a final decision. Happy Planning!

Wedding Budgeting: Six Tips to Avoid Stress and Debt

Money, money, money! Thoughts of finances can cause us to stress out and lose sleep, right? Investing such large amounts of money, as with a wedding, can cause even more distress. But the time leading up to your wedding is supposed to be a fun and exciting, and not stressful, right? Follow these tips so that wedding budgeting is not a chore, but will help you stay focused on your goal….starting your marriage with little or no wedding debt!


Take time and develop a budget before doing any other planning
Before you go dress shopping or honeymoon planning, sit down with your fiancé and determine how much you want to, and are able to, spend. Be honest with yourself…..do you have other debts like student loans you are trying to pay off? Do you want to buy a house after you get married, or will you need a new car soon? All of your financial obligations must be taken into consideration when you plan your wedding budget.

Include all elements of your wedding
Don’t forget to include such smaller things as gifts for your bridal party and extra trips to the hair salon for your trial runs. These items may seem insignificant, but they can add up and possibly blow your budget if you’re not careful.

Determine if family members will contribute to your overall budget
Find out from family members if they are planning to contribute to your wedding budget, as early in the process as you can. If someone is not able to give you a significant amount of money, they may be able to take care of your cake or favors (for example). Every bit can help!

Keep your budget in mind when visiting vendors
Now that you’ve taken the time to develop a budget, use it! As you visit vendors and shop for attire, remember what you agreed to spend on a particular item. If the two of you agree to go over your budget on one item, you should make adjustments with another item, so your bottom-line figure remains about the same. Also, adjusting a budget line item should be a joint decision, not one made by just the bride or just the groom!

Don’t make rash purchases
The local craft store is having a great sale on wedding items….do you rush over and buy everything you see? Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s a wise purchase for you. Again, keep your budget in mind and don’t rush into a purchase. If you don’t do this, you may find yourself with lots of purple ribbon and no use for it!

Use tools to help you
There are many free tools available to assist with budgeting. One I like to suggest is http://costofwedding.com. This is a site that will give you, based on your zip code, average wedding costs in your area. This can help provide a frame of reference for you. Also, a great tool for calculating your individual budget is http://www.weddingplanningonabudget.com/my-wedding-budget.php. Just enter your estimated overall budget, and the spreadsheet will calculate how much you can spend on each category. You can adjust the percentages assigned to each category based on your own preferences.

Your Planning Assignment
Make the time to develop your wedding budget. Block time on your calendars if necessary, but do whatever it takes to get this done. This task is too important to be ignored or rushed through. As always, feel free to comment on this article, 'like' it, and share it with a friend.  Happy Planning!

Custom Invitations: Four Important Things to Consider

Courtesy of wedding-beauty.com

You’ve set your date and chosen your venue. You’ve also decided on the type of wedding you going to have as well as the theme. So what’s next?? Invitations! We’ve talked about invite wording in a past article (visit our blog if you missed it), so this week we’re going to explore custom invitations.


Custom invitations are uniquely you!
Vendors such as Carlton Craft and Invitations by Dawn offer very beautiful choices in invitations. But if you and your fiancé’ want something that’s totally unique to you, consider having them custom made. They can fit your theme, colors and style to a “T”, and no one else in the world will have the same invites as you do.

Contemplate hiring an invitation designer
DIY is always an option for you (check out your local craft store), but consider hiring a professional designer to translate your ideas into something tangible. They are experts on typesetting, colors and paper…and, they are SO creative! They can also help you tweak your wording so it reads and flows effortlessly. Lastly, if you like, they can take the burden of addressing and mailing them off of you!

What about budget?
As with anything custom and unique, these invitations may be a little more expensive than DIY or non-custom ones. If having invitations that are all your own are a priority for you, consider adjusting your budget to allocate more money for this and less for something else.

How long do they take to complete?
Again, because your custom invitations are designed with you in mind, the turnaround time to complete them may be a little longer. Find out from your designer what the options are for rushed availability if needed (don’t forget, they still have to mailed so that guests can respond in a timely manner). Your wedding planner can work with you to ensure you stay on schedule with this (and other) wedding tasks.

Your Planning Assignment

Choosing your wedding invitations is a task that is not to be taken lightly. When your guests receive them, your invites will set the tone for your special day, and give your guests an idea of what to expect. Whether you go custom or not, this is a very important decision. Happy Planning!

Tiffany and Kyle's Wedding - September 10, 2011

Bride Tiffany and I have a mutual friend, and when she got engaged and started planning her wedding, our mutual friend suggested she contacted An Elegant Affair to help plan her wedding. There was an instant connection between Tiff and me, and I consider her to now be a friend, not just a past client.


Tiffany and her fiancé (now husband) Kyle met about 4 years ago when they were attending a job training session. They share a mutual faith and are definitely made for each other! I especially love how close their families are!

The hot pink and green color combination was a favorite of the bride, and looked great on the bridesmaids! After a meaningful ceremony at Northwest Tampa Church of God, the guests and bridal party moved the celebration to The Columbia Restaurant, a very popular and well-loved restaurant in Tampa. Guests enjoyed traditional Cuban fare….Arroz con Pollo, yellow rice, and flan.

Check out these great pics, courtesy of Rachel O’Brien Photography.

After their wedding, Tiff was kind enough to share these words: “I was very satisfied with the service I received from An Elegant Affair. Their services were worth every penny. The day of my wedding I didn't have a care in the world. I didn't have to worry about a timeline or make sure all of my vendors were paid. I didn't have to worry about finding seating for last minute or uninvited guests. Instead of being concerned with so many last minute details, I actually enjoyed the day (and it was beautiful). Everything ran so smoothly I couldn't believe it. My only regret is that I didn't hire An Elegant Affair to plan the entire wedding. I TOTALLY recommend them”

Many thanks to these fantastic wedding vendors: Rachel O’Brien Photography, The Columbia Restaurant, DJ Dollar of Diamond Events, Diana Jerzek of Di’s Delights, and Carrollwood Florist.

Should I Hire a Professional Makeup Artist?

Courtesy of Project Wedding

As you make decisions about your wedding attire, don’t forget to think about your face! Wedding pictures will be the memories of your wedding day, so you want to ensure you look flawless. I recommend to brides that they consider hiring a professional makeup artist. Why? I’m glad you asked! :-)

A makeup artist is an expert in all skin types
He or she will assess your skin to determine the best type of makeup that will work for you. They will know which products are best for your skin type (oily or dry for example) or your ethnicity.

A makeup artist can help create the look you want
He or she wants to make sure you look your best! If you have a particular look you are shooting for, he or she can help make that happen for you. But if you don’t have a clue, don’t worry….a professional makeup artist can give you a look that fits your personality and your wedding type (informal, semi-formal, or formal). If you’re not into makeup, don’t be concerned about being overly made up….that’s why a professional offers a trial run makeup session!

A makeup artist will consider the lighting and setting of the wedding
He or she will take into consideration whether you are having an outdoor wedding (with lots of sunlight) or a candlelight ceremony with very little lighting. These are important factors to know when coming up with your bridal look.

A makeup artist will come to you and can be available for touch-ups on wedding day
Unlike going to the makeup counter at the mall, your makeup artist will meet you where you are to enhance your beauty on wedding day. In addition, they can be available to touch up your makeup for post-ceremony and reception pictures (this is particularly important if you are having an outdoor wedding in warm weather).

What about the groom?
No one wants to look washed out on wedding pictures….not even the groom. If he’s interested, a professional makeup artist can ensure he had even skin tone and a great look for those important photos!

Don't wait until the last minute to start thinking about your wedding-day makeup.  When you meet with your makeup artist for the first time, share with him or her your wedding colors, venue, setting, and well as a picture of your wedding dress. Happy Planning!

Should I Get a Second Wedding Dress?

Any of you watch “Say Yes To The Dress” on TLC? That is one of my favorite shows! Sometimes a bride has narrowed her choices down to the top 2, but is stuck trying to determine which one is ‘the’ dress. She loves them both equally and finds herself in a quandary….which dress do I choose? For some, there may be option of choosing both!

Why should I have a second wedding dress?

Different look – You may want to go with one look for the ceremony and one look for the reception (something more traditional for the ceremony, and something more casual for the reception, for example). And if you really want to party the night away at your reception, maybe a less formal dress for the reception is on order (shorter, no veil, etc.)

Wow Factor – Surprising your guests (and even your new husband) with a wardrobe change can add even more excitement to the day! They’ve already seen you look one way, and now they will get to see you look another way….the entire time being the glowing bride. And for those who really enjoy being the center of attention, a wardrobe change will put even more spotlight on you!

Just can’t make a decision – If you absolutely cannot choose between dresses, this could be an option for you (if your budget allows)

Consider something that can be worn again – In my opinion, your second dress should be different from the first one (what’s the point of changing when both dresses are, for example, ball gown styles?). So that you can get more wear out of it, choose a second dress that can be worn again (at a formal ball, after-five event, party, etc).

Why shouldn’t I have a second wedding dress?

It’s not in your budget – Weddings can be expensive, and so can wedding attire. Don’t stress yourself out if you can’t afford more than one dress. Those monies could be better used on your new life after the wedding!

Wardrobe changes takes time – Your wedding day will go by very quickly, and you want to be able to enjoy every minute of it. Changing dresses will take some time away from your guests. If you decide to do this, work closely with your planner or coordinator to determine when during the day you will change, where you will change, who will help you change, etc.

Your Planning Assignment
Ponder the pros and cons of a second wedding dress, and weigh your priorities before you make a decision. Happy Planning!

The 411 on Wedding Favors

Courtesy of Oriental Trading

A favor is a small gift that you can give your guests, as a way of saying ‘thanks’ for attending your wedding. They can range from a small picture frame containing an engagement pic of you and your new husband, a trinket with your name and wedding date on it, or even something edible (edible favors are my favorite!). The possibilities are endless!


Are they necessary?
Favors are a nice thing to have, but in my opinion, are not always necessary. If you are on a tight budget or are looking for a way to decrease costs, this is something that can be eliminated. You are already providing your guests with a delicious meal, delectable dessert, and great entertainment. And if you guests are not really into the favor you give, it may be left on the table, which is a waste of money!

Ideas
If you are going with favors, they should coordinate with your theme or your color scheme. For example, if your wedding has a Mardi Gras theme, your favor could be a mask, something in Mardi Gras colors, or even a slice of King Cake to go (can you tell I’m from New Orleans?) Before deciding on what you will have, think about your guests. Will they enjoy and appreciate what you give? If you choose something more feminine (like a votive candle or a sachet), or something like a shot glass, there will be some guests who would not be able to relate to it (i.e., they don’t drink), and will not take it with them. An edible favor tends to fit both men and women, but you must be aware that some people may be allergic to certain things (like nuts). For more ideas, Google ‘wedding favors’ for an entire list of websites!

DIY favors
When considering DIY favors, keep in mind how much time it will take to put them together, along with the number of guests. If your favor is something with a complex fold or needs a ribbon or some other applique, factor in enough time to get this done (not the night before the wedding). Solicit bridesmaids or other friends to help you with this project….do not do it alone!

Your Planning Assignment

Discuss possibilities with your fiancé, and even ask him what his friends would like. And don’t feel pressured to provide a favor. Happy Planning!