Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Advise from celebrity planner

Bride's Guide: Q&A for the Big Day

When you're planning a wedding, there are a lot of lists. The guest list. The registry list. The vendor list. The do-not-play list. And most important, the to-do list.
  .
Celebrity wedding planner and author of "The Wedding Book" Mindy Weiss is answering some of my questions as I count down the final 30 days to my wedding. When I asked her to share her expert advice for a bride for the last month before the big day, I was thrilled when she sent me a list of her Top 10 Tips.
Even better, many of those tips include … making lists!

Mindy's Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding

1. You must confirm with all your vendors and go over your expectations for the wedding day. Make sure that your vendors are paid ahead of time, so you're not writing checks before you walk down the aisle. Also talk to your officiant to go over last-minute details.
Katie and Mark, the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.
Courtesy Katie Escherich
Katie and Mark, the bride-to-be and groom-to-be.


Mindy's Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding

2. Make lists and give written check-off lists to the vendors. For instance, it's helpful to have a list for the photographer of pictures you don't want him or her to miss!

3. Make your seating chart early. Even if guests cancel, it's nice to have that out of the way. The list can get to the calligrapher or printer for the seating cards and you can fill the tables in the week of the wedding. (For advice on how to approach guests who haven't RSVP'd, CLICK HERE).

4. Don't try any new products on your face, because you could have an adverse skin reaction.

5. Assign someone a list of tasks that you are worried about, and consider a "day of" wedding coordinator so you don't have to worry about whether your vendors are showing up on time.

6. Schedule the pick-up of your dress and walk in your new shoes two weeks before the big day to break them in. It's a good idea to have a second pair of shoes to change into during the reception, because you don't want to end up walking barefoot. (Mindy said she had a bride step on glass midway through the evening!)

7. Have your wedding license and any items you need for the ceremony compiled in a box so as not to forget anything. You can't be too prepared -- it doesn't hurt to have items like matches for a unity candle handy if need be. Make sure all your clothing for the bride and groom are all together ... many of Mindy's couples seem to leave their shoes or bow ties at home, she said.




Mindy's Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding

8. Confirm all honeymoon plans and make sure your passport and/or your identification is in order and won't expire right before your trip.

9. Practice dancing a bit for your first dance, especially if you haven't taken lessons.

10. Nothing is perfect … let go and find your sense of humor!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Jill and Chris ....going to the chapel in a few more weeks...

Christopher planned a New Years trip to Hawaii just for the two of us. On the first night, December 30, he reserved a private oceanside dinner for two. We ate in our own cabana with our own special menu and private waiter. After we were served our main course we held hands and prayed, but after Amen, he didn't let go of my hands. He then began the perfect marriage proposal and got down on one knee to ask if I would marry him, and I said, "Yes, of course!"



We are so excited and can't hardly wait to be a part of their special day!!!