The Premier Bridal Show

We did it! The magic, the dreams, the excitement of The Premier Bridal Show Weddings and Celebrations in the new Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson and the Tupelo Furniture Market in Tupelo. Both shows featured lots of new things from the moment the brides entered the doors: Gallery of Gowns -Gallery of Photography -Tablescapes featuring bridal registry; venues; caterers; cakes; wedding coordinators -Club Room with Live Bands -Groom's Room where the guys watched the play-offs and enjoyed food from local caterers -Fashion Show with salon seating around a 40 foot runway. It truly was an experience at both The Premier Bridal Shows Weddings and Celebrations! Save the dates for The Premier Bridal Show Weddings & Celebrations Coast Show - Sunday, February 28, 2010, 1-4pm at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum-Biloxi and Girls' Night Out, The Premier Bridal Summer Show, Thursday, July 22, 5-8pm at the Hilton-Jackson.

Tis the Season!

Christmas is almost here and I am busily doing last minute shopping and preparing for the Holy Day! After all, we are in the final days of Advent as we prepare to welcome the Christ child. Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. In all the hustle and bustle, meeting obligation, running to and fro, we sometimes loose the spirit of Christmas. We become Scrooge like. Let us stop and reflect the hope that Christmas brings for peace, love and contentment.
Speaking of love, 30% of all engagements occur during the holiday season. Isn't that what weddings are about? The joining of two people with immense love and hope for the future. Marriage is the beginning of a new family, yet the union of the bride and groom's families. What a perfect time to become engaged! During the seaon of love, hope and peace!
From my family to yours, we wish you the blessings of Christmas throughout the year and a wonderful new year!

Get It in Writing!

Recently I was reading a comment from a bride about a local wedding coordinator. The bride wrote that the wedding coordinator failed to do a number of things promised. When I read this, all I could think was "get it in writing". Yes, everything you do for your wedding with every supplier needs to be in writing and as a contract or letter of agreement. That way there are no misgivings, no misunderstandings, and nothing left undone.

The contract or letter of agreement protects both parties. Remember, brides, these suppliers are also business people. Although this is a wonderful celebration of your marriage and these people are excited to help you have that dream wedding, that dream day; they are still business people. Get everything in writing.

Above all, only do business with those wedding professionals who have a business license, appropriate insurance and if they are in the food industry, a health permit. Ask for copies or other proof of documentation and make certain that all licenses and permits are current and in good standing!

I cannot stress this enough particularly when dealing with food. There have been cases where a bride or family were sued because of food poisoning. If they had used a reliable and professional caterer that had liability insurance, that would not have happened. And their guests probably would not have contracted food poisoning.

Regardless of how trivial it may seem to you, when dealing with any wedding supplier, get it in writing. As a professional, they will appreciate that and have no problem suppling you with a written contract or letter of agreement. Remember, e-mails are a quick way to get it in writing. Save your e-mails.

You've dreamed about this day since you were a little girl. Get it in writing. Your wedding is a business venture between you and each wedding professional involved in your wedding...the venue, cakes, photographer, videographer, music, gown, limousine, flowers, decorations, rentals, everything. Get it in writing!

Size Doesn't Matter

Unless it's diamonds and size always matters. But, if it's your dress, don't get caught up in the size. Make sure your dress fits...everywhere...bust, hips, derriere', tummy. There is nothing worse than an ill fitting dress. Too often brides get caught up in a dress size and that's all they will wear whether it looks good or not. Throw out the numbers and look in the mirror. Make sure the dress is a smooth fit with nothing hanging out that is not suppose to be exposed. That's a beautiful gown.

Money Well Spent

Recently, I spoke with a number of wedding coordinators around the state. We discussed the benefits of using a wedding planner.

1. No stress - Your wedding planner takes on the stress of finding the right vendors, the right fabric, the right chairs, whatever it is you want for your perfect wedding. Let them do their job so you can concentrate on other things.
2. Variety of Choices - A good wedding coordinator has great relationships with a number of vendors in every bridal category. She or he can find the right vendor in each for you. Be wary of a vendor that is tied to one vendor and that is the vendor that is recommended to all brides.
3. Details - It's the little things that make the difference and make "Bride-zillas". No "Bride-zillas" here.
4. Cost - Because planners do this everyday, they can usually find and negotiate a better price for you. The money you spend on a wedding coordinator, you will more than save on the products and services secured by your planner.
5. Ask questions - Don't be afraid to ask questions and tell your planner what you want and envision. Remember it's your wedding; not your mother's and not your coordinator's.
6. Get Referrals - Ask friends, family other wedding professionals who they recommend. Talk to the wedding coordinator and see if this is someone you are comfortable with handling one of the most important events of your life. Get referrals. Most wedding coordinators work on a fee or hourly basis. Avoid those that receive a commission or kick back from the vendors they use. Again, they may be more inclined to recommend those vendors and this may not be the best professional for you and your wedding.

Even if you feel, you can't afford a planer, at least have someone the day of the wedding that can help with direction and things at the reception. Take a deep breath and enjoy your day. It goes so quickly. Look around and remember your family and friends that are there to help you celebrate a new chapter in your life.

Last week I was on vacation...Destin, Florida...Henderson Park Inn (which I recommend). While I was there, 2 weddings took place. Both were small and intimate and both were lovely. The first couple were young, each had two attendants plus there were two flower girls. There were maybe 25 people in all. The couple of the second wedding, we met in the ocean. It was the second marriage for both and it was just the two of them on the beach with the officiant and the photographer. What a sweet ceremony! Both brides looked beautiful in their gowns. And the gowns were perfect for the beach. It's so nice to see more gowns that fit a beach wedding. I've seen some beautiful gowns at some of my favorite bridal boutiques...Alfred Angelo Bridal, The Bridal Path, The Bridal Salon at Floyd's Formals, Christine's Couture, Imaginations Bridal, Kay's Kreations, Low's Bridal & Formal, and Mimi's Bridal...that are perfect for the beach and a destination wedding. Seeing these two weddings on the beach where we stayed and knowing there had just been a huge wedding the night before we arrived and that there was going to be another wedding the day we left, confirmed the statistic that I keep seeing...20-30% of weddings today are destination weddings. Wow! Regardless, every bride has her vision of where she wants to get married, have the reception; what she wants to wear; the flowers; the cake; the music; her prince charming. Congratulations to all and best wishes for a wonderful life together!

Going Green

The first time I heard about green weddings was several years ago. I was sitting in the Las Vegas airport conversing with a fellow passenger, someone from Oregon or Washington state. He told me green was big in his part of the country and asked me if green was popular in Mississippi. I replied, "Yes, green is a very popular color especially lime green for spring and summer weddings because it pairs so well with pink, turquoise, chocolate brown, black, orange, yellow, purple and red. In fact, you can carry lime green into the fall with some of those same colors. Of course, when you get into late fall and winter, you may want a heavier green like forest green or emerald green." He was speechless.



Now, I know that green weddings means eco-friendly. And there are so many ways to have a "green wedding". Whether it is using recycled paper and soy ink for your invitations to taking an eco friendly honeymoon, green weddings are becoming more and more popular. You can incorporate some or all to make your wedding more earth friendly, but how nice that couples not only show their love for each other but their love for our planet.