Your Spring Wedding - The Role of Catering Managers

I posted this a year ago, but I think brides still need to be reminded of these facts so I posted it again. Enjoy!



I was speaking with a catering manager the other day and she expressed to me how most brides assume that it is the hotel's (i.e. catering manager's) responsibility to assist with the coordination of the wedding ceremony and to help with little details such as pinning boutonnieres and corsages, for example. I wanted to post this to make sure brides understand that the hotel is only responsible for food, beverage and room settings for your event. Although, I am certain most venues will do their best to make you happy and go above and beyond to assist you, but understand they are not required to do so unless otherwise stated in their contracts.

I was searching for topics on this subject and I found this Q&A piece on the Bahia Hotel (San Deigo) website and it explains in a nutshell what the catering manger is responsible for:

What Role will my Catering Manager Play in my wedding?
Is It the same As a Professional Wedding Coordinator?
To ensure an effortless wedding, we strongly recommend that you hire a professional coordinator to assist you with your wedding. A professional wedding coordinator will assist you in creating a time line, etiquette, rehearsal, ceremony, and day of coordination. Many brides appreciate the extra attention that a wedding coordinator can provide. Prior to your event, meeting with your vendors, coordinating invitations, dresses, transportation, and a myriad of other details can be challenging without the help of a professional. A coordinator can assist with the wedding rehearsal, as well as coordinating the music, seating arrangements, favors, placecards, and organizing everyone involved to guarantee a flawless wedding day. Your Catering Manager will assist you with every aspect of your food and beverage, room setting, and scheduling details.


I know even with this information, some people may still not hire a wedding coordinator and you are well within your right. You must do what's best for you and your budget. But, sometimes having peace of mind on one of the most memorable days of your life is worth the extra expense for hiring a wedding professional.

Photo from Westin Weddings: The Westin Charlotte

Don't forget it's YOUR WEDDING!

Too often couples plan their weddings without them in it. What I mean is, they miss the point about it actually being their weddings. I think with all of the wedding shows and the bridal magazines and the past weddings they have seen, they forget that their wedding is about them.

Please do not misunderstand, I think blogs, mags, shows and even past events are excellent resources for inspiration, but one should not have a cookie-cutter wedding. There are many ways a bride and groom can evoke their "couple" style into their event. All that needs to be done is for them to simply look at their relationship as a whole, and talk about how it started and how they got where they are right now at that very moment. That conversation will be unique to every couple, which in turn will assist them in planning an event that is unique to them.

It is so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but such a personal event should have some wonderful personal touches that are special to the guests of honor. I guess what I am trying to say is to simply take time to make your event yours, actually sit and think what would make the two of you happy on your wedding day, because at the end of the night your opinion is the only one that really matters!

The First 5 Things to Do Before You Start Your Wedding Planning

Often times as soon as the rock is on the finger brides are off to the book store buying the wedding planning guide, that's if they didn't already have it! : ) Here are some things that I think brides should do first, before they even start picking bridesmaids or before they have a consultation with a wedding planner.

1. Enjoy the idea (fact) that you are engaged. A lot of times brides jump right into the planning that they do not sit and just enjoy the love that is shared between the couple.

2. Write it Down! If you ask any bride married more than a year, they unfortunately may not remember what the love of their life actually said to them when he asked for their hand in marriage on that beautiful day. I have been married almost 7 years and I remember the scene, what music was playing, what I drank, but I can't remember what he said. Write it down, you will want to remember those beautiful words.

3. Talk to Each Other About Your Wedding Expectations. It would be great to just sit and chat about what each of you want on your wedding day. Doing this before you start planning may help you from going back and forth during the planning phase. Also, it's great to get the groom talking ahead of time, because he may become less interested as time goes on. :)

4. Determine what type of bride you are. Are you one who knows they are a control freak? Do you not have a clue of what to do first? Or are you the bride who says I can do it all by myself? Knowing these things will help determine what type of help if any you want on your wedding day or during the planning phase.

5. Announce Your Engagement. When announcing your engagement, if you have children you should tell them first, then your parents, your close family and then friends. You can easily be done in person, via phone, email or even through snail mail with a formal announcement.


The fabulous announcement above is from Social Circles Designs.

Welcome Packages are still a nice touch

In March 2002, I got married and even on my shoestring budget I wanted to have something in the hotel rooms of my out of town guests to thank them for traveling so far when they arrived. So in each package I gave a Tallahassee city map and city guide, a weekend itinerary and a little package of homemade sugar cookies baked by little ole' me. Now, I know that was not very fancy, but it was a nice touch that was appreciated by those guests the entire wedding weekend. Of course, I didn't think to take a picture of it!

I am a big stickler for staying on budget, but if you had a little wiggle room, I think it would be courteous to deliver your out of town guests a few items to make them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar city. Your local Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for providing items related to the city you are having your nuptials. Often times these items are very reasonably priced or even free, which is great for you guys on a tight budget.

Now, for those of you who have designated money into your budgets for these gifts, there are companies that specialize in preparing gift baskets for your wedding theme and budget. CarePkg, a gift package design company, customizes each welcome package based on your theme, color or budget. These ladies provide you with unique items for each basket designed. Each package is designed specifically for your event and is styled with trendy products and treats to make your guests ohh and ahhh.

So basically, there is help for those of you who don't have the time to bake your own special cookies or would just prefer someone else to gather all of the items to make your package unique. Having a special package for your guests as they check into their hotel rooms is an excellent way to say thank you for traveling to your wedding.

Image from afamous artist.

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway...It's Yours!

I was watching a program tonight and I noticed how stressful being a bride can be. I know you have the normal stress of the budget and vendors and wanting more participation from the groom, but what about the stress of family members. Having to deal with your mom wanting the ceremony in a church and your future mother-in-law wanting to invite an extra fifty people could be enough to drive you crazy.

I guess this whole post is to remind brides and grooms out there that your wedding is about you! Not your mom. Not your dad. It should be about the two of you and the life that you are starting as a married couple. I know it's easier said than done, especially when mom is contributing to the budget of the event, but I would encourage you to not compromise on the items that you know will make your day a special one. Who wants to look back at their wedding pictures ten years from now and have regrets! Keep in mind you want to happily remember your wedding day! Don't leave yourself out of your own wedding!!!

Thanks Dr. King!

Happy MLK Day! Today, my husband and daughter and I went to the Levine Museum of the New South to view the exhibit Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers, which was an excellent depiction of how the Charlotte area has grown since the 1800's from slavery to it's present. First I must say, it was an excellent exhibit and if you haven't seen it you should take a break from your wedding planning and get on down there. But anyway, I showed my two and half year old Ronni the picture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and she asks "what him do"? : ) I told her, he taught people to be nice to each other. Simply put, but that's what he did. I've spent the day just thinking, what if there wasn't a Dr. King or the like? How would our lives be different. Well, here's a short list I quickly came up with:

• More than likely I wouldn't live where I live, in a multi-racial neighborhood that I love
• My husband would probably not have the job he has now
• My daughter probably wouldn't be welcomed in the preschool I just enrolled her in for the fall
• Chances are you probably wouldn't be able to date the person you're dating now comfortably if you're in a multi-racial relationship and you wouldn't be able to marry them
• I wouldn't be able to cast my vote for the upcoming election
  

No matter what your political affiliation, you have to admit that there would be no Barack Obama, if sacrifices had not been made by Dr. King and his colleagues. I am sincerely thankful for those who participated in the Civil Rights movement. This is coming from someone who actually cried when I voted for the first time. Having understood at that moment (18 years old) how many people died for me a young black girl to have the right to vote, it overwhelmed me. I'm sincerely thankful to those who have paved the way to make my life what it is today and I'm grateful to those who continue to live each day treating people as people, fairly and equally and not judging them based on the color of their skin.

Photo: Teaching American History in Maryland, Brown vs. The Board of Education

No More "traditional" Guest Books!

We are headed into the 2008 wedding season and there is one thing I would like to see more couples do in regards to their weddings.... get rid of the old school guest book! Yes, I had one. If you have no idea what I'm speaking of it's your regular "guest book" that your guest stand in line to sign in once they enter your ceremony or reception. This book is supposed to be kept by the couple to remember who came to celebrate with them. Well, who actually keeps out a book full of names on the coffee table. I don't. To be honest, I have no idea where my guest book is. Sad isn't it. It's not like I've been married for decades, it's only been 5 years, but that just shows you how what is supposed to be a meaningful keepsake can get "trashed" in a box in your attic. So ladies and gents this is my charge to you, forget those books and consider these two options.

The Sign In Guest Mat: Has been very popular lately, which I'm happy about. You can actually hang your "guest book" on the wall for all to see and for you to remember. Here is one from a wedding I worked on this summer.

Instant Photo Guest Book: This by far is my favorite idea! I wish I would've known to do this for my wedding. At least I would've been able to remember who was actually there. (Sidenote: If you can't remember all of your guests at your wedding, you had TOO many guests!!!) Anyway, this is such a fun idea. Here is how it works. Your guests walk in and you have a "guest book" station set up and their picture is taken with a Polaroid camera. While their picture "comes to life" they write a message in the book and their picture is inserted beside their note. It's just that easy.

Remember, it's your wedding day, have no regrets! As you can see I have a few. :) Make it a fun and memorable day for you and your guests to remember.

Images: Guest Mat courtesy of Elly's Photography
Instant Photo Book courtesy of Beau-coup

Yes You Can Hire a Wedding Planner by the Hour

Did you know that you can hire wedding planners by the hour? Of course you can! This is a great option for a bride who may not necessarily be able to afford an individual wedding planning package, but still may need assistance with getting her wedding day planned. If you are interested in having a professional take care of some much needed items for you, find out if they can be hired on an hourly basis. This works great for those brides who are trying to pull off their wedding on a shoestring budget.
So how would you utilize a wedding planner by the hour you ask? Hmmm.. let me count the ways!

• Meet with your vendors
  
• Locate ceremony and reception sites that match your style
  
• Provide event design assistance
• Handle the addressing and mailing of your invitations
• Tracking your guest list and RSVP's
• Searching for the items for the Welcome Baskets for Out of Town Guests and putting them together

And I just thought of those few ideas in the minute or two it's taking me to write this post. So I know you as a bride or mother of the bride can think of numerous ways a professional planner can be put to use. Really, you don't have to do it alone. If you need help, get it!

Dream Wedding Money Saving Tips

Congrats you just got engaged and you may be terrified by what your dream wedding may possibly cost. Well, it is possible to have your dream wedding without going over your budget. So, if you are not lucky enough to have a money-tree in your backyard the following info may help.

1. Your Wedding, Your Guest List! This one is a tough one. Your families are so excited they want to invite all of their co-workers, their long lost cousins and of course you can't forget the people that invited them to their kid's weddings. You must take control of this guest list, it's your wedding. You may have to tread lightly without hurting mom's feelings, but if you're paying for this bash you should get the final say on the guest list and count. With every person you invite to the reception you have to look at it as a total package of expenses. You will be providing a meal for them, you may to rent the chair their sitting in, the linen that's dressing the table and the centerpiece. Each guest is worth hundreds of dollars in some cases. So if you're looking to save money, start here first.
   
2. Your Wedding Party. I know these girls have been your friends since kindergarten or since the first day of college, but if you're trying to stick to a particular budget you may want to consider making your wedding party a teeny bit smaller. Just like your guests, your wedding party is also worth hundreds of dollars in some cases. Remember for every person in your party, you will be providing meals (rehearsal dinner, breakfast for the day of the ceremony and reception meal) , flowers, gifts and transportation. Now let me be clear if you must have a 10 bridesmaids because it just won't be a special day without them, that's fine, but you have to remember that every attendant has an expense attached to them. So think about this while setting your budget. With the money you're spending on your huge wedding party you could possibly use it toward something else. Just a thought!
   
3. Your Cake. I love cake! That is actually one of my favorite parts of the reception! I've seen some gorgeous ones that look just as great as they have tasted. But if you've been perusing through the Martha Stewart Weddings Mag and other bridal mags looking at cakes you must understand that cakes are not cheap. Cake designing takes talent and takes time, which equates to $$$. I know here in Charlotte, wedding cakes start from $2.50 per serving and that's not your Martha Stewart Cake with all of the intricate details. So, here is my suggestion, when meeting with the cake designer really think about how many of your guests are actually going to stay until the cake is cut. Normally the cake is cut at the very end of the night, unless it's being served as the dessert course of your sit-down dinner. So, think about it, is Aunt Sue going to stay until the cake is cut? Two of the weddings I did the summer had so much cake left over, at least enough to serve 50 people. So think about that, at $2.50 a serving the couple really could've saved at least $125!
   
4. Wedding Favors and Programs. Both are great ideas and they give a very nice touch, but if you're looking to save money somewhere you can definitely save a couple of hundred here easily. Remember, any item you give your guests needs to be useful or edible or guess what it's going in the trash!
   

Remember it's your wedding, your money, do it your way!

Pink Ribbon Bagel

It is hard to find any food item that makes me just as happy as a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks these days, but a close second is the Pink Ribbon Bagel at Panera Bread. If you don't have a Panera Bread in your area, I feel awful for you, but with over 1000 locations in the country you should be close to one. I was meaning to blog about this a couple of weeks ago, but I forgot. For the entire month of October, Panera Bread features their Pink Ribbon Bagel, made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness. So you have to hurry, because October is almost over! Go over try one of these fabulous bagels with hazelnut cream cheese and a cup of hazelnut coffee!! DELICIOUS! I love it, good food for a great cause! By the way, if you're reading Panera Bread people, I would buy this year round!

Thank You Notes: Yes You Still Need To Send Them

When was the last time you sent someone a Thank You Note? I'm not just talking about a note for your wedding gifts, but a heartfelt thank you to someone who did something or said something to you that you thought was thoughtful and uplifting. We all are so busy with the daily grind, that I think we've forgotten what we learned in 2nd Grade, how to write letters. Well, a thank you note isn't a drawn out letter, but it is a handwritten message sent via mail to someone. So we'll say that's close enough. I know it's so easy to send that person an email and say "Thanks so much for lunch", but to get a nice card in the mail makes a much better impression.

So, if you're stumped, here is a quick little cheat sheet to help you write a thank you note. We'll use my lunch example stated earlier.

1. Give an appropriate greeting: Dear Kristen,
2. Simply say thanks: Thanks so much for lunch today, I had a wonderful time.
   
3. Say something nice about the item or gesture (in this case): The food was wonderful and I really enjoyed your company.
4. Mention the past and hint at the future : It was great to meet you and I look forward to working with you in the future.
5. Say thanks again: Thank you again!
   
6. Give your regards: Sincerely, Shanika
   

See, very simple and I bet it will mean a lot more than just getting an email!

Photo taken from Etsy.

Recycle Please!!!

Today is Blog Action Day and I've had such a busy day that I've almost missed blogging about it. Today tons of bloggers all over are taking time to write about one topic, our precious environment. How does your environment look where you live? Are you doing anything to improve it? I know sometimes you may ask how can I help, but you'd be amazed how much help YOU can give. Well, here is an easy one for you, recycling. No matter how busy you are or how little you know about the state of our environment, you can recycle. Basically, recycling prevents the waste of materials and reduces energy. Yes all from you recycling.

I know in my city of Charlotte, NC we have the CURB IT program which encourages all residents of the city to recycle by just bringing your little red bin to the curb. Now don't bring it to the curb empty. :) Below is the list of all of the items that can be recycled in our local area and I'm sure it's pretty standard nationwide.

• No.1 and No. 2 recyclable plastics (milk jugs, liquid detergent bottles, plastic soft drink bottles, etc.) Please rinse and remove lids. Lids are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage.
• Glass - Please rinse and remove lids. Lids are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage.
• Magazines and Shopping Catalogues - Both magazines and home shopping catalogues are recyclable. Place them in your red Curb It recycling bin or with newspapers. A brown paper bag may also be used, NOT a plastic bag.
• Newspapers - Newspapers and inserts are recyclable. Place them under the Curb It bin or on top or beside the glass, aluminum, metal and plastic in your bin. To prevent newspapers from being blown by the wind, you may stack them on top of, beside or underneath the recycling bin or place them in a brown paper bag. Please no plastic grocery bags.
• Cardboard - Please place cardboard at curbside for recycling collection. Cardboard cannot be scheduled for bulky item collection. To ensure collection, please make sure that all cardboard boxes are empty, cut into pieces no larger than 3 feet x 3 feet, flattened and stacked neatly at curbside on your scheduled collection day.
• Plastic Bottles - Please remove the lids and crush the plastic bottles before placing them in the recycling bin for collection. Lids are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage.
• Spiral Paper Cans - Spiral paper cans, round cans with spiral grooves on the side and metal bottoms, may be recycled. Remove any plastic or metal lids and rinse or wipe out any remaining food stuff.
• Steel Cans - Steel food containers should be rinsed out to remove any remaining food stuff before placing in the red Curb It recycling bin for collection.
• Telephone Books - Each year the City collects out-dated residential telephone books. Place your directory in the red Curb It recycling bin or place underneath with newspapers.
• Aluminum cans - Please rinse and crush cans before placing them in the recycling bin.
• Junk mail - Mail and envelopes can be recycled.
• Mixed paper
• Gift wrap

This is the easiest thing you can do for our environment. Instead of putting the plastic bottle in the trash can, just recycle it. It's just that simple. This is something I'm even teaching my 2 year old to do. Hopefully, tomorrow morning when you finish with that box of cereal you'll place it in the recycling bin instead of the trash can. Mother Nature thanks you!

Why Did I Get Married?

First of all I had no idea this movie existed, because with my 5-6 hours of week of tv I get to watch it's all on the DVR so that means no commercials. But anyway, last night, I went out to the movies and completely enjoyed Why Did I Get Married a great movie written by Tyler Perry. This movie was absolutely great!! Without giving away the movie it really is a simple movie of how after 10 years of married couples can completely allow their own personal needs and wants to get in the way of their marriage. And it got me thinking.

So many couples put so much emphasis on their wedding day that they don't prepare properly for their life long commitment to one another. I think sometimes people get obsessed with the hoopla of the flowers, the cake , the dress that they forget the reason for it all. So for starters, engaged couples out there, I'm recommending you all to see this movie. It can be a great conversation starter between you guys and get you talking about some issues you may not have discussed. I think, well let's say I know, it is important to prepare for your wedding, but it is more important to plan for your marriage.

Wedding Budget

Do you have one? Brides often ask what should be done after they've shown off the rock and gotten hugs from the families and friends. Well, my dears, you need to set a budget. Oh, I forgot to to add a very important word, a realistic budget!! I know, I know it's so easy getting caught up with all of the beautiful ideas seen on tv, the bridal mags and the internet. But only you and only you, know what you can afford. So, if you aren't interested in paying for your wedding months after you've come back from your honeymoon, I would suggest a realistic budget and stick to it.

Having a budget not only helps you but helps wedding planners, like myself, who are trying our hardest to make sure we stay within if not under your budget, all while giving you that dream day you've been looking forward to. Your wedding should be done your way and your aim should not be how can impress my guests, but it should be a day planned with you and your darling in mind. So, to start you on your way to happy wedding planning, take a look at this general budget and let that be your starting point. Your wedding planner will be so excited when you walk in for your consultation with a budget worksheet already started.

Here are some general percentages of what your expenses may look like on your wedding day. These percentages of course are subject to change.

• 5% -Ceremony
  
• 48% -Reception
  
• 10%- Attire
  
• 9% -Flowers & Decor
  
• 8% -Music
  
• 12% -Photography
  
• 2% -Transportation
  
• 3%- Stationery
  
• 3% -Gifts
  

Sustainable Wedding Favors

I read once that if you're giving a wedding favor to your guests it should be either something edible or useful. First, I must say that I am aware of the state of our environment and I do my part, but I can always do more. So, if you aren't having a "green wedding", but you would still like to do something to help our environment, here are a few ideas that will make an impact on your guests and make you feel great.

The I Do Foundation. Have you heard of it? I'm sure you have, but if you have not, their vision is "in time, charitable giving will become an integral part of the culture of weddings and other life events". I think that is wonderful and they make it really is easy to contribute to any charitable organization. Here is how it works:

1. You can basically support any nonprofit organization with your favor purchase. You select a charity of your choice (you can also recommend one if it isn't listed with the I Do Foundation.
   
2. You decide the amount you'd like to give. You can give a set amount or donate dollars per guests.
3. You order placecards letting your guests know that you have made a donation on their behalf to a particular charitable organization.
4. You make the donation to I Do Foundation and then they will make the donation to the organization on your behalf.

This is such a wonderful idea and it is sure to make your guests feel good and it will make you feel good knowing that you've spent money for a worthy cause.

Did you know that if every American home replaced just one light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, that there would be enough energy saved to light more than 2.5 million homes per year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars? I didn't know that. Hmm.. I need to run out and get some new bulbs! Well this would be an excellent favor for your guests with a beautiful bow and a little note explaining why they should change their bulbs. What a great gift to send each guest home with and it's USEFUL!

Another great idea is to give your guests seeds to plant a tree. This is a wonderful way for them to look back year after year and remember your wedding, but most importantly, it is a great way to help our environment. Plant A Memory is a great site to check out if you are interested in giving a gift that can help fight global warming.

I hope I've given you a few ideas that you can use to make your impact on making our environment a better one, even on your wedding day!

It's my Dreeeaammm!!! Becoming a Wedding Planner

I know, I know it's my dreeeaaaam! But really ladies and gentlemen being an event planner is not close to being that glamorous job you see on what I call Wed TV (all the wedding shows out there). Standing for 12 hours straight and hauling boxes back and forth is definitely not the image I know you have of an event planner, but that is truly how it is. It is a tough industry to get started in and even tougher to be successful in.

My girl, Saundra, in Indiana is doing an excellent piece on Becoming a Wedding Planner. Whether she knows it or not she's speaking for a lot of event planners nationwide. Go over to her site and read all three parts of this fabulous series, especially if you are seriously thinking about being an event planner.

Mocktails....Non-Alcoholic Signature Drinks for Your Wedding Reception

No that's not a typo, I meant to say Non Alcoholic Signature Drinks! Yes it can be done. I was having a chat last night with a bride-to-be who is trying to determine if she and her fiance should serve alcohol at their reception when the two of them do not drink. I do understand the concern of trying to please your guests, because I think it is very important to make your guests feel comfy, but not if it compromises your values or beliefs.

Just so I'm clear, I'm not downing anyone for having a full bar with top shelf liquor at their party, this is merely to give some ideas for those who do not want to serve alcohol or wanting to give an option to your guests who aren't drinkers (which is a great idea)! Believe it or not people, you can still have a fun party without alcoholic drinks. Take a look at a few options...

How about the Virginal Sangria (not sure if I like that name).

Ingredients:
Your favorite fruits (I used red delicious apples, oranges, plums, and peaches), sliced artistically
3/4 C homemade grenadine (Pomegranate syrup)
4 C 100% Cranberry Juice
4 C Ginger Ale, cold

Directions:
The day before you wish to serve this sangria do the following:
In a large bowl place sliced fruits, cover with the cranberry juice and the pomegranate syrup.

Refrigerate overnight. Also have the ginger ale cooling in the fridge.

At service:
In an attractive serving pitcher add ice and the 4 cups of ginger ale.

To this add fruit chunks and the soaking liquid. Serve and enjoy.

Now for all you who are looking for a traditional southern drink without the kick to it, try the Virgin Mint Julep.

1	ounce lime juice (or juice of 1/2 lime)
1	ounce orange juice
1	ounce pineapple juice
1/2	ounce raspberry flavored syrup
	club soda, to fill glass
4	crushed mint leaves

1. Combine all ingredients except club soda in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into collins glass. Add club soda and stir gently.
3. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Now this was my favorite find, it's called the Blushing Bride. This drink would be lovely served in a flute or in a martini glass.

Ingredients:
5 oz sparkling cider
splash of grenadine
splash of lime juice

Fill glass with sparkling cider and add grenadine and lime juice. Garnish with maraschino cherry.



Now to end the night, why not offer a signature coffee. This would be a wonderful touch to send your guests off rejuvenated with a nice latte, cafe au lait or even your own special recipe. This one sounds delish! I may try it in the morning.


Chocolate Cream Coffee

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 cup coffee
• Ground cinnamon
• Sweetened chocolate powder
• Grated orange peel

Whip all but 1 tablespoon of the cream. Stir the reserved tablespoon of cream and the chocolate syrup in a saucepan over low heat until mixed together. Add the coffee gradually, stirring the mixture as you do so. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and cinnamon, chocolate powder, and grated orange peel.

I hope these ideas have shown you the many possibilities of drinks that can be served at your reception. There are a number of alcoholic drinks that can be changed to a non-alcoholic beverage. Ask your caterer/bartender or better yet ask your planner to help you!

Remember this is your wedding!

I was given the link to a good article in the NY Times, entitled Taming the Runaway Wedding Planner. I enjoyed reading the article and found a few points for those of you who may be looking to hire a wedding planner.

• My fav quote was "...find a planner who wants to put together your wedding, not theirs". My number one responsibility as an event planner is to plan the event my client is requesting. I'm not planning my wedding or my party, I'm planning the wedding my client has been dreaming about since they were a little girl. If I am not fond of the color palette, so what? Like I always say remember this is your wedding.
• "Good planners should pay for themselves." With the average cost of a wedding being almost $28,000, a great deal of care should go into selecting vendors and making arrangements. That includes wedding planners. When you are investing that much money into an event it is imperative to have someone there to ensure that your $28,000 is spent with vendors that are trustworthy and professional. At the end of your wedding reception when you're on your way to your honeymoon reflecting on your beautiful nuptials, you should feel that hiring your wedding planner was the best money you've ever spent.
• "We just didn't connect with our planner on any level". Planning a wedding takes a lot of long hours and a lot of those hours will be spent working with your planner. You don't want to work with someone that you can not get along with. You want your wedding to be a pleasurable experience and so should the planning process (which is the reason you hired the planner anyway). I know you want to know how many weddings they've done or how many vendors they are connected to, but most importantly you need to know that you can work together.

Choose your wedding planner wisely and make sure they are capable of making your day exactly as you've envisioned it!

If only I could have a wedding do-over!

Well you know there are no do-overs on your wedding day, so that's why couples spend so much time planning and obsessing over every detail. I got married five years ago and I can honestly say I was a nonchalant bride. Not really concerned about the details of my flowers, what the food tastes like (because how bad could it be) or how good the photographer was. I just wanted to get married. Now fast forward five years... boy do I know better! I wish I would've known "better" back then!

If I could do it again:

Redo #1: I would've given more input on the design of my bridal bouquet. It was a silk bouquet (due to our budget) but that wasn't the problem, it was all white. It just blended right into my stark white gown. I look back at my photos now and I can't even see it. Your bridal bouquet is what you'll see on all of you pictures. It's attached to you for the entire day. Spend time on making sure it is as beautiful as you will be.

Redo #2: It is imperative that you hire a DJ/musician that can actually play the music you request. Sounds pretty simple right? Well my DJ played everything on our do not play list. We asked for no rap and as soon as the dancing began he played a rap song. My coordinator had to tell him more than once to change the music selection. What a nightmare that was! Well he did get our first dance song right.

Redo #3: Our biggest mistake of our entire event was our photographer. If anyone tells you that your photographer doesn't matter, ignore them. I didn't think it would matter. Our photographer had a portfolio and her pictures looked nice, but I was in such a rush I only interviewed one photographer. Big mistake. Had I checked around I would've realized her pictures were less than desirable. Your pictures stay with your forever and years down the road you want to be able to relive every moment through your photos. Choose wisely.

On a side note, our wedding cake was beautiful, I had a cooperative wedding party and my wedding coordinator was great. Having Ms. Leola there to coordinate and decorate my event was the best decision we made. Our wedding wasn't a disaster, but because I plan events now there are few things that just make me cringe when I think about it. Remember take your time and plan your event. Trust me you'll be happy that you obsessed over all of the little details.