Saturday, December 31, 2016

Day #31 - Wedding Cake Inspiration


As 2016 comes to a close and we reflect on all the good and bad of the year, I thought it would be nice to end on a sweet, beautiful, delectable, yummy, delicious, gorgeous, masterpiece, artistic, tasty and stunning note.  Take a look at some of my favorite wedding cakes.  And if you know me personally, you know I tasted each and every one of them!!! #Happiness

Cake by Bittersweet Chicago
Cake by Delish Cakes
Cake by Delish Cakes
Cake by Delish Cakes

Cake by Delish Cakes
Cake by Amy Beck Cakes
Cake by Vanille Pastisserie

Until next time...Happy 2017 and WEDologize!

Photo credits - Rush Productions, Photography by Lauryn, George Street Photo, Robyn Photography, Image Makers Photography

Friday, December 30, 2016

Day #30 - The Groom's Timeline


I'm always writing timelines and information for the ladies.  Sorry men...please forgive me.  Below is a detailed timeline of what the GROOM needs to do in preparation for wedding day.

12 months before
Determine budget contribution, including any gifts from parents, family, friends, etc.
Choose attendants (Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers, Ring Bearer) and invite them
    to be in the wedding
 
7 to 9 months before
Reserve rehearsal dinner location
Compile your friend/family guest list
 
4 to 6 months before
Reserve mens' formal wear
 
2 to 3 months before
Purchase meaningful gift for bride
Purchase gifts for your attendants and parents
Decide on rehearsal and rehearsal dinner attire
Order rehearsal dinner invitations
Choose song for mother/groom dance
 
6 to 8 weeks before
Confirm formal wear measurements
Confirm rehearsal dinner menu
 
1 month before
Send rehearsal dinner invitations
Tale care of business and legal affairs (inform car, home, renter's insurance of marriage
    Change beneficiary to fiancĂ©e for will and life insurance policy)
Attend bachelor party and any couple's showers
 
2 to 3 weeks before
Make appointments for hair, manicure, other grooming
Create wedding day schedule
 
1 week before
Confirm rehearsal dinner plans
Pack for honeymoon
Prepare speech and toast for reception
Write your vows
Order flowers to be delivered to bride, mother and mother-in-law
    on wedding morning
 
1 to 2 days before
Pick up tuxedo rentals
 
The wedding day
Give wedding rings and officiant's fee to best man
Give license to officiant
Give gift to bride
Relax and let it all sink in!
 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com
Timeline credit - http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com/

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Day #29 - You Are Engaged...Now What?






Time is going to start moving fast once you are engaged and have "set" the wedding date.  Below is a list of those intial to-do's to get the wedding planing process started:
  • Research and hire a wedding planner 
  • Set your wedding budget
  • Announce your engagement and prepare to have an intimate celebration
  • Select your wedding party
  • Start searching for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception venues
  • Start formulating your wedding guest list 
  • Start looking for your wedding gown
  • Visit a wedding show
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - George Street Photography

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Day #28 - Wedding Invitation Timeline

 
The wedding invitation is the first indication to your wedding guests of the type of wedding you are having.  It shares your wedding "style" on paper.  So make sure to make a great impression.  With that said, below is a simple stationery timeline for you to consider:
  • 1 year before the wedding - start working on the guest list and gather full addresses
  • 10 months before the wedding - start shopping for Save The Dates
  • 6-9 months before the wedding - finalize the mailing addresses and mail the Save The Dates
  • 4-6 months before the wedding - shop and order your wedding invitation suite and hire your calligraphist or digital printer to address the envelopes.  No labels, please.
  • 3 months before the wedding - mail your wedding invitations
  • 1 month before the wedding - contact via phone or e-mail the wedding guests that have not RSVP'd
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - http://dejanaeevents.carlsoncraft.com/

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Day #27 - Honeymoon Preparation


You are going to need a passport to visit any country outside of the United States except for the US Territories (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands).  But honestly, I believe that is going to change soon for traveling within the United States.  With that said, I believe it's best to plan ahead and obtain your passport.

Do not wait until the last minute to apply for your passport.  It takes about 6 weeks to process.  Can you get it quicker than that...yes, but the expediting fees are pretty hefty.  When applying for your passport, you will need your original birth certificate, the passport application and a 2"x2" passport photo.

In order to actually travel, your full name must match on your passport and airline ticket.  Once you have returned from your honeymoon and have an original copy of your marriage license, you can then change the name on your passport.

For more information, please visit - https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Jeremy Mann Photography

Monday, December 26, 2016

Day #26 - Catering Numbers



Planning for the meal you will be serving at your wedding reception is the 2nd most important process outside of booking the venue.  You need to have a budget in mind for your food and beverage and that is typically 40-50% of the overall wedding budget.  If you are going with a venue that requires you to hire an off-premise caterer, hire a company that is professional and has multiple menu options.

Below is a catering guide to follow for a 4-6 hour event:

Appetizers - 5-6 pieces per guest
Cocktail - 1.5 drinks per guest per hour
Cold drink - 1 drink per guest per hour
Entree - 1 serving per guest
Side dishes - 1.5 servings per guest
Wedding cake - 1 slice per guest
Cupcakes - 1.5 cupcake per guest
Cookies - 3 per guest
Candy - .5 cup per guest
Hot drink - 1 cup per guest
 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Rush Productions
Info from Today's Bride Akron/Canton

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Day #25 - Merry Christmas from DE


My Christmas Wish To YOU
By

If I could wish a wish for you,

it would be for peace, faith, and happiness
not only at Christmas,
but for the whole year through!

I wish that there always be food on your table.
That you always give to those less fortunate.
May you always take time to share,
and thank those who have blessed you.

I wish for time, so you may reflect
on the blessings that you have,
and that you express your love
to those who are dear to you.

May you never feel lonely,
because there are those who care.
That you realize: you are special,
you are unique, you make a difference,
not only at Christmas, but all year!

I wish for your thoughts to be positive ones,
that you never quit, that you never give up,
and that you continue to learn.

I wish for the love, and peace of God,
to be yours always.



From the Dejanae Events Team to you family and friends,
have a Merry Christmas and safe holiday season!!! xoxo

Until next time...WEDologize!

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Day #24 - Wedding Day Do


When selecting the hair style you want to showcase on your wedding day, there are 3 things you need to consider.

1.  Seek out inspiration.  Choose the color, style and length at least 6-9 months before the wedding.  Meet with your stylist or ask your wedding planner and/or friends for recommendations.  Also consider if you will be wearing a veil or head piece to accessorize your wedding gown.

2.  Allow your stylist to prepare your hair weeks before the wedding with a trim and deep conditioning treatment.  Also, schedule your trial a couple months in advance.  Make sure to bring your jewelry and any hair accessories to that appointment.


3.  Make sure to ask your stylist what he/she will need onsite for wedding day if they are coming to you.  Also, make sure to be prepared for hair mishaps by packing a small emergency kit to include hair spray, bobby pins, comb and brush.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Rush Productions

Friday, December 23, 2016

Day #23 - Wedding Gown Shopping

 
Custom gown by Pnina Tornai

Shopping for your wedding gown and be overwhelming sometimes.  Make sure to prepare yourself for what should be a truly fun and emotional experience.  Start your wedding gown search by flipping through magazines, bridal websites and on Pinterest.  Make sure to bring those pictures with you to your first wedding gown appointment.  This will help the consultant pull some gowns similar to those styles that will also work with your body type.

More importantly, make sure to have a budget in mind before you go wedding gown shopping.  Most brides will spend about 10% of the overall budget on the gown of their dreams.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Carasco Photography

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Day #22 - Menu Card Formality


I soooo love a menu card to add that additional punch when focusing on the details of a tablescape.  Not only does it give your guests the menu at their fingertips, it can also add some additional color to your guest's place-setting.  But what do you think of when you see a menu card?  The standard is a piece of cardstock with the menu laid out in the following format: courses outlined by number - first, second, etc. or soup, salad, entree, dessert.  But how about laying the menu out using one of these different designs.






Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Rush Productions, Juancho SC Photography, Photography by Lauryn and George Street Photography

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Day #21 - Guest Etiquette


I was recently asked this question - How do I feel about inviting someone to the wedding ceremony, but not the reception?  In my opinion...don't.  The worst thing that could happen is the "uninvited reception" sees the completed wedding invitation or speaks with an "invited reception guest during the ceremony and hurt feelings evolve.  If you are limited in who you can invite to your wedding reception, just send those guest a wedding announcement after your nuptials to avoid unnecessary conflict.






There are also some rules of etiquette that must be considered. If you send someone a Save The Date, they should also be on the final guest list to receive the official wedding invitation.  Also, if a guest is invited to your bridal shower or couple shower, it should be your intentions to invite them to your wedding day celebration as well. Otherwise, it looks like you "used" them for a gift.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Day #20 - That Dreaded Guest List



Today's post is simple...I'm going to focus on the dreaded wedding guest list and tackle some of the questions that every couple faces.

Almost immediately, you need to start discussing who you are going to invite to your wedding. And understand, this is a joint effort between the bride, groom and both sets of parents. I suggest creating three lists - (1) must be invited; (2) should be invited; and (3) would be nice to invite. Then decide do you want children to attend your wedding reception. Once the lists are compiled is when you can start making the final invitee list and begin working on your stationery items and pre-wedding functions. Last, to make your life easier in the long-run, create the list in a spreadsheet including their name, address, phone and email address.


Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Robyn Photography

Monday, December 19, 2016

Day #19 - Focusing on Reception Decor



On last Monday's blog post I shared some place setting ideas for the reception.  Well today we will talk about the reception's floral needs. I'm a firm believer that when dealing with the floral budget, put more towards the reception because your guests will be at that location for 4-6 hours verses your ceremony location for 1-2 hours.

For your reception decor, consider the following to enhance the space:
Cocktail table small arrangements
Escort Card table arrangement
Head or Sweetheart table arrangements (but you can cut costs in this department by using the bridal bouquets as decor)
Guest Book table arrangement, if it's not placed on the escort card table
Guest table centerpieces, possibly varying in height and size
Wedding cake and table florals
Gift table floral
Buffet/Catering table arrangements
Catering Tray floral buds
Bar arrangement
Restroom arrangements

One important note when selecting the guest table centerpieces, make sure to arrangement does not distort the guests conversation by being too large or by not using transparent vessels.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Husar Photography

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Day #18 - The On-Site Reception Coordinator


The reception on-site coordinator or manager is there to assist couples with the planning at the reception venue.  They do not take the place of a professional wedding coordinator.  Their main goals are to handle the reception details such as catering and the bar.  When speaking with the on-site coordinators during your venue tours, make sure to ask the following questions:
  • What are their restrictions when it comes to decor, outside food and beverages.
  • Find out about those "add-on" costs such as cake cutting fees or corkage fees.
  • Well you be the only wedding on-site that day? If no, what type of signage will they have in place for your wedding guests?
  • Do they have a preferred list of vendors that you must use or is it only a "recommended" list?

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Carasco Photography

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Day #17 - The Single Guest Question


As a wedding planner, this a question I get all the time:
We want to invite several of our single friends to the wedding.  Do we have to give them the option of bringing a guest?

We here is my answer:
It's nice to allow your single guests to bring a date, but it is not required.  Decide on a case-by-case bases.  If your friend lives with their significant other, then it would be nice to allow them a guest.  If you single friend just started a budding relationship, consider your guest list and budget before allowing them to bring their new Boo.  And for those that you do not allow a guest, sit your single friends with people they know.  Don't create the dreaded "Singles Table".  It's usually the least talkative table at the reception. 

Trust me...you'll thank me later.


Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

Friday, December 16, 2016

Day #16 - Greenery Is The 2017 Color of the Year




Pantone, the worlds color authority, has announced the 2017 Color of the Year...and it's called GREENERY!!!  I'm so excited about this color and it's meaning is "symbolic of a new beginning".  Per Pantone, "Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate...  A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality."

I'm very excited to share a few of the photos from a styled shoot we did with Wedding Guide Chicago in 2013 that showcases GREENERY.








Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Photography by Kevin Kuster

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Day #15 - Making it Official


The marriage license is the most important piece of paper that you will ever obtain and sign during the wedding planning process.  Below are the guidelines for obtaining a marriage license in the Greater Chicago area:
  • You must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent
  • No blood test or health tests required
  • Both parties must be present with the proper forms of identification (drivers license, certified birth certificate showing birth date or passport) 
  • If you have been married before, your divorce degree will be required
  • You can get the license same day and it's valid for $60 days
  • YOU MUST GET THE LICENSE IN THE COUNTY YOU MARRY.  The fee will vary from $15-60.
  • Click to link for locations nearest you to obtain your marriage license -  http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/aboutus/hours_locations/Pages/VitalRecords.aspx


Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.vsphoto.com

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Day #14 - A Little Groom Inspiration


 Photographers are so in-tune with capturing the fabulous details of the bride's attire - the wedding gown, shoes, accessories and jewelry.  But make sure they capture just the same amount of the detail of your husband-to-be's attire as well.  Having a second photographer makes this happen effortlessly, but should you not be able to afford this option, make sure the main photographer understands you want to the same amount of detail captured of your groom as well.








 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits - Rush Photography & Videography and George Street Photography

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Day #13 - Real Wedding Veronica and Jeremiah


The DE Team had the honor of being the month-of coordinators for Jeremiah and Veronica this past July 2016.  They held their ceremony and reception at Dinolfo's Banquets in Homer Glen, Illinois.  Veronica was uber detailed when it came to planning her blush, ivory and platinum wedding.

Thanks to Juliet Tan Floral Design, Delish Cakes, Peter Gubernat Photography, Turning Point Videography Philsgood DJs, ICON Video Photo Booth and Etsy for working with the DE Team to make this wedding fabulous!


Love that the bride's daughter escorted her down the aisle






Candy and vases purchased by bride, table designed by DE Team


Until next time...WEDologize!

Photos taken with my iPhone

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