Can you really ride out the rain?

I'm headed to a wedding in the Panhandle of Florida this weekend. (I actually get to attend this one!) I can't wait to get there and spend time with great friends, but the weather looks dreadful for the entire weekend. While tropical storms aren't a threat for every bride, no amount of wishing, good luck and prayers will save your wedding from rain. If it's going to rain, it's going to rain! Let reality set in now...when getting married outside you must plan ahead. You must have a plan B!


Plan B:
1. Book a church, chapel or hotel to accommodate your guests if the weather does not permit an outdoor ceremony. Make plans to inform guests of the change a day or two prior to the event. You may want to have someone at the original site to direct people to the new location. It should be easy to get to, and don't forget to provide maps for guests.
2. Will you decorate both places? You may want to think of decorations that can work both on the beach (or at the park, backyard, etc) and indoors. You've planned a gazebo for the outdoor ceremony, but you can likely use it inside as well.
3. Talk to all your vendors and make sure the florist, party rental, bakery and caterer all know what to expect if there is a change related to weather.



4. If you chose to proceed with your outdoor ceremony and bad weather is still be a risk, have a plan to keep your guests as dry as possible. One option would be to purchase or rent large sports-size umbrellas in a color that coordinates (or at least does not clash) with your decor. If you chose to rent umbrellas you may want to check out Bella Umbrellas, they have umbrellas in every color!
5. Don't let a little rain (or a lot of rain) ruin your celebration. Roll with the punches and enjoy time with the friends and family who are there to love and support you!

Stay dry,
Stephanie

Kris Allen. Making me proud.

While this is a blog about weddings and I intend to stick to that topic 95% of the time, this morning I am quite full of pride! Kris Allen rightfully stole the hearts of millions and the American Idol crown last night! My family doesn't usually admit so freely to being from Arkansas, but today we all stand proud. I wonder if they've put a sign up in Conway saying "Home of Kris Allen, American Idol 2009"? I'll be driving through this afternoon and will be sure to let y'all know!

How many bridesmaids is too many?!?

Weigh in on the poll to the right. How many bridesmaids is too many? Is it okay to have more people on stage than in the pews? Take the poll; leave your comments. I'll give you a little guide to selecting the right number of maids and gents next week.

Stephanie

Coincidence? I think not!

This beautiful wedding was posted the same day my Alyssa and Ryan got married! Thanks Jannah for sending it my way! I'm always looking for inspiration and this helped me start Friday with thoughts of these great images. I love how naturally elegant this bride is. As you scroll down through the pictures you will see a trunk of parasols. What a thoughtful gesture to extend to both your bridesmaids and your guests. No one wants to leave a wedding with a sunburn!

First Post of the Season

It’s wedding season once again and with a little nudge from a good friend, I’m jumping into the blogging world. I plan weddings for fun and it truly is my passion! With every wedding I coordinate, I learn new tips and come up with crazy ideas to top the last wedding.

This weekend was absolutely a blast. I worked with one of the greatest photographers I know, Benfield Photography. The couple, Alyssa and Ryan, have mad style (as you can see from their engagement pictures). Their ceremony and reception were at Camp Loughridge in Tulsa, OK. The skies parted and the sun finally arrived for the big event! They were easy going and couldn’t be more in love. I appreciate that so much in a couple.

Here are a few tips on working with your ceremony and reception location to ensure a seamless event:
1. When signing your contract, be sure that all times are listed in the contract with pricing and late fees. It’s no fun to find out you owe and extra $1000 because you weren’t out of your reception hall fast enough.
2. Be sure to have a list of all acceptable going away paraphernalia (ie: fresh petals, bird seed, sparklers, butterflies, etc.)
3. Have all cell phone numbers for location staff listed and given to the responsible party. If anything goes wrong, someone needs quick access to the people in charge.
4. Check with the location vendor to make sure all landscaping will be maintained and cleaned up before the event. This can be a problem if you’re having a spring or early summer wedding when planting is in full swing.
5. Always check to see if a security guard is available to be on call or on site. With so many people and presents around, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes watching purses and gifts.

Happy Monday,
Stephanie