Not Just A Pretty Face - Or The Truth Behind Websites

A wedding vendor friend and I were talking the other day, about websites. Just how much does and should someone’s website affect whether or not a bride thinks about hiring them.

I think the answer to “does it affect your decision” is in most cases yes. In today’s world of wanting everything quick and with little effort we are all using the internet to shop for everything from jobs to reception sites. We look online for phone numbers, ideas, references, even answers to our wedding questions. We expect a vendor’s site to be beautiful, up to date, and easy to navigate. If a site takes to long to load, is too hard to search or doesn’t look professional we move quickly on to the next one.

Is this a good idea? Not always. I love a beautiful site as much as the next person. Hopefully mine is one, but I also use some wonderful vendors that have no website at all, some have one but it is not the most beautiful or most modern out there. I also know some vendors that have remarkably beautiful sites, but are NOT remarkably good vendors.

Websites are a funny thing; if you spend a little money (ok, a lot of money) you can have a really beautiful one made up. The pictures can be beautiful, but and this is a big but, some vendors have been known to use pictures of places or things that in reality they have nothing to do with producing. Anyone can buy beautiful “stock” pictures to fill their sites. If the pictures look just too beautiful or there are just a few pictures be careful.

Remember just because the site has a few gorgeous pictures does not mean that particular vendor did the work. Also, just because the site is beautiful does not mean this is an easy vendor to work with, or for that matter an ethical vendor.

So what should you base your decision to visit a vendor on? First a good recommendation from either your planner (no one is in a better position to know the good from the bad) or friends that have used the vendor. Other vendors are also a good place to ask. If you have a vendor you trust, ask them who they recommend and why? Get references and check them. Don’t let a “pretty face” distract you from making an informed, intelligent decision.

Things We Love - Wedding Coloring Books

If you are planning to have small children at your wedding or reception and wondering how you are going to keep them quiet and entertained, wedding coloring books are the best thing since sliced bread. There are templates available for download all over the internet or The Knot. I have some great ones available for the Willrich Bride. These templates can be personalized to your particular wedding and printed off. All you need to do is tie them with a ribbon matching your wedding colors and voila you have the perfect child’s wedding favor and entertainer. Head to your nearest Dollar Store, buy large boxes of crayons with the individual white sleeves of crayons inside, remove the sleeves and give each child one sleeve of crayons with their coloring book.

Let me warn you, you will need to make more than just enough for the number of children you have attending, because the adults love to take them too.

Things We Love - A Well Fitted Tux

As you guys know, for the month of February I’ve been blogging about Things We Love. So much of it has been geared towards the bride that I decided to get the male point of view and see what my husband loves about weddings.

As some of you know, Richard helps out with nearly all the weddings. He is the one that stays with the groom and groomsmen and makes sure they are where they are suppose to be, when they are suppose to be. He has rounded up more than one group of groomsmen out of the bar area and herded them into the processional, no easy task as you can imagine.

So, when I asked him what he loved about weddings, he said he loves guys that understand the importance of getting their tux fitted before the wedding day, tried on and altered before the big day and on the day arrive with all the pieces they will need. As you can tell, we have had to do more than our share of quick alterations before many a groomsman can head down the aisle.

So brides remember to remind your man about the importance of having their guys make sure their tuxes fit and guys remember that your bride isn’t being a nag about getting it done, she just knows how important it is.

Here are a few things to tell the groomsmen:

Remember to pick up your tux at least a day ahead.
Remember to try on your tux at the shop when picking it up, and try on everything down to the cufflinks.
Check to be sure you have everything with you as you leave the store.
Remember the black plastic rental shoes do not give, do your feet a favor and order a size larger than you normally wear.
Remember to bring black socks to the wedding.
Remember to wear a white tee shirt under the tux shirt; no one wants to see big sweat rings on the shirt when you start dancing.
Find out who will be returning the tux and make sure you turn everything back in to them.

Things We Love - A Really Good Photographer

Dennis and Yvette of Photogrpahy By Dennis and Yvette

If you ask any bride, next to her dress what is most important, she will more than likely tell you her pictures. Having a photographer that makes her wedding photos look like they came from the pages of a wedding magazine is every bride's dream.

There are a lot of good photographers in Greenville, ones to fit just about every budget. One of my favorites to recommend is Photography By Dennis & Yvette. The thing about them is that 1) they are a husband and wife team, so you have two people shooting at your wedding, something I always tell my brides to have and 2) I don't know anyone who works harder at trying to please even the most bridezilla bride than Yvette. I asked Yvette if she would like to be interviewed for "My Things We Love" series and she graciously accepted.

Hi Yvette, thanks for talking with us, first off why don't you tell me what makes your company special:
We are a husband and wife team who specializes in weddings. We concentrate primarily on weddings, while a lot of photographers tap into different forms of photography. Our focus is on brides and grooms and working toward capturing their day.

How did you get started in the business?
Dennis had previously shot weddings in Chicago. We first thought of shooting weddings as a hobby and for extra income. When I shot my first black and white of a bride in the Clemson Botanical Gardens on the bridge, I knew I had an eye for not only taking pictures, but for capturing magical moments in time.

What do you like best about your job?
My favorite part of the whole wedding process is having the couple come to us after the wedding to pick up their album. To see them laugh, cry, and ahhhhhhh over the pictures gives me a warm feeling inside. It's hard to describe. Knowing that I am responsible for someone's memories in print is as much of a high for me as a sky jumper that leaps from an airplane. It's a thrill that is hard to beat.

Tell us about your favorite wedding or event:
I can't remember a wedding that I haven't enjoyed. We have been so blessed with wonderful couples and families to work with. If I had to pick one that stood out more, it would be a wedding in Tryon NC. It was an outdoor wedding in the city park. When I read city park on the contract, my thoughts were that it would be a very simple and plain wedding. Although, the bride wore a knee length dress in place of the typical gown, this wedding was far from plain. The couple was open to anything and just wanted to have lots of fun. We took some of the most unusual pictures that day. Some may frown at some of the things that they did, but we had a total blast and still get referrals from their friends.

What are the questions a bride should ask when choosing a vendor in your field?
I would make sure that the rights to the pictures were included or available for purchase. I would ask if the photographer will touch up the photographs at no extra charge. I think one thing that brides fail to ask is about equipment. This doesn't mean that she needs to know if he/she shoots Cannon or Nikon. It does mean finding out if they have more than one camera, flash units, compact cards, and anything else they need to as backup. If a bride thinks that a photographer won't show up with just one camera, she is badly mistaken. A photographer that is new to the business may assume that one camera is sufficient and nothing could go wrong. We have actually used four cameras at one wedding to keep from loosing time trying to figure out what was wrong with one. We carry six.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?
It is the hours and hours of post processing the pictures. For every hour of shooting time, I spend at least three hours on computer detailing the pictures.

Anything else we should know?
Make sure you connect with the photographer. It doesn't mean that they have to keep you laughing or that they have to be in your age bracket. A connection means that you feel comfortable that they will do their job and get what you want. When interviewing, think of these things...Will this person be flexible with me? Will this person make sure that they meet my needs? Will this person be available to answer questions and really look after my interest and not just what they want for their portfolio? During an interview, don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that you are hiring a true professional. Just because someone says they are professional doesn't mean that they won't interrupt your wedding ceremony by running down front and putting themselves between you and the guest while flashing away. Hire someone that is a true professional in every sense of the word.

Thanks for sharing with my readers Yvette. I know you and I will be working on some beautiful weddings together in the future.

Things We Love - The Perfect Dress For All Your Bridesmaids

Photo by L.Logan Photographery for Stoneblossom Floral

Having trouble finding a bridesmaid dress that makes all your girls happy? Then you’re going to love this new trend as much as I do. You pick the color and the designer that you like and then let your girls pick which dress by that designer they look best in. It’s coordinated but not matchy matchy. I prefer that all the dresses be the same length, but I’ve seen it done both ways. You and your girls are going to love it.

Things We Love - Elegant Wedding Showcase

We were vendors Sunday at the Elegant Wedding Showcase Bridal Show. I love that show and the vendors that attended it. It's a smaller more personal show than some of the others in town and it's a lot of fun to work.

We met so many sweet brides. Hopefully you were one of the lucky ones that attended, if not here are a few pictures of what you missed. Granted these pictures aren't great. I am no photographer, but you should get the idea.

Don't forget to enter the Dream Wedding Giveaway that B93 and Elegant Wedding is giving away. Willrich Bridal will be the planner for the winning couple. You can get more information on B93.7

The Willrich Bridal Booth at the show

The front table at our booth. We were running video of all our past weddings.

The beautiful Lauren, (on the right) one of our past brides, helping out in our booth.

Memories By McMillan

Holly's Cakes

Tasteful Elegance

Mary's Restaurant

The Hilton

Couture Cakes of Greenville

Life of the Party

Brian Brigham

Scottt Holloway Photography

Southern Bride

Bozwell Photography

Many thanks to the staff at the Marriott who did such a wonderful job. They were a pleasure to work with.

Things We Love - Forever Stamps

Ok, this might be a little bit of a things we DON’T love post. On May 12th the United States post office will once again raise their prices. The cost of mailing a letter will raise $.01 to $.42 cents a letter. The good news (and here’s the part we DO love) the Forever stamp that you paid $.41 cents for will still be good. Click here to read more about it, United States Postal Service.

Remember if you are sending out invitations between now and May 12th that have RSVP’s due back after May 12th, they will need a $.42 stamp or a Forever stamp. Otherwise your guests are going to have to add postage which is not a good thing.

Things I love – Valentine’s Day, Romance, Love, Joy and Hearts

Happy Valentine’s Day everybody! And happy birthday to me! Yes today is my birthday. I am a “Real” sweetheart. No wonder the romance and beauty of a wedding is so close to my heart. I think it was preordained from birth that I be a wedding planner. I have always had a thing for romance, love and hearts. Hearts have been my good luck charm all my life. If you look, you can even see one in the logo of Willrich Bridal and Special Events. So to all those brides getting married today or getting engaged today or just celebrating their love today, may all the love, happiness and joy of Valentine’s Day be yours everyday.

Things We Love - Movement Away From Veils

Photo From The Knot

Have you noticed the trend lately of designers and brides moving away from veils? Now, I have nothing against a wedding veil, there are some beautiful ones out there, but I really love the look of a bride with no veil. It always seems such a shame to hide a beautiful hair design or the beautiful back of the dress, under an overpriced piece of tulle. Give me beautiful up- swept hair with strategically placed bling or flowers any day.

Things We Love - Our New Video

We just got a new video for our upcoming Elegant Wedding Showcase bridal show next weekend. It shows the behind the scenes work of what we do as wedding planners to create a wedding. Enjoy!!

Things We Love - Wedding Flip Flops

Photo from Bellezzaveils

I love flipflops as a bridesmaids’ gift. Whenever a bride asks me what to give her bridesmaids, I always suggest that the gift should include flip flops. They come in just about every color, so matching them to the bridesmaid’s gown is easy. If you can’t find the exact color, a glue gun and some colored bling or ribbon will solve that problem.

Your girls will love being able to change from their high heels to flipflops at the reception. If I had a dime for every time I have heard “my feet are killing me” at a reception, I could retire to Turks and Caicos.

So do the girls a favor and give their dancing feet some comfort at the reception. They will love you for it. And while you are at it, pick up a pair for yourself. Your toes will love you too!

Things We Love - A Truly Talented Makeup Artist

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day. This is her chance to really shine. Not only is it important for the bride to shine, but her girls must be equally as perfect. Hiring the right makeup artist to make this happen is definitely one of the most important decisions you will make.

You need someone that not only understands makeup, but understands how bridal day makeup is different from normal everyday application. Even more important, they must know how to make you look beautiful for the camera. Doing makeup for photographs is a whole different and difficult area. Not enough and you look washed out, to much and you look like the next Bozo the Clown.

Notice how all the bridemaids' makeup blends. No one girl stands out with brighter or darker lips or eyes. Important for those perfect photos.

The person I turn to, to make this happen for my brides is Patsy Glunt , Ind. Executive Sr. Sales Director for Mary Kay. She is an artist with a makeup brush. Not only is she an expert at making the brides look beautiful, but she is so sweet and soothing for the brides that she makes them feel as beautiful as they look. All this and packages affordable for just about any bride, makes Patsy the perfect choice. So as part of my “Things We Love” series I just had to talk to Patsy.

So Patsy, tell me what makes your company special:
Patsy: Mary Kay Cosmetics. It's great to assist Brides and their Bridal party in looking their BEST for the very special day in their lives. You get only one chance to make it perfect, and photographs are a permanent record of this special day. We help to create beautiful memories to treasure for a lifetime. As trained Consultants with Mary Kay Cosmetics, we offer special services to make this day complete.

How did you get started in the business?
Patsy: As a College Graduate (w/o a JOB), I was looking for a way to make extra money. Mary Kay was a great source of money per hour. I have now celebrated "25" years and to my surprise, it has been MUCH MORE than just a "JOB" over the years.

What do you like best about your job?
Patsy: This job has so many facets. From the time I meet a new customer/client and we experience a complimentary facial, to the time she has been a happy, satisfied customer/client for years to come, our relationship is a great one. I love helping women to look and feel their best everyday, not just for one important occasion in her life. I also train others to do what I do. It's very rewarding to watch them grow as a woman, being able to have choices in life with more money for their families and more time to spend on others. Also, I love the freedom and flexibility of setting my own schedule and having time for my family.

Tell us about your favorite wedding or event:
Patsy: There are many great memories from past weddings and events I've been a part of. Most of them are seen when ladies come to me that aren't confident in the Skin Care and/or Glamour Makeup area. When I can assist them in feeling very natural in their new look and very comfortable to face the cameras, then my job has been successful. From the fanciest church settings, to outdoor chapels, to various portrait situations, we offer a look for each occasion. Even the mothers, grandmothers and wedding directors come to me for a touch-up to look their best.

I would have to say that my favorite wedding so far, has been for my very own daughter in June '07. It thrilled me to be a special part of doing her makeup for her wedding day, but also that she would trust me to make it perfect! We rented a house close to the location of the chapel and all the bridesmaids spent the night before the wedding. The next morning, we took our time getting ready, and I was able to assist all her friends in looking their best without feeling rushed!

Patsy at work (this was her daughter's Lauren's Wedding, that we had the pleasure of planning).

What are the questions a bride should ask when choosing a vendor in your field?
Patsy: It is important to a bride to go through a practice "look" before her actual portrait or wedding day. She should feel very comfortable and confident in the professional she has chosen. Also, cost is a big factor in choosing vendors to assist in your wedding planning. With Mary Kay Cosmetics, we don't charge a specific "fee" for our services. Instead, the bride chooses a Skin Care/Glamour package of products to begin using and she can have this for her everyday use before and after the event, as well.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?
Patsy: I love my job and the different aspects of it are NEW and FUN everyday. Sometimes the hours are long but the end result is very rewarding.

Anything else we should know?
Patsy: First, we believe that flawless skin requires a daily skin-care program. When brides & bridesmaids attend a complimentary pre-wedding consultation, we help them select the appropriate products. Second, as professional Beauty Consultants, we are trained in the latest, glamour techniques and know how to make brides look sensational both in front of the camera and in front of their guests. Third, we also provide a gift service to thank those that have helped make the wedding day so special, with complimentary gift wrapping.

Being a "Mother of the Bride" myself, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how AWESOME it was to have Susan & her team from Willrich Bridal to help in ALL the planning of my daughter's wedding. Not only did they give us the BEST service and provide the BEST vendors, I was truly able to ENJOY the day with NO worries at ALL!! My daughter was VERY pleased with the outcome, as well. She said, "It was the perfect wedding"!

Thanks Patsy for taking time to talk with us and thanks for making my brides so happy and beautiful on their wedding day.

Beautiful Lauren picture ready.

Things We Love - Wedding Podcast Network

I love, love, love listening to the Wedding Podcast Network. I download the podcasts to my Ipod and relax and enjoy.

If you haven’t checked them out, go to Wedding Podcast Network . The husband and wife team of Robert Allen and Holli Ehrlich bring you some of the best and most interesting wedding related online broadcasts available. The podcasts are always both entertaining and informative. The WPN has broadcasts that range from Meet the Masters to Grooms with a View. Believe me it will be something you love too.

Things We Love - Beautiful Linens

Photo from Cloth Connection

I love beautiful linens at a wedding reception. Nothing gives the Wow to a wedding like gorgeous linens. While I know they are not in everyone’s budget, there are ways that even the most budget conscious of us can have a touch of the Wow at their event.

For a recent event, that did not have the budget for beautiful linens and overlays, we instead just ordered chair sashes (they are very inexpensive) and used them as runners on the table. The effect was beautiful while the dent in the budget was minimal.

Using chair sash for table runner

Talking With Robin at The Castle

The Castle in Spartanburg is one of my favorite bridal shops. Such a favorite, that in fact three years ago I bought my own wedding dress from them. When brides ask where they should search for their dress, it is always on the top of my list of suggestions.

Besides having a wide and beautiful array of gowns, the girls there are so sweet to work with. Customer service at a bridal shop is the thing that really makes a good shop great and I have to say that Robin and her family have always gone above and beyond to help both my brides and their bridesmaids.

So as a part of my “Things I Love” series I wanted to be sure and include an interview with Robin at The Castle. That's her in the picture above.

Hi Robin, why don’t we start with you telling our readers what makes your company special:
Robin: The Castle is Spartanburg, South Carolina’s finest bridal and formal wear shop. The Castle offers Southern hospitality and courteous service to each and every one of its customers. We are a local, family-owned company with a highly trained sales staff. We pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of bridal and formal wear attire at an affordable price! Whether it is your wedding, prom, or any other special occasion, we have dresses and accessories to meet your needs.

How did you get started in the business?
Robin: We bought the store from the previous owner in July of 2004.

What do you like best about your job?
Robin: We really enjoy being a part of such a big day for women. Seeing happy brides is always a good thing!

Tell us about your favorite wedding or event:
Robin: We don't typically get to go to many weddings because of our work schedule. My sister's wedding was this past summer and it was a beautiful wedding done in the theme of peacock feathers. All colors and decorations surrounded this item. It was a different look and people really seemed to like it.

What are the questions a bride should ask when choosing a vendor in your field?
Robin: In order to choose the right bridal store you must check out their customer service first. During such a stressful time in life it is always easier to have people working for you that you know you can trust and are always looking out for your best interest. That is what you will find at The Castle. Customer service comes first and the rest falls in place. Another thing you may want to consider is selection of dresses and price range. You want to have a good selection of dresses in your price range and a good bridal store will have an ample amount of dresses in all price ranges.

What’s the hardest thing about your job?
Robin: The hardest thing about my job is being the mediator between Brides and Dress Manufacturers. We have no control over either!! Sometimes it is hard when we cannot suit the needs of brides because of the manufacturer ship dates and limits. We hate to disappoint anyone and we try our hardest to get what we can for all brides!

Anything else we should know?
Robin: We love what we do and everyone knows when you love your job you do it well!!

Well thanks so much Robin for taking the time to talk to our readers. I know we will be seeing you soon.

The Castle in Spartanburg, SC

Inside The Castle

Two of their beautiful dresses on display at the Elegant Wedding Showcase

Things We Love

I absolutely love this bridesmaids’ dress by Melissa Sweet . With grey and silver being such a strong color this year, what could be more perfect? Just imagine it against a bouquet of pink roses. I love it!