An Exciting Announcement

Christmas is over, I hope everyone had a great holiday.  Ours was extremely busy, lots of parties and events and family in from out of town.  But now everything has calmed down and it's time to get back to posting on the blog.

I'm happy to say our first post is an exciting announcement.  I am going to be teaching a course for Brookwood Church as part of their Brookwood University. This course is for anyone newly engaged. It is titled How to Plan Your Wedding Like a Pro.  Below is all the information:

How to Plan Your Wedding Like a Pro
Wednesdays, January 24 - February 28, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Click here to registerfor this class. Childcare is not available for this class.
Wednesdays, March 6 - April 17, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Click here to register forthis class. Childcare is not available for this class.
This six-week class is for anyone planning or helping plan a wedding withinthe next year. You will learn what questions to ask to find the perfect venue and vendors for your wedding. You will learn how to plan your ceremony and reception to make your day memorable for you and your guests. Most importantly you will learn what costly mistakes to avoid and where to spend your money for the best possible event. Materials fee of $5 per person required. For more information or to register for this class please click on the registration link above.

Recommended Resource: The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day by Mindy Weiss
Cost: $13.97

Instructor: Susan Sanford
Susan has over 20 years experience planning events, conferences and meetings in the corporate world. In July 2004, she entered the world of wedding planning and is the owner of Willrich Bridal and Special Events. Susan is a member of two top South Carolina Bridal Associations, Wedding Festivals and Upstate Bridal Association. In 2010 and 2011 she won the Brides Choice Award given by Martha Stewart and Weddingwire. This award recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals across the country who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

Wedding Postage Problems

Honest Mistake from Alexis & Rafe on Vimeo.

I saw this video today and thought it was a really good reminder.  This couple mailed their invitations without checking for postal rate increases with the post office.  The cost of stamps actually went up after they mailed their stamped RSVP's to wedding guests.   So the return postage on their RSVP's was no longer correct. 

They did come up with a cute way to correct the problem and I especially like the mention that they did not have a wedding planner at the end of the video.  Yep, those are the kinds of things a planner checks.

So make sure, before mailing out your invitations, that you call the post office or check online to make sure no increases are expected.

A Quick Tip for Making Your Wedding Menu Fun

So you have planned a wonderful menu for your reception.  You chose the fried chicken because it tastes just like the chicken your grandmother made for you every Sunday or maybe the dessert is just like the pie you had on your first date.  Why keep these great reasons for your choices to yourself?  Make your printed menu card even more personal and entertaining by including these facts.   Guests will love the information and enjoy the meal even more.

What is Your Rain Plan?

Here in the Upstate of South Carolina, we never do an outdoor wedding without a rain plan.  The weather can change just too quickly to not be prepared.  Normally, we have an indoor area we can move to or have a tent brought in to cover the situation.  But I saw this picture on Jasmine Starr's blog and if no other option is available this makes for a pretty clever rain plan.  They handed out umbrellas for everyone in matching colors and the minister shortened the ceremony to just six minutes.  Very clever indeed!

How Do You Know the Bride?

I saw this really cool idea on Preston  Bailey’s site and I just had to share it.  What a fun idea for your rehearsal dinner or maybe even your reception.  I would think it is a sure fire way to get your guests talking.  Just have a childhood picture of you and one of your groom made into buttons, for team Bride or team Groom.  Have guests pin on a button and start explaining how they know you.  Love it!

(Image via Every Last Detail)

Simpsonville Bridal Fashion Show

Last weekend, I was delighted to direct a bridal fashion show for Carolina Bride and Groom. The show took place at Holly Tree Country Club during the Simpsonville Bridal Fair. I thought you might like to see a few of the beautiful dresses that went down the runway. The models were all customers of Carolina Bride and Groom. Some were future brides and the rest were past brides. All the ladies and the two guys did a fabulous job. It was a lot of quick changes and behind the scenes craziness but it all turned out beautifully. I can’t wait to do it again.

Including Your Pet on Your Wedding Day

We have had pets involved in many of our weddings.  They have walked down the aisle, been carried into the reception and pictured on table numbers.  They can be your flower girl, ring bearer, best man or maid of honor.  Just remember, when planning to involve your pet in a wedding there are several things to be aware of.  First does your venue or reception site allow pets?  Most do not. If yours does, then make sure the pet is well behaved, well groomed and well dressed.  We have done collars of flowers, doggy tuxes and tutus.  Make sure someone will be responsible for getting the pet down the aisle and watching it during the reception.

But don’t despair; if the site does not allow pets there are other ways to include them.  You can use their picture as a part of your table numbers, put their pictures on wine bottles or candy wrappers.  Have them included in your engagement pictures and use one as your sign in mat picture.  Some couples have their pet represented in cake on the wedding day.  Personally I’m a little squeamish about cutting into my pet (even if it is cake) but that’s just me.  Your beloved pet can be included in your montage shown at the rehearsal dinner or reception.  You can even have him as a part of the wedding cake topper. There is no limited to the creative ways you can share your love of your pet with your wedding guests.