There is always an opportunity for learning and seeing things from a different perspective so when one of my bride’s (who shall remain nameless for the sake of confidentiality) gave me her choice for their first dance song, I hesitated momentarily… it is a fabulous, fun and upbeat song, but unconventional for a first dance nonetheless. She could not have chosen better – I have never seen a more joyous response from a first dance and it absolutely was the spark that energized the space for the entire event.

Lesson learned: CHOOSE a fabulous, fun, upbeat and perhaps unconventional song for your first dance. And, yes, you can find a LOVE song to fit this description. Just as in the opening to a stage production or the start of an exhilarating novel, your first dance is your moment to set the tone of the party and it should be entertaining – after all you are hosting a party for give or take 300 people and I know you want them in the mood to dance.

Choreography help is greatly encouraged for the entertainment factor (call Kitty Carter with Kitty Carter’s Dance Factory and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader if you want the best) – don’t worry grooms, it doesn’t have to look like you are filming an episode of Dancing With the Stars, but a little strategic and deliberate movement goes a long way. Have fun with it – be festive – your guests will enjoy watching your first dance as husband and wife and will be ready to dance themselves.

Cheers!

PS – If you MUST choose a slow song have it edited down to play the introduction, one chorus and the ending… make it quick to avoid losing the attention of your guests. This can be a romantic option, but has to be done with the correct timing and duration of music.

Although I feel I could plan a thousand weddings and still learn something new with each event, I thought I would start a Tuesday’s Tips blog post series with things I’ve learned throughout the years.

In completing a new planning timeline for one of my bride’s I decided to share a timeline planning tip:

The wedding planning doesn’t end the day of the wedding.

Extend your timeline by one month post wedding date to include key items you will want to make time for and have in your budget.

Bridal Gown: Your gorgeous gown has been through a lot – bridal portraits, a ceremony, dinner and a long night of dancing. Be sure to have your dress delivered to the dry cleaners as soon as possible after your wedding to avoid permanent stains and damage (if you’ve hired a planner, they can arrange the delivery for you). A professional dry cleaner which specializes in couture gown cleaning is best. They will clean the gown, replace buttons and beads where possible and use extra care with delicate fabrics and lace. Most high-end dry cleaners will also offer what is called an heirloom service. After your gown is cleaned, fixed and pressed it will be packed neatly in an acid free box which is then covered in a protective fabric. Cleaned and packed properly, you will be able to store your dress for many years while keeping it in excellent condition. Who knows – someday you may open the box for your own daughter to try on your dress for her wedding day. Depending on the complexity of your gown design, professional cleaning and heirloom packing can cost anywhere from $400 on up. This is one expense you will want to have in your budget.

Photography Selection: Another fun aspect of planning a wedding is that soon after your big night you get to view the amazing images your photographers have captured and you and your now husband will relive every moment. Be prepared to sift through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of photographs to choose your absolute favorite images for your wedding album. Typically a wedding album is a separate expense from your wedding package and I’m certain you will want to order yours – after all, your photographs are one of the only elements you have left of your wedding day. There are so many creative and beautiful wedding albums to choose from and most likely your photographer will have options for you. Include your photo album in your budget so you can place your order soon after the event – photo albums can range from $500 to $2,000 and even much higher – pricing depends on how high-end you want to go and how many images you want to include. Wedding albums can truly be a work of art – you will love yours for generations if you invest wisely.

Wedding Film: You or your planner have hired a videographer (a definite must, in my opinion) who has captured priceless video footage of your wedding and although you will already have this in your wedding budget, you will want to allot time to choose your songs for not only your actual video, but for your highlight reels as well. Just as in photography, a great wedding film is a beautiful art form and you will so enjoy viewing the footage over and over.

Thank You Notes: Last but not least and actually most important – thank you notes. Sending a thank you note to everyone who sent you a gift as well as your vendors is of upmost importance. A team of professionals have worked hard for your day to be as flawless as possible… set aside time after your wedding to write a quick note of thanks to those who contributed. I like for brides to have a thank you kit of sorts with them during the planning process so they always have everything they need to write a thank you note and drop it in the mail as soon as a gift is received… this way you will not get behind and have a hundred thank you notes to write at once. Your wedding planner should provide you with a detailed vendor list so you can personalize each note of gratitude.

It can seem as though all the wedding planning fun is over after your grand departure, but alas you have a few more fun projects as you begin your married life. Happy planning!

Cheers!
Misty

I am obsessed with my new iphone Ap, Toon Camera. I think it would be so fun to take pictures and create custom coloring books for kids to have at Birthday Parties -or you can even create a Fairytale starring the bride and groom for a wedding and include in the kids goodie bags. I think I might even make one to use for a children’s party invitation and send with washable markers or crayons. Inspiration is everywhere. Cheers!

Hi all… welcome to my website and thank you for visiting!  Admittedly, I have never been the author of a blog and knowing my dry humored nature, I’m not entirely sure I should allow myself an open forum in which to compose anything I please… However, I will do my best to keep all posts business related, free of political rants or topics unrelated to events and event design, fun though they may be.  

I will say, I am so excited to have a place to share my passion for parties, life celebrations and design.  I feel blessed to have found my passion in life at a young age and was able to translate it into a career as an adult.  I love getting to be a such an integral part of my clients lives as we plan some of their biggest and best days.  I love when guests feel special through the details of a celebration and I truly feel honored when my client’s allow me to make their vision come to fruition, whether through an invitation or an elaborate wedding.          

Our site is a work in progress:  we are adding galleries of other events and creative works as well as making a few adjustments here and there.  Hopefully it will grow and evolve continuously.  In addition to planning parties I also design and create custom elements to go along with an event - save the dates, invitations, favors, programs, custom details, custom gifts, etc. etc.  I will have a gallery up soon with work I have done, each item custom and detailed. 

Until the gallery is complete, I will include some of my work in the blog… Below is a link to a gift I recently made for one of my clients… a custom album for each guest to have a special place to hold pictures from the event.  I love gifts which are  personal and meaningful - and memorable… I think these albums would translate nicely as custom couture invitations, hostess gifts or perhaps a smaller version could be used as favors for party-goers.     

 http://www.weiunderpar.com/post/another-ryder-cup-wag-tradition-gift-giving

I hope you enjoy the article… thank you for stopping by. 

Cheers!

PS – custom embroidery by embroideryco.com