The First Step in Planning Your Wedding: Choose a "Mood"

Choosing your colors or your dress is not the first step in planning your wedding.  Decide what "mood" you want to set.  Think about how you imagine your wedding to feel like to you and your guests.  Your answer can then lead you to deciding your guest list size, location of your ceremony and reception, and every decision thereafter.  Choosing a mood will help you as you make each and every decision during the planning process.

See the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Gown Collection by Alfred Angelo

Designer Alfred Angelo has a gorgeous wedding gown collection titled:  Disney Fair Tale Weddings.  See these gowns and more at http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.aspx

Choose Your Ceremony and Reception Venue Before Selecting your Wedding Gown

When you are shopping for your gown, have your venue either selected or the type of ceremony and reception envisioned.  A light, flowing fabric would be more appropriate for a beach or outdoor wedding than a beaded gown with heavy fabric.

A Beautiful, Memorable Wedding can be yours with Dream Wedding and Event Planners

Russ and Delicia

Photos Courtesy of Arising Images

Lauren and Dave

Photos Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

Julie and Ryan

Photos Courtesy of Bravo Studios

Alison and Nirav 

Photos Courtesy of Joy Peters

Ceremony and Reception Study

 WeTV Networks Wedding Report

Ceremony & Reception Study 2010

The Ceremony & Reception Study 2010 is the Industry’s most comprehensive look at the American wedding ceremony and reception.

Top Line Results

• 56% of couples have their ceremony and reception at the same place
• Of those that have their ceremony and reception at the same place, 63% have an outdoor wedding
• Of those that have their ceremony and reception at the same place, 45% pay an all-inclusive fee for their wedding
• Of those that have their ceremony and reception at different locations, 39% pay an all-inclusive fee for their wedding
• The most popular meal type is Buffet Style
• The most popular cuisine/food is American
• The most popular bar service is Full Bar
• The most popular rental is Linens

Dress up your Wedding Gown with a Brooch

Wedding gowns that have lots of beading, glittery embroidery and other details are usually very expensive.  You can dress up your gown by simply adding a beautiful brooch that will add some affordable sparkle.

Add a Runner to your Reception Table for a Pop of Color

Use a long runner on your reception banquet table beneath your flowers and candles.  It will add pop of color and define your table decor.

Truly a Dream Wedding

Kate and Sean were married on August 21, 2010 at the Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn Michigan, planned and coordinated by Dream Wedding and Event Planners.   Everything was perfect, and they were such a beautiful couple inside and out.  However, it rained steadily all day.  At the bride's request at 10:30 a.m. on the wedding day, we secured a tent over the  patio at the last minute so they could still get married outside.  The rain stopped just 30 minutes before the ceremony, and there was a magical mist outside that made it seem like a real-life fairy tale.  Photos courtesy of Luke Ratan Photography.

Bridal Makeup: Embrace your natural skin tone

A good makeup artist will recommend that you embrace your natural skin color.  Your photo will look very dated if your skin is too tanned.  Natural skin tones photograph best.

When should I order my wedding cake?

Talented cake designers book up quickly, so be sure to schedule a cake tasting with them about four months before your wedding day.  You will need to make decisions on style, flavor, decorations and which filling.  If you are planning to have a completely custom cake, be sure to design and order it at least six months in advance.

Lighting can transform your wedding reception

Proper lighting is important and can enhance - or transform - everything. If your budget does not allow you to hire a professional lighting designer, ask your venue coordinator if it is possible to change the white light bulbs to amber, peach, gold, or pink ones. Or, instead of overhead lights, cast a shadow on tables with votive or pillar candles like in the picture above.

When  you select your Wedding Gown, how you look in your dress is important.  What is more important is how comfortable you are.  During your fitting, walk around, raise your arms, hug someone, and try to do a little dance.  If something feels uncomfortable, ask your alterations professional to make an adjustment.

I have had the pleasure of working with Kathy Byrum on many of her spectacular bridal events.  She possesses a talent for taking on the challenge of planning a bridal event and making it look effortless.  The level of detail, professionalism, and guidance she gives to her client makes her an amazing planner.  She always brings fresh ideas to the table.  I should know, as a makeup artist for her clients, I get a firsthand review of how much they appreciate Kathy’s willingness to do whatever it takes to execute fully their vision of that special day! 

Amanie Mokdad

Celebrity makeup artist and Emmy award winner

www.amanie.com

#248-797-6853