4 Tips on Getting Floral Estimates

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1. Try to find a florist that specializes in your style. Some florists specialize in tall, lush, ornate centerpieces, while other are better at modern, minimalistic arrangements. The florist should be able to show you examples of recent work that matches the aesthetic you desire.

 

2. Have each florist put together a detailed proposal for your wedding, based on what you've told them about your wedding vision and floral budget. Ask them to prepare a "high" best-case scenario and a "low" bare-minimum proposal. You can always mix and match to create a mid-range package.
 
3. When shopping florists and getting estimates, always have them note the type and variety of flowers used. You must compare apples to apples when getting estimates!
 
4. Once you select and hire a florist, request a contract and check it for:

• Vendor name and contact information
• Date, time and location of your ceremony and reception
• Itemized list of all the flower arrangements you've chosen (including specific blooms)
• List of flower alternatives, should certain blooms be unavailable
• List of everything the florist will supply (vases, trellis and other accessories)
• Arrival times and amount of time needed for setup at each site
• Where and when bouquets and boutonnieres should be delivered
• Name of the florist who will be on-hand during setup on the wedding day
• Itemized fees including delivery and setup, a total cost, deposit paid and balance due
• Balance due date, cancellation and refund policy

Source: The Knot

Advice For a Happy Marriage

Here is a compilation of some of the best pieces of advice I've heard on how to have and maintain a happy marriage.

Come as You Are
"Marry someone you love exactly as they are, and be sure they feel the same. That way, you'll never expect more of each other than you are each happy to give. I didn't realize this until my second marriage. Another secret? Don't get married until you're sure of who you are."
Lisa Noll
Martinsburg, West Virginia

"We choose to stay in love. We have traversed parenting, careers, finances, the loss of a pregnancy and loved ones, and fussing over whose turn it is to cook breakfast. He watches Pride and Prejudice for me, and I watch Ultimate Fighting Championship for him. We've changed, but we still choose each other."
Leah Moon
Toledo, Ohio

"My husband and I always make sure that the bedroom is our private place. Not just for physical intimacy, but for having a space to talk and be together."
Carol Czerniawski
Palatine, Illinois

"I once asked an elderly neighbor this very same question. He and his wife had been married more than 50 years. He replied, 'Oh, my dear, it's really very simple. My wife and I agreed long ago that I'd make all the big decisions and she'd make all the little decisions. And in all these years together, there just haven't been any big decisions.'
Cecilia Saad
Washington, D.C.
Source: Real Simple

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11 Must-Know Tips About Renting Formalwear

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1. Who picks out the Tux the bride or the groom?
The groom should be allowed to pick out his own tux. However, leaving the bride totally in the dark about the attire is not a good idea. The groom should look at a few styles he likes then take the bride along on the 2nd trip to get her opinion. The groom still makes the ultimate decision on what he feels comfortable and happy wearing.

2. They style and type of formalwear should be dictated by the time of day and formality of the wedding.

3. Don't wait until the last minute. Plan to reserve all formalwear 3-4 months before the wedding date.

 

4. Spring and Fall dates are particularly busy at formal wear rental shops due to Prom and homecoming season. If you wait until the last minute around these dates you may not get what you want.

 

5. Decide if the best man will wear the same style as the rest of the groomsmen or whether his outfit will be slightly different somehow.

 

6. Get measured and have the best man an all the other groomsmen come in to do the same (out-of-town groomsmen should get measured by a professional and send in their measurements).

 

7. When renting formal wear, it's best to get the insurance offered by the vendor. It's not expensive and if anything happens that could damage that suit the groom and/or his bridal party is wearing, you will be covered! Otherwise, you could be on the hook and formal wear is not cheap to replace. 

 

8. Don't forget about non-rental accessories such as ties, shirts, shoes, socks, suspenders, belts, cuff links, handkerchiefs, etc...

 

9. Review your receipt carefully for: store name, salesperson's name and contact information, wedding date, complete description of what you're renting including (type and quantity of items, sizes, colors, style numbers, accessories, pickup date and time, return date and time, total price, late return fees, deposit amount, remaining balance, due date, cancellation policy and refund policy).

 

10. Create (or have your wedding planner create) a formalwear checklist to keep track of each groomsmen's order, sizing information, accessories, and to track whether they received all their formalwear and whether they returned all of their formalwear after the event.

11. Formalwear should be picked up a few days before the wedding.
Source: The Knot

Buy a Gown and Support The Fight Against Breast Cancer

I recently learned about Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC), a Center that offers free information, programs and services to cancer patients, caregivers and family members, while connecting them with others who are undergoing a similar experience. Their more than 100 yearly bridal shows provide brides-to-be with an opportunity to find their dream gown at an incredible savings, while contributing to services that provide education, information and outreach to men, women and children affected by cancer. Wedding gown sales are an important fund-raising event for Brides Against Breast Cancer with thousands of generous donations received from designers, manufactures, bridal shops, and individuals worldwide. If you are a wedding gown retailer, manufacturer or If you have already said your "I Dos," please consider donating your gown to BABC, and your donation is tax deductible.

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Brides Against Breast Cancer is an affiliate of the Center for Building Hope, operating within The Health Support Network.

How to Assemble Bathroom Guest Baskets

I've seen these Bathroom Baskets at several weddings. They are an excellent idea and add a very nice touch of hospitality. Want to know what essentials and emergency items to put in your basket? Head on over to Wedding Thingz for the deetz!

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As a wedding planner I'd like to poll all of you. Would you like it if your wedding planner offered Bathroom Baskets as a part of your planning package? Leave your answer in the comments below.