Bridal Show Season- Which to attend?

The beginning of the new year- days are shorter, defrosting your windshield is a daily occurrence, the gym is suddenly crowded, and everyone is hosting a bridal show.  That's right, its bridal show season!  Of course, you can't hit them all, so how do you decide?  Well first, here is a run down of some of the upcoming bridal shows in the Baltimore area:

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Bridal Show. Jan 7th. Stevensville, MD.
Great Bridal Expo. Jan 7th. Baltimore, MD.

Timonium Bridal Expo.  Jan 7th & 8th.  Timonium, MD.

Delmarva Bridal Showcase.  Jan 8th.  Salisbury, MD.
Baltimore Museum of Industry's Annual Bridal Show. Jan 10th. Baltimore, MD.
Here Comes The Bride... and Groom Wedding Expo. Jan 15th. Linthicum Heights, MD.

Eastern Shore Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 15th.  Easton, MD.
Turf Valley's Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 20th.  Ellicott City, MD.  

Baltimore Bride Magazine's Aisle Style.  Jan 29th.  Pikesville, MD.

Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Bridal Show.  Jan 29th.  Hunt Valley, MD.

Baltimore Bridal Show. February 4th & 5th. Baltimore, MD.
Winter Bridal Showcase.  Feb 19th.  Towson, MD.

So now that you realize its not physically possible to attend all the upcoming events in the Baltimore area (nor would you want to feel like a "bridezilla" for doing so), its time to make some decisions.  

Things to consider:

Location Location Location

If your venue is hosting a bridal show, you'll want to attend.  You will be able to spend more time in the space and experience a large event at your venue.  Also, most venues have relationships with specific vendors, especially caterers, so you will further get to know your vendors.  

You should attend a show in the area of your wedding.  For example, planning a wedding on the Eastern Shore?  You'll want to attend a bridal show across the bay.  Although many vendors provide services throughout the area, attending a show local to your venue will provide you an opportunity to meet local vendors whom you may not otherwise have the chance.

Do Your Homework

Remember, this is not only a way for you to discover new vendors, but also a way to do some one stop shopping.  Most event websites will list the vendors who will be exhibiting.  Think of the vendors you'd like to talk to and see which event will have the more of your perspective vendors.

Think about the sections of your planning left to do.  Have you planned the bridal party's attire? - Will this event have a fashion show?  Still considering a theme or color scheme? - Will this event have vignettes to inspire you?  And don't be afraid to contact the event host to get further details.

Size of Event (and You)

Maybe its just my background in psychology, but personality is something to consider (and not just yours, think of the family members and friends who may be tagging along).  Are you going to be excited or overwhelmed by a huge event?  Are you happy to push through crowds to find what you want?  Do you do better in intimate settings?  Would you rather have more individualized attention and compromise on the number of vendors?  It may seem inconsequential, but it can make a difference.  Sensory overload can be a real problem!

Use Your Friends

Have any newlywed friends?  Ask which shows they attended and what their experiences were.  Social media is another great way to get some advice.  Ask Facebook friends for some feedback and suggestions.  

iDo: Brides Wedding Genious App for your iPhone

My oh my!  It's been a while...I apologize, dear readers.  I have been one busy gal!  I barely had time to check my email, let alone bring you any fresh wedding inspiration.  Which got me thinking- how do you do it?  How do you have the time it takes to plan a wedding?  And, more importantly, in age of technology, how can it be any easier? 

Just last month Conde Nast, publisher of Brides Magazine, brought out a new app for the iPhone: Brides Wedding Genius. 

Apparently the former version had some bugs which have been remedied.  So, I downloaded version 2.0.  So far, so good.  The basic version is free, but has some great upgrades for nominal fees.  If you're all about keeping your life organized in your phone, this app is for you!

 

The basic (free) version offers galleries of wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, engagement and wedding rings, and travel destinations.  It's not terribly helpful.  But, if nothing else, may be a great way to peruse some ideas while sitting in line at the MVA.  Plus, if you see something you like, you can put it in your "Inspiration Folder" or share it with family and friends via email, twitter or facebook.

The upgrade gets you the "Task Tracker," a planning calendar based on your wedding date.  It offers a variety of features including assigning tasks to people (via email), status updates, and tips for each suggested task.  For example, you can pick a dress, find a local vendor (based on your location), and schedule an appointment to try it.  You can also sync data with their website and share that information with others, such as your wedding party.  Check it out, let me know what you think!  Happy Planning!

Interview with Felicity C Weddings (Part 2)

In case you missed it, you can find part 1 of this interview here.  We're learning more about professional wedding planning with Felicity Carmody, wedding planner and owner of Felicity C Weddings.  In a nutshell, Felicity, as a wedding planner, offers couples a stress-free wedding.  As she puts it, "Wedding planning is not what you expect.  No matter how many weddings you have been to or been a part of, there are so many logistics and decisions to be made that you don't realize until it is your own turn.  In my opinion, the process can feel like you are producing the Oscars.  Aside from the logistics, there are so many emotions, people and expectations involved- it can make for a tricky line to walk to please everyone.   I am a neutral professional coming in to be an advocate and resource for my clients in order to safeguard my clients' vision.  Every wedding is so exciting for me, my passion is planning events.  The number one comment I hear from incoming clients is that they have a hard time 'trying to remember what they need to remember' as the big day approaches.  I offer peace of mind that all their hard work is in good hands and they can enjoy their big day."  

Lindsay MacDonald Weddings

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing brides planning a wedding?

"The biggest challenge facing brides today is the overwhelming amount of bridal information out there.  What started as resources are now making some brides feel competitive or even insecure about their big day.  Don't get me wrong, I love to pour over bridal blogs and magazines but I don't like when brides feel like they have to live up to a standard.  I've had brides say that they either can't do this or they HAVE to have that because 'they saw it at their friend's wedding.'  I've seen brides unable to make decisions on details small to big because they keep seeing more ideas daily and it gets really hard to edit everything down to a cohesive & beautiful focus."

"On the flip side, a lot of brides are realizing that there are less rules which is very freeing.  One of my favorite ideas, cupcakes instead of cake, was unheard of even 5 years ago and is now at thousands of weddings each year.  Your wedding style is like the names you give your children- it should be unique to you, you have to love it because YOU have to live with it and everyone else can do it their own way."

Lindsay MacDonald Weddings

Have you had to be more creative in the planning process because of the economic recession?  If so, how? 

"Couples have always had budgets to stick to but the recession has definitely encouraged creative thinking.  Vendors have a larger responsibility now to really understand the vision of their client, to advise within their budget and overall to be a huge part of helping couples edit their vision.  Likewise, clients have a responsibility to be realistic in what they want, what they can afford and what they can 'DIY'.  That is why having a planner is such an advantage, we can read between the lines to find what clients are really seeking and utilize some 'industry tricks'.  For example, if a bride has her heart set a having a wedding cake, bakers can re-size cakes by width or height to reduce cost and then couples can supplement with a sheet cake.  Overall, making sure each detail has been researched and is necessary to the vision is key to budgeting a fabulous wedding."

Jacqueline Schlossman Photodocumentary

What advice would you offer a bride planning her wedding with out a professional wedding planner?

"Planning can become a full time job and it is essential to stay organized.  Stay focused on what you and your beloved envision for your big day and stand your ground with vendors.  Planning a wedding is a lot like buying a car or a house, arm yourself with what you like, what you don't like and be aware that you will receive a lot of unsolicited advice.  Lastly, trust your instincts and think about the guest experience."

Jacqueline Schlossman Photodocumentary

Do you have a favorite Baltimore or Maryland venue?  Vendor?

"This is hard because I love something special about each venue!  I have my favorite vendors on my website but to name just a few, I really enjoyed working with Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace as a venue, Rev. Laura Cannon of Divine Transformation as an officiant, Sascha's Catering in Mt. Vernon and the ReadyLuck collective of photographers.  I love vendors who are as passionate as they are talented and I'm very grateful to have the pleasure of working with so many great Baltimore professionals."

Thank you so much to Felicity C Weddings for all of the valuable information!  We all feel like we can approach wedding planning a little easier now, whether it be seeking out a planner, getting a "day of coordination," or trying it on our own!  

You can find out more about Felicity C Weddings on her website.  Initial consultations are free!  Better yet, Felicity is offering my readers a special discount!  Contact Felicity by the end of this year (12/31/11) and references Inspired Details: A Blog for Baltimore Brides and receive a 15% discount on any package. 

Interview with Felicity C Weddings (Part 1)

I was so excited when Felicity Carmody, wedding planner and owner of Felicity C Weddings, agreed to an interview!  First of all, Felicity has been planning events since high school!  She also spent years doing corporate event planning and eventually found her niche in wedding planning.  She started her own company in 2009 and has been planning weddings ever since.  I couldn't wait to ask my many questions about the planning process and the planner-client relationship!  

Can you tell my readers some of the reasons why hiring a wedding planner is so important?

- A stress-free wedding day: "Day of coordination (DOC) is my most popular package and for good reason.  Even if couples have time, energy and a desire to plan their wedding by themselves, no couple wants to carry the stress of all the details on the actual wedding day.  My DOC package essentially ensures peace of mind that every detail was accounted for and my day of timeline ensures that the family, wedding party and all the vendors are on the same page."

- Ideas and personalization:  "And since ideally I come in a few months ahead of the wedding, there is also the added bonus of having an industry perspective as part of my job is to stay current with wedding trends and ideas.  I love personalizing each wedding, from hiring a bagpiper to honor the groom's heritage, having a snowball cocktail hour or creating an interactive guestbook."

- Budgeting help and vendor liaison: "For couples on a tight budget, with very busy schedules, planning from afar or are just overwhelmed by the wedding industry, a wedding planner is a key resource throughout the planning process.  From budget tracking to vendor meetings, planners are client advocates in many areas and help move the planning along."

Procopio Photography

What can or should a bride expect from her wedding planner?

"The package determines the expectations the bride should have for her planner.  I offer day of coordination, partial and full planning packages, all of which vary in the amount of assistance I give to my clients.  Beyond package specifics, the planner is expected to be a professional, organized and experienced wedding resource for the bride throughout the planning process.  Couples hire planners for various reasons, its important that both planners and couples clearly communicate their expectations from the beginning."

Sparkle Photography

How soon in the planning process should a bride come to you?

"As soon as couples realize that they need a planner, they should contact me for a free introductory meeting.  I have taken on DOC clients 3 weeks before the wedding but please remember that there is no such thing as 'too far ahead of time' in wedding planning!  A lot of clients don't think that they need a DOC if they have a site coordinator, but their role is completely different from mine.  As obvious as this sounds, the responsibility of a site coordinator is to coordinate the site, NOT the wedding.  Basically, they ensure that the site completes the contracted responsibilities- that the venue is clean and operating well, the staff is competent and on schedule, the site resources (chairs, tables, lighting, temperature) are available, etc.  It is rare that the site coordinator has contact with every other vendor before the wedding, creates a full vendor timeline or is available to the couple the whole day.  Even if brides are unsure of what they need or what I offer, that intro meeting allows me to understand the vision of the wedding.  I can let the bride know what my style is and what I bring to the table."

CLAIR PRUITT PHOTOGRAPHY

Part 2 of my interview will post tomorrow, including great information about how to work within your budget and advice for planning your own wedding.  Felicity is based in Delaware, but 70 - 80% of her weddings are in Maryland and Baltimore.  "I am from Ellicott City so I know & love Maryland, not to mention that I'm only an hour from downtown.  I have amazing relationships with MD vendors which have really benefited my clients."

You can find out more about Felicity C Weddings on her website.  Initial consultations are free!  Better yet, Felicity is offering my readers a special discount!  Contact Felicity by the end of this year (12/31/11) and references Inspired Details: A Blog for Baltimore Brides and receive a 15% discount on any package.  

Not So Charming Price Tags- Getting Married in Charm City

According to the Knot.com Baltimore is number 14 out of the 20 most expensive areas to get married!  Worse yet, our neighbors- Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland are number 11!  The Knot surveyed 19,000 couples married in 2010.  You can read the full report here.  But don't pack up that wedding gown and take the ceremony on the road just yet!  Here are some tips to save some money:

Photo Source

1.  Choose your date wisely.  Many venues off discounts for “off-months.”  Also, chose any day other than Saturday, and you automatically save money!  Consider having a day-time event or a cocktail ceremony instead of dinner.  Serving guests lunch or hor d'oeuvres is a considerable price difference.  If an evening ceremony is a “must,” consider a buffet.
 
2.  Limit the professional photography.  Look at your photographers smaller packages and make a list of your “must have” shots.  Then think about limiting your time with the photographer to save more money.  For example, do you really need professional shots of you getting ready?  The photographer could arrive just before the ceremony.  And cut the cake early so that the photographer can leave.  You can always supply your guests with disposable cameras for candid photos.  Now that most everyone is using a digital camera, you are likely to be bombarded with candids from guests via email and facebook.  

 
3.  Consider a pre-owned dress.  Designer wedding gowns can cost a small fortune these days.  Often you can find near-perfect condition gowns for less than half the cost of a new dress.  Once you find a style you like, scour upscale consignment stores and the internet.  Sites like preownedweddingdresses.com and ebay.com have a great selection and often the dresses were never worn!

 
4.  DIY the flowers.  Enlist some creative friends and family members to help you with your bouquet and centerpieces.  There are many step-by-step instructions online to help you.  The more simple the arrangement the better.  You can buy flowers in bulk from your local flower market, costco.com or theflowerexchange.com.  Remember it never hurts to ask if a vendor can do better on a price.  You’ll be surprised how often people are willing to work with you.  Try to stay flexible, compromise on things that are less important to save your money for what counts.  Weddings are a celebration and should be a testament to the relationships in your lives, not your wealth.

Project Organization II

Download these handy bridesmaids fashion cards from Martha Stewart Weddings.  Just print out the templates and give each of your maids a card with their dress information (style no., etc.), accessories, plus a contact list for the wedding party.  Brilliant!

Survival Mode

When it comes to special occasions (especially the kind that include professional pictures) you can never be too prepared.  I am reminded of attempting to remove a stray eyebrow hair in the dark with a tool not at all resembling tweezers on the way to meet a boyfriend's parents.  How to avoid situations like this on your wedding day?  The Ms. & Mrs. Wedding Day Survival Kit.  The kit is contained in a re-usable case and includes Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Mints, Drinking Straw, Pain Reliever, Antacid, Hand Lotion, Emery Board, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Facial Tissues, Deodorant, Tampons, Adhesive Bandages, Hair Brush, Hair Spray, Bobby Pins, Interior Mirror, Lint Remover, Mending Kit, Scissors, Safety Pins, Stain Remover, Static Remover, Super Glue, Double-Sided Hem Tape, Earring Backs, and Corsage Pins.  But I would throw in tweezers for good measure!

Sky Blue Events

I had the opportunity to sit down with Quinn Collins from Sky Blue Events just the other day!  She told me about some of the great things they do at Sky Blue, from corporate parties to intimate weddings, they seem to do it all.  The company was started by Jennifer Grove, a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and former Manhattan resident.  Collins joined the team recently after planning her own wedding.  Her experience in corporate event planning lends itself well to wedding planning.

I asked Collins what she thought set her company apart from other event planning firms.  She believes that Sky Blue Events offers a unique experience because they are small and give their clients a lot of attention.  They want each client to have a fun happy experience while planning their wedding.  She said "we treat them like family."

Photography credit: Jubilee Photography
Make-up credit: La Papillon Spa

Another great feature of their company is they give each client a log-in for a web-interface to work together on ideas, color pallets and important questions.  Collins explained how this makes communication between bride and planner so much easier.  Rather than clogging your inbox with information and questions, you can simply log-in when you have the time.

Photography credit: Jubilee Photography

I asked Collins if there was any advice she would give to a bride.  She said, "give yourself adequate time to plan, if you can get a planner, get one, enjoy the process as this is a once in a lifetime experience."  At the end of the day, do whatever makes you and your fiance happy.

Great advice, thanks Quinn!

Project Organization

Sometimes I feel like the least organized person in the world so I can use all the help I can get!  As a bride you need to keep yourself organized during the planning process.  One great way is as simple as getting a binder (1.5" or larger), printing some templates, and sticking some inspirational photos on the cover.  I also recommend an "idea notebook."  Keep it handy so you can jot down ideas as they come to you.  For the more technically savvy bride, Google has some really great tools!  Check them out!

When looking for a guide to some of Baltimore's great vendors, stop by The Event Library.  They provide all sorts of materials, lists of vendors, services, event planners and back issues of bridal magazines.  The best part is this library is free to the public (the vendors have paid for your convenience).  Its certainly a great place to get inspired and get started.