ANSWER: I think that you could be disappointed in the turnout at your ceremony. Given a choice, I believe more people would show up for your reception than for your ceremony. Unless you are having a destination wedding or your wedding is going to be a weekend full of planned activities. I would stay with one day. If not, I think you should try to find a location(s) that will be available on the same day.

Great question. Happy planning!

Sincerely,

Quinn & Ayesha

QUESTION:

ANSWER: Here are some things to consider as he prepares his toast:

Plan and practice~ think about what it is he wants to say about the two of you. Are there interesting anecdotes about you, as a couple, he can incorporate to grab the audience’s attention? Make sure he understands that the overall theme of the toast should be centered on the honored couple. Suggest that he practice in front of a mirror or with a friend who will provide candid, honest feedback on the delivery and content. Try to keep the toast to no more than five minutes. Any longer and he runs the risk of losing the people’s attention. Practice, practice, practice!

Presentation is half the battle~ when giving a toast what you say is important, but how you say it is as equally, if not more, important. Advise him to be aware of his posture; slouching is not acceptable. Stand tall and be confident, speak clearly and loudly, enunciate your words and try to make eye contact with the audience. Have him do his best to memorize the toast, but if he feels he needs prompting, he can use index cards with keywords. Please encourage him NOT to read his toast from a sheet of paper.

Better to be safe than sorry~ the use of profanity or curse words is never appropriate in a wedding toast. Keep it clean. I also suggest that he refrain from consuming alcohol prior to giving the wedding toast. Although a drink or two can sometimes calm the nerves, it can also lead to slurred speech, incoherent ramblings and irrational thinking. Remember, there will be someone, somewhere in the room, recording every moment.

Remember, the reason he is giving the speech is to celebrate your life together, just tell him to be confident, speak from the heart, and everything will turn out great!

Best of luck to you all,

Sincerely,

Quinn & Ayesha

Copyright (c) <a href=’http://www.123rf.com’>123RF originalAttribute=”href” originalPath=”‘http://www.123rf.com’>123RF” Stock Photos</a>

Becki Dickinson Photography

 QUESTION: We really have our hearts set on an evening candle light ceremony and reception but are concerned about the effect the mood lighting will have on our pictures. What do you think?

 ANSWER: It is your day and you should have the mood you want! Go with your heart’s desire, but do your homework when selecting a photographer. This is one category in which I do not recommend that you cut corners. An experienced professional photographer will have no difficulty shooting your wedding in low lighting. A professional will also bring additional lighting if needed. When shopping for the right photographer make sure to ask to see samples of weddings they have shot in low-lighting situations. Remember that at the end of your big day what will remain are the pictures. Choose wisely.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Quinn & Ayesha

Becki Dickinson Photography

QUESTION:  I’ve waited until the last minute to buy a wedding gift from the couple’s registry and now the only things left are either knick-knacks or big-ticket items.  Are there any gifts that are affordable and universal?

ANSWER:  You’re in luck; the answer is YES!  The key is to choose items that are useful.  Here are three timeless wedding gifts that are sure to please any bride and groom.

A Classic Glass Vase~ Choose a simple design that will highlight the beauty of the flowers and this will ensure it will stand the test of time and will also suit anyone’s style.  For the couple’s wedding anniversary, send them a bouquet of flowers; this is a wonderful way for them to remember the gift giver a year after the wedding and think of you every time they reach for the vase!

Crystal candlesticks~ Believe it or not, these make great gifts!  When the newly-weds are entertaining in their new nest, the addition of candlesticks will quickly bring elegance to their dining room table.  Once again, by choosing crystal, you’re ensuring the piece is timeless; crystal can be paired with gold or silver and can be incorporated into classic or modern and even holiday themes.  The couple will enjoy being able to use these year after year!

Money~ If your bride has been following her rules of etiquette—and we’re sure she has—you will never see money on a registry; it’s in bad taste to ask for it!  Giving money, on the other hand, is not.  In reality, starting a new life together as a married couple has quite a handsome expense list.  The couple may be paying for, or saving for, a bigger item, such as a car, house, or paying off student loans.   Your generous gift, in any amount of your choosing, will be greatly appreciated.

Best of luck to you!  Great question!

Sincerely,

Quinn & Ayesha

ANSWER:  Once you’ve chosen your theme, you have stick to it.  This is no time to be wishy-washy.   First, choose your number one stand-out element and go for it 100 percent.   Attire is a wonderful way to play up a theme- as long as everyone in the bridal party has elements of the theme in his/her wardrobe.  A few ideas might be that your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses are tea length with full skirts (polka dots are a plus!) and wear hairstyles close to the head or in a half ponytail, reminiscent of the era.  Pair this with your groom and groomsmen wearing a traditional high-waist trouser (iron a sharp crease down the front of the pant leg to really make this look pop!) with suspenders and bowties.

Next, incorporate your theme throughout each stage of the wedding– ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  Think about any item that your guests will use during the event, such as the ceremony programs, table assignment cards, wedding guest book, and play up your theme in those items.  (Record-shaped wedding programs would be super cute!)  Ask your caterer to get involved; are there signature drinks or appetizers reflective of the era that they can serve?  Since the entire swing era was based around the music, it’s important that there is music of the time playing during the cocktail hour and/ or reception.  Ask your DJ to play some jazz standards like Billie Holliday, Count Basie, & Benny Goodman.  If you have the budget to hire a live swing band, it’ll get the joint jumpin’ and absolutely blow your guests away!

Finally, and most importantly, incorporate your wedding theme into the wedding invitation so that your guests know what to expect and can plan accordingly.  This will even encourage them to come dressed the part!  Get creative, be bold in your choices, go for it 100% and you’ll pull off an
amazing event.

Good luck and congratulations, you cool cats!

Quinn and Ayesha

Imagine this:   It’s the morning of your wedding.  Your hair is perfectly styled.  Your makeup is flawless. Your French manicure is immaculate.  Every detail is falling precisely into place as you slowly slide into your gown, when…SNAFOO!  A button pops off of your designer wedding gown!

    A time like this calls for a Bridal Back Up Kit.  Here are key items you’ll need to remedy any situation that may arise. 

Your Bridal Back Up Kit:

Aspirin/ Antacids/Midol~ To conquer aches and feel your best

Baby wipes/Deodorant (non-scented)~ A dry shower keeps you feeling fresh

Band-Aids (Clear)/ Nu-Skin~ To prevent blisters, place inside shoes where you feel pinching

Bobby pins/ Hairspray ~ To refresh your ‘do in case of fly-aways

Clear nail polish~ Perfect for tears in panty hose or veils

Comfy Slippers~ To keep feet happy before a big day of walking in heels, posing for pictures, and dancing all night

Eyelashes & glue~ If one false eyelash decides to elope, you’ll have backup

Fashion tape~ To keep “the girls” from joining the party unexpectedly

Feminine products~ Trust us—you, your bridesmaid, the groom’s sister, or the church organist will thank you

Lint roller~ In case Fido left a furry presence on your garments

Lotion (non-scented)~ To rejuvenate your skin tone or use on feet before sliding into snug shoes

Nail file/Emery board~ To smooth snags on chipped fingernails

Nail polish remover~ In case a bridesmaid has forgotten that alien green isn’t in your color scheme

Oil-absorbing makeup sheets~ Dab on your face to keep makeup fresh just before walking down the aisle

Safety pins/ Straight pins ~ To upright heavy corsages, bows, and sashes

Sewing kit~ A quick fix for fallen hem lines or broken buttons

Scissors ~ To snip loose strings from stealing the show

Snacks/Beverages~ Include ginger ale (for a nervous tummy), water, and protein-rich snacks like nuts/seeds/peanut butter. 

Static guard~ In case your slip is a bit clingy

Tissues~ For tears of joy

Tooth brush/ Tooth paste~ So your pearly whites shine brightly

Q-Tips/ Cotton balls~ Touch up essentials for eye makeup, blush, and foundation blending

    Now, you’re set!  The added bonus:  Knowing that you’re prepared for anything will keep you cool under pressure. 

Happy gathering,

Ayesha & Quinn

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McCardell Photography

Let’s face it, there’s a reason a wedding date is often called “YOUR big day”.  All eyes will be on YOU!  Even years to come, the photos, videos, and snapshots will capture how you looked on this very special day of your life.  You want to look your absolute BEST! 

We asked John Bailey, owner and master stylist of Salon Bailey’s, for a few tips he gives a bride to make sure she will be nothing less than ravishing on the wedding day.  Here’s what he says:

1-      Too many brides wait too late to book their bridal hair/make up appointment, and often their preferred stylist is already booked.  To ensure that you get the most experienced stylist, book your appointment at least 3-4 months in advance.

2-      There are specific styles and techniques used when styling for special events.  Your hairstyle needs to endure throughout the entire event. Be sure that your stylist specializes in special occasion hair styling.

3-      You want to choose a hair style that will match the style of your wedding gown as well as work with your veil, tiara, or hair accessory.  Schedule a bridal hair trial session so that you can try it out and on the wedding day you will feel confident in the style you’ve chosen.

4-      On the wedding day, you should be relaxed and calm.  You want to allow a little wiggle room in your schedule to allow time for last minute touch ups or re-dos.  Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Yesterday nearly 100 people came out to Brides On Tour to get help with all of their wedding planning needs. To say we were thrilled, excited and humbled at the support would be an understatement. Many thanks to our Platinum Sponsors (A Way to Go Travel, Bella Upstyles Co. and TriadWeddings Magazine) and our Gold Sponsor (MediaBrewer). You all are extraordinary to work with.

We’d also like to give a shout out to the numerous exhibitors and vendors and venue representatives that made this Brides On Tour a huge success!! Most of all, we’d like to thank the brides-to-be, family members and friends for your unrelenting enthusiasm during the day’s events.

For those of you who didn’t attend, we will post pictures to our Facebook page in the coming days, so you can see what all the excitement was about! Again, thank you so much for your support and we look forward to the next Brides On Tour!!!

Sincerely,

Quinn & Ayesha

1. Every bride dreams about their wedding, but most don’t have the experience to plan one. By attending Brides On Tour, you can meet a multitude of wedding professionals all in one place!
2. With so many wedding professionals together in one place, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with them in a very short amount of time. Get a feel for what each wedding vendor has to offer, see if your styles match, and whether your personalities “click”.
3. You can find a wedding photographer, caterer, florist, limo service, entertainment and more at Brides On Tour. The list goes on and on. Sample their work (yes, we’re talking about food too!), take notes and determine what you like best.
4. Expect to see the latest in wedding fashion without the expensive pricetag! We will have models walking around in dresses by some of our vendors so you can narrow you decision down on that perfect look.
5. Destination weddings are very popular and you can talk to professionals who will help you plan one. Did we mentino that you’ll also have a chance to win a complimentary trip to Barbados by attending Brides On Tour!!?
6. You can pick up marketing materials and brochures from each vendor, take them home and discuss with your fiancee or family. It’s all about making this experience convenient to you.
7. Get actual prices from vendors that will help you set your budget!!
8. Brides On Tour is a great opportunity for you to begin finessing your wedding. That is, you can make fashion, food, entertainment, gift, flower and invitation selections by seeing venues completely set up as if a wedding or reception were taking place.
9. The most important reason – HAVE A GREAT TIME! You will be with other brides-to-be on the tour and you can discuss how your day will look with each other and possibly make new friends. See you this Sunday!!

Your special day has finally arrived and all the t’s have been crossed and all the i’s have been dotted. You’re walking down the aisle with complete confidence that your wedding is being captured on camera by one of the greatest videography companies around. Clearly, you must have secured MediaBrewer (a Brides On Tour Gold Sponsor) as your go to people to record the memories of your nuptials.

Your day is important to MediaBrewer, so take comfort in knowing that they will be your personal videographer and friend. Throughout this friendship, they will be able to craft a video that fits your personality. MediaBrewer adds a personal touch to any wedding and is wonderful to work with!