November 5, 2009

Hello, all!

Sunday morning I leave for the Association of Bridal Consultants (www.bridalassn.com) Annual Convention, The Business of Brides. This is a much anticipated trip every year and I always come back with tons of new ideas and recharged by the speakers and seminars and from networking with other wedding planners from around the world. Sylvia Weinstock is our keynote speaker and I sure hope a cake tasting is planned! When I get back I will share all the details with you!

Our next seminar for “So, You Want To Be A Wedding Planner” is scheduled in OKC November 21, 22 and 23rd. Remember you can take one, two or all three days at a time. If just one seminar works with your schedule, we offer the seminars every 2 months. So, you can take the 1st day in November, the 2nd day in January and the 3 day in March, if you like! If you are interested in this program, please contact us at TheWeddingProfessors@cox.net or (405) 250-4998 for schedule, topics and fees.

Wedding Belle Tip:

The etiquette regarding response cards can be confusing. Did you know that response cards are actually improper etiquette? Traditional etiquette dictates that when you receive a print invitation of any type (dinner, wedding, shower,) an immediate hand-written note of acceptance or regret should be mailed to the host. However, if response cards are used, you should always respond (and, always by the date specified on the card!) Below is a sample of how a response card should be completed.

If the invitee(s) (name(s) listed on the inner envelope) ARE attending:

The favour of a reply is requested
before the second of May

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Martin, Jr.
will ____ attend

If the invitee(s) (name(s) listed on the inner envelope) are NOT attending:

The favour of a reply is requested
before the second of May

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Martin, Jr.
will not attend

If you are a doctor, you can strike the “M” and replace it with “Dr.” If your child has also been invited you simply add a comma after your name(s) and add the child’s first name.

There is no need to insert the number of persons attending as only those listed on the inner envelope are actually invited and the blank line is provided for your convenience to indicate the names of those invited who are attending.

Never assume you have permission from the bride to add “and Guest” after your name on the list. If the bride has invited your guest, they will receive their own invitation.

October 20, 2009

Really exciting news! Renée Grannis, MBC TM, Member of The Association of Bridal Consultants and I have teamed up to create a new venture, The Wedding Professors! As a result of many inquiries for help, we recognized the need to offer assistance to brides, in this region, who choose to plan their own weddings. So, we developed a 2 ½ hour personalized (one-on-one) program, specifically for those clients. The program includes, but is not limited to, vendor referrals, customized budget, critical planning timeline, proper etiquette and professional advice. We can also help you over any hurdles you are encountering in your planning process. This program is a great way to ensure your perfect wedding! We really hope you will take advantage of this resource and contact us.

Here’s more exciting news! We are presenting another new program, “So, You Want To Be a Wedding Planner!” Did you plan your own wedding and love every minute? Are you just in love with weddings? Allow us to introduce you to the wonderful wedding industry! We have developed a great seminar series to help you find out if wedding planning is for you, how to get there, and how to hone your skills once you have established your business!

If you are interested in either of these programs, please contact us at TheWeddingProfessors@cox.net or (405) 250-4998.

Wedding Belle Tip:

Be sure to select, at least, one registry which is easy for your out-of-town guests to access. Don’t forget the hardware stores either! You could have a Tulle & Tool Shower!

September 6, 2009

The fall seminar for ABC Oklahoma is scheduled for Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 pm. We are meeting at Castle Falls in Oklahoma City. For those who think they might be interested in a career as a wedding planner, please call me to register for the seminar at (405) 250-4998. This is a great way to meet some of the wedding planners in the area, network with vendors and gain some knowledge about the industry. You are allowed to attend one seminar as a non-member. For more information on ABC go to www.bridalassn.com!

Wedding Belle Tip:

Many churches no longer allow flower girls to toss fresh rose petals because of the liability they assume should someone slip and fall. Fresh petals may also stain carpet or damage floor surfaces. Some alternatives are for the flower girl to carry a basket arrangement, a tiny nosegay, or a garland. But, my personal favorite is to have the flower girl (if you have 2, it’s even better!) hand out stemmed blossoms to those sitting at the end of the pews as she progresses down the aisle.

August 16, 2009

Hi, ladies! Just a quick note this week about making the most of your big day. In 3 words! Expect the unexpected. Do your best to be prepared for every possible glitch. Contingency plans are lifesavers. But, if something does go wrong, don’t second guess yourself. Regardless of how savvy you may be, some things are totally out of your control. Usually, when something goes wrong, it is an insignificant issue that is not apparent to your wedding party or guests. Often times those little hiccups can turn out to be your most special memories. Relax and enjoy yourself. After all, the only thing that matters at the end of the day is that you are married!

Wedding Belle Tip:

If your bouquet is full of color, be careful not to hold it up against your gown. Some of the color may actually rub off on your bodice. When this happened to one of my client’s, I used baby wipes to wipe away the color without leaving a tell-tale ring on the satin fabric. A light touch is important here!

August 9, 2009

Before You Buy Your Wedding Gown …

How exciting! You just became engaged! You are so happy and, of course, you can’t wait to try on wedding gowns. This is the day every little girl dreams of and it’s your turn! I have just a few suggestions to help make this experience meet all of your expectations.

• Choose full-service bridal salons with cordial and knowledgeable staffs.

• Book the earliest appointment available on any weekday for maximum attention.

• Ask if the salon provides foundation garments.

• Remember that wedding gowns run two sizes larger than your normal gown size.

• Take pictures from magazines with you to the salons so your salesperson can get clear idea of what appeals to you.

• Try on different styles (even if you don’t want to) because this gives you confidence in your final decision. Keep an open mind.

• Do not shop with a crowd. Recruit one or two trustworthy people you know well and who will give you honest feedback. Any more that this will only make the process confusing.

• Please turn your cell phones off – Most salons are booking you for a one hour appointment. You don’t want to lose time from your appointment texting or answering the phone.

• Ask before you photograph! Many designers require salons to prohibit photography. But, most allow you to photograph your gown after you have made a deposit and placed the order.

• If a salon does not have a specific gown but carries your designer, ask what the policy is to have a sample shipped for you to try on.

• Do not count on weight loss. It is easier to have a gown taken in than to have a snug gown let out at the last minute.

• Be aware that some salons require a deposit on the gown at your third appointment.

• Once you have purchased your wedding gown, STOP LOOKING. They are all beautiful. They are all irresistible and, more than likely, you probably look great in more than one!

• How do you know it’s yours….when you try one on that you do not want to take off!

Happy hunting!

Robyn

August 2, 2009

Every week, I receive at least one phone call from a bride with a “distressed” wedding who is looking for help. Wedding planning can be an overwhelming endeavor, even for the most resolute. Dealing with venues and vendors, contracts, wedding party and families, a multitude of details, and budget issues is challenging enough. But, when a bride is also trying to balance emotions, a career or school (or both!), preparing for a new life, and struggling to carve out some time with the groom, wedding planning can be daunting.

The decision to hire a wedding planner is sometimes weighted because there are several myths circulating about the service. The three myths I hear most often are:

• The planner’s fee does not fit within the budget
Wedding planners enjoy business relationships with vendors/venues which allow the client to receive special consideration and added value in product and service. Additionally, the planner will protect the client from making costly mistakes, help the client to avoid contractual obligations which negatively impact the wedding and will offer cost-effective solutions to budget challenges.

• Using a planner means relinquishing control
A great wedding planner considers the client to be the CEO of the wedding and assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer. A planner’s job is to offer all the options, provide advise based on expertise and experience and follow through on the decisions the client makes without complaint or criticism.

• The planner reduces the role of the mother of the bride
The mother of the bride is Chief Counsel to the bride, helping the bride to evaluate the information to make decisions in the best interest of her daughter and her wedding. A professional planner will treat the mother of the bride with respect and will facilitate this special relationship.

A really great article appeared in Elegant Bride Magazine Spring 2009 by Heather McPherson. “Be a Guest at Your Own Wedding” is a wonderful article for every bride to read as it helps to dispel these myths. If you missed it, Conde Nast gave me permission to provide you with the link to the article. Please take a minute and use the link to read the article.

While it gratifies me to help any bride with any level of service, it concerns me when my path crosses with a bride who is not enjoying every minute of this very special time in her life.

http://www.brides.com/planning/receptions/feature/article/197660

WEDDING BELLE TIP:

Need some tips on tipping? When to tip? Is the gratuity is included with the fee or required in place of a fee? The following guidelines might be helpful:

Banquet Captain – Gratuity usually included on the BEO (banquet event order)

Director of Catering/Events – Gratuity sometimes included on the BEO (banquet event order)

Bellman/Valet – Always tip, amount dependent upon level of service provided

DJ – Optional

Cake Chef – Optional

Musicians – Optional if paid professional; appreciation gift if personal friend

Production Crew (Rentals) – Optional

Videographer – Optional

Vocalist – Optional if paid professional; appreciation gift if personal friend

Photographer – Optional

Hair & Makeup – 10-20% Always

Officiant – $100-$300, if no stipend requested and especially if the minister has traveled to officiate your wedding

Florist – Optional and only if no service fee is included on the invoice

Wedding Consultant, Production Crew & Staff – Optional

Driver 18-20% – Always

July 27, 2009

Hello, everyone!

I am working from Houston again and it reminded me about a wonderful discovery I made here earlier this year. There is a wonderful shop located in Spring, Texas which is a suburb just north of Houston, called T Carolyn. Specializing in “mothers at the wedding.” This salon takes customer service to another level. The shop is well organized and easy to navigate. The prices are competitive, the gowns are simply lovely and the experience is unsurpassed. Take a peak on-line at www.tcarolyn.com or, if you are lucky enough to be in the area you can contact the store at (281) 440-4696; 5474 FM 1960 West. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. The staff is professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. Have fun and tell Terrie that I said, hello!

WEDDING BELLE TIP:

Often times brides and their moms receive response cards from their guests which are illegible. To avoid the confusion this creates, assign a number to each invitation on the guest list. Write that number on the back of the corresponding response card to be enclosed in the invitation. When the response card comes back, if you cannot read the sender’s handwriting, flip the card over to check the number. Find the number on your guest list and mystery solved!

Warm regards,

Robyn

July 5, 2009

The summer is flying by, but, I hope all of you have been able to carve out some play time!

What’s going on at The Wedding Belle?

Well, we just flipped the table in the showroom at Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events. This one was really a lot of fun and “out of the box.” So, if you get a chance, please take a look. The showroom is located at 225 W. Britton Road in OKC. Phone is (405) 751-3100.

In between weddings, I am slipping off to Tulsa on July 12th to conduct an Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) State Meeting. ABC is a trade association of the wedding and event industry supporting, educating and inspiring 4,200 bridal consultants and other wedding industry professionals in 27 countries. At the state meeting wedding novices, consultants and vendors will benefit from a seminar presented by Renée Grannis, Master Bridal Consultant™ titled, “Etiquette – A Thing of the Past or the Glue of the Future.” From Tulsa that evening, Renée and I are catching a flight to Indianapolis to an ABC Expanding Horizons Seminar on building and remodeling bridal business. Of course, in November, we will be off to annual conference. This year features Frank Andonoplas, MBC™, Peggy Post and Sylvia Weinstock! I can’t tell you how much I anticipate that!

I have been inspired by a fellow member, Mary Charmoli, ABC™ of Wisconsin, who was featured in ABC’s newsletter, “Dialogue,” to take this opportunity to tell everyone a little about ABC.

As a bride, you may be curious how ABC impacts you. First, ABC is a really great resource tool. Just check ABC out at www.bridalassn.com! When hiring a consultant or vendor member of ABC, a bride has the confidence that she is dealing with a professional who has satisfied and maintained the high standards and ethics, as well as, the education requirements set forth by the organization. Members of the organization have many opportunities to advance their expertise through exposure to the trailblazers in the industry. Also, please understand that consultants and vendors who take advantage of every opportunity to excel are serious about their businesses and will continue to be in business in the years ahead. As a planner, I look for vendors who I am SURE are going to be in business when my bride walks down the aisle. Finally, ABC members are accountable for the quality of service provided to the public. With your one day, one chance, one special day – why would you take any risks?

As a vendor, involved in the competitive wedding industry, the obligation to satisfy education requirements, annually, to maintain status within the organization gives you credibility to promote your service. At the annual conference each year we are exposed to celebrity professionals who guide, motivate, and challenge us be the very best at what we do. Participation in industry organizations, especially an industry specific organization like ABC, helps you grow your business. Benefits include, but are not limited to, networking, special programs and associations with other services, liability coverage, the “hot-line” support of a talented corporate staff, vendor recognition program, market surveys, research, statistics, liaisons with top
magazines and professional organizations, industry newsletter, professional development program, and wedding industry promotion.

Okay, ABC is fabulous and I love it! Can you tell?!!!!!!!

WEDDING BELLE TIP:

Did you know that it is improper to congratulate the bride! When acknowledging the engagement of a young lady the correct response is “Best Wishes!” Traditionally, it is the groom who is offered congratulations!

WEDDING BELLE STORY:

I love weddings, all weddings – but, I must tell you that it was so special to be the mother of the groom, and I LOVED Adam and Ashley’s wedding! I did help plan the wedding but, Adam and my future daughter-in-law, knowing what a “type A” I am, forbade me to actually “work” the wedding. The Wedding Belle Staff did an amazing job, as well as, the staff at Gaillardia Country Club, Lynn Timmons Photography, Mishelle Handy Cakes, J.J. Kelly Bridal, Bella Rose Bridal, RSVP Stationery & More, Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events, Box Talent Agency, Cole Dewey Designs, Grapevine Spa, Oklahoma Strings, Kings Limousine & Jet Service and Creative Photo Video. My heartfelt appreciation to all of these amazing vendors who made this night such a special night. I had so many “favorite” moments. Watching my two little granddaughters (3 & 5 years old) perform their duties as flower girls and “dance floor divas” all night (and, I mean all night – what energy!), dancing with my son who is a really great dance partner and watching Ashley walk down the aisle to become part our family were some of those memorable moments I talk to my clients about making. I am very thankful that I had vendors who allowed me the luxury of becoming a guest at my son’s wedding.

Until the next time!

Warm regards,

Robyn

April 26, 2009

Wow! It has been a really long time since I have been able to blog. Spring is signing season and it has been really busy. As a matter of fact, I am surprised, in this economic climate, that business is so brisk! 2009 is proving to be an even busier year than 2007 and 2008! This increase in business is actually because of the recession! Every penny of the budget counts and I have been told by many of my clients that they have opted to hire a wedding planner to help protect their investment and to help them avoid oversights and misjudgments which can be very expensive.

Anyway, it’s great to be able to carve a little time out for the blog and with so many of you starting to plan after finals I thought photography would be a great topic.

Making photography your highest priority and selecting a great wedding photographer is the best decision you can make. After all, your photos are forever!

First, you need to decide what style of photography appeals to you. Do you prefer traditional photography or is photo-journalistic photography your style? There are some distinguishing differences. While photo-journalists can shoot both traditional and photo-journalistic styles, traditional photographers lean more toward producing posed and stylized photographs. Photo-journalists prefer natural light as opposed to using flash and, also, use long lens shots which, inconspicuously, catch natural smiles and those “Kodak” moments. Most clients prefer a mix of the two styles with more emphasis on the photo-journalistic style.

Also, understand that, as with all other categories of wedding vendors, a distinction should be made between a photographer and a wedding photographer. A seasoned wedding photographer understands how to work with the other vendors (especially the videographer and wedding planner,) respects the timeline and does not jeopardize the flow of the event to get his shots. He also understands how to shoot the wedding as it progresses and to get all the little details that the bride and groom might miss because they are in the throes of hosting.

Of course, personality is critical. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with the photographer, that he suits your personal style and that you click (excuse the pun!) Choose someone who makes an effort to get to know you and your fiancé, who understands that a bride who is relaxed and natural is going to photograph well. Engagement shoots are a great way for your photographer to get to know you and for you to make friends with the camera.

You may want to make sure that the package you select includes an album. And, remember that what may seem like a lesser expensive package may not be so if no album is included. If your photographer offers only digital files on disk…be sure he is prepared and interested in providing an album later and can offer a variety of options for the album. When interviewing wedding photographers, ask if the photographer, in fact, designs your album himself or if it is out-sourced. You want your photographer to design because he was there. He should shoot your wedding with your album in mind and tell the story of your wedding in the album. Otherwise, all you have is a book of pictures.

Be sure to ask to see an album of an entire single wedding. Anyone can put a book together of great pictures from different weddings. But, you want to see one from start to finish. Are all the crucial photographs there? That’s a good sign the photographer is consistent and doesn’t miss any opportunities or shots.

Again, like all of your other vendors, your photographer should be professional, unobtrusive and discreet. When you view your shots for the first time you should be surprised over and over again at the shots you are seeing because you don’t remember them being taken!

Avoid hobbyists. You want to hire a photographer you can be sure will still be in business when it’s time to shoot your wedding.

Ask for the digital files. A professional will not mind including them in your package after your album is completed.

Finally, look for a trailblazer; someone who is edgy and ahead of the curve. You don’t want someone who imitates the work of other photographers – the end product will be a disappointment. Photography is an art form and photographers’ work is personal and unique.

Well, I hope that helps. I’ll write again soon, but, I am taking next weekend off from The Wedding Belle because my son is getting married!

Best wishes,

Robyn

Happy Valentines Day!

Best wishes to all of you who became engaged! The Society of Edmond Wedding Professionals has a really sweet deal for Oklahoma’s brides!

The Ultimate Bridal Event is scheduled for Sunday, March 29th at 2:00 pm at Gaillardia Country Club. This cutting edge event offers something new and different every year. It’s definitely not just another bridal show! In 2009 you will be treated to a virtual outdoor wedding ceremony, vendor tradeshow, a design and décor gallery, appetizers and specialty beverages, wedding cake, a panel of brides to answer your questions and a runway fashion show!

With Amy McRee from Channel 9 as our Emcee for the event, you will be a special guest at a virtual wedding ceremony on the lawn by the Gazebo. Enjoy the romantic traditional ceremony while learning some creative touches wedding planners use to make your weddings more meaningful.

After the ceremony, you are invited into the ballroom to visit with our professional vendor members who offer products and services unsurpassed in this area. You will then enjoy first class reception fare and wedding cake while taking in the design and décor galleries provided to inspire you (be sure and bring your cameras!)

Next you will be invited to take a runway seat for an intimate session with newlywed and nearly wed brides, as well as, a mother of the bride and a professional wedding planner who all understand the issues you are dealing with. Your questions and comments will be addressed by the panel who will share their real life experiences and expertise with you to help you find solutions.

Following the brides’ panel you will be treated to a runway bridal fashion show featuring amazing wedding attire including wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ gowns, and tuxedos.

To end a perfect day many lucky brides will be awarded fabulous prizes they can use to make their wedding days really special!
Please join us. We would love to spend the afternoon with you. Reservations are required. To register, please call (405) 889-5976, e-mail us at SEWP@edmondweddings.org or log-on to EdmondWeddings.org.

Warm regards,
Robyn