Wedding Planning Tips

PLEASE REMEMBER: This is an important day, but it is only one day in your life. What you put into the marriage after your wedding is the most important of all. Do not let little things that go wrong bother you. Most of the time no one notices. Usually the things that go wrong are the things that you remember and laugh about later, so consider it making a memory.

PICKING THE DATE: Start with a calendar. Call the church, reception hall and photographer that you would like to have. Ask for the dates they have open in the month you would like to have your wedding. Then see what date everyone has available. This saves a lot of call backs and date changing. It is also beneficial to include the DJ./Band, Transportation, Bakery and Florist at this time.

YOUR GOWN: This is a very special purchase. The formality of your wedding is based on what you choose to wear. But remember that today, anything goes - strapless in January or no train with a formal wedding. The only thing that really doesn't work these days is velvet in July. When trying to decide on a gown take only one person with you whose opinion you value. If you bring too many opinions - it becomes confusing, not to mention frustrating. When trying to narrow down your decision ask yourself "Would I really wear this down the aisle?" The bottom line is which gown makes you feel like a million dollars? Please keep in mind that Wedding gowns tend to run small. You will probably need a gown that is a size or two larger than your normal size. (The manufacturers still use old size charts from the 50's.)

HEADPIECES: We have over 100 headpieces to choose from. Customizing is our specialty. Whatever color, length, fullness, edging or embellishments that you want, we can do it. Whether the headpiece should be detachable, on a comb, halo, headband, tiara, hat, or mantilla - we have it!

ACCESSORIES: We have a wide variety of accessories to choose from. We specialize in customizing everything from toasting glasses to your own personal garters for your big day.

FITTINGS: After you purchase your gown from us, we will give you a special list of highly qualified seamstresses for your alterations. Please remember to schedule at least 4-6 months in advance before your wedding- especially in high season (May-October). This does not mean you will see them this early, it means they will reserve the time for you. Normally they do not what to see you sooner than 6 weeks before the wedding. Please remember to bring your shoes, bra, and slip. They cannot do much if you forget to bring them.

RECEPTION: When choosing a site for your reception have an idea of how many people you would like to invite to your reception. This seems hard to put together so far in advance, but the sooner you have your list together the easier your decisions will be. When you visit a possible reception site, keep notes of your observations, and draw maps of the set up (set up of the buffet lines, cake table, and head table). Ask whether the quoted price is all inclusive, or whether there will be additional charges, such as gratuities, overtime fees, table linen rental, and sales tax. Insist that all details be in writing, including dates, times, prices, and descriptions of services provided (have them initial any added notes of extra things they promise to do). Ask about the payment requirements. Most sites require a down payment to reserve the facility, with the balance due approximately one week prior to the date of the event, when the final guest count is known.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Make sure you see pictures that the Photographer has taken in the past. Ask for references. If you do not see eye to eye before the wedding you will most definitely not the day of the wedding, (go with your instincts on this). Remember you get what you pay for. Be sure to ask if they allow others to take pictures at the wedding, if not think twice about hiring this person.

INVITATIONS: We carry over 52 books of invitations to choose from. Please remember you should always order at least 25 extra invitations. This is for the people who are so kind to invite themselves or the ones you might have forgotten. If you have to re-order, you will have to pay the set up fee all over again. If you order them with your first order they are only a fraction of the actual cost. You can always use extra envelopes for the mistakes.

SHOES: Be sure to pick comfortable shoes that you can wear all day. Your gown will be altered to the height of your shoe, so if you remove them, your gown will drag if you had high heels.

NECESSITY KIT: It is very helpful to have the following: needle and thread, nail polish, band-aids, comb, hair-spray, bobby-pins, safety pins, extra make-up, aspirin, and last but not least breath mints.

THE BIG DAY: Remember it is going to be very hectic. The more organized you are the smoother things will go. Have lists made for everything that needs to be done that day for yourself and everyone else who has a part in your wedding. Allow yourself at least two hours to get ready before your wedding is scheduled to begin. Apply make-up and perfume before you get dressed in your gown. Be sure to wear a buttoned front shirt so you don't mess up your hair, and step into your gown rather than pulling it over your head.

FREEZE DRYING FLOWERS: You can now save your fresh flowers from your wedding. You must contact Memories in Bloom (483-7137 and ask for Cara) before your wedding to receive all the details to make your flowers last forever. You can see samples of other beautiful bridal bouquets in our store.