At Your Door Events: 2014

The people that will stand next to you on your wedding day are a pretty big deal! Besides literally standing next to you at the alter, they represent the people that have your back! Your wedding party are the people that will support you not only through the wedding planning process but throughout your marriage. As a wedding planner, I can appreciate a wedding planner that has their act together! The wedding party helps set the tone for the day; If the wedding party is on time, celebrating, being helpful, making sure the couple is having fun, then it makes my job so much easier.

Here's my two cents on wedding party advice:

Choose wisely- Just because you've been a bridesmaid at 300 weddings does not mean you are obligated to ask all those friends to be in your bridal party. Choose extra close friends/family members that have patience, the finances to spend a few hundreds, won't ruin your festivities by getting too tipsy, are drama free, and will put your happiness first.
As soon as you decide who the dream team will be- let them know right away. Find a creative and sweet way to ask. You want to make sure that you give them plenty of time to prepare.
Be cautious on the size of your wedding party-the bigger the crew, the more potential for disagreements and the more costly it can become (transportation, bridal party gifts, rehearsal dinner, etc).
I strongly suggest that you consider the shapes and comfort level of each bride when selecting the style of dresses. Bridal party clothes are expensive! You want to make sure that they love what they're wearing. Opt for non traditional brides maid-dresses. Consider, choosing a color palette and let them choose the design.
Remind the guys to wear black socks.
Give them a heads up- they're going to be on their feet for most of the day. Bridesmaid should bring extra comfortable shoes (for down-time). Also let them know that taking pictures takes "for-ever" so patience and cooperation is required.
Make sure that you have enough food/water and snacks available during the wedding day (while getting ready, taking pictures, etc.)
Acknowledging your appreciation for their participation on your ceremony program is a nice touch!
Make the Grand Entrance Fun- Give your DJ a brief description of how each attendant should be announced during the grand entrance (e.g. "Welcome Mary Smith, the bride's best friend since 2nd grade etc.). Choose a fun song for the grand entrance. Have a game plan of what you're going to want your bridal party to do when they enter the room (go straight to their seats, create a Soul Train Line on dance floor, etc.)
I' think it's more thoughtful when the bridal party sits with the guest they have brought to the wedding.
Make sure to pour tons and tons of LOVE on your bridal party! They've accepted your invitation to participate and spend money on your wedding, you should reciprocate with a thoughtful gift and lots of consideration to what makes them comfortable.
Remember that this is the team you selected to have extra fun with on your wedding day! Make memories with them! Enjoy!

Just sayin',
Jenny Goodman

(Special thanks to the awesome bridal party at Natalie and Eddie's wedding for being everything a bridal party should be. Also Thanks to Pamela Marches Photography for the great pics. www.pamelamarches.com

This summer I've had the pleasure of planning a few weddings in my clients home. Although, a lot more work and logistical planning for me, I've had a great time doing so! My clients chose to have their wedding at their home, not to save money, but for the opportunity to celebrate this momentous occasion in a place that already holds special memories! While ideal for some brides, there are a few things to consider. For example:

Let your neighbors know that you're hosting a party. Not only is it polite, but you will avoid grumpy neighbors complaining (to police, association, etc.)
Consider noise restrictions (most neighborhoods require for the noise to be turned down by 10 pm)
Will your caterers have access to your kitchen? If not, they will need to build a portable kitchen. They're going to need access to water and electricity.
Speaking of electricity, make sure to know ho many amps of electricity each outlet can handle. The last thing you want during your reception is for the lights or music to go off.
Consider the weather. Provide parasols if it's too sunny. Provide shawls and heaters for the chilly evenings. Also, have a plan B, in case Mother Nature turns on you.
What's the parking situation? Ideally, it's best to offer valet.
Are there enough restroom available for guest? Normally you need 1 bathroom stall for every 40-50 guest.
Ask all your vendors to visit the site. Minimize any surprises.
Hire a cleaning crew for the aftermath! The last thing you want to do after your wedding is spend hours scrubbing!
Obviously, hire a wedding planner that will handle the enormous amount of logistical planning on that day!