Wedding Vendors - Part Three

Part three of a series: Wedding Vendors- What do you know about the people you are hiring to serve you at your wedding?

This series of blogs covers key elements of vendors and what to look for when hiring. When the wedding is over and the cake and food are eaten, the tangible part of the wedding is the photos and videos. These precious memories should not be trusted to just anyone. A venue is defined as a location for an event.

Traditional venues can include churches, chapels or halls. Non-traditional venues can include parks, museums, historic homes, or just about any place that will accommodate the size of the guest list. A wedding can have several venues used for the different parts of the day. A bride may get dressed and take preliminary pictures at a hotel, then go to the church for the ceremony. Afterwards, the reception can be at a historic home. I have even known couples to take their closest friends to a club for an after-party. On the flipside, a couple could have a simple ceremony in the park and dinner at a restaurant.
The choice of where to have a wedding is based on several factors including availability, cost, and personal preference. Popular locations may not be available for a date wanted. That is why it is important to begin the planning process as soon as possible by compiling a guest list. This gives you a ballpark idea as to the size of the venue needed. Falling in love with the little chapel on the corner may be wonderful, but reserving the venue only to realize that they can only accommodate 50 and your guest list is 200 can cost you not only time, but also any deposits you may have put down.

Key questions to ask a venue include:

· What is included in the rental fee? (tables and chairs; decorations; cake and punch reception; officiant)
· How much time is allowed for decoration of the site and how soon does it need to be cleared?
· Are there any special requirements for alcohol to be served? (many venues do not allow alcohol or may require that security be hired for the event)
· Are there any prohibited items? (many venues are not allowing confetti or birdseed because of clean up and safety issues)

While it may seem “less expensive” to have your wedding in the backyard of your parents, it can be much more expensive once all of the hidden costs are added on. Not everyone has service for 50 or have the room to seat even half that many people. Tables and chairs, china, flatware, and decorations all quickly add up. In addition, the host of the event cannot relax and enjoy the party and will often end up spending many hours “fixing up” the location in the weeks before. This may be a source of tension in the future because of the stress.

The key to choosing a wedding venue is to research your choices before making the decisions and do not make impulse purchases.
In the next installment: Florists

Engaging Engagement

OK, I know this isn’t about venues or caterers or choosing the right vendors, but I just MUST tell you all about this young man and his apparent massive love for a young lady. They have become an Internet “phenomenon” since his elaborate and spiritual proposal in April and covered by the Atlanta Courier Journal on July 14, 2007.
Robert Gray, Jr. has set the bar pretty high for the men in Georgia, and at the rate the video and slideshow are traveling around the internet, the men of the US had better be on notice. Gray planned his proposal for more than a year and included dozens of roses (some were gold dipped), 50 family and friends, 10 hotel rooms, and prayerful consideration.

Photographer Ross Oscar Knight captured the romantic moments for Gray. According to the Atlanta Courier Journal story, the couple never intended for their private moments to be spread across the US, but the “AWWW” factor has made the term “viral” jump to mind. The video was passed from the couple, to several of the people that attended, to their friends, to other friends and over 100 million hits later, Knight had to take the video off the net because of the traffic. Knight’s photography is beautiful and emotional. He captures the moment with a photojournalistic style. His blog is insightful and visually stunning as we get to peek into this creative mind. He has now been added to my homepage.

Men can sometimes create their own stumbling block when it comes to a memorable, meaningful proposal, but it can be done. As my husband has said many times, “Men are wired to do. That’s why when it comes to shopping, men decide – I need a shirt. Go to the store. Buy a shirt.” (In his best caveman voice) Sometimes, men just need to open up to their friends and brainstorm or consult someone to give them ideas. An exercise that may help some men come out of their shells involves things like making a list of all of the things you love about your lady. Develop your own style and emotions (eek!! That word used when talking to some men is worse than a cussword in church on Sunday morning.) and if you need it ASK FOR HELP!! Whether it is from a co-worker, friend or family member, help is not a four-letter word. (well, yes it is- but not a bad one) There are certain memories that women keep. Engagement proposals are one of the dearest; make it special for her.

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