by Diana Warner | Apr 28, 2018 | Etiquette, Wedding Planning Tips
You have graciously accepted the honor of standing in front of a crowd while all of the attention is on two people getting married – you are now a member of a bridal party, the honor attendants, entourage, groupies, whatever you want to call yourselves. Congratulations! Before I get into the main points I must first call out to those who bestowed upon you this honor.
These amazing people who you have asked to stand with you are some of your nearest and dearest. They are standing with you for a reason. They are important to you and it means the world to have them stand with you. If what I have just said is not true, then you have chosen people because you have to (aka relatives or you were in their wedding – which is a whole different blog coming soon) or you need to rethink why you chose your attendants (again, see other blog coming soon).
These people are friends or family and have accepted your request to be a part of your big day. They did not sign up to help with every little thing that has to do with your wedding, like gluing 638 rhinestones onto every candle holder to represent how many days you’ve been together. They didn’t sign up to be required to listen to your every decision and/or issue while planning your wedding. They did not sign up to be treated like hired help, because they are not being paid. They signed up to be a part of your day, will do everything in their power to help when they can, plan and attend some pre-wedding parties, buy a dress they can afford, walk 20 steps and stand still, smile at a photographer and keep you fed and hydrated all day. Other than that, you can expect nothing more. So what I am about to tell these honored attendants is not just good for them to know, but good for you to hear. That way you know what to expect of them and won’t be disappointed if nothing else happens. Now let’s begin with things you must and must not do as a member of this elite club.
WHAT YOU MUST DO
- Buy or rent your wedding attire. Look, buying a dress or renting a tux can be expensive, so make sure you let your couple know ahead of time if you will have any financial issues with this. That way they can make the decision to help cover the cost or choose someone else (which I hope they don’t do). The price of the attire should be within reason, meaning based on your age, employment status, etc. If it is not within reason for you, talk with your couple and see what can be worked out.
- Attend the wedding and the reception. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people show up extra late or leave early that are in the wedding party. It even happened to yours truly, but we won’t go there. Unless there is an emergency or an unavoidable issue, you need to be at the ceremony and the reception on time, and for the entire time.
- Do not get drunk before the ceremony. And keep them from getting drunk too. Nothing holds up a wedding better than a liquored up wedding party. They show up late, they don’t listen to instructions, they throw up on the alter…..it’s just bad. Drinking is going to happen, but do it in moderation. Once they say “I Do” then keep it flowing and have fun, but stay sober enough to be able to get through the entire reason for the day.
- Help plan and pay for pre-wedding parties. In general the maid/matron/man of honor is in charge of bridal showers/bachelor/bachelorette parties, and the rest of the attendants chip in financially and with ideas. Even helping organize, prepare, and execute the events. Sometimes mothers will offer to chip in or host showers. This should not be expected, but they should not be left out once planning starts. All this being said, if you cannot financially help with the festivities, make it known ASAP and help in other ways. Offer up your house, assemble all the favors, clean up when all is said and done. There are many ways to contribute if you cannot spend money. But if you are of stable job, this is something you must be prepared for. And to those at the head of planning the parties, set a budget and stick to it.
- Help with setup. Now in an ideal world every couple would hire a wedding planner or at least someone to set up their venues so that their friends and family don’t have to help. But it’s also not in everyone’s budget. So if your couple do not have a planner, and they ask for your help to set things up at the venues, help them. It’s a big undertaking and they will need all the hands they can get.
- Attend pre-wedding festivities. Now sometimes everyone’s lives do not correlate well together and schedules do not mesh. There are for sure legitimate reasons why some people may not be able to attend one of the pre-wedding parties, but do your best to be there. And if you can’t, at least still help with putting it together. Even if you live in another state you can send a check to the host and a gift to the couple, it’s called Amazon.
- Listen. Sometimes your bride or groom is going to get stressed out while planning this wedding. IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN. So although I said earlier that you didn’t sign up to hear every little issue, you did sign up to be a friend during this time. Sit on the phone and just listen. Even if you have no clue how to help, be an ear to bitch into and go on your merry way.
- Make sure your couple is hydrated and fed all day. The wedding day will go by so fast, and they will be pushed and pulled in so many directions that sometimes they will not remember to drink or eat…..especially in the morning. It is your job to make sure they are taking care of themselves because they have a long day to get through. No one likes a passed out bride because her sugar level crashed.
WHAT WOULD BE NICE FOR YOU TO DO
- Go shopping for THE dress. Now of course this is one of those things where schedules will not always align, especially the more people that are being asked to come. So if your schedule doesn’t match the appointment times, it’s ok. Dress shopping can be both fun and disappointing. Bridal dress sizes are all wonky and shopping for this outfit can have a lot of weight to it, so emotions run high. Be there for support in her decision.
- Go dress shopping for the bridesmaid’s dresses. So do you have to? No. But if you don’t then you have no say in the end with what you are wearing. Plain and simple. Go, voice your opinion and wear something flattering. Stay home and wear the neon pink sequined dress with the giant bow on your butt. Your choice.
- Pay for your “extras” aka hair, makeup, shoes, jewelry, etc. Now here’s where I also say, don’t pay for your hair and makeup. The thing is, if you can financially afford it, then pay for it. If you cannot afford it then let your couple know. If they are REQUIRING you to have your hair and makeup done and you can’t afford it, then they should be paying for it. But do your best to get it done, because you will look like the odd one out if everyone is all done up professionally and you did it yourself. Trust me, you CAN tell.
- Help with some of the wedding tasks. Depending on your couple there will either be minimal tasks to be done, or there will be so much DIY your fingers will no longer feel the pain of a glue gun anymore. Be ready and willing to help your couple assemble some wedding items: favors, invitations, centerpieces, etc. Make sure you make it clear from the beginning what you are able and willing to help create. Also your couple knows you, so if they don’t ask you to help because they know you are not crafty-capable, don’t take offense. Not everyone wants glue fingerprints and glitter all over their escort cards. Be honest with yourself and put down the glue.
- Give a toast. Now in general it is a traditional and normal request to ask the people of honor to speak at the wedding reception. So if you are in that position be prepared for it and don’t say no. If you are any other member of the party you may be asked as well, sometimes even to speak at the rehearsal dinner. Just be honest with your couple if you feel you can do it or not.
WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T DO
- DO NOT ACCEPT THE ROLE IF YOU ARE NOT 100% INVESTED. Look, in the end, you have the right to be treated with kindness and as a human being. We all know there are some couples that feel they are entitled to more than they should be. That’s the nicest way I can put it. BUT you have agreed to be a part of this momentous occasion that comes with stress, high emotions, menial tasks and a lot of working parts that need to come together. Sometimes it will get the best of them, and as a friend who is important enough to be standing by their side as they declare their lifelong commitment to each other……bite your tongue, smile and nod, glue the rhinestone……deal with it.
Featured Image: Kristen Nicole Photography
by Diana Warner | Apr 20, 2018 | Vendor Love
What is it that you do?
The Wicked Sugar Cake Studio is a home-based bakery located in Perry, Ohio. I make custom order edible sugar art in the form of cakes, cupcakes, cake pop truffles, cookies, truffles and sweet treats. I also custom craft sugar flowers and figurines.
Tell my readers a little about yourself and your history as a baker.
Born and raised in Lake County, I graduated from Eastlake North High School. I’ve been baking and decorating since I was a junior in high school. I have a wide range of experience in and a deep passion for sugar art. In addition to baking, I’m a wife, mother of one daughter, step-mother of three and grandmother of eight. While I have “caked”, I have also worked full-time as a legal secretary, paralegal and just started my 27th year as the elected Fiscal Officer in Perry Township and do the same job at Perry Public Library.
Why did you choose to do what you do within the wedding industry?
I love my part in the wedding industry, the sugar art, because I love to produce beautiful, fun and tasty edibles!!
What trends in the wedding industry are you loving right now?
I love the inclusion of color, DIY personal touches, beautifully different cakes
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Setting up a cake, the final view – I love to see them all put together!
What would be the most common mistake couples make when it comes to your business? (i.e. booking late,etc.)
Not being realistic with budgets and resources to accomplish weddings of their dreams.
What is your ideal day at work?
Waking up in the morning with nothing but a bowl of buttercream and fresh cake and turning it into something beautiful!
What is your ideal day off?
A long, slow day at the beach or front row at a Hall and Oates concert!!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Detailed, customer-oriented and precise
Who inspires you and why?
Sylvia Weinstock – she’s an amazing sugar artist and is the whole package when it comes to cake. She knows what she wants taste and design-wise and gets it done!
What are three things you cannot live without? (Not including humans and pets)
Coffee, my daughter and music.
What are you reading, listening to or binge watching right now?
Music – Maroon 5, binge watched PBS’ Victoria
What is your favorite thing to do, or place to go, in the Northeast Ohio area?
Headlands State Park beach
What would you tell your 16 year old self if you could?
Don’t be in such a hurry to be a grown-up!
What is your favorite dessert?
Dark Chocolate Stout Cake with chocolate buttercream
What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or non)?
El Mayor Tequila
Thank you so much to Chris for taking the time to answer some questions. If you would like to reach out about all of the delicious desserts please do so at:
www.TheWickedSugarCakeStudio.com
Phone: 440-487-8101
Email: Goodies@TheWickedSugarCakeStudio.com
Instagram: @thewickedsugarcakestudio
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CakeStudioOhio
by Diana Warner | Apr 13, 2018 | Vendor Love
What is it that you do?
We provide Photo Booth Rentals for all types of events.
Tell my readers a little about yourself and your history as a business.
I have been in the event industry for 12 years now and love every minute of it. We have grown from just me running the show to an entire team of well trained professionals that I trust sending out every day.
Why did you choose to do what you do within the wedding industry?
We started in the photography side of the industry and we have primarily moved to the Photo Booth Rental side 3 years ago. We now work an average of 200 events a year.
What trends in the wedding industry are you loving right now?
We stay up to date with some of the newest trends in the wedding industry and we adapt them to our business and the newest ones are the Magic Mirror Photo Booths and our Photo Spot Mini Social Sharing Station.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love interacting with the guests at a wedding and providing the best experience. Its not just about them taking photos in our Photo Booths its about creating an experience they will remember.
What would be the most common mistake couples make when it comes to your business? (i.e. booking late,etc.)
Obviously waiting to late to book is a big problem we book out for some events almost 2 years. (Yes I have bookings already for 2020) Biggest problem I see is Brides under estimating the cost for a quality Photo Booth Experience. There will always be someone cheaper but as much as we hear the quote, “You get what you pay for” is very true. You might get lucky with the new professional who takes pride and has just started in the industry but that is very rare. We have almost 1,000 events under our belt to make you feel comfortable when you work with us.
What is your ideal day at work?
We are a professional company we work sometimes 7 days a week. Yes this is our Day Job and we are working all week long to research new trends, attend trade shows, work on customer requests and answer any questions. My biggest thing is if we miss your call we return it within a few hours at most. If you email us we usually answer immediately. Yes even those who email at 3am because that’s when they have the time are shocked I sometimes return the email quick.
What is your ideal day off?
I do occasionally take days off in our slower season and enjoy with my Wife and 4 kids. We do small road trips and try to get a vacation squeezed in during the slower seasons. I trust in my staff to take care of things while I am away and they do an amazing job.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Reliable, Hard-working & Diligent
Who inspires you and why?
Honestly my biggest inspiration is both Steve Jobs & Jeff Bezos…. Both started their companies with nothing in a garage and built it into one of the largest companies in the world. They provided a quality service and product that customers love.
What are three things you cannot live without? (Not including humans and pets)
Mobile Phone ( I would be lost with out it between all my email, calls and calendar), Scouting (I grew up with scouting and love watching my 2 older boys grow from it), Music (I love listening to music when I’m working)
What are you reading, listening to or binge watching right now?
I am a Sci-Fi Nerd so currently I am binge watching Stargate Seasons.
What is your favorite thing to do, or place to go, in the Northeast Ohio area?
I really enjoy going to Cuyahoga Valley Park and just take in Nature.
What would you tell your 16 year old self if you could?
I probably would tell myself to go for my dreams sooner and take the risk.
What is your favorite dessert?
Cannoli
What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or non)?
I recently gave up Pop so i love drinking Lemonade
Thank you so much to Mike for taking the time to answer some questions. If you would like to reach out about his photo booth services please do so at:
www.fcpphotobooth.com
Office: 440-406-9285
Cell: 440-506-3289
Email: mike@fcpphoto.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fcpphotoohio
by Diana Warner | Apr 6, 2018 | Vendor Love
What is it that you do?
Ben Ricci DJs is Cleveland’s Elite Entertainment Company with focus on classy wedding ceremonies and receptions. Our number one goal is to ensure a fun filled celebration with emphasis on professionalism and class. Our team of DJ/Emcee’s have been in the business for many years. Each of our DJ/Emcee’s and team members have been hand picked among the best in Cleveland. Experience is one of the most important ingredients in making the event successful. Music plays an important role as well. All DJ companies have equipment and music. Remember, what you are paying for is the ability of the DJ/Emcee to know what to play and when to play it. Without this knowledge, an event can become disastrous quickly.
Tell my readers a little about yourself and your history with music.
Ben’s love for music started at the age of seven when he received a drum set as a gift. In the 5th grade, he started playing the trumpet. Over the next few years, he realized that the trumpet was not for him. The piano grabbed his attention and he became a jazz pianist, which he continues to enjoy today. At the age of 16, Ben and his high school friend started a mobile DJ company in Cleveland, Ohio called “The Muzic & Company”. They started out performing at school dances and private parties. During this same time, Ben played keyboards and was a singer in two pop bands, Arson and The M.O.B.B. Performing in a band was short lived as his heart was in the DJ business. Several years later, Ben and his partner merged with Cleveland’s largest DJ company. This partnership lasted 6 years. Later that year, he split awayand formed Ben Ricci Ultimate Entertainment DJs. The name has changed a few times but the philosophy has stayed the same. When you have passion for something, it really shows. Nothing gives Ben more enjoyment than seeing guests at an event having a great time dancing, laughing and smiling. The key to success in this business is experience. This is not something you learn overnight. It takes years of practice and he has perfected it!
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love music and I certainly love when people are dancing and having a great time.
What would be the most common mistake couples make when it comes to your business?
(i.e. booking late,etc.)
Not talking to me to explain the difference in what things cost. You get what you pay for.
What is your ideal day at work?
My emails are blowing up.
What is your ideal day off?
My emails are blowing up. LOL never have a day off. Always working.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Fun, Classy and Professional
What are three things you cannot live without? (Not including humans and pets)
I feel we need food, shelter and water. Everything else is wants. We all can live a simple life if wanted.
What are you reading, listening to or binge watching right now?
YouTube videos. How to sell to millennials.
What is your favorite thing to do, or place to go, in the Northeast Ohio area?
Walking along the beach and looking for sea glass, well its called lake glass. LOL
What would you tell your 16 year old self if you could?
I started at 16. Be nice and be honest to everyone.
What is your favorite dessert?
German Chocolate Cake
What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or non)?
A good bottle of French Bordeaux
Thank you so much to Ben for taking the time to answer some questions. If you would like to reach out about his awesome entertaining skills for your next event, please do so at:
www.benriccidjs.com
Phone: 440-357-7468
Email: ben@benriccidjs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/benriccidjs
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