It's time for another edition of Ask the Patch Pro, where each week we tackle a different topic and open up the comments section for questions. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions.
This week we're talking about wedding planning. Patch wants to help you get your questions answered, but we needed some help.
We've compiled a team of experts to help us out. Meet the experts:
- Evonne M. Grabauskas: Beautiful Celebrations, LLC
- Allison McDonald: Owner of Flourish Events & Concierge
- Aieme Wright: Works at The Salon
- Ellen Gutierrez: Owner/Designer/Planner at Bride's Vision Weddings and Events
- Tricia Layton: The Bridal Exchange-Resale & Rental Boutique
- Holly Speakes: Bridal Stylist and Makeup Artist
- Bobette Kyle: Publisher of MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com
- Renee Joshu: Weddings By Renee
- Deborah McCoy: The American Academy of Wedding Professionals
- Shannon Lemp: STL Hospitality
- Jeff: Absolute Perfect Touch Limo
- Maria Lindsey: Wedding Coordinator with Weddings by Maria
- Carolyn Burke: Wedding Liason/Written for Saint Louis Bride Magazine
- Kippin Sanchez: Vellum Stationery
Have a question? Ask in the comment section below!
I believe photography and videography are very important as they are what you will have after the wedding and for years to come. Very few brides get their dress out 10 yrs after the wedding but you will look at your pictures and video for years to come. Best wishes to you.
Bobette Kyle www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com Your Dream Wedding on a "DIY" Budget
Weddings today don't have many rules. Let the wedding be about you. You definitely do not have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen if you don't want to. If you have more bridesmaids, then have a groomsman escort 2 bridesmaids down the aisle or vice-versa. That lucky groomsman or lucky bridesmaid definitely enjoys the little 'extra' attention going down the aisle! Make sure to go over the logistics during the rehearsal. Happy Planning! - Evonne Grabauskas www.beautifulcelebrations.net
Allison McDonald Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge flourishstl.com
As others have said, you certainly don't have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen ... but plan out the processionals and who will stand where during the ceremony and the photos. I had a groom who had just returned from Afghanistan and his best friends were all overseas. He only had a best man and the bride had 10 bridesmaids. So 4 of the bridesmaids stood on the groom's side during the ceremony. Circumstances and families vary widely now. Most important thing is to have the people you love in your wedding party. All the Best, Renee Joshu Weddings By Renee www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com
I agree with everyone that photography and videography are very important as they are what you'll have for many years to come. But also take care in choosing your venue and caterer. The food and drink is usually your biggest expense ... and everyone remembers if the food is disappointing! All the best, Renee Joshu Weddings by Renee www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com
www.bridesvision.com
All the best, Renee Joshu Weddings by Renee www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com
A New Year's Eve Wedding is a great celebration for family and friends. It will be a welcome party option for all. Give them plenty of notice before they commit to another party. You might want to consider a hotel ballroom for the reception and get a block of rooms so guests can party, spend the night and make a weekend of it. Your groom will certainly never forget your anniversary ... and your anniversary celebration will always be a New Year's Eve party! All the best, Renee Joshu Weddings by Renee www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com
- A wishing tree [some examples are here (amidst some other table top trees: http://pinterest.com/YourWeddingHelp/wishing-tree-or-tree-centerpiece/) - Have guests write on note cards and display in collage frames. - Guests sign a family tree quilt or large illustration. - Have them sign smooth rocks and make a water centerpiece or arrangement with them. - Set up a Polariod photo booth...guests take photos and write note on the back. HTH Bobette
www.bridesvision.com
www.picturethisphotobooth.com
Allison McDonald Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge www.flourishstl.com
- Candles can be used in a huge variety of ways...on mirrors or in Mason jars for a rustic look just to name a few. - Individual cakes or other desserts on stands for each table - Items of special significance to the couple (books, collectibles, natural elements) - Clear containers of seasonal fruits (citrus, pomegranates, cranberries, etc) The sky is the limit. Always remember, it's your wedding and the only rule is that you want your day to reflect who you are as a couple! Allison McDonald Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge www.flourishstl.com
For inspiration, you can see around 15 other easy, non-floral centerpiece ideas my daughter and I did up for do-it-yourself videos here: http://www.myonlineweddinghelp.com/DIY/centerpieces/
www.weddingliaison.com/findavenue Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison