Monday, June 28, 2010

Apples to Apples

Countless times I've been sitting with a couple and they start to explain how they have been comparing vendors to each other, and when asked what they are comparing, almost always the price is the only thing.

While price plays a huge factor, it should never be the only thing you compare. From a planner's aspect things to consider
  • Years of experience :  With these years of experience comes the ability to handle any situation during your special day, the ability to work within your given time frame, and  to provide you with top notch service. On your important day, you need a planner who is able to think quickly and react in an appropriate manner. Plus the ability to guide you through difficult situations effectively.
  • The number of events they have done and the sizes of these event.
  • The ability to locate vendors who will meet your budget and vision without receiving a kickback.
  • If they work full-time or part-time as a planner
  • How many hours they will provide for day-of, if you are comparing day-of services
  • Plus so much more but of course I'm a planner so I could go on and on... :)
 These are just a few simple things to consider when comparing planners. When comparing bakers, you should know if they are able to create something custom or traditional, if they work better in buttercream or fondant and so forth.  With DJ's, ask how large their selection is, do they have the newest music, do they have a back up power source (like After Hours DJ Entertainment does) and of course the quality of the equipment.

When it comes to photographer, you should be comparing the hours, extra shooters, how you will receive your photos, where they were trained, if they are comfortable with formal poses (even if that isn't what you are looking for. They need to be able to assist in making you and your guests look good in the photos.)  Diane Parsons from Parsons Photography says " A good photographer should enhance the style of the couple." This means they can capture the true feeling of the event.  Another very important thing to ask is how they back up the photos, do they do this at the wedding, and so forth.  (Note the photo: This was one of those times were the photographer only had a few seconds to capture the boy looking up the dress but on the other hand now the bridesmaid has flowers growing out of her head...)

When it comes to florists,  will they be creating standard creations or new custom ones, if they handle one or more weddings on your day, their knowledge of flowers and willingness to work with in your budget.

When all is said and done, you need to compare experience, the full services you will be receiving and perks.  Always feel free to ask a vendor explain their costs, this way you will feel better about your choice.  There are tons of great vendors throughout the state and when comparing, make sure you are comparing similar services.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Colorful Love


We all have our favorites.  The perfect shade of blue, the brightest yellow, the warmest red; and our favorites tend to be a part of our events.  When picking your favorite combo or trio of colors for your wedding or event, there are things to keep in mind.

Will your colors be contrasting, like bright red with a turquoise?  This is a color combo that can work amazingly but at the same time fail.  You don't want them to clash. Another choice is to have complementary colors, such as blue and yellow.  Or, a way to go is to pick shades of the same color.  We had a bride who picked many different shades of purple from light to dark. It worked with the space and her vision.  (See how pretty everything was?!?)

How will the colors work within your venues?  If you have your colors in mind prior to picking a venue, bring along a napkin or tablecloth if you can.  Remember certain colors will shine and work with a space, while others may fight the location.  If you have one color that you love, but don't know what to combine it with, pick a color from the venue.  If your location has an on-site coordinator, feel free to ask about what colors have been used in the space in the past, what works, what doesn't and consider the information.  If you find the perfect neutral venue, you may need to bring in a bright color to bring life to the room.

When working with color, always have a sample with you.  This way if you think you have found the perfect shade of peach, you will be able to pull out your sample and be 100% sure.  If you check your color in different lighting, make sure you still love it. I bought a comfy chair that I thought was gray, and when I got it home, I found out it was green; light made all the difference. If you have a sample of a color, have one that you can leave with your planner, cake designer, and florist.  Plus seen the photos below how well the flowers work with the colors of the dresses.


 
Think of how your colors will look on your wedding party.  They don't have to be perfect but at the same time you do want the colors to work on them.  (Thank you to Parsons Photography for lending a hand on some cute photographs showing off color)  You can see how some girls look great in the purple and others look great in the yellow. Just like how the little bit of watermelon color worked really well with the black tuxes on the guys. 


Lighting is a great way to change the color of a room.  Working with a company that knows how to be effective with lights, knows all the safety concerns, and has a large selection is the way to go.  It is smart to do a walk through with a lighting person to see how you can use a touch of color to make the room sparkle for you. 

Use color effectively & constantly without over-doing it. Work with colors that make you feel great from day one, and you will be happier!