Sunday, October 24, 2010

Survival Guide for Bridal Shows

CT Bridal Event

The season for bridal shows is almost upon us.  Here are a few survival tips to make it through the day and really get the most out of it for your wedding. 

~Remember to take your time, walk through the event and then come back to vendors you really want to connect with.


~Set up a wedding email address, and use this when you are asked to leave an email address.  Make sure you do check this account often enough though, because you may be offered worthy deals, or win a prize.  Brides have also found that bringing along labels with their information already printed on it is a quick way to leave your information.  If you come with a group, make sure they all know what information you are willing to share with the vendors.

~Be honest. If you don't have a wedding date, tell the vendor. Don't make up a date, but do share what season you are looking at. 

~If you have already have a vendor, you should still stop and at least take a look.  You may see that they have other deals that you could use at a different time. If you already have a photographer, you may get photograph ideas, or you may wish to book another photographer for your Jack 'n Jill, or your shower.  If you have a cake already, you may find a cake baker for your shower cake or even wedding day favors.

~Take in the ideas.  Realize that at a show some of the ideas may be over the top but it is to mostly showcase that they can do anything for you.  Even if you don't like the color combos, look past them and look at the idea.  See what ideas you can bring to your wedding or how you can take an idea and make it your own.

~If you see something you love, like an arch, or cake stand, see if you can rent them for your day. Or ask where you could locate the item to rent or purchase.  Remember some vendors do sell goods right there at the show. 

~It is a good idea to think of questions for vendors before hand.  

~Bring your camera along. if you fall in love with something, such as a decorum item, ask the vendor if you can take a photograph.

I know I said this before, but just to reiterate, take your time.  A bridal show is suppose to bring you ideas, help you find vendors, and be an enjoyable day out with your friends and family. 

Friday, October 15, 2010

For the love of Taftville



I often find myself mentioning the small mill town of Taftville, and the response 80% of the time is "never heard of it".  Once I mention that Taftville is considered a neighborhood of Norwich with it's own zip code, people start to have an idea of the location.  Now you may ask, what happens to be in Taftville worth discussing?  It is a great little New England town, with a wonderful selection of wedding gowns.  That is right, I said wedding gowns, along with so much more.   Love Me Two Times is an upscale consignment shop, with a bridal boutique, offering once- and never-worn wedding and formal gowns.  This is the place to shop for savvy brides seeking a way to get the gown of their dreams while saving on their budget. 


Designer gowns like Lazaro, Maggie Sottero, Tiffany, and more are available and no appointment is necessary.  The nice thing is, brides are always welcome, no need to make an appointment and have the high pressure sale pitch. The ladies of the boutique are interested in assisting, listening, and locating "your"  gown!  The shop is filled with current styles, and besides just wedding gowns, think of them for your Mother of the bride & groom selections.  Attending a wedding and need the perfect dress? They're always worth checking out. If the dress doesn't fit like a glove, not to fear, a seamstress can make it work.


Photo by The Sweetest Day Photography
If you're not sure of the next time you will be in Taftville, then you are in luck. Love Me Two Times will be setting up a mini bridal boutique at the 4th annual CT Bridal Event.  You never know, you may find the dress of your dreams at our event.  Or you may at least find the right accessories, veils, shoes, gloves, wraps and more!  Plus once again, they will be offering a special $99 gown section.  

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Wish Upon a Wedding (Important information to Share)

Your browser may not support display of this image.I felt the need to share this.  I'm working on starting a branch here in CT with some great talented wedding professionals.  Take a moment to read this, make a difference, and get the word out.


Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. Less than one year old, the organization has 16 active chapters, and will have granted 12 wishes by the end of 2010.  
During the month of November, they are hosting several fund raising galas and auctions throughout the country, and would like to invite you to participate.  
Whether you are a bride or groom to be, a wedding industry professional, or you simply love the concept behind their mission... YOU can help make Wedding Wishes come true, while raising crucial funding needed to sustain this wonderful, new nonprofit organization.
 
Here's How:  
A Gala Celebration to Benefit Wish Upon a Wedding  
The Blissful Wishes Ball is a festive way to support Wish Upon a Wedding.  Enjoy a nice night out on the town with an elegant dinner, entertainment, music, dancing, and incredible auction items.  

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Online and Live auctions for a Worthwhile Cause 
For the first time in history, couples getting married can plan their entire wedding from virtually any city in the United States, knowing that every penny they spend will go directly towards helping a couple in need.  It's so EASY to bid.  Find everything from invitations to flowers, catering to DJs, photography to wedding planners, honeymoons and more.   
Simply visit their online auction site here to choose from hundreds of items from the industry's best vendors.   
Even if you are not getting married, check it out for other exciting items, such as dinners in top-rated restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and popular autographed memorabilia. Every cent earned goes towards Wish Upon a Wedding and their mission to provide these heartfelt Wedding Wishes.  
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About Wish Upon a Wedding 
 
Founded in January of 2010 by CA wedding planner, Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, Wish Upon a Wedding was created to help couples who did not have the time, money, resources or strength to plan a wedding on their own, because of terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. The organization now celebrates the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. It is their goal that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength, while raising awareness for terminal illness.   
Growing up with a sister who was deaf since birth, and raised by parents who ran a board and care home for people facing numerous disabilities and life hardships, Liz learned early on to value the many blessings in life, and the importance of helping others. Volunteering throughout her life for a variety of nonprofit organizations, Liz was looking for a way to combine weddings and community service.    
After producing the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway in 2009, a contest in which only one couple would be granted a dream wedding, Liz came up with a way to merge her two passions. While going through the process of giving the wedding "prize" to a woman suffering from stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Liz  created Wish Upon a Wedding. Overnight, Liz decided to change wedding history, and the way we give, by launching a nonprofit organization that was totally unique and had never existed before.  
Supported by industry leaders such as Sasha Souza, David Beahm, Stella Inserra, Jenny Orsini, Kevin Covey, Stacie Francombe, Sylvia Weinstock, Steve Kemble, Mindy Weiss, Mary Dann, and Ivy Robinson (to name just a few), the organization has experienced rapid growth and seen voracious acceptance throughout the country.   
To date, eight couples have benefited from the generous work of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over 4,000 volunteers have signed up to become Wish Granters. Their facebook page has attracted over 10,000 fans.    
None of this would be possible without public support.  



 
In Loving Memory of Wish Recipients who have Passed On   
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Dani and Tony married in St Louis on September 1. She passed away September 30th. Dani had suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since age 3, and had recently received a double lung transplant.  
 
Florence and Micheal married near Sacramento on March 13. She passed away on September 28. Florence battled stage IV breast cancer, and was diagnosed with six months to live at the time of her wedding. 
 
Shelly and Jay married in Seattle on May 2.  Shelly passed away three weeks later. She had been battling a rare type of cancerous lymphoma, and Jay suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.   

 
Please help Wish Upon a Wedding continue to do great things.   
And help them spread the word, by sharing this article with your friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.   
You CAN make a difference in someone's life today!