The Dreaded Wedding Speech? Maybe Not!

Guest post by Tali Tarlow, www.yourjewishspeech.com

If you’re planning a wedding, it probably means that some time soon, someone in your family may be called on to give a speech!  If the thought of writing and delivering a speech makes you panic, you’re not alone!  But breathe easy – there are a number of solutions available to you.

If you write “wedding speeches” into google you will find a number of cheap and quick speech packages.  You can purchase numerous speeches from which you can choose the one that you like most and adapt it to suit your needs – or even do some mixing and matching.  These pre-written speeches express the important generic sentiments of the occasion; they are entertaining and light on the ear.  Another advantage of this speech writing genre is that you will receive the prepared speech almost seconds after clicking the order button, so if you have been struggling with your speech (or avoiding it) until virtually the last minute, salvation is just one click away from your inbox!

At yourjewishspeech.com we offer another solution.  We are speech writing consultants who will relieve you of your pre-wedding jitters by helping you to articulate your deepest thoughts and sentiments.  We have no agenda and no template; we just listen to our clients and we help to develop their ideas into a well written speech with appropriate and meaningful content.   We are proud that over 98% of our clients express that the decision to hire a speech writing consultant was the single best decision of the wedding!

Although much of our work is with the Jewish wedding market, we are happy to work with anyone who finds themselves…ehr…speechless!

Here is what a recent client, father of the groom, wrote to us: “I was very impressed by the extremely high level of personal service that I received from “Your Jewish Speech”. They responded promptly to my initial e-mail, and took the time to speak with me at length in order to ascertain the type of speech I was looking for, paying attention to details, tone and content. They were diligent and reliable, and within 72 hours, had created a unique, very personal and insightful speech that cleverly incorporated the personal details which I had provided, alongside “pearls of wisdom”. They were friendly, obliging and caring. “Your Jewish Speech” offers a unique, high quality service which is a cut above the rest. It was a pleasure working with them, and I whole-heartedly recommend them.

Tali Tarlow is a speech writing consultant.  She invites you to check out her website http://yourjewishspeech.com  to find out more about wedding resources and speeches, or you can contact her directly at tali@yourjewishspeech.com.

Why Are Diamonds So Popular?

by guest blogger Tom Moore, Brillianteers

Diamonds have been an integral part of high end jewelry for centuries, dating back to the royal classes of early medieval Europe. They have remained popular throughout the years, and are the most valuable and frequently-used gem in modern engagement rings.

But what makes them so valuable? Why are they so much more popular than other gems? Once reserved for only the highest of society royalty and aristocracy diamonds remind us of everything beautiful, glamorous, and desirable. They speak of wealth, and the clarity of a well-cut, well-polished diamond not only reflects light itself but stands in contrast to colored gems and helps to highlight their own brightness and beauty.

The first diamond ring was given as a betrothal gift to Mary of Burgundy by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1477, although the use of diamond engagement rings didn’t become mainstream until the 20th century. Even so, diamonds have been used in royal crown jewels and other jewelry across the world. The first diamond-cutter’s guild was even established in the mid-1500s, in what is now part of Belgium.

Diamonds are even used in gem Chakra by crystal mystics and New Age enthusiasts, who believe that diamonds and other gems can help to balance the energies of the body to help a person achieve personal peace and well-being.

The diamond is also the symbol of a tenth anniversary, as recognized by the American Gem Trade Association and other gemstone societies. However they are used, by the wealthy or not, from ancient times to today, diamonds have never lost their popularity and their appeal to the masses.

 

Tom Moore is an blogger and internet marketing enthusiast currently working for a number of internet companies as a web consultant , marketing expert and investor. Tom has a passion for diamonds and jewelry and currently writing for Brillianteers - Diamond Jewelry Designers.

Wedding Guest Etiquette

by Melanie Lambrecht

Timeless Events, LLC – Wedding Blogger

Being in the midst of wedding season, you probably have more than a few weddings on your calendar to attend this summer. The couple has been planning their big day for months, deciding on the perfect cake, the most beautiful dress, their first song, and what food to serve. However, no matter how elegant the details, it is something that cannot truly be enjoyed without guests to celebrate with the couple on this important day.  As a guest it is important to remember you are not the main event. Here are a few do’s and don’ts of wedding etiquette for guests:

 

1. RSVP as soon as possible. The bride and groom need to give numbers to the vendors for seating, food, and wedding favors. The sooner they get a reply, the less stressful the last few months will be for the couple. And don’t make the poor couple track you down! You should RSVP event if you won’t be able to attend.
2. Don’t make a dietary request unless you have a serious food allergy. The couple is buying dinner for between 100-200 people and did their best to choose foods that would be well received by everyone. If you don’t like the meal option, plan to eat on your own before or after the reception.
3. Don’t pester the couple with pre-wedding questions. The family or wedding party should be able to answer any questions you may have about the wedding or the registry. The couple may also have a wedding website you can consult to find out the answers to your questions.
4. Do use the wedding registry for buying your gift and base the gift on your relationship to the couple. If you don’t know them as well, don’t pressure yourself to buy the flashiest item on the list. Consider even finding other mutual friends to go in on a gift with.
5. Don’t bring a guest unless your invitation specifically mentions a guest (Jane Doe and guest). This goes double for kids (The Doe Family, etc). The couple may only be able to invite a certain number of people, so you may need to hire a sitter for the kids or fly solo for the night.
6. Do wait for a cue from the wedding coordinator if the processional or ceremony has already started by the time you arrive. We’ve all arrived late to something at one time or another – just don’t let your entrance distract from the wedding.
7. Don’t use the flash on your camera. Turn the flash off on your camera during the ceremony; otherwise your camera’s flash may interfere with the photos of the actual photographer.
8. Don’t go crazy at the buffet table if not everyone has gone through. There will most likely be a chance to get seconds, but let everyone have a chance to eat too.
9. Don’t just talk to your date. Try to engage in polite conversation with all those around you. The couple worked hard on seating hoping everyone at your table would have a good time. Make the most of it and chat with people you may not have gotten to spend a lot of time with before.
10. Do write or call the bride and groom to ensure your gift has safely arrived if you have not gotten a thank you note after two months.

What are your biggest wedding guest pet peeves? The worst thing you’ve ever seen a guest do at a wedding? Share with us!

Happy planning,

Your Milwaukee Wedding Planners

What’s in an Invitation Suite?

An easy-to-follow guide to help you determine your stationary needs for the wedding.

Courtesy of Exclusively Weddings

1. Save the Date – Sent six to twelve months before the wedding. Ideal for summer, holiday weekend, or destination weddings.

2. Invitation with Envelope – The centerpiece of the entire stationery ensemble. Invitations are mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding.

3. Response Cards – Include a pre-addressed envelope for your guests to send their RSVP and/or indicate meal choice.

4. Reception Cards – Convey the time and location, and often the style, of your reception. Cards are mailed with your invitations.

5. Multi-Purpose Cards – To provide miscellaneous details like directions and accommodations, or can be used to share wedding weekend events with your guests.

6. Wedding Program – An outline of your ceremony. Includes names and roles of the wedding party and ceremony participants.

7. Table Number – Helps guests find their seats and is an aid to servers.

8. Place Card – Also known as an escort card; placed at guests’ seats at the reception.

9. Favor Tag – A pretty touch for favors that completes your overall theme.

10. Thank You Notes – Etiquette dictates you send thank you notes within six weeks of receiving any gift.

Glamour’s 25 Biggest Wedding Dos and Don’ts

This past Sunday night Style Network featured a one-hour special, Glamour’s 25 Biggest Wedding Dos and Don’ts. In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap:

25.  DON’T go extreme with a theme. (We’re talking Star Wars or Smurfs here…)

24.  DO gender bend bridesmaids and groomsmen.

23.  DON”T go color-bland with your decor.

22.  DO ponder your guests’ pennies before getting married away.

21.  DO use protection – on your honeymoon, that is. (They’re referring to honeymoon insurance, or travel insurance.)

20.  DO bring a wedding 911 kit.

19.  DON’T take naked wedding photos. (Apparently this happens more often than you think!)

18.  DON’T freak out if you’re invited solo. (And don’t assume you’re allowed to bring a guest!)

17.  DON’T blow your budget.

16.  DO look like you.

15.  DON’T have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party!

14.  DON’T lie to get free stuff for your wedding.

13.  DO be kind to your bridesmaids.

12.  DO cross cultures.

11.  DON’T dance for dollars.

10.  DO register for gifts.

9.  DON’T let family drama get to you.

8.  DON’T wear these things to a wedding: white, jeans, an outfit to upstage the bride, items too short or too low cut

7.  DON’T mess up the wedding toast.

6.  DO think twice before hooking up at someone else’s wedding.

5.  DO go for it the 2nd time. (aka, don’t skimp if this is your second wedding!)

4.  DO go bold or go home.

3.  DON’T trash the dress.

2.  DON’T feel pressured to have sex on your wedding night.

1.  DON’T wear a wedding diaper. (Really? These things exist??)

Stay tuned for more detailed blog entries on each of these! Coming soon from your Milwaukee wedding planners, Timeless Events!

Happy planning!

Free Wedding Planning Giveaway – an explanation

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard of our free wedding planning giveaway we’re holding. Well, the deadline is coming up, and although we’ve gotten some great submissions so far, it occurred to me that many brides may not be entering fearing its a scam. So, I’m here to clear up a few things and hopefully encourage the hesitant few to apply.

The giveaway is for free day-of wedding coordination. This means the wedding will still be planned by you and only you, and sorry – we’re not paying for it. For day-of wedding coordination, we’re on hand for the day of the wedding (as well as the rehearsal the night before) to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Its to make sure everything you’ve worked so hard on for the past 9-12 months comes together flawlessly. Its to make sure you’re getting what you paid for (I heard someone compare it to an insurance policy – valid point). Its to ensure you, your groom, your bridal party, and your family are able to enjoy the day without worrying about the florist getting lost…collecting programs…tipping vendors…what to do with the gifts at the end of the night.

We love our clients dearly and love the fact they’ve recognized the value and importance of a day-of wedding coordinator. But we can also appreciate the fact that there are many out there struggling to make ends meet – we’ve all been there. We hope these brides will enter the giveaway, saving them time, money, and most importantly, stress. We want to help you put together their dream wedding when you might not have otherwise been able to. We want to give you the perfect day, a day to remember. Is that such a bad thing?

To enter, we’re asking couples to email us at Weddings@TimelessEventsLLC.com with their love story (whether its how you met, how he proposed, or just something fun about the two of you!), a picture of the two of you (perfect chance to show off those engagement photos!), and you would love the assistance of a wedding planner. But most importantly – we MUST receive these entries by 11:59 PM on Saturday, April 30th.

The team here at Timeless Events will be getting together on Saturday, May 7th to choose a wedding. Couples will be notified within a few days after, by May 15th at the latest.

Every contest has rules. Ours is no exception. Here’s a complete list (with explanations):

1. Weddings must be between June 2011-April 2012 and subject to availability.
(It encompasses one wedding season and one off-season, to give brides of both an equal opportunity.)
2. Winners must sign a contract plus an addendum regarding contest rules and prize winnings.
(Just so we’re both clear on what each party is responsible for, standard for any client.)
3. Brides must not already have a wedding planner or coordinator. (Coordinators provided by the venue are okay.)
(If you already have a wedding planner, you don’t need us. The exception would be planners provided by either the church or the venue, because they won’t be doing the same thing we are.)
4. Winning couples agree to allow Timeless Events, LLC to feature their wedding, planning details, and photos on our blog, website, Facebook, and other marketing materials.
(We want to be able to feature our winners on our Facebook, blog, etc! Rest assured, we will NOT take credit for your planning and design ideas.)
5. Weddings must be in within 100 miles of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
(We’re willing to make an exception to this rule – if we’re available or find your story particularly touching, we have no problem traveling further. But you have to apply by the deadline, just like everyone else!)
6. Prize is not redeemable for cash or other planning services.
(Winners receive day-of wedding planning services – not cash, not full service planning, etc. We can assist with other aspects of your wedding planning for a reduced rate, if interested. If winning couple choses not to accept their prize, they will receive nothing only a smile.)
7. Couples must be 18 or older to enter.
(Laws are set by the state, not us!)
8. Only one entry is allowed per couple.
(Please save us from weeding through hundreds of extra entries! You’ll receive an email confirmation from us when we receive your entry. If you sent us a submission but didn’t get an email from us – send it again!)
9. Submissions become the property of Timeless Events, LLC and can be used in any of our marketing materials at any time.
(Again, we’re not stealing your entries or stories…we just like to hear your reasons for wanting a wedding planner – and other brides will want to hear these reasons too!)
10. Winning couples agree to provide a written testimonial to Timeless Events, LLC to be used in any of our marketing materials at any time.
(We ask this of all our clients…not all remember/have time/etc…so in exchange for giving you $500+ of our services, we’re asking for a simple testimonial.)
11. Failure to comply with rules may result in entrant’s disqualification and is exclusively based on Timeless Events, LLC.
(Just some legal mumbo-jumbo…)

Probably the most important question you may have – why? What has possessed us to give away thousands of dollars of our services to random couples? You mean aside from what we mentioned earlier (wanting to give all couples the chance to have a wedding planner regardless of money, etc etc)? Well let me see if I can explain it in a way that makes sense. We currently have 2 full fledged, full service wedding planners. Then we have 3-4 wedding assistants we use and rotate on a regular basis (depending on schedules, etc). Both of our wedding planners can take on a wedding themselves, and bring along the help of 1-2 assistants, based on the size of the wedding and our level of involvement. Our goal is to educate these assistants and bring their wedding planning knowledge up a few levels. What better way to do this than at an actual wedding? Hence – the giveaway. Never would I find it appropriate to charge a bride/couple for our services when we’re also using the occasion to train an associate! The added benefit of this – you’ll receive AT LEAST 3 of us at your wedding (if not more). I honestly don’t think there’s a better deal out there…3+ wedding experts at your side FOR FREE! At least apply…if you win and you don’t want it – no problem! Better to have the chance for free wedding planning and not need it, than wish you had it!

So here you have it – this free wedding planning giveaway is totally legit and totally worth it. Don’t forget to email your submission to Weddings@TimelessEventsLLC.com BEFORE the deadline of 4/30/11!

Happy planning,

Kristin
Owner, Wedding  Coordinator

Writing Your Own Vows

Are you and your fiance writing your own vows for the wedding? Having trouble finding the words? Let the famous love letters of the past help inspire you!

For example, an excerpt from Beethoven’s love letter…

[...] only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together. Be calm – love me – today – yesterday – what tearful longings for you – my life – my all… Oh continue to love me – never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

ever thine
ever mine
ever ours

 

Use these beautiful words to get the romantic juices flowing…and just say what’s in your heart!

Happy planning!

Top 5 Wedding Trends We’re Tired of Seeing

Recently, Wedding MBA asked wedding vendors to name the top 5 wedding trends we’re tired of seeing.  While there are numerous things about weddings that drive each one of us insane for different reasons, here’s ours:

Top 5 Wedding Trends I’m Tired of:
1. Venues claiming to give the bride a wedding coordinator. These “wedding coordinators” are NOT the same as a professional wedding planner. This is my personal pet peeve – brides learn the hard way that this so called “wedding coordinator” will not & is not prepared to help with any emergencies or things that come up NOT related to the venue.
Along these same lines are the bridesmaids or friends of the bride who either planned their own wedding or a friend’s, and is now a “wedding planner”. What happens when a crisis occurs but your friend is already drunk? She’s not in much shape to be acting like your wedding planner then!
2. Receiving lines that include every single member of the bridal party, and then some.
3. Dress bustles. Half the time they never stay done anyways.
4. Watching the bride & groom sway back and forth to the music. Oh, that’s the first dance? BORING! Spice it up! Take a few dance lessons so you can twirl & move around the dance floor.
5. The garter toss/bouquet toss. Is there a more embarrassing way to point out the lonely singles?

What are YOUR top five wedding trends you’re tired of??

Let your expert Milwaukee wedding planners help you plan and execute the perfect wedding.  We offer affordable planning services for everyone, whether you’re looking for help in selecting quality vendors, day of or month of coordination, or full service planning!  Call us today to find out how we can help!

Happy planning!

Brides Reveal Their Biggest Wedding Regrets

Biggest Wedding Regrets

Brides reveal their ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda’ moments.

By Charli Penn

What bride doesn’t want her wedding day to go exactly as she planned with a minimal amount of drama? The truth is you can plan your heart out, but things may not always work the way you hoped they would. We asked newly married brides to be up-front and honest about their biggest preparation regrets so others could learn from their mistakes. Here’s what they had to say.

About Receptions
“I would not have combined a chocolate fountain at our wedding reception with six flower girls. Thank goodness for Shout Wipes — they were the only thing that managed to save my dress.”
Tip: Even if you aren’t having small children or messy foods at your reception, pack a bridal emergency kit. Items like aspirin, clear nail polish (for stocking runs), and a miniature sewing kit are musts. If you’re worried you’ll forget it, ask your maid of honor to be in charge of gathering the little things you might need.

“I would have ordered three times more shrimp. My brothers-in-law and a few of the other guests thought we were offering an all-you-can-eat shrimp buffet.”
Tip: After sitting through the ceremony and waiting for the wedding party to arrive, many guests will work up an appetite. Beautifully prepared appetizers may not always be the most filling. If you have big eaters on the guest list, you may want to add to your food budget or plan a meal with lots of options, especially if you’re having an evening reception. At dinnertime, guests expect dinner-sized portions.

“I would have driven the route to the reception myself instead of just going by an online map. A lot of people got really lost on the way, and I’m still hearing about it to this day.”
Tip: If your ceremony and reception sites are not the same, include directions in the invitations. Don’t rely on online resources because there can be glitches. If guests get lost and frustrated, it’s likely to show in your photos. Map the route yourself and then have a family member on hand with a cell phone for anyone who’s lost and may need clarification.

About Being the Bride
“I would have lost weight. After all, I had the time and the equipment.”
Tip: If you’re gown shopping and you’re not thrilled with the figure you see in the mirror, it’s the perfect indication that you might want to begin a pre-wedding workout routine. While you don’t have to lose weight to be a beautiful bride, it’s important you feel comfortable and at your best that day. You’ll love your pictures so much more if you’re not obsessed with the little flaws. Most weddings are at least a year away, which gives you plenty of time to improve on body issues.

“I would have searched the dress shop on the Internet before putting down a deposit. When I went to the designer’s website and found two stores in my area, I should have checked on them both. The Better Business Bureau would have shown me the complaints made against the one I chose.”
Tip: When you’re spending major cash at a bridal salon, check references. Impulsive purchases very often don’t work out well when it comes to wedding planning.

“I would have taken pictures of my bustle at my final dress fitting. When I was ‘bustling up’ before the reception, we couldn’t quite figure out how to get it right.”
Tip: Arranging the bustle is indeed a not-so-easy task. Bring a member of your bridal party with you to the bridal salon when you go for your last fitting. She can learn precisely what needs to be done for the wedding.

“I would not have worn those ghastly fake eyelashes. They work on some people, but I’m not one of them.”
Tip: Try out new beauty products a few times before the wedding day. It’s better to know how they work and what you can expect.

About the Wedding Party
“I wouldn’t have worried about what everyone was wearing. Instead, I would have given the maids and moms a swatch of fabric and said, ‘Don’t clash with this.’ I’m glad they chose their own dresses, but having to coordinate colors between three different designers was more stress than I needed.”
Tip: Always remember that when dealing with bridesmaid attire, being flexible comes with a price. Allowing the ladies to pick something that works for them won’t always work for you. If you insist they have options, find a designer that offers multiple dress styles in the same color: You won’t have nightmares about clashing colors, and they’ll get a style in which they feel comfortable.

“I wouldn’t have jumped so quickly to choose my bridal party. I would have taken more time and given it more thought since I hurt quite a few people in the process. I realize now that out of sheer excitement, I hastily selected the people who were closest to me at that time, neglecting the people that were with me for many years before.”
Tip: When it comes to picking your bridal party members, give it some time before you contact anyone. There may be conflicts between who you’d like to ask and who expects you to ask them. You’ll want to identify those problems before you make any announcements. In most cases, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to do some damage control, but you’ll most likely feel better if you ask after having thought long and hard about your choices.

About the Planning
“We wouldn’t have done DIY invitations. The amount of money we saved just wasn’t worth the time it took us to make them.”
Tip: It’s important to understand the nature of the projects that you’re taking on before you or your loved ones commit to something you ultimately just won’t want to finish.

“I would have hired a day-of coordinator. It got irritating when people would ask questions like, ‘Where should I put the extra programs?’ after the ceremony.”
Tip: The one thing most brides don’t get on their wedding day is a break. If you want to enjoy individual moments more and deal with questions and disasters less, hiring day-of help should be a high priority on your to-do list. The quality time you’ll gain is well worth the fee.

Find the article here:
http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=9707767&GT1=32023

Top 10 Most Searched Destination Wedding Locations

1. Costa Rica

2. Maui, Hawaii

3. Belize

4. Aruba

5. Virgin Islands

6. Nassau, Bahamas

7. Punta Cana

8. Cabo San Lucas

9. Tuscany

10. Florida Keys