For the Four-Legged Friend in Your Life…

When a person gets married, they only naturally want to include everyone they love in the festivities.  For some, that can only be done if their pet is included too. 

It’s not that uncommon anymore- even some celebrities are doing it!  Andrew Firestone and his bride, Ivana Bozilovic, had their dogs- Twiggy (English bulldog) and Snoopy (beagle) participate in their wedding as a junior bridesmaid and her escort.  And, Gwen Stefani’s groom, Gavin Rossdale, was escorted down the aisle at their wedding by his Hungarian sheepdog, Winston, who wore a garland of red flowers around his neck. 

If you are planning on including your pet in your wedding, don’t be surprised if you meet some resistance.  There are some that have very strong opinions of what is or is not appropriate at a wedding.  Do, however, check with your cleric to make sure it is ok with them, and make sure pets are allowed at your wedding site and reception site.  Also, guests would appreciate it if you tried to make sure there were no attendees who may be allergic to your pet.

Make sure your pet wants to participate.  If they are the type who gets nervous around a small crowd of people, they may not be very cooperative around a large group.  If you feel they can handle the job, be sure to keep it simple, and don’t expect perfection. 

If you’re getting married in an unfamiliar place, take your pet for a couple of test runs so they get used to it.  You should also appoint a designated pet handler for the big day- someone whose job it will be to attend to your pet so you can focus on getting married!

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Have you seen the movie Blood Diamond?  Let’s just say that it wasn’t one of those that “I think I saw, but don’t really remember what it was about!”  The movie takes place in the 1990s, when diamond mining financed rebel fighting in places like Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The rebels kidnapped men and small boys and either forced them to mine the diamonds, or brainwashed them into becoming rebel soldiers themselves.  The movie was very disturbing and not easily forgotten… especially since it was based on a true story.

One estimate suggests that smuggled diamonds- called “conflict diamonds”- made up 10-15% of the global diamond market in the ’90s.  Drastic measures have since been taken to eliminate these practices, but how can you be sure that your diamond is conflict-free?

Shop smart.  Some retailers, like Brilliant Earth, specialize in conflict-free jewelry.  Otherwise, check for certification.  Any well-established, reputable jeweler should be able to tell you a diamond’s history and guarantee that it is conflict-free.  Feel like they are not telling you the truth?  Ask to see the diamond’s Kimberly Process certificate or System of Warranties statement.  To find out more about these certificates or see what they look like before you shop, visit DiamondFacts.org.

The good news?  Don’t expect to pay more.  There are many different factors that increase the price of a diamond, but being conflict-free certified should not be one of them.  By working with a jeweler that you feel you can trust, and by researching before you buy, you should feel good about yourself for doing your part and being a responsible diamond shopper!

Saving the Date

As you may have noticed, it is becoming more and more common to receive a Save the Date card in the mail before the actual wedding invitation.  Does this mean, now that you are engaged, that you should be sending out Save the Dates?

It’s not a bad idea!  If you are planning a destination wedding, or if your wedding will take place during a holiday, Save the Date cards are especially helpful.  But, no matter what kind of plans you have for your wedding, your guests will appreciate the advance notice.

Save the Date cards can be mailed out as early as you want, but make sure you have given your guest list some thought first, and make sure you mention that an invitation will follow.  Then, make sure that everyone who gets a Save the Date card also gets an invitation. 

Keep your Save the Date cards very simple.  All you really need to include are your names, date and location.  One fun idea is to send out magnets with the information printed on them.  That way, a guest can put it on their refrigerator so they don’t forget!

Shopping for Transportation

When it comes to wedding-day transportation, the options are endless.  So where do you begin?  Well, the key to finding the right transportation is to make it as convenient as possible for everyone involved.  Here are a few fun options to consider:

Horse & Carriage It doesn’t get much more romantic than a horse-drawn vehicle.  Just make sure you won’t be traveling too far to your reception, as this is also one of the slowest options!

Car Not just any car, though.  Get creative and choose one that fits your wedding venue.  Sports cars, vintage autos or town cars may be options you’ll want to consider. 

Limo The most classic of wedding rides may also be one of the most practical.  If you want the whole wedding party involved, limos usually seat 8-10 people, and some have audio players, TVs, stocked bars and even mini refrigerators!  You’ll really feel like a VIP!

Party Bus Take the limo and multiply it by 10 and you have a party bus!  This is the perfect choice for large party crowds, and it can also be great after-party transportation!

Some things to consider: Before you start your transportation search, make sure there are no vehicle restrictions at your wedding ceremony or reception sites, and make a list of how many people you will be needing to transport.  When you get a little closer to the big day, take a test drive on your own to plan the best route.  The day of, make sure you have detailed directions, maps and contact numbers to give to your driver.

Planning the Perfect Honeymoon… For Both of You

Planning the perfect honeymoon may not be so easy if you and your husband-to-be have very different ideas of “a good time.”  Honeymoon Advice has over 40 fantastic articles that will help you plan the perfect honeymoon.  They have everything from luxury honeymoon ideas to ideas for honeymooning with kids!  As for planning a mutually agreeable honeymoon, they offer the following tips:

Start planning early!  The sooner you start the more time you will have to reach a decision.

Make a list of all the features you both want and all the things you can do without.  A travel agent will then be able to give you a list of possible destinations.  If you would rather not use a travel agent, you will have to do the research yourself.  Try not to rely solely on the internet for your information.

Think outside the box.  Try finding a destination that has a variety of things for you to do individually, yet still has that luxury atmosphere that allows you to relax and spend quality time together.

Don’t be afraid to compromise!  Sure, you want your honeymoon to be absolutely perfect for you, but more than likely it won’t be the last vacation the two of you ever take.  Most importantly, choose a destination that will allow you to make memories that the two of you will look back on and smile about for the rest of your life.

How To Choose A Reception Venue

Today’s brides have LOTS of choices! Feeling overwhelmed when it comes to picking a reception location? You just need a few pointers to help you choose a reception location that’s perfect for you. Follow these easy steps and you will be well on your way to the wedding of your dreams.

Gosh Mom! How Did You Decide?

Things are a little different now from when your mom got married. With so many choices, even the most decisive of brides can get a little unnerved. Do you have your reception in a hall or hotel? Art gallery or rustic ranch? Outside under a tent or indoors with a tented ceiling?

Ice in Our Drinks Or Ice Sculpture: What Can My Budget Handle?

Start by thinking of your budget. Ladies, keep in mind that while this is an extremely important day, you don’t want to be paying for it (literally) for the next 20 years. Narrow your selections down to ones that will be appropriate to your budget and won’t break the bank.

Express Yourself!

Next, think about what kind of wedding you would like to have. Do you want it to be classic, funky, unique? Don’t choose a reception venue based on your parents’ or your friends’ expectations. Choose a location that reflects the personalities of both you and your husband-to-be. Remember that this is your special day and you need to pick a spot that makes you happy and excited.

Never Judge A Location By Its Cover

With the exception of destination weddings, once you have narrowed down a group of reception venue finalists, you should ALWAYS go for a visit. Don’t just trust the pictures and descriptions from the websites as they do not show every aspect of a venue. It is important to go and see the room, the facilities, the area surrounding, and meet the event manager.

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling

Don’t feel bad if everything seems perfect but you just don’t get a good “feeling” about the place. If you have a bad feeling, then it is not the right location for you, and don’t let your fiancé tease you about it because a woman’s intuition is never wrong!

Let’s Get Down To Business

You should also feel comfortable with the event manager as you will be working closely with them over the next couple of months. Here are 9 questions to ask a potential venue:

1. Is there a room minimum (a set amount you must spend on food and beverage to use that room) or a room rental charge?
2. What time can you get into the room to decorate?
3. Can you tear down the next day or does it have to be that night?
4. What decorating regulations do they have?
5. What is the room capacity with a dance floor and with buffet tables (these things will change a venue’s room capacity if you plan on having them)?
6. Do you have to use their catering services? Even for the cake?
7. Can you bring in your own liquor? Does that mean there is a corkage fee and/or a bartender charge?
8. Will they provide all of the tables, chairs and linens? What colors are they?
9. What time does your party need to end?

Say It With Chair Covers Or Say It With Open Bar

Sit down with your fiancé and figure out your wedding priorities. Sort out what it is that you absolutely must have on your wedding day and what you can live without. This will not only help you when choosing a reception location but it will help you with all of your other wedding choices as well. Do you really want a plated meal at dinner if it means you can’t afford a champagne toast?

Ciara’s Bridal Advice

Once you have chosen a reception location and booked it, you are well on your way to a wonderful wedding. Just remember ladies, no matter where you have your wedding reception, you will have a fabulous evening with your new husband surrounded by family and friends. So start researching venues now! Make a list of the sites you like and tackle it. The sooner you find a place to get married the sooner that stress will be gone. If you don’t know where to start or don’t even know what options are out there I can help you. I can help you find a venue that you may have never even heard of before that is just perfect for your style and your budget. Click here virginia@fireflyoccasions.com to book a meeting with me. 

Book Your 2009 & 2010 Wedding Dates As we move quickly into the New Year your 2009 or 2010 wedding date quickly approaches. Avoid being stressed out by planning your wedding by hiring us to be your wedding planner. Whether you just want some advice, or someone there to help on the wedding day or you need help with planning everything- we have you covered. Check out all the great options we have (and we can customize something for you) then book a meeting with us to discuss how one of our programs will work for you and your wedding. Click here if you’re The Hollywood Princess- A bride that wants the full service, couture experience- vendor and venue referrals, décor and design, and wedding day coordination. Everything is taken care of by the Firefly Occasions team. Click here if you’re The Tiffany Girl- You’ve got your vendors and your venue chosen but you need help figuring out what it should all look like, what your theme should be, and how it’s all going to come to life (without your family having to be put to work). This program also includes wedding day coordination. Click here if you’re The City Girl-You have everything covered but you definitely need help with your décor. You want a design team to create the perfect wedding environment for you to celebrate with your guests. This program deals solely with event design and no coordination. Click here if you’re The Cosmopolitan Icon- You figured it all out on your own but you want to make sure that each little detail that you’ve painstakingly planned is going to come to life without you having to be stressed out over it. You need a wedding day coordinator and you need the best! Click here if you’re the DIY Bride- You want to do it all yourself but you want to know the insider secrets to planning your celebrity style wedding. I’ve recorded over 20 hours of audio and made all of my spreadsheets and templates available to you. You can instantly download the DIY Planning System or it is now available in cd format which you’ll receive in the mail. The planning and design service packages are only available to 2009 couples. This deal cannot be used by a current Firefly client. To access the Recessionista sale you must pay the sale price up front to secure the booking. Payment plans are only available to clients paying full price.

Wedding Gown Fitting Do’s

So you have found the perfect dress and sent it out to be fitted to your shape. Now at along last the wait is over and it is time to have the fitting. Well girlfriend, don’t forget the following 5 tips to make your fitting smooth and your final results flattering.

1. Bra – Wear the bra you plan on wearing with the dress. After trying on the dress be sure to jump and dance around. I know it looks a little silly, but better to find out that your bra shows in the dressing room than on the dance floor at your reception.
2. Body Shapers – Got an unsightly bulge you plan on hiding? Make sure you try on the dress with you body shapers as they can not only smooth the slight tummy, but change the way the dress fits.
3. Stocking – While stockings are not necessarily a must, but sure to try them on too. You don’t want to find out too late that you’re being cut off in the middle or at the thighs.
4. Garter - If you are wearing a ball gown or an A line dress this probably won’t show, but if you are wearing a straighter line dress your garter might actually be seen before your groom takes it off. So make sure you try it on with the dress before the wedding. That way if it shows you can find another one.
5. Outerwear? – Last but most importantly, make sure your underwear isn’t outerwear. You most definately don’t want to be giving a peep show while you are walking down the aisle. If you can see your undergarments, you may want to purchase some flesh colored garments. Pinks, tans, and dark creams may just do the trick and keep your unmentionables hidden. A lot of brides wear blue panties for their “something blue” but I’ve seen a bride put these on under her dress and you can actually SEE them right through it… utilize the blue somewhere else.