We're Getting Married!

He Asked and You Said Yes!

Well Here it is... 

A new year approaching so quickly. Where did the time go? 

So many memories and new ones to build. Enjoy this journey before the wedding day. 

Remember these 5 tips because the engagement should be just as fun as the wedding day. 

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

Tip #1. Embrace each moment together!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. It's realist to set a few boundaries.

Who wants to be overwhelmed? When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Where's that checklist!?! Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Snap Away! Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Photos, photos, and more photos. That's right! Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

Wedding Planner & Your Wedding Budget

Kiss Your Budget Goodbye Without the Help of a Wedding Coordinator

A common question among many brides: "Should I hire a wedding planner?" And the answer is yes! 

Whether you're planning a month or months in advance; you only benefit on the day of your wedding. Who wouldn't want a wedding professional on their side to handle all the logistics. Many see hiring a planner as an added expense, but the reality is that its a savings in every aspect of your wedding day!  

The reality remains: timing is everything! Parents and couples may hire a wedding planner based upon all the details involved for a successful wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner provides another opportunity to the family to enjoy their day that much more. Above all, hiring a wedding coordinator saves! It saves money, saves energy and equally important; it saves time.

Wedding coordinators are working to assist with every detail from your initial meeting up to the departure for the honeymoon. They will assist you with your budget, vendor referrals, negotiating contracts, and focus on the theme you have encrypted as your special day.

We all know planning a wedding is an enormous task and undoubtedly stressful. It's important that you are able to place emphasis on the positive highlights and why this day is important. Enjoy the moments that lead up to the wedding.

Your next question may be: How do I find the right wedding planner?
Key factors: Don’t hire the first person you meet who says she once planned a wedding for her brother, sister, cousin, or aunt. Ask friends or family members that have recently married, search various associations or through online resources. Just remember, a wedding planner should be professional and trained. A true wedding planner does not plan weddings on the side. It's their career. You want to make sure you feel comfortable and this individual is working for you. Many brides have felt as if they were working along side their new best friend. It should be a great experience.

There are independent event coordinators who work alone, and there are those who have turned it into a larger business. Some coordinator businesses include a full service event, wedding coordinating and might even have a store associated which may have everything from wedding invitations to wedding accessories.

I urge all brides to utilize a wedding planner, so that at the end of the day, you can be among those that say, "I don't know how I could have gotten through the day without you!"

JOLENE + CHRIS:: MARRIED: CHARLOTTE, NC

Hrinda Taylor Wedding

Words can't describe the marriage celebration on this day in May. There were tears of joy, contagious smiles, and lots of laughter. Unforgettable moments... Not to mention the flower girl not making it down the aisle. All was well, the bride made it down! And was absolutely gorgeous. 

Jolene and Chris were surrounded by friends and family with the love and support to last a lifetime. This couple was definitely meant to be together. Anyone could feel the love they share for another. It was genuine, it was unique and is just enough to surpass the test of time. 

We wish them all the happiness for the years to come! 

Officiant: Andrea Smith

Florals: Braswell Interiors

Wedding Coordination: It's a Bridal Thing Too

Reception: Maggiano's Southpark

New Engagement? Ready for 5 Important Tips

5 Very Relevant Tips for Newly Engaged Couples

Getting engaged is undoubtedly a blissful time and memory for couples, but many couples can get overwhelmed by the wedding checklists and all of the decisions that they have to make in the months to come. We wanted to highlight a few tips from our experience working with other couples and from having the pleasure of walking the aisle. Not to mention, we have learned in working with other brides to be; in a short note, they to felt challenged by the planning process. You're not alone. 

For our planning team, helping brides organize their memorable occasion by providing not only gorgeous real wedding photos, but professional vendor recommendations that we have had the pleasure of working along side, and resourceful online wedding portals. Her are a few pointers to help make the engagement period as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Photo Credit: JT Photography

Tip #1. Embrace the moment!

So many couples rush into planning mode right away without taking the time to jut enjoy the engagement. Regardless of whether you are planning a 12-week or a 12-month engagement, you have time, and you only get to experience this once. So breathe.

Tip #2. Set the boundaries.

When you do start the planning process, it is important that you have a sit-down with all parties involved and go over the big picture that you have in mind; from everyone's responsibility to budget. Note: Communication and Organization are essential. Not only does this help everyone get on the same page, but it also avoids future conflicts.

Tip #3. It’s all about the two of you. And that's okay! 

Too many couples that I speak with say they lose sight of this and get wrapped up in trying to make everyone else happy but themselves. Remember this is your wedding. As harsh as it may sound, you have to come to terms with the fact that you are not going to please everyone. But that's okay because you have set the boundaries.

Tip #4. Prioritize.

Budget or no budget; make your checklist and prioritize it with whats most important to you.

Tip #5. Photographs are memories to last a lifetime.

Choose a photographer that is able to capture your day. Hire a professional not a friend. You'll find it very helpful to take engagement photos before the big day so that the photographer gets a sense of you as a couple. 

Hair Trivia for Every Bride UP? or DOWN?

Well here it is! You have found the perfect gown, shoes and complimentary jewelry. Now, what to do with your hair?

For some brides wedding day hair is an afterthought, for others it's the only thought. When you are thinking about that perfect style keep a few things in mind, with a few tips from our planners at It's a Bridal Thing Too!

Tip #1 

Your Style of the Dress - You want to make sure your hair doesn't cover any of the accents on your dress or take away from the style of the dress itself.

Tip #2 

The Shape of Your Face - Pick a style that frames your face and brings out your best facial features.

Tip #3 

Not the Time to be Daring - This is not the time to try out that new hair color you have always wanted or to put in the Rapunzel length extensions. If you are itching to try something new, have a hairstyle run through a few weeks before.

Tip #4 

Make Sure Your Hairstyle is Something You Are Comfortable With - Don't let your bridesmaids talk you into a loose chignon when you love having your hair down!

Most Importantly!

Tip #5 

Remember, This is Your Day - Be happy with every aspect of your wardrobe which includes the hair.

Pair it up! Gown and Shoe choices for every type of Bride!

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy 2011! 

I know we have been gone for awhile but, we were off enjoying the holiday season!  We're back now and ready to tackle a new year.


In this months post we are going to talk about how to "Pair it Up". Of course I am talking about dresses and shoes.

Taking a look at some of the Spring 2011 trends we have put together some dress and shoe pairings for four bride "types". 

Traditional

 Our traditional bride is longing for the lace, bows and taffeta. It's going to be white and if there's an accent color it's strictly pastel. Think Shelby in "Steel Magnolias".

Our Gown Choice:

This beautiful gown made by Bonny style #042 is a beautiful mix of what the traditional bride wants. A sweetheart bodice that leads down into a luxuriously full ball skirt. This dress is accented by beaded lace and a cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:

Simple but elegant white satin shoe by Benjamin Walk, (makers of Liz Rene Couture, Touch Ups and Johnathan Kayne, and Dyeables). Perfect choice for a more traditional bride.

 Modern

Our Modern Bride is ready to hit the ground running. She has discussed, with her planner, the ways the wedding can be more "green" and has made sure that local produce will be used for the reception dinner. 

Our Gown Choice:

 This light and flowy gown by Bonny   style #048, is perfect for our modern bride.A wonderful mix of couture style and clean design.  This one shoulder dress drops down into an empire waist and then to an a-line skirt with cathedral train.

 Our Shoe Choice:  Another wonderful shoe by Benjamin Walk. Strappy but, not over the top with a beautiful symmetrical rhinestone accented diamond design.

 Funky

Be ready for anything that this Bride throws at you! She may be arriving atop and elephant with the local high school marching band providing fanfair. Or, you may be set on a city-wide scavenger hunt to find the reception location! You just never know. 

Our Gown Choice:   

It's the non-traditional color of this dress that appeals to our funky bride. This dress with its strapless bodice, dramatic pick-up skirt and semi-cathedral train it sure to help her make the entrance she is looking for!                                     

Our Shoe Choice:

This bootie, by Benjamin Walk, adds that bit rock and roll style our Funky Bride is looking for.

Destination 

She is ready to start the new adventure of married life with an adventure. She has her passport in hand at all times. She might not even make it to the reception, if she can convince her husband that that 8:00 pm flight to Spain is a better idea!

Our Gown Choice:  

              A perfect choice for that on the beach in Barbados wedding! This Bonny gown style #052 made from chiffon. Starts at a sweetheart neckline, flows into a beautiful flared skirt and has elegant lack up ties  in the back.  Accented with a simple rhinestone broach.                

Our Shoe Choice:

Don't be afraid to get this one wet! This jeweled jelly shoe from Benjamin Walk is perfect for that after vows walk in the surf!

We here at It's A Bridal Thing can make any of these, and many more choices, possible for your big day!

Feel free to take a look at our website at It's A Bridal Thing.com or give us a call at 704-893-0201 and see how we can make your big day special!

We hope you like our selections! Please let us know!

Get Great Ideas Online!

When you first meet your wedding planner, it's good to come with some general ideas about how you want your big day to look. Here are some websites we  here at It's A Bridal Thing think will help get you started!

Want to see how Jessica Alba, Carrie Underwood or Gwen Stefani  looked on their big day? Take a look at In Style Weddings. They have their Best Dressed Celebrity Brides list which includes people like Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana and Katie Holmes. They also have great galleries of wedding cakes and  floral arrangements organized by color!

 The Brides.com Idea Gallery is another great resource! In addition to having wedding cake and floral galleries, they have galleries for  Stationary and Invitations, Wedding Favors and Food and Drinks!


A Wedding Sketchbook is a blog by Michelle Mospens. She details her thoughts on unique wedding invitation ideas, how to make the most out of an engagement photo shoot and backyard wedding reception ideas. Our favorite part of her site is her Wedding Color Trends for 2011 Part 1 and Part 2. Some of Michelle's picks for 2011 wedding colors? Amazon Green, Oyster Gray, Mauve, Celadon, Violet Purple and Clementine Orange!


Want something to help you put all of these ideas together for when you meet with your planner? Try The Knot.Com's Wedding Inspiration Boards. All you do is choose the template you like best, add images(either from The Knot's website or your own photos) and save and share. Tons better than Post-It-Notes in all of those bridal magazines you've bought!




Here are a few non-planning websites that we want to share.

My Wedding.com allows you to make a wedding website, with all the bells and whistles for FREE. They offer beautiful design templates, photo galleries and you can even add music!

Need a laugh to relieve wedding stress? Check out And The Bride Wore... . Hilarious site that covers fashion mishaps from wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and even tuxedos. 

As always, we here at It's A Bridal Thing are here for all of your wedding planning needs! We cover everything from gowns, tuxedos, flowers and invitations! Call us at 704-893-0201 and let us give your big day a beautiful touch.

Be Jeweled for your Big Day!

Finding wedding day jewelry can be as difficult as finding a great gown.

You want that perfect match between beautiful and classy, unique and elegant. The choices that are available between the internet, mall jewelry chains and hometown jewelry stores can be overwhelming.But, finding that perfect piece can make the digging worthwhile.

If you are really wanting that one of a kind piece to round out your wedding day wardrobe try Etsy.com  .

There are thousands of handmade, unique designs that would be perfect for your big day! Not only that but, some of the Etsy artisans are willing to create custom pieces based on your wedding colors or just your personal preferences!

We have gone through the Etsy site and pulled out a few of their incredible artists for you to look at. Enjoy!

Just a reminder to take a look at our great coupon at Merchant Circle.com! And become friends with us on Facebook and Twitter!

 Alexia Ruzoa's(http://alexiaruzoa.etsy.com) beautiful designs are earthy, funky but, very classic. Her use of natural gemstones along with  brass links, in various finishes, creates a great look for a more edgy bride.

Alexia Ruzoa-Histoire D'amour Necklace and Earring set with freshwater pearls, glass pearls and crystals. $89.00

Alexia Ruzoa-Pink Flower Necklace and Earrings Set with pink and fuschia glass pearls and burgundy crystals. $ 26.00

Alexia Ruzoa-Giardino Verdi Necklace and Earrings Set with pastel and forest green glass pearls and lime crystals $48.00

Jewelry by Roz(http://jewelrybyroz.etsy.com) these creations will give you that something blue in an elegant and beautiful way.  

Jewelry By Roz White Glass Swarovski Crystal Dangle Necklace with grey and sapphire blue swarovski  crystals. $36.00

Jewelry By Roz-Textured Loop with Blue Swarovski Crystals. Sterling silver textured loop with Sapphire blue swarovski crystals and white beads. $28.00

Fine Art Reflections(http://fineartreflections.etsy.com) has classic Victorian and nature inspired designs. Perfect for traditional and non-traditional brides!

Fine Art Reflections-White Pearl Branch Bracelet.Nature inspired bracelet with branch centerpiece, frosted white lucite leaf and   Swarovski creme pearls. $21.00

Fine Art Reflections-Victorian Silver and Pearl Earrings. Antique silver earrings with Swarovski pearls and silver filigree diamonds. $19.00

                                              

Fine Art Reflections-Antiqued Silver Ivory White Pearl Necklace with sterling silver art nouveau pendant accented with Swarovski ivory pearls. $26.00

DDurda's designs(http://ddurda.etsy.com)are full of bling!

Tons of gorgeous designs with Swarovski and rock crystal beads. Perfect for the high glamor bride.

DDurda Pure Heart Necklace with Swarovski crystals and Bali Sterling Silver Beads. $105.00

DDurda-Crystal Clear Bracelet with Swarovski crystals and sterling silver beads. $42.00

       

DDurda-Large Rock Crystal Quartz and Sterling Silver Earrings. $25.00   

                                          

Fall and Winter Weddings

Hello Friends!
It's the time of year when the leaves start to fall, the air gets colder and the possibility of snow is upon us(maybe!).

Image:Evgeni Dinev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know that October is second only to June as the most popular wedding month!

Some great fall/winter wedding ideas are:

 Instead of a traditional wedding cake why not have a decorated spice or pumpkin cake?

Colors for the seasons include ones found in nature like rich oranges, browns and greens; as well as jewel tones like reds, purples and blues.

Consider having your fall wedding at an apple orchard or old barn to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of the season.

What about flowers? For Fall mums, roses and daisies are generally inexpensive flower choices for fall and dried wheat stalks make a great bouquet filler. Winter choices could include crocus, lilies and tulips. Think about using dried eucalyptus and holly berries for accents.

Imagine a winter wedding at an old inn or historic house with fireplaces and picture windows to look out at a fresh blanket of snow.

Some winter wedding favors could include snow globes, gingerbread house making kits or an ornament that commemorates the wedding date!

Image: Aleksandr Kutsayev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


We here at It's a Bridal Thing! are here to help you will all of your wedding needs. We can coordinate everything from wedding planning, dresses, tuxedos and flowers. Just give us a call at 704-893-0201 or visit It's a Bridal Thing.com to set up an appointment.


We are offering a 10% discount on Bridesmaid dresses from now until December 31st! Please see our coupon at Merchant Circle.com for all the details.  

Wedding Etiquette and websites that can help!

How long can I wait to send out Thank-You notes for wedding gifts?

Who pays for the entertainment at the wedding?

We are sure you brides are thinking about some of these same questions!

Just relax(If you need help with that look at our last blog!)

It's a Bridal Thing is here to help!

Here are some recommendations of some of our favorite Wedding Etiquette websites and books.

• Emily Post Weddings- This is the Queen of all etiquette. If she doesn't know no one will. Everything from "I don't like my ring, should I tell him?" to "I am a bridesmaid but I can't afford it. What do I do?" is covered by this maven!
• The Knot: Ask Carley- The Knot has charged their Editor-In-Chief Carley Roney to answer your wedding questions. She has full Q&A list for topics like planning, reception issues and the best way to incorporate your families traditions and customs.
• Brides.com Wedding Etiquette and Guests- The classic go to for anyone getting married! They have their own compendium of etiquette. Their guide even covers cake and food.
• Wedding Etiquette Hell: The Brides Bible to Avoiding Everlasting Damnation- The blurb says: "Hamilton, a wedding consultant and creator of EtiquetteHell.com, lays out basic etiquette rules in chapters arranged by topic (e.g., attendants, invitations, and showers) and then illustrates them with hilarious, real-life stories that drive the points home."
• The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book- Covers every part of the wedding process from engagement to should you hyphenate your name. This book truly has Everything!

Just a few snippets from the tons of available resources!

But, let's go a bit further. If you don't have time to read or research, let us help you!

Send us your Wedding Etiquette questions for us to answer on the blog.
E-mail us at leah@itsabridalthing.com  and we'll try our best to help you and others out in the web wedding world!

How to have a Stress-Free Wedding Day

The big day is almost here and the stress has almost pushed you over the edge.
You have confirmed the food, flowers, band, location and officiant.
After much wrangling, everyone has gotten fitted, altered and has their wedding attire.
You made sure that the dinner seating doesn't have Uncle Carl next to your soon to be Father-In-Law because you remember the fireworks at Thanksgiving.
The rings have been fitted, purchased and given to the best man.

The stress of planning a wedding can be monumental. All of the little details that need to be checked and double checked, to insure a perfect day.
Here are some great suggestions to make your day stress-less!

Candy Freeman from the Younique Boutique suggests:
" Pack and bring along a bride's emergency kit which includes, extra panty hose, clear nail polish for runs, Kleenex, aspirin, spot remover, static cling spray, hemming tape, band-aids, a sewing kit with safety pins. For the groom's kit include: mouthwash, breath mints, razor, cologne and comb. They sell these kits already made online as well." Side Note: Clubwedd at Target.com has a great list of things needed for a Wedding Day Survival Kit.

Linda Pergola, from the TLC show, Masters of Reception says:
"Make sure all your vendors are paid well in advance. You don't want to be carrying around money the day of your wedding."

Rachel West of Rachel West Designs suggests:
"Assign a special person who will act as the main person to go to should any member of the bridal entourage have any questions. Make sure that everyone knows who this person is. He/she could be a friend, a family member or even a member of the bridal entourage.
Whoever you choose should be able to make the decisions on your behalf. As he/she is going to be responsible for your big day, make sure that he/she knows what your idea of a perfect wedding day is so he/she can make the decisions accordingly."

Lisa Barr, Bridal writer for the New York Examiner says:
"You’ve already packed your suitcase so this isn’t something you have to worry about. Let me say it again...if at all possible at least two weeks before your wedding (earlier if you can), pack what you need for your honeymoon. Leave your suitcase at the ready so this is one thing you won't have to worry about, days before the wedding when you will have other things to do. Believe me, there is nothing like getting to your honeymoon and realizing you forgot something (extra contact lenses, a tooth brush or paste, 1 shoe - I could go on)!! Also, make sure after your wedding that your best man has the grooms tux (if applicable), your maid of honor has your dress (again, if applicable) so all you have to worry about is each other."

Finally, your friends here at It's a Bridal Thing suggest:

• Make sure you have done a Wedding Dress run through with shoes. Just to insure that you feel comfortable moving around in your dress!
• Assign a relative beforehand to be in charge of your wedding gifts on the day. Make them a copy of your house key so they can take them home after the reception.
• If you aren't using a wedding planner, ask a friend(who's not in the wedding party) to be the "Stage Manager" for the wedding. They can help to make sure the wedding party enters in the correct order, keep you posted about seating progress in the ceremony area and open the doors for you to make your walk down the aisle.
• Make sure you eat and drink! Assign a member of the wedding party to stock up on snacks(the good and bad kinds) and drinks(Gatorade, juice, sodas and WATER). The last thing you want to do on your big day is pass out!

Hopefully, these tips will help you make sure that your wedding day is a stress free celebration.

If there is anything we here at, It's a Bridal Thing can do to help you plan your
celebration we are just a call away!

Reducing Reception Costs

Many brides with a strict budget may question etiquette and their guest list; ceremony vs. reception. The question stands: Is it acceptable to have two types of guest invitations to keep the reception guest count to a minimum?
While it's true that keeping the guest list small is the best way to reduce the reception budget, inviting guests to the ceremony but not the reception isn't always the best way to minimize costs. Just imagine how hurt you'd feel if a friend invited you only to her wedding and later you found out she held an intimate and lavish reception for only a select few.
However, there are a few exceptions; and few only defines two rare exceptions. Sometimes, couples open their ceremony to the membership of their congregation or synagogue. The invitation is issued with an announcement in the weekly bulletin, or by the clergy person. In this case, only those guests who receive a reception invitation attend the reception.
In the other scenario, only very close family attends a reception. All other guests are simply invited to the ceremony, with no mention of "reception to follow." If you can, arrange for punch and cake immediately after the wedding ceremony so that you have an opportunity to thank people for coming and offer them refreshment. Then plan your very private reception for later in the day or the following day.
It is okay, however, to flip the situation around—inviting more guests to the reception than to the ceremony. Just be aware that any guests invited to a reception only (whether it's held the same day or a month later), don't have an obligation to give a gift. Many choose to send one anyhow, but don't be offended if you don't receive gifts from everyone.

Don't Just Seal It and Send It!

It's Your Day; Stand Apart... Let your invitations do the inviting!

Most brides want their invitation to stand out from the rest. Something to send their guests that set there wedding day apart from other weddings. When working with Metropolitan Living ~Weddings and Events, their brides are in luck because there are a few fabulous, affordable details to incorporate that special flair to their invitations without breaking the bank!

A few pointers to share!

The outer envelope could display your printed return address.
Looking to save time? We can address the invitation envelopes with guests names & addresses. Everything can be printed in the same ink color and lettering style as your invitations and not only will it look professional and beautiful, it will be a sneak peek at what your wedding wording will look like! And don't forget to add a pretty seal to the outer envelope to catch guests' eyes and to create a perfect finishing touch.

What's next? The vision; just imagine your guests opening the inner envelope to discover that it's lined in a beautiful color! This will continue to set the stage for your wedding and a further hint about your wedding colors and style.

What about the invitation? For mere cents per invitation, you can color code the inscription with hues that match your wedding colors. It's a great, affordable way to make your wedding theme a day to remember! Or incorporate your unique style by creating your own verbiage for your invitations.

Our ideas and creativity is endless. The ease of creating a wedding invitation is right at your fingertips. Visit http://www.itsabridalthing.com/ for more ideas and trends for wedding invitations or save the dates.

Should I Hire a Wedding Planner?

A common question among many brides: "Should I hire a wedding planner?" And the answer is yes!

The gain to hire a wedding planner is not based on the wedding budget, size of the guest list, or the wedding theme.

The reality remains: timing is everything! Parents and couples may hire a wedding planner based upon all the details involved for a successful wedding day. Hiring a wedding planner provides another opportunity to the family to enjoy their day that much more. Above all, hiring a wedding coordinator saves! It saves money, saves energy and equally important; it saves time.

Wedding coordinators are working to assist with every detail from your initial meeting up to the departure for the honeymoon. They will assist you with your budget, vendor referrals, negotiating contracts, and focus on the theme you have encrypted as your special day.

We all know planning a wedding is an enormous task and undoubtedly stressful. It's important that you are able to place emphasis on the positive highlights and why this day is important. Enjoy the moments that lead up to the wedding.

Your next question may be: How do I find the right wedding planner?
Key factors: Don’t hire the first person you meet who says she once planned a wedding for her brother, sister, cousin, or aunt. Ask friends or family members that have recently married, search various associations or through online resources. Just remember, a wedding planner should be professional and trained. A true wedding planner does not plan weddings on the side. It's their career. You want to make sure you feel comfortable and this individual is working for you. Many brides have felt as if they were working along side their new best friend. It should be a great experience.

There are independent event coordinators who work alone, and there are those who have turned it into a larger business. Some coordinator businesses include a full service event, wedding coordinating and might even have a store associated which may have everything from wedding invitations to wedding accessories.

I urge all brides to utilize a wedding planner, so that at the end of the day, you can be among those that say, "I don't know how I could have gotten through the day without you!"