The Checklist... Here are some great list items!

Ceremony Checklist
Wedding bands bought and sized
Confirm rehearsal date & time
Marriage license
Vows chosen or written
Readers chosen Email Planner names
Usher chosen Email Planner Names and email address
Ring pillow purchased
Programs purchased or made (are you making programs?)
Music selected (Send Planner the completed list and send to DJ)
Unity candle purchased  If needed

Reception Checklist

Special occasions permit ( if needed)
Guest book & pens
Pick guest book and seating card attendants
Engagement photo framed for display or guest signing ( Are we having a memory table as well?)
Meal selection Email this to Planner and confirm an email to caterer.  Need arrival time of caterer as well.
Confirm bar stock and hours (Confirm amount of bartenders and bars rented)
Go over floor plan
Create a seating plan. 
Let Planner know when deliveries will be made  Tent set up, Bar, Food, Floral, Cupcakes, Cake.  Planner would like your times that you have documented then I will contact the vendors as well.

Confirm linen colors
Figure out who will be in the receiving line and in what order  (Document and email to planner)
Choose attendant for guest book/seating card/reception cards table (someone needs to do this)
Write speech and ask others to prepare speeches(wedding party, family & MC) Email planner speeches the speeches can be touching or funny… If you need speech samples for your party let me know.
Decide on kissing and or centrepiece game-games…
Instructions for disposable cameras (announced or printed)  If you are using them
Bathroom baskets (let planner know if you are having them and if she should supply them)
Pick VIP reception songs: wedding party entrance, 1st dance, parents dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter removal & toss, last dance, etc. Email the selections to planner and to you DJ
Pick your kissing and centrepiece games. Email to planner and DJ with when you want to do them.

How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Dress For Your Figure...

Some Tips On How to choose the perfect wedding dress for your figure…

Some Styles and Shapes: 

Beautiful Empire gown perfect silhouette if you are short waisted or if you have an undefined waist

Modified A- line, great for if you are very petite

Strapless ball gown with a natural waist, this dress if perfect if you are a pear shape

Drop waist sweetheart neckline dress with cap sleeve and built in corset this is perfect if you are very velopsuos because it adds the element of support

Don’t forget the most important thing is to go with the dress you love! 

Our tips for wedding dress shopping:

In Terms of timing at LEAST 8 months before your wedding…..

Dresses tend to take about 4 months to make and then another two to three months for alterations and fittings.

To start off with we suggest narrowing it down to two to three salons.   If you choose too many salons you could become overwhelmed and confused.

We recommend starting the process by yourself go through the dresses see what looks good and what doesn’t without too many outside opinions.   Then after you have narrowed it down to two to three dresses invite your mother and your maid of honor or those people that are special too you.  

 One awesome feature at Elegant Occasions in Wausau is bringing us into the digital world of looking at dresses.  Be sure to talk with them at our Celebrations Bridal Show 9-23 Wausau Elks Lodge  10am to 2pm.  Greta and her team of experts will be running an awesome fashion show and on hand to answer all your dress selection questions. 

When selecting a gown go with the type of silhouette you normally wear.  For example If you never wear a halter dress don’t choose a gown that is a halter..

In The End You want to feel like yourself but just a little more beautiful…….  

Happy Dress Shopping.... The WWP Team

Top tips for cutting wedding costs: A Celebrations Bridal Show Focus!

You’re engaged Congratulations! After the sizzle of the champagne subsides, your next thought is: How much is this going to cost? And how am I going to pay for it?  Luckily, there are practical ways to cutting wedding costs while still achieving your wedding vision.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember that like any other purchase or decision you make, there are many options at different price points. There truly is no single right answer. It is your wedding vision and your budget and we are here to help you achieve the wedding of your dreams!

The key to cutting wedding costs is determining what’s the utmost important to you. We have seen engaged couples spend considerable resources from their overall wedding budget on their music because entertainment was their top priority, at the expense of décor and food. Was that a mistake? Absolutely not for them! But it may be for you, if food and décor is your thing.

        Top tips for cutting wedding costs:

1. Use online services such as Pingg.com for easy and inexpensive save-the-date announcements, event invitations or place cards. There are plenty of online options that are reasonably priced, with many features and flexibility.    Save the date cards are not a must have, etiquette states you do not have to send save the date cards.  Visit with Six Nineteen at our show for unique ideas for invitations.

2. Use Seasonal Flowers and be flexible about the floral assortment and style. Be open and honest with your florist, and let them know if this isn’t the priority for you. Using seasonal flowers and being flexible on floral arrangement and style can really help with budget constraints.  Please visit with Ann or Joan at the Floral Magic vendor booth at the 9-23 show and let them help you design floral that is flexible and your style.

3. Scale down or be creative with your engagement photos.  Your photographer can help you with that.  Be sure to visit with all of our photographers at the Celebrations Show and gather valuable information from them that can truly be reflected in your wedding budget.

4. Cut out guest favors. People often ask me if they have to give out wedding favors to their guests. The answer is no! If it doesn’t fit within your budget, I believe this is the first place to cut. Don’t get me wrong, if you have the money to spend, favors are a nice thing to do for your guests. But I’m also a big proponent of the fact that your guests should be bringing you gifts.  Shannon Thomas of One Girl Creative will answer all your questions at the Q&A with OGC during the workshops at the show...

5. Limit your guest list. A quick way to cut wedding cost is to limit your guest list. Be realistic and invite those people that are emotionally involved with you – ultimately it will make for a better experience for you and your guests as well.  Your work place friends and such will understand if they are not on the guest list. 

6. Skip the full bar. A full service bar can get quite expensive. Serve beer and wine instead, or better yet, serve a signature drink in keeping with your wedding theme. It helps set the tone and style of your wedding and is considerably less expensive than a full service bar.  Talk with us at the Celebrations Show roundtable in and we will discuss how you can become your own mixologist with your signature wedding drink.  Taste our sample signature drinks at the show to inspire you!

7. Review vendor contracts carefully for unexpected costs, such as after-hours charges, delivery charges – things you didn’t know could pop up. You want to be aware of that from the get go so you can budget for it.  Make a list prior to meeting with the vendor covering all of your questions of those possible charges and make sure everything is in writing.

8. Reduce the amount of food served. Cut back on hors d’oeuvres served during the cocktail hour and/or the number of courses included in your meal.  Or, talk with your banquet facility and create a creative appetizer schedule that is lower in cost and streamlined to your budget.  Can you supply your own candy buffet or sweets table.  This may take the place of other food items and be a budget friendly addition.  City Grill and The Elks Lodge Banquet coordinators will be on hand at the show to inspire you with creative solutions for your DAY! 

If you are realistic and honest about your priorities, you can plan the wedding of your dreams and stay within your budget.   All of us in the Wausau Wedding Powerhouse are here to help you do just that.  

We are dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams!

Happy Planning!  The Powerhouse Team!

One venue vs two separate venues.....

The Pros:

• More guests can be invited to the ceremony and fewer can be invited to the reception (this will save alot on your budget, especially if you have a larger number of guests and financially cannot afford to invite them all to your reception).
• You can space the time between ceremony and reception, a little longer, that way giving you more time for your photos (always ensure guests know what time they should be at the reception and offer suggestions or a list of activities as to what they can do between the ceremony and reception).

The Cons:

• You are dealing with another set of suppliers, which means more organizing on your part.
• Most often it will cost a bit more to hold the ceremony & reception at two separate venues than if you were only hiring one venue to take care of everything.
• As the wedding will in all likelihood go on that bit longer (due to travel between venues, etc), you will probably incur more costs from your suppliers – for example your photographer may need to be there for an extra hour and you may have to hire the bridal cars for a longer period.

Ceremony & Reception at the same venue:

The Pros:

• You are only dealing with one venue, so less organizing on your part.
• It is likely to be a less expensive than having the ceremony at a different venue
• The actual wedding time is likely to be shorter and therefore you won’t need all the suppliers there for as long (less expensive if you are paying them per hour).

The Cons:

• Everyone you invite to the ceremony you will have to invite to the reception (it will be rude to say to some guests that they have to leave, while others get to stay for the meal).
• You will probably have to organize some sort of entertainment to keep your guests occupied between the ceremony and reception while you go off for your photos.
• You will also have to provide drinks and appetizers for guests between ceremony & reception, while you are having your photos taken and this can add quite a bit to your budget.

Please remember whichever options you go with (and there is no right or wrong – just what works best for you and your wedding budget), it is vital to have a bad/wet weather option for the ceremony (especially those planned on the beach or in a garden), as you can’t leave things to chance and hope that the weather will be glorious.

Happiness!

The Powerhouse Team....

Wedding Day Emergency Checklist

Appearance

1. Baby powder (useful for getting out last-minute spills on a white dress)
2. Bobby pins and hair elastics
3. Brush and comb
4. Clear nail polish (also helpful for stocking runs)
5. Corsage pins
6. Cotton balls/swabs
7. THE DRESS!


8. Extra earring backs
9. Extra pair of flat shoes
10. Hairdryer
11. Iron
12. Lint brush
13. Makeup
14. Nail polish in the bride's shade
15. Undergarments
16. Sewing kit:
    • Buttons
    • Hem tape
    • Needle
    • Safety pins
    • Small scissors
    • Straight pins
    • Thread that matches the wedding/bridal parties dresses.
17. Shoe polish that matches wedding parties shoes
18. Shoes
19. Spot remover (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
20. Static-cling spray
21. Straws (for drinking without messing up lipstick)
22. “Throwaway” garter
23. White chalk (to cover any stains on the dress)
24. Wrinkle out spray (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
25. Other:_____________________
26. Other:_____________________
27. Other:_____________________

Health/toiletries

1. Antacid
2. Aspirin/ibuprofen
3. Band-aids (that best match your skin tone)
4. Contact lens solution/cases
5. Deodorant
6. Dental floss
7. Eye drops
8. Insect repellent (for outdoor ceremonies or events - be sure it smells nice!)
9. Lotion
10. Medications
11. Moist towelettes
12. Mouthwash
13. Smelling salts
14. Sunscreen
15. Tampons or pads
16. Toothbrush and toothpaste
17. Tissues
18. Wash cloth or hand towel
19. Other:_____________________
20. Other:_____________________
21. Other:_____________________

Outdoors

1. Bug spray (be sure it has leaves no spots and has no smell or smells nice)
2. Extra flowers (in case of sun wilting)
3. Handkerchief for dabbing sweat
4. Sunglasses (pre- and post-ceremony)

Just In Case

1. Cash ($20 – you never know what you’ll need it for)
2. Disposable camera
3. Driver’s license or photo I.D. card
4. Duct tape (good for any handy repairs)
5. Extra copies of directions to your reception
6. Important phone numbers:
   • Family
   • Wedding party
   • Wedding vendors
   • Taxi company
7. Notebook and pens
8. Portable flashlight
9. Roll of quarters (phones, parking meters, vending machines, etc.)
10. Snacks/bottled water (granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
11. Umbrella

http://pinterest.com/3dmemoirs/hot-wedding-trends-for-2013-2-birds/







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Same Color.... Different Style... New for Bridesmaids

Tips for wedding dress shopping:

In Terms of timing at least 8 months before your wedding

Dresses tend to take about 4 months to make and then another two to three months for alterations and fittings

To start off with I suggest narrowing it down to three salons.  If you choose too many salons you could become overwhelmed and confused.

I recommend starting the process by yourself  go through the dresses see what looks good and what doesn’t without too many outside opinions.

After you have narrowed it down to two to three dresses invite your mother and your maid of honor or those people that are special too you to view your selections.

When selecting a gown go with the type of silhouette you normally wear.  For example If you never wear a halter dress don’t choose a gown that is a halter.

You want to feel like yourself but just a little more beautiful- Comfort is key.  Feel good in what you are wearing.

Check out the greatest fashion show this fall!  The Celebrations Bridal Expo at the Wausau Elks Lodge!

There will be two bridal and formal fashion shows.

Two hair trends fashion shows with live models

Three workshops of which one will be all about choosing the perfect wedding gown!

Round table events to talk one on one with vendors and ask questions and learn. 

Check out the this link for more information!   http://www.celebrationexpo.blogspot.com

Happy Dress Shopping!

Jenn

The Perfect Fit Formula- Tuxedo 101

The Perfect Fit Formula- Tuxedo 101

Garment Fit + Body Type + Measurements = Perfect Fit


The 7 Important Principles of Measurements are:

1. Neck - Measure around the neck and add 1/2" to the measurement.

2. Sleeve Length - Measure from the center of the collar and follow outside contour of the back and arm to the crease in the wrist.

3. Chest - Measure around chest as high as possible under arms, with arms down at sides. Put your hand under the tape. This will check overarm measurement.

4. Overarm - Measure overarm at top of muscle. Deduct 6" from overarm measurement to get coat size.

5. Waist - Measure around waist at line of navel. Waist measurement should be pulled snug - not loose!

6. Hip - Measure hip at largest point. Subtract 8 inches to find proper waist size.

7. Outseam - Measure from top of pant waist-band down. The outside of leg to middle of shoe above the heel.

Coat Formula

• When measuring chest, put your hand between the body and measuring tape to get approximate coat size. Always fit coat slightly large.

• Overarm measurement minus 6" usually equals coat size (this takes into account upper arm size).

• If a try-on coat is not available, compare results of overarm and underarm to chose the proper size.

Pant Formula

• Measure waist at navel allowing for tape to be slightly loose.

• Measure hips at widest point, subtract 8" to find proper pant waist size (this is especially important on athletic customers).

• Compare both waist sizes, always go with the larger size.

Garment Fit

1. The coat should allow free movement of the arms and shouldn't feel snug in the armholes.

2. The coat should lay smoothly across the back.

3. The hem of the coat should reach to the curl of the fingers when arms are held straight down at the sides.

4. The coat sleeves should reveal 1/2 inch of the shirt cuff.

5. The trousers should be hemmed even with the top of the heel of the shoes in back, and in front they should barely break, resting on the top of the shoes.

Measurement Basics

REGULAR DROP:

6" difference between coat size and pant waist (Example: Coat 40, Pant 34).

ATHLETIC DROP:

8" or more difference between coat size and pant waist.

Note: On someone very athletic you must take their thigh measurement into consideration.

Choosing A Professional Decorator

Choosing your decorations for ceremony and reception can be
made very easy with the assistance of a professional Decorator or
Event Stylist. A decorating consultant will be able to assist you
with your theme and colors, create the style of wedding you
want while giving you the peace of mind that your decorations
are organized by a professional.

Hiring a professional decorator to work with you on your
wedding style can help to keep you within your budget while
reducing your workload. They will listen, offer you choices,
organize and supervise.

Decorating Ideas:
Tablecloths, chair covers and napkins change the appearance of
a venue. Have the linen match or compliment your colors.

A light romantic fabric can be used to soften any look. Hang it
from the ceiling, drape it over tablecloths, or around chairs

 For decorating the aisle if flowers are going to blow your budget,
use wide soft ribbon to tie to chairs.

 Vases and glass bowls of all shapes and sizes make great table
centre-pieces. Combined with candles, flowers and some table
scatters you can create an elegant table setting without the high
price tag. Speciality stores are great for finding all sorts of
inexpensive items.

 Lighting can add a dramatic effect or create romantic ambience.
Candles provide great mood lighting as do table lamps and
lanterns. Check your venues policy on lit candles.

Our Tip:
Flowers are one of the best ways to decorate a room. They will add
color, style and freshness to any table setting. Great for centrepieces,
arrangements and cake decorations.
Expressions Events: JBittner

Choosing Your Flowers

Choosing Your Flowers

For You To Consider

·         Flowers are one of the best ways to decorate and liven up any setting.  They will add color, aroma and can symbolize you and your bridal party colors and match them to your reception decorations for a gorgeous and elegant finishing touch.

·         Advise your florist of your budget.

·         If you aren’t familiar with flower names, take pictures of the types of lowers you like.  This will save confusion and ensure you order the exact flower you are envisioning.  Your florist will be able to show you many styles of bouquets and what is in season.

·         If you cannot have a particular color flower, then use colors that blend with or compliment your wedding colors.  Silk being another alternative.

·         With so many floral arrangements to keep track of, prepare a map of where you would like your flowers placed at your ceremony and reception.

·         Will your florist deliver and is there a fee?  Special Note:  If your gown has elaborate detail, be careful not to choose an elaborate bouquet as too much detail may detract from your dress.

Flower Budget Tips

·         To lessen your expense, make your bridesmaids’ bouquets smaller and choose flowers that are more common and less expensive.

·         Have your ceremony flowers taken to your reception venue to use as decorations.

·         If you’re using flower arrangements as center-pieces, give them away as thank-you gifts.

      

INTERACTIVE FORUM FOR BRIDES LIKE YOU!!!!

Wedding Powerhouse Forum

We have created a forum network of trusted Wisconsin Wedding and Event Professionals. If you are in need of event services, tips, trends and advice, you are in the right place! Learn, grow and discover all that our vendors have to offer.
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