Friday Fun: Steps to Slim Down Your Vendor List Mar 29, 13
An engaged couple is faced with countless decisions when beginning to plan their wedding: What is the theme? What are the colors? What will the décor entail? Which vendors are going to help us achieve the wedding of our dreams?
Solidifying the right vendors is one of the most important stepping stones to your wedding. If you’ve ever attended a bridal show, you know how overwhelming the sheer number choices for photographers, caterers, venues, wedding planners, bakers, designers, etc. can be. Here are some helpful hints from local expert and events and membership director, Jenna Heilman, of Cypress Club (The Reserve at Lake Travis), to assist you with your vendor selection.
Start with a reputable source
Use your resources, like Texas Wedding Guide, to compile a list of vendors that you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to ask for references; any reputable vendor will be happy to share some of their past clients with you. Then, narrow your list to no more than 3 vendors of each category. You will stress yourself out if you try to meet with every single vendor. More often than not, too many choices can be more damaging than too few.
Ask for a consultation
You need to interview your vendors, just like they need to interview you. Not every vendor is perfect for every bride. Bounce ideas off your vendors, tour the space to discuss the ceremony/reception options and ask for a personalized proposal. No two weddings are alike, so don’t settle for someone else’s template.
A Fun Photo Op to Show Off Both Sets of Wedding Rings Mar 25, 13
Ring it in and seal it with a pinky promise! What a darling photo op to capture both sets of rings while the newlyweds are wearing them, with the pinky promise further complementing their recent union and exchange of vows.
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FDL Bridal Show
The mission of FDL Bridal Show is to host boutique bridal shows, incorporating a high-energy, party atmosphere with bridal interaction. FDL provides instant gratification by introducing brides to immediate relationship building with future clients. They specialize in unique and outside-of-the-box thinking, inspiring brides and their clients the opportunity to do the same. They want everyone to have the time of their lives! Let them show you what it’s like to be their first priority. Join them at one of their shows today and meet their fabulous team!
Q&A: Wedding Gown Designer Kenneth Pool Reveals 2013 Trends Mar 07, 13
{Photo by F8 Photography}
Wedding gown designer Kenneth Pool made a special appearance for the Victor Harper Fashion Show at Stardust Celebrations in late February. We were able to snag this Q&A behind-the-scenes interview with him to hear the inspiration behind his designs, what brides are loving and what we have to look forward to this season in trends.
The Texas Wedding Guide: How would you sum up the essence of what the Kenneth Pool Spring 2013 collection embodies?
Kenneth Pool: It’s all about glamour.
TWG: Like “Hollywood” glamour?
{Photo by F8 Photography}
KP: It is a little like Hollywood, but not tacky Hollywood. It’s kind of old money glamour. The girls that buy from me really want to be on the red carpet when she gets married. It’s like her red carpet Oscar moment. She really wants to feel like a princess. They love embroidery, beadwork – and they really want to be over the top; they’re not shrinking violets at all.
TWG: What elements inspired this season’s bridal collection?
KP: I’ve been doing this for so long that my client really is my inspiration, and I think that’s what makes you successful because if you stray from that, and if you do things just for fun or fantasy, you’re not going to sell them. Travelling and coming to stores like this is very important because you learn from the girls you’re working with; what they want; what doesn’t work on a tall thin, girl vs. what a shorter, heavier girl needs and wants. So it’s a great learning process. If you don’t listen to your client I don’t think you can be successful.
TWG: Is there a "type" of gown you are most drawn to (i.e. romantic, avant garde, modern, etc.)?
KP: I don’t do romance. It’s too…I don’t do girly girl. I’d say my style is more of a sexy traditional. I like really low necklines and I like a lot of cleavage; love a lot of bust – can’t help that.
TWG: What are your thoughts on the popular portrait back gowns?
Our List of a Few Must-Haves at Your Wedding Feb 28, 13
Today, we decided to pool together a short list of what we thought were the must-have things you should have at your wedding. Here they are!
A comfy, love seat sofa to make things more cozy and intimate for the newlyweds.
Oh, and don't forget the "cool" kids table. Having a kid-sized table off to the side, laden with Crayons, games and other activities keeps the little ones entertained and less underfoot. Plan to pay one or two people to "oversee" the table. Or you can seat the parents near enough for them to keep an eye on them.
Glow sticks are always fun, for kids and adults alike, and always bring back a myriad of memories. The signage by these glow sticks in Mason jars is adorable.
For all those leftovers at the dessert bar you don't want to throw away or take home. Great little additional wedding favor for your guests. But, be sure your master of ceremonies makes your guests aware of that opportunity to take home goodies.
Flirt Boudoir Photography: Real Women Model Search Feb 26, 13
Cindy Mills, Flirt Boudoir Photography, has some really fun plans in store for 2013, and needs some fabulous models to help her. She'll be holding a casting call for some real women to model for a few projects she is shooting in 2013. The perks for the women chosen is they will receive professional hair and makeup, a professional photoshoot and a 10% discount on any purchases they would like to make. It’s a really good deal. Flirt Boudoir Photography is looking for three to six women, who must meet these requirements:
- You must be able to do a shoot sometime in March, April or May in the Dallas area.
- You must be over 21.
- You must be willing to sign a full model release
All you have to do to apply is:
1. Fill out the Application Form
2. Send 2-3 photos of yourself (headshot & full-length) to Cindy at castingcall@flirt-boudoir.com
3.”Like” the Facebook page
Deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
Calling All Plano Brides! Feb 22, 13
On March 10, noon to 5p.m., bring yourself and your bridal party with you to preview fashion shows, register for fantastic prizes, sample music from disc jockeys, musical performers, sample culinary delicacies, see photographers portfolios, and network with some of the best in the industry.
This Upscale Bridal Show Will Feature:
- Over 100 Wedding Businesses with everything to plan your Perfect Wedding
- Fashion Shows
A Few Tips on Selecting the Right Gown for Your Wedding Feb 21, 13
We are delighted to once again present Texas-based wedding planner and superstar, Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown Weddings and Events, in another of his monthly contributing columns. You may know him from the popular TV show, “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?”
Well-known for his direct and vivacious personality, he is sure to keep us in stitches with his humorous opinions and sometimes, unbelievable tales from his experiences as a planner over the years. In addition, he will keep readers up-to-date on the latest bridal trends and “must haves.”
Here, in his next column, Donnie gives brides hard and fast rules to help them eliminate from the plethora of colors and cuts of gowns.
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{Photo via jlmcouture.com / Gown design by Lazaro}
Wedding gown necklines are broken down into several categories: off the shoulder, spaghetti strap, halter, scoop, strapless, sweetheart, jewel (which has a rounded appearance) and the less-frequent V-neck. Waist styles are Basque, dropped waist, empire waist, princess cut and natural. For bodice styles you will find corset, empire, halter, midriff, asymmetrical, princess-line, surplice and tank. Now with all those options, here are a few guidelines on how to best select your gown’s style and shade for your big day!
Mint = The Top Wedding Color of Spring 2013 Feb 07, 13
Fresh, light and pleasing to the eyes, mint is the color of spring! We've already seen brides pairing it with ivory, soft pinks, yellows and gold tones. There are so many styles, lengths and cuts for bridesmaid dresses.
You can embellish your own white gown with mint accent pieces like this bracelet.
Here's an example of a bride who did her tablescape colors with soft pink and mint. We think it gives off a very ethereal and romantic ambiance.
Don't forget that accent pieces include making a big statement with your fabulous shoes. Check out the gold heels on this pair. Or if you love the color that much and are wanting to go really bold, don mint green yourself. This Vera Wang mint-colored affair is stunning.
