WEDDING GOWN SELECTION 101

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE PLANNING A WEDDING!

The wedding attire is a very important topic when you begin your planning. You need to set the mood for your special event. Pick the date, pick the venue – location, set your budget, decide on the colors and then pick the attire.

Wedding dresses differ in many ways and at times for some are very difficult to pick out. I have seen them all in my years as a wedding planner, and they are all beautiful!

EMPIRE WAIST GOWN

This gown has a skirt that usually extends from under the bodice (bust line) to the floor. It is often chosen by women with a pear shape, as it disguises the hips.

Empire waist gown

TRUMPET GOWN

This style has a skirt that flares out just below the hips, similar to the bell shape of a trumpet. It does not have lots of volume or bulk. This style is sleek and slimming.

Trumpet Gown

MERMAID GOWN

This style of gown is more fitted and then flares out just at the knees or below them. It looks amazing on some tall with curves! Snug fitting. It is a great gown for showing off all the curves.

Mermaid Gown

A-LINE GOWN

Many believe that the A-Line gown is the universal flattering style. This style hugs the torso and has a slightly flared skirt.

A-line Gown

BALL GOWN

The oh so famous fitted bodice with a huge full skirt. Busty brides love this shape as it helps to balance their proportions. Thought of as a romantic princess dress.

Ball Gown

SHEATH

This is a form fitting dress that hugs the body. Often the style of dress used in a casual or intimate wedding.

Sheath Gown

This gives a glimpse of what style of dresses are available! The decision you make for your gown is solely up to you. Take a look at them all and decide what looks best on you, what you like! This is the most important dress you will ever wear!

Happy Dress Hunting!

~ Marilyn

Next:  Different Dress Lengths

           Necklines



PLANNING A GREEN OR ECO FRIENDLY EVENT!!

So you are getting married! Congrats! Now the planning can begin!

Helping to make your event Eco friendly, or green can begin now! Our planner has put together some information that can help you as you travel down the planning highway! If you are hiring a planner, talk to them about making sure they look for venues and vendors that can help you achieve your goal.

Here are some tips that you will want to look at and try to use in planning your  Eco friendly event!

1.      Plan to stay local.  Choosing a venue that is closest to the majority of your guests enables a maximum number of people to save gas and commuting time while helping you to celebrate.  If you also work to utilize one location for both ceremony and reception, you save even further.

We know that many brides still dream of their beautiful church wedding, but if you do not have a church that you belong to, you can certainly plan on having your ceremony at the same venue you have your reception. Many venues have separate rooms that can be set up for the two different events, or they can do a flip.

2.      Our Certified Wedding Planner can help in identifying Eco friendly venues in the area for you.  The planner will know about energy efficient locations that practice recycling and other green procedures. Our planner has taken several courses on green planning and can help guide you through the process.

3.      Catering is one the high dollar expenses of a wedding, so deciding on the proper one will mean discussing things with them to find out their procedures and Eco friendly practices. Many  local catering firms  specialize in serving seasonal foods that are locally grown, and many are working with local organic farmers to insure the quality of the products.

      Another issue that will need to be discussed is the use of green products in serving the foods to the guests. Real dishes versus disposable. If you insist on disposable, make sure that they are recyclable and disposed of properly by your caterer.

4.      Your planner can also help you locate organic gardeners who specialize in locally grown flowers and greenery.  Choose in season flowers and consider re-purposing the floral pieces you’ve chosen for the ceremony site and using at the reception. Our planner/florist rents her vases to the clients when she does their arrangements. She suggests that the reception centerpieces are recycled, by taking them to local nursing homes or hospices for the patients and families to enjoy. When the flowers have died, she will go to the facility and pick up her vases, clean them and reuse.
      
When she is able to do this, it also helps the client by reducing the cost. Everyone benefits from this practice.

5.      Our planner can also help you choose Eco friendly print items, such as invitations, save the dates, etc  We have resources that specialize in 100% recycled paper and use non toxic inks. There are several local companies who are Eco friendly and will meet your needs.

6.      A number of wedding gown designers have included Eco friendly fabrics in their designs.  Fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and peace silks are available and lovely.  Some brides lucky enough to have access to heirloom gowns are choosing to wear them and updating them with headpiece and accessory items. 

7.      Many couples are choosing natural gift items for favors.  Currently popular are tree seedlings, organic bulbs and plants. Items made from bamboo are popular, such as coasters.

8.      Wedding gift registries are showing gardening, lawn and recycling equipment in the couple’s choices. Registries are a great way to let your guests know what you need!

9.      Even wedding rings can express concern for environment.  Many couples are seeking the origin of the engagement diamond – refusing to purchase stones that are from areas that practice unsafe mining or which export “blood” diamonds.

       We can all step up to help preserve our land! Think green and Eco friendly in all the planning

        you do!!!! You will not be sorry!

Be sure and talk to your Certified Wedding Planner and let them help!!!!!

Best Wishes,

Marilyn

WISHING SARAH AND RICHARD A WONDERFUL LIFE!

On October 15th, one of my lovely MIZZOU daughters married the man of her dreams! Her knight in shining armour.I shared some of their special events they had planned in a blog posting in September.


Now I would like to add to this true love story.

Please meet Richard and Sarah.

This fairy tale event was attended by both families and many of the couple’s friends. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy, and she is a proud graduate for the University of Missouri (MIZZOU). They are an awesome couple.


They will soon be leaving for his next assignment with the Air Force. They will be leaving behind family members and tons of friends who adore them. And will be praying for them!

Unique & Yours Wedding Services and I wish them the best in their adventure ahead!


Love to you both – Richard and Sarah!


Your Mizzou Mom!

ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS

      So, you have been invited to a formal wedding reception. Attending these receptions is really not any different that attending a formal dinner as a guest. It is still appropriate to use proper etiquette while in attendance. We have put together some of the do's and don'ts that are suggested for proper reception manners!

We will touch on dinner table etiquette ~ Do's and Don'ts and simple good manners.

DINNER TABLE ETIQUETTE - the Do's

1. Once seated, unfold your napkin and place it across your lap.

2. At the end of the dinner, leave the napkin on the place setting. This also helps in letting the serving staff that you are done, and they can remove your place setting.

3. Leave your plate where it is when finished, never push it away from you.

4. It is acceptable to leave some food on your plate, on the other hand do not attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as if you haven't eaten in days.

5. While you are eating, you may wish to rest the knife and fork on the sides of the plate, between bites. When you are finished lay them side by side in the middle of the plate. This also signals the staff that you are finished, and they may remove your plate.

6. If you have olives, remove the olive pit with your thumb and index finger, before placing it in your mouth.

7. Taste everything on your plate, unless you have allergy issues. You do not have to eat it all, but make an attempt to taste it.

Table set up for reception at Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia

DINNER TABLE ETIQUETTE ~ the don'ts

1. Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.

2. Never blow on the food to cool it down, let it cool on it's own if it is to hot.

3. NEVER blot your lipstick with your napkin, OR blow your nose. In fact, excuse yourself from the table and go to the restroom to blow your nose NOT AT the table.

4. Keep your elbows off the table at all times.

5. Don't put your purse, keys, sunglasses or eyeglasses on the table.

6. Lipstick is a real problem - always blot it when you apply it (away from the table) with a tissue, not at the table with a napkin. Lipstick often ruins linens, and the host may be charged for the damaged linen.

7. Never start eating before a signal from the host or before blessing if being given.

8. Do not use your bread for dipping into soups or mopping up sauces.

9. Refrain from making loud noises- such as slurping or burping. This is very impolite and the number one sin at the dinner table.

10. DO NOT talk with your mouth full of food, it is very unpleasant to watch and very impolite.

11. DO NOT stretch across the table to reach food, condiments or wine. Ask the person sitting close to them to pass them to you.

12. Do not pick your teeth or lick your fingers, it is not attractive.

13. NEVER criticise the choice of food that the host has chosen. If you can not compliment, then it is best to stay silent.



AN INTERESTING NOTE
In American society, it is perfectly acceptable to cut one's food using the knife and fork as usual, and then transfer the fork to the right hand to then "spear" it before eating.
In Continental Europe,
this would however be frowned upon. Here, food is only ever transferred to the mouth with the fork in the left hand with the prongs still facing downwards - a very delicate act indeed if one's host is inconsiderate enough to serve garden peas as a vegetable!


These are just a few reminders of the proper way to act when you go to events.

Always be courteous, after all you are an invited guest!

Have a great time!!





A WEDDING WISH FOR SARAH

As I look back on my recent years at the University of Missouri - Columbia, I always go back to the wonderful times I had with so many of the young students. I was the "old" one! But they seemed to be ok with "Mom" as they graciously called me, and still do!

Overview of the beautiful campus of the University of Missouri - Columbia

Each one of them touched my life in ways they will never know! They helped me through some tough times, and celebrated the good times. I want to take some time in this blog and look at one of my "daughters" at Mizzou. And their are more that I will feature soon! So watch out girls - you know who you are!!!

A new life will begin soon for "daughter" Sarah - she is venturing out! Marriage, honeymoon, military wife! Quite a task ahead of her! She is ready to handle it all!!!! Her parents have raised her well. She is a high achiever, an adventurer, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! She is loving, kind and a true friend.

Sarah and I met at the University of Missouri where we both were in classes together. A degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism was our goal! I had a sideline goal also to finish a Journalism Degree.I was the one home studying my heart out while the others took part in the celebrations of Thursday nights at MIZZOU, always visible on Friday morning classes! Sarah was a bubbly athletic sorority girl, and I was an old tired grandma. But her enthusiasm motivated me to continue on after the death of my youngest son during our fall semester in 2006. She is infectious and makes you want to sing!!! But that probably wouldn't be good for me to do, since my father use to pay me $10 not to sing Happy Birthday to him. I can sing the MIZZOU fight song though!!!

I know that probably the one thing that many of them remember about me was the time we were in Vessel's lecture class, and they were talking about "jello" shots. Thinking that no one would here me I asked "What are jello shots?" The room was dead silent, as if they were waiting for that. Just then from the back of the room I heard Professor Vessel say "Marilyn you don't know what jello shots are? Where have you been?" As I sunk into my seat the kids roared.....red wasn't the right description of my face! But they all promised to educate me on jello shots! College days...never know what you will learn in lecture class!

This is not about me, but about one of the sweetest young women I met at MIZZOU and a cherished friend and MU daughter. She will be starting her new life and venture in less than a month. She has found her Prince and is riding off to start a new life with him.

Butterfly House - St. Louis

Their special event will take place in St. Louis,Missouri at the beautiful Butterfly House! It is breathtaking! They will be exchanging vows in front of their families, and lots of friends! It will be an event to remember. She is going to be a beautiful bride, floating into the arms of her handsome Prince Charming! They will party the night away!

Butterfly House - St. Louis
Ceremony Area


Since their engagement took place on a vacation to Europe it is only right that they will spend three weeks traveling to the areas they love! Romania was a favorite of their, and the hundreds of pictures they took and posted made us all want to go there. Better check your luggage close, we may be hiding in there.

I think though if they could have they would have gotten married at Dracula's Castle - they fell in love with it and plan to revisit it on their honeymoon! While some prefer to lay on sandy beaches, this adventerous couple will spend time where romance began!

After their restful fun time on their honeymoon they will return to military life. The groom is a pilot for the U.S. Air Force. They will begin packing up their home for their reassignment in Okinawa. A transformation begins - college student to bride, bride to military spouse (officers) and it will continue! The world awaits you!

Your new life will be full of love and laughter. You have a man that adores you, and I know you love and adore him. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your life! And remember I am only an email away!!!

So my dear friend, I wanted to wish you the best, and to let you know just how much you are loved! You will be missed more than you know! You and the other "daughters" of MIZZOU are family to me! Each one of you has a special place in my heart! You are loved by this old grandma from MIZZOU!!!!

Always,

Your MU Mom - Marilyn

P.S. MU Dad - John wishes you the best and much love!

(I am wiping the tears!!!! Love you girl!!)

WEDDING PLANNERS

So you are getting married!!! Congrats!!


You have been thinking about hiring a wedding planner/consultant for your wedding. When would you want to take that step?

From the very beginning is the best time!

Engagement picture

The help that you receive from a professional wedding planner is invaluable! They are trained and certified in all aspects of the planning process. Experience, training and certification are all traits that set a professional wedding planner apart from others!
Today's demands often are overwhelming to brides. New careers, still in college, long distance engagements, families who live in another town or state, sometimes country make it very difficult to do the planning of such an important event!

The advice and assistance of an expert in the wedding field leaves them free to enjoy being a bride-to-be!



Unique & Yours Wedding Services - Tablescape

 Most professional planners, including Unique & Yours Wedding Services, offer a variety of programs to fit the needs and budgets of the bride. Did we say budgets? Yes we did! A planner can also help you in setting a realistic budget for your big event.

Services that planners provide varies with each planner, but most offer packages that would include some of the following - full service, day of, reception only, and others.

Full Service Planning - this involves booking sites, vendor recommendations, budget construction, organizing guest lists, rsvp's, gift bags for out of town guests, hotel arrangements, transportation arrangements. just to name a few. Full service planners will assist you in every detail of your event, using your requests and ideas! They ASSIST you in planning YOUR wedding and reception. So many feel that a planner plans the entire wedding and reception without even consulting the client. That is not true.

A professional planner will sit down with the client and discuss every aspect of the events. Taking tedious notes, covering all the wants and dreams. It is after all the clients event, not the planners! When all is said and done, the planner takes all those notes, desires and wants, and attempts to fit them within the budget to give their clients THEIR event!

Unique & Yours Wedding Services - flowers

I often hear from prospective clients "But planners cost to much". That simply is not true. While fees of planners may vary from location to location, and from planner to planner, they are money saving fees. Planners spend alot of time and energy searching for vendors, venues, etc. for your big day. They spend hours that you might not have available, which saves you money.

Unique & Yours Wedding Services - Candy and Dessert Buffets

Hiring a Certified Wedding Specialist should be one of your first steps in planning! You can trust their experience, knowledge, education to planning a stress free and memorable event! Treat yourself to the services of a Certified Wedding Specialist!




Unique & Yours Wedding Services - Congrats to one of our couples
Kayla & Tyler - August 12, 2011
Club 1000
Kansas City, Missouri

A Note: Remember that the Wedding Planner at a venue is there for the venue not the planning of your special event!

CEREMONY GUIDELINES

Today's brides are intent on having a wedding that reflects their unique tastes and personalities, however, the one place they may run into opposition is the location of their ceremony. Unless you are having the ceremony in a family backyard or property, the chances are excellent that whatever site you have chosen, you will come face to face with "guidelines" that you must observe.




Beautiful outdoor location for ceremony

 Commercial establishments will offer suggestions for what works best for their experience, but are generally more flexible in their attempts to accommodate your unique requests. Public parks and spaces have general operating rules that you must follow.


Courthouses and other government buildings have hours and policies that must be strictly adhered to, and cannot be changed!
 
But churches also have wedding policies that must be followed. Each church has there own procedures and booking policies. Some book weddings back to back with little time in between, so keep that in mind and ask that question when looking at venues for the ceremony.


Most churches have procedures as listed below, that must be followed:

1. Typically a church will not allow permanently attached furniture to be moved. You may not like the pew arrangement, but you will be expected to work with it.

2. No tacks or nails can be driven into the woodwork nor can anything be used to deface it.

3. Many churches will not allow aisle runners to be secured in any manner to the carpet or flooring.

4. Many churches do not allow real candles -

5. Saucers and/or mats must be placed under all floral arrangements or greenery that rest on the floor.

6. Always check the policy regarding pew markers, as many have specific rules as to what will be allowed!

7. When using the church organ or piano, they may require that only their staff play them.

8. Many churches require that all music, ceremony input and decorations be submitted to the staff in advance and are subject to approval.

9. If you are not a member of the church, you will probably have to attend pre-marital classes.

10. Some churches do not allow outside clergy to preform ceremonies, so ask that question if you are desiring to use someone else.

11. Some churches do not allow pictures to be taken during the ceremony. Please get clarification on this so that you can notify your photographer.

12. ALWAYS ask for a copy of their rules when doing a ceremony site visit. Go over them and ask questions!

13. REMEMBER that it is your responsibility to leave the area as you found it, clean and free of items. Appoint a dressing room attendant for both the bride and groom. They will make sure everything is out of the dressing rooms at the end.

Church Wedding

A professional wedding planner can be of great assistance in this planning stage. They have planned events in many of the area churches and venues! Ask them to help you!!!!
 
Happy Planning!!!!