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!!!!

PLANNING YOUR GIFT REGISTRIES

Gift Registries


The use of gift registries has changed over the years! Even the bride to be with one of the biggest engagement rings - Kim Kardashian is using gift registries. Although hers is probably not the norm, with a registry approaching over $200,000 in registered gift wants, she is none the less using them. One of her least expensive requests is a $195 bottle opener.

At the other end of the spectrum are many brides who are delighted just to receive wedding bands from the men they love and expect little else. In the middle is the vast number of brides who embrace the concept of helping their guests find a gift, which will symbolize their good wishes for the new couple. That is the role played by most businesses, such as: J.C. Penney's; Kohls; Target; Bed, Bath and Beyond, etc. Each of them have their niches, and are widely available throughout America, as well as online.

With the impact of the sagging economy on many minds, we are seeing changes in selections made by the couples in their gift registry. In the by gone days, couples would get an abundance of toasters, coffee pots, blankets, sheet sets, towels, kitchen utensils and so forth. While registries are still being used, the requested (or suggested) items have changed. Practical, useful, current - are adjectives being attached to the bulk of many couples choices today.

Something new that as been added to the mix of registries is the - Honeymoon Gift Registries. They are becoming a popular way for couples to get added luxuries to their honeymoons. But beware there are online sites that may not follow through with your lists, so shop safely. Check for references!

According the www.consumer reports.com and their 2011 Guide to Wedding Gifts, more and more couples are going for practical gifts - but let us not confuse practical with inexpensive. Topping the lists are cooking knives - the REALLY GOOD chef's knives. This makes sense, since a first rate knife in the kitchen is as necessary as electricity, running water and of course the microwave. Also on the list are video games, video game consoles, single serve coffee makers (so each person can have their preferred flavor!), cookware (often the better and BEST sets available) and the up to date vacumn cleaners, as well as other small appliances. Most of these items are often over $100. A far cry from the $50 or less spent on gifts for the couple several years ago.

A trend that seems to be continuing is the giving of gift cards. If you are unsure what to give, give a gift card from a store where the couple is registered. Many couples today live together and own homes prior to the wedding, so a gift card to one of the Home Improvement - Lowe's, Home Depot - for example might be a good idea!

Couples should select locations for the registries that they truly desire, and should also take into consideration the guests that will be selecting gifts for them. Remember that the economy has taken a big blow and money might not be as readily available for some of the guests. Be considerate! And do not forget to thank them for each item - whether it is a gift, money or gift card!

In your thank you to them, mention what you got with the gift card or money, so they feel good about their decision!

If you are having any trouble deciding on where or what to register, check with your wedding planner. They are trained and educated to help you deal with these issues. Trust their experience!!!!!

THEMED WEDDING SHOWERS ARE BECOMING VERY POPULAR

PLANNING A BRIDAL SHOWER...here are some "unique" ideas!

Do you have a friend that is getting married? Why not plan a "unique themed" shower for the couple, or for the bride alone! We are coming across some very interesting ideas and want to share them with you!


AROUND THE WORLD is the theme.
 
 

Historic locations - worldwide

Gather some ideas from the couple of their favorite countries (you can also do this for favorite states). Research favorite drinks , food, or hors d'oeurves of those areas. Plan a menu card highlighting them and if there are special meanings or customs associated with them.

Gift ideas for this type of shower could be:

Travel books of specific areas incorporated in the food and drinks at the shower.

Cook books featuring that area.

Travel accessories if the couple will be traveling on their honeymoon.

Ethnic food items

Photo Albums

Travel Maps


NATURE'S WONDER for those outdoor loving couples.


Hold the shower outdoors at a picnic site, camp site or on the beach.

Food and drinks should reflect the outdoor lifestyle - BBQ, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, picnic lunches, s'mores, and so forth! Capture the mood!





Gifts ideas for this type of shower and couple would be:

Picnic baskets

Folding chairs

Camping equipment

Gift certificates for parks, comfortable outdoor clothing, and more!!!!

Outdoor cooking equipment

A "special" cookbook of favorite outdoor recipes of the guests at the shower

Back packs

And so much more!!!!! Ideas are endless!


GARDENING THEME


Many couples today enjoy the trend towards growing your own veggies, flowers, etc. And many are going organic.

What better way to help them in this area. Host a gardening shower. If they have already purchased their own home, then the ideas of gifts is unlimited.

If they are waiting until after they are married to buy a home together, then gifts in this area can prepare them for outdoor work.

Gift ideas:

Gift cards to garden centers so they can select their favorite plants

Gardening tools - usually small hand tools such as rakes, shovels, etc

Watering cans

Hoses and assorted nozzles

Sun hats

Gloves

Assorted books for ideas and plant references


HOME HOSPITALITY - this is the perfect shower for those couples who do lots of entertaining in their homes.


Host the party on the patio, or if the couple has a home and doesn't mind the shower there, it would be perfect.

Gift ideas - they are numerous!

Cheese and wine!

Bottles of wine from local wineries

Assortments of cheeses

Gift cards for wine and cheeses so they can be used at a later date

Assortment of beers

Serving glasses

Cheese boards and knives

Unique serving dishes for party foods

Recipe books for both party food and drinks


The list of ideas for showers is endless! Making them "unique" for the couple or bride is great!


If you want more ideas, I suggest you talk to the couples wedding planner, or one that you know in the area, they have fantastic ideas!

Happy planning!!!!

~Marilyn

INVITATION ETIQUETTE

Did you know that there IS actually something called "Invitation Etiquette"? It guides us to the correct way and procedure to follow when selecting, addressing and sending the invites for that special day!


The creation of your invitation sets the tone for the event, and announces to your guests what type of celebration that they are invited to attend. Setting the tone includes the style of the invitation, the choice of paper, the color and the fonts. All that wrapped up into a work of art! WOW!!!! that seems like alot.

Just a sample of Unique invitations

I am finding today that a lot of brides are venturing out from the standard white invitation in a plain white envelope. They are adding their own touch, making it personal. Some are continuing the theme of their wedding throughout all the paper items being used - invitations, save the date cards, RSVP cards, menus and programs.

Last season I had a bride use a fall theme that featured trees and leaves. The invitations, in fact all the paperwork had fall leaves and fall colors on them. We carried that over to the reception by using the names of trees as table identification, colorful fall leaves scattered on the tables, and tree branches adorned with hanging glass teardrops holding tea candles.

Fall themed wedding/programs

 

As a planner I have been asked many times about the proper wording, font, and when you should mail the invitations. But one question that asked on almost a regular basis is "Is it ok to ask for money on a wedding invitation?" My answer would be a loud NO.

It is not socially acceptable or a tactful way to ask for cash this way! The question usually comes from clients in their 20's or 30's who have been living together and have all the items they need for their home. They also tend not to register for traditional gifts.

My recommendation to them is always - that this type of request is best passed on verbally by family and friends when they are asked what to get the couple. The couple if asked can make a suggestion by saying something like "We are saving for a down payment for our first home, so if you would like to give us a check, that is how we would use it." You should never dictate to guests what to give you.

A recent suggestion that I have given to my couples is to have a website for their wedding event, and on their they can list their gift registries......to include maybe a Honeymoon Gift registry.....such as: www.travelersjoy.com . Your guests can purchase gifts for your honeymoon!

www.travelersjoy.com
 
Some brides have also set up an account for charitable donations to be made in their name.


I have even had brides ask on their websites for canned goods to be brought to their reception as a donation to a food bank. instead of bringing gifts.

Your invitation is just that, and invitation to people who you want present to help celebrate your beautiful day!

Make it unique and yours!!!!

~ Marilyn

SPECIAL CEREMONY ADDITIONS

Are you getting married and looking for that special addition to your ceremony? Here are just a few of the many that are used today in weddings.


Couples often look for that addition that will honor one or both of their cultures or family backgrounds. Many families have started their own traditions in the ceremonies.

Make your wedding unique and yours!

Lighting of the Candles

     While this is similar to the couple's lighting of the unity candle, it is different. As they enter the ceremony location the guests are given a program, and also a special candle. During the ceremony, as the couple lights their candle, a flame lights the first guests candle of each row, they in turn light the candle of the person next to them. This continues until all guest candles have been lit. This represents that all friends and family support the couple in their marriage.

Rose Ceremony


This has been used in many of the weddings I have helped plan and coordinate. Many Catholic brides present or lay at the feet of the Virgin Mary - a red rose. In other ceremonies, the bride and groom present one single rose to each other, and then present those roses to their mothers. Another symbolism of the two families becoming one. Long stem red roses are used in this exchange. NOTE: please have the florist cut the thorns!

A long stem rose is the best to use in this ceremony, although red is typically used, you may use other colors!
NOTE: Remember to have the florist remove the thorns!

Garland or Lei Ceremony



Beautiful garlands of flowers are exchanged between the bride and groom. This is a custom often found in Indian weddings, as well as those of Hawaiians. The garlands or leis represent the love between the couple, and the unity of the marriage. Love and respect!

Garlands and leis can be made up by the florist to coordinate with your wedding colors.

Broom Jumping

A custom that is used in African-American weddings, and some Native American weddings.

Lasso Ceremony

Used in mainly Hispanic ceremonies. There is lots of information on the Internet about this ceremony and where to order the lasso.

This is a large rosary that is used for the ceremony, but there are other types and styles of the lasso.

There are many more special ceremonies that can be incorporated into yours to make it unique and to honor one's culture.


Unique & Yours encourages you to make the ceremony yours, and to make it special!

One of Unique & Yours weddings that incorporated several unique additions, beautiful couple.

 
Happy planning!