On matching the veil to your hairstyle:

Updo

• If you want a longer veil with your updo, be sure that it is a tighter style with less volume, so it can hold the heavier veil.
• For a detailed updo you want to show off, consider a veil that pins just below the gathered hair.
• The French Twist is easily the most versatile updo, and can work with nearly any type of veil.

Flowing Locks

• The veil should be longer than the length of your hair.
• Shorter veils generally go well with curly, volumized hair, and longer veils generally go well with more straight, sleek styles.

Short Hairstyles

• Consider going sans-veil and use clips, feathers, a headband, or a tiara.
• Shorter veils tend to work better for those with short hair, as longer veils tend to overwhelm.

On matching the veil to your facial shape:

Round Shapes

• Look for a veil that frames the sides of your face, and try a hairstyle that does the same. These will help to narrow your face.
• Tiaras and high updos will help elongate your face.

Oval Shapes

• Since your face is symmetrical, any veil style will work great!
• If your oval face is a bit longer, try your hair down or in a low updo, as a high updo will enlongate your face.

Heart Shapes

• Veils that are pinned in the back will stay away from your face, so it isn’t made to look too full.

Square Shapes

• Soften up your face with a romantic, flowing hairstyle and a longer veil.

On matching the veil to your dress:

Elbow Length Veil

• Since they hit right at the waist, these veils are great for dresses with detailing at the waist.
• They end before the skirt begins, so they go well with a fuller skirt.

Fingertip Length Veil

• Works with nearly any full-length dress!

Cathedral Length Veil

• This is a very formal style, so keep the style of your wedding and dress in mind when choosing a cathedral veil.

Other tips for choosing a veil:

• Keep it in balance. The veil is meant to be an accessory, not the main event! So, be sure it does not have more detailing than your dress does. (***Exception: If your dress is very simple, a more extravagant veil may work well.)
• Veils with blushers (the part that covers your face) work well with traditional, formal gowns.
• If you are unable to find just the right matching colors for your dress and veil, allow your veil to be a bit lighter than your dress, rather than the other way around.

By Amanda Glandon of Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs, serving Central Illinois. More information you can use at Simple Elegance Events & Wedding Designs.

You can make your wedding the wedding you dreamed of  but let’s be realistic  though there is only so much money to go around and not everyone has an unlimited budget to work with.  In fact I think what makes a great planner is one that can keep you in budget and yet help you create a day to remember.  Sure it’s a breeze with a $100,000 budget but what if you only have $10,000 to spend!  So, what about the real people in the world?   Could you pull off a “Fairy Wedding” on a shoestring!

Well you may not have a huge budget but you do have dreams!  So, how can you make your dreams come true?  Things cost money let’s face it and the more the detail the more the money.

1. The first thing to do is set a realistic BUDGET.   NOTE : I SAID REALISTIC BUDGET.  You can’t say I only want to spend $10,000 but I want 300 people, plated dinner,  uplighting and a photobooth..NOT!

• Let’s not panic.  Just look at the bottom dollar and figure out what you can afford.  You can get an idea of costs by checking local websites and get an average cost of things.  For example the average cost per plate at hotel venues or caterers.  Check out the latest Wedding fashions online and look at the cost of the dresses.  (Here is a little secret if you go to our Blogs from December of 2010 http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/2010/12/wedding-thirty-days-lets-break-down/ you will find a month work of valuable information.  Actually that month was titled, “Plan a Wedding in Thirty Days.”  You can get a great idea of costs but be sure to check for any current increases.  Hey here is another little secret we are going to be doing the same thing this December!  So watch for “Plan a Wedding in Thirty Days 2011.”)
• Here is a helpful link to give you an idea of how to allocate your funds http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/30000-wedding-budget-worksheet.html
• Here is another little tip this is a great spreadsheet to keep track of what you spend.  http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/wedding-budget.html

2.  Set Priorities

• List the items and vendors you need.  That you absolutely NEED.  Like food, Dress, photography, reception venue, ….

• Of those things:  What are the three most important to you?   Is it photography?  The Food?  the Decor?  Pick three things focus on those three first.  This is where your fingers do the walking.  Start doing your homework and compare prices.  Ask questions: What are your Packages (things are cheaper when they are bundled together.)  Are there any other fees like over charges.  Make sure you understand completely what is included and what is not included.  Make sure of the bottom dollar.  Once you have the most important done start on the next three and so on until you are done.  Keep track.
• How can you take that $350 bouquet that you have to have and make it affordable.  Ask your florist what flowers can you substitute for a similar look.  Do you want rhinestones?  Can you provide them?  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Numbers!  Numbers!  Numbers!  The more the number of people the more the number of DOLLARS.  Your guest list will be the key to keeping expenses down.  It would be great to have everyone you know and love at the wedding but if you are on a tight budget you cannot invite everyone.  This is where things can get a bit sticky with family.   One way to keep a lid on things  is to set limits, each side will have so many people they can invite.  If they want to invite more that is fine but they will have to help with the costs.

3.  Set up Payment Plans

• Once you book with a vendor set up your payment plan.  Will it be monthly?  It is so much easier to pay a little at a time then be faced with huge bills the week of the wedding.  Remember many vendors require payment the week or more before the wedding.  No payment, no vendor!

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have a “Fairy Wedding’?  Well they may not feature your wedding on WE TV but it will be your day.  It can be gorgeous.  It can be unique.  It can be affordable.  Be realistic, plan, and be willing to make adjustments.

So, you’re nearing your wedding and the test run of your hairstyle; you’ve picked the hair stylists, now it’s time to pick the style. Below are a few tips to make sure you pick the right ‘do’ for your big day!

When you start planning your wedding, consider how you will want your hair. This gives you time to grow it out if you want to have longer hair or fix anything that you want to change before hand, such as color or cut. Although you still have time to decide what type of hairstyle you would like, it’s a good idea to consider it early so you have the time to make changes.

Obviously, consult with the hairdresser you will be working with. They have experience and will be able to tell you what works and what doesn’t with your type of hair. The first tip is to pick a hairstyle that will compliment your dress, without competing with it. You don’t want your hair to be overwhelming your entire look!

Make sure that whatever headpiece you will be wearing, whether it’s a veil, tiara, flower, etc., will be able to stay in your hair for as long as you need it to. If you have thin hair, wide tooth combs are not going to hold it on, so make sure the store replaces it with smaller combs or bobby pins. Thick hair can hold them on better, so barrettes, combs, or bobby pins will all work. Also, if you are wearing a veil or headpiece that you will be removing, make sure your hairstyle works with and without it, so you are happy with the hairstyle during the ceremony and at the reception.

Look for pictures of different styles with your hair length to get some ideas of what can be done with short, medium, and long length hair. There are so many different options, from up ‘dos to flowing curls to side ponytails; pick something that fits your wedding and your personality- because it’s your day!

The most important tip is to pick a style you are comfortable with, that represents you, your personality, and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you don’t like the first style your hairstylist does- tell them! They are there to work with you to create the best day possible, so make sure you are happy with how you look on your big day!

Want to use this information in your Blog? You can but you must include this statement: Written By: Nichole Hayes Senior Planner of Simple Elegance where it is more than just a wedding, it’s your memory. Visit us at www.aweddingtodreamof.com So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective. Enjoy the Moment!

OK you went to the Bridal Show.  You were malled by vendors.  You saw so many dresses you cannot even remember which one you liked. You ate way more cake than you should have.  Your head is still spinning and the show was last weekend!  AHHHHH!  Do you feel overwhelmed?   I thought Bridal Shows were suppose to help.  Well just stop for a moment and catch your breath.  I am sure you have a bag full of STUFF!  Great go get it.  You probably took all kinds of cards and brochures.  Now is the time to go through that STUFF and see what will work for you.

Think back on the day, when you got to the show what vendors appealed to you and why?  Who made you feel comfortable?  Who gave you information you could really use?  Were there any booths that just made you stop and look.  Pull those cards or brochures out, check their Websites, Facebook, and Twitter.  Don’t make this more complicated than it has to be.  Don’t assume prices.  Call and talk to these vendors see if they are a good fit.  Yes, I said a good fit.  Don’t just pick your wedding vendor on price.  I know price is a factor but you have to make sure you feel comfortable with these people.  Duh, you are asking these people to be part of one of the most important days of your life.  You better be able to relate to them and they better be able to relate to you.  Call them, make an appointment for a consultation.  Your first consultation is usually complimentary with most vendors anyway.

OK, so you make the appointment, now what?  Be prepared for the appointment.  If you are going to see a florist have an idea of the flowers you like or don’t like.  If you are going to a DJ think about what mood you want to create for your reception.  Will that DJ work for your guests, is he clubish, conservative, hip hop????  It is OK to think like this you have to find vendors that fit you and your guest.  Yes, I said guests too!  Are you meeting with a planner?  How much control or you want or not want?  Do you want the whole nine yards of planning or are you just interested in the day of?  What about Decor who is going to set up and tear down?

Here are a few questions and things to think about when you meet with a wedding vendor:

Questions to ask:

1. Can I see samples of your work?  Most vendors will have pictures, video, or Like Eldon at “Forget Me Not Flowers”, He will bring out the whole cooler of flowers for you (don’t ask him to do that I am exaggerating.  He will go to the cooler and show you the types of flowers though within reason.)
2. Are their reviews that I can read?  You can usually get reviews of vendors online at Weddingwire.com or Theknot.com.  Most vendors will even give you a copy of recent reviews.
3. What will work with my budget?  Talk to the vendor about your budget see what will work.  Please be realistic, remember these people make their living at this.  Yes they pay their electric bill, gas, and mortgage….just like you do with the money you make from going to work.  So be fair!

Things to think about:

1. How did you feel during and after the appointment?  Yes this is important.  Were you comfortable?  Did you gain valuable information that will help you the day of your wedding?
2. Did you feel pressured?  If you were pressured this may be a red flag.
3. Did you talk about Budget?  How will they work into your budget?

Well, you have alot to think about and so much to plan.  I realize there is much to do but like we tell all of our Brides, “So, you’re getting married.  Keep it in perspective and Enjoy the Moment!”  So get out there and have fun!

Want to use this information in your Blog? You can but you must include this statement: Written By: Margaret Moore Senior Planner of Simple Elegance where it is more than just a wedding, it’s your memory. Visit us at www.aweddingtodreamof.com So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective. Enjoy the Moment!

You have always dreamed of your wedding being in a beautiful garden, or down by the lake everthing is perfect.   NOT.  I hate to break it to you, there is a fifty/ fifty chance it will rain.  It may or it may not, so dream of the perfect wedding but have a back up plan just in case.  Better safe than Sorry!

Four things to do!

1. Find an alternative at the location of your outdoor event.  Where is the ceremony/reception going to be held?  Outdoor at your farm?  Outdoor at a local Park?  Outdoor where?  Look around the environment that you want your outdoor wedding.  Is there a covered pavilion?  If it were to rain can you put a tent up?  Is there an outbuilding you can use if it rains?  Trying to find or create an alternative at the original location will save you time, energy, money and a great deal of stress.  Do not leave this to chance!  

               O.K.  What if you might need a tent.  You cannot just wait until the last minute for a tent.  Call around and ask if tents are available for that date.  Shellie at Let’s Party Rentals has always had our back in a pinch.  You now have to make a decision, do you rent a tent?  A rental center cannot just hold a tent for you, if they can rent it out they have to this is their livelihood.  So talk to them about what is available, then decide.  What can I say you might have to spend a little more to make sure your outdoor wedding takes place. 

     2.  What about the temperature?  Summer is hot, spring and fall can be anything.  Setting up air conditioning for a tent can be quite costly but it can be done.  Tips for hot weather:  The time of day you plan the ceremony will help.  Do Not, I said DO NOT plan the ceremony in the heat of the day!  Temperatures start to drop later in the afternoon, consider having your ceremony after 4 pm.  The days are longer and there will be plenty of light.   Large fans that can be rented or purchased and strategically placed which will help with the air flow.  Tips for Cold Weather:  If you see that temperatures are going to drop that week difinitely rent outdoor heaters!  Let’s Party has these, it is worth the cost of having at least two of these! 

    3.  Bugs!  Mosquitoes, flies, little black things that bite in the fall…..   You can fog the area earlier in the day and it will help.  Citronella torches will not only add a nice warm glow but will help with the mosquitoes in the evening.  We have put out baskets of Mosquito wipes for guests, they are nice little towelettes that you can find at Target, Wal-mart….  CAUTION: If you know you have pregnant guests Deet can be absorbed and toxic for the baby!  Take this into consideration.

     4.  Make sure you have at least one person you can rely on that can jump in if the weather turns on you!  You have no idea the times our team is running every which way and we always have a back up plan!  It gets crazy at times so plan ahead and take the time to ask someone to help.  Someone who is not in the wedding, not your Mom but someone you can trust that will take charge and get things done!

 An outdoor wedding can be beautiful and with a few extra planning steps you can avoid insanity that day if the weather turns sour. 

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

It is a lovely November afternoon in Chicago.   You’re driving home from work and you hear on the radio, “Extra Alarm Fire today in Oak Lawn’s Eva’s Bridal Shoppe leaves brides scrambling after hundreds of wedding dresses were destroyed when the longtime bridal shop went up in flames.”  Here is a link to the news video  ABC Local News Video>
Can this honestly be happening?  Your wedding is in two weeks, they have your dress….  Things do happen so what do you do?

As in most things, you get what you pay for.  I know times are tough and we all need to save money.  You can find all sorts of deals on the internet and most of the time that is great but what if something goes wrong?  An 800 number is not always your best bet for help.  You will have some major purchases for this wedding, so it is best to choose well known, established, full-service shops.  Brides will generally get better service from a “small,” local shop than from most bridal warehouses.   Why?  Because they have a vested interest in you as a customer, their reputation.  This situation in Oak Lawn was a terrible tragedy, not only for the brides but for the owners and employees of this very well know shoppe.   This reputable Bridal shoppe set up a hotline for brides and because of their 45 years in business and excellent relationships with all of their designers they worked hard at replacing dresses and making sure the weddings went on. 

Chances are your dress will not go up in flames but things happen.  You have to invest your money into purchases from businesses that are invested in you!  I will say it over and over again a wedding vendor that is invested in their business is invested in you.  To protect yourself choose vendors based not only on price but reputation.  You can check with the better business bureau, ask people what their experience was like.  Do not just base your purchase on price!  Hindsight is 20/20 so prepare ahead of time so you can minimize anything that comes up.  Make sure you understand the contract when you sign it!  I will say it again, MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CONTRACT WHEN YOU SIGN IT!    If you need to add something to the contract write it in and tell your vendor you feel more comfortable with that adjustment, as long as it is reasonable they should not have a problem with it.  If they do, maybe you should go elsewhere.

If disaster does strike the first thing to do is contact your vendor.  Communication is the key to success in all things.   Whether is is their fault or your fault communicating with your vendor is the only way to resolve the matter.  Go back to your contract and see what you have committed to and what they have committed to.   This will be easy because your made sure you understood the contract before you signed it, right?  You may need to compromise to make it work or if all else fails there is litigation, yikes.  I cannot stress enough the importance of trying to resolve the issue by communicating.  If you are not able to discuss things in a calm manner it would be better to have someone else do it for you.  You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar!

Just a bit of advice!  Good planning is the key, so prepare ahead of time and hire reputable vendors.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment!

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

By Hannah Kiefer

“Let’s go to Europe!”

This is the first thing that comes out of your fiancés mouth when you mention the honeymoon.

Yes, the honeymoon. You’re excited—your fiancé has all these big plans about where you’re going to go and what you’re going to do. You’re going to go backpacking throughout Europe for over a month, or you’re going to spend weeks in India experiencing the culture. Or you’re going to spend two weeks in Paris eating the most exquisite French food, visiting every single museum, and taking beautiful rides down the river. Or you’re going to go to the Canadian Rockies and climb some of their highest mountains. It all sounds great . . .

But you’re kind of dreading it. It sounds rather exhausting, it might—no, wait—will be stressful, and it’s going to be darned expensive. Despite all of your worries, you think to yourself:  it’s the honeymoon, so it’s worth it, right?

No. It’s not.

Just because it’s your honeymoon, it doesn’t mean you have to “go all out.” It doesn’t have to be the honeymoon to end all honeymoons. I mean, heck—you’ll have just gotten married! It’s time to chillax.

Check out these tips to make wise decisions about your honeymoon.

Honeymoon Tips

• Plan well ahead. That’s a no-brainer. Remember that some places take reservations up to a year or two in advance! (ie:  national park camping grounds, hotels, lodges, etc.)
• If you’ve traveled very little together, or not at all, talk about it. What kind of traveler are you? What kind of traveler is he? Do you like lazy vacations? Is he a busy body type? Do you get pretty nervous in places you’ve never been before? Does he stay fairly calm and laidback? Sort it all out so you know what kind of trip you want and what to expect.
• Don’t overspend. It’s like everything else that’s cracked up to be so much more than it is. Example:  your prom dress. Remember that thing? Yes, that thing—that “gorgeous, stunning, can’t-live-without-it” dress that you and/or your mother spent over $500 on? And now it sits in a box in the basement. Don’t overspend just ‘cause everyone else is or because you feel it’s what you should do. (Psst! Didn’t you just pay for a wedding?)
• Consider a close location. Prom dress example applies here, too. Just because a lot of couples go to Hawaii for their honeymoon, doesn’t mean you have to. This is not a social contest (and if it is for you, then exit asap). There’s nothing wrong with going to a nice city nearby, a beautiful state park just hours from you, or the beach or lake.
• Consider a “lazy” vacation. Even if you’re a busy body and a fan of trips that involve lots of constant activities, this might not be the best time to visit every city in Italy or climb the highest mountain in New Mexico. You and your new spouse will both be exhausted from your wedding, and, on top of that, you’ll have just started life as a married couple. Better to lessen stress than increase it.  
• Consider waiting for a while. Whether it’s 2 weeks or 3 months, extra time will give you room to breathe after the wedding. Both of you will have time to adjust to your new life together as well (and/or your new jobs, neighborhood, city, apartment, house, etc.).

• Consider an initial, low-budget, relaxing, close-location honeymoon. Then, later, the “real deal.” Example:  a week after your wedding, stay in a moderate hotel near a beach. Relax, sunbathe, swim. Eat a nice dinner together. Then, say, 4 months later, go to Europe. A plan structured like this will give you room to breathe after the big day, get settled into your new life together, and start your marriage on firmer ground. (I mean, heck—think of all those people who did the opposite and had “disaster honeymoons”!)

For some couples, the above simply won’t apply. If you’ve been dating for over ten or fifteen years, and have lived and traveled together, an “all-out” honeymoon right away might make perfect sense for you (and probably doesn’t sound stressful at all).

Either way, remember to be wise and plan ahead, and you’ll have a great time!

Visit us soon for the next honeymoon post—featuring specific vacations from real couples!

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Hannah Keifer with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

Plan your wedding, live your life!

I found this picture on http://www.only-apartments.com

Yes, getting married is about starting a new life together. But the wedding is much more than an event in which you officially become husband and wife. Planning a wedding together is one of your first and biggest relationship steps. It is an opportunity for your relationship to grow and flourish, but it will also challenge and test you as couple.

Before you even begin planning your big day, both you and your fiancé should sit down and have “the talk.”

The Talk

Sit down with your fiancé in a quiet, relaxed environment, and do the following:

• Discuss Your Visions
  Beforehand, write down a general vision of your wedding. Each of you should do this separately. Scale and comment on the following (and don’t be afraid to be specific):
  - Size
  - Location
  - Budget (simple, extravagant, or in the middle)
  Then discuss!
  Why do this?
  This lays everything out on the table. Then you know each other’s wants and desires, and there are no hard feelings later because of a lack of communication (ie: “I wanted a cheaper/more expensive wedding but I didn’t say anything because I felt bad!”).
• Compromise Your Visions
  If you’re already on the same page, great! If you’re not, then meet half way. There probably will be some sorting out to do. For many, this can be challenging. (Aka: see the Tips section.)
  Why do this?
  Well, you are getting married, aren’t you? Being married is about sharing a life together; it’s about making decisions together. This is step one.
• Make the Idea of Team Work
  A wedding should be planned as a team—that’s what you’ll be after it’s all over, right? Decide who will be in charge of what. Plan when and how you will update each other. Also, create a way to keep yourselves in check—to always be on the same page.
  Why do this?
  It’s too stressful for one person to plan absolutely everything. Such pressure, guilt, and stress can create tension in the relationship. Marriage is a team effort, so the wedding should be, too.

Tips for planning with your fiancé

It’s all about attitude.

• Be positive. Like runners say, PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). This is not a chance to sacrifice your “dreams” or “give up” on what you want—this is a chance to share, learn, and grow!
• Be flexible. Be willing to give something up, do something different, or share an idea.
• Be cautious. Things will go wrong. There will be conflicts of interests and possibly even arguments.
• Be okay with the above. It’s natural and it’s expected. Don’t fret over it.
• Be patient. Marriage requires a lot of it, so now is good practice!
• Be a sharer of control, not a control-freak. No one likes being around the person who absolutely can’t stand things not going his or her way.
• Be relaxed. The less stressed you are, the less stressed your fiancé will be.
• Be grateful. Remember to enjoy every moment. Don’t take it for granted, even when you are frustrated or exhausted. Getting married only happens once! It’s one of the most special, memorable moments of your life.

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Hannah Keifer with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

You’re engaged! How exciting. You have been watching “Say Yes to the Dress” for years and that last wedding on “My Fairy Wedding” is exactly what you want, not to even mention that fantastic cake from “Cake Boss.”

You’ve done your research, you know what things cost and you are sure you have a fairly good budget to work with so, you start making appointments and signing contracts.

STOP, STOP, STOP!

Contracts are binding legal document that are to be taken very seriously. Unfortunately in my business of Wedding Planning I get my fair share of Brides that come to me with contracts signed and they really have no clue as to what they signed up for. Brides can be likened to a deer in headlights at times. This is an emotional time, the ooh and ahh moments often overwhelm them. There they are staring at themselves in the mirror with a designer gown or they can envision their reception; Monogram lighting behind the head table, gorgeous uplightling highlights the room, their name in lights on the dance floor, the centerpieces what a wow factor.. and they sign on the dotted line in a heart beat. I have stories let me tell you. So, before you sign on the dotted line here is some advice.

When making any major purchase it is better to read a contract while you are alone. You should never sign anything unless you fully understand what you are signing. If you are rushed or excited you will miss important clauses that can come back to haunt you later. If it is a simple one page contract that you can read through for a few minutes without the vendor present, great. If it is a lengthy contract ask for a copy, take it home and read it. The million dollar secret, READ It. Keep a pen handy circle or underline items you do not understand or have questions about. Don’t be intimidated to ask your vendor questions. You can look at it this way, you are going to employ these people for a job. An employer doesn’t just hire anyone. They want to know they can rely on this person and trust him to do a good job. You are the employer and the vendor is basically your employee.

Do Not Take a Verbal Agreement.

Never, never assume a verbal agreement is written in stone, get it in writing. It is very easy to make statements and promises but unless you have it in writing it is worthless and worse it is impossible to prove or enforce.

Read each and every line and make sure you understand each and every line on the contract before signing it. Otherwise, you have no one to blame but yourself if something goes wrong. Whoever is responsible for paying the final bill should be the one to read and understand that document. You do not have to be a lawyer but you do have to take the time to read it. It may not hurt to ask a trusted friend to look it over with you. They may notice something you missed or something that might need to be revised. Yes, if you don’t like something you can talk with your vendor and ask to have that revised. Always get a copy for your records

The clause to watch out for is the “Cancellation Policy.” Make sure you read this policy thoroughly. I am going to say it again, It is important to understand this policy completely. I know it will never happen to you, uh huh heard that before…next thing you know you are not only out your deposit but you are looking at being responsible for the entire cost whether you have the wedding or not!

It sounds like simple advice, read a contract before you sign it. Yet so many brides and their families get tied up in the emotion of the moment and sign on the dotted line only to regret it later. Don’t be that deer in headlights, take the time to know what you are signing.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Moore

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog

The wedding cake! There it is in the center of the room, special lighting illuminates the lovely butter cream frosting, how beautiful! The bride highlights everything in her favorite color, red. She insisted that the cake be piped with red icing and covered with red butter cream roses. Red, Red, Red! Little does she realize that now all her guests will have lovely red lips and tongues. I mean red! Yes, red from the food dye in her red roses and red frosting will dye her lips and her guests lips and tongue a beautiful bright red. You get the picture. This is definitely an oops moment you can avoid. So you see there are some things to think about when choosing your cake.

Colors to avoid are bright colors like Blue, purple, bright pink and red. I am not saying a touch here, or there is an absolutely out of the question. You will want to remember that the food coloring will dye you and your guests lips and tongue that color. Yikes blue lips! Not only that what groom doesn’t try to smash the cake in the bride’s face? Red icing – White dress! Do I need to say more? If you need the color use gum paste flowers, ribbon, or fresh flowers.

Your reception venue will determine much about your cake. Are you having a tent reception is July? Will the tent be air conditioned? Butter Cream is wonderful. Personally it is my favorite but it melts in the heat. So consider your surroundings when making your final choices. If you are having an outside reception with no air conditioning, you will want to make sure the cake is refrigerated properly until it is cut and then served

Your reception venue will also play a role in determining the construction of your cake. If you live in an urban area this is not such a big factor but for those of you who want a rural wedding this is something to consider.

What about allergies? If you know of any food allergies among your guest you will want to consider your cake and it’s ingredients. Peanut or nut allergies? What about those that may be allergic to chocolate? While you can’t please every single person at your reception you can be considerate of those you know with issues. Why not have an alternative desert just for them? Sure it is a little bit extra in time and money but I am sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Every bride has their idea of what they just have to have. These are just a few tips to think about when ordering your wedding cake.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective. Enjoy the Moment!

Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/blog