Wedding Layers

Is it really necessary to hire a wedding planning consultant? Many people have successfully planned and implemented their weddings on their own, but many of these same people probably would not have done all the planning themselves if they had it to do over again. Planning a wedding is a huge task. We all know that, but most of us do not really know how massive the task is until we are facing the task ourselves. That is where a wedding planning consultant comes in.

Indeed, when a bride first begins to think of wedding planning, the process may seem quite straightforward, but it’s when you really begin to get into the meat of it that you see how many little details there really are. Even a fairly small and intimate wedding can be overwhelming. There is everything from invitations, caterers, and wedding cake design to more complicated issues if you are planning a theme wedding. But an experienced wedding planning consultant is like a conductor at a symphony. They know from experience just what to put where and have proved over the years to have the temperament to be able to juggle all the details without going insane.

Moreover, a wedding planning consultant can help with many aspects of a wedding that you may never have even thought of. They can create the perfect wedding that you have always imagined, and at the same time they know enough about how the wedding industry works to give you suggestions that can help keep the cost at a minimum.

With a theme wedding it may be even more important to hire a consultant because all the rules change. We have all been to dozens of weddings that looked pretty much the same to know what the basic elements are, but planning a themed wedding changes the elements of a wedding and in doing so, changes the questions you have to ask. Without a wedding planner that is experienced in orchestrating themed weddings brides often end up with a traditional Victorian that bears little resemblance to the theme apart from one or two details in the wedding.

Wedding planning consultants take care of most all the details for you, from helping you pick out just the right invitations to go along with your chosen theme, to helping you decide what hair style goes best with your gown, and which hair stylist to use. Likewise, an experienced consultant will be able to take care of the details with the pastry chef and florist so that you do not end up with multiple clashing shades of the colors you have chosen for your wedding.

But a wedding planning consultant does more than take care of the details. Along with the size of the ribbons and the color of the icing the planner often serves as a therapist when the bride is overwhelmed, budgeting expert, and mediator when things go wrong. Furthermore, a good, experienced wedding planner is thoroughly versed in the religious practices of a wide variety of belief systems and as such is thoroughly equipped to guide a bride through potentially unfamiliar territory.

If you do decide to take on the job of wedding planning yourself, remember to create a 12 month checklist of all the to dos that you will have to attend to. It’s a big job and in today’s busy world your stress level and therefore the reduced strain on your relationship might make hiring a wedding planning consultant worth the time and money.

Jeanette Shinn is a wedding professional with over a dozen years experience making dreams come alive. Find more helpful wedding planning tips and unique wedding favors options at http://www.ExcitingWeddingFavors.com.

Author: Jeanette Shinn
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Starting a wedding planning business is like starting any other business. You need to have a business plan, secure a location to set up shop, have a website and other means of advertising and it helps to have some certification in wedding planning.

Weddings are a big expense, with the average wedding costing around $20,000. A wedding planner usually gets about 20% of this price. So as you can see, this is a very good paying business to get into. But do you have what it takes to be a good wedding planner?

To be a good wedding planner you must be highly organized and have an eye for detail. You must learn to be tactful and to be a liason between family members who may have trouble agreeing on certain areas of the wedding. You must be a people person to be a good wedding planner, because that is what it is all about. It is your goal to please everyone that is involved in the special day.

You must decide on the services that you will offer and have your attorney draw up contracts for each one. The different types of services that a wedding planner can offer are:

Complete wedding planning services.

This is the complete package. You coordinate the whole wedding after a consultation with the bride and groom. This includes choosing the theme, preparing the budget, making the guest list, and even providing the information needed to obtain a marriage license. The complete wedding planning service provides a stress free day for the bride and groom.

Partial wedding planning service.

This is where the couple plans their own wedding but need assistance in finding the best vendors for services. You will have an initial consultation with the bride and groom. After finding out what kind of wedding they are planning, you supply them with a list of suitable vendors to fit their needs. This list will include caterers, photographers, printers etc.

Rehearsal and wedding day services only.

Some couples want to plan the whole wedding but want help when it comes to the rehearsal and actual wedding day. You will coordinate the rehearsal and dinner. You will confirm with the vendors that everything is in place for the wedding day and oversee the wedding ceremony to make sure everything flows smoothly.

A lot of wedding planners will offer all three services, while some prefer to do just the complete planning package.

There are various wedding planning courses that you can take to obtain a certificate in wedding planning. It is a good idea to take one of these courses and get your certificate before you set up shop. Most people will be very hesitant to pay you good money unless you can produce some type of training or prior experience in wedding planning services.

Becoming a wedding planner is a glamorous and exciting job for the right person. Do your research, get certified, and start your wedding planning business.

For more free information about weddings Jeff suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com where you can read these 50+ free wedding related articles

Author: JD Wilson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Planning a wedding has never been more exciting. Today’s weddings aren’t what they used to be as many extra avenues are now open to more people than there once was. Inexpensive travel, cheaper hotel rates, and access to once remote locations can make that special occasion one to remember.

Adventure and excitement for your wedding day may sound romantic, but there are more things to consider when planning a wedding. Location will more then likely be one of the most important decisions to make. If planning a wedding halfway across the world, will it be a place that friends and family will be able to have access to? Some people have held weddings while sky diving from an airplane. This may once again seem adventurous, but is it a place where your grandmother and grandfather will be able to share in the festivities? So, an important factor when doing your destination wedding planning is to consider the people that you would like to be there. If it’s important for the grandparents to attend, it may be better to save the sky diving for the honeymoon, or save it for a pre or post wedding event. If you’re unsure of where you would want your wedding to be, or if you’re unsure about what is available in a certain area, you can check out a wedding planning web site. There are many out there and their sole purpose is to provide you with information to help plan your wedding.

Once a suitable location is selected that caters to the needs of the bride, groom, and guests it is time for the wedding event planning. Wedding events can be catering, music, transportation and other activities. If you are having a wedding in a new location or you’re just not familiar with what may be available in your native area you may wish to consult some wedding planning guides. These can be lists available off the internet, out of a phone book, or you may wish to consult a professional wedding planner in the chosen area. A wedding planner can also help with travel plans, hotel bookings, and handling any odds and ends that may need to be addressed. Remember to try and plan events that everyone can enjoy to help make that special day memorable for everyone.

No wedding planning would be complete without those wedding vows. Some people still choose to write their own vows while others simply go with the more traditional vows. Wedding vows planning can be an important part of the wedding adding or taking away intimacy from the event. A favorite poem or simple words of commitment, respect, and love can be shared and can make all the difference in the ceremony.

Wedding planning can take time and a lot of effort. It’s important to realize the experience you wish to create and make sure that everything remains affordable at the same time. Keeping guests in mind whilst planning can save time and money and also ensure that a full list of guests attend. If however you are looking for that romantic get away for two, there are many non traditional paths to take as well. The important part when planning your wedding is to make sure that the bride and groom are happy with their decisions and that they make them together.

Gillian Cooper is a wedding planner with many years experience of helping couples plan their big day. Get further Wedding Planning ideas at Weddings Bliss this is your first stop for information about planning your wedding.

Author: Gillian Cooper
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Getting married soon? Nervous about the big day? Having jitters already? Learn how to beat the pre-wedding and wedding jitters. Overcome Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome, a term coined by former bride and wedding photographer assistant Victoria Carrington so that you will look and feel your best on your big day!

I was once a bride and I am now the assistant to Sam Carrington, my husband, owner of Sam Carrington Photography specializing in wedding photography. I have combined my experience with my continuing observation of brides and brides-to-be to coin the term Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome. Every bride knows that there is nothing more nerve-wracking than planning a huge event, especially one that will change your life forever (hopefully). How can you be aware of and overcome wedding jitters? The stress of a wedding comes from many sources and the first step to conquering a case of nerves is to recognize the causes of the stress. Stress and anxiety due to a wedding comes from:

- Planning- so many decisions to be made-how will you make the right choices? Choosing photographers, caterers, venues, florists, dress shops and cakes can be a daunting task, especially as most of us in this generation were not taught to entertain. How exactly do you know how to choose the right vendors? Various articles may point you in different directions. Each friend you talk to has a different horror story. The stress begins here.

-Perfection-everybody knows that your wedding day should be perfect right? That is not an easy ideal to live up to in any circumstance. Although we intellectually know that nothing can be perfect, our hearts still want the fairy tale wedding in which every little thing is perfect. Thinking about a breach in the desired perfection can lead to waking up in a cold sweat many nights before the wedding.

-Pleasing-so much of wedding preparation involves pleasing a myriad of others, some of whom may have opposing tastes and requests. At this delicate time of your relationship with your intended life mate, you must pay careful attention to his needs and the needs of his family. But what about your family and their wishes? And where exactly do your needs fit in here? Perhaps nowhere but it will be very stressful for you to figure this out.

-Position-some of the main stress of wedding planning may have to with determining your new role within your new family-to-be and sometimes even with your family of origin. You may need to jockey between your divorced parents or his, step-parents or even between your beau and his parents. The tension can wear you out and make you feel stressed. You may need to be a peacemaker or an umpire. In worst case scenarios, you may need to be block punches from being thrown.

You may be saying to yourself Yeah, all that stress stuff is true but I am too stressed to do anything about it. Anyway, a little stress can not be that bad can it?

Could I really have Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome?

The answer is-yes, stress can be very bad for you, your health, your relationships and ultimately for your enjoyment of your wedding day. The harmful effects of stress are well-known and they impact on your life as you are planning your wedding. Stress causes you to:

-not think as clearly as you should at times. You have a lot of major decisions to make and thinking clearly will be in your best interest. Being able to come up with a brilliant solution to a thorny planning problem will make you look good to your future family too.

-not feeling as good as you should. Physically, stress will wear you down. It will make you feel more tired yet it may make you not rest or sleep well at night. Stress can cause muscle aches, headaches and stomach aches. It can exacerbate pre-existing health problems at a time when you need to feel your best and get a lot done. Importantly, stress can also cause your body to be less resistant to germs and diseases as your immune functions get compromised. You certainly do not want to be sick on your big day!

-Not cultivate relationships like you need to. In this delicate time of navigating what will be the most important relationships of your life, you need to keep a clear head and be able to relate well to others, even those you may not like or with whom you may not have much in common. Stress can keep you so wound up that you do not trust anyone. You do not want that to occur.

You no doubt by now get the point that stress is bad. So what is a bride-to-be to do? First of all, I advise that you relax. How do you do that you ask? If you knew how to do that you would not be reading this article you say?

Well, our next step is to give you some tips on how to keep the stress level down before your big day.

Stress Busters to Help You Overcome Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome

-breathe. I mean it, really breathe. Throughout your long, busy and stress-filled days breathe and remember to breathe deeply and slowly. Taking a deep breath can be an immediate stress reliever. Just remember to breathe slowly. If you breathe too deeply and quickly you could get dizzy and feel faint. We do not want that to happen as you are engrossed in observing the intricacies of wedding cake decorating, for instance.

-brush up on your etiquette. A little please and thank you will build your patience and your character and help you to stop rushing around.

-Pray or meditate. For me prayer is the thing that works. Focusing on the Creator of all things for even a few minutes will make your problems, issues and concerns seem much smaller. Make this a regular habit and increase your quiet prayer time if you find yourself getting more stressed. Reading books about spirituality and similar topics, including the Bible, will also help you to stay focused on what is most important in this life.

-Stay connected to those you care about. It is easy to neglect our relationships when we get busy. Remember to still spend quality time with your groom-to-be after you are finished discussing wedding plans. Get to know your future in-laws better as you are working with them on wedding planning. Keep meeting with your girlfriends and do not feel that you need to discuss the wedding all the time. In other words, do not forget that the world does not revolve around you and your wedding and remember to take interest in what is going on in the lives of others.

-Take care of your physical health. Eat right and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep each and every night and do not vary your sleeping and waking times too much. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air and sunshine.

-Pamper your body. Use luxurious lotions, fragrant bubble baths and tinted candles to create a relaxing environment for your body to de-stress. Get a massage, pedicure and/or manicure. Just taking a few moments out of a busy week or month on a regular difference can greatly reduce your stress level and help you overcome or even avoid Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome.

-Read a great book, go to a movie or even watch (mindless) TV if you must. Just find a way to lose yourself for a few minutes or hours (preferably using methods that are legal and not addicting).

-Speaking of addicting, it is probably best to avoid the serious stuff. I have seen one too many brides who seemed to be a little tanked up even before the ceremony and I tell you that it does not make for the best photos. If you start using say, alcohol for stress relief and treatment of Wedding Planning Stress Syndrome, you may come to rely on it for your wedding day and beyond. Save yourself some grief and drink sparkling Italian water instead.

-Most of all keep your perspective and have fun. Your wedding is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, a time of joy to be cherished and remembered forever. Make up your mind that you are going to enjoy the journey as much as you enjoy the destination of the big day. Yes, things may not go exactly as you plan. Count on that and let it go. Yes, some people may drive you crazy. But your wedding day will last in your memory as the greatest day in your life. Choose to be happy!

Victoria Carrington
Sam Carrington Photography
Serving Brides Nationwide
http://www.SamCarrington.com
Check out the wedding photos on our site today!

Author: Victoria Carrington
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Some might find this hard to believe, but planning a cheap wedding is quite easy to do. It’s also great fun and can be really unique and creative too! So if you’re planning a cheap wedding in the future, here are some great tips and ideas for you…

1. Cheap Wedding Locations. Planning a cheap wedding location is not impossible. In fact, you can have wedding ceremonies in a variety of places that are completely free. The local park is a great example. There’s usually no cost to go to a public park, and planning a cheap wedding ceremony there doesn’t usually require any permits or other fees either. Double check with your local city authorities just to be sure first of course.

The Beach is another free place to have a wedding ceremony, as is many churches for that matter. Other ideas include: Having your ceremony at a family member’s home, or having the ceremony in your own back yard. If the wedding couple loves nature, it may be free or very inexpensive to have the wedding ceremony at a local zoo, nature reserve, or flower conservatory too.

2. Cheap Wedding Receptions. Planning a low cost wedding reception is not too difficult either. One way to keep the reception super cheap is to make it a pot luck meal. You can have the guests each bring their own dish, and this could be requested in place of having them buy you wedding presents if you’d like.

If you’d rather not ask guests to bring food for your wedding reception, then ask a few family members to get together and cook the food as a wedding gift to you.

Planning a cheap wedding reception should also involve choosing cheap or free locations for the reception too. Try to make the wedding reception co-incide with the ceremony in some way. If you plan to have your wedding ceremony in the gazebo at the park for instance, then plan for the reception to be a barbecue or picnic style event in that same park.

Another easy and cheap example of course, is if you have the wedding ceremony in your home. Then you can plan to have the reception in your home as well, or out in the backyard if the weather is nice. If you’re planning a cheap wedding on the beach, an excellent reception idea is to have a beach party afterwards… bonfire and all.

3. Cheap Wedding Decorations. When planning a cheap wedding you’ll of course need to keep the cost of decorations down as much as possible. You don’t have to go without them completely though, you just need to improvise.

Instead of buying expensive flowers for instance, try decorating with balloons and streamers instead. Go to a local craft or fabric store and buy a few spools of pretty ribbon, then tie the balloons together with strips of the ribbon done up in a bow. Also tie the ribbons into bows themselves, then tape the ribbon bows around for decorations by themselves.

Another idea for creating inexpensive table decorations is to simply collect some pretty rocks. Wash them clean, then arrange them creatively on tables or other surfaces. You could even paint the rocks to match your desired wedding color theme.

Here’s a great idea if you’re planning a low cost wedding that will have an outdoor, picnic or barbecue style reception: buy pretty paper plates and napkins instead of using expensive china dishes.

As you can see with just these few ideas, planning a cheap wedding can actually be a lot of fun!

Read on for even more tips on inexpensive wedding centerpieces.

Author: Diane Crawford
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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