Thursday, June 24, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG- June 2010 The Nitty Gritty month

June has come and almost gone before I realized it!
Summer arrived a couple of days ago and love is in the air!  How many of you met the "love of your life" in the summer?  It's a great time to meet folks at the beach, graduations, vacations, outdoor music venues, cook outs, or WEDDINGS!  I know a couple who met at a wedding when they were part of the wedding party!
  Last month I blogged about a beach themed wedding. This month won't be as exciting- it's a let's get down to the "nitty gritty" blog this month.
  I have had quite a few calls lately and unfortunately met with folks "just shopping around" for ideas, venue suggestions, or officiant services. This means what they are looking for is FREE advice, Free ideas,
Free suggestions, and Free valuable time
 Once they verbally agree on a date of service for us to hold for them, we meet etc. and suddenly they "unexpectedly" find out...blah, blah, blah...Sorry. Don't need your services. Wham, bam, Not even a Thank You M'am.

 When you call a company to ask them to save the time or date aside for you, that is exactly what happens- in good faith. When another potential client calls for that date and time, they are told it is booked, so the people who you "thought" booked the date now have not only stolen your time, ideas, and and advice- they have stolen a client and our means of supporting our business. You just can't get that missed client back.

Yes, I am saying that the folks who act in this manner steal. They are thieves( probably a blessing in disguise not having to deal with them), but their behavior affects many others negatively, including another couple and the business or vendor.
Bridal Consulting, Wedding Planning,and Officiant services are professional services.
 They are not hobbies, and they are not charities.
I own a business and have education, experience and expertise in the wedding industry.
I am happy to offer any of the above IF you hire WE DO WEDDINGS to do it.
You won't find anyone more dedicated or energenic to put it all together for you than WE DO WEDDINGS does for our clients.
Unfortunately, people take or try to take advantage and WE DO WEDDINGS must implement some new policies because of a few unscrupulous people.

$50.00 non refundable retainer for officiant services is implemented immediately. If client hires officiant, the $50.00 is credited toward total fee. Entire payment is due 10 days before wedding and written agreement must be signed at initial meeting.

Consulting services are remaining at $80/hr. rate with signed contract. Telephone conversations are rated per 15 min.

Planning services remain the same and vary per service.

While things rarely have happened over the past 12 years, it seems to be a more common occurance lately.
? maybe the economy?... or too many reality shows that applaud "bad behavior" as acceptable?...
Hey, I've watched wedding/bridal shows and heard girls have their mothers lie to caterers. florist & ministers, but until this year have not personally experienced anything like that.  In speaking to other planners and vendors, this seems to be a banner year for such behavior.

WE, as vendors and wedding specialist know that most of you are just like us. Honest, hardworking people who want to see two people in love share their very special day  in a very special way.
WE DO WEDDINGS thanks YOU! You are the people who help us fulfill our dreams by helping you fulfill yours!
 In closing, the continuation of  the Nitty Gritty for the next blog will be about setting & keeping Budgets!
Happy Planning <3

Sunday, May 23, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG May 2010

Hello everyone!
                       It's great to see the sunshine and feel the heat in New England!
I can hardly believe May is almost over already.  What to discuss, what to discuss?
Well, I guess this little blog will be about a Beach theme wedding and ideas for you to use.
Brides can wear short or long gowns with a light chiffon or ancelon lace. How about the Groom and Groomsmen in beach print shirts, and the Bridesmaids in colors that match the shirts? I've also seen Bridesmaids in pretty sarongs. They're great 'cause one size fits all! They're also rewearable after the wedding so your girls will get more bang for their buck!
I've been scouting around stores and found some great ideas, for very little cost.
  I found little bags of starfish and sand dollars for $1.69 ea. and there are 6 to a bag. I love the idea of using the sand dollars for seating.  Just get a shallow box and fill it with playground sand (@ the venue, too heavy to carry pre-filled. Next, write the names of guest and table # on the sand dollar, which you'll place in the sand.  You can also make just table #'s on the first sand dollar in the row and just write the names on the dollars.
Netting and starfish can also be used on the table to add to the beachy feel.
Shells and starfish can be scattered on the tables and either florals or tall & short clear vases can be used as the centerpiece. There are SO many things you can do with the vases.
How about colored water ( to match your colors) w/ floating shell or starfish candles?  You can also keep the water clear, place glass or pebbles on the bottom and add a fish with some greenery!
You may also like to get some cute hurricanes with seashells on the outside and light them from within with immersable lights or candles. I also saw the cutest "fake" sand castles!
There are lots of cute fish, shell, lighthouse, or lawn chair items you can give as favors.
How about a candy display with salt water taffy, rock candy, and ocean colored candies placed in sand pails?
I found some cute pails that can be filled with crayons and coloring books for the kids @ the wedding.
Another idea is to name your tables after your favorite beaches or flip flops available for the wedding party to change into once the dancing begins! 
Choose your favorite signature coctail and don't forget to add umbrellas to them!
You can have beach balls for decorations, use lighting for effects, and have fireworks at the end of the night!
   If you're interested in a FREE Martha Stewart destination wedding, I can help you with your dream!
( you'll have to take me along!)
We also offer other Martha Stewart weddings, so check out my site on the Destination Wedding/ Honeymoon page!
Come on ~ take the plunge!
Lots of Love & Happy Planning <3
Kathleen
WE DO WEDDINGS
http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/
wedoweddings4u@comcast.net
978 866-9872

Monday, April 26, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG April Showers 3

Hello again!
                 It's the last week of April, and YES, showers are expected today! My theme has been consistant thanks to Mother Nature;)
  Wedding showers have a long history, supposedly started in the late 1500's early 1600's when a Dutch girl from a prominent family fell in love with a miller boy.  Her Dad was NOT happy about their upcoming union and refused to present a dowry. (Dad thought this would stop the wedding)
The neighbors of these lovebirds knew this was true love and decided to gather some of their own precious possesions and present them in a parasol "showering" the Bride with the gifts. This so touched the father, that he gave his blessing on the marriage- and a new tradition was started!
So... if you're one of those who dislike showers- blame the Dutch! lol

Showers became popular in the U.S. around the 1890's and continue to this day. They are usually given by the maid of honor and bridesmaids, but may also be given by family, friends, or co-workers.
Traditionally, gifts are given for the couple to begin their new lives together as husband and wife. With the passing of gay marriage in many states, there are now more same sex couples getting married and having showers also.   Today, many couples already have set up a household before the wedding and gifts are sometimes themed for an interest of the couple , the theme of the wedding, or a specific type of gift such as a kitchen, bedroom, or honeymoon shower. Showers have truely evolved since that little Dutch girl!

The general purpose is to show the couple your support of their marriage and showering them with blessings and best wishes for their "Happily ever after."<3
Happy Planning
Kathie

Saturday, April 17, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG APRIL SHOWERS 2

As I look out the window, a week later, it's still raining!  April showers for sure;)
I'm going to divert a bit and skip the shower talk and head right to a great suggestion for a Father/Daughter
song. Edwin McCains " Walk With You " - I recieved the sample CD in the mail & love it.
I've put the Youtube link on my Twitter page.  http://www.twitter.com/wedoweddings4u Hope you enjoy it.
Here's some lyrics from the chorus :
I’ll take this slow sweet walk with you

You’ll let go of my hand to say: I do

He will discover just how blessed a life can be

I know cuz all those years ago

Someone handed you to me

O.K.- NOW I'll get on to the "shower" part of the April showers.
 I am curious as to what your thoughts are concerning bridal or wedding showers?
What do you think of a wedding shower where men are also invited vs. traditional bridal showers?
I've been to both, and lately men have also been there. It's been fun listening to their comments and take on the gifts etc. They seem to add humor to the gathering! Especially when it's a lingere' gift ;)

How about games?  Bridal BINGO? Bridal Pictionary? Create a veil? or Dress the Bride?
( with toilet paper!) Who said it? Having guest write advice, tips for a happy marriage, or some memory about the bride or couple. Most of these games get folks involved , break the ice, and add laughter to the shower. It gives your guest something to do while you open your gifts, and lets them get to know one another, and YOU even better! When the wedding day comes they'll be more at ease, and so will YOU!

Next blog will deal with the location!
Happy Planning everyone!

http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/

Monday, April 12, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG: WE DO WEDDINGS "APRIL SHOWERS" blog

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG: WE DO WEDDINGS "APRIL SHOWERS" blog

WE DO WEDDINGS "APRIL SHOWERS" blog

Hi everyone!  Well, March has marched away and we're already into April.
What do you think about in April?  Why, April showers, of course!  Which is exactly what I've been thinking about...Bridal showers that is!
I met with Lydia Blanchard of Sweet Lydia's S'mores n More on Sat. to check out her delicious creations and discuss our common wedding planning interest.  She makes the cutest and SO delicious personalized S'mores n More.  She presented me with a personalized chocolate covered (w/ pink chocolate drizzle)
sugar cookie s'more in a flower shape on a lolly stick, wrapped and tied with pink ribbon and a personalized label, a dipped chocolate pretzel ( blue drizzled), and a chocolate covered ( green drizzled) graham cracker S'more.
I must admit, they surely came in handy this weekend to munch on while sipping tea and doing taxes!
Almost made it easy work, but taxes are taxing ... and eating was a nice diversion;)

How do you order these for wedding or shower favors?  Just get in touch with us on our contact page
http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/  or directly with Lydia at Sweetlydias.com
If your are in the Lowell Ma area, you can taste sample some of these at Brew'd Awakenings on Market St.
where Lydia works her magic downstairs and appears with delectable goodies to sell to YOU!
I'm calling this blog April Showers 1. Hey, it's a month of shower items to blog about. I figured this would be a great place to start!
Follow WE DO WEDDINGS blogspot by clicking on the follow icon and become a facebook fan of WE DO WEDDINGS.
WE DO your wedding~ YOUR way
Happy Planning!      Kathie

Saturday, February 13, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG- 5 Valentine's Day ideas

Hello you lovers!
   Stumped on what to do for Valentine's Day?  Here are a 5 ideas that might come in handy for the
"idea challanged" sweethearts. Of course, you can always do the standard ~ a dozen of roses...

1- Valentine's Day (the movie) How about a romantic dinner and a movie? Or.. a movie and a proposal? What could be more appropriate for "setting the mood"?
Here a little blurb on the star filled movie produced by Gary Marshall
A diverse group of Los Angelenos navigate their way through romance and heartbreak over the course of one Valentine's Day. Couples and singles experience the pinnacles and pitfalls of finding, keeping or ending relationships in a day in the life of love.
2- Handy-Candy filled day? Everyone remembers the Hearts Conversation Candies~ lots of sweet sayings on little heart candies. There are heart shaped candies available at most candy shops or how about personalized M&M's with pic's of you and your love on them? Check it out on the M&M site. (free thumbs up for M&M from me). You can add your own little hand made hearts with sayings like 
1breakfast in bed, 2 Free massages, 3 tanks of gasoline, 4 loads of laundry~ whatever your love would happily accept!
3.- Handmade Love cards, picture collages of the 2 of you, a "storybook" of how you met. These ideas show how much you care because they are personally created by you. How could anyone not love that?
4.-  Sweetheart Scavanger Hunt~ Start with breakfast in bed and lead them to the next destination~ ending the evening with a rosepetal heart shape on the bed.  This can be a great day to night Valentine's Day.
Start in the a.m., lead them to a walk in the park, you're first date spot, a spa  or salon for a buff 'n fluff, then on to a romantic dinner followed by YOU...for dessert!
5.-  Sweetheart Surprise Get Away ~ even if it's going to a local venue for the evening. Simple or splurging, it's an unexpected surprise. ....
I hope some of these ideas help you out and that you all have a
 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !
http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/

Monday, January 25, 2010

WE DO WEDDINGS BLOG Update: With Love from Sandals

OK. you romantics~ grab your bags and escape with your love to the Carribean!  14 Sandals to choose from and lots of special days and nights waiting for you....Specials from Sandals are here!
Hey- those of you who might be thinking of proposing, here's your chance to make it unforgetable!
Please click here and scroll to bottom of Services page   http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/
or call me 978 866-9872.   Luxury & Love = Perfect  2010 Valentines

Sandals Resorts is making Valentine’s extra special for 2010. One day of romance is simply not enough, so we have made the entire month of February a celebration of love!

Book a Luxury Included® vacation to any Sandals Resort and stay 3 nights or longer, for travel February 1- March 15, 2010, and you will enjoy our exclusive With Love, From Sandals Valentine’s package which includes:

• A Complimentary Bottle of Sparkling Wine

• Two Celebration Crystal Champagne Flutes

by Marquis by Waterford- $100 value

• Chocolate Covered Tropical Fruits

• Turn Down Service with Caribbean-inspired Love Notes

and Chocolate Kisses

• Complimentary 15-minute Photo Session & Keepsake Romantic Photo

Monday, January 18, 2010

Jan 2010 dress trends

I've been seeing lots of trends in magazines with the 50's look as a 2010 trend. Flared skirts, bows at the waist, bodice or in your hair, 3/4 in. sleeves, and button earrings are the fashion. Fabrics are organza, satin, and tulled, floral and lace accents. Open toe pumps for your shoes, and colored shoes to add that Glam! The other trend, which I personally LOVE, is pockets in your gown! How about feathers in your hair?


Little veils, poofs, and headbands also are the "it" thing for your special day.

I'd sum it up as a "Greta Garbo" or "Grace Kelly" look. Girly, glam, and graceful. Hair for this look is upswept with quite a bit of height, a soft coiffed curl, or simple chignon.

What do you think of this look? If you love it- give us a call and let's get started on your 50's wedding!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Sandals & Beaches Updates

All you Sandals/Beaches fans- here's some great news.  New updates on the resorts and promotions have just come in and I wanted to be sure to share them with you.
For potential vacations, honeymoons, weddings, or "get aways"  there's not much that beats a Sandals Luxury Included resort.
Sandals Carlyle has reopened and introduced exclusive butler service for all 22 Grande Luxe Oceanview Rooms beginning April 1st. ( No, this is not an April fools joke!) How could you not just love your own professionally trained butler! Can you say...spoiling?...and lovin' it!
You'll enjoy the beaches of Montego Bay, Jamaica the bars, restaurants, "dine around Montego Bay" program,room service, watersports...oh, and did I mention- being spoiled and lovin' it?!
Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas is set to open Jan 22. 500 acre resort with a Greg Norman- designed golf course, land and water sports,  6 Har-tru tennis courts ( with night lighting) dining, premium wine and spirits gratuties and airport transfers. Once again, butler service is available in ALL 183 beachfront rooms and suites!
There are also Companion flies free airfare promotions available. Travelers who book a min 4 night Luxury Included stay will receive complimentary airfare for travel Jann 22-June 23, 2010. (restrictions apply). If you fly from Fla. a 3 night stay will get the same exclusive promotion.
You also will get up to 50% off regular rack rates and one night free when you book a 7 night min. stay.
I can wait to check this resort out!
YOU just need to call me @ 978 866-9872 or follow the link :
http://www.sandals.com/weddingmoons/honeymoons/index.cfm on my webpage
http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/  services page.
GET PACKED - You're almost there!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Happy 2010!

Happy New Year to all !  May it be filled with health, laughter and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
  What's up for this year?  What will the new trends be, the hot colors, the honeymoon destinations?
We will keep you posted monthly on the latest news about these subjects and the latest news about what is going on with us.
Many couples got engaged over the holidays and will begin to think of the when, where, and how much?- of their wedding planning.  If you know anyone who may need the guidance and experience of 
WE DO WEDDINGS, please direct them to our website  http://www.wedoweddings4u.com/, our email @ wedoweddings4u@comcast.net, or our facebook page WE DO WEDDINGS. tel 978 866-9872

Kathleen will be visiting venues in Puerto Vallarta Mexico in Feb.  The Association of Bridal Consultants will be in Mexico City whileshe is in Puerto Vallarta. We can't make it to there, but we'll be sure to "get the scoop" on the hot places in Mexico City to pass on to you and look forward to exploring with ABC on a future trip. We are also definately doing another Sandals site tour...which island is next?
  Kathleen is excited to be staying right intown Puerto Vallarta and visiting venues we have, or will be able to recommend to our couples.  Hopefully, this will be the first of a few trips taken this year.  It's very exciting to have first hand knowledge about honeymoon sites and to experience first hand what it would be like for our couples.  We also love having that one to one contact with the management, getting our own photo's to share, and having the confidence that our couples will be receiving the very best they deserve.
  We hope you will enjoy all the possibilities the year ahead holds and, as always
 Before you say " I DO" -remember- "WE DO" WEDDINGS