Wedding Guests: 10 Ways to Ruin a Wedding

The worst things that wedding guests have actually done (and what you should do instead).

            1- Speak Up During the Ceremony

We've heard the horror stories -- the "Are you sure?" from the minister, the "Don't do it man" groomsmen comment and the vocal grandmother using her time as reader at the pulpit to offer her humble opinion. Yikes.

Instead: If you have information on either the bride or groom that could be a relationship game changer, the ceremony is not the time to reveal it. Any reservations about the relationship should be brought up in private long before the ceremony.

2- Stick Your Finger in the Cake

Believe it or not, guests do this. There's nothing cute or okay about touching the piece de resistance of the reception menu. Besides the sanitary factor, wedding cakes are expensive and should only be handled by three people: the bride, the groom and the caterer.

Instead: It sounds ridiculous and should go without saying, but if you can't get close to a wedding cake without touching it, don't go near it.

   

3- Wear White

We don't care if it's the middle of summer and your little white sundress is the most flattering thing in your closet. Do not, we repeat, do not wear white to someone else's wedding. Most brides have been looking forward to their moment in the spotlight -- as the only one in white. While it's true no one could possibly upstage the bride, it's considered the ultimate guest dress no-no. The other color to avoid wearing at a wedding? Bright red.

Instead: Colorful tones like pinks, yellows and purples are all fair game. Just stay away from anything in the white and ivory color family.

   

4- Use the Wedding to Hook Up

Yes, it's true, a wedding is a great place to meet other singles -- there's a great venue, lighting, food, everyone is dressed to the nines -- but please refrain from using the reception like you would a club. In other words, no making out on the dance floor with the bride's cousin or the groom's brother. Do you really want to be that guest?

Instead: Hey, if sparks are really flying, feel free to ask for a number and make a date.

 5- Give a Roast Toast

Just because you have a microphone in your hand that doesn't give you free rein to tell the most outrageous college drinking story or reveal what happened in Vegas. It's also not the time to talk about old boyfriends or reveal the groom's most embarrassing habits.

Instead: Give your speech the grandma test. If it's not PG-rated and something you'd be comfortable telling her, it's not wedding reception toast material.

  

6- Drink Too Much

Your friend's wedding celebration is just that -- it's not a fraternity party. Know your limit and don't go over it. Making a fool of yourself in front of everyone, falling all over the place or leaving the party early because you couldn't handle your liquor isn't the way you want your best friend's new wife to remember you, is it?

Instead: Save the shots for the bachelor party.

7- Let the Kids Run Wild

You know the scene: the shrieking kids terrorizing the dance floor during dinner, the toddler tantrum during the toast, the loud baby screaming over the vows during the ceremony -- all potentially nightmare situations for the couple getting married, not to mention the other guests.

Instead: Confirm that there's child care available at the reception and make arrangements, or leave the kiddies at home for the evening.

8- Spill Anything on the Bride

That gorgeous white wedding dress more than likely cost the bride a couple thousand. And while she probably won't have another reason to wear it again, a drink spilled on the wedding dress still ranks as one of the worst mistakes a guest could make.

Instead: You can't be too careful holding a beverage near the bride. If you have a glass of red wine or Coke in your hand, put it down.

9- Hit on the Waitstaff

It might sound crass (because it is), but we've heard plenty of stories of rowdy guests corralling the waitstaff to dance with them. Not only is it completely inappropriate, it'll be really embarrassing when the catering manager pulls you aside to file a formal harassment complaint.

Instead: Uh, just don't?

10- Tell the DJ to Change the Music

At your wedding, you get to choose the music. Otherwise, the tunes aren't in your control. You could end up requesting a song that was on the couple's do-not-play list (like, say, one with unsettling sentimental feelings attached).

Instead: Unless the bride or groom expressly asks you to talk to the band or DJ about a song request, keep your song suggestions to yourself.

If you're planning a wedding or know someone who is please call Celebrations by Amy Bacon for a free consultation.  We can not only save you time and the some of the stress that comes with planning but we also save our clients MONEY!  This is done with money saving tricks and vendor referrals.  
Direct - 602.762.1174
Web - www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com
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Photos from the Kersh Wedding 2008.

 Blog - knot.com

Seven Tips for Planning a Wedding on Pinterest

  7 Tips for Planning a Wedding on Pinterest

1. JoinIf you haven't already, sign up for a Pinterest account. There's a waiting list to join now — talk about exclusivity — but you can beat the system by having an existing Pinterest member send you a request. If you don't know anyone on Pinterest, some have had success by finding members via Twitter and asking for invitations that way.

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2. Create Boards

It depends how detailed you want to get with your boards, but we recommend creating various sections based on planning areas. Creating boards based on category makes it easy to keep track of ideas and narrow down preferences. Pictures can also be pinned to more than one section. Here are some board topics worth creating:
Invitations, wedding dresses, veils, shoes, flowers, cake designs, hair styles, nails, makeup, bridal accessories, bridesmaids, groomsmen, centerpieces, favors, showers and photography (engagement/wedding day ideas).

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3. Follow the Experts

In addition to following your friends and family for style inspiration, keep tabs on what the wedding experts of the world are pinning to their boards. In fact, a lot of wedding and magazines blogs — including The Knot and Style Me Pretty — are getting in on the Pinterest trend, pinning hundreds of creative and beautiful ideas.
Style Me Pretty is one of the most popular wedding presences on Pinterest, with over 160,000 followers and 52 boards. You can follow all of their boards or just a few that most interest you, such as "Hairstyles" or "Bouquets." Also, try searching with broad keywords such as "wedding" and "hair" to find and follow users who have pinned images of styles you like.

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4. Start Pinning

The site is overflowing with creative and beautiful pictures, so to keep track of what you like, click on a picture and "repin" it. Pinterest will ask you which board you would like to add it to — for this picture, it would likely go under your "Cakes" section. Visiting your boards and pins will help inspire creativity with planning.

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5. Use the "Pin It" Bookmarklet

If you find a picture you love on a site besides Pinterest, it's easy to add it as a pin to your board via the "Pin It" bookmarket in Google's Chrome browser. To install, click on the Wrench icon in the browser and select Toolbars - Always Display Bookmarks Bar. Drag and drop the Pin It button onto you Bookmarks Bar. Once installed in your browser, the Pin It button lets you grab an image from any website and add it to one of your pinboards. When you pin from a site, Pinterest grabs the source link so it credits the original creator.

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6. Encourage Feedback (If You Want It)

Friends and other Pinterest followers can leave comments and feedback on pins to make the whole planning more interactive. If you are interested in hearing opinions, ask questions and invite people to tell you what they think.

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7. Download the App

Instead of printing out pictures or bringing magazines with you to shop for wedding dresses and other items, iPhone users should download the app, so boards can be accessed while on the go. Unfortunately, the app isn't optimized for the iPad just yet, though the site can still be accessed via the tablet.

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If you’re planning a wedding and knee-deep in collecting ideas for the perfect dress, hairstyle and invitations, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with Pinterest.
The two-year-old social bookmarking site — which allows users to collect and share things they like on the Internet — is becoming a hotbed for the wedding industry. Not only are Pinterest users adding images to their virtual pinboards for inspiration to help plan their big day, but some are collecting ideas for the future and aren’t even engaged.
Either way, Pinterest is an easy way to make planning a wedding more manageable. It’s like ripping the pages out of wedding magazines and taping them to your bulletin board — but digitally. Even better, each picture is typically linked to a site where you can buy the styles you want, learn DIY crafting tips and become informed about the latest trends. Friends and other Pinterest followers can also leave comments and feedback to make the whole planning process more interactive.

If you need help with planning or day-of please call Celebrations by Amy Bacon for a free consultation.

www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com

direct - 602.762.1174

email - amy@celebrationsbyamybacon.com

Tangerine Tango is the Color of the Year

It’s hard to believe Spring is a couple months away – although in the world of wedding planning Spring literally is right around the corner.

1)     COLORS:  In Fall of 2011 it was about dark browns and pastels – but this coming Spring, hold on to your hats – Pantone Tangerine Tango is not only gracing weddings, but is Color of the Year.  Bold and bright, this color would mix nicely or go-it-alone.  Although not alone in the wheel for Spring weddings, it certainly seems to be the trend setter in fashion colors.
2)     Dresses:  From deep V-necklines to high slit skirts, dresses seem to – pardon the reference Justin T. – bring sexy back.  Sparkle, drapes, ruffles, and more seem to show a partnership between glamour and bold that makes a real statement for the dress wearer.
3)     Hair:  Not to be outdone by clothing, hairstyles seem to mirror the need for statement making for 2012.  Braids for up-dos are making a comeback, however not quite like we’ve seen in the past.  Asymmetrical patterns, letting the hair flow on its own and not being afraid of imperfection, or maybe even a touch of “messy” helps accentuate the suave dress and thought out design.
4)     Cake:  For some, it really is all about the cake.  From separate cakes for the bride, groom, and guests to works of art, these will take your breath away.

So, brides, get yourself together because we’re about to jump into Spring, and this year, it’s going to be a bright, sexy, and slightly messy affair…or in this case, season. Whether you choose to keep things low-key on your big day with neutrals and naturals, or make it a jaw dropping bright, colorful,  ‘oh my gosh I can’t believe she did that’ all out party, have fun and celebrate your commitment of love, and the season.

Ever since the Pantone Color Institute announced that the reddish-orange shade called ' Tangerine Tango' has been chosen as the 2012 color of the year, I've received a few emails asking about subtle, modest ways to incorporate it into a wedding theme. With a color such as tangerine, it's important to compliment your intended color palette with "pops of color" instead of overpowering and taking away from the other design elements. One simple and effective way to do this is by accenting your floral decor.

Below are the top 10 picks that can help any bride gracefully apply some Tangerine Tango to their big day.

 

 

For more info on Tangerine Tango, visit Pantone.com.

Here's to a bright, colorful 2012!

Celebrations By Amy Bacon
Direct 602.762.1174
Email - amy@celebrationsbyamybacon.com
www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com

Bridesmaids: 9 Tips for Who to Pick

Stressing over which friends and/or relatives will be bridesmaids? Choosing the bridal party is no laughing matter. Scan these deciding factors, and the selection process will be a breeze.

 

How Many Maids?

One of the first things to consider when selecting your bridal party is how many guests you're planning to invite. While bridal parties can range anywhere from a single maid/matron of honor to more than a dozen attendants, most wedding experts agree that a good rule of thumb is to have one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests. (This doesn't mean, though, that you have to go ask a stranger to be in your wedding just because your fiance has one more attendant than you do. Life will go on if you have uneven numbers of groomsmen and bridesmaids.) Also, a large wedding party traditionally signifies a formal wedding. So if you're planning a small, intimate gathering, ten bridesmaids might be a bit too much.

A good guideline is to have one groomsman and one bridesmaid for every 50 guests.

More isn't Merrier

Speaking of size, remember that the more bridesmaids you have, the greater the potential for complications. In other words, you'll need to get more people to agree on a dress or decide on a bridal shower date. And if you're on a limited budget, think about who has to pay for all those bridesmaids bouquets. That's right -- you.

Blood is Thicker Than Water

If you're close to your sister or future sister-in-law, the thought of not including them in your wedding party probably never even occurred to you. But if you suffer from a serious Jan Brady complex, the thought of asking your sister (or sister-in-law) to be a bridesmaid probably ranks right up there with getting a football in the nose. Still, it's usually worth including family members just to avoid unnecessary conflict. Think of it as having more bargaining power when you're battling with your mom over the guest list.

No Backsies

You don't need to ask someone to be in your wedding just because she asked you to be in her wedding. Don't ask the college roommate you haven't spoken to in five years just to return the favor. Weddings are no time for quid pro quo. Period.

Location, Location

What do you expect from your bridesmaids? Will simple moral support suffice, or do you expect them to be your personal Pollyannas, addressing wedding invitations and tying tiny ribbons around your wedding favors? If it's the latter, think twice about asking friends who live far away or who have extremely hectic schedules. You don't want to find yourself getting frustrated with a friend you knew wouldn't be able to give you all the help you wanted.

Don't Assume

Try not to make hasty assumptions. Don't write off some friends simply because you think they don't have enough money to afford that Vera Wang bridesmaid dress you have your eye on. If you want to ask a friend whom you know is having financial difficulties, you can always say something like, "I'd love for you to be a bridesmaid, but I understand the tough time you're going through now. If you can't do it, I'd love to find something else for you to do in the wedding." (Or, you can offer to pay her way if you can't stand the idea of her not being in the wedding.)

Guys Count

A bridesmaid doesn't have to be a woman. Despite the prevalence of feminine pronouns in this guide, if your best friend is a guy, there's no reason why he can't be in your wedding. Today, many brides (and grooms) are including members of the opposite sex as attendants. In these cases, a man on the bride's side is simply called an attendant or bridesman, while a woman on the groom's side can be called an attendant or a groomswoman.

Other Honors

Still stuck? Keep in mind that there are plenty of other roles good friends can play in your wedding if they don't make the cut -- do a reading, hand out programs, or perform a song.

Spread the News

Once you make up your mind about your bridesmaids, you'll want to get the word out. The only thing worse than a coworker who thinks she's invited to your wedding is a friend who assumes she's going to be a bridesmaid. If you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings, remember that, as cliched as it sounds, any true friend will understand whatever decision you ultimately make. And finally, the sooner you make your decision, the sooner you get to check off one more box on your endless wedding checklist.

                                                                         

If you're looking for more information on my services you can review my website at www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com.

Call for a FREE consultation 602.762.1174.
                                                                                                                           Courtesy of theknot.com

Don't miss out on YOUR perfect vendor!

My advice to engaged couples is this ....

After large bridal shows vendors book up very quickly. Celebrations by Amy Bacon and many vendors I work with have Weddings booked for 2014 already.
 

If you meet a Wedding Professional that you KNOW you want to work with .... don't wait to deposit them to hold your date. I see brides brokenhearted when they don't get their "dream venue or vendor".
 

I personally think your first hire should be a planner. Why, you ask? Because, a well connected wedding planner can introduce you to wonderful vendors within your budget and negotiate your contracts. Depending on your choice in vendors I can save a percentage of my fee.
 

♥ I had to turn down a second bride today for a date that was already booked .... I thought this would be good information to share. ♥

Cell 602.762.1174

Website www.celebrationsbyamybacon.com

 

 

Plan A Wedding To Remember

No need to excuse or explain nontraditional wedding plans – they've never been more in style. When planning for your big day, don't be afraid to have fun with out of the ordinary everything, from outfits to hor d’oeuvres. So throw that bouquet in the air and while you're at it, caution to the wind. Want to plan a modern, memorable wedding but aren't sure where to begin? Here's a look at ten playful wedding trends to get you started. 
 

1) Fun with color

From black accents to bold color blocks, color is king this year. And it's not limited to the bride. Non-matching bridesmaids are coordinating in patterns or complementary color combinations like this crafty DIY wedding of mega-blogger Elsie Larson to bold color palettes, shades of gray and stripes continue to be big color trends for the year.

2) Goodbye church

As more couples say "I do" in locations outside of a traditional church, rules and traditions fly out the window as well. Without the pressure of stained glass windows and choir lofts, couples feel as free as an open field (where they might be having the ceremony) to adapt, change and modernize their wedding.

3) Alternative gift registries

Many couples are registering for gifts that will help them in a practical way. Travel agencies are starting to offer honeymoon gift certificates and some auto dealers are offering gift certificates toward the purchase of a new vehicle. CardAvenue.com allows couples to create a gift card registry for national retailers. Couples can get as creative as they want and can request gift cards to home improvement stores to offset costs of home renovation or register for local restaurants so they can continue dating as newlyweds on a budget.

4) Punchy personalization

While the structure of the wedding remains the same (you've got a couple, an officiant, a group of family and friends, a ceremony and reception), the look is anything but. The time may be different (think brunch), the seating may be smarter (seated at tables & staying put for the reception), the furniture may be funky (varying size and shape or non-traditional choices), and forget the wedding favors – today's couples are giving personalized takeaways, like souvenir photo booth picture strips.

5)  Eco-friendly finds

Outdoor spaces, reclaimed furniture, flea market finds and even wooden rings are helping eco-conscious brides and grooms celebrate in a big way without the environmental impact. Green weddings can feature locally grown food and seed-lined wedding invitations for planting.

CarbonFund and Terrapass offer wedding carbon footprint calculators, where air travel is most likely the biggest offender. Couples can purchase carbon offsets to lessen the impact or request contributions as gifts.

Would you like help planning your big day?  Celebrations by Amy Bacon would love the opportunity to discuss your wedding needs.  We offer a FREE initial consultation.  
Direct 602.762.1174
Email amy@celebrationsbyamybacon.com
www,celebrationsbyamybacon.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                                          Blog by Cara Davis

WCUI Graduation Candy Buffet | Fall 2011

Photos provided by Drew and Megan Anderson
Flowers - Crazy Daisies Flowers and Gifts
DJ - Universal Disc Jockey
Coordination and Candy Buffet - Celebrations By Amy Bacon