It was great to meet so many excited couples planning their upcoming wedding. Lots of great questions and inspiration, so we know 2014 will be a busy year!
Mark Your Calendars!
Some very exciting bridal events are just around the corner in the "530" area, so make sure you mark these dates down so that you don't miss out! Yuba Sutter Bridal Show September 8th - Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds Featuring the area's premier wedding professionals all in one event to simplify your wedding planning process. The show offers catering & cake samples, music , a fashion show, giveaways & more! Click here to pre-register
WeDo Designs - Open House September 8th - Noon to 3pm 1616 Nord Ave, Suite G Chico, CA 95926 View linens, rentals & décor for your upcoming event Visit www.WeDoDesigns.net for more information
Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo - New Location September 10th - Style Me Maids Tuesday - 5 to 7pm September 11th - Stylish Details Wednesday - 5 to 7pm September 12 - Sample Sale Thursday - 10 am to 7 pm September 13 - Ooh La La Friday - 5 to 7 pm
Enjoy Discounts, Giveaways, refreshments & more. Appointments are recommended http://www.alwayselegantbridal.net
Blush Catering - Supper Club September 28th - 6pm to 10pm Searching for a caterer for your special day, or maybe date night plans? Check out Blush Catering's intimate monthly dining experience, featuring a unique, local, and sustainable menu! RSVP required. Email blushcatering@gmail.com for more information, or visit their Facebook.
More event information coming soon!
*Have an event you want to promote? Leave your information as a comment or send us a message and we are happy to spread the word!
Working on Your Wedding Playlist?
Are you trying to put your wedding playlist together but feeling stuck on what to choose? When you are putting your playlist together you can add songs that may just be background music or prelude songs while guests are arriving or socializing during your cocktail hour. This is a good time to add some of the more playful and fun songs that you enjoy listening to and would like to share with your guests. Many couples may have songs they would like to use, but feel they have been over played. Our suggestion is to take an older song or a well-known version of a song and find a cover version which will give life to your playlist. Sometimes the change of tempo, or style makes it sound brand new and will definitely keep your guests interested! Here are just a few fun songs as well as covers of some well-known songs: Boyce Avenue - A Thousand Years
Hunter Hayes - Wanted
Civil Wars- Dance Me To The End of Love
Adele - Lovesong (The Cure)
Sara Bareilles - I Choose You
The Civil Wars - Forget Me Not
Did you find a gem that you want to share with others? Feel free to post the link or name of the song and artist on this post!
~Happy Planning~
For a list of local wedding DJ's visit our directory
*Featured Image compliments of LJS Productions www.ljsproductions.com
What is Missing From Your Planning Process?
With the internet at our finger tips, we can literally spend countless hours researching and "pinning" images, but it there is something missing from this process. Without tasting the cake, lacing up the gown, a trial hair & make-up run, feeling different linens and seeing up-lights & decor transform a space; you haven't truly started planning. As the Chico Bridal Show approaches and the excitement grows for both the couples and the exhibitors I try to stress the point that the show is an investment for all parties involved. As the couple planning your wedding, you want to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with local wedding professionals who can offer you the best services and products available to you in our area. This is when your real planning begins.
Armed with the knowledge you have after attending a bridal show, you can make an informed decision on who you would like to book a consultation with and what areas you need assistance with the most. You can pick up samples, business cards, event flyers and enter into drawings for some pretty great prizes!
On the flip side, the exhibitors in the show (having been one myself) want to meet couples who are interested in learning more about their services. They get to meet new couples and expand their business by booking events but they also get to push their own envelope by creating exhibit spaces that are inspiring to them and appealing to you! A photographer can display their work on a beautiful canvas and show you some of their album samples, a wedding planner or decor company can display leading wedding trends and styles, and each exhibitor brings their own unique experience and style to the table for you to enjoy.
So for about the same price as a mocha and a tasty treat at your favorite coffee spot, you can cross off some to-do items and enjoy yourself at the Chico Bridal Show this sunday (August 18th, from 11-3pm) at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is available by following this link to our registration page. http://www.the530bride.com/upcoming-events/pre-registration-is-now-available/
DIY Table Runner Project
Here at The 530 Bride we love to see couples express their style and personality while enjoying their wedding experience. We are fans of the ladies over at The Idea Emporium for encouraging their clients to step outside the box and get creative. We are happy to share this creative and inexpensive DIY Table Runner project demonstrated by Carey at The Idea Emporium!
Materials Needed 14 yards of white muslin fabric Scissors Fabric Dye 1 large bucket Boiling water (per dye instructions)
Step 1: Rip fabric to desired width by cutting a starter mark, and then proceed to rip the fabric into two equal sections
Step 2: Following the instructions included with the dye packet, bring water to a boil. Meanwhile, begin fraying the edges of the fabric.
Step 3: Once you have frayed all of the edges, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then proceed to roll it towards you
Step 4: Mix the water and the dye packet in a large bucket, and dip the fabric into the dye with the frayed edges down. You can dip the fabric in to the dye at the desired depth, and as many times as needed to give the intended color. *For an ombre effect you can use multiple buckets with varying shades of the dye*
Step 5: Unroll the fabric and layout to dry on a flat surface
We love this color combo of white and blue, but the choice is yours so feel free to get creative. This project is not only fun, but it can really save you money! Here is our breakdown of expenses:
14 yards of Muslin fabric @ 3.99 per yard* 2 boxes of dye @ $2.29 per box
*The amount of fabric you need will depend on what size table you are using and the length you would like the fabric to extend past the edge of the table.
If you would like assistance with planning and or designing your wedding or next big event please feel free to shoot us a message with any questions and we will be happy to help!
Keeping Expenses Down For Your Wedding Party
In the August/September issue of Brides Magazine, 103 bridesmaids participated in a poll and gave some insight. Among many of the interesting questions such as what a bride should know when choosing her bridesmaids, thoughts about the bachelorette party, and of course the dresses; one thing stood out to me. 73 percent of bridesmaids who were asked what the hardest part of being a bridesmaid was, responded that the expense was the most difficult. As a bride you expect that costs are going to add up because it is your wedding, we may not stop and think about the costs for those involved in our wedding party. Typical expenses are the cost of the attire for the wedding, travel expenses, time off from work, and shower/wedding gifts.
Here are a few ideas on keeping your expenses down without compromising a good time!
1. Choose an affordable dress line for the bridesmaids to choose from, or allow them to choose their own gown. Allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own gown may give your girls a little more pocket change as well as feel more comfortable in their dresses.
2. Plan your bridal shower/wedding related projects and events close together in dates if you have out of town bridesmaids so that they can make less trips without having to miss out on the fun. If you have a bridesmaid or maid of honor who can't attend the final fitting, get creative and see if you can come up with a way to face time or Skype with them in the dress store if the store owner allows.
3. Stay local and plan a night out that won't break the bank. You may be able to live it up in your home town by saving money from airfare and hotels. Get a limo or talk to some of the local bars about having your own VIP table vibe without the out of town price tag!
4. Their presence is gift enough, let your ladies and gents know that you understand they have had to spend money to be involved in all of the events and are just happy they were able to be a part of everything with you!
5. Look for discounts for booking as a group, and try to plan things out in advance. Check for rewards programs and other incentives for travel arrangements.
6. Talk your wedding vendors such as your planner for ideas on keeping your budget in check and you may get some creative tips and advice from vendors. When you network with your professional vendors you are tapping into a pretty great resource!
Money can be a touchy subject, and sometimes you may think that your bridesmaid is checked out from your wedding planning but in reality she may just be stressed with the thought of the financial aspect. Just remember that you are doing all of this to celebrate your love and commitment to each other as a couple, and want to share this with your friends and family!
~ Happy Planning~
Real Bride Feature: Christina & Jorge's Backyard Wedding
Blogger Christina Gutierrez wed Jorge Gutierrez on May 25th in front of 80 friends and family members. Both her wedding ceremony and reception were held at her grandfather's home in Los Molinos, CA.
Vendors: Kara Stewart Photography (Shown), Chanie Bee Photography (Not Shown-Reception Photos), We Do Designs (Chandeliers/Vintage Windows), Upper Crust Bakery (Cake), Makeup by Brittany (Makeup), Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant (Food) and A&J Party Center (Rentals). {Click to enlarge photos}
Wedding Planners Can See The Future!
Okay, so that may be a slight exaggeration.. A wedding planner doesn't see the future but we do try to prepare for just about anything thrown our way. In addition to executing the details that you have planned, our goal is to handle scenarios like the those below, quickly and quietly so that the couple aren't distracted or worried about them. Here are a few different minor scenarios as examples:
Scenario 1: Your bridesmaid calls and she is stuck in traffic, by the time she arrives it is too late to start on her hair. Solution: Wedding planner grabs the stash of bobby pins, bottle of hair spray, a comb and goes to work!
Scenario 2: The groom is looking handsome in his tuxedo for his close-ups and the photographer notices a button is about to fall off on the jacket. Solution: Planner "borrows" the jacket and gets the handy sewing kit to reinforce the button.
Scenario 3: You are in your dress and trying to sneak a peak at your ceremony without any guests or your handsome groom seeing you. Your planner makes sure the coast is clear, and keeps you just out of sight until it is time to make your appearance down the aisle.
Scenario 4: You spent weeks working on the seating chart for your reception dinner. The venue misplaced the only copy that you had, and the caterers need are requesting it for the plated dinner. Solution: No sweat, your planner brought extras of your floor plan & seating arrangement and provides copies to the caterers, venue and decor company.
Scenario 5: The limo driver has shuttled your guests to your venue, but you notice that your aunt and uncle are missing. The limo driver must have missed them somehow at the hotel, and no one can reach the driver on his cell. Solution: Your planner sends an assistant to run back to the hotel to pick them up in time for them to be seated for your ceremony.
Scenario 6: You check the forecast the week before your wedding, who knew a June wedding would see triple digits? Solution: Your planner calls your cake decorator and pushes back the delivery time until just before the reception to ensure the cake won't be too warm & melt the icing. She then makes a second call to the print shop to have your monogram printed on some fans, these should come in handy for your guests at your ceremony. Lastly, she sends you a text to make sure that your Costco list includes a few more cases of water bottles!
When it comes to our events, we typically bring our "toolbox" equipped with bandaids, tylenol, ribbon, tape, sewing kit, candles, lighters, extra reserved seating signs, and even a book of wedding toasts for the nervous groomsmen. In addition, we carry extra copies of contact sheets for all of the contracted vendors, extra timelines & seating arrangements, etc.
Weddings and large events have many different elements and parties involved which requires fluid communication and organization. Wedding professionals cannot promise a "Perfect Wedding" they are there to make sure that things come together smoothly and just as you had envisioned.
We know that for some couples it is tempting to want to take it all on and handle these details yourself, but the scenarios above and other scenarios like them should not be left for you or your family members to stress about on your big day.
~Happy Planning~
The 530 Bride offers a complimentary consultation, affordable planning packages as well as hourly services. Contact us today to go over your event details!
Wedding Planning Tip: Transportation
Post by: Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Depending on the logistics of your wedding, your ceremony and reception sites may differ. Many couples choose to offer a shuttle type of transportation from point A to point B (and sometimes even to point C.) Providing transportation for your guests will most likely be a welcomed service. However, to prevent delays in your wedding timeline, consider the following:
- The number of guests that can safely ride in one limousine or shuttle.
- For example, if one trip can accommodate 15 guests, and your guest list has 100 persons, you are looking at a minimum of 7 trips. This may or may not include a separate shuttle for the groom, groomsmen, the bride, her bridesmaids, and mothers.
- The estimated time for round trip transportation, from location A to location B.
- For example, for a 4:30 p.m. ceremony, with a 15-minute round trip shuttle carrying 15 guests at a time from your 100 person guest list, you should begin shuttling guests a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes before the start of your ceremony.
- The scheduling of other events, such as concerts, fairs, or graduation. Check local event calendars to see if there are any large events that may affect your pre-determined travel time. Also consider day of the week and the time of day - weekday weddings during rush hour may pose a delay to your start time. Arming yourself with this knowledge will help you choose the best route, with the least amount of outside interference.
- The age and mobility of your guests. For example, parents with young children may need to use an extra seat for a stroller or other baby items, while some elderly guests may require extra space for special need items (walkers, wheel chairs, etc.)
- Give yourself some leeway in your travel time. Trying to coral all of your guests may take longer than you think, giving yourself a few extra minutes can help ease your mind, and ensure proper flow of your wedding day timeline.
- Once you have figured out the transportation to your site, consider returning your guests. You may want to offer an early shuttle (for those with young children for example), and then a later shuttle to accommodate those who wish to stay until the end.
Happy Planning!
Wedding Planning 101: Timeline!
No matter where you are in your wedding planning, staying organized is important. Part of being organized is to refer to a timeline and checklist to make sure you don't have a last-minute wedding crisis on your hands. If you have a wedding coordinator they should be assisting you with creating an outline of the planning process, and helping you stay on track. There are many wedding planning resources and tools out there, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Depending on how far out your wedding date is, you should be able to space out the time-line so that you don't feel overwhelmed. Word of advice: ask your fiance to help you with the parts that he can help you with because it is his wedding too! If he can't help you then look to your friends and family because chances are they are pretty excited for you and would love to help.
Note: timelines are meant as a guide only and may or may not reflect your actual event. If you feel that some of the items do not apply to you; not to worry. Take your check list with you to your vendor meetings so that you have the information as a reference if needed.
Wedding Checklist 9 – 12 Months Determine Your Budget, and set-up a time to talk about who pays for what Select the Date for your wedding Determine the number of guests you expect to invite Start looking at available wedding venues appropriate for your guest count Hire a Wedding Planner/Consultant if needed Browse wedding magazines and websites to see what trends & color schemes appeal to you. Book your engagement Photo Sessions Mail your save-the-dates cards Choose your wedding attendants Set-up Consultations with Caterer, Florist, DJ or band and Photographer
6-8 Months Select your wedding officiant Finalize your agreements with your Caterer, Florist, DJ & Photographer Create a wedding website or blog Select & order your wedding dress Order or create your wedding invitations Select or assist bridesmaids with choosing a gown and over-all style Register for wedding gifts (Ask your wedding vendors about registry options) Start compiling your music selections to review with your DJ Research Cake Decorators and schedule a Tasting Finalize your wedding food menu with Caterer Review your budget to ensure you are on track or make adjustments Arrange for the groomsmen to be fitted for their tuxedos Order your wedding rings Reserve the limo or make transportation arrangements Research Honeymoon destinations
4-5 Months Finalize Honeymoon arrangements Reserve rental equipment Review your guest list Have the Bridesmaids order their dresses, and groomsmen order their tuxedos Check-in with your travel agent and finalize honeymoon details including flight information & passports Shop for a wedding gift for each other and for the wedding party Schedule the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Set-up room blocks at nearby hotels, do this early to ensure your guests will have no problem finding a place to stay during a busy weekend or event.
2-4 Months Check your states requirements for marriage licenses Meet with your photographer to determine your must-have shots & do a walk- through of your venue and timeline Send out the invitations Enjoy your bachelorette party Print or order your ceremony programs Decide if you will be writing your own vows, and begin preparing or researching your vows Send your wedding announcement information to the local newspaper Purchase wedding accessories such as guest book, flower girl baskets & ring bearer pillows or signs, toasting flutes & cake knife. Order or start creating your wedding favors 2-4 Weeks Assemble the favors & programs if needed Think about rehearsal dinner speeches Check your RSVP’s against your list of invitations, call the guests who have not yet responded Attend your last dress fittingSend out final payments if possible Confirm Hair & Make-up appointments Confirm all groomsmen have completed fittings and ordered their tuxedo’s Meet with Wedding Planner and vendors to ensure all plans are satisfactory
Week of the wedding Make sure to confirm special readings for your ceremonySubmit your final guest count to your caterer Confirm arrival times with vendorsPrint/Email directions and locations for drivers of transport vehicles Pick up your dress, or make specific arrangements with bridal shop for pick-up Send a timeline to the bridal party & parents Pack for your honeymoon if you are leaving soon after your wedding Book Spa appointments for nail treatments Break in your shoes Delegate any other tasks such as bringing your purse, camera and/or night bag to a family member or close friend
Day before your wedding Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Get lots of rest & Stay HydratedCharge camera and cell phone batteriesSend your hubby to be a love note, to bring the focus back to where it should be..You and him!
Wedding Day Eat a light meal & hydrate Appoint a bridesmaid or family member to do a time check with your coordinator while you are getting ready, to ensure you stay on schedule Do your hair & make-up applications before you get dressed Get dressed 30 minutes before you leave to allow for photographs Enjoy your day and take in every moment, you will always remember this day!
Wedding Trend: Reception Lounge Spaces
Though most couples would like to plan on their guests all wanting to dance the night away, it is hard to anticipate just how many guests will be out dancing. So rather than leaving your guests to either dance or sit at their table, couples are opting to invite their guests to mingle in style. A modern furniture lounge setting can define the tone of your event, and will definitely grab your guests attention. There are many different arrangements and styles of lounge furniture, and you can use the lounge set up as a stand alone feature or build the atmosphere around it by adding uplighting or a glam chandelier. Here are just a few of the ways that couples are using lounges to add some flair to their event:
Sources: modernweddingshawaii.com via Sarah on Pinterest
Source: cdn.hostessblog.com via Dan & Christy on Pinterest
Source: heaven8240.com via Heaven on Pinterest
If you are looking for a vendor who carries either modern or vintage furniture in your area, shoot us a line! If you are in the Northern California area you can check out WeDo Designs Decor and Rental.
Decor by WeDo Designs, photo by The530Bride
Choosing Your Wedding Registry
By Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Registering for a wedding is equal parts exhilarating and confusing. With each beep of the scanner, you begin to more clearly see your future – teal kitchen aid here; purple bath towels there; 1,000 count linens- check; fine china – umm, is this really necessary? There are so many traditional registry ideas that we can get lost in it all. In my opinion, it is most important to consider what type of items you and your groom actually need and want. Luckily, there are extensive options for registries today that allow any couple to choose the best registry that defines their needs and style.
The Honey Moon Registry - This option allows the couple to register for honeymoon experiences, rather than fine china or bath towels. From airfare and travel expenses, to meals and drinks, to surf lessons, rounds of golf, shopping sprees, massages, or romantic cruises - your guests can gift you items that allow you to customize your perfect honeymoon. There are many honeymoon registries available, visit them all and find the one that best fits your needs. You may want to consider researching expiration dates, set up or transaction fees, whether or not you are truly getting a good deal, if your desired honeymoon destination is offered, or if exclusive vendors must be used. Also, Keep in mind that you most likely will purchase your airfare before your guests complete your honeymoon registry – you might want to inquire if travel expenses can be reimbursed or transferred to another item on your registry
- www.honeymoonwishes.com - Includes: Downloadable announcements to print, email announcement wizard, wedding website, full online photo album, wedding blog, and a share tool to post your registry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media site
- www.honeyfund.com - Allows you to calculate the estimated cost of your honeymoon (flight, driving or cruise cost, number of nights, type of desired accommodations, dining, beverages, excursions and/or activities.)
- www.travelersjoy.com - Partners with well-known wedding sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire and do not charge a guest fee.
- www.wanderable.com - Wanderable provides a thank you tracker and iPhone app that allows the couple to share their experiences with their guests by sending a digital ‘thank you’ postcard.
The Traditional Registry - This option allows the couple to register for household items such as kitchen appliances, pots and pans, furniture, décor, linens, and items that they may not have bought on their own. Check out the 10 Registry Tips from The Knot. Among some of the tips: check for store return policies, register for gifts in a variety of price points, and register for items you actually need (how often do you plan on using that expensive fine china?) and items that you may not purchase on your own (teal kitchen aid mixer – yes please!)
A few commonly used traditional registries include (but are absolutely not limited to): Bed, Bath, & Beyond; Macys; Crate and Barrel; Williams and Sonoma; Target; Pottery Barn; or Amazon.com. Consider registering at a locally owned store - don’t be afraid to choose a store that fits your unique style.
The Multi-Site Registry – This registry option allows couples to register for multiple items at multiple stores all from a single website. You can register for almost anything: typical household items, entertainment tickets, travel, electronics, outdoor furniture, motorcycles, camping gear, jewelry and much more!
- www.registrylove.com - Registry Love lets the couple register for anything from anywhere – from local retailers to retailers that do not have online website to honeymoon and adventure registries.
- www.simpleregistry.com -Same options as Registry Love and allows for group gifting, and a mobile scanner app so you can add an item to your registry anytime, anywhere.
- www.myregistry.com - Allows you to put your entire registry on Facebook, add gifts with your phone, and allows you to sync pre-existing registries.
- www.knackregistry.com - Allows you to create a registry full of unique items not available from national retailers.
The Homeowner’s Registry – This registry option allows guests to put money towards a couples’ new home, or provide renovation, remodeling, or decor to an existing home. Before signing up for a Home Registry, consider the fees and restrictions involved, and how/where you can spend your gifted money.
- www.hatchmyhouse.com – Allows couples to design their ideal house. Guests can gift money, which can be used to purchase parts of the house (like windows or doors) or provide general funding towards a downpayment.
- www.mydreamhomeregistry.com/index.aspx - Gives couples the opportunity to register for things like paint, flooring, furniture, and/or remodeling costs.
The Charity Registry – This registry option allows the couple to raise money for their favorite cause(s).
- www.justgive.org - Just Give gives you the option to choose from more than 1.8 million different charities.
- www.idofoundation.org - Partners with www.justgive.org, and gives you the option of choosing charitable favors.
The Gift Card Registry – www.cardavenue.com - Card Avenue lets couples choose gift cards from over 500 stores, restaurants and services.
The Experience Registry – www.newlywish.com - Newly Wish provides guests with the opportunity to gift a variety of gifts from kitchen and linens, to spas and fitness centers, to dancing lessons and theater visits, to sporting and cultural events.
The Cash Registry – www.weddingrepublic.com - Wedding Republic allows couples to get money without necessarily asking for money and allows your guests to see what their contribution is going towards.
Style Trend~ Watercolor
We always keep an eye out for the latest trends and new decor/theme ideas for couples to tap into. Watercolor is a refreshing trend that can be used cohesively throughout your event or just as an accent on details like the table numbers, menu cards & signage. Visit our pinterest board for some of the ideas that caught our eye!
You can view the rest of our Pinterest boards here
What is your take on this emerging trend? Leave us a comment here or submit a link to your Pinterest board if you are all about watercolor!
~Happy Planning~
Three Tips To Successfully Creating Your Guest List
Posted by: Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Creating a guest list can be a daunting and confusing task! Should you invite all 500 of your facebook friends, your parent's college friend whom you've never met, or your favorite middle school teacher? Usually the size of the guest list is determined on your wedding budget. It is also helpful to consider the size of your wedding venue - a backyard wedding may not accommodate your 400 person guest list. Below are three tips to assist you in creating your wedding guest list.
1. Compile an initial guest list
Traditionally, half of the guest list goes to the bride's family, and half to the groom's family. Ask that each family create their own list of guests. Think of groups of friends or clubs of which you belong (example: church, co-workers, recreation leagues, etc.) Finally, go through your address books to make sure you did not forget anyone. Once you have your initial list compiled, the hard part begins...
2. Separate names into categories
With the help of your groom and family, begin to place people into three categories. Placing guests into categories, as terrible as it sounds, will be very helpful in getting your guest list count to an acceptable budget-friendly number. Let's say your wedding budget allows for 200 guests, and in your Group A and Group B you have 200 guests to invite, and 50 in your Group C. Typically 70-80% of guests invited attend, so as you receive a "No" RSVP from someone on the A or B list, you can send someone from your Group C an invitation.
1. Group A (Definite Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be those involved in the wedding (parents and bridal party for example) or immediate family members (grandparents and siblings.)
2. Group B (Probable Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be other family members and close friends.
3. Group C (Optional Invites): Examples of guests on this list might include friends you haven't seen in years, work acquaintances, distant relatives or children. While it is appreciated by single guests, if your guest list is overflowing, it is not necessary to invite all single guests to have a plus one.
3. Check your list for any duplications
Double check your list to eliminate any overlap that may have been caused during the formation of your guest list. It would be unfortunate to invite the same person twice and eliminate another potential guest.
Special Note: If you haven't already, consider sending RSVP Cards along with your invitations. Caterers and bakers require an accurate head count to make sure there is sufficient food for your guests. It would be a shame to run out of food before all guests are served or be costly if you have an overabundance of food. In addition, having an accurate list of guests helps when creating the seating arrangements. If this sounds overwhelming, remember that the Event Coordinators at The 530 Bride can help!
Happy Planning!
Teegarden House Event Center - Bridal Faire Recap
We were delighted to be a part of the first Bridal Faire at The Teegarden House Event Center in Yuba City. Not only did we get to meet brides from the area, but we also got to mingle with several talented wedding professionals and businesses. The Teegarden House is a great spot for an intimate wedding or bridal shower celebration, baby shower, birthday party or corporate event. If you missed the event and would like to check out this charming venue just give Cindy at Teegarden House a call to schedule a tour or inquire about hours. Teegarden House Event Center 731 Plumas Street, Yuba City (530) 674-7310 http://Teegardenhouse.com
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Shopping for THE Dress!
We all know there is a lot of hype when it comes to shopping for a wedding dress, anyone who has ever watched Say Yes to The Dress knows this! It isn't very often that we bring an entourage of people with us shopping, so think about who you would like to bring along for moral support. Many brides bring their mother, sister and/or maid of honor, but it isn't a rule set it stone. Pricepoint is very important, and it seems that many brides make the mistake of shopping for dresses without knowing how much they are comfortable spending. Why fall in love with a dress that you can't afford? If your parents or relatives are buying the dress for you or pitching in, you should discuss the budget with them prior to shopping so that everyone is on the same page.
If you live in an area with multiple bridal salons, check them out online to read reviews from other customers. When you buy a wedding dress it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months to recieve it, so you want to make sure the bridal salon has happy customers when it comes to receiving their gowns on time. Other things to look for are return policies, customer service and alterations services. If you need to have alterations done to your gown, you want to make sure it is in good hands with the bridal salon's in-house seamstress/tailor.
Some tips on how to prepare for trying on all of these beautiful gowns:
1. Make an Appointment Most bridal salons appreciate or even require that you have an appointment in order to try on gowns. This is to ensure that you get great customer service with a personal consultant during your shopping experience. When you are shopping at a bridal salon a consultant will meet with you to obtain your measurements, budget and the styles of gowns that you like. The consulant will help pull dresses for you, and will assist you in the fitting room with getting the gowns on and off.
Keep in mind that most bridal salons only have sample sizes, so the dresses you try on may not fit perfectly. Be prepared for your appointment by bringing photos of the styles that you like. Or if you have a designer in mind, then make sure to mention it to the consultant so that she can pull some of those gowns to start off with. 2. Get a Little Dolled Up A light makeup application, freshly shaved underarms and legs will make you feel pretty and comfortable since you will be in close quarters with your bridal consultant.
3. Shoes Bring a pair of heels that have a similar height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. Some dresses may need to have fabric added to them to make them longer if you are on the taller side especially with heels on. If you find the perfect dress, the seamstress will be able to note any alterations that you will need.
4. Supportive Undergarments Bring a strapless bra just in case, as some dresses will be less supportive than others. Make sure to also wear underwear that you are comfortable being seen in while you are changing (Maybe skip the thong?)
5. Camera If the bridal salon allows you to take pictures, then by all means do so. You will likely try on dozens of dresses, so having a photo of each of them will help you remember which ones you liked best. This can also help if you need some time to think things over.
You may feel certain that you have your dream dress picked out from what you have seen in a picture, but once you start trying dresses on you could end up with something very different!
Have shopping advice? Share it here!
Planning with Class
At first the Bridezilla movement was a little shocking but pretty entertaining. These days there is a network of television shows and websites specifically about being a bridezilla. While stress can make us do wacky things, we should not be encouraging or celebrating this type of tantrum-throwing behavior! If you feel an outburst coming on, stick to our three step plan of keeping yourself in check! 1. Ask for honesty - After you get over that sparkly new ring let your close friends know that you want them to call you on it if you start getting over the top. You may need someone to snap you into reality when you get overwhelmed.
2. Use your resources - If your vendors told you that you can contact them if you have any questions, than do so. Let them know that you need some extra help on the issue at hand so that you can rest assured you have a professional on your side.
3. Focus on your Fiancé - Make sure to pay attention to your soon to be Mr. so that you don't lose sight of what this whole thing is about. Spend time together and make sure to set limits to wedding conversations so that you both enjoy the process while still enjoying your day-to-day lives.
You're Invited ~ Teegarden Event Center Bridal Faire 4.11.13
The 530 Bride was invited to be a vendor in the first semi-annual bridal faire at the Teegarden House Event Center, Yuba City. We are excited to be a part of the event, and hope that guests will not only have a great time but also get an opportunity to tour the venue and get some face time with some of our area's premier vendors. Hope to see you all there!
