The ‘Beginnings’ Blog is back in action….:-)

I wanted to discuss locations and venues for weddings. Fairytale Beginnings specializes in themed weddings, as well as traditional weddings. However, as we all know the VENUE is one of the hardest and most important decisions for a bride and groom. Its also the decision you will want to make early on in the planning process. Here are some questions you will want to ask when researching your venue:
•What’s the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?

•Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?

•Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?

•Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?
•What’s the cancellation policy?

•Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?

•Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)

•What are the overtime charges?

•Do they have a liquor license?

•Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)

•Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?

•Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?

•Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?

•Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?

Also, if you are doing the ceremony in a church or separate location from the reception, there are other issues to consider:

Maggie Sottero is always my first pick for designers when I recommend to my brides. Trudys Bridal in Campbell carries this designer (definite PLUS)…http://www.maggiesottero.com/

My clients (and the most beautiful couple in the world) Rachel Herick and Tommy Henderson. They are getting married on July 24, 2010 at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga.  The wedding is going to be amazing.

This is a sneak peak at their engagement photos taken by photographer and Adorn Boutique owner Tanja Lippert.  www.tanjalippertphotography.com.

Tanja is not only talented, but she’s amazingly sweet and very easy to work with.  She also gives her clients the option of using an on set stylist, which is very cool!

One guest with her bib she designed herself!

Blue Themed Drinks (Chasetini)

Two guests enjoying the blue "Chasetini"

Chocolate Bundt Cake and Chase Brownie Pops!

Head Table with ultrasound pictures, baby scrapbook and diaper "cake"

Yes, we also do baby showers!!!  Take a look at a few pics from the Smith Baby Shower in Chico, CA on 11/21.

On a very limited budget, we were able to make the shower simply fabulous!  We started with a 5 course meal at Crush Restaurant, then did a “design your own bib game” (very fun and creative).  The chocolate bundt cake and Chase brownie pops were a hit.  We finished the day with a game of Baby Pictionary and gift opening!

I want to welcome you all to the ‘Beginnings’ blog for the Fairytale Beginnings Wedding Consultation website.   With years of corporate and non-profit event planning experience,  I have decided to branch out, thus Fairytale Beginnings was “born”.  I feel very, very blessed! I do have to admit I have never blogged before, so this is all new to me.  I am very excited to start though.  I hope this blog brings in depth in site on everything…you guessed it…WEDDINGS!

I want to start by discussing why wedding consultants are important in wedding planning process.  A wedding consultant is the “mouthpiece” for the bride and groom; almost an extension if you will.  They will be there to negotiate the lowest price for the best service with all the vendors.  Consultants build relationships with vendors (such as photographers, florists, DJs etc)  and can vouch for their level of expertise and service.  Many hours of time and energy researching and interviewing vendors can be saved by hiring a wedding consultant.  Thats huge! The other part is consultants are generally up on the latest trends and etiquette for weddings.  I know I am constantly doing research and reading the bridal magazines, because as we know trends come and go quickly!  A consultant often adds a creative element to a wedding that is much noticed and appreciated by the guests.

Budget, Budget, Budget!  A consultant will prepare and provide tips on how to stay within budget.  One client describes me as her “Budget Guardian Angel”.  Many couples want the perfect day for their wedding, but often struggle with how to do this and not WAY overspend.  Consultants know the little secrets on exactly how to get your dream day, but not go into debt over it.  One simple tip is to open a separate bank account and/or credit card ONLY for wedding expenses.  Keep it completely separate from your other finances.  It seems a simple concept, but you would be surprised how many couples don’t do it. What new married couple wants to start their new life together in a mountain of debt?

Also, without a planner, a couple can run themselves ragged as the wedding day approaches. Many couples have even complained that they have been so stressed with the small details, that they didn’t enjoy their big day as much as they could have.  An event planner will be there to take care of all the details and any “emergency” that comes in play.  All the bride and groom should do is ENJOY themselves!!

Much LOVE and Blessings to ALL!

Nicole Drew

Owner of Fairytale Beginnings

nicole@fairytalebeginnings.com

www.fairytalebeginnings.com