Fall is officially upon us and we are now nearing the end of our production season here at the studio; which means we have begun moving on to our planning season for all of our new 2012 couples. With the advent of this change, I thought it would be helpful to give you my thoughts on planning your event decor. So with out further ado, here is the list I have compiled to help make everyone’s planning less painful….
1. Do not buy a thing until you have met with, selected, and hired your florist or event planner! Not one candle, not one favor, cute ribbon, or table runner- NOTHING!
2. Once you have a plan in place, and the advice of the professional you are working with, try to avoid stores such as the Christmas Tree Shop, A.C. Moore, Home Goods, and other discount home and craft stores. I find these retail outlets lead to bridal buying frenzies and many times gobble up tons of necessary wedding funds! Wondering where you are going to get the money for all of your favors? Just check some of your receipts from your last few trips to these stores since you have been engaged, and you will likely find the amount of money you need. In many cases brides will come to me having purchased cases of candles only to learn that their venue already provides them. Then there are also couples who may be having a fall theme (only one example, but I have seen this with all seasons and themes) and go on shopping sprees buying every single fall item they can get their hands on, just because it may have been on sale. Sadly, many times these items aren’t even used once they step back and realize that fall leaves, acorns, pods, grapevine, fall votives, and fall themed place card holders may be too much on the tables to allow for the centerpiece they had envisioned. Then there is the not so fun task of getting rid of all of these unnecessary fall themed items on-line, ugh!
3. If you must shop in these stores, save your receipts! Keep them all in an envelope so you can be honest with yourself about your spending habits. Return items if necessary.
4. Once you have your colors or theme, carry an envelope or ziplock bag with swatches in it and do not buy anything unless it coordinates and makes sense with your colors and theme. And again, seriously consider what your professional has advised you to purchase, if anything.
5. If you are going for a Vintage/ Romantic/ Rustic/ or Country Chic theme, be very careful not to go too overboard. You do not want to run the risk of your wedding looking like a yard sale.
6. Edit. Edit. Edit. You really don’t need as much on your tables as you think you do. Please keep in mind that your guests will need some room for their cameras, mobile devices, drinks, favors, and handbags. Not to mention their plates, flatware and stemware.
7. Consider your engagement party, showers, or rehearsal dinner if you are torn between a few different color schemes, styles, or themes.
8. Do not automatically assume that you will be able to resell your items on E-bay, Etsy, Weddingbee, Craigslist, or the host of other websites out there. I would try your best to promote what you are hoping to sell way in advance, months before your own wedding.
9. Ask yourself the very important question: Is this going to look too specific or dated 10 years from now? Think back to many of the wedding trends of the 70’s with all the teal and yellow, hats, and daisies! Then think of all the lace and shoulder pads of the 80’s. There is no way to really create a 100% timeless look, but you don’t want your kids (or you) rolling their eyes at your wedding style years later.
10. Trust the professionals. They have seen and done it all. They know what is best for you and your unique style and budget.
I hope this helps give you all a little more insight into creating the perfect look for your taste and budget. Happy planning everyone!
~Heather
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