Wedding Plans for High School Football Game
After reading this article I can attest that, especially in the South, you have to carefully select your wedding date around football season!
"In the world of college football, it's almost required that brides-to-be consult the game schedule before setting a date. Parents will boycott the nuptials of their own children if the big day falls on the same day as a match. In Norman, Okla., it's a running joke that no one will show up at your wedding if it's on a University of Oklahoma game day. At Clemson University in South Carolina, brides eagerly await the release of the school's football schedule because only after games are announced can the university open up its conference center for weddings. Ceremonies and receptions can only happen when the team is out of town, because on game day the area is overrun by Tiger fans..."
I went to a wedding in Tennessee and the Vols were playing on the same day. The couple’s parents had the game playing on a large screen projector behind the dance floor. The first dance was in the way of all of the spectators watching the game. The bride came up to me and said that all she wanted was for her guest to have fun, so I recommended that they turn off the game and turn up the music. Now days with technology, football fans can keep up with the game without having to necessarily watch it.
Rather than running into this problem, be sure to check the football schedule before you decide to say “I do!”
Planning Made Simple
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fall Promotion!
Seeking Mr. and Mrs. Right
Weddings Made Simple’s Stimulus Plan
We know that selecting the right wedding coordinator is important to you and planning a wedding can be stressful. Weddings Made Simple takes these worries off your shoulders and lets you enjoy your special day by making the process…simple! Relax and allow Weddings Made Simple to be part of your wedding day.
10% OFF on any one Á La Carte item
Á La Carte items include Vendor Contacts and Contract Review, Reception or Ceremony Design and Coordination, Creating and Understanding Your Budget and more!
15% OFF Basic Wedding Planning Package
We will handle most of the planning and coordinating for you!
Don’t forget to ask about our free Honeymoon Planning!
Contact us for more information on any of our services and packages.
Let’s start planning!
Weddings Made Simple
North Carolina – 919.376.7857
South Carolina – 864.508.1554
info@myweddingmadesimple.com
Weddings Made Simple’s Stimulus Plan
We know that selecting the right wedding coordinator is important to you and planning a wedding can be stressful. Weddings Made Simple takes these worries off your shoulders and lets you enjoy your special day by making the process…simple! Relax and allow Weddings Made Simple to be part of your wedding day.
10% OFF on any one Á La Carte item
Á La Carte items include Vendor Contacts and Contract Review, Reception or Ceremony Design and Coordination, Creating and Understanding Your Budget and more!
15% OFF Basic Wedding Planning Package
We will handle most of the planning and coordinating for you!
Don’t forget to ask about our free Honeymoon Planning!
Contact us for more information on any of our services and packages.
Let’s start planning!
Weddings Made Simple
North Carolina – 919.376.7857
South Carolina – 864.508.1554
info@myweddingmadesimple.com
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Dance Lessons for the big day?
If any of you watch The Wedding episode of The Office a few weeks ago, you saw how popular dancing at a wedding has become. However, it seems that it is dancing during the CEREMONY that has become popular, not dancing at the reception. The spoof of dancing at the ceremony on The Office was actually taken from the YouTube video that hit the internet earlier this year. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0)
I think it's actually a pretty cool idea and would let you set the tone for the wedding ceremony and reception. You could personalize the dance to fit the personality of you and your hubby to be by picking a song and style of dance. It doesn't have to be modern dance; it can be a waltz, the cha cha or even a little salsa dancing. Doesn't that sound fun?
What if you, your man or another member of the bridal party has two left feet? You can always take dance lessons if you are self-conscious, or fake the dance if you aren't. It's your wedding day and nobody is going to judge your dancing abilities. If you watch the video, those guys/girls wouldn't win So You Think You Can Dance, but they were having fun and that is what matters.
Have fun with it! This is just another way to make your wedding special and unique!
I think it's actually a pretty cool idea and would let you set the tone for the wedding ceremony and reception. You could personalize the dance to fit the personality of you and your hubby to be by picking a song and style of dance. It doesn't have to be modern dance; it can be a waltz, the cha cha or even a little salsa dancing. Doesn't that sound fun?
What if you, your man or another member of the bridal party has two left feet? You can always take dance lessons if you are self-conscious, or fake the dance if you aren't. It's your wedding day and nobody is going to judge your dancing abilities. If you watch the video, those guys/girls wouldn't win So You Think You Can Dance, but they were having fun and that is what matters.
Have fun with it! This is just another way to make your wedding special and unique!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wedding Thank You Card
A simple hand written “thank you” is appropriate for all wedding gifts. Traditionally the gifts are presented to the bride and she should write the thank you note. Even though the bride has the social responsibility for writing the note, the groom can help by addressing, stuffing and stamping the envelopes!
Thank you notes should be sent out as soon as possible after a gift is received. For gifts and parties given before the wedding, it is expected that you send thank you notes within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding are allotted a more generous time span, but should be sent out no later than a month after the event. You will want to let your guest know what their presence at your event meant to you, or how much you wished they could have attended, and of course thank them for the "gift".
When a person does not receive a thank you note they may start to wonder that you did not like their gift or you did not receive it.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
What are South Carolina's Marriage License Requirements?
- Marriage licenses are good in any South Carolina county; regardless of at which courthouse it was obtained.
- Both the bride and groom must apply together at a South Carolina County Courthouse
- There is no blood test or physical exam required.
- Marriage license fess vary from county to county
- A Driver’s License and Social Security number are required; a birth certificate is not.
- You do not have to be a resident of South Carolina to marry in South Carolina
- The marriage license does not expire
- You can marry immediately after receiving your license
- Once you have applied for your marriage license, there is a 24 hour waiting period before you can pick up your license
For more information contact the local county courthouse.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What are North Carolina's marriage license requirements?
- Marriage licenses are good in any North Carolina county; regardless of at which courthouse it was obtained. Both the bride and groom must be present at the time of applying.
- Marriage license fee of $50 ($20.00 of which will be used for domestic violence programs).
- No blood test or physical exam is required.
- Verification of your Social Security number (original card, W-2 or pay stub, or a statement from the Social Security Office stating your Social Security number.)
- You do not have to be a previous or current resident of North Carolina to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.
- Applicants 21 or older need to bring their certified birth certificate and Driver’s License, state ID or passport
- Applicants 18-21 must bring their certified birth certificate and Driver’s License
- The marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance
- There is no waiting period for receiving your license; you will receive your license immediately.
- There is an additional $10.00 fee to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
For more information contact your local county courthouse.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Choosing Vintage Engagement Rings
Over the past few years, there has been a remarkable surge of interest in vintage jewelry. This is particularly true where diamond jewelry is concerned, particularly vintage engagement rings.
Today’s jewelry designs tend to be very “clean” without a lot of distracting settings or metal work, vintage jewelers however wanted to frame the stones with beautiful and delicate work, and many rings had large stones with highly ornamental settings.
A couple that is considering becoming engaged will often spend time browsing through jewelry shops or sites and discuss the appeal of certain cuts, stones and designs. They should also make a point of visiting an estate or vintage shop to also get an idea of what the older styles have to offer as well.
A look at the popular looks along the “red carpet” at many celebrity events over the course of the past few years will illustrate the appeal of vintage jewelry. Long strands or simply cut diamonds or hefty rings full of ornate stones and settings appear very often. Vintage engagement rings will have that sort of “sturdiness” about them, but they can also be found in much more delicate designs as well – it just takes some shopping around to find the right ring.
What if you cannot find what you are looking for? Well, many modern jewelry designers are taking their cues from vintage engagement rings and happily offer customers new pieces that have many of the more appealing elements of the older ones. There will be engagement rings with diamonds cut in the simpler styles or set in gold and silver filigree or even in large platinum settings as well.
Like any other part of wedding planning, it is always recommended that a bride to be keep a journal or folder full of clippings and images that inspire her or appeal to her. This can help out a good deal if a couple decides to have their wedding jewelry custom designed based on vintage looks.
Today’s jewelry designs tend to be very “clean” without a lot of distracting settings or metal work, vintage jewelers however wanted to frame the stones with beautiful and delicate work, and many rings had large stones with highly ornamental settings.
A couple that is considering becoming engaged will often spend time browsing through jewelry shops or sites and discuss the appeal of certain cuts, stones and designs. They should also make a point of visiting an estate or vintage shop to also get an idea of what the older styles have to offer as well.
A look at the popular looks along the “red carpet” at many celebrity events over the course of the past few years will illustrate the appeal of vintage jewelry. Long strands or simply cut diamonds or hefty rings full of ornate stones and settings appear very often. Vintage engagement rings will have that sort of “sturdiness” about them, but they can also be found in much more delicate designs as well – it just takes some shopping around to find the right ring.
What if you cannot find what you are looking for? Well, many modern jewelry designers are taking their cues from vintage engagement rings and happily offer customers new pieces that have many of the more appealing elements of the older ones. There will be engagement rings with diamonds cut in the simpler styles or set in gold and silver filigree or even in large platinum settings as well.
Like any other part of wedding planning, it is always recommended that a bride to be keep a journal or folder full of clippings and images that inspire her or appeal to her. This can help out a good deal if a couple decides to have their wedding jewelry custom designed based on vintage looks.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Modern vs. Traditional Bride
Are you a modern bride or a traditional bride?
Traditional brides are married in white or champagne colored gowns.
Modern brides choose yellow, peach or even blue or red!
Traditional brides cover their arms with sleeves or long gloves.
Modern brides elect to wear sleeveless, spaghetti strap or one-shoulder dress.
Traditional brides like to describe themselves as classical,
Modern brides may be described as unique,
Traditional brides serve traditional wedding cake that is usually two or three (or more!) tiers.
Modern brides have a cupcake tower or dessert table.
The Traditional Wedding Ceremony takes place in a church/place of worship.
The Modern bride elects to get married on a beach, in a park or in their own back yard!
A traditional bride will use the standard vows that are recited in most wedding ceremonies.
A modern bride may write her own vows.
Traditional wedding invitations include the invitation, outer and inner envelope, reception card and response card.
A modern wedding invitation can have online RSVP’s, they can include directions and maps, come in pocket forms or use different colors of ink.
After reviewing these options, you may find that you part traditional and part modern. No matter what type of bride you are, the wedding should reflect your personality and your ideas of the perfect wedding. Weddings Made Simple would love to help you decide!
Traditional brides are married in white or champagne colored gowns.
Modern brides choose yellow, peach or even blue or red!
Traditional brides cover their arms with sleeves or long gloves.
Modern brides elect to wear sleeveless, spaghetti strap or one-shoulder dress.
Traditional brides like to describe themselves as classical,
Modern brides may be described as unique,
Traditional brides serve traditional wedding cake that is usually two or three (or more!) tiers.
Modern brides have a cupcake tower or dessert table.
The Traditional Wedding Ceremony takes place in a church/place of worship.
The Modern bride elects to get married on a beach, in a park or in their own back yard!
A traditional bride will use the standard vows that are recited in most wedding ceremonies.
A modern bride may write her own vows.
Traditional wedding invitations include the invitation, outer and inner envelope, reception card and response card.
A modern wedding invitation can have online RSVP’s, they can include directions and maps, come in pocket forms or use different colors of ink.
After reviewing these options, you may find that you part traditional and part modern. No matter what type of bride you are, the wedding should reflect your personality and your ideas of the perfect wedding. Weddings Made Simple would love to help you decide!
Monday, June 15, 2009
10 Tips for a Green Wedding
1. Invitations
Use recycled paper for your invitations, you can save paper and a lot of trees; considering how many pieces get mailed out (Save the Dates, envelopes, directions, return envelopes, etc.). Consider using electronic communication for invitations and announcements, updates, and guest responses.
2. Wedding Ring
Purchase a simple ring that will take fewer resources and energy to produce or consider purchasing a pre-owned one.
3. Planning Tips
Cut the guest list! Fewer people means less people traveling to your wedding, less people to provide food and drinks for, less venue space is required, which means less decorations, and pretty much less everything.
4. Location
Select a venue that is outdoors like a garden or a beach which has natural beauty and does not require much decorating. Also, selecting a venue that has natural light requires less electricity!
5. Wedding Party
Limit the size of your wedding party to save on expense and gifts for the wedding party. Rather than having a large wedding party allow important guest to have a role at your wedding, for example they can read at your ceremony, sing at your event, give a speech, etc. Make sure your wedding party car pools from the hotel to the reception; after all they are all going to the same site.
6. Favors and Centerpieces
Make a donation to a charity in honor of your guest. Most of them don’t want a picture frame with the bride and groom’s name on it. Or you can give your guest seeds to plant a tree or flowers.
7. Photography
It’s much more cost effective and green friendly to use digital cameras. Share your photos digitally on a wedding website or blog so your guest can download the photos they want.
8. Catering
Go local! Hire a catering company that uses local ingredients and uses seasonal fruits and vegetables.
9. Flowers & Decorations
Use flowers that are in season. When you use flowers that are out of season, they have to be transported and cared for which requires extra resources that in-season flowers don’t require. Or use potted plants and give those away to your guest as favors or plant them in your garden after your event.
Use recycled paper for your invitations, you can save paper and a lot of trees; considering how many pieces get mailed out (Save the Dates, envelopes, directions, return envelopes, etc.). Consider using electronic communication for invitations and announcements, updates, and guest responses.
2. Wedding Ring
Purchase a simple ring that will take fewer resources and energy to produce or consider purchasing a pre-owned one.
3. Planning Tips
Cut the guest list! Fewer people means less people traveling to your wedding, less people to provide food and drinks for, less venue space is required, which means less decorations, and pretty much less everything.
4. Location
Select a venue that is outdoors like a garden or a beach which has natural beauty and does not require much decorating. Also, selecting a venue that has natural light requires less electricity!
5. Wedding Party
Limit the size of your wedding party to save on expense and gifts for the wedding party. Rather than having a large wedding party allow important guest to have a role at your wedding, for example they can read at your ceremony, sing at your event, give a speech, etc. Make sure your wedding party car pools from the hotel to the reception; after all they are all going to the same site.
6. Favors and Centerpieces
Make a donation to a charity in honor of your guest. Most of them don’t want a picture frame with the bride and groom’s name on it. Or you can give your guest seeds to plant a tree or flowers.
7. Photography
It’s much more cost effective and green friendly to use digital cameras. Share your photos digitally on a wedding website or blog so your guest can download the photos they want.
8. Catering
Go local! Hire a catering company that uses local ingredients and uses seasonal fruits and vegetables.
9. Flowers & Decorations
Use flowers that are in season. When you use flowers that are out of season, they have to be transported and cared for which requires extra resources that in-season flowers don’t require. Or use potted plants and give those away to your guest as favors or plant them in your garden after your event.
10. Recycle
Buy recycled and recyclable products. Make recycling easy for your guest and event staff by placing bins in convenient locations around the facility. Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, plastics, bottles, etc. Save packing material you receive and reuse for shipping.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Beach Weddings
During a recent trip to the beach, I thought about how beautiful beach weddings are…especially at this time of year. The carefree atmosphere, wind in your hair, maybe even barefoot? J
So many brides think a dream beach wedding has to be held on some far away island that you can only reach by air. There are so many beautiful beaches right here in the Carolinas that are perfect for weddings!
Having a beach wedding in the spring or early summer can be amazing and unforgettable. Of course, you don’t want to have the wedding too late in the summer because we all know how hot and humid it can get here in the Carolinas.
So, before you plan that get away vacation that half of your friends and family can’t even afford to attend, look into your local beaches to see what they have to offer! I can tell you from personal experience that there is A LOT out there! Contact us for more information. info@myweddingmadesimple.com
So many brides think a dream beach wedding has to be held on some far away island that you can only reach by air. There are so many beautiful beaches right here in the Carolinas that are perfect for weddings!
Having a beach wedding in the spring or early summer can be amazing and unforgettable. Of course, you don’t want to have the wedding too late in the summer because we all know how hot and humid it can get here in the Carolinas.
So, before you plan that get away vacation that half of your friends and family can’t even afford to attend, look into your local beaches to see what they have to offer! I can tell you from personal experience that there is A LOT out there! Contact us for more information. info@myweddingmadesimple.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wedding (Spring) Fever
The weather in Greenville, SC is suppose to be absolutely beautiful this weekend, why not get out and cure your Spring Fever? You've been cooped up all winter long and are bogged down with wedding planning, work and what ever else life throws at you, take a break from it all!
So leave work early, go for walk in the park, dine alfresco, reconnect with your loved one and enjoy each other's company.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Spring is here!
Spring has arrived! Well, maybe not officially, but with the weather we have had lately it sure feels like it! And, since spring is a time for new beginnings, – what better time to plan a wedding. There are so many objects and events around to inspire you: the flowers, the green trees, the new spring colors in fashion….
If you want more ideas – go to your local farmers market and check out the flowers; take in a spring bridal show; take a walk in a park (they can make a great location for a wedding); or go to a craft show.
Starting the planning is half the battle. Once you get a basis for the wedding like the colors or the location, a theme may begin to emerge. If you are having a spring wedding, you may be thinking bright colors, daisies and the outdoors. Do keep in mind that you will need to have a back up plan. While spring is a beautiful time of year, it also brings rain.
One of the hottest spring trends for this year, believe it or not, is black and white, for that sophisticated look. Some more trends include short wedding dresses, dresses lined with red, pink brides maids dresses and sandals. They all sound perfect for that beach wedding, don’t they?
If you don’t like to follow trends, make your own rules. Add your own personal touches that show everyone how creative and stylish you are! If there is any one place that you can show off your flair and personal style…it’s your wedding.
If you want more ideas – go to your local farmers market and check out the flowers; take in a spring bridal show; take a walk in a park (they can make a great location for a wedding); or go to a craft show.
Starting the planning is half the battle. Once you get a basis for the wedding like the colors or the location, a theme may begin to emerge. If you are having a spring wedding, you may be thinking bright colors, daisies and the outdoors. Do keep in mind that you will need to have a back up plan. While spring is a beautiful time of year, it also brings rain.
One of the hottest spring trends for this year, believe it or not, is black and white, for that sophisticated look. Some more trends include short wedding dresses, dresses lined with red, pink brides maids dresses and sandals. They all sound perfect for that beach wedding, don’t they?
If you don’t like to follow trends, make your own rules. Add your own personal touches that show everyone how creative and stylish you are! If there is any one place that you can show off your flair and personal style…it’s your wedding.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Selecting a Wedding Dress
For the most part, the selection of your wedding date and time and the selection of your ceremony/reception site sets into motion a series of events that impacts your gown style decision. Consider the formality of your wedding first when selecting a style.
Will your wedding be a 2:00 in the afternoon on a summer day with small garden reception afterwards? Or will it be an evening affair with a sit down, four course meal? The reception starting time will give guests an indication of what to expect for the food functions and formality of the wedding. Generally, the more formal the wedding, the more formal the bride’s attire. And keep the season of your wedding in mind, since some fabrics may be too heavy or too light for certain times of the year.
In addition, some churches and synagogues have dress code restrictions on the proper attire for bride and groom. You may want to ask your place of worship for any guidelines. Remember you can always accessorize with a cute jacket or sash to make sure you follow the dress code for your venue, and then take it off to dance the night away at your reception.
Will your wedding be a 2:00 in the afternoon on a summer day with small garden reception afterwards? Or will it be an evening affair with a sit down, four course meal? The reception starting time will give guests an indication of what to expect for the food functions and formality of the wedding. Generally, the more formal the wedding, the more formal the bride’s attire. And keep the season of your wedding in mind, since some fabrics may be too heavy or too light for certain times of the year.
In addition, some churches and synagogues have dress code restrictions on the proper attire for bride and groom. You may want to ask your place of worship for any guidelines. Remember you can always accessorize with a cute jacket or sash to make sure you follow the dress code for your venue, and then take it off to dance the night away at your reception.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Making Memories
The Making Memories Organization is holding a Brides Against Breast Cancer event in Raleigh the last weekend of February. This event developed from a desire to grant the last wish of some terminally ill breast cancer patients. Businesses and former brides can donate wedding dresses. These dresses are brought together at a central location and then brides to be come and buy them at a reduced price. The money goes to the foundation.
Besides the event in Raleigh, brides can turn their shower into a Pink Envelope Event. You send out pink donation envelopes with your shower invitation. Then, you collect the donations at your shower and send them off to Making Memories who in turn will feature your shower on the website. How easy is that?
If you donate your time or a gown, or purchase a gown at one of these events (they are held all over the U.S.) you will be helping to bring someone’s wish true. Some example of these wishes are: a family trip to Disney World, one woman asked for a new carpet for her home and one even asked for a new computer so she could search for information on her disease and any possible cures.
I know that when we are planning our wedding we have so many other things to worry about. But most brides are buying a dress, so why not do it at one of these events? If you are on a budget, you may find the dress of your dreams at a low price. Most brides will also have a shower and sending the donation envelopes with your shower invitations is a breeze! Unfortunately, I didn’t know about the Making Memories and Brides Against Breast Cancer partnership when I was planning my wedding. Instead I am going to volunteer my time to the event. If you are interested in helping out in any way, you can visit the Brides Against Breast Cancer website at http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/, or you can visit http://www.makingmemories.org/ to see the reasons behind the events and learn how you can help.
Besides the event in Raleigh, brides can turn their shower into a Pink Envelope Event. You send out pink donation envelopes with your shower invitation. Then, you collect the donations at your shower and send them off to Making Memories who in turn will feature your shower on the website. How easy is that?
If you donate your time or a gown, or purchase a gown at one of these events (they are held all over the U.S.) you will be helping to bring someone’s wish true. Some example of these wishes are: a family trip to Disney World, one woman asked for a new carpet for her home and one even asked for a new computer so she could search for information on her disease and any possible cures.
I know that when we are planning our wedding we have so many other things to worry about. But most brides are buying a dress, so why not do it at one of these events? If you are on a budget, you may find the dress of your dreams at a low price. Most brides will also have a shower and sending the donation envelopes with your shower invitations is a breeze! Unfortunately, I didn’t know about the Making Memories and Brides Against Breast Cancer partnership when I was planning my wedding. Instead I am going to volunteer my time to the event. If you are interested in helping out in any way, you can visit the Brides Against Breast Cancer website at http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/, or you can visit http://www.makingmemories.org/ to see the reasons behind the events and learn how you can help.
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