Be Cautious with Your Wedding Contracts

I cannot reiterate often enough, that in this economy, you need to know who the real wedding professionals are. In this day of  ”wannabe” vendors in this industry, there are less than desirable businesses out there that you don’t want to deal with. There are inexperienced and unreliable people and how is the bride supposed to know what is truth and what is fiction?

Ask for references and ask to see a wedding in progress, if that is applicable to the service in question. Ask questions and compare apples to apples. Know what you are contracting for and be confident in your decision, before you commit to a service.

Whenever I hear about or see a bride who  has been disappointed, I cringe at the lack of integrity from people who are spoiling the bride’s experience. My advice is that your wedding day is far too important to have it spoiled. Hire people you can trust because you don’t want to risk having your day ruined by someone who is not qualified. Seeing finished pictures, tasting the food,  knowing where the flowers originated from, all help you to know who you are dealing with.

The only fireworks you want to have during your wedding are the ones you pay for and enjoy. If a service provider clearly is a hobbyist  or you feel any doubt in your mind about them delivering your services- don’t contract them to do any work for you.

Qualified experienced professionals are not hard to find, and at The Wedding Guide, we only deal with reputable businesses, which eliminates those worries for you. But the above advice is still the same, as we all have different expectations.

Chalet Studio Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

JUST AS YOU WOULD any other legal documents for large items you purchase- such as a car or home- be sure to have a written contract and/or a letter of commitment from each of your wedding services. This is the only way to assure that you and the service provider agree on all details. Include a departure, goods that will be delivered and time of delivery, contracted costs, overtime costs, deposits required, balance due and due date.

If you have a list of details (such as types of flowers in each bouquet or arrangements) or items to be included (like the total number of tuxedos and their sizes that you are renting) amend the contract to include that information. Both you and the service provider should sign and you should both have a copy. The contract should clarify any price increases and clearly state that you will pay the original quoted price.

Since your reception will likely be the most costly item in your wedding budget, that contract should contain the most details. If you are purchasing a wedding “package”, make sure that all those items are specifically listed in the contract, from the exact food items and courses that will be served that evening to the brands of liquor poured at the bar to the style of the service (white-glove, full tuxedo) that will be attending to your guests that evening.

If your reception facility is undergoing a renovation, that should be noted in your contract along with the completion date, as well as any provisions they will make should the renovation not be completed for your day. Any special considerations for your event that are being made by your facility should be noted in your contract. For example, if they are providing table arrangements for you or they are providing an extra bar during the cocktail hour, make sure the contract states that clearly.

Other services such as disc jockey and limousine services should provide times when all events are happening and when and where they will be to service you.

Have someone bring your contracts to the wedding to answer any last minute questions or concerns.

 

Wedding Favours/Momentos

The presenting of a wedding day token is an adaptation of a 16th century French custom that was reserved for nobles and kings. The objects were originally of great value; gold, enamel, precious stones, ivory, mother-of-pearl or porcelain. When introduced into other European courts, handmade lace, hand-blown glass and sugar coated candy were often substituted.

In the past, sugar coated almonds, usually wrapped in lace or netting were used as favours. Chocolate delicacies are now being used and are are popular.  Almost anything tasteful can be given to your guests as a memento of your special day.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

The bride presents her favours to the guests in attendance at her reception. The favours can be simple or quite elaborate and can be tied with ribbon, with the first names of the couple and their wedding date printed on the ribbon or an attached card.

Modern wedding favours can include any item that is well-suited as a small token gift.  Today’s couples are adding a charitable donation in lieu of a gift to a cause that is dear to them. This shows their commitment as a couple to the community at large.

Wedding Formal Wear Protocol, Tuxedos

A beautifully dressed bride requires a handsomely suited groom. When choosing a tux, note the time of day and the season in which the wedding will take place. A morning wedding with a brunch reception will require much less formal attire that a late evening ceremony and formal sit-down meal.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

 Keep in mind the style and formality of the bride and her attendants’ attire to choose appropriate formal wear. An experienced formal wear shop can guide you successfully through these choices.

The basic elements of a groom’s outfit may include a jacket, pants, shirt, bow tie or ascot, cummerbund or vest, suspenders, pocket handkerchief, socks and shoes. Special shoes are often worn with tuxedos and can be found at formalwear shops for purchase or rental.

Many options are available to fill out the groom’s attire. In addition to all the new styling and fabrics for today’s tuxedos, high-fashion accessories include ties, suspenders, cummerbund, shirts that preclude bowties, cuff links and shirt studs in almost any style you can imagine. Choose designs and accessories to suit your own style and express your unique personality. If you prefer to play it safe, a traditional black and white tuxedo ensemble never goes out of style, giving you the added confidence that you will look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Visit the formal wear shop four months before the wedding. Bring along swatches of the bridesmaids’ gowns if you plan to coordinate the groomsmen’s tuxes. While formal wear shops provide measurement forms for out-of-town grooms and attendants to complete, the danger of confusing or incorrect measurements increases. It is best to get the groom and his men into the shop to be measured in person.

 

 

Their Surprise Wedding Just Keeps on Ticking: Shawn & Colleen Lippert’s NYC Adventure

 

More Wedding Guide Coverage of the Surprise Wedding in Windsor, Ontario

I am convinced that everyone is in love with love, after the Surprise Wedding held last weekend in Windsor, Ontario. Shawn Lippert delivered everything that his unknowing bride, Colleen ever wanted, when he held a surprise wedding for her last weekend with 207 guests.

Wedding Guide Delivers More on "Operation Wedding Cake, Surprise Windsor, Ontario, Wedding!

A lot of people have been following this story here on Bridal Talk, but the proof is in the pudding with over 701,300 views on YouTube,(Operation Wedding Cake, Surprise Wedding)  in the past 5 days.  Shot by Windsorite, Gavin Michael Booth, Director/Producer. Gavin did this production for his friends, and never imagined it would go viral. 

This week the couple, along with Gavin, traveled to New York City and have been  interviewed by a media frenzy of networks and media outlets. Along the way, they did some sightseeing and pinched themselves, asking, ” is this all real?”

Watch this continuing, local story of two nice  everyday people who have become the love story of the week. It’s pretty marvelous!

Go to

Times Square Nakedness (Day 1598 – 08.19.11)  www.youtube.com  And no, there isn’t anyone naked in this video!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Honeymoon

Whether it’s a secluded island , a romantic cruise, a European adventure, or a weekend getaway, you can be assured of finding the perfect retreat by working with a professional travel consultant.  Travel consultants are trained to ask questions to determine the type of trip and destination that will be perfect for both of you to celebrate, and have a wonderful time. They know unique out-of-the way places, the best travel packages, and travel and custom information that you need to know, in order to have a relaxing trip. The can also make last minute adjustments, time changes, flight cancellations and more, something that discount websites cannot do. And, they don’t charge for the service.

Today’s honeymooners are often looking for unusual honeymoons. They are not looking for the “perfect” honeymoon; they are looking for a unique time and experience at their destination. Life can be hectic and planning a wedding can be stressful, so the reward for the completion of your wedding planning, is to get away together, to share some quiet time,  with a lot of romance and memory-making.

Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

Traditionally, the honeymoon was the responsibility of the groom. Today, it is often a joint decision. Many couples prefer not to embark on their honeymoon immediately after the reception;  but they wait until the following day or week, spending their wedding night or weekend at a nearby hotel, resort or bed and breakfast inn. This allows flexibility in planning and a less hectic schedule with some breathing space, after dealing with so many wedding details.

Making travel arrangements yourself can be frustrating and time consuming, and costly. Travel agencies are connected directly to airlines, cruise lines and resorts and can offer money-saving packages that include everything,  including food and drinks.  They are your best ally, but you must begin to make plans as soon as you set your wedding date.

They can also assist with destination weddings and work with the resort you’ve chosen, to accommodate all your plans. They will also assist all your guests that will be traveling to your celebration and take all the stress off everyone’s shoulders.

Ask them about a Honeymoon Registry, where your guests can contribute to your trip, in lieu of a traditional wedding gift. It is a great option and your family and guests will know that you were able to choose that truly special destination, because of their assistance.

If you are considering a cruise or tour, ask questions and make sure you will be comfortable with the age group you will be with.  Resorts  and cruise ships today can be geared to different age groups.

You can have a luxurious honeymoon regardless of your budget, if you plan carefully. The more time you give yourselves to plan, the better  the amenities will be surrounding your honeymoon.

It is important to keep your honeymoon on a priority list. This may be the only time you get to celebrate together for many years to come. Make it a special time and one that is unforgettable for the two of you. This is your time together so relax and enjoy!