Wedding Weather!

The Weather Channel will help you and your grrom find the best time of year to get married! Also, if you are debating about the best locations, they can help you choose the perfect honeymoon with the ideal weather! Go here to set your date!

What is your wedding style?

Are you choosing to have a traditional, formal, afrocentric, or other style wedding?
Are you not sure where to start? Do you need some professional advice?

Wedding Invitations

The wedding invitation sets the tone for your wedding. It establishes the formality or informality of the event.

You may choose from a more traditional invitation in white or ecru to an invitation that matches your color scheme or theme.

An invitation is usually accompanied by enclosures such as a card listing the reception site if not listed on the invitation and a response card for mailing back. Depending upon what kind of dinner you are having some invitations will include a meal card for your guest to choose their meal. You may also include a direction card and map.

The good news is that technology has caught up with the bridal industry. Look into an RSVP company that will host your wedding website and serve as a host site for your guest to RSVP. They will go as far as calling your guest if they have not responded before the RSVP date. Try http://www.theguestregister.com/.

There are several grades of paper stock for invitations. Although it is more expensive, the heaviest weight paper usually has the appearance to make the cost worthwhile. A paper made of 100% cotton makes the highest quality invitation. The cost increases with the percentage of cotton in the paper.

Historically, engraving (which produces raised lettering) was the only proper form for printing invitations. Today, however, thermography (which also produces raised lettering) also is acceptable, and much less expensive than engraving. The key to spotting engraving is on the back of the paper. The impression of the type goes through from the back. With thermography, the back of the paper is smooth. It is good to use an excellent quality of paper even more so then engraving. Thermography on paper with a high cotton content is as beautiful as engraving and can be a cost-saving measure.

When addressing your invitations, both the inner and outer envelope should be addressed by hand. Calligraphy is a nice touch but will increase your cost. Computer generated laser-writer quality addressing is acceptable.

If an “inner” envelope is used, it bears only the names of the people to whom it is addressed, not the addresses.

For example:
A married couple – Mr. & Mrs. Smith

A young child – Master Donnie Brown

A military title should be spelled out.

The ”outer” envelope contains the mailing address.
For example:
A married couple –
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Smith
555 Old English Way
Denver, Colorado 34211

Unmarried couple –
Mr. Harry Boxwood
Ms. Anne Rice

They should be listed alphabetically not by gender.

No abbreviations are used in the address. You need to spell out Street, Road, Boulevard, etc. and states. If middle names are used, they need to be spelled out, not just an initial.

THE INVITATION IS EXTENDED ONLY TO THE PERSON TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED.

When preparing to order your invitations, it is good to have:

· Your choice of invitation
· The amount of invitations needed (Always order extras)
· Amount for extra envelopes
· The enclosures you need to include
· A choice of font (typestyle)
· Choice of outside envelope and inside envelope(s) being printed or hand-written (calligraphy)
· Proper wording for your invite


If you are able to determine the exact number of invitations you will need, it is always safe to order a bit extra. Since invitations are usually sold in quantities of 20 or 25, you should think about ordering 150 in cases where you needed 122 invitations.

You will need to order your wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

For out of town guest I would suggest mailing their invitations even earlier. Obviously, the earlier they are sent, the better it is for the guests, since they will have time to plan.

When mailing out your invitations, here are some guidelines: Married couples and families only need one invitation. If there is a child over 18 living at home with their family, it is recommended to include their name on the outer envelope, or to send them their own invitation. If you have several friends living in the same house together, it is customary to send each of them an invitation.

The clergy who performs the ceremony (and spouse) should be invited. While many decline the invitation, it is polite to extend it.

Even though it is obvious that the groom’s parents will be attending, it should be sent as a memento.

Your attendants should also receive invitations as mementos, not response is necessary.

With fiancés and spouses, an attendant’s or guest’s fiancé should receive a separate invitation. If the attendant’s spouse is not in the wedding, they should receive an invitation.

It is not necessary to invite the attendant’s parents unless they are very close to you.

Reciprocal invitations are appropriate if the wedding is of comparable size, it is proper to invite people to whose wedding the bride and groom were invited, if the same level of friendship remains. It is necessary to invite some with whom the bride formerly was friendly, just because the bride had been invited to their wedding.

To get your wedding date information out as soon as possible, I would suggest sending out “Save-the-date” cards as far as six months before your wedding date. This is especially effective when you have many out of town guest.

author Rene Davenport, Wedding Consultant

The Search for the Perfect Wedding Gown

When I was planning my wedding 15 years ago, I walked into a bridal salon and saw a bridesmaid gown that I loved. It was pink satin with silver lame embroidered on the top and the skirt was a straight sheath. It was sexy and elegant, I thought anyway. I had 4 bridesmaids and only one could pull off wearing a straight gown like that one.

Only years later after I came out of my Bridezilla coma did I realize that I should have found a gown that complimented all of my bridesmaids. Two of the girls had to get panels sewn into their gowns one week before the wedding!

Let’s review the different wedding gown styles.
1. A Ball Gown has a fitted bodice with a full skirt.
2. An A-line Gown comes down towards the waist and out at the hips, like an “A”. It is the most versatile of the gowns. It can hide a lot of flaws.
3. The Empire style of Gown is slightly fitted and has a raised waist that falls just below the bustline. The skirt is usually rather slim.
4. The Sheath style Gown is very contemporary and form fitting. It has a flair at the bottom.
5. A Mermaid Gown is very slim, figure-hugging and has a little fishtail skirt.

Whatever style you choose for your wedding gown, it will come with several different choices of neckline.
Off-The-Shoulder is when the neckline of the gown sits below the shoulders.
Complimentary For: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Unflattering For: Broad shoulders, fuller arms
The Portrait neckline is somewhat similar to the off-the-shoulder neckline with a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the other.
Complimentary For: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Unflattering For: Undefined collarbones
The Sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top of a heart.
Complimentary For: Fuller-chested women that want cleavage
Unflattering For: Very small breasted women
The Bateau/Boat neckline follows the curve of the collarbone almost to the tip of the shoulders. It cuts straight across so there is no cleavage.
Complimentary For: Small Breast
Unflattering For: The well-endowed
The Halter has straps that wrap around the back of the neck.
Complimentary For: Broad Shoulders
Unflattering For: Narrow shoulders
The Scoop is a U-shaped neckline. This neckline is flattering to everyone.
The Jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat like a necklace.
Complimentary For: Small chested women, it makes you look bustier
Unflattering For: Large-chested women, it makes you look larger.
The V-Neck neckline dips into a V-shape at the chest. Good for women with B and C cups.
The Strapless neckline is the most popular choice today.
Complimentary For: Good shoulders and attractive collarbones
Unflattering For: Small breasted women

You will also have several choices of sleeve styles.
-T-Shirt sleeves cover the upper arms. They fit your arms like a T-Shirt.
-A Cap sleeve covers the upper arm but is more rounded.
-Off-The-Shoulder is slightly off the shoulder and covers the upper arm.
- ¾ Length sleeve ends between the elbow and the wrist.
- Spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves attached.

What statement do you want to make by the style of train you choose?
Sweep – This type of train extends 8 to 12 inches beyond the bottom of the skirt.
Chapel – This train extends 31 to 41 inches from the waist.
Semi-Cathedral – this train extends 41 to 51 inches from the waist.
Cathedral – Extends 61 to 71 inches from the waist.
Extended Cathedral/Monarch –12 feet or more from the waist. Princess Di’s train was 25 feet.
Star Cathedral Length – A new term in the bridal industry thanks to “Star Jones”. Her train was 27 feet long!

When you begin your search for your wedding gown, try on many different styles and necklines to see what compliments your body type.

It is very important that you feel beautiful and confident on your special day!

Article by Rene Davenport, owner/wedding consultant

Image courtesy of Paul Haring Photography

Meet Rene Davenport, our Featured Professional Wedding Consultant

Professional advice on your wedding by

Wedding Expert,
Rene Davenport





“I just got engaged, where do I begin”? “Why does it cost so much”?
“How do I know if he is any good at his job”?

These are some frequently asked questions of newly engaged women. When you first get engaged, you are thrilled beyond measure. And then the process of planning your wedding begins.

The many details involved in planning a wedding are truly overwhelming. If you are a detailed oriented person, that will certainly help, but you would love to know where to start.

This is where the professional wedding consultant can help. The professional wedding consultant has had training and experience in the wedding industry. She or he is an authority on the wedding planning process.

What will a wedding consultant do for me?Professional wedding consultants can offer budgeting assistance; quality vendor referrals; wedding etiquette answers; rehearsal and ceremony direction; and many other services.

How can I tell if a wedding consultant is professional and reputable?You may ask the bridal consultant if they are affiliated with any professional organizations such as “The Association of Wedding Consultants”. Professional wedding consultants are often affiliated with professional wedding organizations that offer continuing education and assistance when needed to the bridal consultant.

Ask about the wedding consultant’s experience. Ask how many weddings they’ve done.
Check the wedding consultants’ references. Word of mouth is the best way, in my opinion, to find a quality bridal consultant. A bride’s referral is like gold. Won’t a wedding consultant want to take over my wedding plans?A professional wedding consultant will work with you, handling as much or as little of your wedding planning as you choose.

How can I tell if a wedding consultant is providing a quality vendor?The professional wedding consultant either has a current working relationship with the vendors referred or the vendor’s references have been thoroughly checked.

Why can’t I do the planning myself?You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that can be fun at times. But, it can also be very stressing checking out many sources for each vendor, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you’re getting the best deal. A professional wedding consultant has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax.

How much does a wedding consultant cost?A professional wedding consultant can charge 10% to 20% of the wedding budget, she could charge a flat fee for her services or she could charge an hourly rate.

How can I find a professional wedding consultant?The internet is a good source for finding a wedding consultant. Local wedding magazines and bridal shows are another source. And as I mentioned before, bridal referrals are always an excellent source.

Happy Hunting!

Photography Styles

Photography Styles

From the moment you wake up in the morning to when the last guest leaves, you may find yourselves in a state of total and utter frenzy. From greeting guests, cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet and taking pictures, you won't know what hit you. And at the end of it all, you'll want to be able to look back and relive those memories. It is imperative that you find the right photographer who not only takes the routine formal shots but also captures those candid moments around you while you're too busy playing bride and groom.

Let’s discuss the four different approaches that photographer’s use: Traditional, Photojournalistic, Illustrative and Creative.

Traditional photography or Portraiture photography is any formal or informal portraits of your wedding party, relatives or wedding guest. A traditional photographer will usually photograph the moments that you agree to, depending on the package you've purchased and their list of standard shots. You may make special requests, and the photographer may take some impromptu candids here and there.

Portraiture is the most widely used format to photograph weddings. This style is used for your formal pictures where posing and precision must be implemented.

Photojournalistic photography approaches the event as a story-telling sequence for the couple to remember their day by. It requires the photographer to be versatile in their skills as they adapt for each moment. This allows them to record the day, yet remain as unobtrusive as possible. It is my favorite style of photography.
When reviewing your shots from this style of photography, you will be made aware of moments that were captured that you weren’t aware of happening. Your day goes by so quickly and a talented photojournalist will provide the details that you missed.
My favorite picture was of a bride on the dance floor with her new husband wiping away a tear from his eye. This particular photographer was very talented and very observant, watching the people involved in this wedding as if he were shooting actors in a film.
When comparing these styles of photography, the traditionalist CREATES the image. The photojournalist CAPTURES the image. In my opinion the photojournalistic style of photography has the potential to be awe inspiring!

Another style of photography is Illustrative photography. This photography looks like the photos that you see on billboards, and magazines. It is also known as “Fashion Photography”. It is set up like a commercial photography shoot; the photographer arranges every detail of the image. Lastly, we have Creative or Artistic photography. The pictures are taken from unique angles, lighting, etc. This type of photographer creates his or her artistic impression of your wedding day.

THE FINAL PRODUCT
Depending on their skill level, the traditionalists final product will contain very nicely done, well lit and seemingly perfect portraits of each event. A good portion on the images will be used within the final album. Depending on their skill level and creative eye, the photojournalists final product will contain a sequence of photos from moments throughout the day which give a story-like meaning to the album. Since the photojournalist exposes up to ten times more frames than the traditionalist, the final album will contain only the 'most-favored' shots. The traditionalist CREATES AN ALBUM. The photojournalist TELLS A STORY. Because of the photographer's approach, coverage, and/or final product, couples may decide they like one style over the other. In ideal situations, both styles will produce beautiful results, but as with all photographers, couples should view the photographers work to see if it really fits in with their tastes before hiring them.
The majority of all photographers use a mixture of all these styles.
Most brides choose this mixed version of photography for their wedding day.

Article by Rene Davenport, professional wedding consultant . Photos courtesy of Paul Haring.