Bridal Shows 2010

'Tis the season for bridal shows. The first one of the 2010 in Indianapolis is January 3,  at The Ritz Charles - (more details below). The Ritz Charles always has an amazing show and I am sure this one will be no exception.  Everyone is full of renewal and grand thoughts for the new year. As a bride (9 years ago), I was able to go to several shows in my area. I liked both the smaller ones and the larger ones. The small one where there may just be a few vendors has a more intimate feel. I would strongly urge you to try to attend one of the smaller ones first. You may just find your vendors there. You will definitely have more 1:1 time with your vendors. The larger ones are a little more tricky. I remember being completely overwhelmed when I attended the first one as a bride. I always prepare my brides for their first bridal show. The trick is to go prepared and to understand that there will be ALOT of people at the larger ones. Lots of vendors AND lots of other brides, MOB, Bridesmaids,etc. Below are some pointers to keep in mind when you go. They are in no particular order:

*Pre-register. Chances are you're going to have to pay a few dollars to go in. Most times, you can pre-register online and save some money, so do this if it's an option. It will also save you some time at the door. That means more time on the floor to research vendors.

*Check with your wedding planner for free tickets. Most times, the bride and groom receive free tickets.
* Grab a bag or two. If you're handed a bag when you enter, take it! You're going to be collecting lots and lots of paper with vendors information on it and it's nice just to be able to slip into the bag. My brides LOVE the bags they receive at the vacation booths. Your second bag can be used to discard some of the items thrust upon you that you don't want and have a hard time telling the vendor "no, thanks". Just remember to recycle.
* Take a pen. This way as you collect those pieces of paper you can make a star on the ones you like, so if there are a lot of vendors you can remember who's who when you get home.
* Ask questions. That's what bridal shows are all about -- getting to talk to the vendors. Find out exactly what they mean by on their handouts. Ask details about the packages they offer or how flexible they are about customization for your wedding. Also, make sure they have your date available. If there is a vendor you are really interested in hiring, make sure you grab a business card, info and make an introduction. It is very likely that they will remember something about you. You'll have more time later to chat if you can schedule something with them a few days after the show.

* Avoid entering your name into every drawing. Most times, you will only receive a lot of solicitation phone calls from vendors you really are not interested in anyway. Only enter if you are really interested and won't screen their calls.

* Limit the people you take with you. You will have a ton of vendors to review and this is truly for you and your groom. I would suggest taking: the groom, planner, mother or anyone who is close to you and you feel will be helpful. Just make sure to keep your number to two extras per show.

*Allot enough time. For a larger show, this means at least 3 - 4 hours. You don't want to feel rushed. Why not make a day of it and have brunch or dinner afterwards?
*Go later in the day.  The busiest time is at the very beginning of the show. Rest assured the vendors will still have plenty of items on hand to pass out to you.
*Take your camera or camera phone.  For photographing some of the displays.
* Have a plan. Most times, the same vendors will be at each show. If you believe you will be overwhelmed by the size of the show, then just visit a few vendor categories to visit.
*Wear comfortable shoes! Whether comfort to you is sneakers or stilettos, just be sure to wear what is comfortable for you. ( My husband thinks I am crazy because heels are MUCH more comfortable for me) You will be walking A LOT and most times the flooring is NOT carpeted.

What tips have you found helpful? I'd love to hear them!

January 2010 Shows:

January 3, 2010 Indianapolis Monthly Bridal Show

Ritz Charles

Carmel, Indiana

Admission: FREE

11-3PM

More info here

January 9th & 10th 2010 Perfect Wedding Guide

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Indianapolis, Indiana

Admission: Free for Brides and Grooms (must register)

11-4PM

Register here

January 17, 2010 Ace Party Rental, LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Indianapolis Executive Airport

Indianapolis, Indiana

2-5PM

More info here

Photo credit: Lemongrass Photography

e-vents Engagement Contest 2009

With the start of one of the biggest engagement times of the year, e-vents: a wedding and event planning company is having an Engagement Story Contest!
Did he get down on one knee? Did he take you on a special trip, Did you propose to him? Did he involve family and friends?  We want ALL of the details! The more details the better.

Who is eligible?

Anyone with an engagement story from 10/01/2009 - 1/05/10


What do I need to do to enter?

1.)Submit a photo of you and your fiance' to egrego160@gmail.com

2.)Submit your engagement story with full details to egrego160@gmail.com  

3.) Engagement story must be at least 250 words.

4.) Wedding must take place in 2010 or 2011 and be in the Indianapolis area - including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Avon, Brownsburg.


Please note - all entries will be posted on the e-vents blog page.

What does the winner receive?

Month of  wedding coordination package  from events: a wedding and event planning boutique (based on availible dates in 2010).  $1200 value

Complimentary admission to ALL  e-vents: a wedding and event planning boutique  Bridal Boutique wedding workshops.

 

What are the rules?

*Engagement stories must be from NEWLY engaged couples from 10/01/09 to 1/05/10

*Deadline ends midnight 1/05/109 - no exceptions

*Winner will be announced on this blog on  1/14/10.

Who are the judges?

*e-vents: a wedding and event planning company owner, Erika Gregory and team members.

* The Grooms Guide owner, Shaune Shelby.
*VOTES cast on our blog,  by readers. Be sure to send your friends and family here to vote!

Good luck to each of you!

Photo credits:  The Amazing Brooke and Pedro Photography

BTW - If you haven't seen Brooke and Pedros website, you MUST click the link above for some true eye candy.

Wedding Weekend Buzz in Indy

The next few months will be FULL of wedding related events (bridal shows, open houses,etc.) in Indianapolis. I want to be sure our Indy brides and readers are kept abreast of all of the happenings in and around Indy. Be sure to send us any special wedding related event you may know of at erika@e-ventswedding.com  and we will post each Thursday night!

Bridal Happenings for 12/11/09 thru 12/13/09:

L'EVENTO Event Resource Boutique

21 S Range Line Road, Suite 100

Carmel, Indiana 46032

317-564-4856

info@leventoboutique.com

Be sure to stop by and see Heather Lapham Kuhn at her beautiful new boutique. Tell her we sent you.....

Classy Engagement Photoshoot

 

Many of you know my love of great wedding photographer's websites and blogs. I could spend most of the day viewing the sites. Lucky thing that I get to do this when researching photographers for brides or for info for this blog. I really enjoy the fun and flirty engagement shots most couples do. However, when I came across these photos from Megan W. Photography, I was IN LOVE (again) with the dressed up  engagement photos of Matt & Erica. Erica is a girl after my own heart with her Tiffany bracelet, stilettos and pencil skirt.
One of my all - time favorite Indiana photographers is Megan Wynn-Grandi.  Her photography seems to really give you the feel of love for each couples she photographs. You can also tell she really connects with her couples. I can not stress to brides how important it is to connect to your photographer. You will be spending A LOT of time with your photographer and you need someone who will make you and your fiance feel comfortable.

Photos Courtesy: Megan W. Photography

Thanking Your Wedding Party ( a post by GetMarried.com)

http://www.getmarried.com/

Etiquette and gift ideas for thanking your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

There are two ways to go when choosing thank-you gifts for those great friends who saw you through thick and thin (and probably a few wedding-planning meltdowns). Give him or her all the same thing or give each person something different. If you choose an all-the-same gift, try to personalize it by engraving their initials and/or the wedding date on the gift. If you go the something-different-for-each route, wrap them all identically with paper and ribbon that matches your wedding theme.

When and where?

A bridesmaids’ luncheon is a great opportunity to present your presents. Die-hard traditionalists indulging in the bachelors’ dinner can gift their groomsmen then. The rehearsal dinner is also a good choice if you’d like to give everyone a big thank-you at the same time.

How much to spend?

Since the Best Man and the Maid of Honor usually play more substantial roles on the wedding day and in the preparation leading up to the big day, their gifts should reflect that. Gifts for the rest of the attendants should be of equal value if you decide to give each person something different.

Gift Ideas for Your Bridesmaids

$

• A Personalized Manicure Set

• Lovebirds Chrome Bottle Stopper

• Monogrammed Jewelry Pouch

• Monogrammed Cosmetic Travel Bag

$$

• Monogrammed Weekender Tote filled with spa goodies

• Photo Album filled with memories of your friendship

• Personalized Spa Slippers

• Crystal and Pearl Personalized Friendship Bracelet

$$$

• A deluxe picnic cooler —complete with blanket and a bottle of wine

• Theater or concert tickets

• A gift certificate to her favorite spa

• Hanging Toiletry Bag

Gift Ideas for Your Groomsmen

$

• Chrome Top Hate Bottle Stopper

• Monogrammed Shot Glass

• Movie Passes

• iTunes Giftcard

$$

• Engraved Bottle Opener Key Chain

• Engraved Stainless Steal Army Knife

• Leather Money Clip

• Catch All Tray = making men more organized, one groomsman at a time

$$$

• Monogrammed Silver Cuff Links

• Leather Travel Case

• Deluxe Grilling Set

• Personalized Bar Sign = complete bragging right

ASK THE PLANNER - Going Green

Dear Planner:
 My fiance and I want to incorporate a few eco-friendly items/services to our wedding day. What are a few things we can do?
Signed~
Happily Ever After


My Dearest Happily~
Whether you are just beginning or deep into your wedding planning, they are many things you can include in your wedding to make it more eco-friendly. A few of my favorites:

• A Wedding Menu Board and/or Place Card Board:   Depending on the theme of your wedding, these can be created on foam board, black board and a few other options. I LOVE the foam board options. Incorporate your theme/monogram at the time and create away. Take the file to your nearest printer and the board can be printed quickly (usually within one week). You can also have a calligrapher create a board. I adore the romantic feel of calligraphy and what a wonderful touch for your guests. {Photo credit: Weddingbee.com}
• Water Stations:  You may have noticed that many restaurants don't automatically offer water to you. It's not that they are being stingy or want you to order their bottled water. In most instances, they are trying to conserve water. You can do the same at your wedding. How many glasses go untouched? Have your caterer or venue offer a water station - complete with beautiful glasses and carafes, lemons, limes, etc. The guests can help themselves or you may opt to have a  water  station attendant.

• Use potted plants as centerpieces: Tulips, Amaryllis, paperwhites are a wonderful choices. Let guests take the plants home and plant the bulbs at the appropriate time. For the centerpiece that keeps on blooming. {photo Credit: ehow.com}

• Wedding gifts: Create a wedding gift registry with the I Do Foundation's partner stores and up to 10% of gift purchases will be donated to your favorite charity.

I hope this list helps you a bit in planning your wedding!

Thanksgiving Week

We are a little less than a week away from one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. Sure, most people may think it's because of the wonderful food. That is partially true. I love the holiday because it brindgs family and friends together in the most wonderful way. My husband and I host the Thanksgiving Day dinner every year at our home. That doesn't mean that we  I cook everything. Far from it...... I roast the turkey and turkey breast and usually make stuffing and additional side (enough to feed at least 20 including leftovers) and a dessert. Family and a few friends round out the meal with wonderful dishes: ham, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, tossed salad, yams, cranberry sauce, greens,  green beans, sweet potato pies, cakes, apple pies and dirty rice. Yes, I said dirty rice. My sister and her family (mainly her family) LOVE dirty rice. Heck, they love ANY kind of rice. So, for the last 17 years, we've had dirty rice and it has become a wonderful tradition.  I LOVE having people over for Thanksgiving - must be the planner in me. It's wonderful to catch up with everyone. It's especially fun now that we have a tone of kids in the family. We always invite guests who may not be able to go out of town to be with their own family and adopt them as our own. After we have stuffed ourselves and play a few games, the BLACK FRIDAY crew attends to the planning our stragety for the next day. I know, I know - most of you HATE the BLACK FRIDAY shopping thing. Trust me, I don't get caught up in the madness of the crowd trying to get one of six must have items in the store. I ususally go in the other direction - to the cleaning supplies and other household items. It's become a wonderful family tradition were I get to spend another day with the ladies in teh family! My nephew also comes - I love hanging with him. I think he comes more because I want him to than he really wants to (did that make sense?).  Once we hit the major stores, it's off to breakfast were we try to recharge and then off to Keystone at the Crossing for more shopping. I love going to the Crossing because of the classy Christmas decorations.
What traditions do you and your family have? I'd love to hear about it.

Photo Credit: HGTV.com

Southern Style Weddings

Just in time for Thanksgiving and I am SUPER thankful for the newest edition of Southern Weddings Magazine from the wonderful ladies at Southern Weddings. If you recall the premier issue was GORGEOUS and full of wonderful ideas for your wedding. My brides ADORE this magazine. Guess what? My brides will be receiving this magazine from me very soon. The magazine hit the news stands this week! Grooms - don't feel left out - be sure to check out the Grooms Fashion Exclusive.

Indiana Bridal Photographer Hosts Contest

Austin Warnock is holding a wedding photography contest. His hope is to get responses from prospective brides that may have unique and creative wedding plans. Included in the wedding
package giveaway is:

an unlimited number of hours of shooting on their wedding day (covered by myself and an assistant)

an engagement session

High Resolution DVD copyright free

The winner will be responsible for covering the cost of film (approximately $500 + any travel expenses)

EST value of $4000.00

Includes a 25% discount on all albums


How to Enter:
1. Submit a photo of both the bride and groom
2. Give a brief description of the details/location/what it is that makes your wedding unique
3. Date of Wedding

Send the above information to austinwarnockphotography@gmail.com before Feb 1st 2010. Subject Line: "Contest" - Don't forget to tell Austin you found it here on our blog!


Here's a litle bit of background info on Austin Warnock:
I grew up in a camera store that was owned by my grandfather and have always loved and been enamored with cameras and photography.
I modeled in New York City for big name photographers landing advertising campaigns for Prada, and worked on spreads for L'uomo Vogue.
I moved back to Indianapolis after traveling the world for four years. I picked up my camera and began shooting bands and started getting published nationally. I started shooting weddings last year and really looked to bring a fine art documentary approach to the wedding day. I absolutely LOVE film and shoot about 90% film which seems to be nearly unheard of here in Indianapolis. I believe in film and love it for it's ability to bring out depth and contrast in the final image.

ASK THE PLANNER SUNDAY - Who pays for what?

I probably get this question more often than not from bridal couples. Of course, there are the traditional lists:

Bride's Family
All Reception Costs
Church Fees
Groom's Rings
Invitations
Flowers for Church, Bridesmaids and Reception
Music for Ceremony
Transportation for Bridal Party
Gifts for Bridal Party
Groom's Gift
Lodging for Bridesmaids, if necessary

Groom's Family
Bride's Ring
Clergy Fees
Bride's Bouquet, Corsages and Boutonnieres
Rehearsal Dinner
Transportation for Groomsmen
Gifts for Groomsmen
Bride's Gift
Lodging for Groomsmen, if necessary

Bridal Party
Your Attire
The Shower
If you're from out-of-town, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in
Gift for the Couple

Groomsmen
Your Attire
The Stag
If you're from out-of-town, Transportation to the Town the wedding is in
Gift for the Couple

Believe me, I KNOW these list are old and most couples do not follow this. I suggest to my clients to only use this as a guideline. Each couple should decide what their budget is and discuss all other expenses per the list with their parents.

Fall in Love with Indy - the ABC conference in Indianapolis

I am so excited to be attending the Association of Bridal Consultants National Convention November 8-10th in Indianapolis, Indiana at the beautiful Hyatt in downtown Indianapolis. There will be hundreds of wedding planners/designers from across this country and many others. I am so excited about meeting and learning from each of them. I will definitely keep you all updated and share some pictures of the event!

Two to Tango

Some of you have been planning your wedding for a while and some have been planning your wedding for just a short while. Have you noticed that at times it seems that all of your conversations and activities with your fiance revolve around planning your wedding? You absolutely MUST take the time to keep your relationship growing. Two for Tango could be the perfect thing for you! What is Two for Tango? It is a new way to release your stress, get in shape and improve your relationship all at the same time. There are many similarities between dance and relationship. This event is for couples who want to learn how to respect the boundaries of their partner without stepping on their toes. Added bonus? You'll learn ballroom dance. How great would it be share what you learned during your first dance as husband and wife?

Details:
Date: November 21, 2009
Time: 10am - 5pm
Location: Fred Astaire Dance School
6213 La Pas Tr. #200, Indy, 46268
Cost: $199 per couple
Register at here or call 317.507.6883/317.833.9898
Lunch will be provided

A little about the instructors:

Lacee Jacobs is a certified relationship coach through the
Hendricks Institute and Center for Right Relationships.
Lacee has over 250 hours of formal training and years of
successful experience transforming couples.


Chris Ford has taught ballroom dancing for over 27
years and is experienced as a competitor, teacher and
adjudicator. He is certified with the National Dance
Council of America. Knowing what it takes by being a
finalist in prior US championships, Chris believes that
life is dance and dance is life.

Sounds like a great time to me!
Who knows, you may even see my husband and me there.

Reduce your stress

Let's face it - planning a wedding can be stressful. Add the the stress of everyday life and it can be downright overwhelming. What is a bride to be to do? There are actually several things you can do to help relieve stress:

• Regular exercise. Not only will exercise relieve stress- you will get in shape as well.


• Eat.........healthy foods. Drink LOTS of water.


• Get a massage. Spend an hour or so with your favorite masseuse and feel your stress disappear.


• BREATH - take a breather. I always advise my brides to take a few days off from the planning process. You may have looked at a MILLION photographers websites and now they all start looking the same. This is a sign it is time fr you to step away.


• Plan early. Start your planning process early - then, you'll have the luxury to step away from the planning for a bit.


• Stay organized. Start a binder when you first start planning. Use separate tabs for each of your categories.

What tips do you use to help relieve your bridal stress?

We'd love to hear.

ASK THE PLANNER SUNDAY - engagement ring shopping

Ms. Planner,

I am shopping for a ring, and I am a little overwhelmed by the 4 C's! Is there a guideline for prioritizing cut, color, clarity & carat to get the best dazzle for my special lady? Also, do you recommend an independent appraiser?

Thanks,
Bull in the Jewelry Shop


Dear Bull in the Jewelery Store,
Congratulations to you on your upcoming engagement and for being a wise buyer. As you know, the 4C's a major when deciding on the perfect ring for your perfect lady. Let's review the 4C's:

Color: With the exception of "fancy colored diamonds", the more colorless a diamond is, the more valuable it is. Jewelers grade diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Anything more yellow than D is considered fancy and is much more expensive.

Cut: Many people make the mistake of thinking that cut means the shape of the diamond. Rather, it means the way the diamond was faceted to allow light to reflect from it. In a well cut diamond, light enters the diamond and reflects straight back to the viewer's eye. Some cutters will sacrifice cut to create the largest possible diamond, thus making too shallow or too deep of a cut and causing light to "leak" out the sides and bottom of the diamond.

Cut can be something very difficult for a layperson to evaluate, which is why it is important to get an AGS Certificate or a GIA Certificate verifying the quality of your diamond. Cut is graded Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Generally you should seek an Ideal to Very Good Diamond. Budget-conscious shoppers may opt for good.

Clarity: Diamonds frequently have inclusions, or small flaws, air bubbles, scratches, or other minerals inside the diamond. The less inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is, and the more beautiful it is.
The scale for grading diamond's clarity is:


•F Flawless - no internal or external inclusions.


•IF Internally Flawless - no internal inclusions, slight external inclusions.

•VVS1-VVS2Very Very Slightly Included - minute inclusions that are very difficult to detect under 10x magnification, even by an experienced grader.


•VS1-VS2 Very Slightly Included - minute inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye and seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.


•SI1-SI2 Slightly Included - invisible to the naked eye, yet easily seen by an experienced grader under 10x magnification.


•I1-I3 Included - inclusions are visible to the naked eye and affect brilliance.

Stones that are VVS2 to F are very rare and thus very expensive. Most couples will opt for something between SI2 and VS1, and will never know the difference.

Caret:This refers to the size of the stone. While some value caret above all, others prefer a small ring regardless of budget. If you're buying a ring as a surprise for someone, consider how flashy their other jewelry is. If they're not someone who wears a lot of designer labels or big jewelry, perhaps you'll want to opt for a smaller stone. This site has a very useful chart to see how the most common sizes look on a model's hand. Ideally, you'll be able to try on a variety of sizes within your budget to see which size looks best on you or your love.

There really is no guideline for prioritizing the 4C's. What I would suggest is finding out what she may want. More often than not, you'll have an idea of the style of ring she is looking for.

If your special lady is looking for a big diamond, prioritize the carat first, then color, cut, clarity.
If she is looking for the brilliance of a flawless diamond and doesn't mind the size, then go for one with an excellent cut and clarity.

I would definitely recommend using an Independent Appraiser. I think it will give you a peace of mind about your diamond purchase. The seller may be a bit biased about the diamond they are selling you. They may also have overinflated the cost. While I do not believe this to be the case with every jeweler, it may be the case with some. Better safe than sorry - right?

I also heard a horror story of a bridal couple taking a diamond to an Independent Appraiser - who found the diamond to be of high quality, etc. The couple purchased the stone and after it was set took it back to the Independent Appraiser - who quickly saw this was not the same ring. It was in fact, a CZ (cubic zirconia).

I hope this has been helpful to you! Please keep us posted. We'd love to hear your proposal story!

Have a LOVE-ly Day,

Erika

Photo: Tiffany & Company

The Bride Wore WHAT????????

This is one of those years when Halloween happens to fall on a Saturday - the traditional day for weddings. This had me thinking about what brides may do differently when exchanging her vows on Halloween. So, I did a little research and found some rather lovely gowns done in black. If you choose to wear a black or dark wedding gown, please keep a few tips/ideas in mind:

• Have your groom wear an all-white tuxedo
• Have your wedding veil dyed black to match your dress
• Have your bridesmaids wear white and add black sashes or black wraps
• Add a pop of color - such as florals
• Makeup - skip the red lip /cat eye combo. Your Makeup artist can work with you to find the best combo for your skin tone.

Top Photo Credit: Jessica Claire