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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-12-27 14:17:26

Q: As I am planning my wedding, I am browsing dresses in magazines and notice that you can get many dresses online. Is it a good idea, and what should you consider if you buy wedding dresses online?

A: Who doesn’t love to shop online! All of your favorite brands at your fingertips! So why would it be any different when purchasing a wedding gown? Many of these discount sites tell you they can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on the gown of your dreams. Are you willing to gamble your hard earned money on the most important dress you will ever buy? There are some amazing deals available online. Some are from major bridal manufacturers or stores selling discontinued gowns. Are you willing to gamble on an unseen dress from an unknown source? Some tips to keep in mind when purchasing your wedding gown may just save you time, money and disappointment. If the deal sounds too good to be true it is! You cannot buy a great wedding gown for less than half of its original cost. The internet is overrun with imports from China and other manufacturing countries. They are not the manufacturers of the original wedding dress that is pictured in a major magazine or a bridal salon. They are not made in the same factories as the original. These gowns are called “knock offs.” The quality is inferior, the fit is inferior and the design has been altered either by fabrication or an outdated style. Some bridal salons have even placed an original next to a knock off in their store to show the customer exactly how different these dresses really are. These knock off manufacturers have even stolen major brands that design and markets their products with professional photography, catalogs and websites to promote their knock off gown. This is an illegal practice and a violation of copyright laws. You think your gown will look just like the picture or is that exact gown but it is not. A purchase made online from a pirated picture and knock off manufacturer, results in a gown that did not fit at all and didn’t resemble the picture presented on the website. Beware if a company promises a custom made gown shipped direct from China in four weeks. They cannot possibly make this deadline because they are not even sure how long the dress will be held in customs. There is no way to expediate the shipping through US customs. You will still pay a large shipping fee that is usually inflated and you will be responsible for custom fees once the gown arrives in the states. The fee is not known until it is delivered. We receive weekly updates from manufacturers who are trying to monitor their products online and a list is presented of knock off websites to be aware of so we can inform our customers. Manufacturers are now posting buyer beware on their own websites to inform and educate the public. Unfortunately, this practice of knock off goods has affected all areas of retail. From wedding gowns to purse knock offs, all types are hurting American manufacturers and jobs. You want to look and feel like a beautiful bride on your wedding day. It is the most important dress you will ever purchase in your life. Add up the extra expenses for the bargain gown and then decide if you are willing to gamble on the gown of your dreams.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-10-20 12:08:56

Q: I love the reality shows about weddings and wedding dresses. I am just wondering if they are actually near “reality”.

A: We have all watched the “reality” bridal shows such as Say Yes To The Dress! This program in particular highlights the bride to be and her storyline and the day to day challenges of a retail bridal store. An increasing number of viewers tune in to see all types of drama and occasionally they are rewarded with brides and their family members displaying some of their worst behavior possible. But, at the same time the retailers plight is highlighted and provides the viewer education as well as entertainment. A bride to be may gain some insight into understanding their future conduct at a bridal appointment and what they should expect from their bridal consultant. It is hard to distinguish fact from fiction and we all know these shows are not really “real”. People tend to act unnatural and different in front of a camera. In the real world, the bride wants to be pampered on her special day and she should. But entitlement levels have risen beyond the realm of reality since the induction of bridal reality shows an increase in attitude changes have become so popular that demands are sometimes overwhelming. Brides want to try on every gown a store has to offer and this creates trouble when making a decision. Communicate with your bridal consultant to figure out what style you may be fond of and what is best for your body type and budget. Not to mention it can be exhausting! Let the consultant know what your budget is so they can help you find the perfect dress in your budget. It is always heart wrenching to watch a bride on TV fall in love with a gown that she cannot afford. So let the bridal consultant help you select gowns that she knows are perfect for you. Many times on the reality shows the bride is followed in by her entourage of 10-15 of her “closest” friends and family members. Remember, you are the one getting married and need the find the dress of YOUR dreams. It is best to let everyone see the dress after you have purchased it and made your decision. If they are a true friend they will love whatever gown you have chosen because they love you. Bring to your appointment one-four of your friends or family members. Too many opinions can cause friction and confusion. This is a fun and exciting time in your life! Your bridal appointment should be an experience to remember and enjoy! A relationship between you and your consultant is a special one, they know bridal gowns and you know you! A great combination can be a reality that is natural and true…

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-09-29 15:36:57

Q: My fiancée and I are recently engaged and I am starting the wedding planning. What tips can you give me in preparing and planning for my gown, the bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and tuxedos?

A: In addition to all of the other wedding preparations such as flowers, venue, music, food and guest lists, planning a wardrobe for everyone is a process that deserves a separate timeline, and special attention. First, be sure to order your wedding gown early enough in the process, as much as eight months in advance or more. Gowns that are made to order can take many months to arrive and then you will need to allow time for fittings as well. Also, you will want to allow time to assume any mistakes or delays and time to fix them or change plans should anything go wrong Another advantage in ordering early is that it assures that the dress you want is still available. Wedding dress venders change their styles frequently. Many times a bride will set her heart on a particular gown but waits too long to order it, and it becomes discontinued in the meantime. It is also a good idea to order the veil and other accessories at this time. Six months or more before your wedding day, you will want to choose and order bridesmaid and flower girl dresses as well as the accessories. While the styles do not change as frequently or as dramatically as for wedding gowns, they do change. You will want to give plenty of time for ordering, delivery, and fitting. Then, five or six months before your big day, order all of the tuxedos for the groom, groomsmen and ring bearer. Fortunately, tuxedo styles do not change as much as bridal fashions but you will still want to give plenty of time to be certain to get what you want and work out any kinks in fitting. It is also a good idea to order the shoes and accessories at this time. Finally, you want to schedule a final fitting, for yourself and the bridesmaids, should they need one. This should be done at least a month in advance to allow for any alterations. Congratulations to you and your future husband! May your day be beautiful.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-07-01 10:51:00

Question: I am off to a bit of a late start planning my summer wedding but I do not want that to stop it from being beautiful. Thinking about the color motif, what are the latest trends for the bride and groom?

Answer: One of the best things about the trends in summer weddings this year is color! In fact, chances are, no matter what colors spark your imagination, you will find an appropriate trending color that will excite you. This year, the colors are all about freshness and not necessarily “playing it safe” with color and style. Making weddings delicious this year are a wide range of candy colors, from vibrant tangerine to subtle cotton candy hues. Far from predictable, for 2011, brides and grooms are adding color as a subtle dash of pizzazz, or a delicious confection of eye-catching splashes for the entire wedding party. Even if you love the traditional look, you can still incorporate a shade of your favorite color to add that special touch. If you love red or bright pink, try coral or a pale lime if you love dark green. Incorporating color into your attire can be as simple as choosing something outside the expected. Brides are adding sashes of color to otherwise very traditional white gowns and grooms are opting to go outside the box with shades of mocha. No matter if you are a traditionalist or love to make a statement; color can be the signature of your wedding, making it completely yours!

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-06-01 11:08:00

Question: What’s trending this summer?

Answer: The wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton was the most anticipated and publicized wedding event in years. Millions of people around the globe were watching and waiting for the “I do’s” and “the kiss seen around the world.” If you are planning your own big day for 2011, you can be inspired by some of the glamorous details of the royal wedding. Elegance has finally returned to trump the casual look. Bridal trends are all about ornate, vintage inspired pieces that are very feminine. From hairstyles to gowns here are a few inspirations. Diamonds and pearls are traditional choices for bridal jewelry. But, this year expect jewelry to be influenced by Kate Middleton. For example, her engagement ring which has featured prominently in the couple’s engagement photo, originally belonged to Williams mother, Princess Diana. The oval shaped sapphire is surrounded by 14 diamonds. You can even purchase imitations of this ring from ebay to jewelry stores across the country. Fascinators are becoming very popular as well. Fascinators are any size hair accessories made of feathers and jewels. They are great because they are burlesque and fashionable yet very elegant and classy. Kate, who often wears them, is already being credited for their rise in popularity. This pieces may or may not incorporate a veil but can take the place of a traditional headband, fancy hairstyles or even tiaras. There is so much variety that every bride can find something that is really unique to their taste and preference. The dress is always the largest component of the anticipation and excitement of the wedding. What will the bride be wearing? Kate chose designer Sara Burton of design house Alexander McQueen. She wanted to blend traditional style with modernity. The gown was made of French Chantilly lace and English cluny lace throughout the bodice, skirt and underskirt. The gown was ivory and white satin gazar which emulated an opening flower. The train measured almost nine feet long. The classic Grace Kelly look is in for 2011. The American bride of today prefers strapless wedding gowns but with the sheer lace bodice now in the limelight, many brides will be asking for this look. The vintage trend is here to stay. They have been growing in popularity since 2010 and have been solidified by Kate’s choice of gown style. Thanks to the influence of the new Duchess of Cambridge and shows like Mad Men, mid 20th Century style has become a part of the fashion world in every respect. The bridal industry is no exception. Kate Middleton is now a real princess. She is living the fairy tale with her prince. Although most of us will not have our wedding broadcast on TV, gain a title or live in a palace, every bride deserves to have a magical day with a happy fairy-tale ending. The princess style dress and accessories will make one feel and look like a princess on her wedding day.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-02-01 14:24:00

Question: What are some of the new prom fashion “trends” we will be seeing in this year?

Answer: Prom fashion trends for 2011 are fun and exciting! Bold jewel tones are hot for Prom. From deep purple to turquoise you can’t go wrong with bright colors this year. The timeless colors of black, red, brown, fuchsia and blue are always a hit no matter the year! Since 2008, prints in all patterns and colors have hit the Prom fashion industry with a bang. Still strong and present in 2011 prints can be seen in plaids or floral patterns. Fresh for this year is the paint splatter print! Big paintbrush strokes on ball gowns and fitted dresses are a great way to express your individuality and sense of style. Prints are always fun and a great twist on the Prom scene! Who could pick up any magazine today and not see a star wearing a short dress? 2010 saw a huge increase in the number of short dresses being sold and worn to prom. 2011 is no exception! The tulle babydoll skirt with a beaded and sequin bodice has been the short prom dress of choice. Prom fashions offer a way for everyone to show their individual taste and style. Flaunt your bold or bubbly style in a Prom 2011 gown! Don’t miss out!

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

Sara Narges

2011-01-01 09:57:00

Question: Planning for Prom can be a daunting task. What is your advice on where to begin.... and end, when planning for Prom?

Answer: It hardly seems possible that Prom 2011 is just around the corner! But, it’s that time of year to begin Prom planning! A great way to get started is create a Prom Planning Checklist. Here are just a few simple steps to get started. 5 months before the event create a Prom budget. Prices of prom gowns vary from $99-$499. Determine where you are willing to save and where you are willing to splurge. The most important aspect of Prom is what you are going to wear! Begin preliminary dress and tuxedo shopping. The internet is an excellent way to search brands and styles and locate reputable Prom stores that carry the specific or similar style gown or tuxedo you are interested in. Also, magazines and catalogues are easy to transport and fun to carry around to show friends and family the hot trends for 2011. At least 4 months ahead of time have the gown purchased at a Prom store. You will receive the best customer service, selection and you will see and know exactly what you are purchasing or ordering! Many stores only sell one style per school. This is a very important tip for shopping for Prom. You want to have the best selection so shopping early is the key! This also allows you to put your gown on layaway if needed to, to accommodate any budget. You may need transportation, so book your ride well ahead of time! When you are at the 3 month mark, put the finishing touches on your look for the big day by finalizing your accessories and book your hair and make-up appointments! When prom is 2 months away have the gown altered if needed, purchase prom tickets and make reservations for dinner. Order boutonnieres or corsages 3 weeks before Prom. A good florist can accommodate the week of Prom but to match certain colors, unique and special flowers, ordering ahead is a must. 2 weeks before Prom, make sure to confirm all appointments and reservations. Be sure the gown is steamed and ready to go for the big day. 1 day before Prom charge the cell phone and camera! PROM DAY!! HAVE A GREAT AND MEMORABLE TIME! Parents are more likely to proceed with Prom plans and maybe help with the costs that incur if they are included and involved! Here are some top secret tips for parents: 1. Meet the date ahead of time. 2. Offer to host pre-Prom pictures. 3. Be at the school for promenade to see all the students and their dates. 4. Stay involved in picking out the dress or tuxedo! Make it a fun memory that you both will have for years to come!

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

James Normore

2007-02-01 13:43:00

Thinking of a new caterer?

ANSWER: Shopping for a good caterer can be troublesome if you do not ask the right questions. As you may know, not all caterers are the same so it is not wise to just shop by price. But before you go shopping all willy nilly you need some information before hand. Before you shop for a caterer • First thing you should know is whether the facility you are going to use for your reception allows third party catering. Usually they will tell you upfront, but ask anyway. Either way you will need to inquire about the price and I am sorry to say that most facilities that don’t allow outside caterers are notoriously “less cheap”. • Know your real budget. This may seem obvious, but you should allow for unexpected expenses, which many brides don’t. The result is not pretty. • Get an estimate of how may guests you expect. It is good to overestimate a little bit, because there are always the people who show up regardless of an invitation. • What reception hall are you going to use? What are their rules regarding what caterers can and cannot do? What to ask the caterer Once you do get the above information, your next step is to get to looking. Once you set your sights on a few, you need a pen, paper and a few good questions: • Are you licensed? Do not assume that because they are advertised everywhere, that they are a legitimate establishment. A license may not seem important to you, but most local governments require the caterer to have certain health standards. • Do you use chafing dishes? Most caterers do, but be sure to ask. If you want to keep the hot food hot, this may be a necessity. • How much of a deposit do you require? If you have to change the wedding date or time, this may pose a problem. You may get none of your deposit back it you can’t use the same caterer. • Can I see a contract? If they don’t use one,start running! This is not good. You need something in black and white to be more secure that they will live up to their end of the bargain. And read over the contract at home before you sign anything. Do it at home! • How do you charge for clean up? This may or may not be included in the overall price. Your family may be left to do the clean up if you are not careful. • Do you prepare the food on site or at a different location? If they prepare or warm the food on site, then you need to make sure that the reception hall can accommodate them. Does the reception hall have warmers, a refrigerator or a stove? Does the reception hall charge extra for you to use them? • When can we make our final change to the reception menu? Do not think that you are going to pick some items then be done with it. There is always a chance someone will come along and give you that “good idea”. • Are your price quotes final? Be aware that sometimes prices may be subject to change according to the season. Ask them if the price quotes are placed in writing.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

James and Francis Normore

2007-01-01 10:14:00

I'm throwing a party, and need help with party games for children and adults, can you help with some ideas?

ANSWER: Party games are a fun addition to most parties. They are fun (always a good thing) and they do a great job of breaking the ice. We've put together some ideas for games that you can use at birthday, reunion, kid's or grown-up parties. For additional party games visit www.angelfire.com/fl2/thisnthat/partyindex.html Games for Adults: Who's Your Mate? - Have one person from each couple leave the room. The host/hostess tailors some planned questions to the group and to certain couples. The other half of each couple stays in the room, and answers questions about their mate/date. They're supposed to answer each question the way they think their mate/date would respond. They need to write each answer down, so that when their partner returns he/she can give their own answer to each question. Assign point values for each question that is a match the couples for the next set of questions. The couple with the most points wins a prize. Make sure the prize is something they can share! Grab a Man - This is a quick game to pair up couples (if they are not already paired). Blindfold all of the women, and have all of the men walk around them in a circle. When the host/hostess says, "Go", have the women each grab a man. When all of the men have been caught, have them remove the blindfolds. Give Me Some Sugar - Partners must face each other with their hands tied behind their backs. Blindfold each player, and then put a sugary treat in one partner's mouth (it could be a snack cake, candy bar, doughnut, etc.). If the treat is wrapped, they must somehow unwrap the treat, and feed it to their partner. The couple who finishes the entire treat first, without using their hands wins a prize! Balloon Burst - Set up several balloons with strips of paper inside which say to do silly things (sing "New York, New York, bark like a dog, do the Charleston etc.) Place all the players in a circle. Pass a balloon around the circle. Each player has to sit on the balloon with all their weight for 3 seconds. If someone breaks the balloon, they must do what it says on the message. Icebreakers for All Occasions Name and Number - As people walk into the party, put their name on one side of an index card, and a number on the other side. As everyone walks around with their name showing (on the index card that is taped to their shirt), they have to try to introduce themselves to as many people as they can. After a bit of mingling, tell everyone to turn over his or her name tags, so that the number on each card is showing rather than the name. Now give everyone a numbered piece of paper, and see who can fill in the most names next to the corresponding number. Start The Music (children) Whenever the music stops the players must run into a corner (which has a color written on it) One player is asked to choose a piece of paper from out of a tub. This will have a color written on it. The players who are in this color corner are out. The aim is to be the last person in. Describe Me - What is everyone's first impression of other partygoers? As guests arrive, make sure that each person gets an index card taped to their back as well as a pencil. Have your guests mingle, and meet each other. As people get to know each other a little bit better, have each guest write their first impressions of the people they meet on the cards on their backs. Make sure to tell your guests to write funny things, but to stay away from anything resembling rude or mean comments. Write things like "quick wit," "bedroom eyes," "million dollar smile," "hot stepper," etc. After about 15-20 minutes, have each person read the card off the adjacent person's back for a few laughs. Know Your Family - Put all of the names of your relatives in a hat and have everyone draw a name. They must discreetly interview that person sometime during the party and find out one secret that no one knows about them. After everyone has had time to do the interviews, gather the group together and have them share the secret they learned. The rest of the relatives must write down on a piece of paper who they think each secret is about. The person who guesses the most people correctly wins a prize.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

James and Francis Normore

2006-12-01 09:28:00

How can we save money on our wedding expenses?

ANSWER: After the initial excitement of your engagement comes some planning and budgeting issues you're going to have to deal with, straight-on. The parties, ceremony, reception and everything in-between will cost you some serious time -- and money. There's no reason you can't have a perfect wedding without starting your married life out in debt, or making your parents dig into their savings. From your ceremony to your honeymoon, there are some incredible tips for you to save money on your wedding expenses and still have the romantic day you've always dreamed of. Budgeting Tips •There's no shame in being frugal! What you save now can help you set up your household or simply keep you out of debt. •Before you begin extensive wedding planning, make out a budget with all of the expenses. Don't pay more than you're willing. If you do go over budget on one thing, try to offset the cost on another. •Figure in the tips. Caterers, bartenders, wait staff and other service providers expect a tip. Sometimes it's already included in the bill, so ask first! •Like anything else, costs will vary greatly. Shop around and compare services and prices. Bring a list of prepared questions. •Be straight forward with vendors and try to negotiate the fees. In addition, tell them you're on a limited budget and ask them how you can save more money. •Make all down payments with a credit card to protect yourself if the vendor breaches the contract. •Shop online! You can often find some great deals and discounts on unique items you'd never find locally. •Hold your rehearsal dinner at home instead at a club or restaurant. Decorations •Piggyback your wedding after a holiday and you can save money on flowers and decorations at the church and reception site. •Make some of the floral decorations yourself and get friends and family to help. There's plenty of how-to books at the public library and the internet. •Hobby and discount stores (like Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart) often have decorations and accessories such as guest books, plume pens, ring-bearer pillows, cake knives, and wine glasses for a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere. •Make your wedding favors part of the decor. Be sure to tell the guests to help themselves as they often forget to take them home. Attire •Consider buying a second-hand bridal gown. Check out classified ads, consignment shops and online auctions. •If you're wearing a floor length wedding gown, your shoes will often go unnoticed -- so choose comfortable and modest ones. •Wear your grandma's, mom's or sister's gown and you make them very happy while saving money. •Shop early for your wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses. You can often find sales and discounts when stores try to clear out merchandise for the new season. •Men can rent their attire, why can't you? There are more and more shops offering wedding gowns, bridesmaids and flower girl dresses that you can rent and return. •Make your own hair accessories with hair combs, silk flowers and ribbon. •If you find abridal gown you can't live without, write down the brand & code number and see if you can find the dress elsewhere at a discounted price. •Look for bridesmaid dresses at outlet or department stores (like J.C. Penney.) You can also check out catalogs and stores offering discounted prom dresses. Reception & Dance Tips •Consider a brunch or luncheon reception instead of dinner to cut catering costs. •Make some of the food yourself and assign a dish to some friends and family members who are willing to help out. •If your reception hall provides the catering, make sure you get to take home any leftovers that you have paid for. Some sites actually charge you for ordered food and then keep what you don't use for another event. •Hire a Disc Jockey instead of a band. D.J's are cheaper because there are less members, labor, and equipment you'll have to pay for. You'll have much more variety of music to choose from, by the original artists! •Don't go wild with an open bar. There are several options. You can limit the free beverages to pop, beer and wine, or have everything free for the first couple of hours. If you're more frugal, you can have the bride, groom, attendants and parents hand out tickets for free drinks. Save Money on Invitations •For a smaller, less formal wedding, design and print the invitations yourself. Or design your own and have them professionally printed. •Fold the invitations yourself. If you pay to have this done, the more folds, the more it will cost. •Have your reception information printed at the bottom of the invitation so you don't have to purchase separate insert cards. •Cheaper paper and printing methods can save a bundle.

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Weddings, Parties & Social Events

James and Francis Normore

2006-11-01 11:31:00

QUESTION: Do you have any tips on planning a party?

ANSWER: These days, planning a party or an event can be a little overwhelming at times, but the key to a successful party is preparation. If you just follow a few easy tips, you’ll have little to worry about and hopefully plenty of time to enjoy the party yourself. When the host and hostess feel like guests at their own party, everyone is sure to have a wonderful time. Typical small events planning schedule (4-6 weeks ahead for a formal party; 2-3 weeks ahead for a casual gathering) 6-8 WEEKS BEFORE Establish budget: Reserve Site: Choose a theme: Make a guest list: Make a tentative schedule of party activities: List all supplies needed: Determine type of menu (buffet, potluck, family style): Decide type of party (formal, casual): Plan the party menu: Determine start and finish time: Decide color scheme: Buy/Design Invitations: 3-4 WEEKS BEFORE Mail invitations: Hire Caterer & Plan menu: Plan on china, silver, glassware rentals: Linens (buy, borrow, rent): Seating arrangements: Decide number of head tables, number and type of tables for dining, and buffet: Design flower arrangements and plan decorations: Entertainment (DJ, band, games, speeches): Plan food schedule (what time to start / finish serving appetizers, entrée, dessert): Coffee/Tea/Beverages: Dessert: Appetizers/hors d'oeuvres: Entrée: Decide on what time should staff arrive/leave: Choose Servers and staff attire: Make list of areas where you could use volunteers: Pay balance due on facility rental: 1-2 WEEKS BEFORE Buy disposable ware/order rentals: Purchase Beverages: Buy nonperishable foods: Confirm number of guests: Buy party favors and decorations: Give final guest count, menu and staff requirement. Outline the flow of the party with your Master of Ceremony and/or DJ: 2-3 DAYS BEFORE Confirm rental arrivals/pickup: Arrange supplies for party: Set a time chart for day of party-what needs to be done and how long will it take: Make a polite call to potential guests who haven't RSVP'd: DAY OF PARTY Staff arrives: Complete food preparation and pickup of pre-ordered food items: Set tables/serving tables (lay out all disposable and glassware): Place Post-It notes on bowls, buffet tables, counter spaces indicating what will go there: Set table/buffet: Decorate/floral/table setup: Prepare any foods that couldn't be prepared in advance: Ensure entertainment area is set up. Have Fun!!!