Kellie Williams Ties the Knot

Kellie Williams (Laura Winslow) of "Family Matters" is a married woman. She tied the knot to Hannibal Jackson last month.

Photo credits: Lip Stick Alley and Forever

Happy Planning...

10 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

In this critical economy, many couples are going the extra mile to keep their wedding costs down. There are many ways to cut costs without sacrificing style and elegance.

Try these tips:

1. Trim the guest list. More guests equals more everything (food & beverage, stamps, invitations, programs, chair treatments, linens, favors, centerpieces, serving staff, rentals). More everything equals more money!
2. Borrow something. Use your parent's toasting glasses, your sister's veil or your best friend's unengraved cake cutting set. Just make sure to return them.
3. Scale down the centerpieces. The taller the centerpiece the higher the cost. If your venue permits candles incorporate them into the centerpiece design. Also, remember to use flowers that are in season.
   
4. Say yes to the dress and grant a wish. Thousands of brides have found the gown of the dreams at an incredible low price by attending the Brides Against Breast Cancer National Tour. Most of the gowns range from $99 to $799 (including new name brand designer gowns).
5. Forget the favors. Who will notice? Favors are an unnecessary expense. They're either eaten immediately or tossed later.
6. Skip the full bar. Instead offer signature (specialty) drinks or a wine bar.
   
7. Cut the cake. Purchase a smaller version of your dream cake for the cake cutting ceremony/pictures, and purchase a backup sheet cake for additional servings. Also, buttercream is less expensive than fondant and it tastes better!
   
8. Simplify your menu. Beef and seafood entrees can quickly increase your catering bill. Instead of forgoing altogether, opt to serve them during cocktail hour. Instead of serving filet mignon as an entree, serve mini beef wellingtons or beef satay as hors d'oeuvres. Instead of lobster serve shrimp shooters, ceviche or crab cakes during cocktail hour.
   
9. Have the ceremony and reception at the same location. This will save you money on site rental fees and transportation fees. Your guests will also appreciate this.
10. Hire a professional wedding consultant. Wedding consultants can save you money by referring you to suitable vendors who can supply the service/product within your price range, negotiate the best price, and help you manage and stick to your budget.
    

Happy planning...

Out-of-Town Welcome Bags

It's a thoughtful gesture to greet your out-of-town guests with a welcome bag. Your guests are traveling far and wide to attend your event, so show your appreciation by giving them a warm welcome.

What to Include
The contents of your guests welcome bags are a personal choice, which will depend upon your budget and location.

Some items to include:

A handwritten welcome/thank you note
Weekend event itinerary and clear directions
Area maps
Drinks
Non-perishable snacks

Delivery

Leave the bags at the front desk of the hotel for guests to receive at check-in or arrange for the staff to personally deliver the bags to each guests room (normally a fee). Don't forget to provide the front desk with a list of your guests names and number of bags to receive.

Photo credit: Favors You Keep

Happy planning...

Wedding Rehearsal

The purpose of the wedding rehearsal is to practice what takes place during the wedding ceremony. It's important that all those participating in the wedding know their parts, duties and responsibilities.

Who should attend?

All members of the wedding party including ushers, flower girl, ring bearer, both sets of parents, the officiant, readers and musicians (if possible).


How long does a rehearsal last?

Under normal circumstances the wedding rehearsal is one hour. However, the length of the rehearsal depends on the size of the bridal party and the complexity of the ceremony.

When are rehearsals scheduled?
Rehearsals usually are held the afternoon or evening before the wedding. Check to make sure that your ceremony location is available for the rehearsal and there aren't any other events scheduled during that time.

What to bring?

Marriage License

Final vendor payments

Mock bouquets, flower basket and ring pillow


Happy planning...

Walk To End Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Get involved by walking to stomp out domestic violence.

Location: Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheatre

Address: 16501 NE 16th Ave. North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Time: 7:00am- 12:00pm

Onsite Registration is $25
Includes gift bag and t-shirt

All Star Registration is $35
Includes gift bag, t-shirt and one Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks opening night game ticket (10/28)

For more information visit: Safespace

If you or someone else is being abused call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The End of Elegant Bride & Modern Bride

Due to the downturn in the economy and slump in advertising, Condé Nast is closing Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. Simply put: the magazines were losing money.

Condé Nast also publishes Brides magazine. Brides magazine celebrated their 75th Anniversary this year and will now be published 12 times a year instead of only 6 times a year.


Our hearts go out to the many families who will be affected by the closing.