Your Downtown Wedding

By Emee Pumarega, EJP Events www.ejpevents.com, weddingcoordinator.typepad.com

As I write this post, a vendor friend of mine is strategizing how she is planning to get from our office to a downtown hotel in the middle of the Bridge Pedal. She’s doing the makeup for the bride’s wedding day, and I can just imagine the chaos she’s going to run into when she gets there.

Not to say that no-one should get married during the Bridge Pedal, but we’ve found that if you want the best hotel room rates, and want your wedding to be less encumbered by traffic snags and road closures, it’s best to do a little research on your desired wedding date ahead of time. Here are six dates we’ve found historically affect hotel availability, parking or downtown streets:

- Grand Floral Parade, Rose Festival – First Saturday in June

- Waterfront Blues Festival – July Weekend, varies

- Oregon Brewers Festival – July Weekend, varies

- Saint Patrick’s Day – the weekend closest to March 17th

- Providence Bridge Pedal – Early August

- Portland Marathon – First weekend in October

There are many more festivals and events than can be mentioned here. Check Travel Portland, Keep Portland Moving, as well as other Portland news sites for event calendars and street closures.

Even if you find that the date you’ve already locked down for the wedding is shared with a major event – never fear, just take a few additional steps to make sure that your day goes off smoothly:

– Inform all of your vendors, guests, and wedding party of the possible conflict and provide alternate routes to the location.

– Block hotel rooms for your guests well ahead of time so your wedding guests don’t have to compete with fairgoers or marathoners.

– Set your timeline so that everyone is asked to arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than you actually need them to be there, in order to compensate for inevitable delays.

– Reserve parking with your venue or the City of Portland for vendors to load in and out of your event, to ensure the cake arrives on time and doesn’t need to be hand carried from several blocks away.

– And finally, relax! Once you have done your part, that is all you can control. Perhaps your photographers can get some great pictures of you amidst the excitement!

Visit EJP Events’ website and blog for additional helpful tips: www.ejpevents.com and weddingcoordinator.typepad.com.

How to pay for your wedding when costs are rising…..

The average cost of a wedding in 2007 rose to $28,732, however that number is projected to drop this year to $28,704 (The Wedding Report). Many engaged couples are looking for creative ways to make their wedding affordable. In March a survey done by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) noticed an increase in the number of bookings for Fridays and Sundays as a cost-saving method.

Many couples are also choosing less expensive meals and limited bar options such as beer and wine only. Some are even opting to leave out champagne as many of the guests are already drinking something else. Careful attention is being paid to the guest list and how many people are actually invited.

As many couples are becoming more environmentally conscious or trying to go green, they are finding that this practice is also helping their budget. Many brides have an heirloom ring providing no expense as well as sentiment.

Using local farmers eliminates the need for middleman and usually brings fresher food. Many brides are using rental plants and trees for their décor instead of fresh cut flowers.

Some brides and grooms are limiting the number of attendants in the bridal party to cut down on costs to both the attendant and the bride and groom.

Check out bravowedding.com for creative reception ideas.

Source: www.time.com

Wedding Weekends and Out of Town Guest Activity

Long known as the bride’s day, a wedding is an event that brings guests together from far and near. These days, that can mean much further than just across state lines. Some friends and family jet in from clear across the map! For these reasons and others, many brides like to make their wedding a weekend event, full of local color and pre-planned activities, which might last from Thursday to Sunday. What better way to bring all of your friends and family together and get to know each other than weekend events in your hometown?

Another reflection of you and your style, these events can give your guests a peek into your lives here. And, since many people have not spent a great deal of time up here on the upper left coast, give them the option to make this special weekend of yours more than just a stopover; they can make it a mini vacation!

With a bounty of attractions to satisfy even the most eccentric of tastes, the Pacific Northwest reels in folks with its fresh air, picturesque views, mouthwatering seafood, world class wines, and sports from rock climbing to
hiking, from fishing to wind surfing! Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness! And, think about it …. wouldn’t you have been impressed if someone had thought about this for you?

One approach to prepping guests is to put together a post save-the-date/pre-invitation packet that highlights these features, as well as a handful of engaging things to see and do in Portland and the surrounding area. Get started by factoring in some key elements: What season will it be? What kind of weather can be expected? How many days will the wedding festivities last?

Next, think of a handful of events that might intrigue your guests to realize that this wedding weekend of yours might just be a great place to visit! Thinking way beyond the typical welcome cocktail party and the post wedding brunch the following day, some couples are creating actual organized events. Do you have several people coming who might be avid golfers? The Northwest has some beautiful golf courses. Plan a golf tournament. This is a great way for guests to get acquainted! Appoint someone to handle the arrangements and tee times. The winner can be announced during the reception. Did someone say wine? Several transportation companies in town would love to escort interested guests on an afternoon wine tour. Don’t forget, we have some of the best Pinot Noir in the world! Does anyone ski? Timberline Lodge is close by and offers year round winter sports! And, just down the road is the Oregon Coast. Who wouldn’t want to sail out to sea for a whale watching adventure?

Again, think of the local transportation companies or enlist the help of friends that might be interested to host one of these special parties or to ferry guests around town. Let folks know ahead of time what the transportation for these events will entail. You know your friends. There might be that perfect host just waiting for you to ask him to do something like this!

You can start collecting ideas and gather some brochures to entice them! Put together a packet of information with a schedule, including your wedding as one of the events. Next, generate some excitement by sending out the news of your weekend events months in advance. Let guests know that this is going to be a weekend full of lots of fun things for all to enjoy …. a weekend they won’t soon forget! With all of this extra thought, you may just get a lot more guests than you had originally anticipated!

If you are planning to have your own wedding web site, all of this information can be included on there. Chock-full of directions, descriptions and links about wedding festivities as well as places to stay, shop, dine or roam while they are here, a wedding web site keeps guests in the real-time know. But, keep in mind, any activity you include on the web site will be read by all and should be for anyone to attend. For instance, a rehearsal dinner is not usually for one and all. For those events, send out a separate invitation. But, for letting your guests know about your wedding, your town, and the fun things you have planned for anyone coming for the weekend, it is a great place to put all of that information.

Lastly, even if you don’t want to go to the extent of having organized events for the weekend, it’s always thoughtful to think of your guests and thank them for coming. A welcome basket placed ahead of time in their hotel room is a nice gesture. These needn’t be expensive or extravagant. A pretty gift bag (in your wedding colors of course!) can be filled with things from the Northwest. How about some crackers and cheese, a couple of pretty apples, a bag of hazelnuts, Talking Rain Water in bottles, or even some smoked salmon. Don’t forget to include a walking map, the MAX schedule, and a nice note from you, thanking them for coming. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and get a little taste of Portland at the same time!

Courtesy Marilyn Storch / Owner www.portlandweddingplanner.com

Invitations in Motion - Brand new concept offered exclusively in Oregon!

Invitations in Motion is a brand new concept to hit the Oregon wedding market. Created by Bigler Productions, Invitations in Motion is a fun, creative way of spicing up your wedding invites or save the dates. Each DVD comes with a custom introduction, filmed at your choice of location, of you and your fiancé(e) inviting your guests to attend your wedding. Customize your DVD to include a photo montage, your engagement story, or even get the wedding party on camera for a group interview. The best part is that your guests will still get the paper invitation, it will just be ten times more exciting with your custom DVD. To truly grasp this amazing idea you need to see it for your self. . . www.invitationsinmotion.com

Tips On Planning Your Reception Music

BOOK EARLY! Whether booking the David Cooley Band or another reception band, I suggest as soon as you  make your decision, book it! Certain dates fill up faster than others and it can be somewhat random from year to year. When you receive your contract, review, sign off, and return with deposit ASAP. Don’t lose the band you really want for your wedding day.

AS SOON AS YOU BOOK, start thinking about your first dance and father/daughter dance tune selections. If your father will not be attending, consider a stand-in (uncle, brother, best man). If you have other special requests, submit them as soon as possible after you book. Don’t leave these details ’til the last minute or you may not get what you desire. That said, it’s your wedding. You don’t have to do any special dances, bouquet toss, etc. Make yourself comfortable with the celebration.

APPOINT A DESIGNATED HELPER – someone who will be a liaison between you and the band. Even if you’ve hired a professional coordinator or your reception venue provides one with their fee, pick a friend or someone from your bridal party to check in with and to keep things organized between you and the band, caterer, coordinator, etc. Remember – your bridal party (especially the bridesmaid and best man) are there to serve you on your special day. Don’t be shy about asking them to “take care of biz” so you can relax and enjoy yourself – that’s a big part of their “job” as attendants to the bride and groom. You might even call on them to help with a few details during the planning stages to lighten your load.

QUESTIONS? ASK, ASK, ASK – consult your band leader! David Cooley is available to answer questions, address concerns, and make suggestions from the time you book until you climb into the limo at the end of the reception.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT BAND BREAKS. At weddings, the timing of all the incidentals (cake cutting, speeches, etc.) make playing times and break times a bit irregular. If there’s a long break because of non-music activities, the band will make it up by playing an extra long set. Rest assured – you’ll get your money’s worth from the David Cooley Band.

DON’T BE APOLOGETIC in asking for what you want, when you want it. The David Cooley Band is at your reception to provide a service to you and your family. We’re there for you – feel free to let us know exactly what you desire.

HAVE FUN with it! Enjoy the entire process. This will make your reception even more terrific!

Tips from the David Cooley Band

Wedding Favors

Are you looking for something to make your wedding reception memorable? Here is an idea for something everyone will love and be talking about for weeks! Instead of the traditional candy favors at your guests place settings, create a “Candy Bar” for your guests to enjoy. Use your wedding colors to help choose the candy for your display.

Fun Candy Ideas:
Old fashion candy sticks
Whirly pops (lolli pops)
Gum Balls
Jelly Beans
M&Ms
Pixie Sticks

Place the candy in glass jars. Use various sized jars to create a fabulous focal point at your reception. Provide clear plastic bags to invite your guests to take the candy with them. You can keep your “candy bar” simple or jazz it with the ideas listed below.

Fabulous Additions:
Create candy labels for the glass jars
Add silver candy scoops for your guests to easily scoop up the candy
Use ribbon and crystals to decorate the table or jars

To see a picture of the “candy bar” I had on display at the Bravo! Spring Affair, visit: www.sorellaevents.com

(Photos courtesy of Sorella Events)

Spring 2008 Colors

Looking for the latest color schemes for your Spring or Summer wedding? Look no further! Below are the top three color schemes to help you plan your wedding.

Simple Money Saving Tips

Budget conscience brides are always looking for ways to save money while still ensuring their wedding day is beautiful and memorable. A savvy bridal consultant will offer these couples tips to stretch their dollar so they stay within their budget while still experiencing the wedding of their dreams.

The most expensive portion of the wedding tends to be the reception. Rather than a formal evening affair, why not consider a Sunday morning or afternoon ceremony followed by a brunch. Not only will couples save on food cost, but alcohol consumption will be considerably less during the day than in the evening. Perhaps just offer champagne during your toast and then your guests can have Mimosas during brunch. This while save a lot over a fully stocked open bar.

Another cost-saving tip for couples to consider are their flowers. When consulting with your florist talk about which bouquets and arrangements can be used at both the ceremony and reception. For example, rather than leaving the alter arrangements at the church or other ceremony site, bring them to the reception and have your consultant place them on the head table or buffet tables as decor. Have the bridesmaids place their bouquets on the gift and guest book tables rather than ordering additional arrangements. Finally, talk to the florist about what flowers are in season and can be found locally as this can save you a tremendous amount of money if flowers don’t have to be flown in.

Courtesy of:

Blush Bridal
1000 SW Broadway, Suite 1640
Portland, Oregon 97205
503.970.3361
www.blushbridalevents.com

Featured Groom of the Month

Andy and Erin were married at First Congregational Church in Portland, Oregon. The reception was held at the Embassy Suites, Portland Downtown hotel with lots of family members in attendance! They danced the night away with the help of Rose City DJs. Photographs were taken by The Photographers. View wedding slideshow here.

It’s All About You!

One of the biggest – if not THE biggest — challenges in planning a wedding is figuring out how to design an event that is memorable for your guests – an event unlike anything they have ever experienced.

There are hundreds of new and exciting ways to add some pizzazz to your wedding and make it uniquely your own instead of a cookie-cutter event that your guests have seen before. First and foremost we need to talk etiquette. The “Miss Manners” era is over and for today’s bride almost anything goes. There are tons of old traditions and rules that are made to be broken and the first of them is “the traditional wedding party.” Is one of your best friends a man? Make him a Bridesman! Does your groom have a cherished girl-friend? Make her a Groomsgirl or the Best Woman! I see more and more couples incorporating both genders on either side of the couple and I love it! It makes the ceremony and reception personal, unique and genuinely inclusive of the people that matter to you most. Consider also that you are not required to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side. Do not feel like you have to restrict yourself or add someone to the bridal party that you are not particularly close to. This event is all about you as a couple so follow your hearts and do what feels right. Next up? Favors. Do you have a drawer full of old trinkets that you have collected over the years from weddings? I know I certainly do and I also know that they will eventually get thrown away. For this reason, I often encourage my clients to think about an edible favor. This is something that can be appreciated right then and there and actually gets used and enjoyed rather than tossed. My favorite favor is a candy buffet, and it’s easy to pull together. Simply arrange several different shaped large vases and fill them with your favorite candies. Include scoopers and bags or boxes for your guests to fill with your treats and carry home. You can incorporate your colors or theme into the candy selection, which will also tie things together very nicely. Other fun options for favors are a donation to a charity, a single flower bud at each place setting, or even a scratch-it lottery ticket. Have you thought about incorporating a theme into your wedding? Some of my most memorable events have incorporated a theme to pull everything together and the concept is becoming increasingly popular. Your theme can be applied to all aspects of the wedding including the invitations, table settings, music, and the food. The hard part is brainstorming your perfect theme. Try thinking of an aspect of your relationship that can serve as the foundation, such as the location of your first kiss, the engagement, or a characteristic of your first date. Did you meet at a sporting event, a bar, or another special place? Do you have favorite colors or share an initial? A specific object or shape is another great idea that can be easily incorporated throughout your day. For a “round” wedding, order a circular dance floor, circular tables, cylindrical centerpiece vases, round candles, spherical bridal and bridesmaid bouquets with bear-grass twisted in a circle, hang globular pomanders, and so on. The possibilities are endless, but planning with a theme in mind can make the event unforgettable for guests and more fun for you. Keep in mind that for your theme to be recognized and enjoyed, it needs to be prominent. Use it before and throughout the day in your invitations, programs, menus, favors, décor, and so on to avoid all of your thoughtfulness hard work going unnoticed. Lastly, two aspects of your wedding that guests will certainly pay attention to are your food and drink choices. I love it when couples serve a signature drink with creative names such as “The Marriage Martini” or “Lisa’s Lemon Drop.” This is something that can be tied into your color scheme or theme that may even give your guests the opportunity to try something that they have never sipped before. Food is another perfect venue to try serving new things. Have you considered a sushi bar, or serving sorbet between courses to cleanse the palate? You can even mix things up by featuring different buffet stations around the room. This not only gets your guests moving and mingling, but it provides them with several different options as well. Remember, your wedding is all about you and your fiancé celebrating the beginning of your happy future together. Add a little personality to your day and don’t be afraid to spice things up. The most memorable weddings are those that are distinctive, fun and uniquely your own! Congratulations and happy planning!

Courtesy of:
Bridal Bliss
17050 SW Pilkington Road, Suite #210
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
(cell) 503.804.4901
(office) 503.636.1694
(fax) 503.636.1694
www.bridalbliss.com