The Role of Today's Groom

Unlike grooms from previous generations, today’s grooms  tend to have a more active role in the wedding planning process.  In many cases they are older than in previous generations and have clearly defined tastes and preferences.  They are interested in the planning process of selecting a theme, choosing ceremony and reception sites, expressing color preferences and choosing the music for the church as well as the reception.  He is no doubt involved in gift registry selections and he keeps his parents informed regarding wedding plans and vendor interviews.  A critical job for the groom is to compile his share of the guest list and make sure that his parents provide their guest list in a timely manner.

In addition, the groom's list includes:  Selecting the engagement ring - although today's bride is also likely to be involved in the decision, as well as choosing his best man and groomsmen for his part of the wedding party.

The groom works with the bride in choosing his attire and that of the men in the wedding party.  It is usual that the bride's gown choice sets the degree of formality of a wedding, but the groom frequently feels strongly about the look and feel of the formal wear chosen for his attendants.

He selects thank you gifts for members of his wedding party as well as selecting his gift to his bride.  The couple will likely choose the wedding bands together.  It is his traditional job to acquire the marriage license and to arrange for transportation from the ceremony to the reception site.

If there is a receiving line at the reception, he is expected to stand there and greet  the  reception guests.  He dances his first dance with the bride and  also dances with his mother. He may also dance with the bride's mother as well as the maid/matron of honor.  He is also required to make appropriate toasts at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception.

For more ideas call (868) 628-9333 or email info@triniweddings.com

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Gift Registries

Despite the fact that gift registries have been around for nearly a century, there are still couples who resist using them and feel awkward about signing up with their "wish list".  They feel like they are begging for gifts and are embarrassed to do so.  But know this - gift registries are a blessing to both the couple AND THEIR GUESTS.  Guests would prefer to give gifts that they know the couple want and will prize.  They are going to give a gift but would much rather give something sought after.  Help them out and register.Here are some guidelines to help make the registry lists helpful to both you and your guests.

·         Take a look at the guest list and make sure the items for which you are planning to register offer a wide price range.  If many of your friends are in university or just graduated, they may have student loans to pay off and can't afford expensive gifts.  Make sure your gift registry has moderately priced  items on it.

·         Put gift cards on the list.   At one time people felt funny about gift cards, but they are totally acceptable.  They are an easy last minute grab for guests who don't plan ahead and are a lovely bit of spendable "cash" for an item you wanted but didn't put on your gift registry.

·         Provide in-store and online options.  The online options are perfect for out of town guests and relatives.  However, remember that there are people who like to lift and touch the items they plan to buy for you.  For them, a bricks and mortar store is a must.

·         Ask only for items you really want.  Some wedding planners will say it's ok to include items that you don't particularly want because you can always return them.  Try to avoid that.  It can be a hassle to return things and you can end up having to explain to your favorite aunt why the lamp she purchased for you isn't on the end table as she envisioned it.  Spend time up front and make good choices the first time.

·         Consider adding a few personal items to the list.  The bride can add a few things she personally wants and so can the groom.  The items don't need to all be useful around the house.

·         Be gracious no matter what the gift is.  You must thank every person for every gift whether you like the item or not and whether it was on your registry or not.  People give you gifts because they care for and about you and want to share in your celebration.  They need to know how important their gift was to you.

Call 868 628-9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com for more ideas and answers to questions.

Shower Themes

Showers on one's wedding day are supposed to bring the couple good luck but convincing a bride of that is difficult!  A bride would rather have sunshine and pleasant weather.  However, the other kind of shower that is part of the wedding tradition is welcome.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married.  According to experts, the custom began in the 19th century and is primarily celebrated in North America and Australia.  Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with the items she will need to set up her new home.

And while the traditional shower is still a main focus, versions have erupted and become popular.  According to TheKnot.com there are some key trends in modern bridal showers beyond the traditional "women only" ones.

·         Couples showers - are increasing in popularity.  The guests are a mixed audience of female and male friends and relatives.  While gifts are still the main focus of the event, they are varied and include "guy stuff" in the mix of household gifts.  The shower is a party for good friends.

·         Power showers - are events that focus on the groom-to-be who is showered with a wide range of gadgets and power tools to stock the garage.  These  parties are guy focused and tend to be golf outings, poker nights or action movie themes.

·         Destination/activity showers - move out of someone's living room or the party room at a local restaurant and into a special spot or activity.  Some ideas include a spa day, horseback riding, or a day at a baseball game.  Because these types of showers can be expensive to host, the guest list is usually limited to the bride's closest friends.

·         Bride-involved showers.  This is tricky ground.  Some brides would like to be involved in planning their showers, rather than be surprised by the whole event.  However, "being involved in" is not the same as commandeering the whole event for yourself.  Traditionally, the shower is given by a friend or relative - not by the bride's mother or close relative.

·         Post wedding event -It is customary for the showers to be given prior to the wedding itself.  But with guests and couples spread across the country, some showers are  held after the wedding itself.

Call 868 628 9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com   for more ideas and answers to questions.

How to carry Bridal Bouquets

 

To feel confident and self-assured, your brides will want to make sure they are holding and carrying the bouquet appropriately. Not every bouquet is carried the same way. Typically, the type of bouquet and features of the gown will determine the way the bouquet should be carried.

The most popular round, heart, cascade, and crescent bouquets are normally held and carried in front. These types of bouquets should be low enough to reveal the details on the neckline and bodice of the gown and are held with both hands as if arms are resting on the hips. The tendency to bring the bouquet up to the waist is natural; however it hides the details of the gown.

Small, lightweight and delicate bouquets, such as nosegays, clutch bouquets or single blossoms, can be carried to the side with one hand and are generally held at the same level as a bouquet held in front. If the nosegay is mounted in an elaborate or family heirloom tussy mussy (a small, Victorian style, metal or glass, cone-shaped holder), proudly display it by holding and carrying the bouquet in the front instead of the side. If a tussy mussy holder is chosen for the, there is generally only enough room to hold it securely with one hand. For proper positioning, carry the tussy mussy upwards in the hand with the forearm bent slightly so it is horizontal (parallel to the floor) while the elbow rests comfortably on the hip.

Floral pomanders (bloom-covered balls or cones suspended from a ribbon) can be carried to the side in the same manner as a nosegay or in front in the same manner as a round bouquet. Typically, adult attendants carry pomanders to the side with one hand while children carry them in the front with both hands. Arm bouquets which are long floral stems should rest naturally and comfortably across the inner bend of the elbow so that the bouquet is cradled in the arms with the blossom end of the flowers facing away from the body. This holding and carrying technique is not only comfortable, but it also allows guests on one side to see the open blossoms as you walk down the aisle and guests on the other side to see the open blossoms as you walk back up the aisle. Specialty bouquets such as fans, baskets, and prayer books should be carried according to their size and proportion. Smaller specialty bouquets can be carried



to either your front or side, while larger baskets should be carried down and to the side.

Whatever style is chosen, it's always best to hold and carry the bouquet in the most appropriate and natural way. You will want your bride to look regal and confident as she walks down the aisle, and this will ensure that all photographs capture her holding the bouquet comfortably without raising it too high and covering portions of the neck, face, or the exquisite details of the gown

Budget Ideas

We know that if a bride isn’t careful, the budget for her wedding can be blown in an afternoon.

At TriniWeddings we are experts at helping brides create the wedding of their dreams without the nightmares that come with being over-budget. Here are some practical ideas that we know can help avoid the budget crunch.
The guest list. Look at your wedding realistically. You are inviting friends and relatives to help you celebrate this important day in your lives. Others on the list are likely to be friends of both sets of parents. A conversation with each of them about the number of guests is necessary unless you and/or your parents can afford to pay for everything and everyone.
Big floral arrangements (as seen on TV portrayals of "must have" accessories) are likely to be beyond your budget and are certainly not necessary. Take a good look at the church and see if you really need all those flowers. Most churches do not. Instead of floral overloads, we suggest that you rent some greenery if you have large places to fill. Use the money to enliven your reception spaces if necessary.
If you have a friend or relative who was recently married, it may be possible to borrow some things – gloves, shoes, veils or headpieces, jewelry. It will not only save you money but satisfy your need for "something borrowed".
When you place your order for wedding invitations, order all your wedding stationery needs at one time (including a few more than you think you will need) and do not forget your thank you cards. Set up charges for a few extras later can be very expensive.
While today’s invitations offer a wide variety of paper style, colors, fonts and trims. The current trend toward memorable and unique invitations may be exactly what you want. However this is costly and you may have to spend a significant portion of your budget on this. Try instead to make a simple elegant statement using ivory vellum and choosing an interesting font. For more invisible budget ideas, or answers to questions, phone us at 628-WEDD or email info@triniweddings.com

SOME GENTLE REMINDERS OF THINGS NOT TO DO!!!!

 

With all of the advice available to a bride on “What to do about…”, there are also a few “don’ts” to keep in mind.

#1 – An important reminder comes from the brazen actions of one or more pretend guests who – according to recent newscasts- walked into three different wedding receptions and walked out with the gift boxes that contained cash and cards.  Wedding planners continue to remind brides to make sure that someone (close to her or a security guard hired for the occasion) must be in charge of the gift table.  Don’t believe that just because you are having your reception in a church or well known club your gifts are safe.  Always make sure that someone you trust will be in charge of the gifts.  It is ideal if all gifts are sent to the bride’s home before the ceremony, or be collected from the store after the wedding, but we all know that most of the gift cards/cash are brought to the reception.  The table for gifts and the box for cards should never be out of surveillance.  And once all of the guests have arrived at the reception, the gifts should be either locked away in a room provided by the venue or entrusted to a family member for transport and or safe keeping.

#2 – It is never correct to enclose gift registration information with your wedding invitations.  Some stores may offer to give you enclosure cards for that purpose, but politely decline.  Wedding guests have always found out where a bride was registered by asking a friend or relative.  Today  the bride’s web page politely provides that information .  Likewise, do not include in your invitations the corner copy that reads “Cash Gifts Preferred” or “Cash Gifts Invited”.  Really tasteless!!!!

 #3- Don’t have a cash bar.  Having one is like inviting guests to dinner and then charging them for the food.  If your budget won’t cover the beverages of your choice, then pick other beverages.  Offer beer and wine.  Offer a special cocktail created for your reception.  Offer punch.  Have waiters pass champagne.  There are lots of creative options.

 #4 – Never seek sponsors to donate things like liquor or wine for a mention or advertisement in your program.  That is so NOT DONE.

For advice on potential other “don’ts”, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email info@triniweddings.com

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an integral part of the wedding celebration.  It is a happy and relaxing time for family and friends.  It is designed to bring people together and  it sets the tone for the ceremony and celebration to come.

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the party.  They invite the immediate families of the bride and the groom, the officiating clergy and spouse, the complete wedding party and their spouses or dates.  If there are out-of-town guests include them in the evening’s festivities.

It is usually held immediately following the wedding rehearsal held the night before the ceremony.

At the dinner use a seating chart and place cards to help people ensure that they meet each other.

While the bridal couple and their parents usually sit at the head table, more and more couples are choosing to mingle with their guests.

As the host, the groom’s father makes the traditional toast to the couple and at this time he should introduce everyone as some guests may be unfamiliar with those in attendance.

This party is a perfect time for the couple to present gifts to  their attendants, especially if the items are to be worn at the wedding.

While it is a party, ensure that it doesn’t last too long.  Every member of the wedding party needs to get a good night’s sleep so that  they look their best at the main event the next day.

Introducing the Wedding Party After the Ceremony

Brides often ask us to explain the proper way to introduce the wedding party at the reception.  Our first suggestion is to insure that the time lag between ceremony end and reception start, is kept to a minimum.  Work with the photographer to have the post ceremony photos taken as quickly as possible so that guests are not waiting for events to begin.

If both sets of parents are going to be held up at the church for a bit, it is wise to ask a couple to serve as host and hostess until parents can arrive at the reception site.

While guests are waiting for the bridal party to arrive, they should be served appetizers and drinks. 

Once the bridal party arrives at the reception, the master of ceremonies for the evening ensures that  everyone  stands while he introduces each of the members of the party.  Since the bride and groom are the stars of the event, they are introduced last.  Parents of the bride, parents of the groom, the ring bearer and flower girl, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the best man and maid of honor are introduced in that order, followed by the bride and groom.   Be sure to check the names on the list for correct spelling and pronunciation when you provide the names to the person in charge of introductions.

For more creative ideas on introducing the wedding party,  invest in a TriniWeddings consultation.  Call 868 628 (WEDD) or email info@triniweddings.com  to book your appointment.

Handling Your Destination Wedding

 

These days more and more couples are choosing to combine weddings and vacation celebrations, and it brings more issues to handle than is realized.

 For couples thinking of this option, the following advice refers:

·         Decide on your guest list which will likely be small.

·         Research your chosen destination to see if it will work for you.

·         Ask about length of residency required before you can marry there.

·         If at all possible, visit the location before you make your decision.

·         Once decided, book as early as possible and hire a local wedding planner to handle the legwork for you.  Your TriniWeddings  Planner is certified and can provide invaluable assisstance to  brides in coordinating their weddings anywhere in the Caribbean. Your TriniWeddings Planner will be your eyes, ears and spokesperson as you create plans via long distance.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always reply as promptly as you might expect.

·         Be aware that other cultures may not always have written contracts.

·         Learn about any restrictions or requirements that may exist for ceremonies and receptions.

·         Be aware of any dress requirements for the wedding couple and/or their attendants.

·         Be prepared to pay extra to bring your wedding dress and the groom’s wear on board your flight.

Once you have made your decision, resolve to be flexible and relaxed about the outcome.  TriniWeddings will make sure that it will all work out!

For more advice and information about your destination wedding, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email  info@triniweddings.com

Wedding Favor Suggestions

One small way to make sure that guests remember your special wedding day, is to make sure that you give your guests special gifts to take home with them.   I encourage my clients to give meaningful favors that will last beyond the week of your wedding. There are so many favors that are discarded when guests arrive home. In some cases they are eaten at the reception and the receptacles left right there. With today’s interest in personalized weddings, make sure that whatever mementos you select carry your names and wedding date. These are just a few suggestions for consideration.

You can personalize packets of flower seeds in glassine envelopes with a message from you both that talks about growth and love.

Ordinary mints, sugared almonds or chocolates can be transformed when placed in small personalized collectable boxes or bags. They can also be placed in wine glasses. If you place them in wine glasses, wrap them first in tulle and tie with ribbons matching your color scheme. You should attach a message of thanks to each one.  They can be bunched together in baskets for the guests to take home with them as they leave the reception or they can be placed on the dinner table as part of the reception décor.

More and more couples are creating CDs of their favorite music and providing them for guests to take as they leave the reception.

If you are planning a photo booth at the reception, provide a small frame for each guest to use to take their photo home.

If you are hosting an outdoor wedding, a handheld personalized fan is a fitting option for the heat. A novel idea might be a small potted plant and if it is a beach wedding an opener in the shape of a sea shell works well. If yours is a destination wedding, an appropriate favor might be a luggage tag. 

Some couples prefer a dessert station to a formal wedding cake and instead provide each guest with a tiny individual cake in a personalized box  for each of them to take home.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you take this opportunity to share your joy and thanks with those friends and relatives who have come together to help you celebrate your new life together.

Visit www.triniweddings.com and click on the Beaucoup  link for lovely wedding favors.

Some ideas for a successful wedding

·         It sounds like a no brainer, but one of the most important elements of your day is the timeline.  You don’t want to end up paying your vendors overtime charges  or keep your guests waiting because  some element of your wedding  ran late.  Staying as close to the timeline as possible is the key to throwing a successful event.

 

·         Instead of decking your space out in crazy centerpieces and crystals, focus your energy and money on things like creative entertainment elements.  One couple we worked with brought in an artist to paint the party scene.  Another hired a caricaturist and guests took home custom portraits at the end of the night. Yet another had a photo booth where guests were  provided with two pictures. One was a keepsake and the guests were able to paste the other picture in the guest book and write their greeting underneath.  Then again there is the Ad Lib where guests are guided to write fun things about the couple. These kinds of activities really make the experience special for everyone.  They also minimize the waiting time while photographs are taken.

 

 

·         While edible and charitable favors are popular, every now and then we see a very specific favor that works great with a fun story or background.  For instance, there was a couple who met on an airplane and gave luggage tags as favors.  If they’re relevant, small keepsakes can be charming favors.

 

·         As your most photographed accessory, your bouquet should harmonize with your gown.  Different dress styles and fabrics set the tone for wedding flowers.  Think:  delicate florals like peonies or lisianthus for a soft lace gown, and architectural blooms like calla lilies or orchids for a modern dress.

 

·         Choose arrangements that look like they belong in your venue.  Small loose clusters of colorful wild flowers would look out of place in a formal ballroom, while glamorous groupings of all white orchids with crystals would not seem right in a rustic setting.

For more ideas feel free to  arrange a Conultation  with TriniWeddings . Call us at 868 628-9333 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

U.S. Wedding Planning Certification Courses Are Now Being Offered in the Caribbean

NEWS RELEASE

                                                               



March 31, 2014 - Weddings Beautiful Worldwide, a US based leader in training and certification for wedding planners since 1968, announced today that they have granted Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire of Trini Weddings an exclusive licensee to teach the Certified Wedding Specialist course and the Accredited Wedding Planner course in the Caribbean under the name Weddings Beautiful Caribbean. 

Gary Wright, CEO of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide shares, “I am extremely pleased to be bringing our courses to the Caribbean, and I am confident Marilyn, who received her CWS certification from us in 2008, will be eager to share her own experiences from taking the course and starting her own successful wedding planning business.” 

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean will be offering two types of courses, which include the Accredited Wedding Planner (AWP) course and the world famous Certified Wedding Specialist (CWS) course.  The AWP course consists of 10 assignments focusing mainly on coordinating weddings, and is perfect for someone interested in assisting a wedding planner or working as a wedding coordinator in the hotel and resort industry.  The CWS course contains more information on starting your own business.  It consists of 18 assignments and a final exam, and has earned the seal “standard of excellence” in wedding planning.  It will provide novice and aspiring wedding planners with the entrepreneurial and wedding planning skills to run a successful business.   

 

Media Contacts:

Weddings Beautiful Caribbean

Marilyn Duncan-Wiltshire, CWS

868-628-9333

marilyn@triniweddings.com

www.triniweddings.com

 

Weddings Beautiful Worldwide (USA)

Gary R. Wright, CEO

804-342-5880

gwright@weddingsbeautiful.com

www.weddingsbeautiful.com

 

Smart Phones at your Wedding?!

The proliferation of camera phones has raised a new point of discussion for brides and grooms hoping to capture the essence of their wedding through a professional photographer of some distinction.  How to handle wedding guests with cameras in their phones and preserve the privacy and security of the wedding events is a growing challenge. The rules regarding social media are changing especially as it relates to the ceremony. Traditionally the ceremony was about the Bride and Groom. Today social media encourages random acts of mindlessness even though there has been careful detailed planning.  

While some couples may embrace the technology, others wonder “how to keep their vows from going viral”.   This concern has prompted wedding planners, coordinators and consultants to formulate some guidelines covering social media at weddings.

• Recognize that most couples make a distinction between the wedding ceremony and its more solemn aspects and the reception with its feel as a celebration.
• If the bride doesn’t want people to see her in her gown before she goes down the aisle, she needs to make sure her attendants understand that uploading photos of her in that special dress before the ceremony is forbidden.
• Consultants suggest putting a notice in the program itself which clearly states that this is an “unplugged” ceremony.  Reinforce this request by asking the officiant to remind the guests to silence their electronics.
• Some brides have posted signs at the entrance to the ceremony asking people to refrain from using electronics.  Placing a sign at the spot where the guest book is placed is another option.

Social media at the reception seems to be more acceptable.  Photo-sharing sites enable guests to down-load reception photos into a designated wedding album which makes it nice for the couple to see lots of the action at their party.  As one consultant said, the electronics made it possible for couples to livestream their wedding to friends and family who could not make it to the wedding.

Wedding Trends for the 21st Century

 Emilypost.com lists the following trends as increasing in importance for  weddings which are currently being planned.

• Personalized weddings are increasing.  Brides may follow traditional guidelines for the ceremony and reception, but they also want their day to have elements that are unique for the couple and which make the event memorable.  Creating a monogram that is used throughout the process or adopting a signature color or theme are ways to put an  individual stamp on the event.  Invitations may be the first indicator of a couple’s intention to individualize their wedding.
   
• Cost sharing is common.  At one time the bride’s family funded the event, but with couples being older and both employed, wedding costs can be shared or even funded solely by the bride and groom.  What has not changed is the need to have clarity around who is paying for what.
   
   
• High Tech influence is clear.  The internet plays a growing role in registries, vendor research and selection and information sharing related to the wedding.  Maps, instructions and even invitation design are possible with the help of electronics.
   
• Color is appearing in more and more bridal gowns.  Color themes are increasing in popularity and are influencing all aspects of the wedding –flowers, invitations, attendants  attire, reception décor and even food, beverage and cake display.
• Grooms are more actively involved in wedding planning and choices.  Couples often take mutual responsibility for all aspects of wedding decision making – guest list, financing and even writing thank you notes.
  Call us at 868 628-WEDD or email us @mwilt@triniweddings.com to help you incorporate your ideas for a flawless wedding.

Wedding Myths Dispelled

MYTH 1 – IT’S MY DAY!

We spend a lot of time talking about how special the wedding day is but the  need to put it in perspective is important.  Most brides are sensible and know that just because they are being married on one day, the world does not stop spinning on its axis.  The goal is to provide balance to the event. Subtle reminders that life goes on before and after the wedding  can help stop some types of behavior which is  sometimes displayed.  Bridezillas need to be carefully grounded in the reality that life does not stop for the rest of the planet.

MYTH 2 – IT COSTS A LOT OF $$ TO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

Absolutely not!  A beautiful wedding depends on the love of the couple and their families and does not depend on the amount of money they spent.  Beautiful weddings happen at all price ranges.

MYTH 3 – THE WEDDING INDUSTRY IS FULL OF “PROS” OUT TO CHEAT YOU

 There may be an occasional unscrupulous  wedding planner who makes the news. There may be  a florist, photographer or caterer who  fails to follow through. However, they are vastly outnumbered by reputable, experienced professionals whose livelihood depends on their sterling reputation for honesty, integrity and reliability. The client should check out the reputation of a vendor under consideration and before a particular vendor or service is booked, it is worthwhile to ask for references.

MYTH 4 – WE HAVE A YEAR TO GIVE OUT OUR THANK YOU NOTES

Whoever started that myth was dreaming.  The rule on thank you notes is simple – write them ASAP.  Keep up with them throughout the period of showers, parties and gifts sent to the bride’s home.  If a guest has thought enough to send a gift to celebrate the wedding, he or she deserves a thoughtful response which expresses timely and sincere thanks.  If there is a legitimate reason for a delay in writing personal thank you notes, then gift acknowledgment cards are to be sent immediately and followed up by a personal thank you at a somewhat later date – but NEVER A YEAR.

If you are not sure about some wedding do’s and don’ts contact TriniWeddings at 868 628-WEDD (9333) or email info@triniweddings.com. We would be happy to help you sort yourself out!

Creative ways to personalize your wedding

The urge to be unique is increasingly important to modern brides, so I am sharing some creative ideas.

• If yours is a smaller wedding, consider including a personal note with the invitation.
• If you live in the U.S. the US Postal Service can help you can create your own stamp.
• Stats have shown that social invitations are opened more frequently on Saturdays.  Time your invitation mailings to arrive on Saturday if possible.  You’ll receive more RSVP responses.
• Pick a monogram and use it throughout the planning process.
• Choose a unique start time for the ceremony.  For example use the date you met (5:23) or the date you got engaged (7:04) or other key dates in your lives.
• Take lots of photos during your engagement and pre wedding planning period and use them as table decorations at the reception.
• Create an entrance at the wedding – something that says WOW and let’s guests know they have arrived.
• Include your parents by having their wedding photos on display at the reception.  Include grandparent photos too if they are available.
• To keep everything moving, plan a “surprise” for guests at the reception every 30 minutes.
• If you are planning a Dessert Station at your reception, ask family cooks to bring a dozen or two of their favorite treats.  These will add variety to the selection and invest family in the reception.

For answers to your questions, call (868) 620- 6816 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

Guidelines For Choosing Your Wedding Gown Style

When you are shopping for your wedding gown, select a style that is appropriate for your body shape. This key piece of advice is the secret to looking amazing on your special day.  Choose a store where the salespersons know what makes you look fabulous and not the gown that they want to get sold.

 If you are a petite bride – shorter than 5’4” and small boned, look for gowns that give the illusion of more height like off the shoulder or gowns with vertical lines.  Your goal is to draw the eyes upward by keeping details at a minimum and focusing the eye to the bodice area.

If you are tall – usually 5’9” or taller, you can wear a wider variety of shapes.  It is best to emphasize your longer proportions.  Bias cut skirts and straight designs can be fabulous.

If you are a plus size consider a gown with a skirt that flows from just under the breast to the floor.  A-line silhouettes and princess lines work well as well as does heavier fabric like satin.

If yours is a triangle shape – narrower on the top and fuller on the bottom, your goal is to create balance.  A V neckline is excellent for you.

Guidelines for Toasting at Weddings

According to Random House, a toast is “a salutation uttered immediately before drinking in honor of a person or event.”

Toasts acknowledge the wedding couple and express good wishes for a happy future together. They also express a welcome – one family welcoming a new member to the group.

Some general guidelines:
· Toasts are not an opportunity to make the couple blush nor are they the place to tell inside jokes.

· The average toast can run about 3 minutes but no more than 5 minutes.

· The best times at the reception to offer toasts are either before the dinner starts and/or just prior to cutting the cake.

· The official host of the reception (usually the bride’s father) is the first to offer a toast. He is followed by the best man and then the maid of honor. Yes, the maid of honor offers a toast to the happy couple. Others may wish to offer toasts, but they should be controlled. No one should speak after the bridegroom or bride gives the vote of thanks.

· If the bride and groom host their own wedding, they start the toasts by thanking family and guests for being with them on this special occasion.

· When looking for words for the toast, consider lines from poems that have meaning for the couple or the person offering the toast. Song lyrics or short anecdotes about the couple are also appropriate.

· The host or master of ceremonies should discourage the clinking of silverware against the glassware for any purpose during the reception. Those offering toasts must remember that they are toasting and not rambling so they must get guests to “raise their glasses” to the couple.

TriniWeddings can help you create and deliver an appropriate toast, just call 868 624 4015 for an appointment that is convenient to us both.
　

Changing Traditions

Many of the traditions that we follow in weddings today have their origins in Elizabethan or Renaissance eras and modern day changes have been made.

·        VOWS – the phrase “Honor and obey” has been replaced with various alternatives that reflect equality in the relationship.

·        BRIDAL ESCORTS – More and more brides and couples are having both parents escort them down the aisle.  In some ceremonies, the groom comes down the aisle with both his mother and father, followed by the bride on the arms of both of her parents.  This honors both parents and recognizes each of their roles in preparing their sons/daughters for this day.  In fact, if the bride’s father is not available or this is a second marriage, a bride may choose to walk down the aisle alone or she may choose anyone to escort her.  A sibling, her mother, her grandfather, her son or a friend may do the honors.

·        PARENTAL ROLES – Parents are no longer limited to escort duty.  Many grooms are choosing their father to be the best man and brides are asking Mom to be the matron of honor.

·        RECEIVING LINES - These may still be part of a very formal wedding where the ceremony and reception are at different venues, but for smaller weddings with the same site for ceremony and reception, more and more couples are foregoing the receiving line and instead making it a point to acknowledge and thank each guest at his/her table throughout the evening.

For more advice about changes you can comfortably make in your wedding plans, stop in and chat with one of our experienced consultants.  We know how to help you make your wedding uniquely yours or tie it comfortably to tradition. For answers to your questions,

call 868 624-4014 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com