Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date - Helpful tips on how to pick your special day.


Now that you have announced your engagement it is time to choose your special date! You may find this process a little challenging but there are a few key things to put into consideration that will make it a little easier.


Dream Venue

It's very important to determine what your "dream" venue would be. Once you’ve done that, contact the venue to inquire what dates are available. This will help you determine what dates/seasons you have to choose from for you special “I Do” day.


Choosing a Season

If you have chosen a venue that has an open schedule and you have your pick of any season, or you are getting married in a state that has beautiful weather all year long, you may have trouble deciding which season is for you. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter months all have different pros and cons. Although you may not be even remotely interested in having, for example, a winter wedding, you may be surprised at the advantages. Winter is generally less expensive and your favorite venue may possibly be available on more dates. Sitting down with your fiancé and writing out a list of pros and cons to all four seasons may help make this choice easier.


Be flexible

Deciding what day of the week seems like an easy choice, but you may find this to be more of a challenge than you thought. Typically Saturday is the most common and convenient day to have a wedding, but on occasion a Saturday isn’t always available. However, it is not unheard of to have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday. Although a Friday might be more inconvenient for your guests, it will more than likely not carry the higher price tag venues charge for a Saturday event, as Fridays are not highest in demand. Same goes for Sundays. If you still have your heart set on a Saturday wedding, changing your season or venue might also be appealing at this point.



“VIP” Guests

Regardless of what day of the week and date you choose, it is important to first keep in mind all of the "VIP” guests that will be attending the wedding. These people are immediate families of bride and groom, your bridal party and close friends. Take a quick poll to find out if any of these VIPs have plans for your special day. PLEASE DO NOT STRESS OVER EVERYONE! Worrying about only those important people will be a lot easier on you. You can't make everyone happy and it is inevitable that there will be a few invited guests who won’t be able to attend the wedding.


Stray From National Holidays – Unless a Destination Wedding

Unless it represents something important to you, it is recommended not to have your special day on any holidays that might keep your guests away. For example, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all holidays when folks tend to head out of town on vacation. A better choice would be a significant date in your relationship or possibly the anniversary of beloved parents or grandparents. However with that said, this could also be a fabulous time for a destination wedding if your entire family does holiday traveling together. That is most definitely something to consider in detail, as obviously there are other elements involved in planning destination weddings.




Some couples find the date picking task easier than others. They choose a day that represents something significant; the first day they met, their first kiss, or a special family anniversary. Some just choose a random day because they like the way the date sounds when said aloud or it’s more convenient for them and their guests. For the rest of you who are still struggling with the decision, I sincerely hope that you found a few if not all of these tips helpful in choosing your wedding date!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wedding Do's and Do NOT

Your Guide to a successful wedding

The Do’s

•Do: Outline a realistic budget. These are mandatory to keep you on track and stress free.
•Do: give yourself plenty of time to plan and work with your planner.
•Do: organize all of the pieces of the wedding. A binder which includes separate tabs for wedding professionals, appointments, contracts, gown/dress swatches, etc. is a great investment.
•Do: prepare and follow a timetable of events, including appointments, deposits & payments, review contract terms, fittings, etc..
•Do: Hire a coordinator to handle every aspect of the wedding day. (highly recommended) To ensure your wedding day is truly “your special day” every item must be coordinated.
•Do: Hire professionals that you are comfortable with. If you are not comfortable speaking with someone, or if it seems like your questions or inquiries are just brushed off, then it would probably be a good idea to seek out someone else.
•Do: enjoy yourself. This will be one of the most memorable times in your lives.
•Do: Talk, Talk, Talk, Express your wishes and desires….if you don’t speak up no one knows what you really want…

The Do NOT

•Do not: procrastinate in your planning – hire all of your wedding professionals as soon as the date is set or as soon as possible. Some of the best wedding planners and vendors are scooped up 6 months to a year in advance.
•Do Not: Accept something because it is easier and you don’t want to hurt feelings… You are paying ..IT”S YOUR WEDDING….You need and deserve to get what YOU want!!!
•Do not: hire your wedding professionals until you have a working budget. Know what you can afford and if you are pressed for money, budget more for the items that are going to matter the most and less for the non essential “frills”.
•Do not: hire professionals just because they’re the cheapest – Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. Your wedding is one of the most important days in your lives, make sure that the memories you have will be good ones.
•Do not: hire the first professional you meet – We reccomend you check out a minimum of 3 for a proper comparison.
•Do not: be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure of something “ask”. The only “stupid” question is the one that wasn’t asked!!!
•Do not: assume anything! – get everything in writing. CONTRACT – CONTRACT – CONTRACT.
•Do not: make decisions without consulting your mate – it’s their wedding also.
•Do not: invite everyone you’ve ever known. – weddings are expensive.
•DO NOT: worry about everyone else’s advise – its YOUR wedding. I repeat ….IT’S “YOUR” WEDDING!! You should have what you and your fiance want…. To me this is in the top of what you need to remember when planning your wedding..

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Blogger Buzz: Show off your Followers

Blogger Buzz: Show off your Followers

Magical Romance Package

Magical Romance ($1,650.00)

Everything you need for a Romantic day that will live on forever. Providing you with the perfect start to your new life together as husband and wife.
By choosing the Magical Romance Package, your destination wedding will include the following:

Officiant – Non Denominational minister (male or female) to perform a personalized romantic ceremony for you and your fiance'. Sand or Shell ceremony included (if desired) at no additional fee.

License - Filing of your license after the ceremony.

Decor - Decorated 2 post bamboo arch with sheer fabric and silk floral color of your choice

Photography – All photos of couple, family and friends on a CD copyrights to couple.

Bouquet – An 18 rose flower bridal bouquet (hydrangea or tiger lily may be substituted) and a lapel flower for the groom. Your color choice

Attendants Floral - Small Maid of Honor bouquet and Best Man lapel floral

Chairs – 20 chairs for guest seating with chair covers and sashes

Guest Bubbles – Blowing bubbles will be placed on each chair (20) for Bride and Groom exit

Music - Recorded wedding music can be provided upon request on CD/MP3 player or you may bring a selection of your own. Microphone provided for ceremony.

Hair and Make up – for Bride day of wedding. Attendants can be purchased separately

Ceremony - This package is for up to one hour at the ceremony site.

Locations - Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Labelle, Immokalee, Port Charlotte, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bonita Beach and Marco Island. (travel fees may apply to any other area)

*Selected locations may charge an additional "facility-use" fee which is in addition to our prices.

Other
- Add $50 for rehearsal

** Prices subject to change without notice**

For more information about the Magical Romance Package, please contact us at 239-878-3526, email magicalmomentweddings@gmail.com

Magical Moment Package

Magical Moment ($2,350.00)

The magical wedding you've been envisioning will come true on the sandy beaches of Florida. An elegant day awaits you as you celebrate your love in a magical ceremony that will join both of you as you start your journey through life together.

The Ultimate Dream Package will provide the following for your Florida Wedding:

Officiant – Non Denominational minister (male or female) to perform a personalized romantic ceremony for you and your fiance'. Sand and Shell ceremony included (if desired) at no additional fee.

License - Filing of your license after the ceremony.

Decor - Decorated 2 or 4 post bamboo arch with sheer fabric and silk floral color of your choice sheer fabric aisle runner with red and white silk rose petals, 4 decorated tiki torches to match your floral choice
Guest Bubbles – Each guest will be provided blowing bubbles on chairs for Bride and Grooms exit

Photography – All photos of couple and family and friends Included on a CD copyrights to couple.

Bouquet – A 24 rose flower bridal bouquet (hydrangea or tiger lily may be substituted) and a lapel flower for the groom. Your color choice.

Attendant Floral - Small Maid of Honor bouquet and Best Man lapel flower included at no additonal fee

Photo Video - The Photo-Video on one DVD (a creative display of your photo highlights set to music)

Chairs – 50 chairs for guest seating with chair covers and sashes

Music - Recorded wedding music can be provided upon request on CD/MP3 player or you may bring a selection of your own. Microphone provided for ceremony.
Hair and Air Brush Make up – for Bride only day of wedding provided at locaton of your stay. (payments and arrangements can be made for additional bridal party members or family)

Champagne - Bride and Groom receive a complimentary bottle of champagne (both MUST be over 21) Sparkling Beverage for those under 21

Wedding Cake – Single tier wedding cake with silk floral or chocolate seashell topper with disposable plates, napkins and forks for after ceremony

Ceremony - This package is for up to one hour at the ceremony site.

Locations - Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Labelle, Immokalee, Port Charlotte, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bonita Beach and Marco Island. (travel fees may apply to any other area)

*Selected locations may charge an additional "facility-use" fee which is in addition to our prices.

Other
- Add $50 for rehearsal

For more information about the Magic Moment Package, please contact us at 239-878-3526, email magicalmomentweddings@gmail.com

**Prices subject to change without notice**

Magical Affair Package

Magical Affair Package ($550.00)

This Florida destination ceremony package is perfect for the couple who wants to get married with a select few family and friends. This is also ideal for couples who would like to renew their vows by having a beach wedding.

The Magical Affair Package provides the following for your Florida destination wedding:

Officiant - Non Denominational Minister (male or female) will perform a personalized Magical ceremony for you and your fiance.

Photography - includes up to 25 photos edited on CD with copyrights given to couple (we reserve the right to use photos for advertising)

Bouquet - Bride receives a bouquet consisting of 12 roses bouquet in the color of her choice, and a matching lapel flower for the groom.

Music - Songs of your choice can be played for your ceremony includes processional and recessional as well as music for guest arrival. We provide the music or you may submit your own selections.

Chairs – 10 chairs for guest seating with chair covers and white sashes

License - Legal filing of the license after the ceremony.

Locations - Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Labelle, Immokalee, Port Charlotte, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bonita Beach and Marco Island. (travel fees may apply to any other area)
*Selected locations may charge an additional "facility-use" fee which is in addition to our prices.

Other
- Add $50 for rehearsal

**Prices subject to change without notice**

For more information about the Magic for Two Package, please contact us at 239-878-3526, email magicalmomentweddings@gmail.com

2011 Magic For Two Package

Magic for Two Package $325.00


Non Denominational minister (male or female) will perform a personalized Magical ceremony for you and your fiance. You will receive a framable decorative marriage certificate. We will file your license after the ceremony and provide consulting on the location of your Florida wedding and any extras you may need. The Magic for Two Package is for up to one hour at the ceremony site


Officiant - Non-Denominational officiant or notary, performing a personalized, romantic Florida beach ceremony.

Photography - includes up to 25 photos edited on CD with copyrights given to couple (we reserve the right to use photos for advertising)

Bouquet - Bride receives a bouquet consisting of 5 roses in the color of her choice, and a matching lapel flower for the groom.

License - Legal filing of the license after the ceremony.

Locations included in price - Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Naples, Labelle, Immokalee, Port Charlotte, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Bonita Beach and Marco Island. (travel fees may apply to any other area)
*Selected locations may charge an additional "facility-use" fee which is in addition to our prices.
Other
- Add $50 for rehearsal

**Prices subject to change without notice**

For more information about the Magic for Two Package, please contact us at 239-878-3526, email magicalmomentweddings@gmail.com

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Some of Our Past Weddings

Wedding Thought of the Day

If I could only let you know one thing I would tell you that no matter what anyone says Do What You Want for your wedding.

There have been so many brides who come to me and say ohhh I can't do that at my wedding because so and so wants to do it for there wedding or that has already been done… My answer is SO What!

This is YOUR wedding you will be the only person that has regrets of what you did or did not do for your own wedding. No one else's thoughts or opinion matters because again it is YOUR wedding. I stress that to all brides.

Your wedding is not a competition nor should it be. If you have been to a wedding and found things you liked incorporate them into your wedding IT'S OK to do!! No one corners the market on a wedding idea they are not copyrighted. So if you find something you like do it or put a nice spin on it so it reflects your personality!

Remember it's the one day in your life that it's all about YOU, YOU, YOU; it's your day to shine, you are the STAR of the show!! So in the end it needs to be what you want so it relects your personaity!

Be blessed and Not stressed on your wedding day! Happy planning to you!

It's Your Magical Moment Wedding with Our Personal Touch!

Be sure to visit our website at www.magicalmomentweddings.com

Why Hire a Wedding Planner??

Most brides in todays economy are trying to save money and who can blame them! But planning a wedding can be a stressful time, especially if all the details are disorganized or as most of our couples you are coming a great distance and it is actually difficult to be hands on at any given time.. The last thing any couple wants to do is haggle over particulars and obsess over details. At Magical Moment Weddings we can take care of any item, no matter how small. Once given the couple’s price range, we can weed out any vendor who doesn’t fall within the confines of your budget.

Another important factor to consider is we work for you. We act as your mediator for those hard to sometimes handle family members or friends who want to offer their advice! Ask any bride how much help they had from family and friends and most if honest will tell you Way to much. At Magical Moment Weddings we listen to everyone and offer solutions and compromises when needed but always remember that it is your wedding and honor your wishes first and foremost!

We offer many different coordinating packages on our Website magicalmomentweddings.com and if we don't offer exactly what you need we are more than happy to custom design one to fit your wedding needs.

Visit us at magicalmomentweddings.com

Start Spreading the NEWS!!!

Imagine. It’s sunset. You’re walking hand in hand with your sweetie down the sun kissed beach. All of a sudden he stops. He drops to one knee and you are now in the moment you have dreamed of since you were a little girl. Your breath catches as he utters those four little words you will never forget, “Will you marry me?” You immediately say “YES!” in your most excited voice and you embrace in a loving hug. In all the excitement you will probably call your immediate families to share the wonderful news, but what about everyone else? Sure, you could shout it from the mountain top or a roof top even, but that would probably strain your voice and you really want to be able to say “I Do” when the time comes. :) The following is a list of four ideas out of many currently available in which to spread your fabulous news without straining your voice or your pocket book.

1. Instant sharing

If you want to reach virtually everyone in an instant without spending a dime, then Facebook or Twitter is the way to go! Update your relationship status and everyone is bound to notice! All you have to do it sit back and watch as your wall is filled and tweets are all a buzz with congratulations.

2. Tell them with pictures

Take your favorite photograph of the two of you together or schedule an engagement session with a local photographer and use those photographs to create unique announcement post cards. You can use any online printing service for this. There are a number of different sites but the two I’ve seen most advertised online are Snapfish.com and Shutterfly.com. Once your announcement post cards have arrived, all you’ll have to do is address, stamp and mail. It couldn’t get any easier. Rates and styles vary from company to company, so shop around a little before you make your final decision.



3. Create a wedding website

Almost all bride and grooms to be have a wedding website these days. It’s a simple and easy way to share your engagement story, your bridal party updates, and of course pictures just to name a few, with everyone at once. Once you’ve created your website simply copy and paste the link into an email and send away. Oh, and did I mention most wedding websites are FREE! :)

4. Send a video ECard

TheKnot.com now offers video ECards. You and your fiancé can create a personalized engagement announcement that is sure to be remembered for years to come. Choose a theme (a ballroom, beach, or barnyard) with music to match, and upload your favorite photos of each other. Your smiling heads will be connected to kooky dancing bodies as you star in a musical production guaranteed to get a laugh. Want them to be unique and different for various family and friends? Make one of all three! It can be emailed to just one person or to the whole of your guest list, and it’s FREE! Go for it, head on over to http://global.theknot.com/sitelets/ritani/ecard/ and give it a try for yourself!


We hope this blog gave you some useful ideas. Visit us at www.magicalmomentweddings.com