Posts Tagged ‘wedding planning’

Expert Advice from Bernadette Smith of 14 Stories: The Gay Wedding Party

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Massachusetts wedding planner, Bernadette Smith, of 14 Stories has shared many pieces of advice with us about gay weddings.  We are so honored to have Bernadette’s expert advice featured on the my Kate Parker Wedding blog.  Check out her new piece of advice below!

14 Stories

The Gay Wedding Party

It’s OK if someone declines your request to be in your wedding party.  They are not obligated to accept – it could be a financial, work issue or something else.  Don’t guilt anyone out.

Choose the people with whom you are closest to be your attendant.

You don’t have to ask people to be your attendant just because you were in his or her wedding.  Stand firm if you don’t want them as your attendant.  It can be an emotional land mine – but it’s your wedding.

You don’t have to have the same number of attendants on either side.  It doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy.  You don’t have to go out and make new best friends or invite people you’d rather not for the sake of symmetry.  No symmetry required.

Some people are not comfortable with gender roles associated with wedding tasks

Many gay couples do not have children at their wedding

In many gay weddings, people other than the Best Man offer toasts

Many gay weddings don’t have bachelor parties or bridal showers

Many gay couples don’t ask their attendants to dance with one another.

Many gay couples don’t expect their female attendants to all wear the exact same dress, if they are even asked to wear a dress at all.  For dresses, I’m a fan of designers like J Crew and Aria where you can match the fabric in a variety of dresses that flatter every figure.

There are often no formal introductions at a gay wedding, or if there are, it’s typically just the newlyweds.

Jen and I each had two girls on our sides, so four in total.  All but one were actually straight.  The girls were in charge of invitations and activities at the bridal shower.  They also threw us a bachelorette party but otherwise didn’t have a ton of responsibility.  They were all asked to wear navy but had complete freedom in their outfit selection.  They were not asked to give toasts.  They were not asked to dance with one another.

In short, if you’re planning a gay wedding, there’s a good chance you might be asking a lot less of your attendant than your heterosexual counterpart.

Are you planning to have a wedding party? What are you asking of them?

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my Kate Parker Wedding is your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

How to Say “I Do”: A Ceremony Planning Series featuring Wedded Luxe

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

This week, the my Kate Parker Wedding ceremony series, How to Say “I Do”, features NYC/Westchester County wedding planner, Wedded Luxe.  Wedded Luxe shares 5 tips to keep in mind when planning your wedding ceremony.  Check them out below!

My advice as a wedding planner:

myKPW: Wedded Luxe

1) Don’t over look the decor for your ceremony.  Every element of your wedding should have a wow factor.  I think using all white flowers and/or decor with a hint of your wedding colors is a nice touch. This will help your ceremony stand out but it will still be cohesive.

2) Pre-ceremony music helps create the mood of your ceremony.  Hire musicians to serenade your guest as they enter the ceremony venue.

3) If you are having an early morning ceremony, treat your guest to a light snack by serving tea, coffee and mini baked goods. If it’s a hot summer day, a refreshing class of lemonade or ice tea is a refreshing surprise.

4) If you have the space to change your ceremony layout, a round formation gives all your guest a good seat in the house.  It’s a nice break from the traditional groom’s side and bride’s side layout.

5) Make your ceremony meaningful. Even though the emphasis is placed on your reception this is the moment you become husband and wife.  Choose an officiant or house of worship that connects with you.  They shouldn’t just read a script.  The words should have meaning to you and represent your union.  If it’s meaningful to you, it will be to your guest as well.

myKPW: Wedded Luxe

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NYC/Westchester County wedding planner, Wedded Luxe, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

myKPW Announces the Grand Opening of a New Market: Washington D.C. Metro

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

my Kate Parker Wedding is so excited to announce the opening of a new market, Washington D.C. Metro We have so many amazing new vendors to share with you! The Washington D.C. area is just opening today, so there will be much more to come in the future. Check out all the new additions to the myKPW family below! Also exciting, my Kate Parker Wedding is going to be a part of  the The Washington DC Couture Wedding Consortium 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show tonight! It is from 5-7pm so be sure to stop by and check it out! Also, say hi to our member, Elegance and Simplicity who will be there too!

A Britton Photography

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer A Britton Photography

myKPW: A Britton Photography

Elegance and Simplicity

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Planner: Elegance & Simplicity

myKPW: Elegance & Simplicity, INC

Geoff Chesman Visuals

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer Geoff Chesman Visuals

myKPW: Geoff Chesman Visuals

Cleverly Candid Photography

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer: Cleverly Candid Photography

myKPW: Cleverly Candid Photography

LelyCo Events

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Planner LelyCo Events

myKPW: LelyCo Events

The Observatory

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer The Observatory

myKPW:The Observatory

Bella Notte

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Planner: Bella Notte

myKPW: Bella Notte

Photography by Marirosa

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer Photography by Marirosa

myKPW: Photography by Marirosa

Julia MacInnis Photography

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Photographer Julia MacInnis Photography

myKPW: Julia MacInnis

Event Accomplished

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Planner Event Accomplished

myKPW: Event Accomplished

Holly Heider Chapple Flowers Ltd.

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Floral Designer: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers Ltd.

myKPW: Holly Heider Chapple Flowers Ltd.Tulaloo

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Paper Products: Tulaloo

myKPW: Tulaloo

Prologue Press

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Wedding Paper ProductsPrologue Press

myKPW: Prologue Press

Petals Edge Floral Design

my Kate Parker Wedding Member, Washington D.C. Floral Designer: Petals Edge Floral Design

Petals Edge Floral Design

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All of the vendors above are members of my Kate Parker Wedding your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Five New my Kate Parker Wedding Members

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

We are excited to announce these five new members to the my Kate Parker Wedding family!

Panache Weddings & Events
a my Kate Parker Wedding vendor
Website: www.panacheplanners.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: Central Florida 25-50k, 50-80k

Five New myKPW Members

Wynne Bailey Designs
a my Kate Parker Wedding vendor
Website:  www.wynnebailey.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: MA, CT, NYC/Westchester County 50-80k

Five New myKPW Members

Tracy Hines Studio
my Kate Parker Wedding Directory: Tracy Hines Studio
Website: www.tracyhinesstudio.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: NH 25-50k

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Holly Heider Chapple Flowers
a my Kate Parker Wedding vendor
Website: www.hollychappleflowers.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: Washington D.C. 50-80k

Five New myKPW Members

Your Happily Ever After
a my Kate Parker Wedding vendor
Website: www.yourhappilyeverafter.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget: Baltimore <25k, 25-50k

Five New myKPW Members

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All of the vendors above are members of my Kate Parker Wedding your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

my Kate Parker Wedding Hearts Pups

Friday, February 12th, 2010

How cute are these pups!  We decided to create a little inspirational collection of these adorable dogs.  Since one of the charities that we donate to is the ASPCA, we figured a doggie inspiration board was very appropriate.  So far, we are proud to say that we have donated over $3,500 to the ASPCA in efforts to help fight animal cruelty and raise awareness of animal welfare.  The ASPCA is one of three charities that my Kate Parker Wedding donates to and so far, over $11,000 has been donated to all of the charities that we are involved with.

Dog wedding inspiration boardimages above from left to right starting at the top left:  LelyCo Events, emilie inc., Patrick McNamara Photography, Silver Toad Floral Design, Allison Hope Photography, Silver Toad Floral Design, Sweetest Things Weddings

New York City Wedding Planner, Wedded Luxe Shares Some Tips and Trends

Friday, February 5th, 2010

New York City wedding planner, Deniesha Joseph, of Wedded Luxe shares some of the current trends she is seeing in the wedding industry today. Deniesha Joseph, a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, shares a little bit about her experience in the wedding industry and gives us some insight into her business.  Check out her work and her info below!

What are some current trends you are seeing in the world of weddings?

(1) Wedding Shoes – From red bottoms to colorful shoes, brides are paying a lot of attention to their feet on their wedding day. Having a show stopping wedding shoe has been a big wedding trend for 2009 and I’m sure this trend will be seen in 2010.

(2) Intimate Weddings – many couples are opting for smaller more intimate weddings then the 200+ guests list. This trend is giving couples more room to have everything they want for their wedding without breaking the bank.

myKPW: Wedded Luxe

(3) Eco Friendly Weddings – Watching your carbon foot print has gone from recycling and hybrid cars to weddings. Many couples are being environmentally conscious when it comes to their wedding day. Choosing eco friendly vendors, using invitation made out of recycle paper and even eco friendly wedding gowns. And no, eco friendly does not mean vegan.

(4) Hair Accessories – Tiara’s will always be a part of weddings but many brides are seeking alternatives. From headbands to feathers the options are endless these days. It’s modern and chic and here to stay for 2010.

(5) Bridesmaids Dresses – Letting your besties shine with different dresses has been a growing trend for a couple of wedding seasons but in 2009 the trend stepped it up by having your bridal party in different colors as well. Having your girls in complimenting colors or different shades of the same color for a monochromatic look will be a fresh change for bridal party attire.

myKPW: Wedded Luxe

(6) The Second Dress – Having your LWD (Little White Dress) to change into for your reception has been a big trend but brides are stepping it up a notch and adding some color. Having a second dress to cut a rug in doesn’t have to be white any more.

(7) Ceremony Décor – choosing your aisle style has gone beyond to arrangement at the altar. Brides are adding more flair to their ceremony. Dressing up your pews and custom made aisle runners are just a few ways to jazz up your ceremony space. You can also change your ceremony by changing the layout all together.  Instead of the traditional aisle, you can have your guest in a round formation with you and your groom at the center.

myKPW: Wedded Luxe

(8) Early Weddings – Saturday night will always be the fan favorite for weddings but early weddings are gaining tractions. Having an early lunch or for some couple even a brunch wedding is pretty popular. Of course the biggest benefit is you save money!

(9) Engagement photos – Many photographers are including engagement photos in their package because of the high demand for it. Couples are displaying them at the reception, using them for save the dates or taken the time to get comfortable behind the camera. Couples are also adding some fun by using props during their session.

(10) Homemade Favors – Giving your guest something a little more personal is great way to say thank you. Preparing your grandma’s famous cookies and sharing the recipe with your guest is a lot more personal then wine stoppers.

myKPW: Wedded Luxe
Wedded Luxe
Website: www.weddedluxe.com
Email: info@weddedluxe.com
Phone: 718-938-4713
my Kate Parker Wedding State & Budget:  New York City, 25-50k

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New York City wedding planner, Wedded-Luxe, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding your online wedding resource guide geared towards directing couples to quality vendors based on their price range and state.