Private Receptions™ BLOG

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The Lost Ceremony 11/27/2009

Marriage is like a cup of coffee! It started off simple with the traditional black cup then escalated to include options such as steamed milk, sweeteners, and specialty blended beans. It’s no wonder you need an index card to order a simple beverage like coffee and have a Starbucks at every corner. Getting married in the 21st century has become so complicated and detailed that in addition to a binder you need an entire team of people to help organize and support you through the wedding process.

20 years ago it was typical for a bride and groom to get married in a place of worship followed by a reception in a nearby location with the help of the family. Prior to the internet a bride-to-be didn’t have access to an unlimited network, but today she has the ability to visualize like no other generation. Merging modern day culture with tradition can be challenging if a person isn’t clear on what tradition is and why it’s important to their family foundation. Perhaps this is why tradition has taken a back seat role within the wedding planning process and the ceremony has become less of a focus.

Couples are opting for locations that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception and there are two primary reasons for their decision. One is expense and second is their lack of religious conviction.

The cost of a modern day wedding has steadily increased over the years and it’s now common to see couples having to contribute to the wedding budget in order to get the type of wedding they’re looking for. As couples began to contribute, they in return are expecting to have more control over their wedding vision. That vision often differs from their parent’s and this battle for control can often be the root of despair and much dispute.

So why does the disconnect occur? Is it the increase of interfaith marriages that prompts a couple to opt for a neutral location? Or is it the lack of connection that couples have with the organized religion? If people continue to rewrite their idea of a ceremony what will happen to the customs and cultural practices that define the foundation of their roots?

Many young people are uncomfortable discussing Religion, but if you’re engaged or thinking of becoming engaged it’s important to challenge each other in a healthy discussion regarding your beliefs. Make sure you are in agreement about what matters most and that you can intelligently explain why.  Remember- The Ceremony is what makes the wedding official so give it the attention it deserves.

 

Planning a Wedding – There is an App for That! 11/25/2009

Are you newly engaged and wondering where to start when it comes to planning your big day?  You are not alone; and, to help you out, various companies have developed useful applications to ease the stresses that come along with planning the perfect wedding.  Take a look at some of the top wedding applications that all brides should check out for either their iPhone or iTunes account:

1. Wedding Wire iPhone Application –Managing your to-do list on the go has never been easier with is app from Wedding Wire, complete with a wedding checklist, vendor directory, budget tracker and countdown.

2. Bride Guide ($4.99) Looking for an all-in-one application to handle your wedding planning, then this is the app for you. Features include a countdown timer, budget calculator to manage your spending, to-do lists (so you don’t miss a step), along with great articles that will make planning for your special day a little easier.

3. Wedding Dash Lite (Free for the first 5 levels) Every bride needs to take a break from all the planning.  Here is a great stress buster for Free.  In this game you will assist couples plan their big day, from the cake to the flowers and more.  But, along the way you will encounter obstacles.  Can you run a successful wedding planning business and make other couples happy?  Try this fun and addictive game for yourself.

4. iBridal Gown ($3.99) Designed by a bridal salon owner, this application helps brides search and find the perfect wedding gown. You can store information on your favorite dresses with photos and details, along with bridal shop information and directions.  Then, you will have these dresses at your fingertips and can review them and choose “the one”.

5. theKnot wedding 911 (Free) Designed by Knot.com editors, this iPhone application is your on-the-go source for expert wedding advice.  Have a question?  Why not ask other brides-to-be for hips, ideas and more.  This is the perfect application for busy brides or for last minute advice.

Do you have any other favorite applications that you cannot live without? Share them here with other brides.

 

TLC Casting Call for NY, NJ, & CT Brides! 11/24/2009

If you are getting married on the below dates, TLC is looking to cast brides in NJ, NY, and CT for their new upcoming series!

Brides wanted with wedding dates on…

2009

Dec. 18, 19, 20 or 31

2010

Jan. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 30 or 31

Feb. 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 or 28

Mar. 5

Contact nerissa@privatereceptions.com for more information!

 

Wedding Gown Preservation – It’s a Science! 11/23/2009

Manic Mondays by Jessica Ozrek

Your big day is over and your precious dress hangs aimlessly in the closet.  You may have spilled some champagne on it or maybe it’s been soaked with salt water when you ran through the ocean after your ceremony.  Grass stains?  Perspiration?  All of these have different effects on the fabrics.  If you are planning to keep your wedding dress, bringing it to a specialist could be smart.

Jonathan Scheer, Founder and President of J. Scheer & Co., is an expert in wedding gown preservation.  He recommends that brides who are interested in family and tradition take serious consideration in the steps to preserve their wedding dress.

“The wedding dress is probably the most important article of clothing you will ever wear,” Mr. Scheer said, “Whether it’s a $50 or $50,000 dress – it doesn’t matter because it’s your wedding dress.”

As a bride looking into options for cleaning and storing your gown, it’s important to know that there is a science behind preserving fabrics and treating stains.

Salt water, champagne, perspiration – these factors are taken into consideration when brought to a specialist.  The sooner the dress is cleaned, the better chance at saving the dress, and JC Sheer’s offer a 50-year guarantee.

Mr. Scheer’s goal is to provide each bride with the service of maintaining the wedding dress’s physical and chemical integrity.  Therefore, whether the next generation chooses to wear the dress or not, the decision will be based on one’s own goals and needs rather than the condition of the dress.

As a keepsake and heirloom to pass down through your family, preserving your wedding dress the right way will prove to be a smart and invaluable decision.  Private Receptions is happy to assist in your wedding gown preservation decision-making.

 

Engagement photos- Yay or Nay? 11/21/2009

Ladies on the fence about engagement shots?!? Top 3 reasons an engagement shoot can be beneficial…

1. Gives you and your fiance a chance to warm up to the camera

2. Schedule your hair and make-up trial for the day of the shot (this way it doesn’t go to waste)

3. Gives your photographer the opportunity to get to know your personalities.

Check out one of our new favorite photographers Ryan Brenizer with one of our Private Receptions couples!


 

Daisypath Wedding and Anniversary Ticker 11/20/2009

This is another great countdown clock that you can set for your wedding day or anniversary.  The Anniversary ticker displays how many years you have been together, and both tickers can be personalized with your own text. Once you create your custom ticker you can add this to forum signatures, desktops, web pages and even email applications.

 

Facebook Apps for Brides! 11/17/2009

Looking for creative and fun applications to spice up and share info for your big day? Check out seven top Facebook wedding applications that other brides are using…

1. What is Your Wedding Song? – This application is a personal music recommendation engine that helps you find the perfect wedding song based upon your personalities.

2. Wedding Countdown – You have been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl.  Now, that is it right around the corner, set up this application to share with friends how many days are left until your wedding day.

3. Wedding Tip of the Day – Add this application to your account and get daily advice and ideas to help you plan your wedding. There are different themes to suit each bride.

4. myWedding map –  myWedding was designed to help brides announce, plan and share with wedding guests, information on their upcoming wedding day. Once set up, you can share a Google map with everyone, so they will arrive to the church on time!

5. Wedding Gifts –This applications lets you view and choose the perfect gift for everyone in your wedding party and share it with them through Facebook.

6. My Wedding — This application allows you to include a wedding announcement on your Facebook profile page and share your news with all your friends.

7. Wedding Video –Share you entire wedding video through Facebook.  Let family and friends who couldn’t make it to your big day relive it with you through your online video.

 

Trash the Dress – finish your wedding off with a photo shoot! 11/16/2009

4Manic Mondays by Jessica Ozrek

Have you thought about what you’re going to do with your dress after the wedding?  Package it away for a future daughter?  Donate it to charity or sell it on eBay?  How about take advantage of a new trend – Trash the Dress!

Many wedding photographers are adding Trash the Dress to their list of services.  Brett Szemple, owner and photographer of Our Wedding Photographer (www.our-wedding-photographer.com), includes TTD in his wedding packages.

Brett:  “It’s my belief that the [Trash the Dress] session makes the wedding experience complete.  It’s a chance to capture images that were impossible to do on the wedding day, no matter the reason…time, geographic restraints, or weather.”

As our wedding photographer, Brett met my husband and me at Palisades Interstate Park on October 31st for some Halloween Trash the Dress fun.  Dressed in angel wings with a garland on my head, I carried a bouquet of flowers.  My husband wore a devil mask with a pitchfork in his hand.

Brett:  “We shoot in unusual locations and use visual concepts that are limited only by imagination.  The images are created after all the stress leading up to the wedding day has subsided.  ”

We ran around posing for shots and didn’t have to worry about my dress getting dirty.  I didn’t mind if it got dirty – which it did, but I also didn’t want to “trash it”.  Luckily, you don’t have to take Trash the Dress literally to experience it.

Brett:  “The premise of the shoot is not about destruction as the name may imply, but about creation.  The session is a second chance to make additional memories and an art piece, but without formalities.”

Whether you run through the ocean, ride bikes down a dirt path, play in the fall leaves, or swim in a pool, Trash the Dress is open to your creativity!

Brett:  “Every session I’ve had the privilege to shoot has been exciting and fun, just like any new adventure.  [The couple] may choose an activity that brought them together, an activity they enjoy together, or perhaps something they’ve always wanted to do but just needed a good excuse.”

 

 

Make it official with these State Marriage Laws! 11/13/2009

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the reception and all of the details…that brides and grooms often overlook the legal logistics…so here is some info to help you out with State Marriage Laws…

State Marriage Laws

State Marriage Laws

 

 

Ride in Style – Transportation Tips for the Couple & Your Guests 11/09/2009

TransportWith all the decisions you as a bride will tackle, one that tends to get little attention is transportation. Some logistics may be required.

Begin thinking about the number and proximity of locations that you, your bridal party, the groom, the groomsmen, immediate family and guests need to navigate (i.e., hotels, homes, ceremony & reception)

Some thought starters to decide what transportation option is best for you and your wedding day…

Is your wedding in NYC where taxi’s and public transportation are the convenient? Or do you have to travel from one town to the next where many people need to drive? Is your location off the beaten track…meaning it’s better to have one point to pick up your guests (to ensure your wedding doesn’t start late!).

Are you after a stylish getaway?

The limo is a classic but what about a vintage car such as a Rolls Royce or Bentley? A horse drawn carriage and rickshaw are whimsical choices.  Rent a 1950’s taxi  for retro look in a suburban area. Or go green and rent bikes for a barn yard wedding weather permitting! Having a Mardi Gra wedding in New Orleans? Walk the streets with the band and bask in the glory with the town on your new nuptials!

Creative budget options…
- Clean out and decorate your own car or borrow a car from a friend or relative.  You can ask your friend to chauffeur as a wedding present.
- Choose a standard limo rather than a stretch.
- Rent a luxury sedan and negotiate a day-of wash and wax.
- If your dress allows, zoom out on a motorcycle or ride that tandem bike your parents have in their garage.

What about your guests?

There are many options for transporting guests and it pays to shop around!  Fun ideas are trolleys and luxury coaches depending on the theme of your wedding.  You can transport large amounts of guests with a double-decker bus or mini-buses for a more intimate affair.  Be sure to preview inside the buses or better yet – get a trusted referral!  Some hotels offer shuttle service when you book a certain amount of rooms.  Again – shop around!

Give yourself enough time to work around any limitations you may encounter, especially if your wedding is in the city.  Private Receptions is happy to assist with transportation ideas and information to select your way to ride in style.

Manic Mondays by Jessica Ozrek