Starz Entertainment

Wedding Planning Newsletter Vol.2

Choosing your vendors!

Hello...We'd like to welcome you to the 2nd edition of our Wedding planning newsletter! 

We hope your planning is coming along well!  We will be going over some info on vendors and how  to select them in this edition.  Hopefully you have your date set now and your venue is taken care of.  We read articles constantly on weddings and how to run them.  Here are what we consider to be some of the most straight forward and to the point advice on every vendor for your wedding.  The origin is listed on almost every article, so that you can check out the websites for articles that you really like.  Happy hunting.  Starz Entertainment has a list of vendors we have worked with and would recommend if you need some additional help Send an e-mail to weddings@starzentertainment.net and ask for names and we will forward them to you. 
 

Click on the vendor below to go to that section!

Florists     Music - DJ or Live Music     Photographer     Bridal Gown Selection
Choosing a Caterer     Your Wedding Cake     Officiate for Wedding     Jewelry
Formal Wear Store     Stationary     Transportation     Videographer   
Valet Parking     Travel Agency

Vendors you will need for your wedding:
 

Florists
article from www.humphreyflorist.com

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Florist:

1. Are there rental fees, or does the price include baskets, runner, arch or any props?

2. Will the florist label all personal flowers or does he/she stay to pin them on?

3. Does the price include delivery and pick-up of rental items after reception?

4. When does the florist purchase the flowers? One to two days before the wedding is ideal.

5. Does the florist have a refrigerator? Roses, gardenias, and other delicate flowers need to be kept cool, especially during summer months.

6. IMPORTANT: Will the florist be there for setup or will it be left to the delivery driver? Especially for outdoor weddings, the arch, gazebo, or chuppah needs to be decorated as close to the ceremony as possible—not hours beforehand.
 

Tips for Stretching Your Floral Budget:

1. Avoid weddings during a major holiday season (such as Valentine's Day) when flower prices are at their highest.

2. Use only flowers in season. For example, tulips for a summer wedding must be imported and can add a lot to the cost.

3. Request inexpensive filler flowers available each season.

4. Use your ceremony flowers at your reception, too. Have them delivered and set up before the guests arrive.
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Music - DJ or Live Music

Having trouble deciding on the type of entertainment you want at your wedding reception? Some people use live entertainment at the ceremony and a DJ for the reception.  Typically a DJ can provide all services where a band is not usually adept at acting as an MC and making events flow smoothly.   As a former band manager and current disc jockey, here is what I have seen over the course of several thousand events.  Below is a list of the pros and cons of each choice so you can weigh what elements matter to you most: 

DISK JOCKEY Pros:

A DJ comes with a choice of thousands of songs. Therefore, the DJ can play songs to cater to the varying tastes of several generations.
They will often cost much less than a band.
While the music is playing, the DJ can get out on the dance floor and rev up the guests.
Your special dances will be played exactly like you’ve heard them before.
There is no reason to have a break in the music.

DJ's are very adept at running an event and making your evening go smoothly.  Many DJ services will provide consultative planning  and coordinate with other vendors.

A good DJ can change up music and play various sets to appease many different musical tastes

DISK JOCKEY Cons:

Contracts can be misleading in terms of who will really be at your wedding. (Make sure you meet your actual DJ and receive a contracted guarantee as to who the DJ will be or include rights of refusal if the personality assigned is not to your liking) NOTE: We guarantee the DJ on all standard and higher packages.  For our budget and economy packages we name the DJ early on and keep it that way.  Any changes must be approved by you unless resulting from injury, sickness or an emergency.  We did 111 weddings last year with only one late substitution. (family emergency)
Some guests may think a DJ is too casual for a formal reception.

BAND Pros:

Live music can be more exciting and can get the crowd more involved.

There is nothing like live music in terms of sound quality.
BAND Cons:

There is only a limited amount of songs a band can play.
The songs never sound the same as the original recordings.
If the musicians need to take a break, the music stops as well.
Bands can sometimes cost several thousand dollars more than a DJ.
It can seem more like a concert instead of an accent to your reception.  (Sometimes bands like to play loud – even if you ask them to keep the volume at a reasonable level).

Bands normally are not used to running your event and acting as emcee where as a DJ normally will perform this function smoothly.

Photographer

Article from www.bridaltips.com

Bridal Gown Selection
Article quoted from http://california-bride.com

When Choosing Your Gown

There are thousands of gown fashions to choose from. Brides can choose a gown with traditional embellishments like the bell-shape skirt with lace and a train, or a modern form-fitting gown made of satin and decorated with sequins. Whatever the bride may decide, she will eventually have to visit some type of wedding gown dealer.

Selecting Your Gown

When you visit the salon of your choice, make sure that you have a clear vision of your wedding's theme. Do not hesitate to let the salon know what you have planned for a budget. Bring magazine clippings of gowns you like, and see if they have those styles or something similar. Keep in mind that with most bridal salons, you get some consultation for free. Take advantage of the advice you receive. The consultant will be able to offer suggestions on fit and style based on your age and body type. A gown may look wonderful in a magazine (and most do), but it may not look good on you. Your consultant will help you find the right gown at the right price. You should visit a bridal salon even if you do not plan on purchasing your gown through one. The advice you receive will more than pay for your time.

The Costs

Don't purchase a gown that is out of your price range. Bridal gowns can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Take some time to think about your selection. It may help to sleep on the idea and make a commitment on a different day. Remember that bridal gowns come with many unforeseen expenses. Don't spend all of your allotted money on the gown itself. Save a little for alterations and accessories. Plan to spend approximately 5.5% of your total wedding budget on your gown and accessories.

Get Fitted For Your Gown

When you go to get fitted for your gown, make sure that you bring your mother or maid of honor with you. If neither of these people can be there, take a friend whose opinion you trust. If nothing else, this friend can provide some moral support if you are in doubt. You should plan on at least six months to decide on and fit your gown. It will take at least three months for your order to be placed and your gown to be made by the manufacturer. Then you can plan on three fittings. The first when your gown arrives. The second to correct any mistakes, and the third to verify that everything is perfect. You should expect your gown to be perfect. After all, you will only wear this gown once. If you do not have six months, relax. You can still get everything done in time. It will just cost a little more to rush your order.

Your final fitting should take place a few weeks before your wedding. The last thing you should worry about on your wedding day is whether or not your gown fits. So make sure your gown is ready early. Your salon should hold your gown until the week before your wedding. They are better equipped to store your gown than you will be, and proper storage is essential to prevent your gown from wrinkling.

It would be a good idea to bring your maid of honor to your fittings. She will be able to learn her responsibilities for the wedding day. Sometimes, small emergencies come up right before the wedding is about to begin. Your maid of honor should know your gown, and she should also know how to perform small alterations in a pinch. If your mother would handle this situation better than your maid of honor, you might want her at the fittings as well.

On Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is going to be very hectic. Allow yourself at least two hours to get ready before your wedding is scheduled to begin. If you are planning to have photographs taken before your ceremony, start getting ready two hours before your session is scheduled to begin. These last few hours are stressful enough, don't add to the stress by running late. Take your time when getting ready, and enjoy the company of those around you. Bring an emergency kit. This kit should have sewing supplies, extra makeup, extra hose, and tissues. You should also bring a pair of comfortable shoes such as flats with you. During the wait before the wedding, you will not want to be running around in heels. Your feet may never forgive you.

Other Helpful Gown Tips

• This is your special day. Make sure your gown makes you feel like a princess when you put it on. When you look good, you feel good.

• Wedding gowns tend to run small. You will probably need a gown that is a size or two larger than your normal size.

• When you go for your fittings, consider wearing a strapless bra. This will help you get a better feeling of how each gown would look during your wedding.

• Take at least one day to decide on the gown that you would like to purchase. This will help ensure that you make a rational decision.

• Use a credit card to pay for your gown. Most cards offer some kind of buyer protection services. So if something goes wrong, you may be able to recover some of your losses.

• Expect to give an initial down deposit of up to 50 percent of the cost of the gown.

• Be sure to get a written contract with specific information like gown size, color, style, etc.

• Avoid cash-only brokers. They could turn out to be scam artists.
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Choosing a Caterer
article from www.ultimatewedding.com

Considerations and Possibilities:
* Your reception location may also handle catering. Generally, if they do catering, you may not be able to contract for this separately and must use the facility service.
* There is a wide variety in catering services. Some supply meals only, while others include table set-up, decorating, flowers, liquor and cake.
* Depending on the number of guests, the expertise of family and friends and your budget, you may want to consider providing the meal or refreshments yourself. Keep in mind that you will need help. You don't want to spend your wedding day in the kitchen!

Selecting a Caterer:
* Get referrals from friends, family and other wedding suppliers. If the reception location you have chosen does not handle catering, it's very likely they will have a few suggestions of caterers who are familiar with their facility.
* Get names of caterers from the yellow pages, wedding sections of newspapers, magazine and bride guide ads, bridal showers and internet wedding magazines.
* Check credentials through Better Business Bureau and other avenues.
* Arrange to sample food and, if possible, attend a function that they are catering to see set up, service and presentation of food.
* Look at photographs of other weddings and events they have catered. Pay attention to details.
* Interview and ask questions. Put the answers in writing.
* Get a specific contract that lists all the details, including menu, services provided, equipment to be used, financial information, dates, times and personnel to be included. It should have a guarantee, cancellation policy and recourse if you are unhappy.

Questions to ask your Caterer?  List published on www.weddinglocation.com

• What type of food items do you recommend for my budget and number of guests?
• What type of service, sit-down dinner or buffet, would be best?
• Discuss menu selections, ask the cost per person.
• Do you provide linens? Is there an additional fee?
• Is there a color selection?
• Do you supply glasses, plates and silverware?
• Is there an additional charge?
• Do you handle all rental equipment such as tables, chairs, serving pieces?
• Would it cost less if I handle the rentals myself?
• How much time will you need to set up?
• Can we go over the table locations and seating arrangements ahead of time?
• Do you handle clean up? Rental returns?
• Will you personally handle and attend my reception?
• If not, what is the name of the person who will?
• Do you make arrangements for flowers, decorations, and music?
• Do you provide the wedding cake?
• If not, is there a cake cutting fee?
• Do you charge extra to pour coffee?
• Will you provide the groom's cake, if we want one?
• Do you provide the liquor?
• What is the per drink cost?
• Is it cheaper if we provide our own liquor?
• Do you charge a corkage fee per bottle if we provide our own wine and champagne?
• Do you require a guaranteed number of guests?
• What is the latest date I can give you a final guest count?
• Do you have a contract?
• When will you provide the final per person cost?
• What is the payment policy?
• What is the deposit to hold the date?
• What is your refund or cancellation policy?
• Are gratuities already figured in the total price?
• If so, what percent is being charged?
• Do you provide food for the photographer, videographer or DJ?
• Is this an extra per person fee?
• Will you pack a to-go snack for the bride and groom?
• Will you pack the top tier of the wedding cake?

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Your Wedding Cake
article from www.weddingvendors.com

Finding the Right Baker

Depending on the time you are getting married, you should start searching for your wedding cake at least one year in advance. It is a misconception to do so only three to six months prior to the wedding date as some literature suggests. Most quality bakers will be unavailable if you wait that late to book their services.

Interview vendors in person, ask lots of questions, bring photographs of designs that you like, and then determine if they are qualified to create the impression you are looking for. As you view their portfolio, make sure that you are looking at cakes that they have made personally—not just pictures in magazines and books. Although other references are helpful in gathering new and exciting ideas, you need to see the baker’s workmanship and level of expertise.

Questions to Ask

1. How many years have you been in business?

2. Do you have references?

3. Is your health department licensing up to date?

4. May I see your working facilities?

5. Have you made all of the cakes in your portfolio yourself?

6. How do you determine the cost of your cakes? Is it per slice?

7. Do you charge additional for each layer of the cake being different flavors? Do you charge additional for fillings?

8. Is there a delivery fee?

9. Do you rent equipment? If so, what is the charge?

10. What type of retainer fee do you require?

11. When is the balance due?

12. How soon do you bake before the wedding?

13. Do you ever freeze cakes? (If they do, do not book them!)

14. What time will you deliver the cake on my wedding day?

15. Do you customize cakes, or do I have to pick a design in your portfolio?

16. What days are best for me to reach you?

17. Do you have cake tastings? Can I participate more than once?

18. Have you won any awards for your talent?

19. Do you specialize in any a particular technique or art form?

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Officiate for Wedding

You want to choose a minister who will make your ceremony a special and memorable event!  You want it to be done with the style and grace that you prefer.  You want to make sure that your beliefs are represented!  These questions were put together by one of the most well-respected officiates in our state!  We hope that you find them helpful!

Questions you may want to ask your minister!

Quoted from www.azministers.com
 

1) Are you Jewish, Christian, Mormon, Muslim, Hindu or non-sectarian? (Note: Nondenominational means Christian, but not of any specific Christian denomination, i.e., Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, etc.)

13) Do you offer to wear a suit, a tuxedo or traditional clergy attire? Does it cost extra?
14) What training have you received to perform premarital counseling and are you state certified?
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Jewelry
This topic has so many opinions that I'm not even going there.  The best thing to do is to be an informed consumer and know what you are looking for and what the person you are going to spend the rest of your life with is looking for as well.  Jewelry chains will tell you to spend 2-3 months salary on a ring.  I will tell you to try to get something nice that will not mortgage your future.  I do not want to downplay what anyone else tells you, but maybe a thought...  The only time an engagement or wedding ring has a cash value is if you get a divorce and it has to be put into a division of property, otherwise it is a piece of jewelry that only has sentimental value.   So, pick a ring that works for both of you and is appropriate to your situation.

To try to learn about rings and jewelry follow this link: http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingorengagementrings
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Formal Wear Store
article from www.classictuxedo.com

Choosing the right Tuxedo Store for your Wedding

  With the multitude of decisions that go into the making of a successful wedding, it is not surprising that tuxedos often get relegated to second class status.  Making the correct choice of a formalwear supplier for your wedding can go a long way toward reducing the stress of what should be the happiest day of your life. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right one.  

§         First, talk to your friends.  If one of them was recently married, their experience, positive or negative is useful information.  If they had a good experience, using them as a reference will go a long way toward insuring you will make a good choice.  

§         Second, choose a company with convenient locations.  Proximity to the event will allow the company to deal with any last minute emergencies that might arise.  The single store operation, while close to home, may in fact not be the best choice.  

§         Third, look for a company that owns their inventory and does their own alterations.  This will allow them to service the needs of any late arriving members of your wedding party and have them looking their best.  A Father of the Bride coming from out of town does not want to be told that the replacement garment he needs will arrive two hours after the ceremony.  

§         Fourth, consider the breadth of selection being offered.  For this most special of occasions you should be able to create a look with which you are comfortable.  We live in a time where there is great freedom as to what may be worn for weddings. Your outfit should reflect your image and not some preconceived notion on the part of the tuxedo salesman. With the multitude of coat styles, vest styles, and other accessory options, you don’t have to settle for an ensemble with which you are uncomfortable.  

§         Fifth, be sure the company can accommodate your schedule.  Often companies have very rigid policies as to the pick up and return of their tuxedos. You should not have to pick up the day before the event and return the day after.  Even in the busiest of times the store you choose should have a minimum of a five-day rental to accommodate your schedule.   

§         Sixth, be certain that the company has a tried and true system for dealing with members of your party who are coming from great distances. This is always a source of stress for both the customer and the supplier.  To avoid any problems, you want to be certain that those coming from out of town have sent accurate measurements well in advance of your wedding.  Four to six weeks is a reasonable time frame for the adult members of your party.  The exception to this rule would be any small children participating as a ring bearer or junior usher.  Measuring them much before three weeks prior to the wedding may not be reliable as they grow so fast.

§         Seventh and most importantly, work with a salesman and a company with which you feel comfortable.  You should work with someone who is genuinely interested in helping you realize what you have pictured in your mind.  They should be experienced in dealing with weddings and not just with high school proms.  They should be attentive to your wishes and knowledgeable enough to guide you to an outfit, which is elegant, befitting the occasion, and makes the groom feel like a million bucks!

  In conclusion, the formalwear component of your wedding plans should be the least stressful decisions you have to make.  If you pay attention to some of the issues I have suggested, find someone with whom you are comfortable, communicate your requirements clearly, and you will have a beautiful wedding with a minimum of hassle.
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Stationary
Article from www.net-weddings.co.uk

Choosing Your Stationery
Design rules for perfect Stationery

People often neglect the importance of their Wedding Stationery. Remember, your invitations are the first point of contact with your guests and an important indication of the celebrations to come.

Everything must 'fit'. Style does not come with high priced accessories, but with thought and preparation.

So how to avoid disappointment? Make sure you reflect your day in your invitations by following some simple design rules:

Color: Choose a color appropriate to your theme i.e. reflected in your bridesmaid's dresses. Remembering color may be the first thing someone registers and can set the mood or atmosphere instantly. For example, if your want an opulent and passionate feel choose deep reds and purples, but if you are aiming for something more feminine and pretty pastel shades are the obvious way to go.

Likewise a color reflects the season burnt oranges and chocolate browns for autumn, zesty brights for summer and delicate pastels for spring.


Motif: Consider something appropriate i.e. a flower from your bouquet and let this theme run throughout your day. Think of something as simple as a single rosebud with all it's romantic connotations, you could incorporate these elsewhere by lying one across your place setting, tie them into your menus, sprinkle rose
petals on the tables or add tiny ones to your favors.

Theme: Think about a style you wish to reflect i.e. 30s glamour with an Art Deco feel. Something like this could be reflected by the use of a distinctive text on your invitations, not just times new roman?. Remember text is not just for
reading but can be used as a design tool both on the inside and outside of invitations. Soft and flowing scripts are traditional and romantic where as angular texts can display something more contemporary.

Style: Consider, if you want, something modern (silver, sparkly and Clean), minimal (neutral, pearlescent and sleek), classic (pinks, soft and Warm) or romantic (golds/reds, texture and finish)

And most important of all

Personality: something that reflects you i.e. sophisticated, classic or wild.
The best way to interpret yourself is by using varied materials, don't be shy.
Texture and finish can be everything when it comes to your invites.
Delicate, shimmering, sparkly or Pearlescent papers could reflect the fairy in you, whilst textures, ribbons and fabrics could reflect the lavish side of your nature.

Whatever you do my best advice is to stick to neutral base colors with a chosen accent color, a strong colored base can look gaudy and cheap, by all means experiment with lot's of colors but keep them tonal and you'll be OK.

Finally remember to take advantage of stationary design services, If they are selling you statinoary they should be there to help you collaborate  ideas and create something personal to you, an invite is not just a piece of paper. It's an keepsake for your guests to remember your big day, long after the celebrations are over.

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Vendors you may or may not need for your wedding:

Transportation
Article from www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com

The well organized couple will pay as much attention to selecting and arranging for their wedding day transportation as she does to all the other details which will be a part of making her special day perfect. As always, making some basic decisions and then asking some important questions will help to make the process run more smoothly and yield the most satisfactory results.

Begin by deciding how many vehicles you will need.
The basic "package" which most brides choose includes transportation . . .