Wedding Expectations Happenings --- Utah Wedding Consultant

Wedding Wednesdays

2011-08-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

Be sure to Follow me on Facebook for Wedding Wednesday deals, offering HUGE discounts on planning services, rentals, and invitations!!

Also, check out my gorgeous fall wedding inspiration album posted today.

FACEBOOK

2010-10-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have decided not to use my blog anymore and to post most of my info and pics on Facebook.

Come join me there! www.facebook.com/weddingexpectations

Recent events

2010-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Whew! June is over and I made it out alive! Check out some of my recent events....

Jenna's reception at Red Butte, she used my ostrich feather centerpieces and they turned out gorgeous! Such a fun theme with colorful accents everywhere including one colored feather in each centerpiece.

This is Joanne and Elliot's reception at Red Butte. Such a cute young couple, I wish them all the best in their life together! We used blue mason jars as centerpieces and accents throughout the ceremony and reception.

One of many chocolate fountain setups that kept me busy in June! This one is white chocolate, milk chocolate, and caramel!

Victorias Secret

2010-06-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Victoria's Secret new bridal collection??? So cute I had to share!

Wedding Planner

2010-05-11T18:47:00.001-07:00

Here are the top 5 things you should look for in your wedding planner:

1. They can meet your needs.

2. Experience.

3. Diverse portfolio.

4. Certification/training.

5. Attitude personality.

You should feel comfortable with this person on your wedding day!

Discounted reception center

2010-04-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hey brides!! I have a bride who cancelled her wedding and is looking to sell her June 19th date at Heritage Gardens in Sandy for about half off!! Contact me if you are interested.

Father/daughter dance songs

2010-03-27T12:48:00.001-07:00

Dancing with your dad at your wedding is one of the most beautiful moments. Here are a few song suggestions for that wonderful event:

Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Daughters - John Mayer
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
I Loved Her First - Heartland
You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina Mc Bride
My Girl - The Temptations

Disneyland!!

2010-03-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Win a trip to Disneyland!! The BrideandGroom.com and All Points Travel are looking for Utah's best love story and we want to send the winner to the happiest place on earth!!!

One lucky couple who shares the best (funniest, most romantic etc) love story will win two nights at the Homewood Suites in Anaheim and two 2 - day parkhopper passes to Disneyland.

The second place story will recive a one night stay in the grand suite at the elegant Blue Boar Inn in scenic Midway, Utah.

Enter here

Signature drinks

2010-01-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Instead of having a full bar at your wedding reception, have a signature cocktail! Here are some wedding themed ideas...

Honeymoon Cocktail: apple brandy, Benedictine, lemon juice

Cranberry Kiss: Captain Morgan rum and cranberry juice

An Irish Kiss: Bailey's Irish cream, coffee liqueur, coffee, whipped cream

Blushing Bride: peach Schnapps, Grenadine, Champagne

Southern Bride: Gin, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur

Or cocktails by color:

Blue martini: Vodka, blue Curacao, white cranberry juice

Pink Grapefruit Mojito: lime juice, simple syrup, light rum, pink grapefruit juice, grapefruit liqueur, sparkling water

Appletini: sour apple liqueur, Vodka, sour mix, triple sec, apple wedge

Coupon for In Style Weddings

2009-12-30T09:10:00.001-08:00

The new In Style Weddings magazine is now on racks, save $2 off with this coupon!!

You're welcome. ;)

Invitations

2009-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the many new invitations featured on my website! Some of the top trends for invitations in 2010 are damask and swirl patterns, nature inspired themes such as birds, nests, and flowers, popular colors are purple, orange, and grey. Pocket invitations continue to be a popular choice.

*For a limited time any invitation from The Pockets album is an additional $25 off.

Halloween wedding

2009-10-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

With Halloween this week I wanted to do a post about Halloween weddings. They don't have to be goulish or scary, they can be elegant and fun! Here are some ideas to incorporate the holiday into your wedding:

- Black bridesmaid dresses with orange sashes

- Black birdcage veil

- Have the guys weird tuxedos with tails or swallowtail coats with top hats and gloves

- Black decor such as linens, goblets, chandeliers, feathers or candleholders

- Pumpkin menu: pumpkin cheesecake, salad with pumpkin seeds, pumpkin bread

- Costume photo booth complete with vampire teeth and spider webs!

- Red velvet cake

- Black jewelry such as chandelier earrings, necklace, and cocktail ring

- Monogrammed pumpkins

- Invitations with orange and black

Most important, have fun with it!

Rectangle tables

2009-10-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Want some drama? Looking to do something different with your tables? Use rectangle tables instead of rounds! Rectangle tables create a dramatic effect with centerpieces and votives down the middle. Use tall centerpieces, or short, just make sure to use enough to fill space.

Here are some examples for inspiration!

Parade of Brides

2009-09-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

It’s time for The Parade of Brides, the first event of its kind not only in Utah, but anywhere!
It is the opportunity for you to plan one of the most important days of your life, your wedding day. From October 2nd - 10th you can see 16 of Salt Lake County's top venues set up as if it were for the big day.

Designed to be a fun “girls day out,” you can now get off the beaten path to see Salt Lake Valley's hidden gems, all while gaining 100’s of wedding-day decorating ideas. No appointment needed.
Tickets are only $5, and are available at any Flower Patch location in the valley, along with your exclusive free copy of the Parade Magazine. The magazine gives you 1000's of dollars in savings and all of the best Utah wedding advice.

visit www.theparadeofbrides.com for more info and to enter to win a $20,000 wedding!!

Dance floor monogram

2009-09-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Make your dance floor unique!! Add your personalized monogram to it by using either vinyl stickers or lighting, like the ones shown below.

Shopping for a dress

2009-08-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

A few tips about shopping for your wedding dress:

#1 If possible go early on a weekday when the store is less crowded and will get more attention from the consultants.
#2 Only bring a few people with you, while it may be tempting to bring all 10 of your bridesmaids, your mom, your aunt, and your cousins, they will all have different opinions making it harder for you to make decisions.
#3 Wear appropriate undergarments, no red thongs! It is also helpful to wear the bra or corset you will wear on your wedding day so you can see how it all works together.
#4 Do your hair and makeup, it will help set the tone.
#5 Wear the shoes you will be wearing on the wedding day, or something similar.

2010 Trends

2009-08-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

Wondering what the wedding trends will be for 2010? According to GetMarried.com some of the hot trends will be ...

BLACK: linens, dresses, accents, etc.

VIBRANT COLORS: orange, green, yellow, and pink

METALLIC COLORS: gold, silver, copper, and pewter

BUTTERCREAM frosting rather than fondant

BACKYARD weddings

new pics!!

2009-07-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just posted new pictures from a wedding I did in June for Amy & Danny. It was held in a friend's backyard in Farmington, with a beautiful view of the city. It rained earlier that day and we were concerned, but it turned out beautiful for the ceremony and reception. Here are few, but check them out in the gallery on my website.

Photos by Focal Point Photography

Rental items

2009-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Wedding Expectations now offers rental items!! Centerpieces, paper lanterns, ring pillows, flower girl baskets, and more. Save money by renting them instead of buying them. Here are few of the centerpiece options available:

All available options and pricing are listed on the website. www.weddingexpectations.com

All inclusive package

2009-07-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce a new "all inclusive" package I am offering with my services! It will be like one stop shopping for wedding planning. ;)

The package includes all of the following for the LOW price of $5000:

-wedding day management
-photography
-cake
-flowers
-catering
-invitations
-hair & makeup artist
-ceremony music
-limo
-centerpieces
-ring pillow
-flower girl basket
-card box

AND for an additional $500 you can add on:

-tables
-chairs
-linens
-arch
-shepard hooks

I have taken my preferred vendors and created this amazing package to help make the planning process that much easier and with budget conscious brides in mind. If you are interested contact me today for more details.

Sara and John

2009-06-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

A few pics from Sara and John's luau theme wedding...

compliments of Megan Kunz Photography.

John and Sara are such a cute couple. The wedding took place in the bride's parent's backyard. I had so much fun creating the sand and shell centerpieces for them. We thought it might rain, but it turned out to be perfect weather. Everyone loved the luau menu of Kalua pork, teriyaki beef and chicken skewers, sweet bread, tropical fruit, passion fruit juice, and strawberry daquiries and pina coladas!

LDS temple napkins and invitations

2009-06-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be able to offer these new cocktail napkins and wedding invitations with LDS temples on them! Contact me for more information and pricing.

Ice sculptures

2009-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

A cool idea for your wedding is ice sculptures! The possibilites are endless; swans, vases, monograms, interlocking hearts, drink luges and the latest trend...ice bars. Prices start around $150.

Shade options

2009-05-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and soon there will be many outdoor weddings in the sun. Provide your guests some shade so they can enjoy your wedding too.

One way to do that is a tent...

they come in many shapes and sizes and you can decorate them in many ways.

Another idea is market umbrellas....

these are very affordable to rent.

Or provide your guests with parasols...

they come in many colors and designs and can even have your monogram on them!

If none of these work for you, fans can keep them cool...

you can print your programs onto them or give them as favors.

New bridal shop

2009-05-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

There is a new bridal shop in Clearfield on Antelope Dr and 540 West called It's Your Day Bridal. They are having a Grand Opening celebration on June 6th from 11:00 am until 4 pm. I will be there to speak with anyone interested in wedding consultant services. Stop by and say hi and see if they have the perfect dress for you!

US Weekly Dream Wedding!!

2009-05-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

This summer, WeddingChannel.com is teaming up again with Us Weekly to award one lucky couple the ultimate celebrity-inspired dream wedding! The search for the bride and groom begins May 14th on the "Dream Wedding" website, where engaged couples throughout the country are invited to enter the "Dream Wedding" contest. The winning couple will be announced June 25th. WeddingChannel.com will be planning the Hollywood-style nuptials from start to finish, while the entire process is profiled on UsMagazine.com. As if that weren't enough star treatment, the wedding will also be featured in the pages of Us Weekly and televised nationally with the contest's exclusive TV partner, Inside Edition.

Mini cakes

2009-05-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

A fun and different centerpiece idea is the mini cake! Serve your guests their slice of wedding cake right from their own table. Also a great alternative to having a traditional wedding cake! You can choose different designs for each table and mix and match flavors. Here are some of the amazing mini cakes from Carries Cakes.

Changing your last name

2009-05-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Are you changing your last name after the wedding? Not sure what you need to do? Check out the featured vendor page on my website for an online name changing service. You answer some questions and they fill in the forms for you to turn in to the IRS, Social Security, Drivers License, Postal Service, U.S. Passport, as well as notification letters for all of your creditors. This service will save you alot of time for a minimal charge. Check it out today!

Aisles

2009-04-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

When you think of an aisle do you think of a straight path with a runner? It doesn't have to be! It can be curved with shells or flowers at each bend. You can have a row of flower petals down each side. Scattered leaves down the aisle for a fall wedding. Or you can have shepard hooks with lanterns light the path for an evening wedding, or large pillar candles. You can also use shepard hooks to hang pomander balls. Another option is to have your ceremony "in the round" with your guests seated on all sides. The nice thing about that is that people are more likely to hear and see what is going on since everyone will be a little closer. Make your aisle and your ceremony setup your own!

New chocolate fountain extras!

2009-04-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited to tell everyone about the NEW extra options we have to offer with our chocolate fountains at A Chocolate Affair. We now do pineapple palm trees and fruit trees!! Chocolate fountains are still a fun catering option for your wedding or party.

Check out the website for more info...http://www.achocolateaffaironline.com/.

Who pays for what?

2009-04-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wondering who's supposed to pay for what regarding your wedding planning? Below is a list of the traditional expense assignments:

Bride's family:
-Reception
-Music
-Photographer
-Invitations
-Transportation
-Bride's gown and accessories

Groom's family:
-Rehearsal dinner
-Officiant
-Groom's tux
-Marriage license
-Flowers

These are the "traditional" assignments, but can of course be changed to suit your situation. Sit down and talk to both sides and come up with a plan that works for everyone!

Wedding of the year

2009-04-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

Every year Alysse's Bridal has a drawing for the Wedding of the Year, an opportunityto win a $50,000 wedding for FREE! That includes your venue, tuxedos, flowers, catering, photography, cake, dresses, dj, invitations, and limo. You must enter by May 1 for this year's drawing. Click here to find out more. Good luck!

Thank you cards

2009-03-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wondering how many thank you cards you will need? You will need to send one to everyone who gives you a gift, I recommend purchasing the same quantity as your invitations. You should send your thank you cards within two months of the wedding. Do not try to write them all at once. Keep a list of your guest list from your invitations and as the gifts arrive make notes about who gave you what. Then after the honeymooon get started on the thank you cards when you can. The most important part is make it personal! Specify the gift they gave you rather than just generalizing. For example, "Thank you for the crystal candlesticks, they are lovely on our dining table."

There are many styles you can choose from. They can match your invitations, be a postcard with a picture of you and your new husband from the wedding, or simple thank you cards from the store. Don't forget all stationary is 30% off this month! Contact me for details.

coupon

2009-03-11T08:25:00.001-07:00

$2 off In Style Weddings magazine on sale now!
click here for coupon

Invitations

2009-03-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Some facts and tips about your wedding invitations:

When to order - Three to four months in advance

How many to order - Always order extras for last minute additions

When to send - Six to eight weeks before wedding date with RSVP date two weeks before wedding

How much to spend - Around two percent of your overall wedding budget

Stamps - Use stamps.com to custom create a USPS approved stamp for your invitations, showing off your wedding motif or engagement photo. *Have your stuffed invite weighed at the post office before buying postage.

Remember you save 30% on invitations from Wedding Expectations this month!
www.weddingexpectations.cceasy.com
www.weddingexpectations.tatexoccasions.com

Green invitations

2009-03-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to have a "green" wedding? Start with recycled invitations from the Naturally Ever After album. These invitations are made of papers that are at least 30% post consumer fibers. There are save the dates and seal and sends, napkins and thank you notes. Also a large collection of season and destination invitations. Take advantage of 30% off invitations this month!!

Rebecca and Noah

2009-03-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Rebecca and Noah's wedding was last weekend at the Kimball Art Center in Park City. The colors were seafoam green and wedgewood blue. Flowers were hydrangeas and bamboo. It was my first Jewish wedding and it was beautiful. Everyone had alot of fun and danced the night away. Here are a few pics, compliments of Ravenberg Photography (featured vendor of the month on my website)...

Photobooths and Polaroid station

2009-02-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

A fun idea for your reception and cocktail hour... have a photobooth.

They are alot of fun and allow your guests to have a picture to take home with them, AND a picture strip to put in your guest book along with their well wishes.

Like the idea of a photobooth, but need something a little less expensive? How about a Polaroid station? Set a Polaroid camera out with your guest book and ask guests to include a picture of themselves in your guest book. Here is an example of one from a wedding I did last year.

New in 2009

2009-02-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am just excited to share with everyone some of the weddings I have coming up in 2009: it's a year for firsts. I have a renaissance theme, a Jewish ceremony, and a luau reception coming up just to name a few. All a first for me! Check back for pictures!

Candy Buffet

2009-01-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

February Special --- Free use of candy buffet jars and silver scoops!!

In honor of this "sweet" month, full of candy hearts, chocolates, and such...Reserve your date this month for wedding consultant services and get a free candy buffet setup. This is such a fun way to do your favors.

All you have to do is buy the candy.

Outdoor Package

2009-01-29T19:22:00.000-08:00

Having your reception in a backyard? I have a fantastic outdoor rental package with one of my vendors. For $525 you get your tables, chairs, linens, an arch, and shepard hooks!

It is a fantastic deal and I am excited to offer it to my clients this summer. Let's make your backyard wedding beautiful!

La Caille Bridal Show

2009-01-09T09:25:00.001-08:00

I will be at the La Caille Bridal Show on Saturday January 24th with my chocolate fountain company, A Chocolate Affair. We will be offering great sign up specials that day and I will be available to answer any questions. Mark your calendar, it will be a great show!

Holiday Poem

2008-12-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

"TWAS THE BRIDE"'

Twas the night before New Years
And all through the house,
The girlfriend was angry
She wasn't a spouse!

She hoped for the joy
That Christmas would bring.
But Christmas had passed,
And she still had no ring!

They'd been together
For over two years.
Long-term commitment-
That must be his fear.

She thought, "That's the reason
That I'm still single.
I'm breaking it off!
Then the phone gave a jingle.

"Come outside," said the voice,
And then went away.
She opened the door,
And there was a sleigh!

He wisked her away,
Grinned like a fox
Got down on one knee
And opened the box.

T'was the first day of New Year
Her eyes opened wide.
"Yesterday, I'm a girlfriend.
Today, I'm a bride!"

She started to panic
"There's so much to do!
To plan a whole wedding.
What do I do?...

- poem by Will Haggerty of Bridal Fashion Debut in Arizona

...HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT TO HELP!!
WEDDING EXPECTATIONS WILL HELP YOU PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS WITHOUT ALL OF THE STRESS.

On-site Coordinators vs Wedding Consultant

2008-11-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

So that reception center you booked already has an on-site coordinator, and you're wondering what you would need a wedding consultant for? Let me clarify that and point out some of the differences. Let me preface though by stating that I do not have any problem with on-site coordinators, and actually love working with them! They make my job easier because they are my "go to" person, rather than having to deal with many people.

1. An on-site coordinator is obviously employed by the venue and is there to coordinate the details of your day as they pertain to them. The venue pays them to make sure things run smoothly for them. A wedding consultant is paid by you, making you and your happiness their main concern. They are your alliance and voice and will make sure things go as you planned.

2. On-site coordinators give you vendor referalls based on their preferences, vendors who work well with that particular venue. Wedding consultants have lists of vendors that fit every couple's budget and personality.

3. On-site coordinators are there primarily for the day of only, they are not there for your unlimited emails and phone calls like a wedding consultant. On-site coordinators will not attend vendor meetings with you or confirm with your vendors like a wedding consulant. A wedding consultant is there for you every step of the process.

4. I am not aware of any on-site coordinators that will decorate for you. They will not string up those chinese lanterns, tie your chair sashes on, put out your centerpieces that you made, etc. Most wedding consultants will do that, part of the job is to oversee the decor and design of your reception.

The bottom line is that your on-site coordinator is there to gather the main details from you after you have planned and execute them, such as start time, catering menu, number of chairs needed for ceremony, and those kinds of things. A wedding consultant wants all of your details, to make sure things are just as you planned and envisioned!

I hope this helps clarify the difference and helps you to see that the two are not the same. Happy planning!

New blog

2008-10-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I am working on getting a brand new blog up and running. Check back for updates.