What's a SDE?

SDE = Same Day Edit. A camera crew follows you around the entire day of your wedding and captures every magical moment. They call themselves "cinematographers". 1-2 people are filming while the 3rd is editing their little heart away. They are basically creating a 3 minute movie that sums up your entire wedding day, and play it while dessert if being served at the venue. Its an out of body experience to be on cloud 9 for 24 hours, and then watch yourself on a screen in front of all your loved ones watching your wedding day replayed in such a hollywood art form. I worked with someone out of Ontario Canada named Konrad. I recently found a company based out of Belmar NJ that does that same line of work as Konrad, and is actually really good friends with him too. The company is called Endless Wave, www.endlesswaveproductions.com. I highly suggest that if this is something you are interested in you call them ASAP. I have worked with the owner Greg and he's amazing. Check out their website and the SDE's he has posted. Imagine the video is yours, being played at your wedding. Pretty cool, huh?

Organize yourself

So, you are recently engaged and the spam mail starts flowing in... what do you do with all of it?? I created the "Wedding Bible". All you need is a 2" binder (I prefer a flexible one vs a stiff one) and buy a set of 8 tabbed dividers with folders. As vendors send you their information you should 3 hold punch it and add it to the section... for example, you will need tabs that say:

• Venues
• Bridesmaids/Groomsman
• Photographer/Videographer
• Florist
• Guest List
• DJ
• Ceremony Ideas
• Misc.

Highlight the prices that vendors quote you and organize your information within the sections. Once you and your fiancé decide on a vendor start keeping all email logs and ideas together that way you can easily find all of the information you'll need. Always keep a misc file. You will stumble upon pictures online, in magazines or of a perfect stranger walking by you and you will want to file it away somewhere. My binder was my savior! Enjoy.

What to do with your response cards

One of my most favorite parts leading up to the big day was checking the mail for our response cards. Most of my friends and family wrote something really nice, or drew a cute smiley face or our relatives from over seas who couldn't come wrote us really nice apology letters on the back. I wanted to find a unique way to display all of the love our family had given us. So, I bought a large picture frame (about $20 at Xmas Tree Shop) and displayed the frame on an easel at our wedding, our guests thought it was so cool! Now Im able to hang it in our house too.

Umbrella Shots

So, you're looking at the forecast and rain may be headed your way for the wedding. Don't panic. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it. There are a million other things to worry about besides rain. No, your ceremony won't be outside anymore, but thats not the point. The vows and love are.

If rain looks promising for the wedding I suggest you invest in these umbrella's, Target sells them for about $20. That way if it starts to drizzle or stop raining at some point, you can still go outside and take some really amazing shots. Let your photographer know in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Kids @ weddings

Should kids be invited to weddings? No. Especially if they are under the age of 3. Children can act like untamed animals. Between hot & humid weather, wearing an outfit that they aren't used to wearing, being around adults they don't know and being forced to do something specific at a certain time... its cause for disaster! Granted it can be really cute to watch a little tot walk down the aisle, but it can also make you want to pull your hair out. From what I've seen, kids over the age of 5 or 6 seem to get it a lot better. They are a lot more excited for the wedding because they seem to really grasp whats happening.
If you do choose to have kids in your wedding you should have someone come pick the children up from the venue. At that point their job is done, and they don't really know what to do with themselves anymore. Plus, I'm sure their parents could use a few hours to themselves to let loose! Do you want your wedding pictures/video to focus on you and your now husband, or be filled with kids rolling around on the dance floor? Its just not an appropriate setting to have children at. Only adults should go to an adult party.

DJ or Band?

I get this question a lot, should I book a DJ or Band for my wedding day? Im happy to say you can do both now a days. Let me explain...

Option 1 - If you are more interested in hearing the real song at your wedding, or want a nightclub type setting you want a DJ. DJ's on average cost $1500-$1800. The more you spend, the more you get... ex: up lighting, effects, TV monitors, props etc.

Option 2 - You love live music and having a band put on a show is your cup of tea. I suggest you do your research and see the band before you book. A good band should not cost any less than $6000. Again, make sure you see the band before you book!

Option 3 - I have worked with a couple DJ companies that perform live as well. Tonight, for example, had a piano player and male vocals to go along with the tracks. I've also seen DJ companies have a snare drum, male/female vocals & saxophone along with the tracks. I have to say, its very cool! It still feels like a DJ is running the wedding, but gives it a "live DJ"feel. Im not sure what companies like this charge, but it is definitely worth looking into.... you get the best of both worlds!

The best advice I have for choosing your wedding music is DONT CHEAP OUT. Whatever you decide keep in mind the music is the whole party. If your vendor is a dud your wedding will be too, guaranteed.

The "Inappropriate's"

My staff and I love to pick out women who have absolutely no idea how to dress for a wedding. The bride is the only woman who should stand out... if your dress is bedazzled, white or red, or could be worn at a night club YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR IT! This is a major problem. Please pass the word along to all of your friends, for the brides sake.

Eco-Friendly Placecards

Eco-Friendly themes have become very popular this summer. Here was a very cool idea... this bride took an ordinary picture frame and removed the glass and paper inside. We then filled the frame with tiny green  beans, followed of course by recycled brown place cards. Another great idea she had was for their ceremony. Instead of a candle/sand ceremony, the couples mom's brought containers of water to the alter so that they could water a tree they could plant in their yard.  Very clever!!!

Parents Opinions

Once he puts a ring on it, the advice will start flowing in!! Listen to all of it! You do not have to follow through with any of it, but its only right to let friends and family give you their input. They are just as excited as you are about your wedding day!
When it comes down to the final say it should only be what you and your significant other want. Just because you are listening to their advice, does not mean they can be pushy. Stand your ground if you and your fiancé are passionate about something in particular.
Wedding planning in meant to be fun. If you find yourself fighting with your fiancé you need to take a step back, breathe and remind yourselves of why you are getting married in the first place. The planning stage should ALWAYS be fun :)

What's your theme?

You wedding day should have a  theme.
It all begins with your invitations... the invitation gives your guests an idea of what you're party will be like, if you go the cheap route, why would anyone expect fine dining? If your invitations are blue and orange and they show up to a party thats all purple that could be really confusing. From invitations, to flowers, to dresses  & props everything should stay within  a certain color scheme or theme in general.

Finding the perfect officiant

Finding an officiant can be stressful for you and your families. The ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day! You want to make sure you find someone that will incorporate your religions and personalize your ceremony to the type of couple that you are. I recently worked with Reverend Mark J. Larose and couldnt be happier with his professionalism as well as his caring nature towards the couple. Check out his website at:
http://www.moretothislifeweddings.com/

Make sure you call around to a few people before booking. Some officiants act like car salesman = do not book them!

Something Blue

Have fun with your "Something Blue". These decals cost about $5 plus shipping.

Welcome!

After telling family and friends all of my own ideas, as well as wedding ideas I've seen I've decided to create a blog and share them all with you. Feel free to post comments, opinions and your own ideas to share with & help out future brides too.