Wedding Planning with Ethereal Events

Red Wine Be GONE!

2009-11-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Wendi,

My wedding is coming up in a few weeks! I can hardly wait! I do have a concern as the day draws closer. My fiance and I are red wine and scotch drinkers. We are serving a variety of both at the bar. I am starting to worry someone will spill red wine on my dress. Is there something you can recommend if this does happen?

Thank you,

E.R. Woodinville, WA

Hi E.R.,

I'm so glad you asked this question! Spills and stains are a huge concern with most brides. But I promise, you have little to worry about! I have a couple of secret weapons to combat a red wine stain.

Avoid serving or drinking red wine prior to the reception. The less possible contact the less likely you'll be spilled on.

If you are spilled on, immediately poor white wine on the spot. It will neutralize the acid of the red and pull the red color out. You will still be wet in that spot, but the red will vanish.

Lastly, I am a huge fan of a product called Wine Away. (You can find it in most grocery stores. I've had luck finding it at Albertson's and QFC. ) It works in a heart beat on all fabrics and leaves no trace behind. I have used it on silk, satin, french lace, duchess satin, you name it. I use it at weddings and at home. I absolutely love it. They don't pay me to say this. I just love how well it works! (Though, they should!)

*Every dress (wedding or not) is different, and will be effected by these products differently. To be safe, I would first try any of my suggestions on a small area (maybe near the bottom or underside) before using all over your wedding dress. I have had extremely positive results, but can't guarantee them for all.

Do you have a suggestion for getting stains out of a wedding dress? I'd love to hear them!

Happy Planning!

Oh NO! Dear Wendi Wednesday

2009-11-11T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Wendi,

I've heard from my friends and brides maids that I should have an emergency kit on wedding day. What should I include in it?

- L.S. Portland, OR

Hi L.S.,

Thank you so much for your question! Your friends are right. Having an emergency kit on wedding day can be a real life saver. My kit is FULL of different goodies to get through any situation. However a bride's emergency kit can have far less. Here are some basics that I find my clients using the most:

Stain stick - Shout wipes. Wine away. Bleach pen. Any one of them will do the trick
Sewing kit - make sure it includes thread the color of your and your brides maid's dresses
Tissues - small hand held packs are the best
Hair spray - a small travel bottle will do the trick
Comb or Brush - or both
Scissors - even a small pair. Check and see if there is a pair in the sewing kit
Ribbon in your wedding colors - can use it anywhere
Fashion tape - Can help secure a dress or ribbon to flower girls dress
Band aids - someone always needs one
Straws - you don't want to ruin your lipstick
Breathe Mints - insurance for an amazing first kiss!
Blotting papers - (if you don't have these - toilet seat cover will work the same)
Plastic cups - just in case the hotel doesn't have enough for everyone to toast
Wine opener- a cheap one will do
Granola Bars - hunger can strike at any moment!

There are a million other things in my kit, but this should prepare you for almost anything on your wedding day!

Have any suggestions for what should be in an emergency kit? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Happy Planning!

I'm Hungry!

2009-11-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

You wedding day has finally arrived! The months if not a year spent researching and hiring the right vendors, weeks of perfecting the details, days of running errands, and hour agonizing over your seating chart are behind you. It is now time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

The people you love are all around snapping photos, pouring champagne, steaming dresses, listening to music, and celebrating what lies ahead in just a few hours! With all of the things going on and excitement in the air it is all to common for this mishap to take place.

Monday Mishap: No one planned anything to eat outside of the wedding meal

The wedding day is a long day especially for the bride, groom, and their bridal party. With hair and makeup starting 5 to 6 hours prior to the ceremony. It is common that a wedding day last 10 to 12 hours if not more. So count back, if your ceremony starts at 5:00pm then that means 11:00 am or so you start hair. Then getting dressed, photos, ceremony, etc. And what time is dinner scheduled? 7:00 or 8:00 pm? That is a really long time to go without food. You are packed full of emotions and adrenaline, but that will only last so long. Eating during that time is a very important part of a successful and fun day.

If you have overlooked this ever so important detail, don't stress you are not alone. It is often overlooked by almost everyone. My advice is to sit down with your groom and talk about what each of you is going to do for breakfast and lunch on wedding day. You are obviously going to do different things, but having a plan for each of you is very important.

Since I don't know what you getting ready plans are, and won't be there to bring lunch, here is a wide variety of simple suggestions:

For the Groom:

Meet up with grooms men for breakfast/lunch - (*make reservations if you have a large party)
Eat at the golf course after your 9 holes (*You don't have time for 18! You just don't!)
Arrive to the hotel early and eat in the lounge prior to getting dressed
Order room service
Eat breakfast and lunch at home prior to arriving at picture location (*this does mean you need to have food for both meals in your home ahead of time. Yes, a trip to the grocery store!)

For the bride:

Order room service in your bridal suite
Have your family or brides maids bring in muffins, fruit, yogurt, lunch meat,crackers, etc. for you all to snack on.
Have your bridal brunch/luncheon in the morning before hair and make up
Stock up your house with your favorite foods (nothing that can not be prepared before wedding day. No cooking or hassle on wedding day!)
Pack a snack bag ahead of time and bring it with you to the ceremony location
Pre-order appetizers from reception location to have ready for you as soon as you arrive
If ceremony and reception at same location - have the appetizer prepared for all bridal party to enjoy in down time prior to ceremony

*Special Note* Once your dress is on it is important to have stain free snacks to munch on. OUT:: chocolate, mustard, red wine, cranberry sauce, anything with a colored sauce IN: pretzels, fruit, veggies (watch dips), cheese platters, nuts, etc.

If you have a suggestion for Brides I'd love to hear it! Leave me a comment. Happy planning!

Photographs: Clare Marie Photography

Real Wedding Friday! - Jenn & Thuy

2009-11-06T04:53:00.000-08:00

The day was gloomy with a chance of rain, but that didn't darken the spirit of Jenn & Thuy on their wedding day. I don't even think they noticed! Luckily for me, the rain held of just long enough for the touching roof top ceremony at Bell Harbor to be complete. Once everyone was safely inside the sky gave way to showers, and things got heated up inside! Check out Edit 1 Media's amazing video capturing the day!

Waterfront Wedding at Bell Harbor in Seattle from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.
Here are the kind words Jen had to say about me afterward:
"Every bride dreams of their fairytale wedding. Thankfully with Wendi's help, my day was truly a dream come true. With a caring and vibrant personality, Wendi patiently listened to all the details I wanted to incorporate and ensured everything was absolutely fabulous the day of. Wedding are often filled with stress and anxiety, Wendi's attention to detail and positive attitude was just what my wedding party and I needed the day of. Every bride should work with Wendi!"

What are you doing Thursday?

2009-10-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Get Hitched, Give Hope from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.

The amazingly talented and oh so generous Edit 1 Media created this one of a kind video highlighting last year's Get Hitched Give Hope. With only 4 days left until the big event I thought I would share it with you. If this video doesn't make you want to come then I don't know what will!

BUT... just in case I will also mention that we will be auctioning off an Edit 1 Media Love Story/Engagement Music video, designer Anne Barge couture dresses (not just 1 but 5), T. Anthony Sholdt diamond wedding bands, spa packages, and much much more! There is something for everyone. I'll be buying up the raffle tickets by the dozen! I'm married and in the industry, but there is soooo much good stuff I want a chance to win (and donate) of course!

Tickets are on sale now. Buy one here!

Details:

What: Get Hitched Give Hope - Swanky cocktail wedding show and charity auction

When: Thursday 10.29.09 - That's THIS Thursday!

5:30 - 9:30 PM

Where: The swanky Arctic Club Hotel

Why: All proceeds raised go to grant wishes for stage 4 breast cancer patients and their families through the Making Memories Foundation. And, it feels SO good to give back! Come be a GIVER! Buy your ticket and save time at the door. I look forward to seeing you there!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Wedding Dress?

2009-10-07T04:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Wendi,

Where is the best place to get a wedding dress?

-Bride in need of help, Seattle

Dear Bride in need of help,

This is a great question! A wedding dress is a HUGE part of your wedding. It is your signature piece! It tells everyone everything about you and your style. With my clients I can tell/plan everything about a wedding based on her engagement ring and dress choice(s). A fabulous dress is a MUST have! I know that budgets have gotten a little tighter this year than in years past, so to answer this question I have a fabulous suggestion:

Get Hitched Give Hope has given us another sneak peak at one of the awesome items that will be auctioned/raffled off at the bridal event on Oct. 29th!!

"The Gown Diva Package!" It includes not just ONE dress... but your choice of FIVE couture Anne Barge gowns!!! In addition, Liz Navarro, personal stylist to the most fashionable brides, will help you pair one of these gowns to best fit your body type and style. She will pair it with Grace shoes and a Madina Vadache veil (courtesy Voletta Couture!) to bout! And if that weren't enough, she will also act as your style consultant for accessories!

This package would normally be well over 4 Grand... but of course... anything goes when a live auction begins! The bids will start WELL below retail value (like WELL BELOW!). This is an opportunity any bride would dream about, but at auction prices it is a Dream Come True! So, buy your tickets, get there early, check out the gorgeous models who will be roaming around the Dome Room, and ask plenty of questions- Liz will be there all night!
Tickets and more here!!! http://www.gethitchedgivehope.com/

p.s. Did I tell you that proceeds from the event will go to grant final wishes for Stage 4 breast cancer patients? Well, they do. So go get your ticket. Like now! Go on. Do it. BE A GIVER ;)

I hope this helps you (Bride in need of help) and every other Seattle, Portland, Spokane, etc. bride out there. This event is worth the drive!

- Wendi Hroncich

ethereal events

Fantastic image: Laurell McConnell Get Hitched Give Hope

Diamonds are a Girls best friend!

2009-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Diamonds really are a girls best friend, along with her spouse, dog, and maybe a girl friend or two! At Get Hitched Give Hope, October 29th, 2009 His and Her diamond rings could be a Groom's best friend too!

The Get Hitched Give Hope team is proud to announce that at this year's event we are auctioning off His and Hers wedding bands. This generous donation is from the fabulous local Queen Anne Jeweler T. Anothy Sholdt! He and his jewelery are amazing. We're so honored to have him participating. And what a treat for every bride & groom!
His: Tungsten wedding band with a palladium inlay.
Hers: Diamond eternity band set in palladium with 43 (count ‘em! 43!) round brilliant cut diamonds (.22 carat total weight)

If haven't already, mark your calendars and BUY your tickets! You don't want to miss this party!

Photos: The incredibly talented Laurell McConnell!

Real Wedding Friday - Angela & Nathan Alanis!

2009-10-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

I met Angela & Nathan last October after Angela saw me nominated on King 5's Best of Western Washington. She came to me with a few ideas of what she wanted for her and Nathan's wedding, but was mostly a clean slate willing and wanting my help and advice! I love working with clients like this! It gives me a chance to really work with them to figure out what makes their relationship special and how to best showcase their personalities in their wedding. I had such a great time working with Angela & Nathan for the 7 months prior to their wedding! They are such a fun, loving, and sincere couple.

I have the greatest job in the world! Here are a few images from their amazing day:

All Photos by the amazing Chris Gendron!

The Countdown has begun!! 29 days...

2009-10-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 29 day countdown to Get Hitched Give Hope! For those of you who ask "What is Get Hitched Give Hope?" I will tell you, it is the amazing charity event coming up on October 29th, 2009 at the Arctic Club Hotel. The beneficiary being the Making Memories Foundation through Bride's Against Breast Cancer. This organization grants wishes for Breast Cancer patients and their families whom the cure won't come soon enough. Inspiring, I know! But, if that is NOT reason enough to come, then for the next 29 days the Get Hitched Give Hope blog will be giving a different reason every day to attend!

Tickets are very affordable, starting at $25. They are on sale now! So, Click here and get yours! Can't make it, you can still donate to the wonderful cause here. Be a GIVER! You know you wanna!

I can't wait to see you October 29th! You won't want to miss it!

Corinna & Jason, by Wendi Hroncich

2009-09-29T13:53:00.001-07:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Voting has begun!!

2009-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

The voting for Best of Western Washington has begun. We are honored to be nominated again this year in the wedding planner category! With our top 5 finish last year, we are hoping to pull out a victory in 2009!

It is because of all of you that we will be able to do so. Please vote for all your favorites! Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to us!

Click here to vote for Ethereal Events!

Voting ends October 10th.

Here's the Story

2009-08-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I shared the copy of a news story for Q13 Fox I was a wedding consultant on. Click here for the video clip.

ALL the information in the story was provided by myself or my client Angela Alanis, used by reporter Dana Rebik.

Photo by Kurt Smith Photography

Weddings on a Budget

2009-08-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

I work with clients that have budget's of $20K to $500K and everywhere in between. One thing about them is the same, they want to get most for their money while keeping it elegant and beautiful. So, the other day when asked to be the wedding consultant by Q 13 Fox's Dana Rebik for a story she was doing on Bride's on a Budget I couldn't pass it up. The story ran on this morning's news program! If you missed it, here is the copy:

How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget
Local wedding planners say a majority of brides are slashing budgets due to the tight economy.
Dana Rebik Staff reporter
August 10, 2009

Seattle - Planning a wedding on a tight budget is stressing out many brides right now.

For some, the tough economy means no elaborate ceremonies or receptions, but there's a lot you can do to plan a frugal yet fabulous wedding.

Angela Alanis got married on May 30, 2009 in Seattle and says she was stressed for months about paying the bill.

"It was a shock when the venue and catering bill was going to be the entire budget! We really had to prioritize," says Alanis.

Seattle wedding planner Wendi Hroncich of Ethereal Events says she saw a slight decline in wedding planning budgets in 2008, but in 2009, it's a demand among most brides. In fact, a recent survey shows 40% of brides have cut their budgets this year because of the economy.

So where do you start when it comes to cutting costs? One easy way is decor, and skipping elaborate centerpieces. If you have a wedding of 200 guests at 20 tables of 10, having a large elaborate centerpiece at each table could cost you 200 dollars on the high end per centerpiece. That's a total of $4,000! If you choose to use colored linens at about $15 dollars a piece, and a smaller arrangement like floating flowers and candles, you could be paying about $600 dollars for your centerpieces. That is a savings of $3,400.

Some other ideas include bringing your own alcohol and caterer to your reception, assembling your own invitations and using an iPod for dinner and cocktail hour, and only hiring a DJ or band for dancing afterwards.
Copyright © 2009, KCPQ-TV

All the information in the story came from myself and my wonderful bride (married May 30th) Angela Alanis!

Here are a few additional budget saving tips Dana's story didn't mention:

Double use your flowers:

Using the flowers from ceremony to reception is not only green, it is also smart and budget friendly. If you're having aisle posies attached to chairs or pews, or on stands lining the aisle of your ceremony you can transfer them to table tops of your reception for an easy and elegant center piece. The brides maid's bouquets can be used as extra decor on the guest book table, cake table, head table, buffet, and anywhere else you like a little something extra. The bridal bouquet makes a wonderful centerpiece for the sweet heart table. If you double use the flowers from ceremony to reception there is so much more to work with and less money spent.

2. Use items other than flowers or perishables for decor. Feathers and colored glass stones are really popular right now. You rent them from your florist or designer, and since they reuse them over and over the cost is far less then flowers.

3. Having a cocktail style reception not only elevates your swank factor, it is also a huge savings from a formal sit down meal. You are paying for finger foods rather than a huge meal. Many cocktail receptions have ample amounts of food, just in smaller portions so guests never go home hungry and you aren't spending beyond your means.4. Get Hitched Give Hope is a great way to save money on your wedding. It's coming up on October 29th, 2009! There are incredible deals to be had on your dress, Coordination, DJ, live music, flowers, and so much more! Bride's last year got as much as 70% off high end vendors! This will save you HUGE amounts of money! Write it on your calendars now, 10.29.09.

5. Last, but not least: Hire a Wedding Coordinator. This is the most important piece of advice I'm giving to you today! We save you time, money, stress, mistakes (like losing your deposit on a bad vendor), headaches, etc. We will work with in your budget and find the best vendors available to you in your price range. We are not looking to make you spend more money. If we were so limited to only a small set of the highest end vendors WE WOULD NOT BE VERY GOOD AT OUR JOBS! We are here to find the perfect fit vendor for you, and you alone!

If it's not in your budget to have a coordinator plan the whole wedding, that is okay. Hire one to sit down with you to get you started. Many coordinators especially myself are available on an hourly or package consultant basis. Mine is called 'Jump Start to Planning!' It has been so helpful for so many clients!

Best of luck planning! Really try to enjoy this magical time in your life!

If you have a tip on how you saved money please send it to me. I'll post it on my next blog. I love to hear from you!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...How to Beat the Heat!

2009-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Picture from King 5 News's website

For this week's Dear Wendi Wednesday, I am taking a break from the boys to address an important issue. As many of you have noticed from the week straight of 90+ degree temperatures we are in the dog days of summer. Personally, I could not be happier! I love the sunshine and heat. The thing I don't love is how it takes a toll on my couples, their family and bridal party on wedding day.

Wendi, do you have any tips for not only surviving, but thriving in the heat on wedding day?

Drink LOTS of water
Bring fans (hand held or battery operated) to cool yourself and others off
If you drink, don't drink alcohol in excess - add a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage
Take breaks during pictures to go inside and cool off (if inside is not an option, look for shade to cool down in)
Plan some time to relax - whether it's 45 mins instead of 30 before your ceremony, or not joining cocktail hour take some down time.
Be flexible! This goes attire, seating of guests, location of pictures, etc.
Let the men take off their jackets. They're dying in all those layers of wool or polyester blends.
Keep a slight bend in your knees - Never locked them out. (This will help prevent people from passing out during the ceremony and pictures)
Keep water near by for your flowers. They will look fresh all day long if you keep them in water when you can.
Have your cake delivered later in the day, as close to reception time as possible. Never put it in the direct sun. (Cakes tipping over or leaning is not that uncommon on HOT days)
If your cake does have a severe lean, cut it early. You don't have to serve it right away, but better to cut the cake out of order then not have one to cut.
Live it up! Sunshine is far better than rain!

Have a suggestion? I'd love to hear about what you are doing to stay cool and comfortable this summer! Email me: wendi@etherealevents.com

Mishap Monday - Who has the Hummer?

2009-07-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

This week's mishap was a first for me! It unfortunately happened just last weekend to my fabulous couple.

Wedding Day was going perfectly for E & R! The ladies hair and make up ended early, breakfast and lunch had been delivered on time, and all the bridal party was there and having a great time. The warm and sunny weather glistening off the lake created the perfect backdrop for pictures!

The day was going flawlessly or so we thought...When it was time to for the Bride and Groom to leave the hotel for the church their car was no where to be found! It turns out the Best Man loaned their transportation to a "friend" of the Groom, and he was no where to be found, nor was he answering his cell phone! He and the Hummer were M.I.A.!

As any great coordinator would do, I calmly packed up the Bride, Groom and Best man into my car and raced them to the church. I must say it was a quite ride! There was little if any conversation to be had besides me making jokes and light hearted comments about how wonderfully the day was going! In the grand scheme of things, this was a very little hick up! I wanted everyone in my car to know this.

After the ceremony was over the Bride and Groom's Hummer was in place to take them to the reception and all was forgotten. The lesson to be learned from this mishap:

DON'T LOAN OUT THE BRIDE & GROOM'S TRANSPORTATION!!!

If you have a mishap to share I would love to hear about it! Write me an email wendi@etherealevents.com or leave me a comment. Have a great week!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Who Knew There Were So Many Songs to Chose From?

2009-07-08T13:15:00.001-07:00

This week's Dear Wendi Wednesday is again for all the men out there in need of some professional wedding help! I find that many of you are given the responsibility of finding the DJ or Band for your wedding. It is an important task, and should be done with careful thought and consideration. It does make or break your party!

After you successfully do so, there is always the task of giving the DJ the list of songs for the reception. I'm talking the "important event" songs, like first dance, cake cutting, etc. I am throwing all you men a bone here by giving you a "real" (not cheesy or over played lists you find after googling "popular first dance songs") list of popular songs for all of your important dances. Many of these have come from my past clients weddings, and are very personal to them. The songs are also interchangeable with other dances or events. It is completely up to you. If anyone has a favorite song they would like me to add to my list let me know! I would love more suggestions!

So, here you go:

First Dance Song
· “More Than Anyone” Gavin DeGraw
· “I’m Yours” Jason Mraz
· “You Say It Best” Allison Krauss
· “Beyond The Sea” Bobbie Darin
· “Our Love Is Here to Stay” Ella Fitzgerald
· “My Best Friend” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Father/Daughter Dance
· “Who I am” Jessica Andrews
· “ Unforgettable” Duo with Nate King and Natalie Cole
· “What a Wonderful World” Louis Armstrong

Mother/Son
· “Forever Young” Rod Stewart
· “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or Louis Armstrong
· “The Way you Look Tonight” Frank Sinatra

Cake Cutting
· “Sugar, Sugar” Archies
· “When I’m 64” Beatles
· “The Best is Yet to Come” Frank Sinatra
· “When Did You Fall In Love with Me?” Chris Rice
· “Let’s Stay Together” Al Green

Bouquet Toss
· “Single Ladies” Beyonce
· “Girls, Girls, Girls” Beastie Boys
· “Wishin’ and Hopin’” Ani DeFranco

Garter
· “Let’s Get It on” Marvin Gaye
· “Sexual Healing” Marvin Gaye
· “Pour Some Sugar on Me” Death Leopard

Last Dance
· “Last Dance” Donna Summers
· “Save the Last Dance” Michael Buble
· “Piano Man” Billy Joel
· “Home” Michael Buble

Introduction to reception
· “Eye of the Tiger”
· College Fight Song

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Man's Best Friend

2009-06-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

In honor of my month dedicated to the Groom, here is an article by Lisa Lombardi, I was quoted in to answer a question I get asked a lot about Man's best friend.

Can My Dog Be in the Wedding?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, June 23rd 2009, 1:34 PM
Kaycee English considers her dog Bowser part of the family, so including him in her wedding was an obvious choice.

Hadn't she spent the year before her special day scouring Petfinder.com, wishing she could adopt a dog? Hadn't her husband, John, taken the lead on talking their landlord into allowing a pet?

"I really wanted everyone that I loved there that day," said English, who lives in Freehold, N.J., and dressed Bowser in a tuxedo T-shirt for ringbearer duty.

The idea of dogs walking down the aisle or sitting for wedding photos may be strange - even repulsive - to some, but a little planning can make things run smoothly and bring families closer together.

Stephanie Baker of Bowling Green, Ky., said she and her husband, Steven, adopted their blind dog Tucker when his story on Petfinder "tugged at our heartstrings." They rarely leave home without him and felt strongly about including him in their wedding.

She made one wedding photo a tribute to her mother, who has cancer. Baker posed in the same position with Tucker as Mom did with her own dog at her wedding 35 years ago.

"If it's something that's important to you, do it," Baker said. "If you have strong feelings about wanting to include someone, you'll regret not doing it."

Finding a venue that allows dogs may not be as big a deal as you might expect. Jessica Sempek of Skokie, Ill., said she was the first to ask her chosen location if dogs were allowed and the reaction was, "Why not?" Sempek and her husband, Scott Stewart, had a young nephew walk their dogs Lady Bug and Emmie down the aisle.

"He took his job so seriously," Sempek said.

Once you have your location, be prepared to answer questions about the details, like how long you expect the animals to be there, and many sites will accommodate, said Wendi Hroncich, a wedding planner in Seattle.

"Most venues generally want the bride and groom to have anything they want," she said.

The experienced brides are loaded with pet planning tips:

- Designate someone to be responsible for a dog during the ceremony and to transport the pet there and back. The human should be someone who's not involved in the proceedings. If it's a child's role to walk the animal down the aisle, an adult should supervise before and after.

- Don't forget to schedule a dog's trip to the groomer. "They went to the spa just like I did," Sempek said.

- If you're boarding your dog after the ceremony, check timing. Julie Hall of Silver Spring, Md., said finding a kennel for her pooch Maddy with late enough drop-off hours was difficult.

- Bring treats to help persuade the dog to participate in the photo shoot and make sure it can sit and stay on command. Before her wedding, Hall took her pet to obedience classes.

Most couples don't bring their pets to the reception - it's too long and overwhelming - but being part of the ceremony really isn't a challenge for most dogs, Hroncich said. "All they have to do is go down the aisle and then sit."

Sempek found that the only unexpected behavior at her wedding was little 9-pound Emmie's reaction to the music. "She wanted to pick a fight with the cellist," she said. "That was the only time they barked all day."

In the end, all the couples thought the effort was more than worth it - and reluctant relatives came around.

"After the fact," English said, "people look at the photos and say, 'How cute is this one,' and it's always the one with the dog."

Check out the article and more here

(Article from NYDailyNews - Written by Lisa Lombardi)

Mishap Monday - Word to the Wise

2009-06-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

There is so much information that goes into an invitation that the wording needs to be carefully thought out. This applies to all invitations, wedding, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, birthday, engagement party, etc. You need the date, time, location(s) and any other sentiments you see fit. For a wedding if the ceremony and reception are in different location it is thoughtful to incorporate a map or directions. An RSVP card is a very important enclosure to include as well.
With all of this information it's important that you think about not only what you mean, but also how the wording can be interpreted by your guests.

This is weeks mishap I encountered very recently:

A fantastic couple of mine recently sent out there wedding invitations. They were very thoughtful about what to include. They thought a lot about their guests and guest count. They had some signs that some guests may not know NOT to bring additional people with them. Wanting to prevent this confusion we included a line on the RSVP card that read ____ # Guests. So, if the number of guests on the RSVP card was higher than the number invited we could touch base with that person. This seemed like the correct wording to us, until they received an RSVP with the name of 1 person attending and then 2 guests in the blank space. This particular invite was sent inviting 2 adults and a child. (Does that mean that all 3 are coming or 2 total guests are coming?) It raised our eyebrows for sure wondering if we were facing another confusing situation.

To make a long story short, at great way of wording an RSVP card for the total number of guest coming is: ____Total # Attending! This eliminates all confusion. Luckily for us, the large majority of the guest understood what we meant, and there was very little confusion. For me, I want a plan ahead of time that guarantees no extra work or confusion for my couples. I wish I would have know this sooner for this couple. Valuable information!

Please learn from our mishap, and use it to your advantage!

Radio Star!

2009-06-20T03:13:00.000-07:00

Tune in this morning at 8:00am (PST)for my interview with Rev. Angela on "I DO" Radio! I've been waiting months for this day, and it has arrived! Click here to tune in!

Tune In!

2009-06-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

The countdown begins...One Week

Please tune in Saturday 6/20 to hear my radio interview with Rev. Angela on "I DO" radio. Click here in 7 days to hear it!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...This Months for the Boys

2009-06-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Wendi Wednesday for the rest of month of June is being dedicated to all my male readers. I know how often you are forgotten during the wedding planning process. My next 3 Wednesday’s are dedicated solely to you! It is a small attempt to make up for the imbalance.

Dear Wendi,

My fiance and I are having an evening ceremony and reception. What is there for my grooms man and I to do on wedding day prior to the wedding?

- Bewildered Groom

Dear Bewildered Groom,

Thank you for the question. I actually get asked this quite a bit by both concerned brides and clueless grooms. Before making too many plans it is important to know what your wedding day schedule is going to be. Your wedding pictures usually start two to three hours prior to the ceremony start time. (So, if you are having a 6:00pm ceremony you would need to be dressed, ready, and on location at 2:30 or so.) With this in mind, I have a lot of ideas I recommend to my clients.

My first suggestion may sound a little odd to the men who do not consider themselves “metro sexual”, but it’s important. Male Grooming!

Take you and your grooms men to Flint Men's Grooming located in Bellevue for a few beers and a little pampering. They offer a number of services from massages to straight blade shaves and have a large selection of beers to choose from. They can provide a space you can all hang together. There is no risk of the dreaded cohabitation like all other salon/spas. It is men only!

A man and those closest to him should look and feel their best on wedding day. Yes, most of the attention will be on your beautiful bride, but all of her attention will be on you!
(Important to note: You should get your hair cut at least one week in advance, NOT the day of your wedding!)

My next suggestion after you're looking your best is go out and do something fun near by. You are lucky enough to be able to shower and dress in a relatively small amount of time. So, take advantage of it! Go boating, golfing, out to eat, etc.

Hotel 1000 has an amazing virtual golf club. Over the last few years my clients have really enjoyed it! You can have a private party or just hit a few rounds. There are two tee boxes that allow 4 golfers each, so reservations are a must. If you plan ahead the hotel can provide food and drinks for you to enjoy. It's a great way to spend time with your buddy's before your wedding festivities begin.

Lastly, I suggest if you are getting ready in a hotel, see what the hotel offers for entertainment. They may have a great restaurant, movie theater or know of something close by you can take advantage of. Wedding morning can be a high energy time, so if you have something fun planned it can help take your mind off all the excitement for a little while.

Most importantly, go enjoy time with those closest to you. Plan ahead so you are ready ON TIME!! Your wedding is the most important event on this day. Have fun, but always keep that in mind!

Have a suggestion for groom's activities on wedding day? I would love to hear it. Tell me what you did on wedding day.

Real Wedding Friday - Michele and Paul Stephens

2009-05-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Paul's first wedding anniversary is coming up this month! The beautiful and statuesque couple was married memorial day of 2008! St. James Catherdral and Hotel 1000 were the perfect locations to show off Seattle to this East Coast couple's friends and family. Michele and I started working together in January of 2008 to put on this intimate affair.

Michele and Paul, thank you for letting me be a part of your day. I hope your first year of marriage was as full of love and joy as wedding day!

Wedding Planning: Ethereal Events
Ceremony Location: St. James Cathedral
Reception: Hotel 1000
Photography: Barbie Hull
Florist: Flora Nova
Videography: Aaron Horton
DJ: Piano Joe
Dress: Cynderellie's Closet
Hair & Makeup: Erin Skipley

Mishap Monday - RSVP nightmare!

2009-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's a huge mishap for Brides and Grooms to not pay for postage on their guests RSVPs. It is a simple gesture that lets your guests know that you will be taking care of them come wedding day! It's thoughtful and considerate.

For you 2009 summer brides, when you do send out your invitation make sure you stamp every envelope or postcard you send with the appropriate postage for when your guests will be returning it. The price of postage is going up Today, May 11th from $0.42 to $0.44.

You can combat this price increase by buying forever stamps at the $0.42 price. These "forever" stamps will work no matter how high the cost of postage gets. I recommend buying far more than you need so you can use them on your RSVP envelopes or postcards and thank you notes too! With the Forever stamp you won't have to worry about not receiving an RSVP due to inadequate postage. Saving money and stress anywhere you can adds up to a lot of savings!

Mishap Monday - Did you receive it?

2009-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

The postage on a wedding invitation varies quite a bit depending on the invite. There can be a huge difference in paper weight, number of inserts and envelopes, invitation shape, ribbon detailing, crystal gem stones, etc. All of it makes a difference in the cost of sending it to your guests. The one thing that does not differ from invitation to invitation is it is a huge mishap to have the wrong postage!

Make sure you take all of your invitations to the post office to be weighted for correct postage value before you put them in the mail. This will relieve a huge amount of stress about whether or not your guest received their invitation!

Invitation in picture is in the Yummies line by Mmm Paper.

Stamp photo from US postal service website.

Real Wedding Friday - Lisa & Mike

2009-04-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Lisa & Mike were married at the beautiful Bell Harbor Conference Center on a sunny Friday in September! It was a magical day for a wonderful couple. I'm so glad I got to be part of its success!

Photos by the wonderful 1000 Words Photography