Ask Beverly: What should I be doing a week before my wedding?

Some brides find it hard to relax and leave all the final details to the professionals (wedding vendors).  Here's a list of "TO DO's" I provide my clients one week prior to the wedding.

1 Week Before the Wedding

• Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage, a manicure and a facial treatment.
• The groom will want to get a haircut.
• Give final count to the reception facility, caterer and bartending service.
• Remind men in the wedding party to pick up their formal wear and to double check the fit.
• Prepare your toasts of thanks to family and friends to be presented at the reception.
• Make a schedule outlining the details of the wedding day and give a copy to each person in the wedding party at your rehearsal.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Mail "thank you" gifts to parents to arrive just after the wedding.
 

1 to 2 Days Before the Wedding

• Attend the rehearsal with the minister/officiant, and wedding party.
• Enjoy your rehearsal dinner with family and friends.
• Set aside a quiet time to exchange gifts with your partner.
• Take a long, soaking, relaxing, warm bath before going to bed.
• Do your best to get to bed early the night before your wedding.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Ask Beverly: Who Should I Bring With Me To Look For My Wedding Gown?

Photo found at http://newandblue.com

This is the first time I've ever been asked this question, but I'm glad you did.  There is no doubt about it: shopping for a wedding gown is one of the best parts of being a bride. Nothing is quite as fun as getting to try on all of those fabulous dresses in your search for the one dress that will truly make you feel like a bride. In the excitement, many brides will want to invite everyone they know to join them for the adventure. But before you do, stop and think carefully about who you should bring wedding gown shopping.

You may be surprised to hear that when it comes to finding your dream gown, having more people does not mean having more help. Did you ever hear the old expression, "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians"? This is exactly what usually happens when a bride brings along a whole entourage. Everyone will have a different opinion, and in all of those voices, it is often the bride's that gets drowned out. Forget about picking a wedding dress by committee or trying to please everyone: it doesn't work.

The ideal number of friends or relatives to bring gown shopping is one to three. (And three can even be pushing it if they are all highly opinionated ladies!) Although it can be fun to try on gowns for all six of your bridesmaids and have them ooh and aah over you, remember that the point is to find your wedding gown, not just to try on lots of dresses. You are better off choosing a couple of friends who will be able to remain focused on you and on what you really want.

The obvious choice for a person to bring gown shopping is the mother of the bride. For many mothers and daughters, it is an experience they have dreamed about sharing for years. If this sounds like you, then by all means, bring your mother. Make a whole mother-daughter day of it with lunch in a nice restaurant after the appointment (hopefully it will be a lunch to celebrate finding your dream dress!).

Not all mothers and daughter see eye to eye, however. If you know that your mother will not be able to keep your personal taste in mind, then you would be better off doing your gown shopping with one of your bridesmaids. You need someone who you can really trust to help you make the right choice. After you have chosen your gown, you can invite your mother to help you pick out your veil and bridal jewelry. Shopping for jewelry and other bridal accessories can also be a good way to involve your future mother-in-law.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Wedding Inspiration: Oooh and Aaah Factor!

Question: Beverly my wedding is going to be simple, but elegant.  My mom and I would like to know how to incorporate the "Oooh and Aaah" factor into a simple, but elegant wedding?

Answer:  This is a great question.  Whether you are having a wedding that is simple, elaborate, elegant or plain you should always incorporate the "Oooh and Aaah" factor into your wedding.  What that is will be based on your budget. 

If  you have a sizable budget to work with, you can go with an elaborate ice sculpture so long as it is not going to sit outdoors in the summer months.  I also like the idea of illuminated bubble bars. If you want your focal point to be on your centerpieces, go with very tall floral arrangement with crystals and and lights shining down on each centerpiece.  Or have a lighted dance floor.  If you plan to have steak, chicken or salmon, also have a food station set alone that serves sliders, tiny hot dogs in a blanket (junk food) or an ice cream bar or a candy station/dessert station, etc.

http://www.yumsugar.com/Yummy-Links-From-Dessert-Bars-Food-T-Shirts-7283815

http://www.theimperialpartyrentals.com/Party_Rental_LA_picture.html

If you have a modest budget, you can use up lights around the room.  Use candles as your centerpieces that sit on mirror plates.  If it's a winter season wedding, place white crystals on your place cad table to make it look like snow. 

http://www.squidoo.com/ChristmasCenterpieces

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Caterer Questions | ASK BEVERLY

The best way to find a caterer with whom you feel comfortable planning your wedding, is through word of mouth, advice from recent brides, your wedding consultant, or other wedding professionals.  Book your caterer or banquet location twleve months before your wedding; the best resources will be engaged early.  Below are questions to prepare you before your visit with a caterer.

1. Do you have my date open?

2. How many weddings do you do per year, and how long have you been in business?

3. Have you done events at my location?

4. Are you licensed by the State of California? Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

5. Will I need any permits for my event? If so, will you handle obtaining them?

6. Will you provide a banquet manager to coordinate the meal service or an on-site coordinator who will run the entire event?

7. Can you assist with other aspects of the wedding like selecting other vendors, event design (e.g. specialty lighting, elaborate décor, theme events, etc.)?

8. Given my budget, guest count and event style, what food choices would you recommend? Do you specialize in certain cuisines?

9. Do we have to work off a preset menu or can you create a sushi menu for our event? If I have a special dish I’d like served, would you accommodate that?

10. Do you offer event packages or is everything a la carte? What exactly do your packages include?

11. Do you use all fresh produce, meat, fish, etc.? Can you source organic or sustainably farmed ingredients?

12. Can you accommodate dietary restrictions, such as kosher, vegan, etc.?

13. What décor do you provide for appetizers stations or buffet tables?

14. Do you offer package upgrades such as chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, cappuccino machines or specialty displays?

15. Can you do theme menus (e.g. barbecue, luau, etc.)?

16. What is the price difference between a buffet and a sit-down meal?

17. How much do you charge for children’s meals?

18. How much do you charge for vendor’s meals?

19. Do you do wedding cakes? If so, is this included in the per-person meal price or is it extra?

20. Can you show me photos of cakes you’ve done in the past?

21. If I decide not to serve cake, can you provide a dessert display instead?

22. If we use an outside cake designer, do you charge a cake-cutting fee?

23. Do you do food tastings and is there an extra charge for this?

24. Do you handle rental equipment such as tables, chairs, etc.?

25. What type of linens, glassware, plates and flatware do you provide?

26. Can you provide presentation upgrades such as chair covers, lounge furniture, Chiavari chairs, etc.? What would be the additional fees?

27. What is your policy on cleanup?

28. If there is leftover food from my event, can we have it wrapped for guests to take home or have it delivered to a local shelter?

29. Do you provide alcoholic beverages and bartenders? Can you accommodate specialty cocktails?

30. What brands of alcohol will be served?

31. Can we provide the alcohol and you provide the bar labor?

32. Do you charge a corkage fee if we provide our own wine or champagne?

33. How do you charge for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages? Per consumption or per person? Which is more cost-effective?

34. Is the champagne toast after the ceremony included in your meal packages or is it extra?

35. Will your staff serve the wine with dinner?

36. How long will you serve the alcohol?

37. Is coffee and tea serviced included with the per-person meal charge? What brands of each do you offer and do they include decaf and herbal tea options?

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

5 Tips On Gift-Receiving Etiquette

1. Register for your gift preferences with your fiance'.
2. Ask relatives, bridal party and friends to spread the word about where you are registered.
3. Suggest that your maid of honor send out a "wedding newsletter" to other bridal party members, and shower guests, updating them on wedding details and listing where you are registered.
4. Never print where you are registered on wedding invitations.  It is acceptable; however, for shower hostesses to list where you're registered or enclose printed registry cards inside invitations.
5. Keep all enclosure cards and accurate gift records.  Buy a wedding-planning notebook or gift-record book from a bridal salon, stationer, or bookstore as soon as you get engaged.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: What's The Process To Get A Marriage License?

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk 90650

Phone (562) 462-2137

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hours: Third Thursday of the month 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Website: http://www.lavote.net/recorder/pdfs/confmarriageapp.pdf

A regular marriage license may be used in any county in California; however, a confidential marriage license must be used in the county in which the license was purchased.

To obtain a marriage license, you must be at least 18, have a valid picture identification, and a certified copy of dissolution if divorced within the last two years. The fee for a regular or a confidential marriage license is $70.

Marriage licenses may be obtained at the Norwalk Main Office; branch offices in East Los Angeles, Lancaster and Van Nuys; and courthouses in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles (LAX Airport).

To obtain a license from the Norwalk Main Office, you must be at the office no later than 4 p.m. to process the application on the same day.

Applications processed after 4 p.m. may be placed on “will-call pick-up” on the next business day. Call the branch office regarding the processing time at that location. For a list of the branch offices, see “Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Branch Offices.”

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: Can you provide us with some honeymoon travel tips

Honeymoon travel tips

• Purchase the lowest refundable airfare if your travel plans are tentative.Opt for a paper ticket instead of an e-ticket, even if you have to pay an extra fee. If you do book an e-ticket, keep a printout of the computer confirmation with you. 
• Do not put film in checked baggage. High-tech scanning machines can erase photos. 
• Book nonstop flights—no stops or plane changes (direct flights land at airports along the way; connecting flights, lost luggage; charter flights are a bargain but are more likely to be delayed, or cancelled.) 
• Tightened security means bigger delays, so leave yourselves plenty of time to make your connection or catch that cruise ship. 
• If renting a car, reserve early for the model of choice; specify automatic or shift; ask about hidden expenses (rate per mile, insurance, tax, gas, one-way rental). 
• On a cruise, ask about cabin sizes and prices, and whether beds are doubles or bunks. 
• When making hotel reservations, be sure to mention that you are honeymooners. Hotels often treat newlyweds to free champagne and room upgrades.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: What are some bridal shower and engagement party themes ?

5 Engagement Party Theme Ideas

Cake and Champagne Dreams. This engagement party theme is all about sparkle. You'll want plenty of candles lit around the house, or at the very least, some twinkling white Christmas lights.

A Cocktail Party. This is if you're going to have more than about eight people, a cocktail party might be a better choice than a dinner party. For this engagement party theme, serve fancy drinks, preferably with umbrellas in them. Keep the music a lively jazz mix. Get lots of ice. Set up a bar, and serve trays of appetizers. Make sure the appetizers are the 'walk around' variety, that people can eat anywhere, so they aren't stuck near a table, trying to dunk their carrots into a bowl of dip. Be sure to position the engagement party food in various places around the house, so that everyone is not crowded in the kitchen where you're mixing drinks. Traffic flow is important at cocktail engagement theme parties, so serve food they can pick up on a small plate or napkin and walk away with. If you're really creative, you can even "invent" a new drink and name it after the happy couple. For engagement party theme decorations, you might find an embarrassing or too-cute photo of the happy couple, and bring it to a Kinko's to be blown up life-size and hung on the wall for all the guests to sign. For a game to "break the ice" ask all the guests to write their best wedding or marriage advice on a cocktail napkin and then read each one aloud.

Costume Ball. This engagement party theme is out of the ordinary. Ask guests to come dressed as their favorite married couples from history, the big screen, or the tabloid pages. Have a blast trying to guess who they are.

 

Mexican Fiesta. Serve Tex-Mex casseroles or chili as an entree. Or, if you're looking to keep the food snack-size, serve corn chips and other hand-held Mexican appetizers. For this engagement party theme, mix Margaritas and salsa music as loud as you please. For decorations, you might want to pick up a pinata and fill it with adult-fun favors, letting the bride and groom supervise the smashing of the paper beastie. Multi-colored balloons will add to the gaiety of your engagement party.

 

Afternoon Barbecue. Even less formal engagement party theme is the backyard barbecue. Fire up the grill, break out the plastic cups and the paper plates, and gussy up your backyard for a party. Hot dogs, hamburgers and beer are the usual fare, and music can range from country to classic rock. The main obstacle to barbecues are that someone is going to have to stand in front of the grill for a long time to feed all those people, the food is unlikely to be done at the same time, and you may run out of easy seating when it's time to open the engagement party gifts.

 

5 Wedding Shower Party Theme Ideas

Silver & Lilac Wonderland. This party should shine with a gorgeous winter wonderland-inspired theme! Shades of lilac and purple add a soft splash of color to the traditional silver and white in this festive theme.

Coffee & Dessert. This party should have bright colors, bold patterns, and tempting treats. This is a fun & festive party theme and is guaranteed to get guests in the mood to celebrate! This is perfect for both small, intimate gatherings and large crowds.

Orange & Chocolate. Rich orange hues, chocolate browns, bright blossoms, and retro-mod patterns come together to create a decidedly chic and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for everything from special occasions to casual dinner parties with friends.

Bling Bride. The "Bling Bride" shower is a fun, girlie way to celebrate bride-to-be, and the perfect shower theme to really go crazy with...the more bling the better! Provide the guest of honor with lots of sparkle too. Tiaras, ring pops, even shimmery lip gloss is great.

Something Blue. This is perfect for giving the bride-to-be her "Something Blue" a little early! Vintage-mod patterns, elegant ribbons, sparkling champagne, and the ever-enticing "little blue box"... Something Blue = something she's sure to love!

Silver & Lilac Wonderland. Beautiful shades of purple and green come together to create a refreshingly chic party theme that's perfect for a bridal shower luncheon!

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: How can I make my soon-to-be husband feel special?

1. Order a Groom’s cake, but make it really unique to him.

2. Let him pick some of his favorite songs for the DJ or band to play at your wedding.

3. Do something unique with the “garter” – use his favorite scent or put a special treat in the garter for him to find.

4. Have snacks and drinks for him and the Groomsmen before the ceremony

5. Direct questions to both the Bride and Groom – ask questions specifically of him when profiling

6. Let him give suggestions and incorporate those ideas

7. Pick some part of the reception or ceremony and ask him to “surprise you” with his own idea. Let him design it and put his ideas into play! You may be surprised!

8. Send a gift to his hotel room the night before your wedding or to him the morning after his bachelor party.

9. Let him pick the menu – the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, after all!

10. Send his parents or his mother flowers and a card thanking them for raising such a wonderful son.

11. Send him a sweet text before the ceremony.

 

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: Are there any special rules to selecting my wedding colors?

Normally the colors you select will set the tone that you want to convey, so be sure to think about it.  You should consider the setting and style of your wedding and to stick to just two or three complementary colors.  Usually, it's best to stay away from dark colors or jewel tones for summer weddings and to avoid pastels or other pale shades in the winter months.  White and taupe work all year round.

But remember, this is your wedding, try new things and incorporate your own style!

If you need help, call Beverly Weddings & Events at (310) 487-9698.

ASK BEVERLY: What are the Maid of Honor responsibilities?

Pre-Wedding Day Responsibilities:

• Help the bride shop for her wedding dress
• Visit reception sites with the bride as a "second pair of eyes"
• Help the bride choose the wedding flowers and reception decorations
• Shop for the bridesmaid dresses
• Ensure the bridesmaid dresses are ordered well before the wedding
• Address wedding invitations
• Help make wedding guest favors
• Purchase, address and send out bridal shower invitations
• Host a bridal shower
• Keep track of the gifts during the bridal shower (who gave what)
• Host a bachelorette party
• Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Help out during the rehearsal dinner
• Buy the couple a wedding gift

Wedding Day Responsibilities:

• Decorate the reception site (and clean up at the end of the night)
• Help the bride get dressed
• Either pick up or receive (if delivered) the wedding flowers from the florist
• Distribute the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages to the wedding party and the couple's parents and grandparents
• Ensures all the bridesmaids are ready (hair and makeup) and arrive at the ceremony on time
• Adjust the bride's veil and train before she walks down the aisle
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the wedding ceremony
• Hold the groom's ring until the exchange of rings
• Witnesses the signing of the marriage license
• Participate in the wedding photos
• Bustles the bride's wedding dress for the reception
• Help the bride in the washroom
• Give bride's gift to groom if bride wishes
• Stand in the receiving line
• Give a maid of honor speech and toast
• Dance the first dance with the best man
• And anything the bride wishes, within reason

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

ASK BEVERLY: Do you have any bridal gown shopping tips?

Here's a list I compiled for a past client on what to wear and bring when shopping for a wedding gown.

• A strapless bra to give you the versatility to try on all types of wedding gowns.
• A sheer control-top panty-hose or regular sheer panty-hose.
• Shoes with the same size heel height that you plan to wear with your wedding gown.  If possible, buy wedding shoes to match the style of your dress before your first fitting.
• The hairstyle you plan to wear on your wedding day with hair pieces with hair that will be worn up.
• Lots of photos of wedding dress styles you like.
• Photos and/or description of ceremony and reception site.
  
  

I hope this help.  If you have anymore questions, please email or go to the form on the right sidebar and ASK BEVERLY!



Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698

Ask Beverly: Questions To Ask A Wedding Coordinator

What can you tell me about your business?

When Beverly Harris founded Beverly Harris Weddings & Events in 2006, her vision is to assist individuals, companies and non-profits in maximizing their events through strategic planning and creating fun, original and fabulous atmospheres for their guests. Beverly who holds a MBA has professionally coordinated corporate events for major Fortune 500 companies, planned parties and coordinated weddings for families and friends. She and her professional team are constantly evolving by staying on top of the market and enhancing their skills through their relationships with vendors, associations and the industry, at large.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is based in Los Angeles and doing business in surrounding areas such as, Beverly Hills, Orange County, Ventura County and the South Bay. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events was Nominated in the Top 5 Best Businesses in the Inland Empire, won the 2011 and 2010 Brides Choice Award, featured in the Los Angeles Times, Bodas USA Magazine and on numerous blogs. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will take care of all your planning needs and be rest assured that all the details, large and small, will be taken care of so you can feel like a guest at your own event. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is seeking the ultimate opportunity to build and establish a personal/professional relationship with clients and are committed and totally dedicated in assisting customers, in bringing their Vision to Life!

What is a Bridal Consultant, and do I need one?

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is a professional service that has endless hours of training and experience. We use highly qualified vendors and will concentrate on making your day run perfectly stress free as you relax and enjoy. You can choose any or all of the roles we play such as coordinator, advocate/point person, mediator, supervisor, advisor, budget assistant and so on. We work behind the scene to make it all happen.

What will a consultant do for me?

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events objective is to assist in making your dream day a reality while helping you stay within the budget, save you precious time, and avoid any costly mistakes. We would handle as much of the details as you would like and be there to smooth all of those complex relationships that sometimes come about with family and friends. We will reduce your stress and help you enjoy your engagement and wedding.

Both Ceremony and reception sites have an on-site planner, why would I need a consultant?

This is a common question and quite justified. Some places do include their own "on-site" coordinator, when this happens Beverly Harris Weddings & Events does not infringe on their responsibilities. They do a wonderful job getting done what is contracted, but they are usually focused on the venue they work for; leaving the question of who will manage the details you have spent hours working on, such as flowers for readers, groomsmen, grandparents, assuring the musicians, limo, and photographer are on time, programs are handed out, candles are lit, bows on chairs are straight, DJ is on time, and much more. On site coordinators are frequently not prepared or else willing to take care of the little things or problems. We are your personal assistant for the entire day. Knowing what the big picture is and assuring that every detail is in its place, looking as beautiful as you have dreamed it would.

If you have more questions, please give us a call.

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events

(310) 487-9698