Event Depot's Wedding Blog

Here’s one for the guys

edweddings — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:54:52 +0000

Before your big marriage proposal, you’re sure to be nervous, and wonder if you’re doing it in the right way. Before you get down on one knee, read these dos and dont’s of marriage proposals.

Do:

Do Test the Waters
Before you propose, the two of you should talk about the possibility of getting married. Make sure it’s something that you both want, and agree on major issues such as children. You don’t want her to be taken completely off guard, as such a proposal is almost certainly guaranteed to elicit only a hesitating yes, if not a, “I’ll have to think about it.” Here’s a helpful article from the marriage guides at About.com

Do Make it a Surprise
Even though you have discussed getting married, the marriage proposal itself should still be a surprise. Find a moment and a way that she won’t be suspecting.

Do Be Prepared
Saying, “Will you marry me?” is a huge deal, and one that leaves many proposers completely tongue-tied. So practice! It might feel silly, but say the words out loud a few times. You might also write down exactly what you’re going to say, to make sure you come off as smooth and confident.

Do Find The Right Engagement Ring
Since wearing an engagement ring is a lifetime commitment, make sure it’s the right style. You might find an opportunity to window shop for rings when you are walking past a store, or bring it up in conversation. You can also ask her mother or best friend to help choose the ring.

Do Know if She Wants to Pick the Engagement Ring
Most brides want their proposal to include an engagement ring, but others are very particular about their jewelry, and want to be part of the buying/designing process.

Do Talk to Her Parents
We’ve come a long way from when women were property who needed their father’s permission, yet, there is still something nice and respectful about asking for the parents’ blessing.

Do Pick a Personal Spot
Think about your favorite romantic places — choose a meaningful spot to pop the question. It could be as simple as in your living room, or as complicated as whisking her away for a weekend in Paris. Just don’t ask her in a supermarket aisle!

Do Be Creative
Incorporate your personality, favorite things, foods etc. into the proposal. Make it memorable rather than a cookie cutter proposal.

Do Drop to One Knee
It’s not 1950, but there is something so charming and romantic about a man on one knee asking the love of his life to marry him. Even if you’re not a traditional guy, it will add to the seriousness and lovingness of the proposal.
Do Tell Her Why You Want to Marry Her
Don’t just utter those 4 little words, tell her why she’s the one for you, what marriage means to you, and what your hopes for the future are. You might say something like “My life has never and could never be the same after I met you. You’ve made me more joyful, more stable, and more inspired. I can’t picture the rest of my life without you by my side. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Do Share the News
Take a moment to reflect on your engagement, but bring along a cell phone or calling card for sharing the good news.

Don’t:

Don’t Make it Public
If script-writers are to be believed, every wedding proposal takes place in front of a thousand people. But unless she’s said she wants a splashy proposal, make it intimate and personal thing. Most brides would prefer to have that magical moment be just the two of you – after all, you’ve got the rest of your lives to tell other people about your marriage but you’ve only got one engagement moment.

Don’t Hide the Engagement Ring in Food
I hate to say it, (as I’m sure there are some readers who were planning to do just this) but hiding the engagement ring in food is a tired idea. It’s been in a thousand movies and TV shows, and you won’t win any points for creativity. Even worse, you may end your romantic proposal with a trip to the emergency room or the dentist.

Don’t Propose at a Sports Game
Games are loud and chaotic events. Even if she is the biggest sports fan you ever knew, the arena doesn’t allow you to have any of the reflection and focus that making such a momentous decision deserves.

Don’t Do it in Front of Her Family
While your families will merge with your wedding, it is not their decision to do so. Proposals in front of family have an added level of stress that you don’t need. Take this moment to be just the two of you; don’t worry, you can call everyone immediately afterward.

Don’t Make it Too Complicated
While it’s good to be creative with your proposal, it is important to keep the focus on what’s important: the proposal itself. If you are worrying about whether or not the limousine will get to the balloon ride in time, you’re worrying about the wrong thing.

Don’t Propose Too Early in the Relationship
When you’re in the first flush of love, it’s hard not to do impetuous and foolish things. Yet waiting until your relationship is stable will only strengthen your marriage. Make sure you really know each other, and what each other wants from a marriage before you commit to it for the rest of your lives.

Don’t Expect Her to Say Yes Immediately
You’re asking someone to spend the rest of their life with you – an extremely important decision. Just because you’ve asked, doesn’t mean she is ready to say yes. If your sweetheart says maybe, take it in stride and give her some time to consider the proposal. After all, you wouldn’t want this amazing person to marry every Tom, Dick and Harry who asked her, would you?

Money Saving Tips

edweddings — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:32:14 +0000

Want to get the most bang for your buck? With the amount of weddings we have produced, we really have seen it all. There are three things I want to share with you today:

1. Linens. If you are on a budget but still want to make an impact, use nice linens on your specialty tables. Dressing up just your head table, cake table, and place card table really can make a difference.

2. Table numbers. Have you seen the pretty “blah” standard table numbers that most venues provide? How about the individual guest menus that you would assume are way out of your budget? Combine them! Create custom table numbers that have the number on one side and your menu on the other. It’s a relatively small project that will show you paid attention to detail. Not feeling crafty? Let Event Depot create them for you.

3. Lighting. There is nothing worse than spending thousands on centerpieces and table linens than to have it all washed out by florescent banquet hall lighting. Ambient room lighting really is worth the money. It is unique, doesn’t cost a fortune, and really can transform a room.

You can have the wedding of your dreams for less than $100,000. You just need to know where to spend your money. Check back periodically for more money saving tips.

Finding the Right Bridal Bouquet Size

edweddings — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:06:31 +0000

Read this article from Theknot.com to help pick a bouquet that is just right for you!

Picking the right bouquet size is all about scale. While the bride’s bouquet is usually grander than those of her maids (or at least distinct from her maids’ blooms), fitting your wedding flowers with other elements of your wedding day isn’t so cut and dry. Here are some simple equations for finding the best bridal bouquet size.

Bouquet + You

Petite Bride: A tiny bride will benefit from a scaled-down bridal bouquet because it will accent her physique. A nosegay (a tightly packed mound of flowers about 16-18 inches in diameter) or a posy (shaped similar to a nosegay, but smaller) would work. You could even try a composite bouquet, which is made up of individual flower petals wired together on a single stem to create the illusion of one large flower (perfect for little hands!).

Voluptuous Bride: A larger bridal bouquet allows full-figured brides to project grace. Your best bet is a round bouquet. It’s bolder than a nosegay but less conspicuous than a cascade. For a more formal variation on this classic shape, try a Biedermeier bouquet, which features concentric circles of flowers.

Bouquet + Gown

Ball Gown: A gown with such a grand, impressive shape needs a bridal bouquet to match. If your bouquet is too small, it can get lost in a sea of fabric. In many cases, an easy rule of thumb is the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet.

Slim Silhouette: Sheaths are all about feeling light and airy, so carry a bouquet that embodies that same spirit. Consider a small nosegay or a posy. If your wedding dress has slender lines, a bouquet that is too big might hide your shape and weigh you down.

Embellished Gown: Bows, crystals, sashes, and other details can also play a role in how big your bridal bouquet should be. If you’ve got some sparkle at the waistline, carry a tight nosegay rather than a cascading collection of blooms, so that you don’t hide the decoration. If your gown features a lot of embellishment, opt for a simpler bouquet — your bouquet should be considered part of your attire, and your ensemble could look busy if there are too many blooms.

Bouquet + Venue

Ballroom: If you’re having your wedding reception in a large, elaborate space, a small bouquet might seem too insignificant. Avoid bitsy bunches of flowers and try an elegant round bouquet. Or, if you really have a flair for the dramatic, go all out with a grand cascading bouquet.

Loft: If city-chic is more your style, think pretty and petite — a large bouquet might overpower your space. If you have your heart set on a cascade arrangement, ask your florist to keep it simple. Cascade bouquets don’t have to be a mass of multiple types of blooms — they can be an elegant composition of just one flower. We love orchids or lily of the valley for a sophisticated look.

Outdoors: Competing with Mother Nature is a definite no-no. Big or small, you’ll want something that works with your surroundings. An intimate backyard gathering calls for a hand-tied bouquet for that just-picked natural look, while a reception near the beach (with the ocean as your backdrop) justifies something grander.

Knot Note: Big doesn’t always equal bold. Use other elements of your wedding bouquet (color, shape, wrap) to make a lasting impression on your guests. — Heather Levine

Thousand Dollar Dress

edweddings — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:22:32 +0000

While brainstorming event ideas today, I stumbled across this website: www.thousanddollardress.com. It tells the story of Sonya Neumann, the creator of the site, and what she plans to do with her $1,000 wedding dress that her mother bought for her.

According to Sonya, “I went shopping for a dress with my mother, and in the end, she purchased a thousand dollar dress just for me; just for one day. The thing is, I realize now that it wasn’t about the price which I was extremely uncomfortable with; it was about the dress. The beauty, the flow, the sparkles that awoke amidst the light. It was about the vision, my mother’s vision, and her maternal desire to create that ‘dream day’ for her daughter. This was her gift; even if it was in a barn strung with Christmas lights.”

Her plan is to travel and photograph 1,000 individuals wearing her $1,000 dress within the context of their own environment. You can even contact her for your own chance to be photographed in her $1,000 dress.

Sonya’s idea is definitely a unique one. What do you plan to do with your dress after your wedding?

Stepping Outside the Box

edweddings — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:25:53 +0000

Don’t be afraid to let your personalities shine through while planning your wedding. Look at how much fun this wedding party had on their “walk” down the aisle.

Applying for a Marriage License

edweddings — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:43:38 +0000

From the Lansing Bride Guide

If you’ve just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don’t let the marriage license laws of Michigan put a dent in your wedding plans.

Here’s what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Michigan marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.

Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!Requirements may vary as each county in Michigan could have their own requirements.

Residency Requirement:
You do not have to be a resident of Michigan, but the fee is $10 more for non-residents.
Residents need to apply for their marriage license in the county in which one of them lives. Non-residents need to apply for their marriage license in the county where they plan on getting married.

Previous Marriage:
You need to know the date (mm/dd/yy) and how the last marriage ended. If it was within the last 6 months, you will need to bring proof of the divorce that can be left with the Clerk.
One reader noted: “At least in Muskegon County, regardless of when the divorce was finalized, a copy of the divorce degree needs to be presented.” (Don’t find out the hard way.)

ID Requirement in Michigan:
Picture ID such as Drivers License. You can also use Military ID, DD 214, You must also have a certified copy of your birth certificates.You will also need to know your parents addresses, and your mothers’ maiden names. Foreign birth certificates need to be translated into English, and be notarized.

Covenant Marriage Option:
No.
Waiting Period:
There is a three (3) day waiting period in Michigan. This may be waived by the county clerk for “good and sufficient cause shown.”

Fees in Michigan:
$20 if you are a resident of Michigan. $30 for non-residents. Some counties may charge more. Bring cash. Most counties do not accept checks.

Other Tests:
None.

Proxy Marriages:
No. However, only one of you need to be present when applying for a marriage license. You will need to show a photocopy of the front and back of your partner’s driver’s license.

Cousin Marriages:
No.

Common Law Marriages:
No, unless entered into the relationship prior to January 1, 1957.

Same Sex Marriages:
No. In November, 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

Under 18:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can get married with parental consent. Your parents must appear with their own identification and if a custodial parent, proof of their custody. If you are 15 or younger, you will need both parental consent and the approval of the probate court.

Secret Marriages:
Back in 1897, secret marriages were approved. If a couple requests a secret marriage, if permitted by a judge, after the ceremony is solemnized, the officiant returns the certificate, but the judge may seal the file and allow no publicity about the marriage.

Witnesses:
Witnesses do not have to be 18 years of age, but they do need to be able to understand what they are witnessing, and to be able to sign their legal signature.

Officiants:
Marriages may be performed by federal, probate, district, and municipal judges, and district court magistrates, in their court area; mayors, in their city; County clerks; ministers and pastors of the gospel, both resident and non-resident. The Michigan Statutes also have a provision that allows for marriages to “be solemnized in the manner heretofore used and practiced in their respective societies or denominations.”

Miscellaneous:
License is valid for thirty (30) days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Vital Records
3423 North Martin Luther King Boulevard
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8656

PLEASE NOTE:
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

New wedding color combos

edweddings — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:45:20 +0000

There are always new colors and combos coming out for weddings. Colors doesn’t just mean red or orange, but how about a muted green or a metallic yellow? Trying different shades, tones and variations on colors are also great ways to theme a wedding. Here are a few ides:

Dominant colors and modern designs- This could include a bright red color theme. Use modern design such as rectangular place settings and bright flowers to match. This creates a new bold look for a wedding. This can also show off more personality from the bride and groom.
Play with color in your food- Create more of a visual look with bold colors on foods during your cocktail hour. Incorporate a bright red or a lime green. There are many ways to create hors d’oeuvres in a way that includes the colors of your wedding. Think fresh fruits and veggie combos, which offer a variety of colors.
Add metallics- Using metallics can add more fun and vibrance to a formal wedding. This could be as simple as a metallic stripe on invitations, or it could be incorporated into the centerpieces and favors…metallic ribbon, shimmer monogram on a cocktail napkin?
Mixing shades of colors- Try adding a bright yellow piece to a gold wedding. Similar colors, but they make a huge difference and really pop from the main color. You could also try throwing in a muted color with a bright one. This adds differences without having to make drastic changes. You can stick with one color, but use it in varying ways.
Alternate your colors- Have one more than color for your wedding? Incorporate all of them without making it look like a rainbow, alternate linens and centerpieces to create different looks. This will be coordinated without being too drastic or “matched”. Try this in a simpler way by simply having a few different centerpieces on tables during the reception, one could focus on violets, while another is more white. This will tie in all of your color without having to use them all on every table.

Remember your color doesn’t have to be present in every detail of your wedding ceremony and reception. You can include it subtly in some ways and more dominant in others. Instead of making all the bouquets or flowers purple, you can use white or lighter shades and use a purple ribbon. This is especially helpful if your color isn’t great in flowers, or may be too bright and modern (such as a blue). Also, your linens could be ivory, black or white and you could include a table runner or a simple chair sash that is your wedding color. These are great ways to include a color without going to the extreme!

Cool Favor Idea

edweddings — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:41:24 +0000

Are you stuck on trying to come up an idea for your wedding favors? Do you like the idea of photo booths but think they’re last year’s news?

Check out Chocolate Impressions at http://www.yourpictureonchocolate.com

Chocolate Impressions will come to your wedding with a digital camera to take guests pictures and in minutes, completely edible images are magically reproduced on the chocolate product of your choice. Your guests can take home delicious souvenirs personalized with their own edible pictures!

Order your chocolate photo package by calling a specialist at Event Depot today.

Money, money, money

edweddings — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:44:49 +0000

With the current economic state our country is in, trying to afford the wedding you’ve always dreamed of is a concern for many newly engaged couples.

Money is always on people’s minds. On average, couples that live in East Lansing Michigan spend between $17,899 and $29,832. Go to costofwedding.com and type in your zip code to see what people typically spend in your area.

For your wedding, decide what is most important to you as a couple. Do you want a small lavish affair for 50 people where you can splurge on great food and decoration? A mid size wedding for 250? Or maybe a large party with 400+ guests while skipping the chair covers? In this economy, it is all about putting your money into what you value most.

When it comes to the old age questions, who pays for what, the knot.com has the answer:

My parents and my fiance’s parents have agreed to split the costs of the whole wedding and reception (yay!). Now how do we figure out who pays for what? Are there rules we should follow?

In days of yore (okay, as recently as the 1980s), the rules about who pays for what were much more strict. The bride’s family footed the bill for the invitations, announcements, wedding consultant, gown and accoutrements, reception (including site, food, flowers, photographs, videographer, and music), and transportation for the wedding party. The groom’s family paid for the marriage license, officiant, bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon. Today, the division of financial duties is far more fluid. Maybe one side feels strongly about the flowers, while the other side feels strongly about the band — so go ahead and split it up that way. See what’s on your agenda, then find ways to make it even. Feel free to come up with a game plan that works for you!

6 Hot Wedding Color Combos

edweddings — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:39:24 +0000

According to Theknot.com, here are the new color combos we should be looking out for:

Turquoise & lime green
Blush & mauve
Red & orange
Lavender, cream & chocolate
Fuchsia & navy
Lemon & celadon (green)

It seems that these trends haven’t really made their way to Michigan yet so be one of the first in the area to use one of these great new color combos! We love them all!