District Weddings

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Archive for the ‘Planning & Ideas’ Category

Hiring a Planner…

Today, Kimberly tells us how she found the perfect planner to guide her through her wedding planning…

Reality has finally set in that I’m working full time and trying to plan a wedding. YIKES! I am suddenly very overwhelmed. In my heart I might want to plan my entire wedding, but the reality is I don’t have enough energy (or time) to do so. Images from the show “Bridezillas” run through my head. I make a mad dash to the computer to begin researching wedding planners. Here are some things I learned and might help you should you choose to enlist the help of a planner:

For every bride there’s a planner – Are you more hands on and want less help with your wedding? Hire a month of planner. Looking for someone to take care of every aspect of your wedding? Full service is the way to go. In short, no matter what level of service you’re looking for, there is a planner to help.

A planner is more affordable than you might think – All planners are not created equal. Some charge a percentage of your entire wedding budget, others charge one flat fee based on the services you want. Once you know what type of help you want, you will be able to find a planner that fits comfortably within your budget.

Photo by Ralph Alswang Photography

A planner often can actually save you money (and time) – Planners have an endless network of contacts, which saves you time from having to research if they are a fit for you. A planner puts you in touch with vendors that work for your budget. She might also be able to negotiate pricing and upgrades on your behalf and extend her discounts which saves you money.

Interview, Interview, Interview (don’t forget references too!) – It’s not as easy as you think to find a planner you like, but will also share “your vision” of your wedding day. Don’t hesitate to interview as many planners as it takes to find the one that best represents you and what your day will be about. A good planner should happily provide references not just from brides, but from other vendors and outside sources so you have lots of opinions to consider.

Finding my planner has been akin to finding “the dress”. It might be the first one you try on; it might be the 10th. However, once you find it, you just know. During one of my interviews, something happened. The person I was sharing my thoughts with tossed out a fabulous idea – something that I wanted to possibly explore, but hadn’t yet shared in the meeting. Once she said it, I looked at her, and smiled. She “got” me and the look I wanted. I had found my planner.

Photo by Ralph Alswang Photography

Aimee Dominick of A. Dominick Events has agreed to help me plan one of the most important days of my life. I’m glad Aimee will by my side and share my journey down the aisle. I’ll take this moment now to thank her for helping me make decisions that will allow my day to be everything that I have ever imagined!

Bella Bridesmaid and Bridal Contributor Lyndsay Smoak

Lyndsay Smoak was District Weddings first-ever bridal contributor and certainly shared her impeccible taste and knack for finding adorable wedding favors, accessories, gowns…the list goes on and on!

Now, relocated to Richmond as the newlywed Lyndsay Downey, I am excited to announce that with her sister-in-law she has opened a Bella Bridesmaid store at 5611 Grove Avenue. How adorable does the store look?!

In addition to stylish and modern dresses, accessories and shoes, the boutique provides each bride with personalized attention in a one-on-one environment surrounded by the latest designer bridesmaid dresses.

Congratulation to Lyndsay!  The store looks fabulous!

Swoon Bridesmaid Dresses Give Away

Hello and Happy Monday! To kick off the week, I wanted to make sure you all know about Swoon’s fabulous give away of three bridesmaid dresses to one lucky bride-to-be!  Swoon is a Beverly Hills-based line of silk charmeuse and chiffon bridesmaid dresses that all retail under $300.00! They’re meant to be worn beyond the wedding – love that!

To enter the contest, the future bride should submit a written statement detailing why she adores her bridesmaids and what they mean to her.  The giveaway runs through April 30th, and the bride with the loveliest story will win her choice of three stunning gowns! The email address for submissions is: enterme@swoondress.com. (An important note to remember, the dresses take 3-4 months for production, so weddings in early spring might not make the deadline.)

Escort Cards

As I get ready to kick off “wedding season” this weekend (stay tuned to see the pictures later this spring!), I cannot stop thinking about how the small, thoughtful details really set an event apart from the rest.

These escort card ideas are unique, stylish and inspiring. What are you doing for your wedding? Has anyone seen a display that they loved?

A Delectable Conversation with Windows Catering

This week I would like to feature one of our esteemed District Favorites: Windows Catering! They are fresh, fun, and fabulous, and when working with Windows, ‘no’ is simply not an answer.  They will listen and truly turn your event ideas into reality, leaving you and your guests talking about the wonderful food and presentation for years to come! This week I had an interview with Kelsey Hendrickson, a lovely Event Consultant at Windows Catering.

As spring is (hopefully) approaching, what new flavors and dishes will Windows Catering be offering to clients and those interested in your services?

One of the biggest trends we’re still seeing is local, sustainable and seasonal.  This spring we’re focusing on fresh ingredients with what’s in season. Some fun new menus are:

Specialty Drink Ideas: A Cherry Old Fashioned (Sweet and sour cherries muddled with orange juice, maple syrup, a dash of bitters, served with bourbon over ice and garnished with cherry foam), Pineapple Mojitos, and Blueberry Pie Martinis

Hors d’oeuvres: Spinach filled Crepes tied with Chive Ribbons, Spring Pea Soup Shooters with Maryland Lump Crab, Mini Lobster Corn Dogs

Plated Entrée:  Spring Long Island Duck breast with a Bing cherry glaze over roasted rhubarb and fennel bed with corn and wild rice flapjacks and topped with a Bing cherry relish

Plated Dessert: A Deconstructed Pineapple Upside Down Cake served in a martini glass accompanied by a home-made coconut sorbet.

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