Orlando Wedding magazine just came out with their premiere issue for  Fall/Winter 2010 and I had the pleasure of joining fellow industry planners to contribute some of my wedding expertise to the new publication.  Please see below for full article!

Q&A with Wedding Planners

OW: Why should couples use a planner?

HS: A bride and her mother should enjoy the day to the fullest and not worry about a thing.

OW: What were the most expensive and least expensive weddings you’ve planned?

HS: We’ve done weddings for $1000 to $5 million.

OW: What are some of the new trends in weddings?

HS: Color, color, color.  Also, traditions and heirlooms passed down from earlier generations, eclectic food and comfort in wedding gowns and shoes.

OW: When is the popular season to be married in Orlando?

HS: It used to be the fall and spring, but now it seems to be year round.  With the economy, brides are taking advantage of the off-season here when rates for venues are lower.

OW: What are some ‘dos’ when it comes to Orlando weddings?

HS: Always plan for the sun and rain!

OW: What are some common wedding myths that you have busted?

HS: That the groom can’t see the bride before the ceremony. Couples are breaking from tradition by having the groom see the bride before the ceremony during a special ‘private moment’ or ‘first look’.  This time allows for tears to be shed in private and for photography to be done ahead of time so the new Mr. and Mrs. can join the cocktail hour fun! Another myth is that the planning process is a lot of stress and work.  It should be a special time for parents and the fiance.

Another amazing find on Etsy.com!  These kits come from the QuickKits on Esty or on their main website www.qkshoppe.com.  These kits are adorable and provide you with the necessities to get you through any minor mishaps during the event.  Packaged in a white “to-go” box and decorated with a colored ribbon, these are the perfect gifts to give to your wedding party.

Bridesmaid kit contains: pain reliever, a moist towelette, stain remover wipe , a band-aid, a tampon , a maxi pad, a nail file , breath mints, cough drops , a bobby pin, tooth picks , safety pins, tissues , life savers and sewing kit

Groomsman kit contains: a comb, pain reliever, a moist towelette, stain remover wipe, a band-aid, shoe shine wipe, breath mints, cough drops, tooth picks, boutonniere pin, safety pins, life savers, sewing kit, a tissue, a date and time, reminder card

Head out to your local bookstore and get this book!  Cooking with your new spouse is a great way to strengthen the bonds of your relationship, this book provides great recipes to keep your bodies and relationship strong and healthy… Plus you can read a little note from me! 

All brides take note:

On your wedding day you will be photographed more than any other day in your life! Truly beautiful with your sparkling ring, the dress of your dreams with your hair and makeup — perfection! And stained teeth… No way!

Check out having a professional aesthetic dentist whiten your teeth. It is quick, painless and inexpensive. I recommend Dr. Deanne Rife in the Orlando area. She is sweet, efficient and a perfectionist! Her staff is fabulous too.

Visit www.winterparkdentist.com or call her at (407) 628-0200.

When you get your photos back from the wedding you will be glad you did!

Despite an impending storm, Brides and Grooms may want to proceed with their plans and keep their fingers crossed. Others prefer to stay on the safe side and postpone.

The summer of 2006 one of my brides cancelled twice!!! The third time she decided whatever happened happened and the unlikely did. The wedding was at the Gaylord Palms and as the hurricane stormed overhead and made the ballroom rumble, the party went on. Luckily for us the hotel was the headquarters for Florida Power and we continued to have lights and air conditioning despite the rest of Orlando.

It has been our experience that most hotels and vendors are flexible under these conditions, but economic times being what they are now, the non-refundable contracts may be firm.

I can’t say enough about taking out an insurance policy for your wedding. It is so much money to spend in hopes nothing will go wrong. Recently a client’s father became ill and the wedding was postponed a few weeks out. The insurance covered all the expenses. What a relief in difficult times.

WedSafe offers a couple of insurance packages to provide wedding protection and financial security when unforseen events may occur.

Wind, sleet, snow or hurricanes… wedding insurance can ease a bride and grooms mind…