Reception Planning 101

Deciding on what type of wedding you want is a very important choice to make. Have you always dreamed of an elaborate formal reception, or a more relaxed atmosphere with a beach as your background? Making this decision first helps everything in your planning process fall into place. Once you have decided on the type of wedding reception you want, the next step is booking a venue. Be sure to select a location that will set the tone for your special day. Do not wait too long though, because great venues tend to book fast!




by Lauren Quinn of the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown

Inspiration • Broach Bouquets

Broach Bouquets put a new, but vintage twist on an old wedding classic. Flowers are beautiful and you definitely can not replace your arrangements, but this is a beautiful new trend developing in the bridal world. Check out the inspiration board. Let us know what you think!

How to Care for Your Flatware

18/8, 18/10, 18/0…what do they mean? First is chromium; second is nickel; chromium makes steel stainless or rust resistant. Nickel makes it “whiter” in color or luster and adds strength, particularly to delicate patterns. 18/8 and 18/10 are considered the industry standard for quality. 18/0 reduces the cost significantly while only mildly affecting color. Stainless is usually sold in 5-piece place settings consisting of: teaspoon, place knife, place fork, salad fork, place/soup spoon. Here are three easy steps for sparkling, clean flatware: 1. Load flatware into the dishwasher with spoon and fork handles down, knife handles up. 2. Use powder detergents. Avoid ones with lemon and orange scents. 3. Use a stainless metal cleaner periodically to keep your set looking its very best.

by Sharon Newell of Belk

Tent Renting

Not all tents are created equal. Pricing tents is confusing if you don’t know what you want and/or need. First, know EXACTLY what you want under the tent. This determines square footage and the size/type of tent you need. Next the accessories: Lighting can change the mood of your event. Intensity or color of lighting can create a special effect. Hang chandeliers or special lights that display your monogram throughout the tent. Accessories also include liners and leg drapes. Depending upon weather, you may need walls around the tent with heating or cooling options. There are also flooring options to be considered. Finally, be sure your tent vendor carries a liability policy on their rental items and always ask for recommendations and professional qualifications.




by Erin Stubbs of Busylad Rent-All

Pick a Date

One of my new and much younger BFF’s is getting married. She and her long time beau decided “why wait”. However, they each had a different wedding date and place in mind. Normally this is left up to the bride. In this case, it is the second marriage for both.
My BFF wants a fall, rustic wedding in a country chapel; in fact, she had selected the place and the date, 11/11/11. That’s an easy date to remember. This didn’t bide well with her fiance’. He wants a spring wedding on the beach. Needless to say, there will be no wedding 11/11/11, but there will be a wedding.
These two are committed with their relationship being God centered. Having been married before, they both understand compromise and the importance of working things out and working together. Eventually my BFF and her intended will agree on the date and the place and it will be the perfect wedding. After all, in the bigger schemes of things, the date and the place are trivial. It’s the commitment to one another and the relationship you build with each other that matters most, especially with God at the front and center of your lives.

Plan Early, Order Early

Plan early, order early because it can take up to 14 weeks to get some gowns manufactured. This applies to the mothers, dresses as well. Keep an open mind when shopping for your gown; most of the time, brides end up buying something totally different from what they originally planned on. Once you have made your decision and made the purchase, Stop Looking and move on to something else.



by Bobbie Jefcoat of Mimi’s Bridal

Know Your Jeweler, Know Your Diamonds

You’ve dreamed about it all your life. Your engagement ring symbolizes love and commitment, so you want a ring you’ll treasure for years. That’s why it’s important to know your jeweler. When choosing a ring, find a jeweler you can trust by his reputation; one that has longevity in the jewelry business and can guide you in making that beautiful purchase. Next, know your diamonds. Not all diamonds are alike. Familiarize yourself with the 4C’s…cut, clarity, color and carat weight before you start shopping. Get your jeweler to show you the diamond under magnification and explain why it is the clarity, grade and color. When you leave the store know your diamond and be able to recognize it. A respected jeweler will help you make the right choice.




by Chuck Cooper of Van Atkins Jewelers

Portrait Props... Love 'Em or Leave 'Em?

While searching through hundreds of wedding related photos on the internet, I have noticed a recurring theme... props. Some may not like using props, but I feel it is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera. Let's face it, unless you are Kim Kardashian or a Victoria's Secret model, then you are most likely not your self during a bridal session. And no matter how much you love your honey, taking engagement pictures can be uncomfortable. This is where the props come into play. I would suggest using them at the beginning of the session so you can relax. Be yourself! The best pictures are candid shots. Whisper something funny in your fiance's ear, give him a kiss on the cheek... make him blush! The camera will love you!
Take a look at our inspiration board below. Maybe you will find a few ideas that will help you be yourself at your photo shoot!