Wedding Blog

It’s time once again to see what wedding events are taking place in the near future. I encourage you to find one you like and go visit with some of the best professional wedding vendors in your town.

October 4

Troy (I will be here giving a free wedding seminar to the first 100 attendees)
Petruzzello’s
1:00 - 4:00
866-792-2743
For more information and two for one tickets click here

Panama City Beach
Boardwalk Beach Resort
11:00 - 4:00
800-337-7767
For more information click here

October 11

Deland
Holiday Inn Convention Center
Time: 1:00 - 4:00
877-636-5747
For more information click here

Don’t forget, if you are in Baton Rouge on October 14th

Perfect Wedding Guide’s Pink Ribbon Gala

Time:6:00PM Wednesday, October 14th
Location:Louisiana State Museum
660 N 4th Street, Footsteps of State Capitol
Cost: $5/Door
Pre-register at perfectweddingguide.com

Blog sign off

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, or if you have an event you would like to post, please post for me here or send me an email to susan.southerland@pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,

Susan

Happy Tuesday everyone. What a weekend we had at the Rosen Center in Orlando. David’s Bridal did a huge fashion show. There were wonderful vendors in every category for brides to meet, and more than 150 brides showed up for the You’re Engaged, Now What? seminar.

What were the hot topics on the brides’ minds?

• Brides are still looking for great vendors at great prices.
• Many of them are using purple color schemes (this definitely agrees with what trendsetters predicted for 2010).
• Quite a few discussed managing their guests list, as in, “I only want to have fifty people at my wedding, but my list keeps growing, what should I do?” (The Guest List Manager on PWG.com is a great tool for maintaining a good guest list. Check it out by clicking here!)
• Many brides are planning on having someone else organize the wedding day… Not mom! Most of them said they would be looking to a friend to help them on the day of because they think that wedding coordinators are too expensive. I say, not so! Be sure to investigate the many wonderful coordinators in your area. Some might be quite affordable. Trust me, it will help you and your families enjoy your day.

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan.southerland@pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan

Happy Monday! I am finally sitting down to blog today. It was a busy day.

Yesterday was absolutely wonderful. The publisher of Perfect Wedding Guide South Florida did an excellent job with the bridal show. South Florida Brides were treated to a fun afternoon of food tasting, creative vendors and a fashion show. I had a great crowd at my seminar. They asked some great questions which I will share with you tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy the recap photos below!

My beautiful assistants… Terri on the left and daughter Larisa on the right.

Check out this chocolate fountain by Sweet Temptations in Sebastian. I have never seen a chocolate fountain that illuminates from the inside. Very cool!

More than fifty brides took advantage of my free You’re Engaged, Now What? seminar. They learned a lot from me, but they also shared some great tips with each other. Several of them wound up with complimentary Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Workbooks, Susan Southerland Wedding Planning Secrets DVD and the Just Marry! Wedding Planning Color Wheel.

The crowd was treated to models walking around in some of the latest bridal fashions.

It was a very lively crowd.

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan.southerland@pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,

Susan

Good morning from Freeport. I am blogging from my balcony at the resort. Below is my view.

It’s not a bad place to have to work!

Anyway, today I want to share some advice from a great photographer I met while in Minneapolis. As I mentioned yesterday, all conversations eventually led to the state of the economy and couples who can no longer afford their weddings. I spoke with John Ray from Photography by Design and John Ray Photography to hear about his experience with the changing times.

Susan: Have you had any couples who have needed to change their contracts based on the economy?
 
John: I did have a couple who was booked who had to cancel because they couldn’t afford their wedding anymore.
 
Susan: What were you able to do for them?
 
John: I told them if they re booked their date within a year and if I am available, I would honor their deposit towards the new date.
 
Susan: What are you doing with your business to make things more attractive to budget-minded couples?
 
John: My prices haven’t changed, but I am adding features to the packages to give couples more value. Couples can choose from a “trash the dress” session or a wedding album for the same price as I’ve always charged. Also, I am going to be at the Perfect Wedding Show on Sunday here in Minneapolis. Anyone who books my services there will get a twenty percent discount.
 

Bridal shows are a great way get bargains for your wedding. It isn’t just about winning free prizes (but that is a perk!). Many vendors will give discounts and special offers if you book with them at the show. You must continue to be a careful shopper, but if you find a vendor you love, and you’ve done some research about their work, don’t be afraid to make a commitment. Your savings might be significant.

It is also a good idea to discuss with any vendor what their policies are regarding having to back out in case of a financial emergency. As with everything I suggest doing with wedding planning, being upfront about your concerns or budgetary needs is the best way to ensure a good outcome. Remember, wedding vendors are feeling the crunch of the economy too. Each one would be happy to help you in anyway possible.

If you want to make a comment about canceling a wedding vendor or to ask any wedding-related question, post here or email me at susan.southerland@pwg.com.

Your Partner for Perfect Planning,

Susan

Bridal show season is definitely in full swing. I see ads and signs for them everywhere. If you have never been to one before, they can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to making the most of your visit to the bridal show:

• Check to see if you can register for the show in advance. You may be able to get discounted admission and it will save you time on show day.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Bridal shows are HUGE. You will be on your feet walking for hours. Make sure your feet feel good or you will be miserable.
• Setup a special wedding email account. Once you register at all the vendor booths at the show, those vendors will send you lots of information. If you want to avoid clogging up your work email with wedding information, you should make an email account specifically for the wedding. This will also help you keep all your information organized.
• Bring labels with your name, address, phone number, email address and wedding date. You will be asked for this information over and over again. Having those labels will save you time and wear and tear on your hands!
• Do not allow yourself to be pressured. Go to a show with the mindset of meeting many wonderful wedding vendors. Don’t feel like you have to sign any contracts or accept any offers on the day of the show.
• Bring a big shoulder bag for collecting information. You are going to get a lot of literature at the show. The shoulder bag will be much more comfortable than the plastic bag most shows provide… and its better for the environment!
• Follow up with vendors you like quickly. Remember, good vendors book up fast and your show-favorite could book up if you don’t act. If you find a vendor you like, make sure he knows it and get a contract going.

Now go out and have fun!

If you have comments or questions on bridal shows or anything wedding-related, post a message here or email me at susan.southerland@pwg.com.

Your Partner in Perfect Planning,

Susan