Guest Book by Jenni Bick

You’ll want to treasure these guest books forever! I’ve never been a fan of the puffy, pillow-type guest books that are sold in stores and seen over and over again at weddings. I’m also getting just a little bit burned out on the signature picture, which I think looks better hanging in your home without the writing all over it, personally. I’ve been keeping my eye out for something unique to steer my brides towards and recently came across some great customized guest books! Check out the custom monogram or design guest books at Jenni Bick or the very unique guest books featured  in the latest edition of Modern Bride, by Enji Beck found on Etsy.com.

Happy Planning!

Unique Guest Book by Enji Beck

Sarah and Heath - Showing thanks! (Photo by Jacqueline Photography www.jacquelinephotgraphy.net)

One thing that I have noticed along the way as a Wedding Planner is that most people are flat out confused about how gratuities for their vendors work. Who should they tip? How much? The answer is simple. Remember that all of your vendors are in the “service industry” just as a manicurist, a server, a hair stylist, etc. Their main objective is to provide you with exceptional service and a perfect end-product so that you will refer them  to others in the future or use them again yourself. So, when thinking about how to handle gratuities for your wedding vendors, just remember: They are the key to making your day successful! You should absolutely show your gratitude if they have accomplished that and/or exceeded your expectations.

How much to tip? From DJ’s to Caterers and everyone in between, the level of service that they have provided to you should be considered when determining the amount that you will be handing out (or having your planner hand out for you) in those envelopes or mailing with a thank you card after your event. If they have exceeded your expectations, consider a 20% or higher gratuity. If they got the job done and met your expectations, 10-15% gratuity would be fair. Although most vendors won’t be expecting you to thank them monetarily, it is a very classy and extremely appreciated gesture that really shows them how thankful you are. Including a testimonial that they can use on their web site or printed material is the icing on the cake!

Happy Planning!

Photo by Allison Stahl

On June 27th 2009, Cindy and Kevin were married in a sweet ceremony at Sutter Creek United Methodist Church. With the piano playing “Georgia” the guests were seated and a very intimate and perfect ceremony ensued. It began with the bride’s extremely proud father walking her down the aisle and was closed with the longest standing ovation I have ever seen.

The winery reception was kicked off shortly after and began with an amazing three piece band playing some smooth jazz in the “Southern Lounge”, which was complete with sweet tea and lemonade served in mason jars. The decor was reminiscent of the front porch of a true Sothern Belle and peach place cards were picked from the peach tree when it was time to move on to dinner.

The menu couldn’t have been any more fitting and included pecan crusted chicken breast, baked zucchini gratin, sweet cheddar cornbread and grilled peach salad. I must say, Beth Sogaard Catering did an incredible job! As soon as the toasts were done, the background music faded and the 7 piece band kicked in, bringing us an undeniably fabulous rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love” which may be my new favorite first dance song!

Beautiful flowers by Blooms! helped create the romantic, southern ambience and the amazing portraits were shot by Allison Stahl.  In spite of the 105 degree day, this is one that will go down in the books as one to remember for its’ class and beauty! I now get to look forward to a stunning video, coming shortly from Jensen Wedding Films!

What better way to stamp out what’s inside that envelope than to include it on the stamp when mailing your announcements, invitations or thank you’s out! Zazzle offers thousands of options for customizing your wedding postage to let your guests know that a save the date is inside, coordinate with your invitation and theme, or show off that adorable engagement photo! There are stamps to fit different religions, same sex weddings, or even some to make you laugh. The options are endless and you are sure to find the perfect postage for you, especially if you’re not crazy about what the post office is currently offering. They will cost you a bit more but will really make a statement and are a great glimpse into what’s inside the envelope! You MUST check these out!

Customized Wedding Postage

Customized Wedding Postage

Photo by Jodi Yorston Photography

Inevitably, I always get the same question from each bride and groom that I work with: What kind of gifts do I buy for my attendants (not to be confused with attendees)?

My guess is that if you have chosen these select few bridesmaids and groomsmen to stand by your sides on one of the most important and beautiful days of your life, you likely have a very close connection with each and every one of them. So when it comes time to show your appreciation for their participation in your wedding, why not get personal with the gifts and make each one unique to the person you are giving it to?

As a bridesmaid, I once received a business card case that fit my personality perectly. Since the bride knew that I had been looking for one, and I had just started my business, it was a very touching and memorable gift. It let me know that my dear friend not only appreciated by help and attendance but that she also thought of me personally  when she purchased it and was sincere in her thanks.

When thinking about what to buy, remember that t’s a good idea to keep any eye out for something special and fitting for each attendant early on so that you are not pressured to find the perfect gift at the last minute, when you have a plate full of pre-wedding details! We all know you’ll be out shopping during this time! Maybe a particular bridesmaid loves wine, but is the only one who does.  Or, one groomsman loves golf, and another is a huge basketball fan. Chances are that they each have different personalities and different interests. So, therefore chances are that a “one gift fits all” theory may not always work, or be the most appreciated.

Not feeling that creative? For groomsmen, check out the awesome “Essential Artists Series” tequila at 1800 Tequila. For the bridesmaids, chck out Scent Crafters where you can create a custom blended scent, choose a bottle that matches your wedding theme, and add your own custom logo! Happy shopping!