Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Hiring a Pro: How to Choose the Best Wedding Vendors

~I was recently approached and asked to write an article about the following question~

What is the best way to hire a professional 
in the wedding industry?


As the Owner and Lead Consultant for Forevermore Events I have hired and worked with a fair share (and more) of wedding pros for many incredible events and I am happy to share what I have learned over the last 14 years in the industry. I hope that this quick Q&A will help answer some of the tough questions that come up when beginning down the path that is "Planning a Wedding" ~


Question.:What are the most important things to look for when hiring a wedding professional?

Answer: I would want a competent, reputable individual who is a real professional in their field.

For competency, look at their experience, training and recent work. How long have they been in the industry. How many weddings they have personally been a part of, and where and how have they learned their profession. Do you want someone who just started their business or someone that has earned their reputation with years of experience?

Do they have a retail location or are they just working out of their home? These days anyone can buy a camera or have business cards made, but these things do not make a professional. A storefront location is a big investment and usually equates that fact that they are serious and passionate about what they do.

Is their profession what they do full time, do they have other jobs that would pull them from being 100% committed to you or is this their weekend hobby?

Ask yourself if you are impressed by their work.

To determine reputation, ask for references from recent wedding clients, other vendors in the wedding industry and research them on-line to see what others have to say. What is their reputation with other vendor sin the area. Are they easy and professional to work with?

Also, take a good look at what they present on their website or blog....do they have a wide range in their portfolio? Is is professional, beautiful - quality work or just a lot of filler?

To determine if they are “me-oriented” I would look for good communication, professionalism, enthusiasm about your wedding and an overall sense that your personalities click. Trust your judgement, If something feels off, ~WAIT~ and meet with a few other vendors before deciding. Don't be rushed or bullied into making a decision that will affect your wedding.  It never hurts to do your homework.



Question: Who is likely going to be the first professional a couple hires?

Answer: The wedding planner of course – to save hours of scouring websites and attending shows to find the perfect venue and the best vendors. They will also help the couple stay on track and not miss any details. However, a full service wedding planner is sometimes not in the budget and if that’s the case I would select the venue first as most are staffed by knowledgeable event coordinators who know their venues well and would likely be able to recommend vendors that they have had positive experiences with.



Question What kind of items should you look for in a contract with a wedding professional?

Answer: Make sure all the who’s, what’s, when’s and how’s are covered in any contract you sign. Specifically, look at hours of coverage that will be provided, product details if they are providing supplies, the name of the particular individual that will be providing the service if you have requested someone specifically; any cancellation policy (if you or the vendor cancels); any no-show policy (if the vendor does not show up); any back-up policy (if vendor is unable to be present due to unforeseen circumstances); and payment details including due dates and extra fees such as over-time and travel.



Question: What’s the best way to research potential professionals?

Answer: Meet with them, look at their recent work (photographs, videos, or even attend an event that they are providing a service at), ask for references, the best reflection of someone’s work is what their past clients have to say about them, and see what others are saying about them, other vendors in the area can be a great resources.



Question: What’s the best way to prevent disaster when it comes to relying on so many strangers?

Answer: First, hire the most reputable vendors. Second, communicate all the details, timeline, and expectations. Third, review all the details, timeline, and expectations. Fourth, get everything in writing. Fifth, follow up, follow up, follow up!


This is the first part in the Q&A Series, and we look forward to sharing more of what we have learned over the years. Do you have a specific question you would like answered? Contact us today... We are always happy to help!

Sincerely,

Laura Stagg
and the staff at Forevermore Events






Tuesday, November 8, 2011

DIY: Ever So Lovely.... Mason Jars

  Calling all mason jar lovers!  I have been following some of the ideas on the inspiring blog Oh Lovely Day, and on and off she has been featuring ways to use Mason Jars as decor.... So we have what I like to call a SUPER post for you today.  showing you several ways you can incorporate this simple inexpensive little container into your wedding in a chic and classy way!


{mason jar floral containers}
{top row} 1, 2, 3, 4 {bottom row} 5, 6, 7, 8


{hanging masons with candles}


 {aqua mason with floating candle + and an ocean view}


{mason luminaries}


 {mason and candle centerpiece}
{mark brooke photography via style me pretty}


{collection of floating candle masons & a mason candle chandelier}

and if that wasn't enough fabulous inspiration.... 
Here are TEN MORE unique ways to incorporate these lovely little jars seamlessly into your event.

That's all for now, but be sure to check back often for ideas and inspiration~




*Side Note* We love the blogging world and try very hard to give credit where credit is due, but we are also human (and sometimes post way too late at night lol) and do make mistakes... If we have missed a credit or photo source please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to make the necessary changes!  Thank you so much!!*

Monday, November 7, 2011

Mediterranean Delights for your Wedding

Even though Southern Utah is a desert and is known for it's Red Rock Mountains and horribly hot summers, we do have many hidden gems that bring brides from far and wide to host their destination weddings here in our back yard. So does that mean they are restricted to a southwestern themed wedding?? No Way! Southern Utah and Zions have so many incredible wedding vendors that can bring any idea, theme or inspiration to life.

One of my favorite hidden gems??  

Basila's is a first class Greek restaurant with delicious surprises around every corner.  This gem was recently featured in the 2011 Fall Issue of Southern Utah Brides Magazine, and we couldn't wait to share the article featuring their mouthwatering entrees, and how best to incorporate them into your wedding style and menu....best of all... they cater! 
~Enjoy

Gone are the days of simplistic choices like chicken or fish, pillow mints and nut cups. As weddings and wedding receptions move toward the more personal, more eclectic, and sometimes more DIY, so too does the wedding reception food. Brides and Grooms are using this once in a lifetime opportunity to show off their love of food by incorporating exotic dishes and worldly flavors into their wedding menus.  Wedding themes are becoming more individualized, colorful and unique, and what better way to wow your guests than by taking them on a trip around the world through unique hors devours and one of a kind entrées? Bring their experience full circle by mingling a luxe color palette with Southern Utah’s vivid landscape and you will have the perfect setting for a Mediterranean themed wedding.
When it comes to delicious Mediterranean dishes you shouldn’t have to look too far outside of our picturesque Southern Utah. Talented local chefs and caterers can provide you with a variety of entrees and foodie friendly flavors perfect for your upcoming event. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hummus Stuffed Grilled Artichoke. 
Hummus is a local and crowd pleasing favorite!  A delicate puree of chick peas, tahini (a paste made from ground sesame seeds), olive oil and Mediterranean herbs, served in grilled artichoke, and complimented with crispy grilled pita bread.
 

Gorgonzola Salad
Gorgonzola is rising in the ranks of delicious crumbly cheeses. Similar to blue cheese, but when it’s combined with sun dried tomatoes, house-glazed walnuts, dried cherries and served over a mix of spring greens it becomes the perfect 1st course for a luncheon or reception dinner.


Sweet Basil Citrus Cup
Truly the nectar of the gods, this fun little cup of fruit is both beautiful and refreshing. Inside is fresh ruby grapefruit, naval oranges, strawberries, and blue berries, infused with fresh sweet basil asheppie sauce.


Greek Salad    
A perfectly portioned Greek salad made up of a mix of fresh spring greens, carrot slivers, green onion, chunks of imported feta cheese along with kalamata olives, all wrapped in a sweet cucumber shell and topped off with delicious Greek dressing made with imported spices from the entire Mediterranean region.


Grilled Snapper 
Move the boring fish wedding entrées aside and offer your guests fresh snapper grilled to flaky perfection and served over a creamy orzo pilaf, garnished with a grilled garlic clove.

Flat Bread and Black Olives 
A perfect hors devour for the guest at leisure. Aromatic imported black olives, extra-virgin olive oil and garden fresh mint served along side crispy grilled flat bread. Simple and filling, a perfect snack for the cocktail hour!


Grilled Tomato and Basil Pesto Soup 
This is an exotic and flavorful dish that can either be served as an individual appetizer or as a main entree. This comfort food is taken to a whole new level.  Half grilled garlicky tomato soup, and half basil pesto soup. It may seem to have a split personality but it’s loaded with perfectly balanced Italian flavor. 
 


Rack Of Lamb
Your  guests will go ga-ga for a perfectly cooked rack of lamb. Teased with Turkish spices and grilled to perfection, these large lollipops of lamb are served nestled among velvety garlic mashed potatoes then drizzled with burgundy demi-glaze and a sprig of rosemary!


Bread Pudding
Greek styled bread pudding may be more traditional but is still a fan favorite and far from ordinary! Overflowing with candied walnuts, yellow bing cherries, and served spilling from caramelized pear, then drizzled with buttery caramel sauce…. absolutely heavenly!



Mile-high Key Lime Cheesecake
Give your guests the perfect sweet and sour dessert before you say your final farewells. Gourmet Key Lime Cheesecake, stacked in dragon fruit (imported from Asia) and splashed with a reduced raspberry sauce, is the perfect way to end a flavorful meal.


Offering your guests exotic flavors and unique entrées is not a new idea, but it is one that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the wedding scene. Our biggest suggestion when it comes to braving a gourmet menu…. leave it to the professionals! Many recipes do not easily translate for the masses, but skilled chefs and caterers can easily offer your guests’ unique hors devours, individually proportioned tasting menus, finger-foods and tapas as well as family styled buffets full of flavorful entrées. However you serve it, make sure to take a “time-out” during the eventful evening and enjoy your fascinating feast…. Your inner gourmand will thank you!     ~by: L Madsen


Divine!



Images By: Gideon Photography for Southern Utah Bride Magazine
Food By: Basila’s Mediterranean Steak and Seafood

Friday, November 4, 2011

Wedding Trend Alert: Hand Painted Cakes



I have been in the wedding industry for many years, and yet I am always surprised at the vast amounts of creativity out there in the galaxy that is the wedding world! When I start to see certain trends popping up on all of the industry media fronts... Bridal Magazines, Wedding Blogs, Pintrest, Stumbleupon, etc... I feel those "trend butterflies" begin fluttering in my stomach, and know that I must pass a long a few of my favorites to our readers. 

Wedding cakes are no exception. Trends come and go, but this one makes my heart beat a little faster.... Hand Painted Wedding Cakes.... be still my heart. Hand Painted Cakes is not a new idea, but there are several artist in the industry that are taking it to a new level. There is no denying the amount of talent that is takes to paint directly onto a cake. The following cakes made us swoon, and I know you will love them to!
By: Maggie Austin
By: SugarSugar Wedding Cakes
By: SugarSugar Wedding Cakes
Painted Cakes (3)
Nevie Pie Cakes | The Cake Parlour

Source Unknown
Painted Cakes (4)
Nevie Pie Cakes |The Cake Parlour

Painted Cakes (2)
By: Bobbette & Belle

Painted Cakes (8)
by: Maggie Austin

Painted Cakes (6)
Sacred Sweets

Painted Cakes (10)
by: cakeoccasions.com

Painted Cakes (1)
By: My Sweet & Saucy

SO many wonderful creations and inspirational ideas for a cake of your very own!
Send us a picture of YOUR Cake, or cakes that you inspired by. We would love to see what are readers are drooling over~


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Inspirational Wedding: Fit for a Queen

princess wedding

When we came across this This ROYAL photo shoot from Green Wedding Shoes we knew it would be a fabulous one to share with our readers. It is full of  stunning photos by Elizabeth Messina and  Merryl Brown Events. Every detail was so well thought out, and as I looked at image after image it got me thinking about something my father always said,
~"There is a princess inside of every young woman, it is her job first to act like one, and the job of the man she chooses to love to treat her accordingly!"~ Now that I have children of my own I truly believe in that simple thought. After looking at this romantic photo-shoot I find that it inspires me to help each of my children, as well as the brides I work with,  find their "inner princess" and let her shine!   enjoy~

claire pettibone dress
Claire pettibone wedding dress
royal wedding fashion
royal affair plates
groom with crown
long wedding veil
claire pettibone wedding dress
claire pettibone wedding dress
white flowers bouquet
glamourous wedding ideas
gold wedding cake
gold wedding cake
long wedding veil

Vendors
Photography: Elizabeth Messina //  Event Planner: Merryl Brown Events //  Invitations: Lazaro Press and Design //  Floral: Camilla Svensson Burns Couture Floral and Event Design //  Dress: Claire Pettibone //  Tuxedo: King Tux //  Hair: Dadiana Salon //  Makeup: Tomiko Taft //  Linens: Classic Party Rentals, Santa Barbara  //  Tableware: Small Masterpiece //  Cake: The Cakery //  Jewelry: private collection

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Wedding Traditions: Something Blue


Did you ever wonder where the Bridal tradition....
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky sixpence for her shoe... came from?

Well, a lot of people do. This cute poem is an old tradition dating back to the Victorian Age, But a lot of the Brides I meet with each week are still plan on following this sweet tradition in a modern way

A HUGE shout out to the wonderful bloggers over at Bridal Pearls of Wisdom 
We wanted to share their take on this fabulous old tradition.... 

Check out their Blog when you have a minute~

"Something old". These words symbolize CONTINUITY with the Bride's family and past. Some beautiful ideas for this include a cherished piece of jewelry from Grandma, a brooch from a favorite family memeber, a keepsake hankie from Mom's Wedding day or an antique piece of lace stitched into the hem of her gown.

"Something new" represents OPTIMISM and HOPE for the Bride's future and what lies ahead for her. Now speaking from a woman's point of view, aren't we always optimistic when buying something new? That is certainly true and can be easily achieved through the new purchase of a Wedding gown, a gorgeous pair of sparkly earrings and bracelet (pictured left, courtesy of A Beautiful Touch), fabulous high heels (courtesy of something old, something new blog) or something very sweet and sentimental. The list goes on and on...


"Something borrowed" portion of this poem is supposed to be obtained through a happily married relative or friend, whose good fortune in marriage hopefully will carry over to the Bride. Many of "my" Brides find this to be the most challenging aspect of this traditional poem, I think because of style differences or preferences. They often borrow a pretty purse, a small piece of antique jewelry or a sentimental item such as a small family heirloom that has emotional value to the Bride.


Now, as for the "something blue" item of this poem, the color blue has been connected to Weddings far before the Victorian Age. In ancient Rome, Brides wore blue to represent LOVE, FIDELITY and MODESTY. This calming hue has also been chosen by early Christians to dress the Virgin Mary. Therefore, PURITY, is also associated with this color. And this last fact, which I find very interesting, is that before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for Wedding gowns. Think about this proverb, "Marry in blue, lover be true".
The modern Bride can be extremely creative with finding her "something blue". There are plenty of contemporary and trendy, as well as traditional items to choose from.



And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents WEALTH and FINANCIAL SECURITY. A sixpence was a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1697. Back in Scottish custom, a groom put a silver coin under his foot for good luck. It should be in the LEFT shoe for the best possible luck! Today, a copper penny is sometimes substituted, although sixpence can still be found and used. 

I LOVE it! Informative and eye opening! Here are a few modern ways that you can incorporate the "blue" tradition into your wedding ensemble.

 Blue Hued Jewelry is always a Popular idea.. Gotta love gorgeous jewelry!
Photo Source Pintrest

I love this sweet vintage ring!  Ring source Lost & Fawned

Source Pinterest Images
An easy way to add a bit of blue is to add blue flowers to your bridal bouquet. 
Pretty and guaranteed to be noticed. 

Source Pintrest Images
 Something a little more subtle is to add blue under the dress... crinoline..undies.. 
garter....and other undergarments. 

 Photo Source Pintrest
Blue shoes are very in! Go bold or sparkly or suede but don't forget your blue shoes.

Source Pintrest Images
 This is darling and it makes for such a sweet picture. The date sewn in blue in the wedding dress lining.  

Source Pintrest Images
 How much do you love this idea? Get your bridal party to sign the bottom of your shoes in blue ink. 


So there you have it! The tradition of the cute little poem that we have all grown to know and love but always wondered what it meant? Now you know, so you can start collecting and implementing your good luck tokens!!!




We love the blogging world and try very hard to give credit where credit is due, but we are also human (post way too late at night lol) and do make mistakes... If we have missed a credit or photo source please comment below and we will be happy to make the necessary changes!  Thank you so much!!