Wedding Ideas

Who to use to make your special day SPECTACULAR!!

2007-11-13T22:08:00.001-08:00

OK...all of you already wed-Brides send your comments on Vendors you have used.....
We want to share with future brides who to use.
We love to hear praises on those who have done a great job. So I will list different vendors..you leave your comments about who you would recommend!

Photographers

2007-11-13T22:07:00.001-08:00

Who would you recommend for Wedding Photography....If of course Creative Candids was not available?

Limos

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Who would you recommend for Limo Services?

Tuxes

2007-11-13T22:05:00.002-08:00

Where did you rent your Tuxes? Where you happy with them?

Party Favors

2007-11-13T22:05:00.001-08:00

What are some cool party favors either that you used or have seen used at a wedding?

Wedding Party Gifts

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Where would you suggest to go for wedding party gifts and what kind of gifts are a hit?

Along the same theme...What is the best wedding party gift you ever received?

Cakes

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Who would you recommend for cakes?

Churches

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Which church would you recommend and why?

Reception Halls

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Where would you recommend for reception halls?

Who would you recommend for a FLORIST?

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DJ's

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Who would you recommend for a DJ?

It is ALL ABOUT YOU!!!!

2007-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Springfield has so many vendors available..so many places to host your reception and many ideas to make your wedding special and unique. Creative Candids wants to be a source for all you brides to be to find answers, ask questions and so on.

Leave your questions or ideas in the Comment area and we will post them.. and everyone can leave there responses or ideas for everyone to share. I hope this becomes a helpful tool for everyone.

So for Example......

I am needing ideas for center pieces at our reception....

Who would you use for a DJ

CHECK-LISTS

2007-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

Check-Lists for Multiple things.

First...Brides Check-List

10 TO 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Buy your wedding planner or good organizer
Discuss the style of the wedding and the budget with your fiancée and ALL parents.
Interview wedding consultants, advisors and coordinators. Look at decorations.
Speak with all your friends - pick their brains - learn who knows what and who knows who.
Speak to your clergy - speak with other family members' clergy - ask questions.
Begin looking for locations - ceremony - rehearsal dinner - reception - other planned events
Begin interviewing Caterers, Bakers, Photographers, Florists, Videographers, Musicians
By the end of Month 12 select three of your key players: advisor/consultant - caterer and photographer
By end of Month 11 select site for the ceremony
By end of Month 10 select site for the reception and rehearsal dinner
By end of Month 10 select the remaining key players; baker, florist, musicians, videographer
7 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR
Select all of your attendants
Together, begin compiling your guest list
Contact and visit clergy or justice of the peace
Begin shopping for your wedding gown and appropriate clothiers for your attendants (ladies) accessorize, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Register with no less than three well known Bridal Registries for gifts
Begin looking at honeymoon options with your fiancée - visit a travel agency or professional specializing in leisure travel - if you plan to leave the country check on your passports.
By the end of Month 9 choose clergy
By the end of Month 8 decide on a menu.
By the end of Month 7 schedule engagement photo session
By the end of Month 7 select and order attendant's apparel
4 TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR
Begin review of details with all of your wedding professionals
Finalize honeymoon plans with fiancée and book with travel agent
By end of Month 6 shop for and order invitations/announcements
Finalize music selection for wedding and reception
By end of Month 5 book calligrapher
By end of Month 5 shop and order the men's formal wear
Book wedding transportation - limousines, horse-drawn carriages, hot air balloons, boat, or whatever
By end of Month 4 have the rehearsal dinner plans in place (make sure you coordinate this with your fiancée).
2 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR
Order the wedding rings!!
Finish guest list
Shop till you drop
Lingerie
Honeymoon Clothes
Attendants gifts
Your gift for your fiancée
Pre- & post-wedding party clothes you might need
Finalize catering, bakery, floral arrangements (be a little flexible)
Reserve a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests (good work for your fiancée)
Finalize arrangements for any rental items you may need
Candelabra & other silver pieces
Special decorative screens & archways
Special lighting (particularly if part of the event will be outside or in an unique area where normal lighting may not be possible)
Make appointment with your hairdresser (a trial run for next month - also good for your bridal portrait) Have her help you with your veil.
Make appointment with your hairdresser (final) Have her show you how to work with the headpiece you choose.
Make appointment for your nails (hands and feet)-
Make appointment with a makeup artist for the day of your bridal portrait
4 TO 8 WEEKS PRIOR
Mail your wedding invitations and send either your preplanned special itinerary for early arriving out-of-town guests or an activity sheet from area chambers-of-commerce
Final fittings (you and the attendants)
Plan the bridesmaids' luncheon & confirm the location & instructions
By Week 6 have bridal portrait taken
Send local paper and wedding publications your announcement and photograph
Notes! Notes! Notes! Write Thank You Notes as you receive bridal and wedding gifts
Reconfirm rehearsal events and rehearsal dinner reservations
For your own peace of mind personally touch base with every key professional you and/or your coordinator have working on all your upcoming events
By Week 4 Pick Up Wedding Rings
Get marriage license with fiancée
Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and (if leaving the country got o bank and exchange at least $100 into foreign currency)
Submit request lists to your musicians, photographer and videographer
Formally invite wedding party and guests to the rehearsal dinner
Confirm all transportation for all events (including honeymoon)
Address announcements to mail on your wedding day
Prepare all the necessary forms for name address changes on social security card, credit cards, bank accounts, post office, driver's license, etc.
Arrange to move belongings to new home
By the last day of Week 2 plan a day to be alone with your family
1 WEEK PRIOR
On the very first day of the last week begin packing for your honeymoon
Check final details with all your wedding professionals - early in the week
Give (or attend) the Bridesmaids' luncheon
Give final guest count to the caterer
Create a wedding day schedule with your fiancée
Reminder Day
Remind wedding party men to pick up tuxedos
Remind attendants of rehearsal dinner agenda
Remind fiancée to double check rehearsal dinner plans
Finish packing for your honeymoon
Rehearsal Dinner (give wedding day schedule to all)
Schedule the day prior to the wedding as a free day - and a day to visit with a few close friends

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The Wedding Shower Checklist
2-3 months
Make plans
Guest list
Names, address, relation to the bride/groom
Location (Location may require a deposit)
Date
Theme & Style
See who has what to borrow
Hot plates
Cooling units
Tables
Chairs
Tablecloths
Margarita machine
Divide Duties
Invitations
Decorations
Cooking
Clean-Up
Set Budget
Get invitations
Address invitations
Include directions and phone number if you expect an RSVP
Send 4 weeks prior to the event
Shop
Favors
Decorations
Ribbons
Buy silk and order fresh at this point
Centerpieces
Cups, napkins, plates and matches
Check with party supply stores, art supply stores, rental companies, yellow pages, YAHOO, and use your imagination.
Reserve entertainment, rental items and caterers early
1-2 Months
Finalize favors and games
Prepare menu
Shop for food and drink items that will keep
Purchase place cards, fill them out as RSVPs are received
Mail invitations 4 weeks prior to date
2 Weeks
Decide who will assist in logging the gifts for the bride
Clean the location
Confirm reservation, rental and delivery times if you made any
Confirm fresh flower order
1 Week
Total up number of guests who RSVP’d
Prepare food that can be frozen
Begin to set the atmosphere
Be sure you have planned adequate refrigeration and heating
Tidy up location
Remember personal needs:
Clothes
Hair
Nails
Pets to kennel for event
2 Days prior
Confirm details with all assistants
Check on floral delivery
Collect everything you have rented or borrowed
Check to see that silver is polished and China is clean
1 Day prior
Prepare any food that can be stored
Fruits and veggies
Set up chairs and tables
Put up lighting
Check stereo volume and see that chosen music doesn’t skip
Cover tables and set out all centerpieces
Place the candles in the appropriate places
Any other last minute decorations
The Day
Make sure assistants come early
Complete food and drinks
Set out finger foods
Content:
Warmly welcome your guests and introduce them to persons they do not know. Start a conversation concerning something you know they both have in common before you leave them.
Give the bride the corsage as she enters
Do not rush your guests but watch for signs of boredom or anxiety
Have fun!

The Grooms ChecklistAKA The Bride's "Other Checklist"

10 TO 12 MONTHS PRIOR
Discuss the style of the wedding and the budget with your fiancée and ALL parents.
Participate with your fiancée in interviewing wedding consultants, advisors and coordinators.
Speak with all your friends - pick their brains - learn who knows what and who knows who.
Take your fiancée to every wedding show you can find - ask questions - learn from the professionals.
With your fiancée speak to your clergy - speak with other family members' clergy - ask questions.
7 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR
Select all of your attendants together including your best man, groomsmen and ushers.
Together, begin compiling your guest list.
Go with fiancée to register with not less than three well known Bridal Registries for gifts (make sure you go along to avoid later surprises).
Begin looking at honeymoon options with your fiancée - visit a travel agency or professional specializing in leisure travel - if you plan to leave the country check on your passports.
By the end of Month 9 choose clergy (actually you may just want to accept your future bride's choice).
By the end of Month 8 decide on a menu.
By the end of Month 7 schedule engagement photo session (this is NOT just for your fiancée - you should be included in these photos)
By the end of Month 7 select and order male attendants apparel.
4 TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR
Start shopping for wedding rings.
Finalize honeymoon plans with fiancée and book with travel agent.
Make sure you get your family's guest list and go over it with your fiancée.
Begin looking for a new place to live and start considering furnishings.
By end of Month 5 shop and order the men's formal wear.
Book wedding transportation - limousines, horse-drawn carriages, hot air balloons, boat, etc....
By the end of Month 4 have the rehearsal dinner plans in place (make sure you coordinate this with your fiancée).
2 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR
Order the wedding rings!! (If you are having these custom-made go back to 4 TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR and start again).
Finish guest list with your fiancée.
Shop for a wedding present for your bride.
Shop for any additional clothes you will need for the wedding events and the honeymoon (how about luggage??).
Shop for the groomsmen's keepsake.
STOP by the end on Month 3 get some serious business out of the way (if you don't do it now you may end up procrastinating into eternity.) Consider your will, life insurance, physical checkup, etc.
Reserve a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests (make sure you handle this for your fiancée).
4 TO 8 WEEKS PRIOR
Check finances and make final arrangements for payment on the items you (and you family) are responsible for.
Confirm that all fittings (clothes) are completed by groomsmen and father.
By week 4 PICK UP WEDDING RINGS.
2 TO 3 WEEKS PRIOR
Get marriage license with fiancée.
Reconfirm honeymoon reservations and (if leaving the country go to the bank and exchange at least $100 into foreign currency).
Confirm all transportation for all events (including reconfirming the honeymoon at the end of week 2).
Arrange to move your belongings and your bride's belongings to your new residence.
Make appointment to get hair cut (a manicure probably wouldn't hurt either). Try to set the appointment for about 5 days before the wedding.
1 WEEK PRIOR
First of all - remember that gift to your bride that you went shopping for during Month 2 or 3?? - Now is the time - give your bride the gift (and make a big deal out of it - this is important).
Second of all - remember those gifts to your groomsmen that you went shopping for during Month 2 or 3?? - Plan to give these out during the rehearsal dinner.
Third of all - reconfirm the rehearsal dinner plans with everyone.
Give the best man (at the rehearsal dinner) an envelope with the clergy's fee (he'll pass it on after the ceremony).
Sit down and go over a wedding day schedule with your fiancée.
At least 5 days prior get those little annoying chores out of the way:
Make sure wedding clothes are ready and then remind wedding party men to pick up their tuxedos.
Shine shoes.
Arrange now for going away clothes to be taken to the reception location.
Start packing early for your honeymoon (you will be surprised at how little time you have left as the week goes on).
Put marriage license and rings where you can easily find them.

THE WEDDING DAY

DON'T FORGET THE RINGS AND THE LICENSE!!!!!!!

The Grooms Wedding Day Checklist!

EAT!
Allow 1-1 ½ hours for getting dressed
Give the best man the bride’s wedding ring
Don’t forget to place the officiant's fee into an envelope and give it to the best man
Take the license, or see that the best man has it
Have the maid of honor and best man witness the license
Dance
1st with your new bride
2nd with both moms
3rd with the bridesmaids
Be sure to thank the bride’s parents and say good bye to yours before you leave

Wedding Day Emergency Kit Checklist
A crisis is no longer a crisis if you are prepared. Here is a list of items you should have on hand. Be sure to have them near by in case you need them. If we have missed any that you find necessary please let us know. .

2 Bottles of nail polish
1 Clear (For Runs)
1 Your color
Extra stockings
Static Guard
Mirror
Comb
Brush
Hairpins
Bobby Pins
Safety Pins
Needle and Thread
Deodorant
Baby Powder
Lotion
Make-up
Tissues
Spray Spot Remover
Hair Dryer
Curling Iron
Sanitary Needs
Phone List-Of all involved with Party
Cell Phone
Plastic Bags
Mints
A Snack
Extra pair of black socks for Groom...FYI...takes deodorant off tuxes

Writing your vows...

2007-11-12T15:02:00.000-08:00

Over two million ceremonies are held every single year. This said, no two shall be exactly alike. Think about it - the dress, the flowers, the colors, the cake, the size of the guest list, all of these plus more will be different. But one fact remains. Each and every single one of these weddings is guaranteed to include one element: the bride and groom. And in this ritual that unites husband and wife together as a couple in the eye of the lord, and in the view of the law, the exchange of vows really is the very heart and soul of the entire ceremony.
The wedding vows are verbal articulations of the happy couple’s feelings for one another, ‘for better or for worse’. Physically making the vow can be as simple as “Will you marry me”: “I will”. Traditional rituals can be traced back so far that the actual meaning becomes marred, even within research.
Of course it is a romantic idea for a couple to decide to write your own wedding vows. In fact, this is becoming an increasing popular as time goes by. However, it is not as easy as it may seem. Even the most expressive and creative person can find it hard to express exactly what they are trying to communicate. Remember, these words will not only mean more to the love of your life but they will also be articulated in the most public of scenarios. The pressure is on! But never fear, as help is at hand.
If you find that you are struggling to get the wording absolutely perfect there are many specialists readily available to guide you. On the Internet alone there are many different companies that offer affordable and effective services to ensure that you can express your eternal love for one another perfectly. Each company has a different stance - from using freelance writers to write personalized messages as guidelines for your development, to suggested frameworks for the actual structure of the vow, and possible adjectives alongside. It is a good idea to have a really good browse through these websites before committing yourself to them - but when you do, the chances are that you will be guaranteed word perfect result that will express all of your hearts desire, and more. And this is just the stage before you decide to renew the vows in several delirious years to come…! Happy writing!

check out http://www.myweddingvows.com/ there are allot of ideas on there.

Speeches

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The Speeches.....

* Don’t over-think your wedding speech. It is actually easier than other forms of public speaking, as people will expect you to be nervous.

* If you don’t feel confident memorizing your speech, use small cards as prompts. Cards are better than paper because it is less obvious if your hands are shaking!

* Try not to read from the cards. Look up around the company and try to involve the whole room through your body language.

* Be brief rather than long-winded. Even the most interesting of speeches can sometimes seem to drag on and on. The last thing that you’ll want to do is bore your wedding guests to death!

* Try to keep the content of your speech neutral and upbeat, (i.e. avoid being lewd). This is particularly important if there are older, or very much younger, guests at your wedding.

* Use an icebreaker as your first line to take the ‘pressure’ off yourself and guarantee a laugh.

* Make sure that you don’t forget proper etiquette, and thank the right people for their help. (A huge cardinal sin is to give the credit to the incorrect person; a wedding buffet brawl may well ensue!)

* And remember… don’t panic if the worst happens and you forget your words. Just speak from the heart. After all, you know how happy you feel!

Responsibilities of Wedding Party

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Maid of honor: Also known as a matron of honor if she is married, this is the bride's right-hand-gal. She helps the bride plan the wedding, and supports her during the ceremony. She organizes the bridal shower and fulfills numerous wedding day responsibilities, including walking down the aisle behind the bride, holding the groom's ring on her thumb, toasting the couple, as well as collecting gift envelopes at the reception.

Best man: The male equivalent to a maid of honor. He helps plan the bachelor party, making sure things don't go in a direction disrespectful of the bride. If there is a co-ed wedding shower, the best man helps the maid of honor with the planning. He traditionally drives the groom to the wedding, keeps the bride's ring, gives the officiant his or her fee after the ceremony, and offers a reception toast.

Bridesmaids: A support group for the maid of honor, they help her organize pre-wedding parties and perform nuptial tasks. It is the bridesmaids who throw the bride a sexy bachelorette party. In keeping with their party hostess image, bridesmaids may be asked to lure guests onto the dance floor during the reception.

Groomsmen: Any number of men who help the best man and the groom with wedding plans. At the ceremony, the groomsmen accompany the bridesmaids down the aisle; they may also act as ushers before joining the wedding party at the altar.

Flower girl: A young girl, aged between three and eight, who walks in front of the bride with a basket of flower petals, which she scatters about. After walking down the aisle, the flower girl sits down for the duration of the ceremony. Most flower children sit with their parents after completing their ceremonial duties.

Ring bearer: A young boy, aged between three and eight, who walks down the aisle just before the flower girl -- or in front of the bride if there is no flower girl. The ring bearer carries a small, decorative pillow, on which two rings have been attached. These rings are usually fake as a precautionary measure against loss or misplacement of the real things.

Ushers: For many people, the term usher is synonymous with groomsman. Some weddings, however, feature separate people whose sole job is to seat guests. In the past, ushers were exclusively male. Today, however, female ushers are becoming increasingly common.

Springfield Weddings

2007-11-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Each week we get to meet some amazing people and each week we see new and creative ideas, meet vendors from around the city and it is an amazing time.

We thought why not share all this info with you!

So stay tuned for some exciting new ideas.