Monday, June 6, 2011

12 Worst Pieces of Wedding Advice


Brides share the most awful tips they've been given while planning their wedding.
By Anne Roderique-Jones

1. Bad advice: "My grandmother told me that I must wear a white dress or else people will start thinking that I'm not a virgin. I'm a 30-year-old bride who has been living with my fiance for six years."
What you should do: This "rule" is completely antiquated. In fact, there are probably quite a few engaged virgins out there who will choose to wear ivory (gasp!) on their wedding day. Wear whichever color you love that looks best with your skin tone. In fact, white works best on darker skin tones, and ivory shades flatter lighter skin.

2. Bad advice: "It's YOUR wedding, and this day is all about YOU!"
What you should do: It is your wedding day, but don't forget the little people. Treat your wedding party (and guests) with respect. For instance, let your bridesmaids help choose their dresses, and don't have a cash bar.

3. Bad advice: "Type up and print generic thank-you notes ahead of time, and just slap a label with your names on them instead of signing them."
What you should do: Your guests took the time to choose (yes, even if it was on a registry!) and pay for your gifts, and it's your job as a gracious couple to get your thank-you notes out in a timely fashion (it's easiest to write them right when the gift arrives). Make sure they're handwritten and heartfelt.

4. Bad advice: "You don't need a wedding planner; let your mom handle it."
What you should do: Unless you want your wedding to be officially mom-themed, ask your mom to help you plan some of the important and personal details, but leave the big stuff to the pros.

5. Bad advice: "Send invites to people you know will not come."
What you should do: Those hopeful no-shows may decide to make an appearance. You may get the gift, but you'll also be over capacity and over budget. Invite the people whom you actually want to be at your wedding, and enjoy the day with those who matter most to you. (Stress Free Events Thoughs on this: It is perfectly acceptable to send out a wedding announcement after teh wedding to friends and family far away that you knew could not make it).

6. Bad advice: "If it's not a diamond, then it's not a real engagement ring."
What you should do: Kate Middleton rocks a sapphire, and ladies in Greece wear pearls. Bottom line: Wear what you love ... or at least what was given to you.

7. Bad advice: "Someone told me to ship the gown to New Jersey to avoid paying NYC taxes. Umm, no, that's tax evasion, and I don't look good in stripes."
What you should do: If you're planning to have your dress shipped, then inquire about discount codes. But picking it up at the salon is usually the most cost-effective option.

8. Bad advice: "My future father-in-law said not to bother getting my wedding band sized down to fit because I'll just have to get it sized up one day."
What you should do: There's no reason that anyone has to gain the "newlywed nine." Plus, if you don't size it properly, you're much more likely to lose it!

9. Bad advice: "My mother suggested having the cocktail hour before the ceremony."
What you should do: Do that and your guests will be sauced before you exchange your vows. Instead, open the bar after the ceremony, and serve nonalcoholic bevs like lemonade and cucumber water beforehand.

10. Bad advice: "Take out a loan for the wedding!"
What you should do: Instead, save diligently and have a personal and meaningful wedding that you can afford. Money fights are no fun, and debt is not the way you want to enter into marriage.
11. Bad advice: "You'll want a short engagement so the groom doesn't change his mind."
What you should do: Shorter engagements leave you less time to find vendors. Most engagements are over a year long, and planning a wedding is stressful. If your groom runs away during this time, he'd never last the entire marriage. It's a good trial.

12. Bad advice: "Cut back on costs and have a potluck and BYOB reception."
What you should do: A wedding is an event that you host, and these are your guests. Don't expect them to provide their own food and drink. If cost is an issue, look into having an early brunch with mimosas or having your event catered by a local restaurant, which is often more affordable.

DISCLAIMER: This article was originally posted on MSN Lifestyle and written by The Knot

Saturday, January 1, 2011

2011 Changes are big

I have thought long and hard about business for this year. I have made a decision to step back and take a little bit of a break from Stress Free Events. Don't read that as I am done, but I am limiting greatly the events that I do.

I am excited to do the weddings I already have on the books, and will be happy to help any of my past clients with any of their needs. I am only accepting new clients on referrals from my past clients right now.

I started a new job in July. I am working for the school district and I have the flexibility to keep working on weddings and other events. At the same time I feel that I have not been available to my family as much as I would like.

Both of my kids are in school now and by the time we get home, get homework done, and have dinner we have very little time for play time. Add weddings multiple weekends a month on top of that, and I feel like I am missing out on their childhood. This is such a great age for them and I want to miss as little as possible. I also have lost my grandmother at the end of this year, and my mother in law is starting a new battle with cancer (she has beaten it before, and we know she will again). These events have just proven to me how precious time with family is. My parents are still young and working and with the kids in school the best time for us to spend with family is on the weekends. I want my family to know the closeness and precious relationships you can only have with grandparents.

I could never give up weddings entirely. They are a part of me. I feel like so many of you are a part of my family now. I just will not be advertising for new clients. I will not be taking on back to back weekend events. I will be working with some of the vendors and venues I have grown to love over the years to help them with their businesses and keep in touch with the wedding world, but on a more limited capacity.

In an effort to keep costs down, I have decided that I will be letting my website go, and my email. I don't see paying to host that at this time. I have this blog to share with you as well as my facebook page.
My new email is stressfreeevents@hotmail.com
My cell phone is still the same and don't hesitate to contact me. I am still here for you.
Love you All
Becky Sosa
and Family
Happy New Year