The Willrich Wedding Planner's Blog

Faith Thornburg Trunk Show at Belk

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Hi brides,

If you are on the search for your wedding dress, you might want to check out the Faith Thornburg, Trunk Show at Belks at Haywood Mall. The wedding gown designer will be taking appointments on Saturday, April 6 from 11:00am until 3:00pm in half hour increments as part of her trunk show. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please contact Megan Szuster at 864-915-0835. The event will be held at Belk in the Haywood Mall in Greenville.

The New and Improved Crowne Plaza Greenville

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:18:00 +0000

If you are researching venues to hold your wedding and reception, you might want to check out Crowne Plaza Greenville at 851 Congaree Road. They are in the process of doing a huge renovation and it is going to be pretty spectacular when it is all finished.

We had the pleasure of touring the facility with Donna Oglesby the Sales Manager. The lobby is being totally redone and will be a beautiful place to hold your cocktail hour. Rooms are being remodeled and redecorated. We were able to see a couple of the model rooms and believe me, your guests would be happy to stay in them. The hotel is hoping that the total makeover will be complete by August 2013.

So while searching for your perfect wedding venue, be sure to stop in and visit with Donna. Her phone number is 864-248-1722.

Sweet Thank You

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 14:04:00 +0000

While I am in the midst of all the craziness of getting ready for today's wedding, I decide to check the mailbox. In it, I find a reminder of why I continue this nerve racking, crazy profession. It was a very sweet thank you from the parents of a bride we had a few weeks ago. So as stressful and crazy as the job is, it does have its wonderful moments!

What Makes a Wedding Guest Happy

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:51:00 +0000

I watched another session of Four Weddings. The show overall is terrible; asking brides to judge each other’s weddings is just wrong. But it is interesting to see the things they dislike as guests at weddings. Some things are ridiculous, such as the church service was too long or too short. That is not up to the bride or something she can, in most instances, have any say in at all. It is after all a religious ceremony decided on by the church.

I have also noticed that almost every time, the bride that spends the most on her wedding wins. Money may not buy happiness, but it does buy drinks, good entertainment and good food, all very important to wedding guests. Want to make sure your wedding doesn’t win; then have a cash bar.

So what causes a wedding to not be a favorite with guests:

A cash bar

Lack of food choices, cold food or bad food.

Lack of décor and under this comes using fake flowers. The guests will notice, pure and simple.

Lack of seating, no matter what you think guests do not want to stand for any period of time.

Rooms that are too tight. Too many guests crammed into a room does not make for a pleasant time.

Outdoor weddings that are too hot, too cold or too buggy. Beautiful setting does not make up for uncomfortable guests.

Guests like a wedding to look like a wedding, not a dinner, and not a cocktail party. They come to a wedding and they want to see a wedding. They are looking for something special.

Long speeches or lots of speeches. Two is ok, more are not. Guests don’t really care. Have them at the rehearsal dinner where it is just family that does care.

Don’t split the event between rooms. Cake in one area, dinner in another, dancing another, guests spread out in different rooms. Doesn’t work, guests in outer rooms away from the wedding couple feel like lesser friends. Not good.

So even though I don’t really approve of the show, it does teach the occasional good lesson. So what would you like to add to the list? What makes you happy or unhappy as a wedding guest?

Lena and Christian Get Married

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 22:03:00 +0000

This past weekend we were lucky enough to work with a great couple, Lena and Christian. Their ceremony was held at Christ Church and the reception was at the Sawmill.

Lena was a bride that knew exactly what she wanted. She chose aubergine, eggplant and ivory as her colors with a theme of classic elegance. Lena’s main request was candles, candles and more candles and boy did we have candles. They were everywhere, in the windows, in the fireplace, on the tables, and we even had candle trees set up around the room.

Lena had made a lot of her own personal touches throughout the wedding such as programs, signs and favors.The menu choosen by the couple and prepared by Larkins and was to die for. Everything from the shrimp and grits to the steak was delicious. Dessert was the fabulous wedding cake and grooms cake.

At the end of the evening the couple, who will be honeymooning in London, were cheered on their way with British flags. The favors were British tea cookies and tea bags. The getaway car was a beautiful antique Bently.

As you can see below, the whole evening was absolutely beautiful.

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Willrich Bridal and Special Events
Wedding: Christ Church
Reception: Sawmill
Floral and Design: Memories by McMillan
Cake: Kathy and Co.
DJ: Pros Only Entertainment, Sam Brooks
Photographer: Christine LeGrand Photography
Transportation: Gene Gore

Valerie and Ryan Get Married

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:01:00 +0000

We had a Thursday wedding this past week. I think it might have been the first Thursday wedding we have done. Why Thursday, you might ask? Well the couple wanted to be married on 10/11/12. Isn’t that cute? The majority of guests were from out of town so a Thursday event worked fine.

The bride, Valerie, was actually the second bride we have had from this family. I love return customers. It’s so much fun, because you already sort of know the family. Right from the start, the bride and her mom knew that they wanted dark blue to be the main color. They had seen a picture of dark blue goblets on a table and they loved the look. So that’s what we did. Professional Party Rental brought in dark blue glasses and silver chargers for the table. These were laid on a silver table linen with silver napkins. Dinner plates were white with a silver rim. It was truly beautiful.

The flowers were blues, bronzes and tangerines offset with ivories to pop the colors. There was a touch of a natural element with river rock surrounding candles on the tables.

For fun there was a gorgeous candy bar that played off the dark blue crystal goblets on the table. The bride’s mom had collected all types of dark blue containers and we filled them with silver, white and blue candies. There were also glow necklaces and bracelets for everyone to wear during the dancing. These were a huge hit.

Take a sweet couple, fun family, great vendors and what do you get? A picture perfect wedding!

Vendors for this event are:

Ceremony- Covenant Methodist

Site – Huguenot Loft

Florist – Memories by McMillan

Photographer/Videographer/Lighting – Better Tie Productions

Cake – Couture Cakes of Greenville

Musicians- Trio 864

DJ – Life of the Party (Robert)

Limo – DL Limousine Service

Caterer- Goodlife Catering

How To Go To The Bathroom in a Wedding Dress

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:05:00 +0000

Ok for you guys out there that read my blog, you may want to turn away. This one is strictly for the brides. I found this picture on Pinterest and had to laugh out loud. I have taught so many brides how to use the restroom wearing a wedding dress. Now, I know you wouldn’t think this is something that you have to learn, but it is. No way, can you go to the bathroom the regular way once you are dressed. There is an art to peeing in a huge dress with a train on it.

So to accomplish this deed you will have to:

1) Remove the panties before entering the stall.

2) Instead of backing into the stall and over the toilet as you normally do, you are going to walk forward and straddle the seat. This allows the dress to flow out behind you. One note, before entering the stall make sure the floor is totally clean.

3) Once finished hold dress up and back out.

4) Remember to put panties back on, or not depending on how racy you feel.

Now head back to the party and have a great time!

Summer and Outdoor Weddings

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:39:00 +0000

If this unbearably hot summer has taught us anything, it is that a lot of the time outdoor weddings are not all they are cracked up to be. Sure, the dream is beautiful, lovely scenery, gentle breeze, doves flying overhead, but the reality of sweltering guests, sweating grooms, fainting attendants, mosquitos and expensive makeup sliding off the face is more a nightmare than a dream.

I caught up on Four Weddings (truly dislike that show) this week and time and time again the complaint was being outside in the heat and humidity made the guests miserable. Is that really how you want people to remember your wedding?

So what if you just can’t live without an outdoor wedding? Well then there are a few things to remember.

1) Don’t have it in July and August and you might want to think about June and early September.

2) Plan for a late afternoon/early evening ceremony.

3) Offer guests some sort of shade, trees, tent, or umbrellas.

4) Remember your musicians will probably require some sort of tent to shade instruments from the sun (or possible rain).

5) Offer your guests fans and something cool to drink. Make sure these drinks are non-alcoholic. The last thing you need is a bunch of drunken guests in the blazing sun.

6) Realize that your flowers will wilt in the sun. No way around it.

7) The female guests might be cool in summer dresses but remember the guys are in suits and tuxes. They will be miserable.

8) ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS have a rain plan.

Check Out a Willrich Bridal Wedding in At Home Summer 2012 Issue

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:31:00 +0000

We were very excited to hear that we were mentioned in an article in the Summer 2012 issue of At Home Magazine. The article entitled A Family Affair talks about a wedding we planned for Hunter Todd and Justin Lovvorn. It truly was a beautiful wedding and I feel honored that it was chosen to be in the magazine.

For more about this wedding click here.

A Perfect Night at the Huguenot Loft in Greenville, SC

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 21:16:00 +0000

This past Saturday, we did another event at one of my favorite venues, Huguenot Mill at the Peace Center. This was the wedding and reception of Kimberly and Mark. You could not find a sweeter couple if you tried. Kimberly purchased our Month of Package with some extra hours added on. This meant that we were available to help throughout her planning process as needed and about a month out we came on board to help with pulling all the details together for a beautiful event.

It did turn out to be just that, a beautiful event. The colors chosen were greens and corals set off by burlap. There was a rustic feel to the whole event with mason jars for the flower arrangements, burlap overlays and sashes on the tables, chalk board wedding program, and a wooden cake plateau. There were lanterns hanging from the ceiling and string lights on all the poles in the reception area. The ceremony area was decorated with a wooden arch covered in flowers and grape vine. A large moss initial “B” decorated one wall. A handmade runner, a gift for the couple, was placed on the aisle.

Guests were treated to a BBQ dinner with all the trimmings. For entertainment there was a band and a photobooth setup. Donations were made (in place of favors) to Miracle Hill. At the end of the evening, our Cinderella and her prince left in a horse drawn carriage. It was the perfect ending to a perfect event.

Vendors:

Planning:        Willrich Bridal and Special Events
Ceremony and Reception: Huguenot Loft
Florals:           Statice Floral and Memories by McMillan
Photographer: Christine LeGrand Photography
Cake:               Kathy and Company
Ceremony Music:       Don Shabkie
Reception Music:       17 South Band
Catering:                     Good Life Catering
Lighting:                     Optrics
Carriage:                     Whispering Winds Carriage Company

All pics are by Willrich Bridal Images

A Great Lighting Deal For Our Brides

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:50:00 +0000

If you read this blog a lot, you know what a big fan of event lighting I am. Nothing makes a reception go from great to WOW like lighting. And now, my favorite lighting vendor is offering Willrich Bridal Brides a great deal. This is a limited time offer. So hurry and give either me or Daniel at Better Tie a call.

Peanuts for Favors

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Source: Martha Stewart Wedding Summer

I love the idea of doing peanuts for favors. Some of my best memories are Sunday afternoons, during the summer, when my father would take us to the Jockey Lot. We would spend hours walking around and then stop to buy peanuts. We would sit on the picnic tables under the shed roof and eat them and drink Pepsi. It was so much fun and just represents summer time bliss to me.

Why not bring back fun summer memories and have peanuts as a favor at your wedding. If your wedding is casual and relaxed this would perfectly fit your theme. (One warning, before planning to do this, make certain that no one on your guest list is allergic. Some people cannot even be in the same room as peanuts.)

I Am Not Franck.

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

So many people think that if they hire a wedding planner, the planner is going to take over their wedding. Suddenly, it will no longer be the wedding the couple wanted, but instead the wedding the wedding planner envisions. Now, this may be true for some wedding planners, in fact there is a whole TV show about just that, but I can promise that is not how we do it.

I feel that our job is to find the vendors that will make the best possible version of the couple's wedding dream come true. Most couples I have met have an idea what they want but are not sure how to go about making that happen. That’s where we step in. We take that dream and find the vendors that make it come alive. Now, that is not to say that I haven’t had to rein a few brides in every now and then. A few brides want everything they see, but my job is to make sure we stick to the things that work.

Some brides fear that a wedding planner will make them spend more than they really want. Actually that would be impossible for me to do. The couples’ contracts are with the actual vendors, I do not control the money, the couple does. Nothing is contracted that you have not seen, approved and signed for. More often than not, it is me saying, “Wait, wait, hold up, that is not in the budget. How is this going to be paid for?” I’m the person that is going to keep you on track. I’m the one that will let you know what will work, and due to my years of experience, let you know what will not work. I’m the one that will let you know when something needs to be done or when it can wait. I’m the one that will make up your timeline (a chore every bride detests) and handle everything on the day.

So don’t be afraid, it will not be Franck’s wedding, it will be yours only better.

Katherine Graduates

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:41:00 +0000

This weekend we got to attend Katherine's graduation. A lot of my brides, past and present, know Katherine. She came to work with us two years ago as an intern/assistant. She has been worth her weight in gold. The girl is not only hilarious but also a very hard worker. We just love her and call her our adopted daughter. We were so proud to see her graduate Clemson.

Katherine came to us through her sister who was a Willrich bride at one point. We also got to see Mary (the sister) at the graduation and that was so much fun. We have kept in touch for years now.

The good news is Katherine will not be moving away, she will be staying in Greenville and still helping us with weddings. We couldn't be happier and neither could our brides.

Anna and Cody's Woodsy Wedding

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:53:00 +0000

When Anna came to us, she was no stranger. We had done her sister’s wedding several years ago and her mother is our go to makeup person. So, I was really excited to do her wedding. We decided on the Huguenot Loft in downtown Greenville, SC for both their ceremony and reception. Anna knew the colors she wanted were navy, tangerines and ivory. She loved the look of natural bark and curly willow. So we ran with a theme of simple woodsy elegance. Linens were ivory with ivory overlays embroidered with tiny leaves. Bark containers were used for centerpieces and a show stopping arch was built for the ceremony of tree limbs and grape vine, loaded with hydrangea blooms, orange roses, white roses and calla lilies. This was moved to surround the cake during the reception. There was also a huge J, their initial, made of moss and decorated with roses that hung on the wall.

For the menu, we did a buffet with an around the world theme built around the bride and groom’s favorite foods. There was an Italian pasta station, Mexican quesadilla station along with American garlic mash potatoes with all the fixings and the best mac and cheese. There were also carving stations of grilled medallions of beef and roasted turkey. All this along with a beautiful wedding cake meant no one went away hungry.

I love those little moments of the reception that make it very personal to the couple. A sweet moment during this reception occurred when the bride surprised her dad with a small birthday cake and had everyone sing happy birthday to him.

So now I will be quite and just show you just how beautiful this wedding was.

Vendors for this event:
Site: Huguenot Loft
Planner: Willrich Bridal and Special Events
Florist and Design: Memories by McMillan
DJ: Sam Brooks, Life of the Party
Cake: ABS Cakes
Musician: Trey Rollins
Photographer: Charles Bordner (I will post his pictures when I receive them)
Blog Photography - WB Images
Caterer - Goodlife Catering
Lighting and Video - Better Tie Productions
Rentals: Professional Party Rentals
Transportation - Eastside Transportation

Greer Bridal Expo

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Be sure to mark your calendar and come by to see us at the Greer Bridal Expo. It's going to be different than any other show you have attended.

Check out February's Belle Magazine

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:15:00 +0000

I'm so excited!!! I just saw a copy of my interview in Belle Magazine written by the very sweet Alison Storm. It turned out really cool. If you see a copy of the February issue of the magazine but sure to pick it up. I'd love for you to check it out.

This is Why I Am a Wedding Planner...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Video of Matt and Tiffany's Wedding Day.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:48:00 +0000

I had to share the video trailer for the wedding we did a few weeks ago in Charleston. It is FABULOUS. Great job by Better Tie Productions. So many brides tell me that they don't see the point in a video. Well, I don't see how anyone watching this video could say they don't want a video of their wedding. What a great way to remember the day.

Tiffany & Matt Wedding Trailer from Better Tie Productions on Vimeo.

Matt and Tiffany Get Married!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

This time last week we were participating in one of my favorite weddings ever. Not only was it the wedding of one of my best friends' daughter (who I have known all her life), but it took place in Charleston on an absolutely beautiful day and I was working with some of my favorite vendors that had come all the way from Greenville to do this wedding with me.

The ceremony took place at the historic Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. A beautiful small wooden church surrounded by trees flowing with Spanish moss that totally represents the old South. It was the perfect start to what we called “Southern Tradition Meets Modern Twist".

Tiffany, the bride, had decided on shades of lavenders and purples with spots of bright greens and winter whites as her color scheme from the very beginning. Being a January wedding we decided to add some sparkle with silver branches and icy crystals to give that winter feel. To move a little out of the traditional box, at the reception, held at Alhambra Hall, we added lamps filled with different blooms and topped by a black lampshade to give that elegant lounge vibe. These were placed on tall cocktail tables and surrounded by chivari bar stools. It was a very cool look. Along with those were tall and short vases overflowing with purple iris, purple dendrobium orchids, green roses and lots of other blooms making the room breathtaking. If the flowers were not enough, we also brought in lighting to wash the reception room in purples and lavenders. An exciting pattern was shown on the dance floor and their initial greeted guests on the downstairs wall as guests arrived.

Cocktail hour started off downstairs in the hall. Guests were met at the door by servers holding silver trays of the signature drinks and delicious appetizers. They moved upstairs to have their pictures taken in the photo booth or to hang out in the white lounge area. In the lounge, you could watch the advertisement that actually brought Matt and Tiffany together. If you remember, I shared with you before the story of how Matt and Tiffany met while filming a bridal advertisement. They were dressed as a bride and groom. Talk about fate!

Once Tiffany and Matt were introduced, the guests got to enjoy a buffet and stations of beef tenderloin, Maryland style crab cakes, caprese salad, veggie kabobs and mac and cheese. There were also mashed potatoes, fresh baked yeast and wheat rolls. This was followed by an absolutely beautiful wedding cake as dessert. Later in the evening after some fun partying, guests were treated to angus beef sliders to top off the night. The whole evening was just perfect.

The Vendors:

Wedding Planners - Willrich Bridal and Special Events
Florist - Memories by McMillan
Caterer - Good Life Catering
Video and Lighting - Better Tie Productions
Photographer - Swept Away Studios
DJ - Sam Brooks - Life of the Party
Our photos - WB Images
Photo Booth - Palmetto City Photo Booth
Cake - Jim Smeal

Avoiding Wedding Disasters

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Today a wedding magazine called to interview me about "how to avoid wedding disasters". I thought that was a really great topic that maybe I should expand on. So here is a video on the topic. Watch for more to come. Oh and pay no attention to the kleenex in my hand or the stuffed up sounding nose...lol

What Will The Planner That Comes With the Venue Do?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:34:00 +0000

Well the holidays are over, the wedding festival show was Saturday and it's time to get back to work on the blog. I hope everyone had a good holiday, we certainly did. The granddaughter came from Texas (she's 3) and Richard was in heaven.

The Wedding Festivals show was Saturday and we had a blast. It was a great show for us, as you can see from the pictures. We went with a whole new booth with a little Gothic, little Twilight sort of look. We even had a black wedding cake. Boy, was the booth a hit. Brides were talking pictures and asking questions all night. Now, I just need the bride that is brave enough to do this theme for her wedding. Just give me a call, I have it all designed out in my head.

Check out the video for a recap of the show and to answer a question that I heard from more than one bride. "I have a planner, that comes with my venue. Doesn't she do everything I need?"

An Exciting Announcement

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:40:00 +0000

Christmas is over, I hope everyone had a great holiday. Ours was extremely busy, lots of parties and events and family in from out of town. But now everything has calmed down and it's time to get back to posting on the blog.

I'm happy to say our first post is an exciting announcement. I am going to be teaching a course for Brookwood Church as part of their Brookwood University. This course is for anyone newly engaged. It is titled How to Plan Your Wedding Like a Pro. Below is all the information:

How to Plan Your Wedding Like a Pro
Wednesdays, January 24 - February 28, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Click here to registerfor this class. Childcare is not available for this class.
Wednesdays, March 6 - April 17, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Click here to register forthis class. Childcare is not available for this class.
This six-week class is for anyone planning or helping plan a wedding withinthe next year. You will learn what questions to ask to find the perfect venue and vendors for your wedding. You will learn how to plan your ceremony and reception to make your day memorable for you and your guests. Most importantly you will learn what costly mistakes to avoid and where to spend your money for the best possible event. Materials fee of $5 per person required. For more information or to register for this class please click on the registration link above.

Recommended Resource: The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day by Mindy Weiss
Cost: $13.97

Instructor: Susan Sanford
Susan has over 20 years experience planning events, conferences and meetings in the corporate world. In July 2004, she entered the world of wedding planning and is the owner of Willrich Bridal and Special Events. Susan is a member of two top South Carolina Bridal Associations, Wedding Festivals and Upstate Bridal Association. In 2010 and 2011 she won the Brides Choice Award given by Martha Stewart and Weddingwire. This award recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals across the country who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.

Wedding Postage Problems

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:33:00 +0000

Honest Mistake from Alexis & Rafe on Vimeo.

I saw this video today and thought it was a really good reminder. This couple mailed their invitations without checking for postal rate increases with the post office. The cost of stamps actually went up after they mailed their stamped RSVP's to wedding guests. So the return postage on their RSVP's was no longer correct.

They did come up with a cute way to correct the problem and I especially like the mention that they did not have a wedding planner at the end of the video. Yep, those are the kinds of things a planner checks.

So make sure, before mailing out your invitations, that you call the post office or check online to make sure no increases are expected.

A Quick Tip for Making Your Wedding Menu Fun

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

So you have planned a wonderful menu for your reception. You chose the fried chicken because it tastes just like the chicken your grandmother made for you every Sunday or maybe the dessert is just like the pie you had on your first date. Why keep these great reasons for your choices to yourself? Make your printed menu card even more personal and entertaining by including these facts. Guests will love the information and enjoy the meal even more.