For all you list lovers, I am pleased to present the ultimate Wedding Day Packing List! It lists everything the Bride and Groom should remember to pack for the Wedding Day.

Tip: I recommend pulling out your suitcase or travel bag a week in advance so you can “pack as you go” – instead of trying to make time in the midst of everything else that is going on at the last minute.

FOR THE BRIDE: Don’t forget these important items on your wedding day…

iamabride.com

Attire
___ Pre-wedding clothes, such as a jogging suit or a simple dress, and a robe
___ Wedding dress, veil and headpiece
___ Shoes, hosiery and undergarments
___ Bridal slippers or flats
___ Handbag or clutch
___ Gloves, if wearing
___ Keepsake Garter & Toss Garter
___ Departure Outfit, if changing

Personal
___ Cosmetics, Perfume and Toiletries
___ Jewelry and accessories
___ Sunglasses, glasses, contacts
___ Something old, new, borrowed and blue
___ Copy of wedding vows, if writing your own
___ Gift or card for Groom
___ Wedding bands and clean Engagement ring
___ Prescription Medication
___ A separate tote/suitcase as your Honeymoon Bag

Tech
___ Cell Phone and charger
___ Songs or Music (that you promised to bring)
* Assign someone else to take candid photos, watch the weather radar, and track time

Wedding Folio
___ Copies of vendor and bridal party contact list and timeline for the day
___ Copies of guest list, meal choices, and seating diagram
___ Copies of Photo shot list

Documents, ID, Misc.
___ Marriage license
___ Envelopes with tips for vendors
___ Driver’s License and/or Passport
___ Airline flight tickets – if you’re leaving soon after the reception for your honeymoon
___ Digital or printed copies of Itineraries, Confirmation Codes, Reservations (Hotels, Limos, Bookings, etc.)

FOR THE GROOM: Don’t forget these important items on your wedding day…

etsy.com

___ Cash / Checkbook / Credit Card(s) – prepare for the unexpected

Attire
___ Pre-wedding clothes
___ Tux or Suit
___ Underwear (including white t-shirt),
___ Socks to match
___ Shoes (if not rented)
___ Tie (if not rented)
___ Handkerchief

Personal
___ Travel Bag to hold Overnight Items & Toiletries
___ Watch, Cufflinks / Tie Bar
___ Sunglasses, glasses, contacts
___ Copy of wedding vows, if writing your own
___ Gift or card for Bride
___ Wedding band(s)
___ Prescription Medication

Tech
___ Cell Phone and charger
___ Personal camera, charger, chips
___ Personal devices needed before or after the wedding
___ USB or sync cables for devices

Documents, ID, Misc.
___ Marriage license
___ Envelopes with tips for vendors
___ Driver’s License and/or Passport
___ Airline flight tickets – if you’re leaving soon after the reception for your honeymoon
___ Digital or printed copies of Itineraries, Confirmation Codes, Reservations (Hotels, Limos, Bookings, etc.)
___ Car Keys (if needed)

Prior to the Wedding Day, deliver and distribute:
___ Wedding Party Gifts
___ Wedding programs (give to venue coordinator or wedding planner)
___ Wedding favors (as above)
___ Other Personal Items & Accessories for ceremony and reception (as above)
___ Copies of Readings for the ceremony
___ Directions to the Reception

Click to DOWNLOAD the Ultimate Wedding Day Packing List

Did I miss anything? Please let me know!

There are 127 seats – just pick one.  Really.  Sit anywhere.  Except at the Reserved table.

When you invite people to an event, do them a favor and tell them where to sit.  They want to know.   After all, you are the host (hostess) and they are expecting to take direction from you.  They don’t want to make decisions and run for tables like seats on a bus. (Hey Barb – save me a seat!)

I often hear “We went to a wedding (party) and they didn’t have assigned seats and I thought it was great”.  Ok.  And some people like eating with their fingers, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in all settings or at all times.

“No assigned seating at the reception has caused problems at many weddings. Large receptions, over 30 people, can be chaotic if there is no assigned seating. Often couples elect not to assign seating because they don’t want to offend anyone who ends up seated in the back. But, honestly, guests feel more comfortable when they know where to sit. They won’t have to battle for a “good seat” or argue over who sits by whom. Etiquette and courtesy dictates that parents of the bride and groom and elderly family members or friends should be seated in the front. Do the best you can to seat families or groups together. You won’t be able to please everyone, but don’t sweat it. Most people won’t stay in their seats for long anyway.”   Source: www.bridalgathering.com

We have a saying in the business:  Asses in seats.  It’s the way things are done.  Leaving people to sit anywhere is like saying you don’t care where they sit.  And Reserved cards at tables don’t cut it.  If you really want to offend someone, tell them they can’t sit at the tables reserved for…. Umm…. who exactly are they reserved for?  (Personally, I’m never quite sure since it doesn’t say anything more than “Reserved”)

Creating a seating plan doesn’t need to become a major ordeal.  There are resouces available to assist with this task, such as  Perfect Table Plan.   Also, sites like WeddingWire.com and TheKnot.com  have helpful (free!) tools for seating charts and table layouts.  If you don’t want to mess with creating placecards, contact our friends at PlaceCards.com.

Super “Sweet 15″ (Quince) celebration planned and produced by A Flair for Affairs and Encore Creations.

A fashion forward quinceanera designed to captivate the attention and imagination of the young adults as well as the young at heart!  “CLAUDIA” represents another signature event created by the awarding winning team: Eddie Diaz, CSEP and Elisa Delgardio, CSEP.

I’m not even sure where to begin, except to say that we are so proud of this event! It was both a thrill and a joy to plan! Our Clients were wonderful & gracious people; Eddie and I had a ball working with them! From the invitations to the gelato flavors, everything about this event was fierce – and custom tailored to our super chic fashionista, Claudia. ~ Elisa

The inspiration for this event was fashion – so we designed a chic room that featured double runways and two stages. Fuchsia was the key color, so the palette included shades of pink, black and white.

We threw in lots of sparkle, and accented the room decor with gobos and wall washes. The client’s monogram was a play on the Channel logo.

Lady Gaga: The ultimate fashionista! Our high-energy performer was instrumental in setting the mood for the evening and introducing the birthday girl. Later in the evening, the performers danced with the guests and posed for photos.

Caveat emptor: [Latin, Let the buyer beware.] A warning that notifies a buyer that the goods he or she is buying are “as is,” or subject to all defects.

That about sums it up; especially with regard to the post (quoted below) which was brought to my attention on a wedding forum. I’m stunned, but I can’t say I’m shocked. I’ll bet this happens more often than I’d care to imagine.  Read on…

Date: 2012-04-18, 11:13PM EDT
Reply to: xxxxx-2966463500@gigs.craigslist.org

Hi,
I’ve been thinking about trying my luck at wedding and event photography this summer to make some extra money. Looking for a talented partner who is interested in the same to work together with. Definitely don’t want to be photographing a wedding alone, because if I miss that special moment, someone is going to kill me! We’d split what we get paid 50/50, with the expectation that you do your half of the photographing, editing, and promo work.

Most of my experience is A: bringing my camera(s) with me when traveling, and B: shooting special events at universities for invited lecturers or performing artists. I also know web-design well, so I can set up a website advertising our service. I very much prefer shooting film, but leaning towards digital for the sake of being economical and time-efficient. Some of my photos are on my personal website: xxxxxxxx.com.

If interested, please send some samples of your work.

Best,
xxxxx
it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: half of what we make
PostingID: 296646xxxx

Now tell me that doesn’t send a shiver down your spine…? Think about it: Two AMATEUR photographers, with different styles and equipment, shooting a wedding – which is admittedly unfamiliar to them, and their only concerns are: a) getting paid and b) not getting sued. Wow… I’m speechless.

People: Please, please, please do your research. Please do not allow yourselves to fall prey to ignorant, inexperienced, and uninsured hacks looking to make a few bucks. A wedding planner or consultant can provide qualified referrals, and recently married friends may be able to offer some suggestions. If you need more information, great tips can be found in this article.

TIP: Check out “real wedding” features in bridal magazines. Talented photographers have often shot these, which is why they’re being featured. – Dummies.com

Weddings are unique unto themselves: There are expectations, there is protocol, and there is a small window of opportunity. You need a wedding photographer with the right equipment, the ability to manage time and people, and the talent and experience to deliver what should be your most cherished mementos of a once-in-a-lifetime day.

(c) 2012 E. Delgardio

Photos from Paige & Greg’s wedding at Casa Feliz

Photos courtesy of studio blu

One of the things that excites me most is working with couples who have a unique vision of their wedding day. There are wonderful couples who come to me needing ideas and creative input, and there are others who need me to help them ‘make it happen’. Seattle-based bride Paige was one of the latter. She found me after selecting Casa Feliz as her venue, and told me excitedly about her ideas for the peacock motif.

It’s impossible to discuss this wedding without mentioning the amazing floral created by Lana at Fairbanks Florist. Considering that this wedding was fairly intimate, and the couple was budget conscious, Lana’s floral creations really stood out: They were colorful, original and striking!

Lana with Fairbanks Florist created Paige’s custom bridal bouquet – a Peacock Feather fan - with fresh flowers using Phaphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) Orchids along with fiddle ferns, blue delphinium, green kermit buttons with a braided ribbon stem wrap with pearl head pins.

Fairbanks Florist | photo Val Becker

Look at the detail on the Groom’s Boutonniere!  Phaphiopedilum Orchid, Fiddle Fern and peacock Feather.

Anna Cakes | Fairbanks Florist | studio blu | Val Becker

The custom cake top was amazing!  Shown in detail on the right as well as atop the cake, it was created with peacock feathers, phaphiopedilum orchids, blue delphinium, fiddle fern, green kermit buttons, and cimbidium orchids.

Thank you to studio blu for great images and the very complimentary words! It’s so wonderful to hear such positive feedback about the value of our services!

Since Paige was planning her wedding from Seattle, she hired a wedding coordinator to help her with her day. I always recommend this! Paige was lucky enough to hire Elisa from A Flair For Affairs. I cannot stress enough how hiring a coordinator will make your day better, and in turn make your pictures better! – studio blu

Casa Feliz is one of the most incredibly lovely and unique venues in Central Florida. Located in historic Winter Park at the north end of Park Avenue, set as if it were a jewel in a crown.

Casa Feliz, or “Happy House” in Spanish, is the signature residential work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. Built in 1933 for inventor and manufacturer Robert Bruce Barbour, Casa Feliz was recognized for its importance as an outstanding example of Spanish Eclectic style architecture and as the preeminent residential design executed by Rogers. Casa Feliz was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 2008. (more details here)

I have been fortunate to work at Casa Feliz on many occasions:  Weddings, destination weddings, rehearsal dinners, meetings – you name it! – and it’s always a joy to be there!  Everyone who visits Casa Feliz is touched by the charm of the warm wood and cozy interior spaces boasting french doors that open to bright and colorful courtyards.  It’s perfect for events with a guestlist of about 100 or less. The space is extremely flexible but somewhat nontraditional since it is comprised of several connecting rooms.

One of the standout benefits to having a wedding or special event at Casa Feliz is the variety of photo ops!  Indoors, outdoors, architectural details – such as a curved staircase, balconies, archways, french doors, courtyards, windows – and lots of interesting textures and finishes (brick, wood, tile, etc).   It’s a photographer’s dream!

At this writing, Arthur’s Catering is the exclusive caterer.  Arthur’s is amazing and I’ve worked with them on numerous occasions; twice events which I had planned and they catered were nominated for awards!  Over the years I have developed a very good relationship with their team and I especially enjoy any opportunity to work with Melissa at Casa Feliz because she is so wonderfully detail oriented.

As a destination, Winter Park has a lot to offer visitors and out-of-town guests: first class dining, boutique shopping, sidewalk cafes, museums, boat tours, and tree lined streets that are perfect for walking, jogging and biking.  Known as the City of Culture and Heritage, Winter Park is a mecca for those interested in world-class art and rich cultural experiences. (more details here) Casa Feliz 656 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL

A Flair for Affairs highly recommends Casa Feliz.  If you are interested in planning a wedding at Casa Feliz, or anywhere in Winter Park, please call us!  We are one of their ‘preferred professionals’, and we’re eager to assist you with all the arrangements and make your planning experience both enjoyable and worry free.  We also provide coordination services for the wedding rehearsal and wedding day.

A Flair for Affairs :: 407-896-1476

January 2012 – Tampa, Florida

This dynamic session was organized by Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez, Director of Marketing, Exhilarate Events/BeatCreative  along with a panel of notable event industry moms:

How do industry mothers juggle a healthy family life & career all at once? What drives us to continue? What keeps us from throwing in the towel? How do we set the example? What are we teaching? What is the legacy we will leave?

As a panel, we – ten mothers from all facets of the events industry, and from all parts of the country – shared a glimpse into our home life; sharing family photos and personal narratives, and reflecting on our individual struggles and victories.   There was also a very heartwarming introduction video featuring pre-interviews of each panel members’ kids sharing their unique perspectives on their mother’s careers.

Attendees joined the conversation, sharing experiences, laughter, and a few tears.  This is how your fellow event industry mothers are making it happen day to day!

WOW! Moms (front to back): Stacie, Kelly, Christine, Erin, Aymee, Filomena, Annette

Thoughts on being a WOW! Mom…

It was quite an honor to share the stage with such a wonderful and accomplished group of women!  I hardly think of myself as a role model.  Like everyone else, I have my struggles, insecurities and regrets about being a working parent – especially in the hospitality and event industry.  I worry and wonder: Am I trying to juggle too much?  Am I spending enough time with my child?  Should I put more time into that proposal or hang the holiday decorations?   Is it worth it?  Is it WORKING?

Obviously I am not alone.  And I belive that was one of the key messages of the session: Let other event industry moms know that they are not alone.

While scripting and developing the session, Michelle asked each of us to focus on a specific point or realm of experience.  My topic was Growing Pains.  As one of the more senior members of the group, with a child who has literally grown up in the business, it was a unique opportunity for me to speak candidly about the phases of my life – both as a wife and mother, and as an event planning professional.  In order to write my notes for the session, I had to stop – literally s.t.o.p. – and reflect on 15+ years of personal and professional growth.  The highs. The lows. The victories and achievement. The tears and challenges.  I realized that the path which was initially unclear became a road to self-discovery and fulfillment.  Mind you it was a twisty-turny and winding road with potholes, but nonetheless a road.

I realize it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go according to plan (rather, our plans).   The stress of meeting the daily demands on our time and energy can be overwhelming, exhausting, and even discouraging.   WOW! Moms are the women who support, encourage and motivate others; we all have this ability.  It’s good to be reminded that we can (and must!) choose to focus on looking forward, not behind.  It’s important to listen to your inner voice and make changes – whether it’s eating dinner together more often, or making time to do that ‘thing’ that has been on the back burner too long.   All we can do is our best.  We are bound to make mistakes along the way: could have, would have, should have…  Instead of letting these phrases haunt you, simply pray that you learn from mistakes and don’t repeat them.

WOW Moms at TSE2012

(c) E. Delgardio, 2012

Photos from Emily & Brad’s wedding reception at Lake Nona Country Club – November 2011.

Photos courtesy of Marc Harmon

The ballroom at Lake Nona Country Club never looked lovelier! Floral, lighting, linens and decor came together seamlessly to create a dramatically elegant reception in shades of plum and rich purple. (I was so glad that Marc Harmon captured Emily’s reaction to the gorgeous ballroom during a private reveal!)

A trio of centerpieces created by Lee Forrest featured orchids, roses and hydrangea, accented with votive candles and black feather plumes; hanging crystals provided extra sparkle.

TIP: Favors at each place setting served a dual purpose: Favors were tagged with a guest name as well as their dinner selection. Combining favors and placecards is also a terrific way to reduce tabletop clutter.

TIP: A regular dinner plate can serve as an excellent alternative to renting chargers.

Lighting provided by Soundwave Entertainment enhanced the overall ambiance of the ballroom, while dance lights and a custom gobo created a party mood in the lounge area.

A sparkler exit capped off a perfectly wonderful evening for this fun-loving couple!

Featured Wedding Professionals:
Planning and Coordination: A Flair for Affairs®
Photography and Photobooth: Marc Harmon
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Lake Nona Country Club – Orlando FL
Entertainment and Lighting: SOUNDWAVE ENTERTAINMENT® | djsoundwave.net
Floral: Lee Forrest
Chairs: A Chair Affair

See Lake Nona County Club | Real Wedding Photos – Part 1

Photos from an intimate New Year’s Eve Wedding celebration – December 2011

Photos courtesy of Errol Colon

I can’t tell you how excited I was to receive a call about a New Year’s Eve wedding! Especially upon hearing this couple’s unique love story and the special circumstances of their nuptials (and I will honor my promise to respect their privacy). I worked with them to bring together all the elements of an exceptionally memorable New Years Eve wedding.

The couple exchanged vows in the grand entrance hall of their home with their closest family and friends in attendance. Following the ceremony, guests toasted the couple with Dom Perignon. A custom menu of mostly vegetarian hors d’oeuvres and small plates were passed by Puff n Stuff, and guests ate, mingled, and danced until the New Years Eve countdown began.

The weather could not have been more perfect for such a grand fête! Guests were led out onto the client’s private dock to view the fireworks over the lake. They cheered and sipped champagne and asked if they could do it all again next year… (Exactly what we like to hear!)

Photography | Errol Colon Photographers
Catering | Puff n’ Stuff
Floral | Raining Roses
DJ Music | Junction 88
Cake | The Sugar Suite

We had a blast planning this “wintery” White Party event! The Heaven Event Center was the perfect location for this chic and sexy affair and the guests partied late into the night.

It was an interesting challenge to balance a club look with a holiday look. The client asked for a cool, wintery feel; at the same time, we were designing a full-blown night club experience. I feel we did well with the array of linen selections from Kirby – white fur, prismatic, spandex and “dazzle”. We used both crystal and silver colored chiavaris from A Chair Affair for the seating, in addition to the white furniture and glow cubes.

Dancers performed throughout the evening – in themed costumes, of course!

… And a good time was had by all thanks to these featured professionals:

Photography + Step & Repeat | Errol Colon Photographers
Catering | Casa Del-Dio
Kirby Rentals
A Chair Affair
Libations | BarFly Bar Catering
DJ | James “JB” Balcer