March 2013 Archive

How to Get the Groom Involved | North Carolina Wedding Planner

Alexa's Photography, Winston Salem Wedding

Alexa’s Photography

I love my sweet brides and planning every single detail with them. But I like seeing my grooms involved too! Brides, if your husband-to-be is one of those guys who likes to sit back and say, “It’s your day honey, so do whatever you want,” then you may be having difficulties getting him involved in planning. First, talk to him about your feelings, remind him that the day is about the two of you, and share that you would really appreciate his input in some tasks.

Next, cater to his interest and skills. If he is a foodie or adamant about having an open bar at the reception, ask him to research various caterers. Bring him along to the cake and food tastings because, seriously y’all, what guy doesn’t love food? If he is a huge car fanatic, ask him to choose the getaway car. Ask him put his accounting degree to work and put your budget into a handy spreadsheet. Maybe he is always telling you about new songs he has heard.. put him in charge of finding the perfect band or DJ for your reception.

Instead of asking his opinion on 100 different things, offer him choices. He may not really care about the design aspects of the wedding (style, colors, linens, fashion, flowers, etc.), but you can still gain his input. For example, instead of asking what he wants his groomsmen to wear, offer him two or three suggestions and have him pick his favorite. You know you’ll like his pick because it was one of your [many] ideas and he will feel included.

If all else fails, have him take over the honeymoon planning. He can research locations, airline and resort prices, and activities in the area. After all, a bride can only do so much!

Brides, are you having a hard time planning with your groom?

Kind Words from the Mother of the Bride | Greensboro NC Wedding Planner

I love this family so much!:

If your daughter wants a Cinderella wedding, then Leigh is your Fairy Godmother. She is a magical, delightful genius and we loved working with her. Leigh saved us time, money, and anxiety attacks (she is better than Xanax) with her professional and common sense ideas. I can’t say enough good things about Leigh, and we highly recommend her if you want a wedding and reception that run perfectly and according to the plan.

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MG + Carol Anne on wedding day!

Pasha Belman Photography

 

Wedding Guest Etiquette | Triad NC Wedding Planner

AnnaJack_452

Alexa’s Photography

Most people have attended a few weddings in their lifetime. Did you ever wonder if there was a thing such as wedding day etiquette for you, the guest?  There are some unspoken wedding day rules to always keep in mind if you are invited to a wedding.  Of course, you won’t be asked to leave an event because of an etiquette faux pas, but it certainly is polite to show your hosts (the bride, groom, and their families) that you appreciate the lovely day they have invited you to by adhering to these “rules”:

Don’t wear white: The only person that should be wearing white to a wedding (or anything in that color family) is the bride. The bride should be the center of attention on her wedding day with the showpiece being her gorgeous bridal gown.  This rule may change if you’re a special guest or a member of the bridal party and the bride has requested that you wear white. Except for these special cases, ladies, it’s best to steer clear of white clothing as a wedding guest.

Be on time: If a wedding invitation says the ceremony starts at 5 PM, don’t aim to get there at 5 on the dot. 5 PM is the scheduled time for the bride to be walking down the aisle. It’s best to arrive 15-20 minutes early to a ceremony to account for getting lost or any parking issues.

Don’t over do it: The bride and groom are providing fun things at their wedding for the enjoyment of their guests so everyone can cut loose. The usual suspects in the fun department are an open bar, a packed dance floor, or a photo booth.  Just keep in mind to have a good time without stealing the show from the bride and groom.

Give a wedding gift: Technically, you aren’t obligated to give any gifts. However, if you do, it’s a gesture of goodwill and support of the new marriage. Something else to note: it’s a common misconception that you only have to bring a gift to the bridal shower. Traditionally, you should bring a shower gift to the bridal shower AND a wedding gift on the day of the wedding.  You can also send one to the couple before or shortly after the wedding if you don’t want to tote around a gift to the reception.

Don’t leave too early: The bride and groom have put a lot of time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears into planning their wedding and they want to share the day with YOU. Try your best to stay not only for dinner and drinks but also for dancing and fun! If you do have to head home a bit early, at least try and catch the cake cutting and a few dance moves.

 

Wedding Planner Myths | North Carolina Wedding Planner

Pasha Belman Myrtle Beach SC Photographer

Pasha Belman Photography

There are so many thoughts and misconceptions out there of what a wedding planner really is and what she does. I’ve collected a few of the most popular myths surrounding hiring a wedding planner and want to clear them up for you:

It’s too expensive: Though hiring a wedding planner may not be inexpensive, the resources and assistance that you’re given during the planning process is priceless. Planning a wedding takes days, months, even years for some couples. Do you have enough free time to fully devote to your wedding planning? If not, that’s where a planner comes in. A planner can help you step by step, while still leaving the decision making up to you. They help eliminate unnecessary costs and navigate you through your budget planning and tracking.

They take control of the wedding: This is 100% not true. My goal as a planner is to plan your wedding with you to create a vision we both love. Though you may give your planner permission to make minor decisions once you’ve gotten to know each other, the ultimate decisions are up to you. Planners are available to give advice regarding scheduling, creative partners, and more along the way. If your event planner is also an event designer, she will want to navigate you to make the best decisions aesthetically so there is a little more give in take involved in this relationship dynamic.

Friends and family can take the place of a wedding planner: I understand (and love!) that your friends and family want to get involved with your wedding, but there are something things that are better left to the professionals. Family should be able to enjoy the details of the wedding instead of setting up or cleaning. This is a special day for them too!

Most planners, myself included, just want to make this process as easy and enjoyable as it can be for you. After all, this is a day that you and your soon-to-be husband will share for the rest of your lives. Let a planner help you enjoy it!

Real Wedding at Adaumont Farm {Mary Anna + Weston} | Greensboro NC Wedding Planner

Mary Anna and Weston’s Adaumont Farm county fair wedding was definitely one of my favorites from 2012.  I had so much fun dreaming up details and creating all the design for MA + W. Every last detail was just *so* Mary Anna and Weston from the ferris wheel cupcake stand turned centerpiece to the shot gun shell boutonniere to the bourbon barrel guest book.  I could talk for days on the meaningful moments and playful details from the day, but the icing on the cake was the picture perfect sunset that took place as the ceremony was concluding.   So sit back, grab some banana pudding and dive into this gorgeous day.  Many thanks to my dear friend, Anna Paschal Photography, for capturing the details and a few ceremony moments for me.

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Design, Planning, + Coordination: Leigh Pearce Weddings | Details Photography: Anna Paschal Photography | Couple’s Photographer: Steve Davis | Venue: Adaumont Farm | Catering: Pepper Moon | Florist: Just Priceless | DJ: A&A DJ | Cake: Maxie B’s | Desserts: Simply Scrumptious

The Difference Between Venue Coordinators and Wedding Coordinators | Greensboro NC Wedding Planner

Leigh Pearce Weddings Greensboro Wedding Planner

 Abigail Seymour Photography

Here are the top 7 differences between a venue coordinator and wedding coordinator:

1.  Your venue coordinator is not going to confirm final details with your vendors (like making sure the cake arrives while the florist is there so it can be decorated).  Your wedding coordinator will. 

2.  Your venue coordinator is not going to help you plan your ceremony (who walks with whom and when).  Your wedding coordinator will.  

3. Your venue coordinator is not going to set up your decor, make sure the linens aren’t wrinkled, or arrange flowers.  Your wedding coordinator will.

4. Your venue coordinator is not going to direct your rehearsal, run your last minute errands (because you forgot to buy a unity candle), or remind you to give the officiant the marriage license.  Your wedding coordinator will.  

5. Your venue coordinator is not going to make sure your DJ shows up on time or remind the caterer of the changes you made with the salad.  Your wedding coordinator will.

6.  Your venue coordinator isn’t going to pack up your champagne flutes with bubble wrap and put your gifts in your car before you leave for the night.  Your wedding coordinator will.  

7.  Your venue coordinator works for your venue.  Your wedding coordinator works for YOU.

All that being said, I love working with venue coordinators.  I understand why they do what they do because, before starting Leigh Pearce Weddings, I was a venue coordinator.  I sold the event space to brides, ensured that clients used our preferred caterers, and made sure that all aspects of the event relating to the venue were taking care of.  I wasn’t able to help direct the ceremony because I was showing the caterer where to take the garbage out.  I wasn’t able to cue the toasts because I was snaking a drain in the women’s bathroom.  Most aren’t helping you because they don’t want to, they aren’t helping because they have other tasks to take care of on your wedding day.

Real Wedding at Hodgin Valley Farm {Sidney + Shawn – Part 2} | Greensboro NC Wedding Planner

I have more gorgeousness from Sidney and Shawn’s wedding for you today!  They had some of my favorite details to date and I am still head over heels for their cake (which featured Sidney’s parents vintage cake topper.)  Guests shared a family style meal at three giant tables taking up the perimeter of the tent before dancing the night away.  This is officially my first wedding where the bride and groom body surfed.  These folks know how to have a good time and I’m tickled pink that I was able to witness the whole thing!  Leave Sidney and Shawn some love y’all!

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Planning + Coordination: Leigh Pearce Weddings | Photography: Anna Paschal Photography | Venue: Hodgin Valley Farm | Florist: The Farmer’s Wife | Catering: Iron Hen’s Fresh Local Good | DJ: Triad DJ | Hair + Makeup: Carla White | Cake + Pies: Simply Scrumptious | Rentals: Happy Rentz