Q WHY DO I NEED A WEDDING PLANNER? CAN'T MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS HANDLE THE DETAILS?

A Wedding planners are by nature peace-keepers, voices of reason, and experts at planning wedding events by the dozen at a time. Many brides have a hard time determining where to begin in planning their event. They quickly become frustrated and overwhelmed by all of the small details to be handled prior to the big day. Family members mean well but can easily become a source of tension when things do not go as planned. As neutral parties, your planner will help alleviate the tension between the couple and family members so everyone can enjoy the day. If a family member is handling an element of the wedding, your planner can ensure that the family member has a clear deadline to complete the task so everything runs smoothly.

Q HOW DO I DECIDE WHETHER MY EVENT WILL BE FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL OR INFORMAL?

A Several keys elements of your wedding and reception will determine whether your event will be formal or not.

• Is the venue for your wedding and/or reception very formal in décor and setting?

• What time of day is the event being held?

• Does a formal event fit your personality as a couple?

• Who will be attending the wedding?

It is much easier to enhance a venue's plain décor than to down-play décor that is more extravagant. Typically formal wedding events are held in the evening, but are not limited to after 5 PM.

To avoid an uncomfortable situation with improperly dressed guests attending your event, be sure to communicate the required dress well in advance of the event. If you are planning a Formal event that requires Black Tie, it is customary to note this in the lower right-hand corner of the reception card invitation.

Q WE DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE GIFTS. WE PREFER CASH, HOW DO WE ADVISE OUR GUESTS?

A Wedding etiquette dictates that it is inappropriate to include your gift preference in your invitations. If you set up special gift registries (i.e. homeowner registries, my honeymoon registries, etc), make sure all family members and bridal attendants know so they can share the information with guests. Many couples set up a Wedding website where they can share information about any registries; however, it is considedred in poor taste to list “cash only gifts”. You will find most guests will purchase a gift card for you from major store brands in your area.

Q ARE SAVE-THE-DATES NECESSARY?

A Save-the-dates can be very helpful for guests who have to arrange to travel for your wedding day. It can also be very helpful as you finalize the guests list for invitations as guests who you may intend on mailing a formal invitation will notify you if they cannot attend in advance. You can send to all intended guests or just those who require travel to attend. Weddings occurring over a holiday weekend may require additional travel plans and hotel accommodations, so be sure to follow up with those guests travelling the farthest to ensure arrangements are made well in advance. Save-the dates should be sent no less than 4 months prior to wedding and make sure everyone who receives the Save-the date also receives an invitation. Sending an Evite or e-mail is acceptable for Save-the-dates for friends and family.

Q SHOULD I BUY ONE OF THOSE WEDDING PLANNER BOOKS I SEE IN THE BOOKSTORE TO STORE MY WEDDING IDEAS IN?

A While store-bought wedding planner books can be helpful, they can also be expensive and not customized to your needs. You can easily create your own book to your specifications with just a few inexpensive items. Examples of items you will need are as follows:

• A 2-3” D-ring (3 ring) binder with the clear view front so you can insert important notes or design a cover for your book.

• A set of 8- tab divider (we recommend the re-writable tabs)

• 3 clear top loading sheet protectors

• A monthly calendar for each month leading up to your wedding (can be printed from any Word program template).

• Some blank note paper or notebook paper.

Example Labels for Your Notebook:

• Calendars

• To Do list

• Contracts/Vendors (place one sheet protector behind this divider to keep brochures, coupons, etc)

• Ideas (place one sheet protector behind this divider for samples, magazine clippings and photos)

• Budget

• Receipts (place one sheet protector behind this divider to keep small receipts in)

• Guests List

• Notes- place note pad or notebook paper behind this divider

Now, you have a functional binder that you can keep all of your wedding details in. As an M & M Creative Events client you will receive a personalized notebook when you contract with us.

FAQ

[M & M CREATIVE EVENTs, LLC]