So last night I trecked out to Brooklyn for a blogger networking event at Lion in the Sun Paperie.
First, let me say how wonderful this little stationary store in Park Slope, Brooklyn is so warming and welcoming. On the corner of 4th street and 7th Avenue it's so inviting to those of us who love stationary and attractive to the invitation seekers. Go, visit and let them know The Budget Brides Handbook sent you.
Here are some tips from the experts:
Anne Chernoff (From I will to I Do)
Anne told a great story of how she went to a wedding and unexceptantly had to pay for valet parking. She didn't mind so much that she had to pay for the parking but the fact that no one (Bride, Groom or Valet Attendant) mention that the valet had to be paid by each individual guest. Her suggestion was that you don't necessary have to pay for valet parking for your guest but you need to tell them whether it is already paid for or should be paid by the guest.
Xochitl Gonzalez (Always A Blogsmaid)
Xochitl discussed allowing Bridesmaids to choose their own bridesmaid dresses. She thought that this trend was every thoughtful for the Bridemaids and allowed them to show their personality. All of the panelist agreed that this new trend should be done with much preparation and direction.
Sarah Pease (Brilliant Event Planning)
Sarah reminded all of the Brides to be realistic about the day of their wedding. If you wake up the morning of your wedding and it is raining outside. You should probably rethink that outdoor ceremony. Sarah told us a story about a couple she worked with and how it had rained earlier in the day with chances of raining again during the wedding ceremony. The Bride and Groom were deadset on having their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour outside. Needless to say Mother Nature won that battle. Good thing for the couple, Sarah was thoughtful even to set up another 200 chairs in a room on the property and the couple was able to repeat the ceremony for all to hear.
Loren Michelle (Naturally Delicious)
Loren heighten all of our taste buds with her delicious food that she provided at the event. I love the chocolate brownies the most. One of Loren's tips was to make your wedding menu your own. She told us of a story about a couple whose wedding menu was their first date meal. She also talked about another couple who had lots of help from their friends from their wedding website to the Groom creating his own beer for the special day.
Melinda Morris (Lion in the Sun)
Melinda gave us a budget saving tip with tear away RSVP cards. She even showed us an example of an RSVP card that tore away from the actual invitation. It's a cute and chic way to to save money; however, please remind that this type of RSVP card should be used for more casual weddings.
Vane (Brooklyn Bride)
Vane discussed including both families culture into the wedding. For her wedding, Vane and her husband decided to have a New Orleans band at the wedding while performing some of the dancing rituals from her Turkish family.
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