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Looking for an elegant space for your next event? Carr Winery offers an intimate setting in either their Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez locations for birthdays, anniversaries, private wine tastings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and corporate events. For more details, please visit http://carrwinery.com/events/private-events Earlier this month Gatherings for Good had the pleasure of participating in the first ever Vintage Glamour Bridal Show at Carr Winery in Santa Barbara, CA. The boutique bridal show was produced by SF Productions and focused on the bride who has an eye for rustic and vintage inspired weddings. Brides and their guests were encouraged to sip fabulous wine while meeting with vendors and getting ideas for their special day!
The bridal show featured a fashion show with vintage bridal attire from Dolly Couture, music by DJ Scott Topper, and catering by Georgia's Smokehouse! Photos Courtesy of Jade Elora Photography Other Participating Vendors Absolutely Fabulous Glamour Studio Chris + Jenn Photos Islay Events LaCandle Company Mariela Campbell Photography Mary Kay Beauty and Skin Care Sweet Beginnings Vintage Rentals The Velvet Pour Bartending Services
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 Recently I exhibited at a bridal show where I had a table to display some decorative wedding items along with my brochures, cards and promotional give-a-ways ready to hand out to the hundreds of young women who passed by, all newly engaged and ready to start planning their big day! As we began talking about various details such as wedding venues, locations, dates, colors and so on, I was surprised at how often the question was asked, "What does a Wedding Planner do?" After hearing this question over and over throughout the day I realized that many people are not sure what Wedding Planners do and they are uncertain if they actually need one. I always recommend to brides that they hire a Wedding Planner and I am not just saying that because I am one. I really believe it is one of the most important investments a couple can make when planning their wedding. Not having a planner or having a friend or close family member act as the Wedding Planner to save money could end up costing a lot more in the end, not to mention the added stress that it can have on the couple if you don't have someone who is properly trained and has the experience and knowledge needed to plan an manage your wedding details. Think of your wedding as a if it were a performance that people are coming to see and you and your fiancé are the stars of the show. Your guests are the audience and the Wedding Planner is the writer, director and producer. They are the ones behind the scenes making sure all the details are in place, that everyone knows what to do and when, and ensures that the event flows smoothly. Your Wedding Planner can be involved as little or as much as you want depending on your schedule and how much time you have. You may want to consider the different packages and prices to help you decide if you need a lot of assistance in planning months before the wedding, or if you just need month and day of coordination. Below is a list of some of the responsibilities and tasks a planner can take on. -Meet with you to discuss your wedding vision (colors, theme, style, guest count, location, etc) -Determine a budget -Create a "to do" list and keep track of tasks -Advise you on wedding locations for ceremony and reception based on your style, vision and budget -Make recommendations for vendors based on your style, vision and budget. The would include florist, bakeries, caterers, DJs and live musicians, photographers and any other vendors you need -Read through vendor contracts to make sure everything is correct and assist with negotiations if necessary -Create a wedding day timeline and schedule for the rehearsal and wedding day details. The timeline is distributed to vendors and some members of the wedding party so that everyone involved knows when things should be happening and to keep everyone on track so the event flows smoothly -Conducts a wedding rehearsal the day before with the couple and their wedding party. Often this is followed by a lunch or dinner which the planner can also help arrange. -Offers advice on wedding trends and design ideas -Give you advice on wedding etiquette -Be the go to person on the wedding day to direct vendors, answer questions, often time speaking on your behalf to family and friends when you are too busy and can't be distracted -Manage the day of wedding details and timeline, supervise vendors as they arrive, oversee set-up of the event, help put out personal items such as favors, guest book, programs, escort cards and other decorations. They can also take care of any emergencies should they arise and keep you and your guests calm when things get stressful. -Ensure your wedding gifts and personal items get back to you and are not left behind -Assist with clean-up and pay final checks to vendors if necessary at the end of the wedding Besides what is normally on a Wedding Planner's job description, they offer invaluable support to the couple in the days leading up to the wedding. Often times they are available for phone calls and emails to ask questions run ideas by them to get another opinion. They become a friend you can rely on and trust to get you through the planning stages seamlessly making the experience a fun and enjoyable process! Photos courtesy of Dollar Photo Club
 Glen Annie Golf Club, Santa Barbara, CA Some people devote a lot of time and effort into preparing every detail of their wedding day, giving every important aspect thorough consideration - what style dress should I wear? who will cater the event? what type of flowers do we want? what should or first dance song be? The list goes on and on. But how many people really give much thought to who will officiate the wedding?
A wedding ceremony is a personal and intimate moment for couples to declare their love for one another in front of their closest friends and family. It is also a unique time for the officiant who is witnessing the bond between two people in love and helping to create the memorable occasion where they finally say "I Do." As important as it is for your officiant to get to know you as a couple and learn your story, it is important for you to learn theirs as well. Here are some basic questions to ask when interviewing officiants. These questions will help you get to know more about them and their experience to see if they fit your personality and style. 1. What made you want to become a wedding officiant? 2. How many ceremonies have you performed? 3. Where and when were you ordained? 4. Do you require any pre-marital counseling? 5. What are your fees? 6. Will you help write our vows/can you personalize the ceremony to suit what we want? 7. Will you be at the ceremony rehearsal? 8. Do you have a backup plan in the event you are sick or unable to perform at the wedding? 9. Are you familiar with our venue? 10. Do you have any references? 11. Will you travel if necessary to the wedding and will you charge extra? 12. Will you attend the rehearsal dinner or reception? 13. How often will we need to meet with you prior to the wedding? 14. How long will the ceremony be? 15. Do you perform interfaith marriages? If you want to get more personal, you can ask more specific questions about their lifestyle, spiritual beliefs and marriage in general such as: 1. What do you love about performing wedding ceremonies? 2. Have you ever turned anyone away? If yes, what was the reason? 3. Are you married? How long? 4. What do you look for in the couples you consider working with? 5. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an officiant so far? Most officiants will be happy to answer any of these questions and will be glad to know that you are taking this process seriously. The more you know about the officiant's style, mannerisms, tone and faith, the easier it will be to make your decision. |
Image: Kacie Jean Phototography
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January 2020
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Brenda Cali is a professionally trained Wedding Consultant and plans a variety of social and corporate events. 
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