Kansas has been added

The Kansas Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. Visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/kansas/index.asp

Kansas weddings

In the heartland of America, you will find Kansas. WedAlert is adding a page specific to Kansas, so if you are a wedding professional who works in the state of Kansas, be sure to add your listing here.

Wedding Invitations - Money Saving Tip

This money saving tip is for brides and grooms making their own invitations. You can save money by selecting postcards for the replies rather than traditional reply cards with envelopes. Postage rates for postcards are only .24 as opposed to .39 for regular postage.

Since proper etiquette requires that you pre-stamp the reply cards for your guests, you will save money.

Additionally, by using postcards you'll also save the cost of the return envelopes.

Napa Valley has been added

The Napa Valley Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. Visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/california/Napa_Sonoma.asp

Napa Valley Weddings

In the heart of California wine country, Napa and Sonoma are a great place to get married. Brides are planning both traditional and destination weddings at wineries, and at lovely resorts, hotels, and other facilities in the Napa Valley.

WedAlert is adding a page specific to the Napa-Sonoma region, so if you are a wedding professional who works in the Napa Valley be sure to add your listing here.

Wedding Limousines - Questions to ask when hiring wedding transportation

Tony Savarese of All Star Limousine Service Ltd. has suggested these questions to help you select the wedding limousine company of your choice.

1. Don't rely on price quotes over the phone. Go see the Vehicles and make sure that is the Vehicle coming that day. (Avoid False promises and Information)


2. Ask how many years the vendor is in business and if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Affairs?


3. Does the wedding vendor provide their own vehicles, or is another company providing the vehicles?


4. What is the year of the Vehicle you will be using, and are they properly licensed and insured? (e.g. in New York, any vehicle over 15 passengers should be licensed with the Department of Transportations. A D.O.T. sticker should be displayed on the window. Also, make sure that the operator is properly licensed to drive that size vehicle. He/She should have a CDL license and a 19A certification from D.O.T.)


5. Are the Vehicles equipped with GPS Navigation System?


6. Make sure the contract includes all necessary information, and that the company does not require a large deposit. Once the company has your money, there is not much you can do the day of your wedding if they do not show.


7. What are the contingency plans if a Vehicle breaks down that day?


8. What beverages are stocked in the Limousine?


9. What are the vendor's hiring practices for screening Chauffeurs? Are they professionally trained?


10. Do the Chauffeurs coordinate the activities with the Bridal Party, Guests, and Photography Personnel?


11. Are the Chauffeurs attired for the wedding?

Anguilla Honeymoon Destinations

Have you decided where to go on your Honeymoon yet?

Elena Borrero recommends Anguilla. She states:

Come to Anguilla and experience "tranquility wrapped in blue." Anguilla's honeymooners and couples seeking a special, romantic getaway find a small island, gifted with 33 of the best beaches in the Caribbean- some say the world! Stunningly white, powder soft sands meet gentle seas of pristine water colored in vibrant and varied hues of turquoise.

Captivating sunsets, gentle breezes, friendly smiles, gracious hospitality, casual elegance and relaxed informality are just some of the reasons Modern Bride's readers named Anguilla one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Savour outstanding gourmet cuisine, touched with Caribbean spices and flavours; enjoy fine wines in a host of delightful restaurants overlooking the sea. Quality is Anguilla's hallmark, and you'll find it in our pristine natural environment, and among the vast array of Anguilla's accommodations and restaurants.

Renewal of Vows ideas

Carol Meyer of Rainbow weddings has provided us with some ideas for Renewal of Vows. See her article below.

Renewal of Vows Ceremony Lets You Say "I do" Again

If you have a wedding anniversary coming up, you may be looking forward to having your marriage blessed in a second wedding ceremony for renewal of vows. Today, many couples are renewing their vows to celebrate a life-time of love and devotion and to strengthen their relationship. A Silver or Gold Anniversary is a popular time to renew wedding vows but you can also hold the ceremony at any time to commemorate a special event in your life.

Here are some suggestions to help you plan your special day. Remember, the only rule for having a renewal of vows ceremony is that the couple be legally married. The social rules concerning the ceremony are flexible and completely up to the couple.

The vows are the focus of the ceremony. Some couples write poems to each other or thank each other for contributing to a loving partnership. Other couples may want to read standard vows or simply renew their original wedding vows. Whatever your style or preference, keep in mind that it is your day and you are welcome to express whatever feelings you have. Some people are very private and don't do well in emotional situations and may want a very low-key ceremony. Whatever you choose, it should be a reflection of how you feel about your relationship - put as much or as little as you like into it.

Exchanging rings is a beautiful part of the ceremony. You may choose to use the wedding rings from your wedding, or maybe add a second set of rings. Many women receive new bands for landmark anniversaries and those can be used in the ceremony too. Feel free to plan something special or highly meaningful to include in your ceremony.

Invitations to your guests and family can be formal or as simple as a phone call. Dress can be casual or elegant depending on the type of ceremony. There are even couples who like to relive their wedding by wearing exactly the same clothes they wore originally (usually with some alterations). A corsage for the lady is considered more appropriate than a bridal bouquet and the gentleman will want a boutonniere. Fresh flowers for the church and reception are lovely if they fit into your budget.

Renewal services can be held anywhere. Some couples will go to a romantic location site such as Hawaii with family and a few friends to hold their ceremony. Other couples want their minister or pastor to officiate at their place of worship. The ceremony can be elaborate, intimate, private, large or small. It can be held at a park, on a beach, in your home or any other location of choice.

Since children and grandchildren were most likely not in attendance at your wedding, they can play a special role at your renewal ceremony. Many couples like to include children as part of the ceremony as an affirmation of the joys of marriage and family life. Children can act as witnesses or light the unity candles. Children or grandchildren can give the toast or even host the reception. Some couples will enjoy recreating their wedding day by having the best man and maid of honor participate in the renewal ceremony. Be assured that they will be pleased to be a part of your ceremony and express their love in such a beautiful way.

Once the renewal of wedding vows is over, what plans will you make for the rest of the day? Do you want to invite guests to a luncheon at your favorite restaurant? What about a barbecue hosted by your eldest son? A picnic at the beach or cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in your backyard? Whether or not you invite guests to a repast depends mostly on your budget. Some couples choose to have an elaborate gathering to make up for the simple wedding held years earlier. Other couples will find that close friends or children will want to plan and pay for the reception as a special gift to the couple. Your budget and circumstances will guide you in your final selection. Remember, no one will be disappointed with your choice - you've earned the right to have the ceremony you want.

By Carol Meyer
Rainbow Weddings and Celebrations specializes in planning Kauai Weddings, Vow Renewals and Vows of Commitment in beautiful Hawaiian settings. They offer wedding planning packages in Hawaii and custom wedding services for any budget.

Have iPods Made DJs Obsolete?

There is a lot of talk lately about iPods replacing DJs. A recent article by Steve Rothkin below gives his reasons why he believes that the DJ cannot be replaced by an iPod. Let us know what you think.

Have iPods Made DJs Obsolete?

By Steve Rothkin

iPods have made it easy for anyone to take a diverse library of thousands of songs and carry them anywhere. People are already hooking their iPods up to stereos to provide their own music for their parties. Some wedding magazines and web sites even suggest this as away to hold down the cost of a wedding.

Underlying this movement is the assumption that anyone can throw together a playlist of their favorite, chosen songs, press play, and voila-instant party. If only it were really that simple!

As experienced professional DJs, we do a lot more than just push play on a pre-determined playlist. As experienced public speakers we use our vocal talents to introduce VIPs (e.g. the wedding party), grab the audience's attention for special events (e.g. cake cutting), motivate guests to dance and/or participate in other pre-planned activities, announce the arrival of dinner, and so on.

As experienced planners/coordinators, we work with party hosts to create a timeline and natural flow for an event. We tailor events to the personalities of the hosts and guests. We work with other event staff to keep the event flowing, and adjust the plan when needed.

As experienced music programmers, we choose music to start a party, take guest requests, and adjust the music selections based on the audience's reaction. We sequence music to build energy, and to create a mood. We light up people's faces when they hear that favorite song from years ago.

As experienced sound technicians, we setup and adjust equipment to create the best possible sound in the event's room/location. When Murphy's law kicks in we quickly diagnose and correct problems, and have backup equipment immediately available in case it's needed.

As experienced diplomats, we gracefully handle the occasional intoxicated guest who doesn't agree with the host's music choices.

iPods can't perform any of these functions! So I'm sure you'll agree DJs are still very useful and relevant, and will not become obsolete any time soon.

About The Author: Steve Rothkin Dancemasters Disc Jockey Entertainers has been a professional Disc Jockey and Master of Ceremonies since 1987

The passing of George Zdanowski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Zdanowski, our office manager and the first employee of WedAlert.com.

A resident of Hasbrouck Heights (formerly of Bayonne), George passed away suddenly on Saturday July 1, 2006. He was 57. He was the beloved husband of Rosemarie Zdanowski and the devoted father of Terri Ann Zdanowski of Astoria, NY. George was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, past president of the Pioneer Club in Hasbrouck Heights and a member of the Lodi Moose Club.

George was an integral part of our company, we will miss him dearly.
Click here to post a fond memory of George Zdanowski