Advice on Families and In-Laws
Mikki Viereck, our wedding planning expert, gets lots of questions regarding the wedding planning process. Here are just a few of the Questions she has recently answered: Q: The groomsmen in my daughter's wedding are wearing khaki colored tuxedos. She wants the fathers on both sides to wear tuxedos as well. What colors are appropriate for them? A: They could also wear Khaki if you want, or the traditional black would be great as well. Q: My fiance's best man is 15 years old (his son) what ideas do you have for a bachelor party? A: You could plan a bowling, or golf event, or even a day at a sporting event. You might find a local bus service that will help with the plans and transportation. Q: Neither my maid, nor matron is married. I would like to know who stands next to me and comes in right before me? A: A matron of honor is a married lady. So I'll guess you have 2 maids of honor, which is fine to do. There is no rule as to which maid walks just before you, or stands next to you. It is totally up to you? You can see more questions and Answers by visiting the " Ask Mikki" section of WedAlert.
WedAlert's recent Press
Below is a list of various media outlets that have mentioned WedAlert.com this summer. Media Outlet: The Record Topic: Stress-Free Road to Bliss Date: August 27, 2006 Links: ArticleMedia Outlet: The Seattle Times Topic: Pixilated Proposals Appropriate for Some Date: August 26, 2006 Links: ArticleMedia Outlet: Reno Gazette-Journal Topic: A Slice of Happiness Date: August 20, 2006 Links: ArticleMedia Outlet: Mix 94.5 WMXL Topic: Radio Mention Date: August 17, 2006 Links: Click here for mentionMedia Outlet: US Weekly Topic: What To Wear To a Wedding Date: August 14, 2006 Links: Article CoverMedia Outlet: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Topic: Anniversaries: Gifts by the Numbers Date: July 31, 2006 Links: ArticleMedia Outlet: WOBM-FM 92.7 Ocean County's Soft Rock Topic: Radio Interview Date: July 27, 2006 Links: www.wobm.comMedia Outlet: Denver KOSI: 101.1 FM Topic: Radio Interview Date: July 26, 2006 Links: Click here to listenMedia Outlet: Magic 98.3 Topic: Radio Interview Date: June 19, 2006 Links: http://www.magic983.com/Media Outlet: The Seattle Times Topic: Net Can Help Get Ready For Wedding Date: May 6, 2006 Links: ArticleMedia Outlet: Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Topic: Destination Weddiquette, Q & A Date: Summer, 2006 Links: Article
Tips on Choosing a Wedding Videographer
Finding that perfect person to preserve your special day on video can be a daunting task. There are many things that you need to know before you write your name on that contract. Here are some suggestions for picking that perfect video that is just right for you. 1. Ask friends & family for referrals. People will talk loud & often about services they didn't like, but they don't talk often enough about those they did! Ask around, I'm sure you’ll find a few people you know who were very happy with their videographers or other wedding/event vendors. 2. Search the internet - not just in your area, but surrounding areas as well. If you have a larger budget, you can even look on a national level. Many vendors will travel as long as you pay their travel costs. 3. Look in magazines - although sometimes only the vendors with the larger budgets advertise here. Many young or cost effective companies won't spend that much money on advertising, but their services are just as good. You will find some qualified leads here, though. 4. Compile a list of all videographers (or other vendors) that you feel could possibly be a good fit for your wedding. Don't worry about price, location or other factors at this point. Just list everyone that is a possibility. 5. Next you need to determine the factors (I suggest 3) that are most important to you & your fiance. Some suggestions to think about are: * Local vendors only (they know the area best) * Quality of work * Style of video (range from documentary to MTV) * Personalities (you need to be comfortable with the people you hire) * Price * Years in business * Type of music used * How many cameras * Types of lighting & audio * Extra features (Love Story, Photo Montages, Recaps, etc.) * Small business, or large company * And many more. 6. Compare the companies on your list - look at websites & call or email them to determine how they fit with your 3 important factors. 7. Narrow down your list to 3-5 of your favorite vendors & make appointments to visit them & view more of their work. You will know right off the bat if you will mesh with the videographers. Make sure you are meeting at least one of the videographers that will be there on your wedding day. It's great if you get along with the owner of the company, but if you don’t mesh with the one actually there on your wedding day, that could spell trouble. Also, ask to see a video that is in the specific style you like or at the location where your wedding will be. No two wedding videos are the same, but you want to see something that is at least close to what you will be getting. 8. Now you're ready to make your decision. Make sure once you decide, you place a deposit right away. Nothing is worse than getting your heart set on a vendor & then finding out it's too late & they are already booked! Once you have made your decision following this guide, you can rest assured that the company you picked will deliver to you the video that you could already see in your mind. By Darcie King - www.EVideoProductions.net
Tips For An Amazing Maid Of Honor Wedding Speech
Sharon Vaz of www.mydivinewedding.com has provided us with the following Tips For An Amazing Maid Of Honor Wedding Speech: You have been chosen as maid of honor for your close friend's wedding, and even though the event is still weeks away, you are already fretting about what you are going to say in your maid of honor wedding speech. The maid of honor wedding speech is one of the most important duties of the maid of honor. The words spoken to the bride and groom, and their wedding guests, should convey the importance of the day and connect the guests with the couple on a more meaningful level. Even though the maid of honor wedding speech seems a little overwhelming, with a bit of early preparation and creativity, your speech can easily become one of the highlights of the bride and groom's special day. Having the crowd hang on your every word is as easy as following a few simple tips. 1) Don't forget the basics! It's easy to forget the basic information when you start your speech, but do remember to introduce yourself and tell how long you have known the couple, as well as what your connection to the bride is. Many of the wedding guests may not know you, so this information is important. 2) Remember to thank the bride and groom for allowing you to be a part of their special day. The bride and groom could have chosen anyone, but instead, they chose you to play such a pivotal role in their day. By acknowledging this in your speech, it shows the couple, and the wedding guests that you appreciate them placing you in such a special role. It also shows you are honored by their trust in you, that they could depend on you to carry out the necessary duties in being maid of honor. 3) Use your history with the bride as a foundation for your speech. Whether you have known the bride since childhood, or only for a few months, sharing a special memory between the two of you shows the significance of your bond. It also highlights the positive aspects of the bride's personality that may have been a factor in drawing the bride and groom together. Remember, however, not to embarrass the bride with overly personal stories. 4) Infuse a bit of humor. While adding a joke or a one liner to the speech can break the ice and loosen up the crowd a bit, use caution as to not go too far. The last thing you want to do is offend the bride or groom, or any of the wedding guests. Keep the joke simple, for example, "I'm told that the best speech givers follow three simple rules: Stand up, speak up, and then very quickly, shut up. I'll try to stick to that advice." By keeping the joke clean and simple, you avoid the risk of losing your audience. 5) Don't be afraid to use a quote. There are thousands of wedding appropriate quotes out there. The most important thing to remember is to choose a quote that is appropriate for the couple. If you want to play it safe, a sentimental quote that speaks about everlasting love is always a good choice. 6) Get creative! If you don't want to go the typical route, consider doing something a bit different to honor the couple. Maybe a song or dance or even a slideshow could add a new dimension to the usual maid of honor wedding speech. If you opt to add a creative touch, remember to choose something that is in line with the couple's taste. A poem is also a nice touch to a maid of honor wedding speech. 7) Always end on a positive note. Wind your speech up with positive words for the couple. Wish them a long and happy life together and remember to offer your support. Prepare your speech well in advance of the day and practice it over and over again to avoid stammers and jitters. Don't be afraid to take a few note cards to help you stay on track in the event you lose your place. Above all, have fun and remember you are honoring the couple on their special day. After all, your speech is a very important extension of their wedding ceremony. By Sharon Vaz http://www.mydivinewedding.com/
Kentucky Weddings
 Kentucky, the "Bluegrass State", is bordered by seven states - Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois. WedAlert is adding a page specific to Kentucky, so if you are a wedding professional who works in the state of Kentucky, be sure to add your listing here.
WedAlert featured in US Weekly Magazine
 WedAlert has been featured in the August 14, 2006, issue of US Weekly magazine, which is on newstands now. The section is all about what to wear to a wedding. If you have seen the article, let us know what you think.
Bed & Breakfasts for Honeymoons
Have you considered a Bed & Breakfast for your honeymoon? Do you have some worries about choosing a B&B. Allison DeCongelio answers your concerns with the following article: Top 10 B&B Honeymoon Myths Put to Bed The number of couples choosing bed & breakfasts for their honeymoon is on the rise. Perhaps it's the high cost of gas and airline tickets forcing couples to consider celebrating their love closer to home or maybe it's simply that the word is out that B&Bs are travels best kept secret. For those who never considered or who don't understand the intimate personalization of creating honeymoon memories at a bed & breakfast, we've put to rest 10 common myths about honeymoon romance at B&Bs. Myth #1: B&Bs Are Cheap And Second-Rate Fact: While there are many values offered by bed and breakfasts that can make them an economical alternative to other accommodations, B&B guests find upscale amenities such as luxury linens, fresh flowers, fine china and gourmet candlelit breakfasts - amenities and special touches not found even at higher priced hotels. Myth #2: Breakfast Is Family Style With Other GuestsFact: Many bed and breakfasts have restaurant style seating so you and your sweetheart can have a romantic dining experience at a table of your own or breakfast in bed, usually without the expense of room service! At the Deerhill Inn (West Dover, VT), the Honeymoon Package includes fresh flowers, champagne and chocolates waiting in your room upon your arrival, two massages, dinner for two and a full country breakfast served in bed each morning. Myth #3: Shared BathroomsFact: A long believed myth about bed and breakfasts is that guests must share common bathrooms. It's time to uncover the truth! According to the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, 95% of inns include private baths and many now offer private in-room Jacuzzis for two. Myth #4: Bed And Breakfasts Are Only For Older Couples
Fact: In a recent poll, innkeepers reported the average age of honeymooners is between twenty and thirty. Inns across the country are welcoming honeymooners from recent high school graduates to great grandparents, so there is something for everyone! Myth #5: Limited PrivacyFact: Many bed and breakfasts maintain a quiet, romantic, mature atmosphere for their adult guests and often have policies prohibiting children. Innkeepers have also taken into account thin walls and squeaky staircases by soundproofing, remodeling and updating older homes. Myth #6: Fattening, Unhealthy BreakfastsFact: Since breakfast is a highlight of most B&B stays, mention any special dietary preferences when booking an inn. Many inns are adjusting their portion sizes and now serve healthy dishes such as fruit, oatmeal, and low-fat or low-carb items. Enjoy the fact that you are eating a delicious breakfast that the chefs pride themselves in (innkeepers are usually happy to share their signature recipes with you to make at home). Myth #7: B&Bs Are Just A Room - And BoringFact: On the contrary, many bed and breakfast inns provide activities for their guests, free of charge, or have deals with local vendors to offer guests discounted rates. Because of their size, bed and breakfasts are able to offer individualized activities and personal service. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, there will be an array of things to do. Biking, skiing, golf, tennis and boating are just some activities that can be personally arranged by the inn. Myth #8: Only Breakfast Is Served At A B&BFact: Don't let the name fool you! Even though they are called "bed and breakfasts" many inns offer lunch and dinner a la carte. For a romantic twist, ask the innkeeper to pack a picnic lunch for you to take on your day trip. The Inn at Thorn Hill (Jackson, NH) includes a picnic lunch with their Ultimate Relaxation Package (the package also includes spa treatments, breakfast in bed and more!). Myth #9: Spa Services Are Not Available At Small InnsFact: Bed and breakfasts offer a multitude of additional services. For the ultimate honeymoon experience, inquire about spa services offered at many B&Bs. Some inns offer special pricing packages at local salons and others offer spa treatments onsite. The Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa (Holicong, PA) offers a unique spa experience. The private in-suite treatment rooms offer guests the opportunity to experience the exceptional natural herbal spa treatments in the privacy of their own suite. Myth #10: B&Bs Don't Offer Discount PricingFact: Many bed and breakfasts offer special honeymoon packages. Celebrate your special occasion at the Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast (Lexington, VA), where you can stay in one of their luxurious suites, each with whirlpool tub and fireplace. Their honeymoon package includes a chilled bottle of champagne (or sparkling cider), a delicious wine and cheese basket, as well as fresh flowers in your suite. Your breakfasts will be candle-lit, at anytime you choose with full silver service by the fireplace in the dining room. From chocolate and roses to spa treatments, inns put together packages to entice every taste and personality. If it's gourmet food and wine, couples massage, and your own private suite in a stunning location that most appeals, there is a bed and breakfast inn that can fulfill your every desire. You and your sweetheart can decide together whether you want to get out for a horse drawn carriage or sleigh ride or just soak in a private in-room Jacuzzi tub then snuggle under the covers with milk and freshly baked cookies. You may want to frolic in the colorful leaves around in a historic Northeastern manor house in the fall, burrow in a cozy, secluded mountain inn in winter, go baroque in a frilly Victorian to celebrate spring, or venture to a beachside or waterfront inn for fun in the summer sun. Depending on your budget and time available, you may be delighted to discover a very special inn close to home offering you an affordable, but no less wonderful honeymoon escape. By Allison DeCongelio BnBFinder.comWake Up Someplace Special!
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