WE'VE MOVED!!

Hello!

I apologize for my absence but our new blog is finally ready for viewing! Check out www.thecitybrideblog.com to follow along!

Please, Excuse the Dust!

City Bride is currently going through a facelift, so please pardon the dust... and my absence.

I promise I will be back shortly and this blog will be bigger and better than ever! Enjoy a few of these lovely summer weeks and be sure to come back when the blog is all pretty again.

ban.do corsages

It is very clear that I have an obsession with ban.do and I think they know it since they are always sending me goodies to my inbox. And, well, today was no different. I opened my inbox to find an email introducing ban.do corsages and really, I couldn't be more in love.

Aren't they gorgeous?! Not only are they the most adorable everyday accessory but they could totally be used on your wedding day. They are the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or they could be an alternative to real flower corsages. Real flower corsages are always gorgeous but lets be honest, they don't fit the style and design of every wedding. (think J.Crew, picnic, on the beach, on a boat, at city hall, etc.) Really, had these beauties been around on my wedding day I may have designed the entire affair around them.

Thank you ban.do for being fabulous!

Find Inspiration Everywhere

My mother-in-law is currently in the middle of remodeling her bedroom and is stuck on choosing (and finding) the perfect shade of purple paint to be used on an accent wall. For weeks, she has been gathering paint samples from various stores and has spent hours starring at them trying to decide which color is best. In fact, she even has an "inspiration" folder with every shade of purple you could imagine.

This same process reminds me how hard it is for brides to make decisions about their wedding design while being surrounded by the ever inspiring wedding magazines and blogs. There are so many options to choose from and so many pretty details that you can't help but love most of them and it's hard to resist wanting to incorporate them all into your event.

I told my mother-in-law exactly what I would tell one of my brides. Find something, whether it be a vase, a candle holder, a photograph, a fabric swatch, or a button that really inspires you and base your entire design around that. I promise it will help you to make decisions and will especially keep you on track in creating a cohesive design. While looking for inspiration try and keep in mind the overall feel you are trying to achieve, and once you've made a decision about design move on. Don't give into the temptation to tweak every last detail, you will drive yourself insane.

Now, go and find some inspiration!

How about a pretty hanger?

On my wedding day I felt confident that I had thought of all the things I may potentially need and I was so sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Really, I thought I was totally prepared.

Then, it was time for our photographer to take my dress and get some pictures before I got into it and that's when I realized something absolutely terrible... I forgot a pretty hanger for my dress! Seriously, my beautiful gown could not be photographed hanging from a piece of plastic that could easily have been from Walmart. Luckily, I didn't worry for too long because our photographer had experienced this before and had along a pretty hanger that I could borrow. Had she not have been prepared, there is no way my dress would have looked like this...

photo courtesy of m three studio

Anyway, I recently tweeted about how brides often forget to find a pretty hanger for their dress and someone shared with me these beauties...

images via Etsy Seller lilafrances

I wish I would have known about these fabulous hangers for my wedding, I certainly would have gotten one! Well, if I had remembered, of course!

Some Fabulous Milwaukee Venues

A bride recently asked for my recommendations for some of my favorite ceremony and receptions sites in Milwaukee and I just couldn't help but share some of them with you all.

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

I love Villa Terrace for its obvious beauty and mediterranean style and their garden is so lush and beautiful. Villa Terrace is perfect for smaller ceremonies and receptions (about 80 person sit down dinner) and can also be rented for photography purposes. So, you could have a beautiful engagement session there or make it one of your stops on your wedding day.

The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design

The Eisner Museum is a venue that I consider a little bit of a secret treasure. Not many people are aware of the space for events, which I think makes it that much cooler. The Eisner obviously has a lot of character of it's own, so it's great for couples looking for something a little bit out of the norm. The Eisner can also accommodate a larger guest list (up to 650!).

Edit: My mistake, apparently the Eisner has closed. So sad.. it was a great venue, and regardless of not being open, is still one of my favorites. Thanks for informing me, though!

The Iron Horse Hotel

The Iron Horse Hotel has some serious style and I am completely obsessed with their event space, The Gallery. The space is perfect for smaller more intimate affairs and has a great ambiance. As a bonus, they have a library (pictured above) filled with old wooden tables and chairs, reading lamps, and a fireplace... the perfect place for cocktails. And, the smell, seriously it smells SO good in the lobby!

Anyone else want to share their favorite spots in Milwaukee?

The Urban Bride | The Newest Inspiration for City Brides

Today is the day that a new resource becomes available for all of the City Brides out there who are planning an urban affair and I am proud to be a part of it. I introduce to you, The Urban Bride.

The Urban Bride is your go to blog for inspiration if you are planning a city-inspired wedding and the best part is it is tailored specifically to you and your style. You won't find any rustic, garden or beach weddings, just weddings that are planned in gorgeous ballrooms and buildings, have a modern flair, and are of course styled to the max.

So, jump on over to The Urban Bride, check it out and don't forget to visit again later today to enter to win the fabulous launch giveaway- a collection of city inspired goodies. And of course, let me know what you think!

Tips For a Less Stressful Wedding Day

With the height of wedding season approaching in the Midwest I can already tell that brides are beginning to think about their wedding every second of the day, are losing sleep, and panicking at the thought of anything going wrong on their big day. Let me say this, something will go wrong, no wedding day is perfect but you can take a few steps to ease your stress that day.

1. At about 2-3 weeks before you wedding take the time to contact all of your day-of vendors (only if you haven't recently met with them though) and confirm their arrival times and also the details of your contract. Knowing that you've had a final discussion with them will give you the utmost confidence in them and their service.

2. Create a production schedule mapping out all of the details for you day. I can't emphasize enough how important and helpful this is.

3. Get your "stuff" organized. Create separate boxes or containers for items related to different events throughout the day. For example, keep all of your items for the ceremony together and labeled in it's own container. This way whoever is setting up has no reservations to where it belongs.

4. Emphasis to your bridal party and any day-of vendors the importance of time. If everyone is prompt and on time it will ease your mind and allow you to really soak in the emotion of the day.

5. Seriously though, just try and relax. If the flowers aren't the perfect shade of magenta, a bridesmaid walks down the aisle on the wrong cue, or your welcome toast isn't exactly how you practiced, at the end of the day you'll still be husband and wife and nobody will have even noticed. Try your best to soak up every moment of the day, it goes by way to fast.

Does anyone else have other tips they'd like to share?

A New Partnership for the Wedding Industry

I don't normally post current events on the blog but this one is just too good not to share. Some of you may be aware of a new partnership in the wedding industry between Vera Wang and David's Bridal. Are you surprised? I certainly am!

Apparently the new (unnamed) collection will debut in stores in Spring 2011 and will include about 20 different gowns. The gowns will be consistent with David's Bridal pricing and will not exceed $1,500.

I'll be honest, I am surprised about this partnership but am very excited to see the collection debut and to see so many more brides be able to wear her gorgeous gowns.

What do you think, would you buy a Vera Wang gown from David's Bridal?

How to Create a Timeline | Part 2

A few weeks ago I discussed the importance of having a timeline on your wedding day and how to go about drafting one. A lovely reader also requested that as a follow up I post a sample timeline. So, for the last couples days I have been trying to create one and I've discovered I just can't do it. I don't feel comfortable providing brides with a sample timeline when all weddings are entirely different, especially when it comes to timing. I'd really hate for someone to try to make my sample timeline work just for the sake of ease. So, the next best thing is a list of the must-haves for your timeline.

• the arrival times of all wedding day vendors
• the start of the "getting ready" process for the bridal party
• the time of the first look or when the bridal party should arrive at the ceremony site
• the ceremony start time
• the reception start time (including the start time for cocktails, dinner, hosted bar, etc.)
• the approximate time of all toasts
• the approximate time of formal dances
• the close of the event

Of course, there are most likely additional elements for you to add to your timeline but again it depends on your wedding. You may want to include: the time of family formals, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. The key is to create a timeline that is detailed and easy to follow. After you have completed your timeline I suggest giving it to all of your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and any discrepancies can be dealt with before your wedding day.

As I mentioned in part 1 of this post, a timeline is necessary no matter how simple you feel your wedding day is. If you are organized and have a timeline prepared I can assure you that will alleviate some stress on your wedding day.

Wedding Season Fever

I typically don't post many pictures or inspiration boards on this blog and that is definitely intentional. There are already so many lovely blogs that do that so well that I would rather concentrate on straight up advice, but today is different. The weather in Milwaukee has been so incredible lately that I can't help but let my mind wander into the upcoming wedding season. I've put together some of my favorite spring time finds for you, and hopefully that will help cure my Wedding Season Fever.

The bridal gown you are about to see from J.Crew is one of my new favorites. It's so romantic and whimsical looking-perfect for a garden wedding.

This bridesmaid dress is also from J.Crew (don't be mad, I have an addiction) and would be the perfect mate to this gorgeous gown. Also, take a note to the model's shoes. Who ever decided that bridesmaid's shoes need to be open toed, sparkly or a basic pump?

Oh, and this headband! There is nothing that makes a statement more than a beautifully designed accessory. (confession: I really wanted a different headband for my wedding, designed by ban.do, but I was concerned that it may look like a crustacean on top my head, thoughts?)

Lastly, I leave you with this stunning pair of shoes. A classic ivory in color but just so feminine in design. Wouldn't you love to enjoy your first dance wearing these beauties? I sure would!

So, anyone else have Wedding Season Fever?

Introducing The Wedding Boutique

So, I promise that my absence from The City Bride Blog is the result of something brand new, spectacular, and quite innovative if I do say so myself.

I {proudly} introduce to you...

I am so excited to finally be able to share with you what I have been working on lately! So, what is The Wedding Boutique? The Wedding Boutique is a luxury consulting service that offers wedding industry professionals an opportunity to see the benefits of blogging and the use of social media without having to actually manage it themselves. The Wedding Boutique is currently offering blog memberships in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.

The reason I am so excited about The Wedding Boutique is because it truly helps all of those involved with planning a wedding. The vendors are given an opportunity and the space to collaborate with others in their area and brides can look in one place for inspiration, advice and happenings, and it's all relevant to their own city.

I also must tell you that I can't take all of the credit for this amazing new project. I have teamed up with Amanda from The Blissful Bride and our partnership is dynamite. Her personality and business experience are a perfect compliment to mine and I wouldn't have been able to make this concept come together without her. (Thanks for being so awesome, Amanda!)

Again, thanks for understanding my recent absence and I'd love to hear your thoughts about The Wedding Boutique!

City Bride Photoshoot | The Results

So, to follow up with my behind the scenes post from last week, here are the professional photos, courtesy of Molly of m three studio photography.

And, these flowers, aren't they so gorgeous?

Not only were the flowers absolutely gorgeous but so were the models. Seriously, they were troopers. It was a typical (really cold!) March day in Wisconsin and I give them so much credit for looking fabulous while freezing.

And, here is my favorite shot of the entire shoot. Yes, it is clearly a detail shot but I love the assorted glassware, lilac plates, and my inspiration for the whole design, the linen.

Thanks again to all of the vendors that participated:

florals: freshdesign

photography: m three studio photography

hair and makeup: a fabulous Brew City Bride, Emily

dress and accessories: Miss Ruby Boutique

chairs: Lake Park Bistro

linen: BBJ Linen

And of course, thank you to my assistant for the day, Melissa!

How to Create a Timeline | Part 1

I apologize if this subject is along the lines of "Wedding Planning for Dummies," but it really is a task that brides struggle with.

First of all, if you are considering not creating a timeline (or production schedule as I call it) then stop right now. You need to have one. That doesn't mean that you need to carry it around with you all day, but someone should. The more you are aware of "what's next" and also the time the less stressed out you will be.

So, to create the schedule work backwards through the day. For example, to determine the time your hair appointment should start in the morning depends on what time the ceremony starts, what time you'd like to be at the ceremony site, and how long your hair will take to be styled. Deciding on the time of events is a process and you should try to break them down one by one, instead of looking at the day as whole.

Not only should your schedule include things like the time of family formals, the first look, and ceremony start but it also should include when vendors are arriving for day-of deliveries.

Once the schedule is created send it to all the vendors that are participating in any activities on the day-of. Don't worry about feeling like you are micromanaging, you aren't, they will appreciate how organized you are.

Any other questions? Let me know!

City Bride Photoshoot | Behind The Scenes

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen me recently mention a photoshoot that I was organizing. The purpose of the shoot was to further define my brand and allow brides to learn more about my personal style. The shoot was a couple weeks ago but before I share the professional shots, I'd like to give you a behind the scenes look.

The shoot took place in an alley (behind an awesome stationery store) in the Third Ward. Really, it was the perfect location. While designing the tablescape I really kept in mind that I wanted to inspire brides with this look and remind them that their wedding can be anything they want it to be to. I also tried really hard to use elements that were realistic for most brides to obtain. Sure, the shoots that use huge hanging chandeliers are beautiful but not always obtainable.

The patterned linen was rented from BBJ Linen, the glassware and candle holders were purchased from various Good Will stores in the Milwaukee area, the florals were done by freshdesign and the dinnerware was purchased from Ikea.

Want to see a photo?

This photo was taken with my trusty iphone but the professional photos will be coming your way shortly...and please, don't pay to much attention to the random stuff in the background!

A recap of the shoot wouldn't be complete without sharing that I also had a run in with the law that day. Since we were going to be blocking one side of the alley I contacted the surrounding businesses and made sure it would be okay to setup there for about 2 hours, everyone was obviously fine with it since I wasn't going to be blocking both entrances. However, I didn't realize that above all of these businesses were some condos. So, right as we have are putting the final touches on the table (read: it's now not moveable) a lovely gentlemen pulls into the alley right by our table and becomes very angry. Like I said we weren't blocking both entrances, he just felt inconvenienced that he'd have to drive around the block. Anyway, I don't know for sure but I believe this lovely gentlemen called the Police. The Officer that arrived at the scene was very friendly and only asked that we be cleaned up in 20 minutes. I was so thankful that he let us finish our shots... and he even set up orange cones, making us look very official.

So, other than my little run in with the law, it was a great success. Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that participated!!

Please, don't be mad at me!

Hello lovely readers,

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here and I apologize that it may appear like I abandoned this lovely blog and all of you dear readers.

But, I did not abandon you, I could never do that! So, are you curious what I was doing during my hiatus? Well, I have been working on some new big projects for the wedding industry. The details can't yet be discussed but soon, I promise. So, get excited for 2 big announcements coming your way soon and please come back tomorrow when we are back to our regular scheduled posting.

Have a lovely Monday!

The City's Best | J. Invites

I introduce to you J. Invites, owned by JoAnna Gibbons.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I have been designing wedding invitations and other products for four years.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Whether contemporary, traditional, or casual elegance is your style, we can create a one-of-a-kind look for you. We pride ourselves in creating a truly unique and remarkable experience that you and your guests will never forget. I love chandeliers and damask so those are my favorites, but by the end of the creation I usually end up loving all the invites.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

What sets us apart is that we are willing to work with any budget and don't charge a custom design fee. Also what the brides seem to love that we do is create an actual paper sample of the invitation for them, if they would like before they ever even sign a contract.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't feel like you have to stick to 1, 2 or 3 colors for your wedding. Many times brides come in with a swatch and want to match everything to that. I would say some of the weddings that we have done turn out best when multiple colors are used or many shades of greens or any color instead of just having everything be olive green because that is what color the dresses are.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I like to go to Barnes and Noble when I am bored and read/look at all of the bridal magazines. I just love weddings and think they are so different and beautiful every time. Hopefully soon I will be able to plan my own. :-)

Chat with J. Invites:

Ring: 414.897.2925

Web: jinvites.com

Blog: jinvites.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jinvites

JoAnna, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Don't Worry...

about how your wedding will look in 20 years.

A recent conversation with a bride made me realize that every bride at one time during their planning process thinks, "Oh my gosh, in 20 years, my wedding is going to look so dated." And my response to that is yes, it probably will, but that's okay.

My advice to any bride that is in this rut is to make decisions and selections based upon what you really want and are happy with now. You will be living this day now and not in 20 years, so stop thinking that way and allowing it to influence your decisions. Also, when you look back at your photos in the future you will be remembering the emotion and amazing memories from that day, not that you wore a feather in your hair, purple shoes, or a colorful bolero jacket.

The City's Best | All-Star Music

I introduce to you All-Star Music, owned by Craig Krueger.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I've been DJing weddings since I was 18 years old...so 17 years...you can do the math on how old I am!

2. Describe your style and approach.

We are fun without being "cheesy", and aim to keep the party going without bringing much attention to ourselves...After all, it's the bride and groom's day, not ours. In that vein, we aim to customize the entire reception to their tastes and desires.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

My years of experiences, for one. DJing weddings and other events for 17 years has helped me learn a lot about what it takes to help create a memorable event and it has given me a good sense of how to read the crowd when it comes to keeping a dance floor full. I also have strong desire to provide superior customer service on top of being a great DJ. Because DJing is my full-time career, I am available 24/7 to answer phone calls and emails or meet with clients. Another attribute is I have an absolute love for music... it's my passion and I think it shows!

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Before you start planning ask yourself, "What do I want to remember from my wedding day and what do I want the guests to remember?" Your answer to that question will create your priorities and everything else will fall into place.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

I hosted my own radio station called "Sunday Night Jams" on 91FM WSUP, the campus radio station at UW-Platteville. Being involved with the show for four years helped develop my MC skills and my ability to program four entertaining hours of music. That eventually led to DJing school dances and campus events and encouraged me to start up my first DJ company. That feels like a lifetime ago, but it was a huge step toward my current position as owner of a DJ service that seems to be held in high esteem!

Chat with All-Star Music:

Ring: 414.405.3675

Web: all-starmusic.net

Blog: all-starmusicplanner.djintelligence.com/blog

Twitter: @allstarmusicwi

Craig, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Wedding Planning Q&A | Part 2

This weeks question comes from a reader, Liz.

"Here's a question I have been stumped on for months...We are having a small intimate ceremony at Villa Terrace (okay, not that small 120 people) but we are inviting another 100 to the reception at Lake Park Bistro. How do I word the invitations to those not "invited" to the ceremony."

Thank you for the question Liz, invitation wording is something that almost all brides struggle with at some point during their planning.

First off all, to make the invitation process easier on you, I would keep the designs very similar for both invitations. Also, not knowing much about your wedding other than the venues, I would take a more formal approach.

For wording the reception only invitation there are various ways to appropriately invite the guests but I would keep it simple and say something like:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith invite you to an evening reception to celebrate their wedding.

Also, be sure to include the time and address of Lake Park Bistro.

One more thing to consider is timing. If these guests are only invited for a portion of the reception (such as dancing) make sure that you pad a little bit of extra time in your schedule just incase your dinner (assuming you are having one) takes longer than expected. You definitely don't want the guests that arrive later to show up while your other guests are still seated and eating. It can be a very awkward situation.

If you have a question to be answered leave a comment and I will answer it next week!

You Don't Want a Cheap Wedding, Trust Me!

I hate the word cheap, it is a dirty dirty word and should be expelled from the English language and therefore never again used in the wedding industry. Sure, something cheap is low in cost but it is also low in quality.

So many brides are looking for cheap photography, entertainment, catering, etc. and when I am asked who those "cheap" vendors are I am normally a little stunned. Sorry, I don't refer cheap vendors, some may be more affordable than others, but none offer a cheap quality.

I myself was a Recessionista Bride looking to get the most from my budget so I can relate to the brides who are seeking the benefits of a "cheap" vendor but please don't compromise the quality of your wedding day just to save a few bucks. There are definitely some very quality vendors around that are affordable for your budget. Trust me, I found them and my wedding was far from one that was lacking quality.

One more thing, you may have noticed already but try and replace the word cheap with affordable. Beyond the fact that it's a nicer sounding word, I also find it less insulting. No vendor wants to be known as the cheap guy in town.

The City's Best | Petals Floral Design

I introduce to you Petals Floral Design, owned by Carrie Kroening.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

10 years, we specialize in wedding and special fresh floral design.

2. Describe your style and approach.

Every bride has a style and feeling that she wants her wedding to have. We feel that flowers are one of the signature ways to capture that. We will work with any bride and any budget and pride ourselves on great custom design and even better customer service.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

We only do weddings and parties so we are familiar with venues, trends, and what will work for every budget. We custom order for each bride so the flowers are always really fresh and just what each girl wants. We work with a great deal of out of town brides and are happy to accommodate their unique needs. Our studio is home based so it allows us to offer unbelievable prices and very personal service.

4.What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Have fun! This can be one of the most exciting times in your life embrace it and enjoy it. Hire vendors you have a connection with and feel you can trust and most of all that you enjoy working with. The planning process should be fun not a chore.

5. Just for fun, tell us something unique about yourself.

I started this business 10 years ago because I wanted to spend my life doing something I love and that I am naturally good at. This was a talent I was given and I look at it as a gift and I love sharing my gift with others. For fun and on my "spare" time I enjoy going to the park with my 3 girls, 2 young daughters and my overly friendly golden retriever.

Chat with Petals Floral Design:

Ring: 414-526-0298

Web: petalsck.com

Carrie, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

Wedding Planning Q&A | Part 1

Even though no two brides are alike (kind of like snowflakes) they still ask similar questions. In the next couple weeks I am going to be doing a mini series answering some common questions that I find myself frequently answering.

If I am wearing an ivory gown is it okay to have white linens, groomsmen shirts, etc.?

It is certainly acceptable to mix shades of white, or any color for that matter, without having to worry about clashing. My only hesitation would be if your gown is a true ivory color, with a yellow tone, then you may want to consider using ivory linen, shirts, etc. only because you don't want your gown looking dirty or dingy. However, most gowns that are an "ivory" color don't pull too much yellow so again don't worry too much unless it's really a yellowish color.

Is it okay to serve only one entree at our dinner?

Some people may disagree with me but yes, there is no need to offer more than one entree choice at your dinner. If you are hesitant think of it like this. The last time you attended a dinner party (essentially what your dinner is, just on a larger scale) were you given a choice or did you call the host and give your suggestions? My guess is no, you didn't. I do suggest though that if you are only going to serve one entree that it be something the majority of people enjoy, and I would skip the red meat and maybe consider serving a combination plate. Also, if you are concerned about dietary needs, don't be. As a guest, it is their responsibility to contact you if they have an allergy or special dietary needs.

What time should an hors d'oeuvre reception start?

The timing of this type of reception can be tricky and you want to ensure that your invitation conveys to all of your guests that the food is going to be "limited" and that they aren't having a 5 course meal. With that said, I absolutely wouldn't start an hors d'oeuvre reception before 7 pm and if possible would start it a little later. You want you allow your guests time to eat dinner before they arrive to your reception otherwise you could run out of food and have disgruntled starving wedding guests. Not fun.

Do you have a question you'd like me to answer? I'd really love to hear them! Leave a comment or email me at meghan{at} thecitybride{dot}com.

The {Approximate} Cost of a Backyard Affair

To follow up with a post from last week, I'd like to further discuss the costs of having a backyard wedding. I am finding it very common that brides are unsure of the actual cost of certain services and a tented outdoor wedding is no exception.

For the sake of ease, lets say this backyard wedding is for 100 guests.

The following equipment is absolutely necessary for an outdoor affair:

tent including poles and sidewalls $2000

tent for caterer $150

13 60" round tables $107

2 8 ft banquet tables (head table) $16

5 cabaret tables (cocktails) $34

1 cake table $7

1 8 ft gift table $8

100 basic wood folding chairs $375

13 linens for dinner tables $468

2 linens for head table $59

5 cocktail table linens $105

1 cake table linen $23

1 gift table linen $29

100 napkins $60

dance floor $475

portable restrooms $1000

Total: $4916

Keep in mind that this is a ballpark figure and all the equipment (except for linens) is very basic. I also did not incorporate delivery and set up charges since they vary depending on the company and location but you can estimate at least $500 total.

Now that I have crunched the numbers for you go ahead and decide if an outdoor wedding is for you (and your budget!)

The City's Best | m three studio photography

I introduce to you m three studio photography, owned by Molly Michel.

And, because I just can't help sharing one of my favorites from our wedding day.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

2.5 years, full-time. My husband and I started my photography business essentially on our own wedding day. A reshuffling at my day job caused me to take what had been an on-the-side fun job and turn it into my own business full-time. My business cards arrived on our wedding day, so I've always thought of our wedding day as the beginning of m three studio as well.

2. Describe your style and approach.

I create Fine Art Wedding Photography. My clients commission me to create my art for them in a way that tells the story of their relationship and their wedding day. I have a deep love affair with light and color, and both play prominent roles in my work. I aim to create a memorable photography experience as much as beautiful images.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

My background is decidedly old-school. I have degrees in fine art printmaking, animation and film. I also have worked as a graphic designer, art director and production designer. This gives me a unique approach to a day - my training allows me to see the big picture and the still frames that make up a story. I take what is in front of me and create a total look from it that is edited to be cohesive and subservient to the larger story arc. I've always been inspired by a sense of place and history and these are the themes that I gravitate towards on a wedding day. I want to deliver images that show who a couple is, not just what is happening.

4. What's your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Don't take on more than you can happily manage. Notice I said "happily". The biggest mistake I made in my planning was not delegating more, and failing to see the value in exchanging expenses for time. If I could do it again, I would hire a planner from the beginning. I had so many projects and wanted to accomplish so much for our wedding that I didn't get to enjoy being engaged. There were so many projects I could have easily hired someone else to handle, create and manage. I wish I had. By the time our wedding came around I was beyond stressed, overworked, and spinning on so many levels and I couldn't really enjoy and appreciate what was happening. You only get one wedding day and one engagement - invest in enjoying it.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

One nugget of my past life that seems to shock people the most : I used to be in pageants. In college I participated in the Miss America system for a couple of years. (This was before it became a reality show.) I learned a lot about myself, my abilities and about communication. I also learned that if you can walk on stage in 4" heels and a bikini in front of hundreds of people, you can do just about anything.

Chat with m three studio photography:
Ring: 262-497-7246
Web: mthreestudio.com
Blog: mthreestudioblog.com
Twitter: @mthreestudio

Molly, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your contagious laughter, talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

How About We Just Throw Up a Tent!

A bride planning a backyard wedding is a girl after my own heart. I love the atmosphere, intimacy and the endless possibilities of a backyard affair but what many people don't understand is that you can't just "throw up a tent."

This post is by no means intended to deter anyone from hosting a backyard wedding, I just want to remind you all that is involved.

A backyard wedding requires a tent, tables, chairs, and possibly a dance floor, lighting, electricity, and portable restrooms. Doesn't sound like much? Well, you are coordinating it all. There is no banquet manager to ensure that you have enough tables, chairs, linen, etc. or to help you with the layout of the dance floor or guest tables. With that said, hiring a good rental company is absolutely necessary. They will help you every step of the way but you need to stay organized and be the driving force for all of the communications and planning. Also, not only are you coordinating all of this during the planning stages you are also supervising set-up just days before your wedding.

There is one last thing. I try not to push on the blog that you should hire a Wedding Day Manager but here you must. When your wedding is at your (or parents') home you will not be able to escape the mishaps that occur. I mean really, what are you going to do when the guest shuttle gets stuck in the mud, it begins to pour rain 5 minutes before your ceremony, or the portable restroom overflows? You will be panic stricken and you don't need that on your wedding day.

If you are organized, up for a bit of a challenge and can handle a higher level of stress, by all means plan a backyard wedding (and have so much fun!).

Ditch the Pre-Made Timelines

Is anyone else frustrated with the pre-made timelines that all of the wedding magazines and websites are providing? They frustrate me because I see brides using them as a resource and just getting stressed out in the process.

Every couple's planning timeline and situation are different, so I don't think it's appropriate for everyone to use the same timeline. Especially since most timelines are based upon a 12 month period and we know not everyone has a 12 month engagement. I sincerely suggest ditching the pre-made timeline and creating something that suits your situation.

To get you started, here is what is important. First, before you do anything else, create a budget! (yes, the exclamation point is necessary!) With the excitement of engagement comes the immediate need to start planning but without a budget where do you even start? Well, many brides just start planning and claim they have no budget. Even if your budget is a million dollars, you still have a budget. Create one and I promise your planning will be less stressful.

You should of course then choose the date followed by venues for both ceremony and reception. I know that this can be challenging, especially if you have your heart set on specific venues but use your problem solving skills and I know you can work it out.

After the date and venues are chosen you need to hire a photographer. Good photographers book fast and unless you have weekday wedding you don't have time to wait. Sorry if this stresses you out but it's true. Now, you have a date set, you've chosen venues and you have a photographer...now you can breathe for a few moments.

At this point, you should begin researching other vendors and meeting with those that best suit your style. If you have more than 6 months before your wedding I certainly wouldn't rush this phase. Take your time and meet with lots of different vendors in each category and find the ones that you like the best and really want to work with. This phase can be time consuming, but in the end the better relationship you have with these people the more enjoyable your wedding will be.

The pre-made timelines touch on things like asking your bridal party to participate, creating a gift registry, finalizing plans for your honeymoon, etc. and while these are all important aspects of your wedding I don't feel that they need to be part of your timeline. The simpler this "checklist" is for you the better.

I obviously didn't touch on everything that should be included, like buying your dress, creating a guest list, and choosing linens because you need to do that when you are ready. Face the fact that some things can't be done a year before your wedding.

P.S. Please leave a comment if you would like to know what timing I suggest for a different aspect of your planning that I haven't included in this post.

The City's Best | freshdesign

I introduce to you freshdesign, owned by Sue Shunta.

1.How long have you worked in the wedding industry?
4 happy years!

2.Describe your style and approach.
We believe seriously that the process of wedding flower planning should be as fabulous as the end result. As a once in a lifetime event, all elements, including the planning process should be relaxing, fun and creative. So at freshdesign it’s important to us that a bride or couple’s time with us is just that. Our design style is clean-lined, simple and modern. We find this approach surprisingly versatile and have worked with clients who desire a minimalist approach, garden style or lush and luxurious flowers. The common denominator is thoughtful design that ensures that each and every element used has a purpose.

3.What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?
Milwaukee brides are lucky in that there are many talented and versatile wedding artisans all across the city. This keeps us on our toes! We hope to distinguish ourselves with a warm experience, impeccable design and attentive service.

4.What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?
It is 100% true that if you make selections of things you love…. flowers, cake, linens etc your day will come together in an inspired, personal and gorgeous way. Trust yourself.

5.Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.
I have an unexplained affinity for cows. I find them soulful, peaceful creatures and have been known to stop the car next to a farm just to watch them graze.

Chat with freshdesign:
Ring: 414.467.4310
Web: freshdesignflowers.com

Sue, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your talent and passion with Milwaukee brides!

City Bride Style | Audey Bridesmaid Dresses

Lately my posts have been filled with motherly advice and lots of nagging but today I am sharing with you one of my new favorite style ideas in the wedding industry.

I introduce to you Audey, a designer who has embraced the idea of letting your bridesmaids rock their personal style. Audey has created a bridesmaid line that is completely customizable, allowing your ladies to choose both a top and a skirt that is flattering for them. Some of the top options include boatneck, strapless and triangle and for the bottom, pencil, circle and pleated skirts.

Aren't they so fun and beautiful? And the patterns, oh I love the patterns!

Not only will your bridesmaids look ultra stylish but they will have bonded during the designing process and will feel more comfortable on your wedding day. I love that Audey has created an experience out of bridesmaid dress shopping.

Now you want your very own Audey dress, don't you? Well, you are in luck! These dresses can be designed at Miss Ruby Boutique and if you come in on a Saturday I may be able to help you!

And, since you know I love bonus points, the designer of this line will be in Milwaukee in a couple weeks to help brides design the best dresses for their maids. Contact Miss Ruby to set up your private appointment.

Happy Designing!

Don't Be a No Show!

As I have mentioned before, I help out at Miss Ruby Boutique every Saturday and I love it! It allows me to witness brides in action and help them in another capacity. Last Saturday however, I was very disappointed in the actions of a few brides. I am not sure why, but when brides appear to be uneducated (in a sense of wedding planning) it always bothers me. Most likely because I feel the main purpose of this blog is to educate brides throughout their planning process and guide them to make good decisions.

Anyway, on Saturday there were 2 no show appointments. To many of you this may seem like a ridiculous reason to be upset and at first I wasn't but then I started thinking.

Brides were calling all day long hoping to get a last minute appointment for that day. Unfortunately, we were completely booked and I had to turn them away. But, really if the brides who didn't show up for their appointment had canceled I probably could have accommodated some of those other brides.

My point here is that everyone's time is important and if for some reason you can't attend a meeting or appointment just let us know. We will be happy to reschedule and accommodate you in any way that we can.

Still aren't convinced it's important to cancel? Think of it like this. By canceling your appointment or meeting you are opening up an opportunity for another bride. Maybe you are making her planning less stressful, allowing her an opportunity to hire a vendor before her date is booked, or just allowing her to do a little more planning that day. For whatever reason, remember that you are helping her.

Please, please, please, cancel the appointments you can't attend. It will make me feel so much better.

The City's Best | Cracked Designs

I introduce to you Cracked Designs, owned by Tara Scheuerman.

1.How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

I've been designing wedding stationery for almost 3 years now.

2.Describe your style and approach.

We try to create modern and fun designs that are elegant in a non-traditional sense. Every invitation is also handmade which makes each invitation completely unique. We want to make something that will stand out when your guests open the envelope. We have fine art and graphic design background, and I think that helps us create a really unique blend of design style.

3.What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

I think we offer a more unique approach to wedding invitation design by not creating your typical wedding invitation. Our designs are more fun and modern and don't follow in the footsteps of every other wedding invitation out there. Plus we offer handmade invitations that are affordable- by offering both custom designs and pre-designed invitation sets.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

I would say to take your time and research your vendors and research the trends out there now. Having vendors who know what they are doing will make your life so much easier. Also, talk to other people who have recently gotten married, a lot of times they can offer some of the best advice for what they would have done differently.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

I love taking really weird road trips. I collect postcards from all of the odd, off the beaten path places that I've been. My most recent road trip was along Old Route 66, which goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, it was awesome.

Chat with Cracked Designs:

Ring: 414.687.8803

Web: cracked-designs.com

Blog: crackeddesigns.blogspot.com

Etsy: crackeddesigns.etsy.com

Tara, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for sharing your passion and beautiful designs with local brides!

How NOT to Act at a Consultation

You may not realize this but when you attend an initial consultation you too are being interviewed as much as the vendor you are meeting with. Yep, believe it or not, vendors do turn clients away. Here's the truth. Vendors obviously want a bride's business but more importantly we want to work with clients that mesh well with our style and are pleasant to work with. With that said, unfortunately, not all potential clients will be extended a contract.

So, here are some examples of what not to do during an initial consultation that may influence whether or not a vendor extends a contract to you.

At no point during the meeting should you answer your cell phone. It is very awkward to sit there and listen to someone else's conversation while of course, you are pretending not to listen. 9 times out of 10 it is not an emergency and can probably wait another 20 minutes until the meeting is over. And, if you are wondering, saying "excuse me" doesn't make this situation okay.

Don't spend half of the meeting bickering with your mom about wedding plans, especially those that don't have anything to do with your current meeting. This is also an awkward moment for vendors. Whose side do you take, the bride or the mother's? And yes, we will be forced to take a side and it isn’t pleasant.

Leave your groom bashing comments at home. Vendors obviously want to contribute to healthy and successful marriages and don't want to hear that you feel your groom is inadequate to make decisions or that you already have your second wedding planned.

As you can see, the way that you act during your initial consultation can really influence your future relationships with vendors. Read yesterday's post for how to appropriately act during a consult.

P.S. Some of the above examples were dramatized during the process of writing this post and may not be described exactly as they first occurred.

Advice for Initial Consultations

Brides are typically nervous when they first begin meeting with potential vendors. I don't completely understand it but it's true. This should be an enjoyable time in your planning process and I don't want you to feel anxiety, so here is some advice.

1. Be calm. We understand that planning a wedding is stressful but we want to know that you are organized and can deal with {at least a little} stress. If you are calm the discussion will flow naturally and we will be able to learn much more about your wedding and your expectations.

2. Have a clear vision. Before you attend an initial consultation discuss with your fiance (and maybe family) the level of service you are seeking. It is always uncomfortable when surprises arise in conversation and someone doesn't know what is going on.

3. Have a budget. For some reason discussing money always seems awkward. I've been there, I know. However, this is no excuse not to discuss a budget before meeting with a vendor. We can't even begin to help you find the best service if we don't know how much you can spend. By the way, no matter what anyone says no {respectable} vendor is going to charge you more just because you tell us you have a large budget. We will charge you what the service is worth.

That's it! Pretty simple, huh?

Keep these few tips in mind and I promise you will feel more comfortable when you meet vendors!

The City's Best | Reminisce Photography & Design

I introduce to you Reminisce Photography & Design, owned by Miranda Zynda-Kneeland and Adam Kneeland.

1. How long have you worked in the wedding industry?

We photographed our first wedding a little over four years ago. We fell in love with the industry with that very first wedding, and there’s been no turning back. We couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

2. Describe your style and approach.

We’re a hubby and wife team who love life, laughter, people, art... and combining them all into what we do best. With a photojournalistic approach, we create images that are fresh, fun, contemporary, romantic and artistic. Above all, we want our work to be honest. We love getting to know our clients and creating images that truly reflect who they are.

3. What sets you apart from other vendors in your expertise?

We value the relationships we form with each of our clients, and this shows in how sincere each of our photographs are. We’re also very particular about our work, striving for every single photo to be a work of art. We submerge ourselves with our passion for what we do, regularly attending photo conferences, workshops and shootouts (check out our blog to see some of those), learning new lighting techniques, critiquing our work, and striving for the most dynamic compositions possible. There’s such a big difference between taking pictures and creating images.

4. What is your best piece of wedding planning advice for brides?

Have fun, be creative and ask for help. Planning the wedding of your dreams can be a full-time job. If you try to do it all on your own, it won’t take long before you’re overwhelmed with it all. If you seek assistance from friends who have recently gotten married (if you liked their wedding, that is ;) and a wedding planner, things will come together much more smoothly. Having help will free up time for you to have fun with the process. You can soak up all the inspiration you like from wedding blogs and magazines, and find a wedding style that speaks to you. You’ll know what you want and will be confident that you’re making the right decisions. One of these big decisions is who will be your photographer...

Guarantee yourself that you’re going to have amazing photos from your wedding day. Whose work speaks to you on an emotional level? Your photographer should be an Artist and a Professional who can not only anticipate moments before they happen, but through a trained and instinctive eye, know how to interpret and capture them creatively. You should also enjoy the personality of your photographer, as you’ll be hanging out with them the entire day. Let their style, passion and personality be determining factors- not package prices. Your photographs are how you’ll remember your wedding, and they should be just as wonderful as your Big Day.

5. Just for fun, share something unique about yourself.

We’re super addicted to wedding shows... Cake Boss, Platinum Weddings, Say Yes to the Dress (Adam will probably deny watching this with me, but he does!).

Miranda loves Wikipedia, constantly looking stuff up when a question about anything comes to mind. She can also wiggle her ears, and has a shoe and hat fetish. Sushi, veggies, a rockin’ steak, tacos and cheese are her favorite foods.

Adam’s loves cooking and kicks butt at pool. He also has mastered the guitar... in Guitar Hero and Rock Band of course. He enjoys watching a good football game and discovering a new quirk about Miranda on a daily basis.


Chat with Reminisce Photography & Design:

Ring: 414.405.6693

Web: capturingyourday.com

Blog:reminiscephoto.blogspot.com

Twitter: @reminisce_photo

Miranda and Adam, congrats on being one of The City's Best and thank you for providing local brides with a great experience and service!