Know who will be there

Most expos will have a list of vendors available on the website. Review the list ahead of time, and create a list of vendors that you would like to speak with. Make sure to speak with these vendors first to avoid the rush.

Check the rules for giveaways

Prizes are often given throughout the show. Find out how to qualify for the prizes and if you need to be present to win a prize. If so, try and stay throughout the entire show to increase your chances of winning.

Brides speaking with Andrea Knapp of Photographs by Andrea

Know your budget

Before planning a wedding, it’s important to know your budget and how much you can spend on each category. Ask vendors about pricing and how they can work within your budget.

Bring a camera

Bridal shows are great for getting ideas. There will be dresses, centerpieces, and much more. When you see something you like, take a picture. Later you can compile the ideas and see how they can work together.

Bring address labels

Most vendors will want your contact information for drawings, mailings, etc. Having your information printed on stickers will save you from writer’s cramp and you will have more time to explore the expo.

Make appointments

Many vendors will offer discounts to brides who schedule appointments at the bridal expo. Schedule appointments with vendors you are interested in working with. This could save you money and will keep you on track for planning your wedding.

Have fun

Bring your maid of honor or someone equally excited about your wedding. It helps to have someone to bounce ideas off of and someone to laugh with. Keep in mind that inviting too many people can be overwhelming with the contradicting opinions. Bridal shows are intended to provide a fun, easy way to meet with many vendors in one afternoon.

First and foremost Congratulations!
Enjoy your engagement!  Take time to let everything sink in before you make any decisions.  This is a time to celebrate being with your fiancé, so be sure to enjoy it!

Once you have taken time to enjoy this special time in your life sit down with your fiancé and everyone who will be helping financially and determine a budget and the guest list.  This may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it is important to be upfront and honest with everyone involved.  Find out what everyone is willing to chip in and determine a dollar amount for the budget and stick to it.  This makes things so much easier while planning!

Once you determine the wedding budget, you can calculate how much can be spent on the dress, decorations, etc. An easy-to-follow worksheet is available here.  This is not a strict number. You can move money between categories, but it should give you a good place to start.

Determine what ideas you are willing to spend extra money on and what you are not.  Come up with a list of non-negotiable, negotiable, and unimportant ideas for your wedding.  This will help you decide how to prioritize your budget.

Now that you have a dollar amount in mind start a notebook full of ideas, pictures, etc. that you want to incorporate into your wedding.  Begin to price your ideas with different vendors.  Meet with several different vendors and ask for references!

Deciding on a budget and sticking to it is the first step to planning a wedding that is both beautiful and stress free.

For more information on planning a wedding, plan on attending the BRAVO! Bridal Expo on Jan. 8th.

Materials: Clipboard, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Mod Podge, Ribbon, and a Pen or Pencil

All you do is trace the outline of the clipboard onto the back of the scrapbook paper, cut it out and glue it to the clipboard with Mod Podge.  Once it dries you can add the person’s initial or whatever you want to add to it!  Then add a top layer of Mod Podge.   Once everything is dry you can add a notepad and tie a pen or pencil to the clip with a ribbon.  Perfect for a little girl’s birthday party!

2) Coasters

Materials: 4X4 Ceramic Tile, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Mod Podge, Clear Spray Paint, and Felt

Cut the scrapbook paper into 4X4 squares, glue it to the ceramic tile with the Mod Podge, once it dries spray the clear spray paint to seal it.  After the spray paint is dry, glue the felt onto the bottom and Viola! you have coasters.

3) Scrapbook Paper Picture Frames

Materials: Inexpensive Unfinished Picture Frame, Scrapbook Paper of your choice, Spray Adhesive, Foam Brush, Paint, Scissors,  X-acto Knife, and Mod Podge

First trace the frame onto the scrapbook paper and cut out the template.  Paint the frame whatever color would look best with your scrapbook paper.  Once the frame is dry spray the back of the scrapbook paper with the spray adhesive.  Then stick the paper to the frame.  Use the X-acto knife to trim any excess paper.  To seal the paper to the frame use Mod Podge.

4) Lip Gloss

Materials: Vaseline, Kool-Aid, Lip Gloss Containers, and Labels

Heat 1 cup of Vaseline in the microwave in 30 second increments until the Vaseline is liquid.  Stir in one package of Kool-Aid (whatever flavor you choose) until the crystals are completely dissolved.  The cherry flavor has a little tint to it!  Pour the mixture into the lip gloss containers and let them solidify.  Print labels with the different flavors and adhere them to the top of the containers.

5) DIY Crayons

Materials: New or Used Crayons and Silicon Baking Tray

Peel the labels off of the crayons and break them.  Fit them into the silicon baking tray you are going to use.  Bake in the oven for 25 minutes on 200 degrees.  Silicone baking trays come in all shapes and sizes so you can have all sorts of crayons.

1) The Buffet

Most casual bridal couples prefer a fun and relaxing reception by having wedding guests serve themselves from a variety of foods. This is a great option for wedding reception food because the nature of a buffet offers something for everyone.

Pros-

• Food is generally less expensive
• No need to pay for a wait staff.
• More causal
• Wide variety of food choices

Cons-

• The fear of running out of food
• Long wait lines
• To causal for some couples

Helpful Hints:

1. Have two buffet lines to cut down on wait time
2. So that it doesn’t look as causal, use nice polished aluminum to add a more formal presentation
3. Use different shape and size tables to look less causal
4. Release the room in sections to cut down on lines

2) The Sit-Down Dinner

Elegant traditional bridal couples often take the opportunity to have waiters serve their guests so that everyone eats and finishes at the same time which allows more time to socialize.

Pros-

• Will appear as if you went all out
• Considered to be more formal
• Less chaotic
• Guests don’t have to do much work

Cons-

• Fear the food will get cold
• Fear that dinner will seem to “stuffy”
• Limited on what you can eat
• More for the bride and groom to figure out beforehand ( specific guest count, place cards, who is eating what, etc..)

Helpful Hints:

1. Hire a caterer that will prepare the food during the reception so food will be fresh and hot
2. Give a variety of menu options for different taste buds

3)  FOOD STATIONS

Most adventurous bridal couples like the style of this reception because it provides a lot of fun and variety for guests to sample foods from each station. One thing’s for sure–wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!

Pros-

• Will get your guests to mix and mingle
• Stations offer many food options for a variety of guests
• No need to pay wait staff

Cons-

• Each station will need its own china and silverware
• Serving dishes and presentation can get expensive

Helpful Hints:

1. Stations can be positioned across the venues to maximize flow
2. Use polished aluminum to add a formal feel
3. Spend a little extra money and have people behind the stations to explain the food or cook it live

When it’s time for the reception everyone is ready to kick back and let their hair down. In order to have a  good time you want your guests to be comfortable. Some people’s feet will be hurting by the time of the reception but by offering flip flops  more people will get on the dance floor and involved. The guests would definitely appreciate it and it would be the talk of the town for days.

2. Sober Rides

A lot of people offer alcoholic beverages at their reception, but offering sober rides for the guests will ensure that all of your guests are safe upon arrival and departure.  By offering sober rides it will allow everyone to have a good time and not worry as much because they know they will get home safe and sound.

3. Bathroom Baskets

Your guests may not be prepared for a spill on their shirt,  a  broken heal or nail or maybe they just need to freshen up a bit. Having sample toiletries’ like deodorant, lotion, mouthwash, soap, body spray, etc. will ease their mind.

Next to the basket prepare a cute poem to go along with the gesture.

So happy you’re here to share in our special day!!!
But should something happen to go astray,
Please help yourself to the contents within,
Hair spray (or Wet wipe), hand lotion, gum and even aspirin,
Use only what you need and leave the rest,
It may be useful to another guest.
So repair the damage that may have been done,
Then hurry on back and join the fun!!!
Compliments of the Newlyweds

4. Games

Set up games at several tables and see how much fun everyone has. This would be most helpful for the guests with children because they can easily be entertained.

5. Photo shoot

Everyone wants to take pictures to catch the most memorable times of their lives. You probably have a photographer  but having a section at your reception where your guests can take pictures and use props is always fun too.  Whether you rent a photo booth or make your own this is a sure way to capture great moments.

Recently, in pop culture, I have noticed a new trend among brides when picking their bridal party.   More and more brides-to-be opt for a Man of Honor or a Brides-Man  instead of a Maid of Honor.   Some girls are just closer to that guy friend or a lot if times it could be a brother.   There are certain responsibilities for your Man of Honor just like your traditional Maid of Honor.  Check out Wedding Bee to get more tips.

Man Caves

During a BRAVO! Bridal Expo we saw how successful it was to have a room for the groom so it doesn’t surprise me that this trend is on the rise.  These man caves will consist of items like a cigar station, a poker game,  a Wing Bar or even a Brandy Bar.

Simple Wedding Cakes

For awhile there we were seeing over the top wedding cakes.  It seemed with all the new shows on T.V. the more over the top the better.  However, lately we are seeing wedding cakes being toned down quite a bit.

I am LOVING the new ruffled trend!

Very Recently I have seen some brides like Hilary Duff opt for Non-Icing cakes

Non-Traditional Wedding  Favors

Why waste your money on something that your guest will never really enjoy?  Instead couples are choosing to provide their guests with a dessert bar, a candy bar, cigars and/or souvenir photo booth picture strips in lieu of the traditional wedding favor.  Check out the girls at Flash Photo Booth Rental for a local vendor.

 Non-traditional Reception Seating

We are seeing more and more couples using different shapes and sizes of tables at the reception to create a more casual lounge feel.  Some are using a mix of farm tables and tables with linens.   Some couples are even using hay and blankets for a picnic feel.

What new trends are you seeing and liking?

Sweet’s Cupcakes are not only a great way to celebrate a birthday or a wedding but give them to show thanks to an employee (hint hint) or show your customers your appreciation.  Nothing will cheer a friend or loved one up like a cupcake from Sweet.

They offer a wide variety of flavors like

• Salted Caramel
• Lemon Raspberry
• Red Velvet
• Strawberry
• Banana Pudding
• Chocolate German
• Key West Coconut
• Palmetto Cream
• Cookie N Creme
• Gimme S’More
• And Much More

In their store on Celebration Blvd in Florence, they will serve gourmet coffee, Icy cold milk and of course their signature designer cupcakes.  Make sure you check them out!

***NOTE: In the process of writing this blog my wonderful boss Elaine Dean, snuck out and picked up a box of Cupcakes! Now off to indulge!

We are excited to announce the 2012 BRAVO! Bridal Expo!  The event will be held at the Florence Civic Center on Sunday, January 8th 2012.  The expo will include passed appetizers, fabulous giveaways, musical entertainment, fashion shows, and most importantly a chance to meet with vendors and brides-to-be.

"You guys were so organized and on top of things in the weeks leading up to the expo. Very Supportive!"

"Wonderful job!"

"Everything was very professional!"

"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"

"I am very pleased with this event. I have listened to the comments from the brides and all of them were wonderful. We booked parties and met great potential clientele. Thank you. Can’t wait to work with you again at the next one."

If you did not participate in the Expo in 2011, the vendor feedback was exciting -100% were either extremely satisfied or satisfied of that 25% were satisfied and of that 75% were extremely satisfied with the results of the event- 100% said they would participate again and would recommend the Expo to another vendor.  We  are moving the Expo in 2012 to the Civic Center as it will be bigger than 2011.  We have added surprises in the planning stage so register early!

"Planning, coordination, advertising, and helpful friendly planners help make the expo successful!"

"This was my first expo and I enjoyed myself very much!"

"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"

"I have never attended a show where we had a vendor networking hour. I thought it was very informative."

"The show was amazing, the best Florence has seen in the 10+ years I have been participating in shows. Thank you again for giving Florence the show they deserve!!"

Our website, BRAVOBridalExpo.com will be live later this week.  You will be able to register and pay online.   In the mean time you can request vendor forms by e-mailing  Bridalshow@ BRAVOeventrentals.com.

*Quotes above are from our 2011 survey results and not from the people reflected in the pictures.

It can be tempting to enlist Uncle Joe or Journalism Student Cami to point-and-click your big day in order to save a couple thousand bucks, but free/cheap won’t look so appealing on the other side of your wedding, when Uncle Joe forgot to remove the lens cover or Cami didn’t use the flash and all of your pictures look like they were taken in an underground bunker at midnight.

Given that your photos are one of the few services that have a life beyond your wedding day (can we say multi-generations?), it is important to entrust this task to a professional photographer. Not just a photog with a current business license, but one who is capable of delivering what you want—gorgeous photographs that perfectly capture the essence of your wedding day. Courtesy of The Bride’s Maid and Myrtle Beach area photography professionals, here’s what to look for when investing in a wedding day photographer:

Experience

An experienced photographer knows a great photo op when she sees one (like your mom looking misty-eyed during the father-daughter dance, your grandparents trying to jitterbug, or that stolen glance you and your new hubby exchange). Experienced photographers also know what lighting styles and angles flatter. They know not to chop off heads or feet in full length shots and to vary poses so your photos don’t consist of three basic looks.

Professional photographers are certified, meaning they’ve gone through extensive technical training and passed a number of challenging tests. Says photographer Brooke Christl (www.brookchristl.com), “[Professional photographers] know what to do in any situation, have back up equipment, and back up plans in case of bad weather or any other problems that may come up on your wedding day.” She adds that it is not unreasonable to ask to see your photographer’s credentials.

An Eye for Style

You wouldn’t dare wear Grandma Eugenia’s wedding gown if it wasn’t your style, would you? The same should be true of hiring your wedding photographer. Look for someone whose style suits you. Study several photographers’ websites, blogs, and albums until you find a photographer whose photos look like something you would want resting atop your mantle or gracing your coffee table. Today’s photographers offer fewer posed pictures, in favor of photojournalistic ones that offer a real, candid account of the day.

Personality

Personality, really? It’s not like you’re marrying your photog. Well, it kind of is. Your photographer is going to be your wedding day third wheel, so to speak, hanging by your side from the moment you zip up your breathtaking gown until you and Darling Hubby drive off into the night. You’ll work closely with him for nearly eight hours, taking direction and doing tons of smooching in front of him; therefore, likeability and comfort are key. Kip Beech of Middle Child Photography (www.middlechildphotography.com) points out that “on your wedding day, you’ll be filled with so many emotions… it’s really important that you are comfortable being yourself around your photographer.” He recommends meeting with several photographers in person to see who you and your fiancé click with (pun intended!).

Another facet of the photographer’s personality that is important: her ability to direct. Brooke Christl advises, “Make sure [your photographer] isn’t too bossy but can give good direction. You want to love your pictures and also have a great time capturing them!” Get a feel for this by meeting with your potential photographer or asking if she knows of a client that would be comfortable letting you observe a shoot briefly to see her in action. You don’t want to spend the bulk of your wedding day with an order-barker or someone who doesn’t tell you (gently) that your tilted head makes you look like you have a broken neck. We’re not all trained models, so having someone who can help you settle into natural postures is important. You don’t want to look slouchy or hump-backed in your photos!

Attention to Detail

Just like the cleanliness of someone’s car tells you something about how clean her house is, checking out a photographer’s portfolio will tell you how detail-oriented she is. If photos don’t have pesky distractions in them (like electrical outlets that could easily have been cropped without interrupting the photo subjects, or a random guest’s foot in an otherwise strictly bride and groom shot), then chances are, she pays attention to these details, either when she takes the photos or during the editing process.

Fine Print

Fine print abounds during the wedding planning process, and there’s no exception here. Before you hand over your deposit, ask to see everything in writing, so you understand what’s included and what’s not. Expect to pay a sitting fee for the photographer’s time. Many photographers provide a disc of all of your images, while others may have a separate fee for this. Often actual prints of your photos are sold separately by the sheet. An enlargement or two may be included in your package; make sure you know exactly how many enlargements, what sizes, and styles (are they flat or wrap-around canvas?).

Given that you’ll have your wedding photos until your 50^th wedding anniversary and beyond, a wedding photographer is one of the most worthwhile investments you will make. Choose wisely, Blushing Bride.

Happy Planning.

Sara Wise

Sara Wise owns The Bride’s Maid, a wedding planning company in Myrtle Beach!  Visit Sara on her website or on facebook.

5.  How many glasses will I need for my event?

We usually suggest 2-3 glasses per person per hour. But even this rule of thumb doesn’t apply to everyone’s glass needs.

We then ask a series of more specific questions to get an idea of a more realistic number ..

1. What kind of drinks will you be serving?
2. Will there be alcohol?
3. Do you want a red and a white wine glass?
4. Of your guests how many do you think will be drinking alcohol?
5. Are you going to have a specialty drink?
6. Are you serving beer in a bottle or a glass?

Bella Lyse Event Designs

BRAVO! Event and Party Rentals

TIPS to remember: Some people will hold their one glass the whole night and some will get a new glass every time they go to the bar.   It’s always better to have more than you need than not enough.

4.  How many chairs does a certain size table sit?

36" Round sits 2-4 chairs

48" will seat 4-6 chairs

60" Round sits 6-8 chairs

72" table will seat 8-10 chairs

6' tables will seat 6-8 chairs depending if you put chairs on the end

8' tables will seat 8-10 chairs depending if you put chairs on the end

3.  What size dance floor do I need?

It depends on how many guests you expect to dance.  We suggest having 3 square feet per person.

Bella Lyse Event Designs

Bella Lyse Event Designs

2.  What size linen do I need?

• For a 36″ round table you need a 96″ round linen
• For a 48″ round table you need a 108″ round linen
• For a 60″ round table you need a 120″ round linen
• For a 72″ round table you need a 132″ round linen
• For a cocktail table you need a 120″ round linen if you are not tying it, if you are tying it you need a 132″ round linen
• For a 6′ banquet table you need a 90X132″ linen
• For a 8′ banquet table you need a 90X156″ linen
• For a 60″ square table you need a 132″ round linen

1.  What size tent do I need?

It all depends on how many people you are expecting, if there will be a band or DJ, if there will be a dance floor, etc.  This is the chart we use to help figure out what size tent you need:

See are Tent Basics Blog article to find out more about our tents