Most bridal couples think only a limo should drive them to the reception. This can become one of your bigger expenses if you're not careful. But don't limit yourself to limos.
Limo service may include more than you expect. Some companies include beverages in the limo as part of the price. Ask about providing your own to cut costs. A tip of 15% is the appropriate amount to be given to your limo driver. Be sure to read your contract, as the tip has often already been added into the final bill.
Go for Luxury! You can easily rent large luxury cars for the day at any car rental agency. Almost every time it's much cheaper than a limo would be. Keep in mind, your limo rental fee includes a driver and usually 1-2 hours max. While a normal car rental will allow you to keep the vehicle overnight and you can have someone special be your driver. (Ask your Master of Ceremony to turn in the car for you if you're leaving on honeymoon the next day.)
Get in touch with a local car club. Find someone who will rent their antique or muscle car for the day (or afternoon). They might even drive it for you (some owners would rather do this). It can make your wedding day very unique in an easy, low cost way.
Is "Low Horsepower" more your speed? Check with your local 4H club and see if there's any horses that can pull a carriage. If they don't have anyone on their list, ask the next town's 4H or ask about non-4H'ers. Note that it will take much longer for you to travel this way so be sure to fit that into your day's schedule. You might choose a church close to your reception location (or vice versa). And find out how the "road apples" are cleaned up if there's a city ordinance against leaving them behind. Horses can be a fun "green" alternative!
Not recommended: Motorcycles or scooters. Imagine wedding dress caught in the back tire.. Riiip! If you're experienced with wearing a large dress and biking, that's up to you. Now, a sidecar would make it a different story!
Tips, advice and ways to save your bridal brain from wedding overload
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Secret weapons: Master & Mistress/Matron of Ceremony
Your best wedding tool is your "army". And the most overlooked jobs are Master & Mistress/Matron of Ceremony. You can choose 1 person or a married couple you admire. They should be people you feel will get the assigned tasks done without much direction from you.
They can do things such as:
They can do things such as:
- run interference between quarrelling guests (or even between you and certain family members!)
- moving items (flowers, decorations, etc.) to another place after the ceremony
- help clean up after the reception
- drive you & the groom in a special car from the church to reception (who needs a limo? rent a cool luxury car!)
- organize the events at your reception (cake cut, bouquet toss, 1st dance)
- help round up folks for formal photos so they move along faster - I highly recommend this!
- organize the wedding party so they walk down the aisle correctly
- be your advocate about how you want things done in general
Your wedding "army"
Every bride has her "army" of friends ready, waiting and willing to take on any wedding task she assigns them. Make sure you use these trusted friends in the best way possible. Think of each one's greatest ability and assign them tasks to fit that. Jane loves flowers and has a green thumb. Let her scope out the local floral shops for you, then take her with you to choose your bouquets. Anna is a great at crafting. Ask her to think up some fabulous table centerpieces and help her create them with a few other friends. Sharon loves dance clubs and is into the hottest hits. Ask her to check on a few DJ's or even live music bands. Then sample their music together. Some DJ's will let you get a sneak peek at another bride's wedding, just be respectful when you do so & don't stay too long. Local bands often play at venues where you can pop in. Henrietta is a wonderful negotiator. Ask her to diffuse any arguments as best she can before they become knock-down fights on your dance floor.
If you're creative and thoughtful about what tasks you assign, your friends will feel even more loved and honored to help you. Don't forget to thank them. A small gift from the heart can mean everything!
Grooms! Don't forget about YOUR wedding "army". Your good male friends can assist your bride's army. Or give them some of those tasks her friends can't complete. Guys can keep the music jumping by making suggestions to the DJ/band. They can guide tipsy relatives to a quiet corner. Guys help nervous grooms (and sometimes brides) get relaxed for formal photos by cracking jokes to bring out natural smiles. (I LOVE THIS and encourage it, by the way!) Guys have the unique opportunity to make things fun & goofy - at any age! Use that great resource and be sure to thank your pals in a special way.
If you're creative and thoughtful about what tasks you assign, your friends will feel even more loved and honored to help you. Don't forget to thank them. A small gift from the heart can mean everything!
Grooms! Don't forget about YOUR wedding "army". Your good male friends can assist your bride's army. Or give them some of those tasks her friends can't complete. Guys can keep the music jumping by making suggestions to the DJ/band. They can guide tipsy relatives to a quiet corner. Guys help nervous grooms (and sometimes brides) get relaxed for formal photos by cracking jokes to bring out natural smiles. (I LOVE THIS and encourage it, by the way!) Guys have the unique opportunity to make things fun & goofy - at any age! Use that great resource and be sure to thank your pals in a special way.
Un-best Guests
With many families and friends stretched far and wide these days, it's sometimes a bit stressful when some folks get together. If you haven't seen or talked to them for a long time, you might get a little shell-shocked when they aren't the way you expect or remember them. Aunt Fanny is divorced and has become a lush enjoying more than her fair share at your open bar. Uncle Henry is harassing the caterers by commenting on "how lovely they look" in not-so-flattering language. Your new mother-in-law is trying to direct your ceremony. Your sister is having her own "pity party" because her boyfriend left her... 4 months ago. The ringbearer is wreaking havoc on your flower bouquets. A friend accidentally spills make-up on your wedding dress as she tries to give you a hug. What do you do when chaos ensues??
First, try to avoid chaos whenever possible. The old saying goes "A pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure." Give your bartender a heads up about Aunt Fanny's drinking ability, and strongly suggest he water down the drinks for her or offer non-alcoholic choices later. You can also let Aunt Fanny bring a friend who won't mind driving her home later when she's "too pooped from the party". Give the waitstaff a heads up about Uncle Henry, then keep a steady flow of entertaining relatives to be at his table. Let mom-in-law know you'd love to have her be part of the ceremony but that you don't want to stress her out with all the details & you'd rather let her relax & enjoy the day. Encourage your sister to bring a friend, even a good girl friend to have fun with her at your party. Ask the parents (or grandparents, siblings) of the ringbearer to keep a leash on him. Tell them to bring a few of his favorite toys or provide some new ones yourself. Coloring books can go a long way! Keep make-up closed and set well away from the table/counter edges.
What if you can't prevent? Don't frustrate - TOLERATE! Choose to stay away from annoying family members and if someone tries to give you woe about another guest not being their best.. simply ask them to take it up with your parents or someone you've chosen to "be in charge" of potential problems. This is where your Master & Mistress/Matron of Ceremonies comes in handy! Let little issues roll off your back. You're there to celebrate YOUR DAY, not allow someone to ruin it.
Some people will always make themselves into a shocking spectacle or annoying guest. Take a few deep breaths, put on a big smile and go in the other direction. It's alot easier than you might think and it's much less stressful to allow someone else to handle those problems for you.
P.S. Yes. I have seen many of the above mentioned issues, although not all at the same wedding!
First, try to avoid chaos whenever possible. The old saying goes "A pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure." Give your bartender a heads up about Aunt Fanny's drinking ability, and strongly suggest he water down the drinks for her or offer non-alcoholic choices later. You can also let Aunt Fanny bring a friend who won't mind driving her home later when she's "too pooped from the party". Give the waitstaff a heads up about Uncle Henry, then keep a steady flow of entertaining relatives to be at his table. Let mom-in-law know you'd love to have her be part of the ceremony but that you don't want to stress her out with all the details & you'd rather let her relax & enjoy the day. Encourage your sister to bring a friend, even a good girl friend to have fun with her at your party. Ask the parents (or grandparents, siblings) of the ringbearer to keep a leash on him. Tell them to bring a few of his favorite toys or provide some new ones yourself. Coloring books can go a long way! Keep make-up closed and set well away from the table/counter edges.
What if you can't prevent? Don't frustrate - TOLERATE! Choose to stay away from annoying family members and if someone tries to give you woe about another guest not being their best.. simply ask them to take it up with your parents or someone you've chosen to "be in charge" of potential problems. This is where your Master & Mistress/Matron of Ceremonies comes in handy! Let little issues roll off your back. You're there to celebrate YOUR DAY, not allow someone to ruin it.
Some people will always make themselves into a shocking spectacle or annoying guest. Take a few deep breaths, put on a big smile and go in the other direction. It's alot easier than you might think and it's much less stressful to allow someone else to handle those problems for you.
P.S. Yes. I have seen many of the above mentioned issues, although not all at the same wedding!
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