Planning a wedding is a BIG task. There are bound to be some stumbles on the planning road that leads to the alter. While there are many mistakes that you can make in the process of pulling the big day together, we've chosen to highlight three big mistakes that we see on a regular basis.
Big Wedding Planning Mistake #1 -- You've FINALLY gotten the ring and you're over the moon with excitement! Don't make the mistake of sharing all of the details of your wedding day with your co-workers. Many brides plan their weddings while at work, so it's natural to chat with your co-workers about your ideas. Maybe you ask their opinions on your wedding colors. Or maybe you ask for input on your wedding gown choices. The mistake is that you are slowly pulling them into your wedding planning world, which is fine IF you plan to invite them all to the wedding.
These days, brides are looking to save money wherever they can and that usually starts with the guest list. Once you've gotten your co-workers emotionally involved in your wedding planning process, you can expect to hear this: Your wedding is going to be beautiful! I can't wait to get my invitation!
This is when reality sets in. You weren't planning on inviting your co-workers to your wedding. Perhaps you are only considering inviting your boss....maybe. But definitely not allllllll of the co-workers you've been involving in your various decisions.
While it may be difficult, refrain from dragging your co-workers into your wedding planning world. They're going to expect an invite and you won't want to have that uncomfortable convo with them about how you're not inviting co-workers.
Big Wedding Planning Mistake #2 -- Now that you've started planning, you need to find a venue. Don't make the mistake of selecting a venue that requires a big rental fee, but doesn't include anything except tables, chairs and walls. Those venues can be pricey and range from $2000-$7000 to rent...even more in some cases!
Consider a venue that doesn't charge you to rent their space (or they charge a very small fee.) Look for a venue that offers in-house catering and only requires a food and beverage minimum. For example, the minimum at some venues may be $3000 (minimums can vary based on time of day and day of week.) In this case, you would need to spend at least this amount on food and beverages for your guests.
Selecting this type of venue will save you tons of money. If you select a venue with a large rental fee, you might spend $4000 just renting the space. Then, you'd still need to hire a caterer, who could charge you thousands for food, beverage, wait staff, linens, china, silverware, glasses and much, much more. A venue with in-house catering will usually provide staffing, china, linens and other amenities. Look at hotels, country clubs and city clubs for affordable options.
Big Planning Mistake #3 -- Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, but not if it rains. We run across so many brides who plan outdoor events with NO BACKUP PLAN.
I've heard it all: "It won't rain on my wedding day," or "The almanac says it hasn't rained on this day in 12 years!"
Have a backup plan. As a wedding planner, I plan every outdoor event as though it's going to be raining sideways with gusting winds. If you're planning your wedding on your own, you need to think the same way. Consider a tent or a backup ceremony location. You won't want to be wet in your gorgeous gown and your guests will sit in their cars and watch from afar before they sit in the rain. Don't make the mistake that so many brides have made in the past!
Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:
Karen Clark is a celebrity wedding planner who publishes the "Perfect On A Penny" weekly e-zine. Get your FREE audio seminar: "5 Super Secret Tips That Will Save You $5000 On Your Wedding" at www.PerfectOnAPenny.com
Facebook: Perfect On A Penny, Twitter: @PerfectOnAPenny
We offer unique chauffeur driven vintage and classic automobiles, such as the very rare and stylish Excalibur, Rolls Royce, Essex and Jaguar for weddings, anniversaries, proms, birthdays and other transportation needs and enjoyment.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Top 3 reasons to select Classy Transportation for your wedding
1. Our Cars.
You won't find better vintage wedding cars anywhere in North Carolina.
2. The Memories.
Your wedding car will be the talk from your guests for days and they will remember your wedding for years to come, because of the unusual vintage wedding car you selected.
3. Price.
You won't find a better value anywhere. All we do is weddings, so our prices are based on your needs. Why would you pay to have a car sitting around for hours doing nothing!
You won't find better vintage wedding cars anywhere in North Carolina.
2. The Memories.
Your wedding car will be the talk from your guests for days and they will remember your wedding for years to come, because of the unusual vintage wedding car you selected.
3. Price.
You won't find a better value anywhere. All we do is weddings, so our prices are based on your needs. Why would you pay to have a car sitting around for hours doing nothing!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Classy Transportation, LLC: The Mystery Wedding Dress Stain
After completing over a thousand weddings, I have had four incidents where the bride has mysteriously developed an oil-like stain on the hips of her wedding dress. The first time this occurred, I notice the clear (wet looking) stain on the dress prior to the bride entering the wedding car. My assumption was, it was hot outside and she had begun to perspire. By the time she arrived at the reception, it had gotten worst. I immediately started an investigation as to where the stain may have come from, since the car seat was being blamed for causing the stain. I swiped my leather seats with a white handkerchief, but nothing was on the seat. So, I figured what ever it was must have been absorbed by the bride's dress. I willingly paid for the bride’s dry cleaning expense and soon forgot about the incident, since there was no “evidence left at the scene of the crime”. It was a year later before it happened again. Still there was no evidence of any oil anywhere on the seat. It wasn't until the third incident that I had enough information to figure out what was causing this problem.
All brides wore gowns made of very thin, silk or satin-type fabric that fit very tight around the hips. And they all wore minimum under garments. Also, all weddings were in the summer, which means the brides would surely perspire at some point. REMEMBER LADIES, EVEN IF YOU DON’T USE LOTION OR OIL-BASED CREAM ON YOUR BODY, YOUR BODY IS NATURALLY OILY AND ANY PERSPIRATION WILL BRING ANY OIL IN THE SKIN TO THE SURFACE AND ONTO YOUR WEDDING DRESS. So, as soon as you sat down the oil-based perspiration on your body will be pressed into your wedding dress right around the hips, leaving a wet-looking ugly stain! This is especially true with silk, satin and rayon fabrics. These fabrics have no ability to absorb moisture, so any moisture on the skin will end up bleeding through the garment.
So why didn’t this problem occur with other brides? Because they all wore multi-layered dresses and under garments that absorbed any perspiration before reaching the surface of the wedding dress. Mystery Solved!
BRIDES, DON’T USE OIL-BASED CREAMS ON YOUR BODY IF YOU PLAN TO WEAR A TIGHT-FITTING WEDDING GOWN. AND MAKE SURE YOU WEAR SOMETHING UNDER THE DRESS TO ABSORB ANY PERSPIRATION, OTHERWISE YOUR WEDDING DRESS MAY BE RUINED BEFORE THE CEREMONY EVEN BEGINS!
For those brides that have selected the type of dress mentioned in this article and are willing to take a chance that this won’t happen to them, here’s how you can minimize the damaged this may caused. Every bride should have an emergency kit on their wedding day, so just add these things to your kit.
1. Baking soda
2. Talcum Power
3. A piece of chalk that is the color of your dress
4. Two clean white face cloth
Never rub or scrub at the spot, you may just make it spread or force the stain deeper into the fabric. First use two white cloths to blot up any excess oil and moisture. Place one on the under side of the dress and one on the out side and press firmly. Then sprinkle the cloths with talcum powder and repeat the process.
Let it absorb as much of the moisture as possible (2 to3 minutes). If there is still a visible sign of the stain, color it with the chalk. The chalk will cover the spot while continuing to absorb the oil and moisture.
IMPORTANT NOTE…IF IT’S HOT OUT SIDE, YOU WILL MOST LIKELY BE REPEATING THIS PROCESS ALL DAY, SO BE WARNED!
Article researched and written by Vern Bullock, March 2010.
Article researched and updated by Vern Bullock, November 2011
All brides wore gowns made of very thin, silk or satin-type fabric that fit very tight around the hips. And they all wore minimum under garments. Also, all weddings were in the summer, which means the brides would surely perspire at some point. REMEMBER LADIES, EVEN IF YOU DON’T USE LOTION OR OIL-BASED CREAM ON YOUR BODY, YOUR BODY IS NATURALLY OILY AND ANY PERSPIRATION WILL BRING ANY OIL IN THE SKIN TO THE SURFACE AND ONTO YOUR WEDDING DRESS. So, as soon as you sat down the oil-based perspiration on your body will be pressed into your wedding dress right around the hips, leaving a wet-looking ugly stain! This is especially true with silk, satin and rayon fabrics. These fabrics have no ability to absorb moisture, so any moisture on the skin will end up bleeding through the garment.
So why didn’t this problem occur with other brides? Because they all wore multi-layered dresses and under garments that absorbed any perspiration before reaching the surface of the wedding dress. Mystery Solved!
BRIDES, DON’T USE OIL-BASED CREAMS ON YOUR BODY IF YOU PLAN TO WEAR A TIGHT-FITTING WEDDING GOWN. AND MAKE SURE YOU WEAR SOMETHING UNDER THE DRESS TO ABSORB ANY PERSPIRATION, OTHERWISE YOUR WEDDING DRESS MAY BE RUINED BEFORE THE CEREMONY EVEN BEGINS!
For those brides that have selected the type of dress mentioned in this article and are willing to take a chance that this won’t happen to them, here’s how you can minimize the damaged this may caused. Every bride should have an emergency kit on their wedding day, so just add these things to your kit.
1. Baking soda
2. Talcum Power
3. A piece of chalk that is the color of your dress
4. Two clean white face cloth
Never rub or scrub at the spot, you may just make it spread or force the stain deeper into the fabric. First use two white cloths to blot up any excess oil and moisture. Place one on the under side of the dress and one on the out side and press firmly. Then sprinkle the cloths with talcum powder and repeat the process.
Let it absorb as much of the moisture as possible (2 to3 minutes). If there is still a visible sign of the stain, color it with the chalk. The chalk will cover the spot while continuing to absorb the oil and moisture.
IMPORTANT NOTE…IF IT’S HOT OUT SIDE, YOU WILL MOST LIKELY BE REPEATING THIS PROCESS ALL DAY, SO BE WARNED!
Article researched and written by Vern Bullock, March 2010.
Article researched and updated by Vern Bullock, November 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Best Time to Book Wedding Transportation
The absolute best time to book wedding transportation is during winter months (December, January and February) as this is the slowest time for limousine companies. They are more likely to offer a discounted price even for a spring wedding. Also keep in mind, the rules of "Supply and Demand". The greater the supply, the more likely the discount. For example, Stretch Town Cars and regular Town Cars are in the greatest supply, so you will always get the best deals on these types of cars. For those of you interested in a super stretch SUV, a Hummer or vintage/Classic car, the supply is very limited, so discounts maybe harder to come by, but not impossible. Just book it during the winter for a summer (July & August) wedding.
Just don't try to negotiate a discount too low, as these companies still must make a living and there is a price/point in which it doesn't make sense to even start a limousine up.
For example: Anything less than two hours or $250 is just not worth it to most limousine companies. The cost of fuel, chauffeur, insurance, detailing and vehicle maintenance will likely exceed $250, so be reasonable in your requests for a discount. Also, "you get what you pay for". If the agreed upon price is too low, you have to question if the limousine will even show up or be on time or clean or driven by a quality, safe driver, etc, etc, etc.
Also, keep in mind, that weddings during April, May and June are always competing for good quality transportation, so discounts for these months are less likely, but again, not impossible. It often depends on the date, time and location of your special event.
Good quality limousine companies are able to take your date, time, location and number of hours needed into account to help them determine the likelihood of booking another event in that time slot. If this is not likely, you should receive discount.
Also, keep in mind, that during April, May and June you are likely to pay a premium or be required to book more hours.
Just don't try to negotiate a discount too low, as these companies still must make a living and there is a price/point in which it doesn't make sense to even start a limousine up.
For example: Anything less than two hours or $250 is just not worth it to most limousine companies. The cost of fuel, chauffeur, insurance, detailing and vehicle maintenance will likely exceed $250, so be reasonable in your requests for a discount. Also, "you get what you pay for". If the agreed upon price is too low, you have to question if the limousine will even show up or be on time or clean or driven by a quality, safe driver, etc, etc, etc.
Also, keep in mind, that weddings during April, May and June are always competing for good quality transportation, so discounts for these months are less likely, but again, not impossible. It often depends on the date, time and location of your special event.
Good quality limousine companies are able to take your date, time, location and number of hours needed into account to help them determine the likelihood of booking another event in that time slot. If this is not likely, you should receive discount.
Also, keep in mind, that during April, May and June you are likely to pay a premium or be required to book more hours.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Transportation etiquette for grooms
What is expected...
1. The bride should select the type of transportation she wishes for the trip to the wedding venue for her and you dad and/or mother or maid of honor. The groom or the father of the bride is expected to pay for this transportation.
2. The bride and groom (together) should select the mode of transportation from the wedding to the reception. This transportation should be paid for by either the best man, groom parents, bride parents or as a gift by family members or friends.
3. Limousine transportation for the bridal party should be paid for by the bridal party collectively and coordinated by the best man and maid of honor. These two may also coordinate ALL other transportation needs as well. However, they may enlist the help of the parents of both the bride and the groom to assist.
4. Transportation for the bride and groom from the reception to their honeymoon suite should be arranged for by the best man and maid of honor and can typically be a surprise. Just make sure it is something you think couple will like.
5. Having the honeymoon suite specially decorated is always a like surprise for the couple. The best man and maid of honor can also share this responsibility.
6. NEVER LEAVE TRANSPORTATION OR ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TASK TO ONLY ONE PERSON, AS THEY MAY FORGET! HAVING TWO OR MORE PEOPLE INVOLVE IN A TASK WORKING TOGETHER WILL HELP ENSURE IT DOESN'T FALL THROUGH THE CRACK.
1. The bride should select the type of transportation she wishes for the trip to the wedding venue for her and you dad and/or mother or maid of honor. The groom or the father of the bride is expected to pay for this transportation.
2. The bride and groom (together) should select the mode of transportation from the wedding to the reception. This transportation should be paid for by either the best man, groom parents, bride parents or as a gift by family members or friends.
3. Limousine transportation for the bridal party should be paid for by the bridal party collectively and coordinated by the best man and maid of honor. These two may also coordinate ALL other transportation needs as well. However, they may enlist the help of the parents of both the bride and the groom to assist.
4. Transportation for the bride and groom from the reception to their honeymoon suite should be arranged for by the best man and maid of honor and can typically be a surprise. Just make sure it is something you think couple will like.
5. Having the honeymoon suite specially decorated is always a like surprise for the couple. The best man and maid of honor can also share this responsibility.
6. NEVER LEAVE TRANSPORTATION OR ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TASK TO ONLY ONE PERSON, AS THEY MAY FORGET! HAVING TWO OR MORE PEOPLE INVOLVE IN A TASK WORKING TOGETHER WILL HELP ENSURE IT DOESN'T FALL THROUGH THE CRACK.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
WeddingWire Rated 2011
Classy Transportation, LLC: Classy Transportation WeddingWire Rated 2011: "Classy Transportation, LLC is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011 Raleigh / Durham, NC – July 5, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading weddi..."
Classy Transportation WeddingWire Rated 2011
Classy Transportation, LLC is now WeddingWire Rated for 2011
Raleigh / Durham, NC – July 5, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Classy Transportation, LLC is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for transportation. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.
Classy Transportation, LLC has over 30 reviews on WeddingWire from WeddingWire brides. Also, Classy Transportation, LLC provides transportation for over 300 brides annually. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.
"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. Classy Transportation, LLC has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."
As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program Classy Transportation, LLC with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews Classy Transportation, LLC on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.
For more information, please visit Classy Transportation, LLC on WeddingWire at www.classytransportation.com
For more information on WeddingWire Rated 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including ProjectWedding.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Weddingbee.com, and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).
Raleigh / Durham, NC – July 5, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, is pleased to announce that Classy Transportation, LLC is WeddingWire Rated 2011 for transportation. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program that distinguishes wedding vendors across the country for their excellence. Based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews, WeddingWire Rated is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to find the best local businesses for their wedding.
Classy Transportation, LLC has over 30 reviews on WeddingWire from WeddingWire brides. Also, Classy Transportation, LLC provides transportation for over 300 brides annually. Reviews by our newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with our business and staff. Our reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making the most informed decisions for their big day.
"We are delighted to unveil the 5th annual WeddingWire Rated program," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. Classy Transportation, LLC has made a commitment to capturing their clients experiences on the nation's leading wedding review site."
As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available. The WeddingWire Rated program Classy Transportation, LLC with a simple platform to capture customer feedback from their wedding planning experience. Newly engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews Classy Transportation, LLC on WeddingWire.com. We would like to thank our newlyweds for our WeddingWire Rated 2011 recognition.
For more information, please visit Classy Transportation, LLC on WeddingWire at www.classytransportation.com
For more information on WeddingWire Rated 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including ProjectWedding.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Weddingbee.com, and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).
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