Q. How can I include my fiancé's mother in the planning so she will feel involved?

A. Very often, the groom's mother may not feel a part of the wedding planning process. Most mothers would welcome the opportunity to participate in some way – large or small -- in the planning. You can include her as much or as little as you want. You can invite her to accompany you to the florist or one of your other vendor appointments. Or you can give her a task of her own for which she will be responsible. Including her in some aspect of the planning is a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your future mother-in-law.




Q. Will working with a wedding planner prevent me from making decisions about my wedding?

A. Working with a wedding planner will not eliminate you from the decision making process. After all, this is your wedding and not the wedding planner's. It is the responsibility of the wedding planner to assist in the planning, share their experience and expertise, reduce stress but not to impose her/his style on the bride and groom nor to take over the planning process.

Q. I want the chance to interact with all of my family and friends before our "special day" is over, but I think a receiving line is too formal, tiring, and time consuming, what other options do I have?

A. The good thing about receiving lines is that you have an opportunity to greet all of your guests. However, the down side is that, depending on the number of guests, the receiving line can be time consuming and tiring. Another option is to visit all of the guests at their tables during the reception. However, it is important to greet all of the guests and not just a few of them. You want all of your guests to feel special.

Q. We would love to include a full bar at our reception for the enjoyment of our guests, but the cost is too expensive. What would you suggest?

A. If you choose to pay per person for an open bar with premium liquors, the cost could be exorbitant. However, you may want to consider a host bar, thereby paying only for drinks consumed by your guests or you may choose to have a limited bar serving only beer, wine and soft drinks. Another great idea is to have a signature or theme drink served instead of a full bar.



Q. How much time should we allow between our ceremony and reception?

A. You should allow at least one hour between your ceremony and the start of your cocktail hour.  This will give you ample time to complete your formal photographs and allow your guest adequate travel time to the reception location.

Q. I want to personalize my wedding but what does that really mean?

A. It means adding special touches in your ceremony and reception that reflects your personal style, personality, or cultural background. Personalizing your wedding means putting your personal stamp on it - making it uniquely yours and not like every other wedding your have ever attended.