Engagement Party

This past weekend, I hosted an engagement party for a couple who is getting married early next March. Here is a re-cap of the party planning process and information:

• The bride and groom wanted this to be a fun time. Couples and close friends were invited via Evite online invitations, approximately 3 weeks in advance.


• A special engagement cake was purchased, using the couple's planned wedding colors.


• Each person who came brought a food dish to share, and the party coordinators also brought sandwiches, drinks and deviled eggs.


• Drinks included a variety of pop, sparkling water with lemons and limes and coffee.


• One person was assigned the job of official party photographer. She took candid and posed photos at various times during the party.


• The party began at 2:00pm, and most left by 5:00.

Since this was a time for just close friends who cherish the couple to gather, and no games were needed. Plenty of networking and socializing happened naturally. It was a great time for the bride and groom to discuss their wedding plans and ideas with this intimate group of friends, many of whom will be volunteering time to help at the wedding.

Engagement parties are fun! They are meant for both men and women to attend, and usually couples will choose to invite their closest relationships.

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Day-of Wedding Coordinator

So you're getting married...Congratulations! Weddings should be all fun and games, but sometimes...they cause the engaged couple to be on overload.

One of the complaints we hear from brides is that their wedding day is too stressful and chaotic. The bride knows how she wants every detail, yet can't do it all herself. The groom is not fully available either! Besides, for the couple much of the wedding day is consumed by hair appointments, getting dressed, hanging around with the bridal party, photos, greeting guests and family members, etc. So what is a couple to do??

Hire a day-of wedding coordinator! What is the difference between a day-of coordinator and a traditional wedding planner, you ask? The day-of coordinator does a lot less of the planning work, and the majority of the practical tasks at the event. The day-of coordinator sets up decorations, organizes the volunteers, coordinates incoming vendors, such as photographers, caterers and DJ's, keeps the bridal party on-time, helps clean up, may return rented items, etc. Basically, this person takes care of many of the little things that need to get done so the bride, groom and their families can relax and have fun!

The couple gives this day-of coordinator their master plan, and meets with them beforehand to review all aspects of the big day. Fees for this type of wedding coordinator can vary widely. Depending on the scale of your wedding, and the tasks you want this person to take on, fees could be anywhere between $300 - $1500.

This person needs to be very organized and task focused, as well as have the ability to work with others effectively. Reliable, creative and sharp are also great qualities to look for!

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