Wedding Show Bells are Ringing!

Hi All,

Happy New Year!

I hope all of your holiday dreams came true! If you are one of the lucky ladies who ended up with a romantic holiday proposal, then the Seattle Wedding Show should be your first stop of the new year! If you have been planning your wedding for a little while now, the wedding show is still for you! (I sort of feel like it is a right of passage when planning your wedding!) There are a ton of vendors (some wonderful and others that you should research first) at the show, great cake and goodies, so it can be fun to go to.  I don't suggest that you plan your whole wedding based on the show, but it will expose you to many ideas, professionals, and the wedding experience as a whole!  It can be a really fun day with your Mom, Mom to be, and friends!  If your not a football fan and need something to do during the Seahawks game Saturday afternoon, the wedding show is a perfect escape!  If your the girl (like me) who will be glued to the TV watching the Seahawks march one step closer to the Superbowl, then anytime Sunday is a great time to go!  Go Seahawks!  

Here is the info, and tips I have if you are heading to the show:

Seattle Wedding Show

Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center

800 Convention Place, 4th Floor

Seattle, WA 98101

When: Saturday January 11th, 201410:00am to 5:30pm (ticket sales open at 9:30am)

Sunday January 12th, 201410:30am to 5:00pm (ticket sales open at 10:00am)

TIPS:

1. The Seattle Wedding Show is the largest of its kind in the Pacific NW. There are hundreds of vendors (some the right fit for your wedding and some not)! Do your research before or after the show. DO NOT sign up with the first vendor offering a Wedding Show Special Deal! You will be sorry! You MUST research the quality of the vendor and their reputation before signing a contract! If you find someone you really like on Saturday, go home, look at their website, call their references, check their yelp reviews, etc.; then go back and book them on Sunday. If you don't want to or can't go both days, many vendors extend their wedding show pricing and deals out past the end of the show (especially if you spoke with them directly)! Make an appointment for a consultation after you've had time to find out more information! Quality vendors will not high pressure sell you!

2. Wear comfortable shoes. It is a huge show! It is possible it could take you 2+ hours to get through it.

3. Layer your clothing. Generally it's cold in the morning at the show and then fills and heats up. Saturday is very busy especially in the morning. If you want to avoid the crowds go later in the afternoon on Saturday or on Sunday. Sunday late afternoon is the least busy, but some of the vendors may have run out of their samples and freebies by then. So, Sunday morning is best!

4. Create a separate wedding email address. (This only applies if you're looking for vendors solo, with out a wedding planner.) You could end up receiving emails from many different vendors, so to keep your real email clean create a wedding only email.Create wedding information labels. This will prevent you from having to write your contact information over and over to enter contests, connect with a vendor, etc.. You will want to include your name, phone number, email, and maybe your mailing address. I have found that large mailing labels work best for this. 1 sheet is probably enough, but is up to you. (Again this only applies if you are looking for vendors with out a wedding planner.)

5. Don't be afraid to go into a booth or speak with a vendor. In my years as a vendor at the show I have seen so many timid brides! The vendors are there to meet you and chat with you about your wedding, and how they may play a role! I know that it can get overwhelming, but know the vendors are there to meet you and answer your questions.

6. Lastly, don't be afraid to say "No". It's okay not to give your information or take a flyer from a vendor that you are not interested in. It's your information, you don't have to give it out.

I hope this helps! If you have any additional questions or concerns please email or call me! wendi@etherealevents.com I'd be happy to assist! Happy Planning & Happy New Year!

Inspiration for Weddings on the Waterfront!

When planning a wedding or event you inspiration to guide you!  As a planner, I love coming up with a visual concept to work off of!  Check out my inspiration for my Weddings on the Waterfront Argosy Cruise! To see all my inspiration check out my pintrest page!

Break out your boating shoes to spend a summer night on the water sailing the Seattle harbor!  Come aboard the Argosy as we cruise the Seattle skyline during Weddings on the Waterfront.  Aboard you'll find a mix of classic navy and crisp white with pops of bold and modern coral and raspberry!  This event is preppy meets party! 

Images found on Pintrest

Tis the Season - January or June?

Summer, fall, winter or spring? 2 pros weigh in on the wedding ‘when’
Anna Sachse CTW Features

January 12, 2012

Summer

Pros: “The weather!” says Christina Friedrichsen, author of “Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style” (North Light Books, 2004). “If you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor wedding, there’s no better season.” There are also three great three-day holiday weekends, and guests are more willing to take vacation time in the warm months and/or when kids are out of school, says Wendi Hroncich, founder of Seattle-based Ethereal Events. Other advantages Hroncich points to include a seasonal produce and flowers, and more daylight hours, which is great for photos.

Cons: Summer is the most popular season for nuptials in the U.S., which means prices generally are the highest and there’s a lot more competition for vendors, says Hroncich. In addition, guests may have already made vacation plans - or have another wedding to attend - during your wedding weekend. And that sunshine you were hoping for? It may not seem so spectacular when you’re dripping in sweat.

Autumn

Pros: Fall is full of fabulous décor inspiration, from colorful leaves to pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks, says Friedrichsen. You also can have a sunset ceremony that’s reasonably early, adds Hroncich, and you may still be able to have an outdoor party. Even better? Travel is typically cheaper during this time, so you may find great honeymoon deals.

Cons: Hroncich warns that cold or wet weather can hit out of nowhere, so you’ll definitely need tents or an indoors backup plan. Autumn also is the second most popular time for weddings, so you’ll need to book your vendors well in advance.

Winter

Pros: Hotels and venues will likely do their own decorating for the holidays, supplying you with free décor that feels festive and warm, notes Hroncich. December can be costly, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but prices often drop drastically in November, January, and February. Use some of the money you save to serve an indulgent spread of seasonal treats like spiked eggnog and gingerbread cookies, says Hroncich.

Cons: It’s a busy and expensive time of year for people, so chances are not everyone on your list will be able to make it, says Friedrichsen. Furthermore, severe weather could make traveling treacherous or downright impossible, Hroncich says.

Spring

Pros: Spring usually is the off-season, thus more venues and vendors should be available, perhaps at a discount, says Friedrichsen. You’ll also find a greater selection of blooms, fresh-feeling menus, and bright color palettes, says Hroncich. Add to that the possibility of sunshine without sweltering heat.

Cons: With the exception of Spring Break, kids will be in school, making it more difficult for families to travel, says Hroncich. And, says Friedrichsen, there’s a lot of potential for a cool, rainy day that you didn’t properly plan for.

Wedding Show Re-Cap

If you missed the Seattle Wedding Show this year, don't worry! Seattle Bride Magazine went to and is sharing it with you in a 3 part video series! Check it out!

SEEN with Seattle Bride @ The 2012 Seattle Wedding Show - Style Episode from Seen LIVE with Team Photogenic on Vimeo.

When to Marry? Is One Season Better Than The Others?

Recently, I was interviewed by my favorite Journalist Anna Sachse for an article she is writing an article about the pros and cons of each season for getting married. This is a really good question for couples to consider. Every season has a significance to each couple, some maybe more than others. Most people think of summer weddings based on what we all see in movies, magazines, and when we are invited to attend the most, but that does NOT mean it is the right time of the year for you! Here is my full list of the Pros and Cons of each season! I had no idea I had so much to say about this! I hope you find it helpful!

Summer

Pros:

Beautiful weather is most likely

Guests have time off or willingly take vacation time,

Kids are out of school,

3 great 3 day holiday weekends

In 4 season locations, outdoor option generally available

Wonderful selection of seasonal produce

Amazing variety of season flowers in bloom

Bright, Vibrant, and fun color pallets appropriate

Fun refreshing beverages appropriate

Any summertime activity or food is an option, crab bake, lobster cook out, BBQ, etc.

May have a beautiful tan still from summer weather

Longer days full of light

Cons:

Most popular time of year for weddings in 4 season places, which means most expensive time of year, and most competition for locations, vendors, etc.. Can limit your options if you don't pre-plan.

Your may be competing with your guests pre-scheduled vacation plans

3 holiday weekends, people may not appreciate you taking

In warm climates - really hot temperatures - out doors not suggested

Bugs can be a problem in certain areas in the summer months

Competition, You may schedule your wedding on someone else you know's wedding date - 2nd cousin, distant friend, etc. Some of your guests may have another wedding the same day and have to chose

May be leaving your location for honeymoon vacation during your best weather months - might miss the sunshine come winter

Outdoor wedding on hot summer day is really uncomfortable for the Bride in a really formal heaving dress, and for all men in Tuxes or Suits

Sweating profusely on your wedding day is NOT something any bride or groom imagines or thinks about!

Air conditioning at the wedding location really important - can be disastrous with out it!

Candle light is null and void until late into the evening

People can have a hard time dancing until it gets dark - can be late into the evening depending on where you live

Fall

Pros:

Beautiful natural color scheme and use of natural elements for decor

Fall theme is really easy and popular

Beginning to be the less popular time of year, vendor and location rates may be dropping

Nice time to go to on a tropical honeymoon as the weather where you live is getting cold - Make your summer tan last

Less weddings scheduled, so your guest are more likely not going to have another wedding on your date

Travel is less expensive - September is the cheapest and least popular month for travel

Indian summer

Bug problems decrease

Candle light

Sunset Ceremonies - at a reasonable time

Great time for a European or other hot spot honeymoon

Cons:

In warm places, popularity may be increasing due to cooler weather than summer months

School starting

Little to no vacation time left for you or your guests

Risk of cold or wet weather

Sun sets earlier - less day light for photos
Football Season- you may have to negotiate your wedding date around your Honey's team's schedule

Winter

Pros:

Amazing decor options and color schemes to work with

Hotels and venues may decorate for the holidays - supplying you with free decor (that most likely goes with the aesthetic of the location)

Holidays bring family together and are a natural time to celebrate

Prices are discounted except in December at Peak holiday party season

Comfort food

Spiced cider, egg nog, gingerbread, etc.

Candle light/ Fireplaces

Really romantic and magical time of year

Wonderful time for tropical or snowy honeymoon -

Cons:

In cold weather places:

Out door photo or ceremony options limited without proper warm clothing options

Sever weather could delay or cancel your guests travel

Power outages and storms are more likely

Icy roads and bad travel conditions can cause issue for even local guests

Summer color palette, food, and beverages are inappropriate

Flowers are not in season or local

Seasonal Fruits are harder to come by

Travel prices increase

Many holidays to schedule around

Busy and expensive time of year for your guests - may be a hard time for people to travel, buy a wedding present, etc. while juggling holiday expenses

Very little day light for photos

Spring

Pros:

Wonderful flower selection

Bright cheerful colors appropriate

Less expensive then summer months

Less popular time of year creating less competition

Cooler weather than summer months with possibility of sunshine

Great time for honeymoon

Spring Break

Beautiful light for photos

Cons:

Scheduling around Easter

Rain more likely than summer

Kids in school

Wedding Dress 101

Happy Holidays! I hope all your Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. dreams have come true! For those of you who's dream of getting engaged over the holidays came true I'm here to help! Here are first of many tips to come!

10 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping Success!
Wendi Hroncich

1. Always make an appointment at the dress shop beforehand!

2. Shop for your wedding gown SEPARATE from Bride's maid dresses. Shopping for both at the same time can be too overwhelming and does NOT give either shopping experience the value it deserves!

3. Wear or bring a strapless bar

4. Wear or bring heals with a comparable heel height to what you will wear on wedding day.

5. Shower and do your hair/makeup - when you try on dresses you will feel better in them if you like your hair and makeup that day!

6. Bring more than 1 person with you, especially if this person will like or hate everything you try on. Bringing someone whom you love their style/taste or has similar taste to you will really help. A 2nd set of great eyes will give you more confidence in your decision! If you have to - bring the people you love, whom you don't share taste, as your last option. They can make your decision harder or with out meaning to make you 2nd guess your self or not enjoy the experience at all. Surrounding yourself with positive people with great fashion sense will help you the most!

7. Try on dresses outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you will end up loving once it is on you. Have fun with this experience! After the wedding is over, you will wish you could go dress shopping again!

8. With that said, keep your wedding vision in mind - you don't want to end up with a dress that doesn't match your venue or formality of your wedding. For you I know you have a pretty clear idea of what you want and it really fits your whole vision, but don't rule anything out before at least trying it on!

9. Ask for a fabric swatch of the dresses you love and take pictures, if the shop will let you!

10. Bring a snack for in between appointments. Have everyone coming with you do the same! Dress shopping takes a lot of energy and time. It's important for all to become starving in the middle of the day!

I Do!...Want to come to the Hottest Bridal Event of 2011

Fall is upon us hear in Seattle! The rain has returned, the leaves are beginning to change and football season has begun! Whether we like it or not, the hot summer days of August (as few as there were) are behind us, and all the crip beautiful days of Fall are here to stay!

The turning of the seasons also marks a significant turn in the Wedding Industry. In October, we go from the summer's wedding every weekend craziness to wedding show mania until the beggining of the year! It is a wonderful time to be a newly engaged couple starting your planning or finalizing your wedding day plans!

Here are the details for one of my favorite shows of the whole season! Get out your party dress, grab your girl friends, and get ready for Urban Unveiled!



The Celebrated Wedding Show for those with Style, Sophistication and a Passion for the Unique
Urban Unveiled returns with its
sixth show on Wednesday, October 12^th. The event will be held
at Benaroya Hall and showcases over 50 premier wedding industry vendors, as
well as raffle drawings for attendees, and a one-of-a-kind Luly Yang Couture
fashion show.

The annual Urban Unveiled event held
at Benaroya Hall is more than a wedding show; it is a celebration, a cocktail
party for those getting married and the creative partners who make dreams come
true. This evening of opulence is a chance to meet and mingle with the Urban
Unveiled partners who can take your bridal vision and make it a reality.
It is the culmination of a collaboration among the finest artists in the
Seattle wedding industry.

We have invited each participant to joinus at this event because we truly believe that they excel at what they do. We are confident that we have selected visionaries who are guaranteed to please you with their creativity, personality and style!

We are pleased to present the theme of Urban Unveiled 2011 - "Diamond" - which brings a chic cocktail couture ambiance dripping in sparkle to Benaroya Hall. We hope that this experience will inspire you, captivate you, and spark your imagination to the possibilities for your own wedding or event.

The award winning designer Luly Yang will debut her 2012 Bridal Collection, Diamond, at Urban Unveiled. While Luly has always held a fashion show at the event, this year Urban
Unveiled will feature a full-scale expanded bridal runway show to cap off the
evening. The "Diamond" collection is an ultra feminine, fluid collection of romantic bridal and evening wear gowns inspired by diamonds and precious metals. Experience the brilliant sparkle and unique beauty of diamonds and crystals transformed into exquisite bridal gowns and luminous
evening wear.

Last year's collection

For additional information and to purchase tickets please visit www.urbanunveiled.com.

Real Weddings: Courtney & Seth

I absolutely adore this couple! She is so kind, bubbly, and thoughtful! He is strong, rugged, and fun loving! Courtney & Seth are the perfect couple! They had been celebrating the year of their wedding by the time the final celebration rolled around on September 24th! You can see both the love and personality of this amazing couple! Enjoy!

This picture cracks me up! I didn't have a clue I was in the back ground! I try so hard to stay our of the photos and spotlight! The Bride & Groom sent it to me with this caption - "I was so glad we have a pic with Wendi. She looks just as happy as we are! What a day !" I really am a sap!

Dear Wendi Wednesday: Tuxedo Prep

Hi All!

It has been quite a while since I have done a Dear Wendi Wednesday! I guess I'm always looking inspiration and questions to answer! I received this question from one of my clients, and it sparked the perfect topic for this post! I love when my Grooms aren't afraid to ask questions and seek my advice! I think it is really beneficial to all men out there! Thanks E.W. for being my muse!


Hello Wendi,

I have rented a tux but I was wondering if you had any other advice regarding the tux (picking it up, trying it on, etc). I have worn tuxes before but it has been awhile and it wasn't for such an important event.

Thanks,

E.W.


Hi E.W.,

Thanks for the email! Yes, I do have a little advice. I would definitely see if you can pick your tux up a few days before the wedding to try it on and make sure they gave you the right sizes and pieces (2 days before is perfect!). This gives you ample time to make sure it is all there and in pristine condition (clean, pressed, and no loose hems or holes)! I have sadly seen too many grooms and grooms men having to do the tuxedo shuffle (trading parts and pieces with one another) because the tux shop somehow got the wrong sizes for a couple of the men.

Also, if you are wearing cuff-links or tuxedo buttons you want to make sure you have those days before as well. The rental tuxedos don't usually include those items. When you try the tux on, try on the whole ensemble including socks, cuff-links, buttons, handkerchief, etc. to make sure you like they way it all looks together. A walk through is very important to guaranteeing you like the finished product! If there is something missing or off you can correct it before wedding day!

On wedding day, all eyes may be on her, but her eyes will only be on you!

I hope this helps! If you have more specific questions please let me know! I'm happy to help!


All the best,

Wendi

Now that your RSVP's are in, your feast has been selected, and your timeline of the days events is done; there are still many more decisions that need to be made to create the perfect wedding reception!

One of which is: Where will my guest sit? There are so many options when answering this question! Do I assign tables and exact seats? Do I just assign tables? Do I reserve a few tables for family and friends and let everyone else pick for themselves? Or do I let it be a free for all in which everyone chooses where they want to sit? Professionally speaking, taking that extra step of assigning your guest's tables is wonderful idea! It adds a level of elegance to your wedding, as well as lets your guests know that you thought about their comfort at your reception.

I know, this can get a bit tricky, but I'm here to help! You want everyone to have a wonderful time and be social, but sometimes the numbers of seats at the table don't match perfectly with the people you're trying to fit! Believe me, I have worked through MANY table arrangements in my years of planning, and I've learned some shortcuts I'd like to share! Here are a few tricks I use when assembling table assignments at my events!

1. Ask your venue for a floor plan with the correct number of tables you will be using; as well as how many people comfortably fit at each table. Table sizes and shapes vary in how many fit so it's important not to over/under fill the tables!
   
   
   
   2. Use sticky notes with each guest's name written/printed on it. I generally cut my notes into several strips so that I can get many names out of one normal size post it as possible. (Note, it's important to cut them vertically so that each strip has some sticky on it!) I also like to use the multi-colored marking tape for this project as well. (Writing the names on the tape can be tricky since they are slippery, but are worth it since they are soooo easy to use! Use a fine tip or regular Sharpie for this!)
   
   3. I often color coordinate the post its/tape markers to match the relation of the guest to my couples: ie. Groom's family, Bride's family, Bridal Party, mutual friends, work friends, etc. This really helps me visualize who all belongs together without having to know the specific person each time.
   

   
   4. Start Arranging!

   
   5. Once everyone is in place, track the table numbers into your spread sheet or document you've been using to track RSVPs that correspond with the guest. This will make it really easy to give the final numbers and table arrangements to your location and caterer.Good Luck! Try to have fun and don't stress! Everyone will have an AMAZING time because they are coming to celebrate you on your big day!
   
   Have a tip for arranging your tables? I'd love to hear from you!

It's Crunch Time!

It is getting to the time of year when your wedding day is just around the corner! You have hired all your vendors, completed all your projects, bought your favors, had your dress fitted, etc., and now you need to know how to make your wedding day run smoothly.

Many of us have been a guest at wedding where there was a lot of standing around wondering, where are the bride and groom?, or when is the next thing going to happen? I'm sure you want to avoid this for your special day. Good News! It is so easy to make sure that you, your new hubby/wife, and your guests have a great time on wedding day! All it takes is putting together a simple timeline for your vendors to follow and guide you through! You have probably considered the placement of the major events of the day: whether you want to be introduced into your reception or sneak in during cocktail hour. When the first dance will take place if your dancing at all. If you want to do a garter and bouquet toss or avoid the whole thing altogether! The list can go on and on!

Luckily, now days there is no "right or wrong way" to way to put your day together. There are just many things to consider, from ceremony start time to last call, inorder to have a smooth flow to your day.



Many of your vendors have probably tried to help you put together a time line already. (Their tools can be really helpful so please use them!) But, I recommend putting together a detailed timeline for the way YOU see your day going. You should share it with ALL your vendors, and not rely on each individual vendor's. They may all be slightly different from one another! Using the ONE you created ensures that everyone has the same overall picture of the day’s events as you want it! It also helps you make sure that you are fitting in all the major events in the time allotted in your contracts. If you only have 7 hours with your photographer, you don't want the ceremony to start at 2:30 and the toast to happen at 10:00pm. You want your photographer there to capture all of the elements you have planned in the 7 hours!

For an easy way to arrange this, I recommend using sticky notes and a large piece of paper with the start of your day on one side and end on the other! It can make for a fun game, mixing and matching the order of events on the time line to find what makes the most sense and works best! It is also a easy way to visually move the key events around to find the suitable order for the two of you! With the events in order you can start filling in the time surrounding the events and creating the time line.





No matter how you schedule your day, make sure that it's all about you two having the best time EVER, and taking special moments to slip away and enjoy being married!