Why Use A "Day Of" Coordinator?

All brides have a budget, that's a fact.  Let's get real though, that budget pretty much goes out the window once you find your dream venue, wedding gown, photographer and don't forget that photo booth or black and white checkered dance floor that you just can't live without!  We understand the challenges of trying not to overspend.  At the same time, we know the once in a lifetime chance of having everything that's really important to you make your wedding day truly "YOURS" and unique from the last wedding you went to!

Most brides overlook the importance of hiring a Day Of Coordinator for their wedding simply because they didn't make a budget for it.  With that in mind, most brides can get away with not hiring a coordinator because of the venues they work with.  For example, if you choose any of the big banquet hotel chains, they have an Event Planner on hand to take care of the cocktail and reception details and they will even line your bridal party up for the big intro.

But what about all the millions of details before the reception?  Hiring a Day Of Coordinator not only gives you the peace of mind that you have a hands on advisor in most cases months before your wedding, but it allows you to have less worries from the second you wake up on your big day, until the last box of decor is packed away after the big celebration. 

A Day Of Coordinator is simply your right hand 'behind the scenes' man on your wedding day.  This is the person that will handle all the things you don't want to even think about, as you enjoy every second of your big day.  What bride wants their bridal party or Aunt Martha putting together the last intricate details of their centerpieces?  Who knows all your vendors by name, has your timeline memorized, makes sure the corsages are put on correctly, knows the layout of the reception hall, knows exactly when to change the lighting and has a hands on back up emergency kit just in case your dress rips, or one of your bridesmaids breaks a heel?  Call us J-Lo in the Wedding Planner, but that's exactly what we're equipped for!  We've just replaced J-Lo's head set for our walkie talkies :o) and thank the Lord none of our brides have ripped their dress or had anyone fall in the ceremony (the reception is a whole other story).....!

Some reasons where I believe you MUST have a Day Of Coordinator:

1. Having your wedding at a B&B, winery, or historic landmark: Most of these venues DO  NOT have a planner on site, which means you would have to rely on your caterer and DJ to make everything flow. Do you trust your DJ and caterer enough to handle that job?

2. Having a wedding guest list of 150 or more: Most catering directors rely on their staff to manage sections of the wedding guest seating.  They will be too focused on getting the food out on time and any decor malfunctions or guest seating mix-ups will not be their priority.

3. If you have intricate decor/centerpiece setups: Most florists help with flower centerpieces but they may miss any detail requests on table cards, favors, and any additional decor you have on tables and the around reception hall.  

Overall, your coordinator would make sure you get exactly what you envisioned your "dream day" to be.  Maybe a full time Wedding Coordinator is not in the budget, but don't undermine what a Day Of Coordinator could do...to help make your wedding day run smoothly!

             

Sweetface Events Day Of Coordinator: $$$

Peace of Mind: Priceless!

Wedding Expos: Our Experience and What To Expect

I remember when I was planning my own wedding, the thought of a big show room with thousands of other brides did not sound appealing.  I just knew though that it probably wouldn't hurt to attend one (considering my wedding was only 7 months away and I had nothing!).  So what should you expect at a Wedding Expo?

1. Location: Pick one that's close to your home, no need in driving 40 miles out of your zip code and you are disappointed when you get there.  Most vendors will travel to get in front of local brides and most of the DC area shows are jam packed with almost everything you need under one roof.

2. Don't Go Alone: Bring a family member or member of bridal party - I probably would not have gone myself if I didn't have my sister (MOH) or Mom with me.  (Advice: bring someone that has good taste and will help take the pressure off!) But also, don't bring too many people with you. It is already hectic as it is, and bringing your 10 bridesmaids may just add stress to your already full plate.

3. Cost, Is It Worth It? -paying $10 at the door may sound like a rip off, but there are a ton of highly esteemed vendors on site. The advertisers there are making an investment in the show, which means they are business savvy and are willing to pay lots of money to meet with sophisticated brides like you. Also there are a ton of giveaways if you don't mind giving your email address out. Which brings me to my next point...

4.Register for a separate email account for your wedding research. For example: sarenabakerwedding@gmail.com, after you go to a wedding expo you might be kicking yourself after realizing how many vendors you actually gave your email address to.  This way you can keep track of everything and you won't be inundated with spam or junk mail in your work or home email account. You will be able to keep track of all the vendors that you want to stay in contact with.

5. Dress cute and comfortable.  Bring a bag that you can carry all the paper and hand outs that you get.  Sometimes the Expo bags may not be sturdy enough.  Also bring a camera, just in case you see that "Must Have" item that you can keep record of.

6. Make a list of vendors you want to speak with and don't be afraid to go up and talk to them.  A lot of the time, this can act as your first meeting (this will save you a lot of time in the long run) and the first impression you get tells a lot about their business and product.
7. Last, but not least. Make sure you enjoy yourself while you're there. You only get to plan one wedding, and you have to make the most of your experience in the planning process. Enjoy meeting all the vendors and get all the goodies you can! Get there early, and travel to all the booths you need for your wedding.

If you have any feedback, let us know! What were your experiences at a bridal show and what were the things that you enjoyed/disliked?

Sweetface will be at the Washington Bridal Showcase at the Patriot Center on 01.23.11... Stop by our booth if you're going!

xoxo

Pick of the Week

How about for this week's Pick of the Week we do wedding shoes?

I am a sucker for peep toe heels, preferably with a flower or some sort of detail by the toe. How about a pop of color? We have seen lately those bright pink shoes worn with a beautiful wedding dress, but what about blacks or nudes? Those classic colors won't be going away anytime soon so try adding it as one of the most important accessories on your special day. Here are a few pictures of my faves...

I love mixing and matching traditional wedding gowns with unique and trendy accessories. It's really important to stand out and look like a million bucks on your wedding day. Wearing shoes like this is sure to be a hit, and not to mention, they'll look great in pictures! And it doesn't beat the hours of shoe shopping you'll get to do!

xoxo

It's 2011....

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.  ~Oprah Winfrey

Where has 2010 gone? Well good riddance, I say! Here's to another year gone, and a brand new one to come!

We are so excited for 2011 and we have so much planned for Sweetface! It's all about a fresh start. That's our goal for this year and hopefully we will succeed. This is a great year for Sweetface and I hope that you will be able to share the success that we've worked so hard for. One of our major New Year's resolutions is to continuously make updates to the Sweetface blog. Weddings are my life and my passion, so here's my chance to do what I do best, talk weddings!

Thank you for all the love and support you've given us throughout the last year, and we are so thankful to have you as a follower...

Stay tuned to a fun-filled year of updates and lots of great things about weddings!

xoxo

 

*The Girls of Sweetface*

Rent the.... Wedding Gown? Huh?!

Ever wonder what it would be like to wear that exquisite Monique Lhuillier? Or that stunning Amsale? Well now you can and you don't have to spend the big bucks! Ever heard of the website Rent The Runway? Well now they're unveiling a new addition to their website where you and I can rent that designer wedding gown without having to pay tens of thousands of dollars.

While it may not be for everyone, I still think this is a great idea! If you're not the type to want to keep your wedding dress and don't really have anything to do with it after the wedding,  now you don't have to spend a lot on your dress for just one day!   Rent The Runaway, designer gowns rented at a reasonable price, and you can avoid letting an expensive wedding dress collect dust in your closet!

What are your thoughts on renting a designer wedding gown as opposed to buying your own? Personally, I don't think I would do it, I would want me own dress, but I think its a GREAT way to get your dream dress without paying designer prices. 

And So It Begins...

Being new to the industry is definitely a challenge. I have just graduated from college and starting a business from the ground up with LOTS of competition in the area is intimidating and really quite nerve-wracking. Getting everything from the tax i.d. number to the business license and even picking colors and a theme for my website is all part of this crazy process when opening a new company!

I have just recently graduated from the Event Planning & Destination Tourism program in Toronto, and I just feel like I'm ready to burst at the seams! From school and now to joining the workforce is a feeling that I cannot explain. It is something that I have always looked forward to, but I don't think I would have been able to accomplish what I already have had the opportunity to. I completed various internships, namely with the Make A Wish Canada Foundation, which had to have been one of the best experiences I've ever had. The team at that location was really great to work with and I loved my fellow interns! I have learned a lot throughout the years, but now it is my time to shine!

Starting Sweetface with my sister has been amazing. I could not have asked for a better first wedding season. We marveled at making brides/grooms happy (which is always our priority), but it was also seeing how happy their families were that made us feel proud. Even with the long hours, high stress, and fatigue, I still cannot ask to work in a different industry. 

I love what I do and I don't know if too many people in this world can say that. It is just wonderful, and I could not be happier with what we have accomplished yet this far!

xoxo

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a great month for two reasons.... It is my BIRTHDAY, but of course it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a cause that is very close to me and something that I am really wanting to help with.

Here are some fast facts:

Who gets breast cancer?
Anyone can get breast cancer. For example, did
you know…
• the older a woman, the more likely she is to get
breast cancer?
• young women can and do get breast cancer, even in
their 20s?
• white women are more likely to get breast cancer
than women of any other racial or ethnic group?
• African American women are more likely to die
from breast cancer than white women?
• men can get breast cancer? Out of every one hundred
cases of breast cancer, one will occur in a man.

*Courtesy of the Susan G. Komen website - Susan G. Komen For the Cure

This is something that affects millions or men and women each year and it is really up to us to believe in change. I've been scouring the internet for information about breast cancer and way to help support the cause. A great website to learn more or to make donations is: http://ww5.komen.org/default.aspx

They even have really great items you can by and a portion of the proceeds goes towards research. You can also help by attending or volunteering at an event near you. All the information is on the Susan G. Komen website. 

Remember to wear your pink this month...

Publish Post

xoxo

Under Construction....

Hi All,

I am getting so excited to the new www.sweetfaceevents.com. I got a really great person to help with the designing as I am HTML illiterate! So just stay tuned for upcoming updates, Real Weddings, and the latest in wedding news...

We will be featuring some really great photographers, who we have worked with, and will also be featuring in the best venues in the DC Metro Area. I am so excited for what Sweetface is bringing to you, and it will be soon! So stay tuned....

xoxo

Stay Tuned....

Please stay tuned while we are in the midst of getting our company together.... There are many blog posts to come! 

xoxo

I Just Cannot Resist.....

I cannot resist to be in love....

Simple, yet sophisticated....

Modest, but sexy....

Classy and stunning!

Amsale is an amazing designer

Pick of the Week - Invites

I know there's already a Pick of the Week for this week, but I just had to add this as another favorite of mine!

So this week's pick of the week is going to be an incredible invitation that I have chosen from a sea of ones I've been looking at.

This one is from Elum Designs. It is gorgeous! It has a mix of classic and contemporary and it is perfect! I love the block lettering for the initials and date of the wedding and I love the colors picked for the invite. For my wedding (if I were to go with this invite) I would like to use a navy blue and soft pink for this.... how perfect?!

Congratulations Michelle & Brent 6.4.10

A very special congratulations is in order for Michelle & Brent! They recently got engaged in December and Sweetface has the privilege of doing their day of coordination on June 4, 2010, at Lansdowne Resort in Lansdowne, Virginia! 

Michelle is a dear friend of my sister's and is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met! I cannot wait to help with this wedding, I just know it is going to be so beautiful...

They are going to live a long happy life together, so CONGRATS you two! 

xoxo

Pick of the Week - Flowers

For this week, I decided to pick some beautiful flowers. When I stumbled upon peonies years ago, I just fell in love. I think they're gorgeous flowers and even better when the bulb of the flower is in full bloom! I am eagerly awaiting spring/summer 2010 so I can go on another hunt for these flowers! 

They would be perfect flowers to use in centerpieces or bouquets because you don't need many of them and they still will look like full bouquets... this means you get to save some $$$

What do you think about them?

My Fair Wedding

David Tutera's My Fair Wedding is a new show on WEtv that showcases his talents and a few engaged couples who want to plan some crazy weddings! This clip I thought was hilarious. This couple is telling David about how they want a Mummer Parade themed wedding. The best part is the facial expressions he has when they tell him what they want! Good luck David! He's a great wedding planner and is really funny!

Catch his show Sundays at 10pm on WEtv...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SfMBEmGBeU

Bridal Gowns

I've been doing some research on the latest bridal gowns and I maybe have found a few that are utterly gorgeous and classic. Every Friday, it has been a ritual of mine to watch "Say Yes to the Dress" (TLC). I love seeing different types of women trying on different dresses. Hopefully I can go to Kleinfeld's one day to get my dream dress!!!

Priscilla of Boston carries all of these gorgeous dresses, so take a peek at all of the fabulous dresses they carry at http://www.priscillaofboston.com/index.jsp

Bridesmaids

Finding the perfect dress for your bridesmaids to wear can be a tough job. You have to put each of them into consideration and make sure the dress you pick will fir their body type. Short, tall, slim, not-so-slim, you have to each and every one of them in mind when picking out their dresses because the pictures from your wedding day will last forever!

For my sisters wedding, her colors were black, white, and green apple. She wanted her maids to wear black dresses not giving them any specific one to wear. This worked great because all of us got to choose whatever black dress we wanted, and who doesn't have that LBD already?? We all looked great in the pictures because everyone wore a black dress that matched them perfectly and didn't have to spend that $200+ on something they may never wear again!

Well, if you're not choosing to use black dresses for your BM's here are a few dresses I've found that are sure to spark attention and they can wear again! That's really another important factor... be nice, and pick out dresses they can wear again!

Pick of the Week - Amsale

Amsale has been a favorite designer of mine ever since I saw her on the Oprah show a few years back. I go on her website every now and then to see her new designs, and today I've fallen in love.

This beautiful silk taffeta, one shoulder gown is so elegant with a modern twist. I believe a gown like this would look good on any body type, including all you curvy girls (like me)!! The mermaid style gowns are sure to set off cameras by showing off your hips and stunning features!

I love the one shoulder as well. The gown will accentuate all of your upper body features and make for a glamorous bride...

I hope you enjoy this gown as much as I do. Amsale is one of the best designers out there. Be sure to check out her other gowns, especially her Blue Label Collection http://www.amsale.com/bridal/index.shtml

Bright White

I love monochromatic cakes. And i love them even more when they're white! Here are a few cakes I have found that are gorgeous and are sure to add that special touch to your wedding day. These cakes are made with fondant icing, but I know many wedding cake bakers are talented and can create this look using buttercream icing for the budget conscious. It will look just as good and you'll be able to save a few bucks.

Adding your wedding flowers to the top of the cake will add that simple touch of class! And you can't beat the matchy-matchyness of it... sorry I know thats not a word but I'm sure you get the picture.

I hope you can enjoy these cakes.. I just had some ice cream and one of these cakes would have gone PERFECTLY with it... Mmmm...

Pick of the Week - Wedding Gown

Hi all,

Can we just take a moment to admire Monique Lhuillier? She is an amazing designer and her wedding gown creations are to die for. I have featured some of her dresses before but this dress stands out from the crowd and is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your wedding! I love the sweetheart neckline, delicate ruching, as well as the full floral skirt. It radiates romance and will make jaws drop! It is an exquisite gown which is exactly why I am making it my Pick of the Week..

It is beautiful Ms. Lhuillier.. Keep giving us to-die-for gowns!

Making a home at Weddingwire...

Sweetface Events is now on WeddingWire! Search for our storefront and be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates!

Sweetface is on the move.....