Do I need to have a wedding rehearsal?

Rehearsal Tips...

Having a wedding rehearsal is a fun thing to do on the day before your wedding. It also should be mandatory if you have more than one attendant on each side. However some locations charge a fee to host this service so please ask what they are in advance. This way there are no surprises.

Should you consider the possibility of forgoing the rehearsal there are some special situations that would allow you to do so. Here are some guidelines that you can follow should you choose this option:

• If you're having a wedding with just yourselves or only one attendant each.
• If you've been married before and are familiar with the drill.
• If you have responsible competent attendants that can go off of verbal instruction.
• If you begin the ceremony standing in place.
• If you elope.

Follow us on http://twitter.com/FCWeddings for more information on rehearsals, how to hold them and tips for wedding rehearsal luncheons in our upcoming weeks.

Live music, a DJ or an IPOD? You decide!

Musical Options... 

Over the years First Class Weddings has spent a lot of hours going over musical options with our clients. Now, with our blog up and running we have the ability to freely bring you insider information regarding the selection of your wedding and reception music. This is important because it fills the air with magic when your guests arrive and ultimately sets the mood for your wedding. 

Live Music: This option is the most expensive. However, having live music at your ceremony is highly recommended. Live music truly fills the air with an emotional element that you can't get from another source. If you're looking to provide a serene moment in time in which your guests will always remember then live music is the way to go. If you are considering going live at your reception then it will be important to remember that your music list will be limited to their repertoire.

DJ: This option can be a nice alternative option to live music and can save you a little money depending on how much time you need a DJ for. However, First Class Weddings highly recommends having a DJ at your wedding reception over your ceremony. Experienced DJ's can customize your celebration and provide you with what the world offers in music. They make it fun and they can also provide MC services. DJ's are not for everybody yet can work perfectly should you want your music to reach beyond a specific genre.

iPod: This option is by far the most conservative option. First Class Weddings does not recommend an iPod for your wedding because it really does dampen the overall ambiance. In addition, in our experience; 9 times out of 10 something happens with either the equipment, the programing, the speaker system or person that's in charge of 'hitting play'.

Whatever option you select we would like to remind you that this day happens only once in a lifetime. It is not an ordinary day so we encourage you to make it extra special by securing a special musician soloist, duo, trio, quartet, band and or DJ. An iPod...well it's really for everyday use!

What every Maid of Honor must know!

Best Girls are priceless!

Being a Maid/Matron of Honor can be hard work! However, knowing in advance what is expected of you can make a world of difference if you want to be exceptional. Here are 10 things a Maid/Matron of Honor should know when accepting the offer of being the brides 'personal assistant'.

1. Plan on assisting the Bride in selecting her dress as well as the bridal parties attire.
2. Offering assistance with addressing invitations and calling for final RSVP's is a must.
3. Helping the Bride determine seating arrangements is mandatory.
4. Being the on-call girl for discussions with any details, favors or decor is important!
5. Offering your help with any day-of tasks should be a given! 
6. Taking care of the brides train (if applicable) once she approaches the alter area is mandatory.
7. Taking the brides bouquet during the ceremonies ring exchange is a no-brainier.
8. Assisting the bride to and from the restroom to freshen up is the right thing to do.
9. Yes, collecting gifts, envelopes and being the last to leave is exceptional!
10. Plan on giving your time on the day after to ensure that any loose ends are taken care of can be difficult, yet necessary.

Whatever you do, please do not try and criticize, judge or disagree with the Brides flavors. Every wedding is truly a personal reflection of the couples style and should be honored as that. Being an exceptional 'Best Girl' requires patience, understanding and most of all, love.

10 Money Saving Tips for your Wedding

Saving Together...

1. Doing a destination wedding at your honeymoon location combines expenses and will save on your overall expenses.
2. Sending save-the-date cards are an extra expense that is totally OK to cut out of the budget.
3. Be conservative when purchasing your wedding gown.
4. Considering a luncheon instead of a reception dinner will cut your costs in half.
5. Doing your own make-up will save you time and money!
6. Have your ceremony chair rentals transferred to the reception tables after the wedding.
7. Keeping your centerpieces simple & low to the table can save you a lot of money!
8. Forgo favors and instead hand write thank you cards for each person or family.
9. Keep the dessert display option on your menu instead of ordering a large wedding cake (paying for a small 6" wedding cake on a pedestal for your traditional "cake cutting" will actually save you money).
10. Designate day-of tasks like setting place cards and favors to a friend or family member vs. paying someone else to do it.

When it comes to saving money the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. This will allow you to keep your costs down without sacrificing elegance.