Jana and Scott wanted to share their intimate wedding day at the fabulous Southern California Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California.   Residing in Oklahoma City, Jana and Scott only wanted 12 of their closest friends to share their special day, on a Thursday evening.    As Jana said, “even a 10 person wedding requires much planning and fine tuning”.    As I agree, “that sometimes the smaller weddings are as much detail and planning as the large weddings.   The ceremony was outdoors at sunset on the cliff overlooking the ocean, and the perfect timing for a school of dolphins to swim by leaping and frolicking in the beautiful ocean saying “congratulations” to the happy couple.    A moment captured in time, as the 10 guests gathered around to witness the nuptials.  The Raya private dining room was the perfect setting for an elegant candlelight dinner, with 5 star menu selections, and each course paired with fine wines.   Congratulations Jana and Scott.    Wishing you all things Wonderful!!!

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of planning a cultural Indonesian wedding at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel (which is actually in Dana Point, California!).

It was a typically stunning day along our Gold Coast of California, with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. The bride chose beautiful soft colors of lavender, fuchsia, hot pink, and purples.

Q: Do I need to send out “Save the Dates”?
A: Absolutely not. But with the busy lifestyles of everyone today, it is best to let your guests know to plan ahead for airline and hotel reservations, and work schedules. Paper goods are still in fashion for Save the Dates, as opposed to E-mail notification.

Q: Should I save the top of my cake?
A: Maybe to see how bad it really tastes after a year! Can’t tell you how many couples tell me they have to work around the “saved cake” in the freezer for A YEAR!!! Keep checking back with me, and I’ll let you know if I find a recipe for a “saved cake”.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Before you even book your venue, if you have selected a “rainy” month, ask what the back up plan is for “inclimate” weather. If there isn’t a back up room or covered area, either change the month you get married, or find another venue. All of your team of professionals know how to work around rain. Rain or shine, the guests will have a great time, so best if you don’t get upset and just enjoy the day.

Q: Do I need to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen?
A: Absolutely not. One of my weddings had 18 groomsmen and 8 bridesmaids. An unusual imbalance, but it sure made for good conversation.

Q: Should I invite all of the out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner?
A: Yes, yes, and yes…finances permitting. Out of town guests have spent time and $$$ to travel a distance to share time with you and with all that goes on during a wedding day, they get little time with you. The rehearsal dinner gives you more time together, and is honoring of the time they have taken to be with you. Remember, your wedding may be the one and only time everyone can be together.

1. Prepare your guest list as comprehensive as possible. The number of guests will be key to selecting your location of choice.
2. Decide what geographic area you desire for your wedding.
3. Decide what time of year you desire. Remember, your wedding date becomes your anniversary date forever.
4. Hire a Wedding Planner to be your Coach and Guide. This will be one expense you will never regret. Allow them to help you find a location and to be the “voice of reason” throughout the planning journey. Remember, you don’t have to give up control of planning your wedding, but it’s fun to have an experienced partner to keep you focused, especially if you are a busy working couple.
5. Select your venue and decide on a date. Best to be flexible for the date. Not always will your venue of choice have the exact date you want.

1. Take the time to get to know your dress before you purchase. Walk around the salon, pretend like you are dancing with your husband to be, hug your best friend or mom so you know what all of these movements feel like.
2. Try on your gown 3 days before the wedding, even if you have had your final fitting. Gives you plenty of time to have it altered for the up’s or down’s of a few pounds before the big day.
3. A tight “top” fit for a strapless gown is a must, unless you want your guests to see you pulling up your dress all day.
4. Have some fabulous Swarovski Crystal spaghetti straps made to attach if your gown does creep down throughout the day. Only if the style of the dress works well for them.
5. Make sure your “train” is altered to “not sweep” the ground when it is bustled. It will become your 1st married annoyance when your Groom and your guests step on the train throughout the day.
6. Walking on a grass aisle is beautiful, but not so pretty when you step on the front of your gown after sinking into the grass as you walk. Alter the gown for plush grass.
7. Under slips may be necessary for some gowns, but make sure it doesn’t catch on the bows or Swarovski crystals on your shoes.
8. Maid of Honor, Best Friend, or Mom need to know how to properly bustle your dress. Train bustling 101 for your last fitting.
9. Train bustling with ties is fine, but matching “numbers” on the ties, work better than “matching colors”. Low light can inhibit seeing matching colors, especially when the person bustling is generally “under the dress”.
10. Arrange for a professional “steamer” in case you need a last minute touch up on your wedding day.