One of the primary design elements to every wedding are the colors. They help cohesively tie everything together from the very beginning with the invitations.

Color is a tricky thing because there are some definite rules that can be followed when it comes to selection for a wedding. Using the aid of a color wheel is sometimes very helpful. Especially if you are at a loss for what colors will complement each other. But nowadays rules are quite often thrown out the window and couple's let their instincts guide them when choosing the colors for their wedding.


Color Wheel Puzzle: Pottery Barn Kids Design



Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your colors:

The location- Where will the wedding be and what will the prominent colors at the location be? Keep these things in mind when choosing the colors because you don't want to clash with your location.

Season- Many times seasonal colors can help as you decide on your colors. Red, burgandy, navy blue, teal, champagne, and magenta are common colors seen during winter and early spring. As warmer weather comes it's very normal to see lavender, sky blue, yellow, orange, pink and coral. Also you may be somewhat limited in your floral colors during certain times of the year so keep that in mind as you choose your date and as you choose your color scheme.

Mood- The colors you choose will impact the mood of your wedding so pick wisely. If you are going for a tranquil event choose muted, less intense, tones. While if you are wanting a regal feel for your wedding don't be afraid to pick more bold and rich colors.

Personal Taste- What are your color likes and dislikes? A recent bride told me she was definitely not going to have some specific colors but was open minded to others. It was wonderful becasue she and I were quickly able to narrow down our color choices just based on her opinion.

Try to have two or three main colors that are complementary of each other then feel free to blend monochromatic (colors that are similar but only slightly different) tones throughout your design as well.

Many times the bride's attendants will be wearing one of the colors, typically the primary color, she selects so some bride's consider what will look best on their ladies as they think about the wedding colors.

Where should you add these colors at your wedding? Start with the attire, invitations, flowers, cake and favors. As you progress through designing your day see if there are any other areas you can add in your colors without it becoming 'too' much. Keeping your table cloths and place settings simple in color (white or black) allows you to have more color fun with the centerpieces, napkins, and even the food.

Color is a great way to express yourself and your personality. Have fun, and hopefully using some of these tips as you select your colors will allow your instincts to direct you as you design your big day!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Recently, when idea generating with a June 2010 client, I encouraged them to embrace the uniqueness of their Kansas wedding by celebrating outside during the reception amongst the landscape of prairie grasses, rolling hills with a big sky and a warm sunset. They have chosen the theme 'Prairie Wedding' and as we plan all the small and large details you can look forward to many more blog posts dedicated to this couple.

What I love about the 'Prairie Wedding' theme for this particular couple is that they have embraced the beauty of their home state. They are both from a small town in Kansas and want to have a classy, yet comfortable, wedding that celebrates where they grew up while also blending in the class and style of being a college couple from New York. So, as we are still brainstorming and putting structure to the dreams for their wedding I'm reminded of all the great wedding themes we at MHP have been exposed to.

Megan, the owner and Photographer of MHP, just photographed a wedding for a Professional Bullfighter full of cowboy hats, sunflowers, barns, and southern drawl. The wedding I planned in March for Grace and Sean was a celebration of spring which was reflected in their flowers and colors. And I'll never forget a wedding from last summer where the couple wanted to celebrate their unified love of cats so the reception was decorated with feline touches.

One of my favorite things about being a wedding planner is the unique individuals I come in contact with, and the joy of celebrating their individuality as I help them plan their most special day. So, as you plan and envision your theme remember to stay true to who you are and where you've come from and always remember to celebrate the journey's that have brought you together.

Labels: Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Congratulations!!! You're Engaged!!!

Now what??
I can't tell you how many times I've heard that question. To help, I've made a quick to-do list for you as you start your engagement period!




1)The bride should get a manicure! Everyone will be checking out the ring so spend a little time, in enjoying the moment, and pamper those hands!

2)Don't rush...well unless you want to get married in less than 90 days. Otherwise you and your fiance' should take some time, a couple weeks at least, and really enjoy just being engaged.

3)While you're taking that time, try to have a few heart to heart chats, just the two of you, in regards to the upcoming wedding day. Ask each other questions like, "What do you want our wedding day to be like?" or, "Is there anything you don't want?" If you think it will help, take some notes while you're talking so you don't forget each other's input or a great idea one of you has. Before you get carried away with deciding things like colors and the dinner menu you should talk generally about things like, the wedding date, size, and budget and see what the other is comfortable with. Overall, the most important thing is that the two of you are on the same page when it comes to what you each want your wedding day to look like.

4)When you're ready, set a date. Some people know before they are engaged when the wedding date will be. Other couples wait, sometimes months, before picking their upcoming wedding date. In either case once you've done number three I think it's a great time to, while including each other's families, set the date.

5)Now you're ready to put together a planning timeline. Using the aid of a published wedding planner is a great place to start when doing this. However, only you and your budget know what you will be including in your big day so don't be afraid to start putting ideas on paper. During this process you'll get a really good idea of the scope of planning required to make your wedding day happen. At this point the couple, and their family, usually realize if they are going to need a professional Wedding Planner. If so, some couple's will know to what extent they'd like help, while others aren't quite sure. But once you know you need the help of a professional it's time to set up an initial consultation.

6)Follow your timeline and start planning!

Now you are on your way to having the wedding of your dreams! Congratulations again and happy planning!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning Tips

With wedding season just around the corner I am often asked by those invited: "What should I wear?" Here is a quick guide to wedding guest attire during spring and summer weddings.

In some cases the dress code may be listed at the bottom of the invitation. If this is the case these are usually the distinctions:

-Black Tie or Formal
Guys wear tuxedos and ladies wear a formal long cocktail dress or dressy evening separates.

-Black Tie Optional
In this case guys have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a full suit and ladies still dress formally in a long cocktail dress or dressy evening separates.

-Semi-Formal
Tuxes and long dresses are not required. If the wedding is after 5 p.m. dark suits and short cocktail dresses are appropriate. If the wedding is before 5 p.m. the colors can be a little lighter and it means a suit for him and a short nice dress for her.

-Informal
This is usually translated as casual but it's actually the same as semi-formal and when a wedding celebration or festive invite-only event calls for this attire it's best to assume the semi-formal dress code.

-Dressy Casual
This means dressed up versions of casual looks. It could mean slacks and a sports coat for him and a nice sundress for her.

-Casual
The best rule of thumb for this is to wear something you'd wear on a first date.

But what if there is no dress code distinction? I usually look to see what time the wedding will be taking place as well as the location when deciding on the attire.

Generally speaking if the wedding is:

-In the Morning
Dressy casual is the standard, I even step it up a bit from that. A great visual description is traditional summer church clothes.

-In the Afternoon
A before 5 semi-formal attire selection is the rule of thumb.

-In the Evening
Stick with semi-formal.

-A few last minute tips
Let the location be your guide. If you are on the fence about whether you should really dress up that black cocktail dress or keep it more casual think about the location. An evening wedding on the beach during sunset and an evening wedding at a ballroom in a five star hotel call for completely different attire. Think about where you'll be located and how traditional the ceremony will be when deciding on your wardrobe.

Remember even though dancing may be involved at some point during the event you're not going to a club. A wedding guest-list will include great grandparents as well as toddlers and in most cases you will be in some kind of 'house of worship' for a portion of the event so remember to keep your attire classy.

As far as color selection goes, ladies, always steer clear of white or anything that resembles white especially if your dress is a solid color, you don't want to distract from the bride. White, ivory, champagne and anything else close to those colors should be reserved for the lady of honor.

Whew! Who would have ever thought that dressing for a wedding could be so complicated! Well it certainly doesn't have to be, follow this simple guide and I'm sure you will have a blast at all those spring and summer wedding while being immaculately dressed!

Labels: Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Yesterday as I was helping a client 'hide' her wedding dress, until the big day, she had an 'Ah Ha!' moment. We were talking about some of the final details for her wedding, which is less than 2 weeks away! She's getting married outside in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Larkspur, Colorado. She and I were discussing the weather and how unpredictable Colorado can be, in March especially. Rightfully so, she has a ceremony location alternative in case snow, rain or lightening appear as unwelcome guests at her wedding.

One component of her ceremony involves flower petals sprinkled in an elegant fashion down the aisle. We decided to come up with an alternative, in the event of wind, and after a few suggestions she had an 'Ah Ha!' moment when she said, "I love it! That's what we're doing instead! Let's plan on it!"



So to compensate for unpredictable Colorado wind we will be passing out small packets of flower petals to each guest as they are given their ceremony program. Or we may ornately lay the packets of petals on strategic seats with a small river rock tucked inside each to keep the wind at bay. As my clients head down the aisle after their first kiss they will be blanketed with these petals as the guests toss them in congratulations.



If you're having an outdoor wedding in the upcoming months don't forget to think about your most unpredictable guest, 'Mother Nature.' Be sure to have a plan in the event of inclement weather and even if the weather looks clear and sunny don't forget to account for the temperature as well as the wind. You'll save yourself, your family, and your guests the stress of having to make a quick decision, that may result in a less-than-ideal situation, on one of the most memorable days of your life.

Labels: Colorado Weddings, Details, Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Planning Tips

One of the things I love about being a wedding planner is the ability to pay close attention to the details of the day. Spending extra time orchestrating the finer details of a wedding not only allows the couple to feel like the event is classy but the guests feel special and well taken care of because of the extra effort put towards the small things. Having a little something the guests can take with them after your event can be a great way of saying 'thanks' for their support and love on your special day.



Here are a few tips and when it comes to having the right wedding favor for your big day!

- Always make it personal. Give a simple, small gift that gives the guest yet one more glimpse into who you are as a couple. I recently read about a couple that gave all their guests hand-made sock puppets because the groom used one when he proposed to his bride. How cute!

- In planning your wedding it's highly likely that you used a theme to keep the whole event cohesive and flowing. Try to incorporate something that is in-line with your wedding theme when deciding on your wedding favor. In addition to a thoughtful gift, your guests will leave with another tangible memory of the day.

- Take ideas from your outdoor venue. If you are getting married at a very scenic location or the affair is outdoors (like so many beautiful weddings here in Colorado!) try incorporating a wedding favor that ties in with the locale of your event. Give each guest a beautiful ornate seashell if you were married on the beach, or give everyone a potted tropical flower if you were married at a botanical garden. How about a pine cone Christmas ornament if you were married in the Rocky Mountains? Let nature be your creative guide when it comes to the finer details of an outdoor wedding.

- Ask a friend to help. If you are short on time, ask a willing friend to be in charge of your wedding favors. At our wedding, we asked friends to pass out water bottles to all of our guests because we were married outside and there was some hiking involved. As an added touch, we handmade individual labels for each bottle -- it was a big hit!

- Keep it simple. Don't feel pressure to do too much. It's very easy to keep the wedding favor classy and still inexpensive. Time is worth so much more than any dollar sign so, if you're short on cash try making a simple, small, hand made gift for all your guests. If you have a larger guest list then ask your bridesmaids or family members to help.

- Do double duty. Your wedding favor can also easily be the place card for all your guests when they dine at your reception. It's a really simple way to personalize the wedding reception for your guests, and the only added effort is in placing the gifts at the correct seats as well as adding a name tag.

- Always have fun! Chances are, you and your fiance are attracted to one another because of some amazing personality traits that each of you have. Embrace these aspects of each other when deciding on a gift to give your guests and have fun with it. Remember to enjoy yourself when making, assembling, wrapping, or placing your gifts out for your guests.

I hope these ideas help you as you plan your wedding day details!

Labels: Colorado Weddings, Details, Wedding Planning Tips

Many brides will assume they don't need a wedding planner because they have an on-site "location manager". I will be the first to say that these guys are awesome and know everything there is to know about the venue in which you're getting married at -- and, during the day of the wedding we usually work hand in hand. While they will help you with things related to the venue, they usually aren't going to assist you with the "design" of the venue as far as color schemes go, help you create or meet your budget for the florist, invitations, photography, and/or caterer, or make sure your guests are comfortable in the hotel you advised them to stay in by giving them a gift basket with needed supplies/maps. Some location managers may do this, but 99% don't.

In a perfect situation, you would have both. Someone who manages the venue and will assist you in venue related things, as well as a wedding planner to help you coordinate the details of the day and be there with you until the "send off"! Here are some things to ask yourself to see if you might want the assistance of a wedding planner for your day:

Are you the type of bride that wants to sit back and relax during your wedding?
Do you get overwhelmed with details and dislike multitasking?
Are you somewhat limited in time for planning your wedding?
Would you like someone to assist you in writing a wedding budget?
Do you have 4 or more people in your wedding party?
Do you have a large family and/or are having many guests come in from out of town?
Do you have "ideas" of how you want your special day to be but want help putting it all together?
Would you like someone to meet with vendors with you to assess if they would be a good fit for your day?

Whether you're 12 months away from the day of your wedding or 12 days, I can help you in the details of your day. From going to different vendor appointments with you, to decorating the tables for the reception, to being at your rehearsal and discussing who walks first and who stands where.... I want to be along side you on your big day to help keep it stress free!

Labels: Vendor Selection, Wedding Planning Tips