Wednesday Wedding Tip -- Hiring a Wedding Coordinator

Today's tip comes from one of my favorite wedding sites, Martha Stewart Weddings and I think it is an excellent summary of why a bride should hire a wedding coordinator:

Hiring a wedding coordinator was once a luxury. Today, for many couples, it's a necessity. Planning a wedding is more complicated than ever, now that most brides and grooms don't meet and marry in the same hometown. Both the bride and groom usually want to be involved with the arrangements but are often preoccupied with work or school. They have high expectations of their weddings, but are novices at organizing such big events. Not only can a wedding coordinator handle the time-consuming, stress-inducing details, but he or she can also help make the planning itself an enjoyable experience. "Many couples have tremendous wedding days," says Elizabeth K. Allen, a planner with offices in New York City and Atlanta. "But looking back, they realize how stressful it was to get there. A wedding coordinator helps to make it an enjoyable process all around, so the couple has great memories of the engagement and the celebration."

Brides a la mode featured in Wedding Day's Trend Report

Brides a la mode is all over the Spring edition of Wedding Day Magazine, starting with the beautiful makeup on the cover model done by our very own Gabrielle Thompson.

Our advice on trends is featured on pages 46-47 -- "Reinventing the Guest Book", featuring photos from Cathy Dietz Photography;  page 62 -- "Make a Statement" and page 99 -- "Details".

Also, be sure to check out trends from Brides A la Mode member Merry Me Events on eco chic decor, unusual favors, comfort foods and much more!

Be sure to stop by Brides a la mode for your copy of this trend-filled magazine! 

Wednesday Wedding Tip - 5 Tips for an organized Marriage

Today's tips are brought to you by Brides a la mode member, Wendy Taddeuccu of Simply Organized.  http://sollc.blogspot.com/2010/02/5-tips-for-organized-marriage.html

Here's what Wendy has to say about her business:
"I help my clients clear their clutter so that they know what they have AND where to find it. I am especially excited to work with newly married couples - starting with a clean organizing slate makes organizing, well, easier! New couples have the opportunity to place their things in the home for maximum efficiency and use. When I work with a couple that is or has recently moved into their first home, I work with them and help them decide where everything goes. So, if you have stuff just shoved anywhere and can't find anything, call me for special pricing. When you are organized, life is so much sweeter."

Check out more at http://www.putclutterinitsplace.com/ and see how Wendy transformed the Brides a la mode storage room!

U93's Married by Michiana couple, Michael & Kaitlyn

Here are a group of pictures from their engagement session, photographed last weekend by Cathy Dietz.  Cute couple!  April 10th is the big day.  Vote for their cake and flowers this week at http://www.bridesalamode.com/.

Bella Recap Part 1, Exhibitor's Reception

Last weekend Brides a la mode introduced Bella, an Exceptional event for Brides - the area's first 3-day bridal event!  We kicked things off with a reception hosted by Events with Style Catering at LaSalle Grill.  Exhibitors were invited to get to know special guests Michelle Rago and Linnyette Richardson-Hall while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

Photographer Kaity Fuja, of OMG Photography captured the evening:

Congratulations to Kaityn & Michael

Photo courtesy of Zeta-Alpha Studio

Michiana voted and selected Kaitlyn & Michael to be "Married by Michiana".  Does Kaitlyn look excited, or what? 

This week, you can vote for Kaitlyn's gown and her bridesmaids dresses here

Bella Bridal Event - New lower prices for Brunch + Show

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and we know that you want everything to be just perfect. The delicious food, spectacular design gallery and celebrity advice we have prepared for the VIB {Very Important Bride} Brunch and the Bella Bridal Show have been carefully planned to help inspire you to achieve the wedding of your dreams.

In addition, we have gorgeous "VIB" swag bags filled with all kinds of goodies (valued at over $75) that will only be given to brides attending the brunch.

If the celebrities, design ideas, food, champagne and swag bags aren't enough, Dream Coach Carriages will be on hand to give horse drawn carriage rides from Trio's to the Palais Royale. Talk about arriving "in style"!

We realize that every penny counts when you are planning your wedding, so we have lowered the price for tickets to the Brunch and Bridal Show from $37.50 to $32 each; or you may purchase 2 tickets for only $50, so you can bring your Mom, your Bridesmaid(s) or your fiance to experience the brunch AND the Bella Bridal Show.

You can pick up tickets at Brides a la mode (1217 E. University Dr., Granger) or Spark Fine Stationery (121 South Michigan Street, South Bend) or online using a credit card here.

Don't miss this opportunity to plan the wedding of your dreams!