The idea of getting through all of your wedding formals during an hour long cocktail hour may seem daunting.

Things to consider to make this process move faster

Sassy Mouth Photography 

...A First Look:  Yes, we know, it isn't traditional.  We agree but it might be the perfect thing for thing for you.  It gives you a chance to not only do your personal photographs with your soon to be new half but it can also get many of the family and wedding party photographs out of the way. Leaving your wedding, a time to really celebrate with friends and family right from the start.  

• Schedule: Schedule where and when everyone needs to be and make sure they know!  Get your wedding party shots done before hand, leaving the cocktail hour for family shots.  The people you intend to have photographed need to know before hand.  "Consider adding a note card into your welcome bags for you family members. It is a great way to personalize the bag and remind them they are needed. " says Estoccasions. 
• Announcement : Have the officiant remind family members during the start of the ceremony, that if they are family, please remember to follow the wedding party for photographs.  Also have them ask to have other wedding guests refrain from following the wedding party & taking their own photographs.
  
• Importance: Let your photographer know which photographs are the important ones to get. Having a discussion before hand about the must haves will be a life saver for you and them. Marisa from Sassy Mouth Photography says:  "Before the wedding day, tell all of the people you would like to have in your formal portraits that their presence will be required for photographs during the cocktail hour. If the photographer doesn't have to stop working to have people found, they will be able to breeze through the portraits. That create extra time for fun photographs, or allow you to go off to your party early." This has lead to a lot of success for her clients.

One last thing, make sure the catering company and the bar, provide you and your wedding party with drinks and food.  You shouldn't miss out on that even if you can't join the cocktail hour. 

cocktail hour photographs· connecticut· ct wedding planner· ct wedding planning· estoccasions· Sassy Mouth Photo· wedding photography

Photographs + Cocktail Hour

The idea of getting through all of your wedding formals during an hour long cocktail hour may seem daunting.

Things to consider to make this process move faster

Sassy Mouth Photography 

...A First Look:  Yes, we know, it isn't traditional.  We agree but it might be the perfect thing for thing for you.  It gives you a chance to not only do your personal photographs with your soon to be new half but it can also get many of the family and wedding party photographs out of the way. Leaving your wedding, a time to really celebrate with friends and family right from the start.  

• Schedule: Schedule where and when everyone needs to be and make sure they know!  Get your wedding party shots done before hand, leaving the cocktail hour for family shots.  The people you intend to have photographed need to know before hand.  "Consider adding a note card into your welcome bags for you family members. It is a great way to personalize the bag and remind them they are needed. " says Estoccasions. 
• Announcement : Have the officiant remind family members during the start of the ceremony, that if they are family, please remember to follow the wedding party for photographs.  Also have them ask to have other wedding guests refrain from following the wedding party & taking their own photographs.
  
• Importance: Let your photographer know which photographs are the important ones to get. Having a discussion before hand about the must haves will be a life saver for you and them. Marisa from Sassy Mouth Photography says:  "Before the wedding day, tell all of the people you would like to have in your formal portraits that their presence will be required for photographs during the cocktail hour. If the photographer doesn't have to stop working to have people found, they will be able to breeze through the portraits. That create extra time for fun photographs, or allow you to go off to your party early." This has lead to a lot of success for her clients.

One last thing, make sure the catering company and the bar, provide you and your wedding party with drinks and food.  You shouldn't miss out on that even if you can't join the cocktail hour. 

New England Wedding Trends

As many of us know, the fall months tend to be the busiest months here in New England.  Maybe it the crisp air, the blue skies and the stunning range of colors thanks to the changing leaves. There are venues that book almost two years in advance during these months.  If your idea is to plan a Fall Inspired wedding in New England, make sure you plan ahead.  Once again, our planner Kia, from Estoccasions was on air at NBC Connecticut at the beginning of the month. The amazing Hair and Make Up,not just for the model but also Kia was done by the crew from Larissa Lake Make Up Artist and Company.  They are beyond talented and the best part was that Estoccasions looked like herself but a better version. Dresses were provided by The Wedding Embassy, Menu and Invitations by Tulaloo, Cake by A Little Imagination Cakes, Rentals by General Eclectic Rentals.

Take a look!!! 

ct make up artist· ct wedding cakes· CT wedding gowns· ct wedding invites· CT wedding make up artist· ct wedding planner· ct wedding rentals· nbc connecticut· new england wedding trends

New England Wedding Trends

New England Wedding Trends

As many of us know, the fall months tend to be the busiest months here in New England.  Maybe it the crisp air, the blue skies and the stunning range of colors thanks to the changing leaves. There are venues that book almost two years in advance during these months.  If your idea is to plan a Fall Inspired wedding in New England, make sure you plan ahead.  Once again, our planner Kia, from Estoccasions was on air at NBC Connecticut at the beginning of the month. The amazing Hair and Make Up,not just for the model but also Kia was done by the crew from Larissa Lake Make Up Artist and Company.  They are beyond talented and the best part was that Estoccasions looked like herself but a better version. Dresses were provided by The Wedding Embassy, Menu and Invitations by Tulaloo, Cake by A Little Imagination Cakes, Rentals by General Eclectic Rentals.

Take a look!!! 

What is the love list?  It is our list as Engaged Connecticut of vendors we love to recommend. Our hope is to share vendors that we feel may meet your needs, style and budget even if it can't be one of our members.  We aren't exclusive but we are selective, and all vendors who we place on our list have had to work with at least one of our members, be recommended and that is just the start.  Stay tuned for our growing list and if you are interested in joining the list, then please take a moment to request our application.   (Huge thank you to Tulaloo for creating our amazing Love List Logo)

#engagedct· #hashtag #facebook #socialmedia #weddings· a real love story· connecticut wedding planning· CT· ct events· CT wedding bridal shop· ct wedding invites· CT wedding make up artist· ct wedding planner

The Love List

What is the love list?  It is our list as Engaged Connecticut of vendors we love to recommend. Our hope is to share vendors that we feel may meet your needs, style and budget even if it can't be one of our members.  We aren't exclusive but we are selective, and all vendors who we place on our list have had to work with at least one of our members, be recommended and that is just the start.  Stay tuned for our growing list and if you are interested in joining the list, then please take a moment to request our application.   (Huge thank you to Tulaloo for creating our amazing Love List Logo)

We often have the debate, do we or don't we provide a program.  We love programs but we understand the pros and the cons to them.  We felt that we could just list a few talking points on the subject and hope that it is helpful to you.

Every Last Detail
photo by Larrisa
Cleveland Photography

Chalkboard all in One

• It can be a  budget drain {of course ordering programs is going to take from your budget.  It is a given and if you have to have it, and they are important to you, then do create them}
• There is always the question of how many to order.  One per person, one per couple.  We have found that you order 75% of how many guests are attending!  The last thing you want to have is a ton of leftovers.
• How do I make sure everyone gets one?  {Have your wedding party hand them out, or place on every chair or maybe this idea from Every Last Detail and attach one to each chair.  They are cute and a tiny bit different.} 
• There is always the option of creating ONE noticeable wedding program for everyone to view.  A chalkboard, or printed canvas might be the way to go.  
• Going for the one program, make sure everyone can have easy access, that it will stand up indoors or outdoors with no issues and do your best to create it a few days before the wedding, if not a month prior.  This should be a #PDIY {Practical Do It Yourself Project} and just make sure you can make changes if you create it months prior. 
• What do you add, lots of details or a tiny bit of details.  The choice is yours.  We do suggest that you add in the important things, like your names, the date, location and at least a simple deadline.  It is sweet to add in bridal party information, and parents. We also love a program with a personal touch, like how you met, or the proposal story. 
• Have someone double check the spelling before you order them.  Simple and easy advice to ensuring perfect programs. 
• You have options and one of the best things you can do for yourself, is leave one of the programs at home.  This way you don't have to worry about bringing one back home. 



Drink Station & Programs at an ESTOccasions Wedding. 

• Make sure your guests have easy access to them.  Don't hide them. 

A program isn't a must but it is a nice bonus to the day.  If you can afford it, create just enough of them and then let it go.  Don't stress about anymore. 

ct wedding planner· ct weddings· estoccasions· how many programs· programs· wedding programs· Weddings

A program for your program

We often have the debate, do we or don't we provide a program.  We love programs but we understand the pros and the cons to them.  We felt that we could just list a few talking points on the subject and hope that it is helpful to you.

Every Last Detail
photo by Larrisa
Cleveland Photography

Chalkboard all in One

• It can be a  budget drain {of course ordering programs is going to take from your budget.  It is a given and if you have to have it, and they are important to you, then do create them}
• There is always the question of how many to order.  One per person, one per couple.  We have found that you order 75% of how many guests are attending!  The last thing you want to have is a ton of leftovers.
• How do I make sure everyone gets one?  {Have your wedding party hand them out, or place on every chair or maybe this idea from Every Last Detail and attach one to each chair.  They are cute and a tiny bit different.} 
• There is always the option of creating ONE noticeable wedding program for everyone to view.  A chalkboard, or printed canvas might be the way to go.  
• Going for the one program, make sure everyone can have easy access, that it will stand up indoors or outdoors with no issues and do your best to create it a few days before the wedding, if not a month prior.  This should be a #PDIY {Practical Do It Yourself Project} and just make sure you can make changes if you create it months prior. 
• What do you add, lots of details or a tiny bit of details.  The choice is yours.  We do suggest that you add in the important things, like your names, the date, location and at least a simple deadline.  It is sweet to add in bridal party information, and parents. We also love a program with a personal touch, like how you met, or the proposal story. 
• Have someone double check the spelling before you order them.  Simple and easy advice to ensuring perfect programs. 
• You have options and one of the best things you can do for yourself, is leave one of the programs at home.  This way you don't have to worry about bringing one back home. 



Drink Station & Programs at an ESTOccasions Wedding. 

• Make sure your guests have easy access to them.  Don't hide them. 

A program isn't a must but it is a nice bonus to the day.  If you can afford it, create just enough of them and then let it go.  Don't stress about anymore. 

You all asked for it, and we answered!!! Our master bridesmaid consultant is here!! If you have questions for Robyn, let us know...She is here to help.

I've been sitting here trying to think exactly how many times I have been a bridesmaid and I have even used my fingers to count. It started when I was 6 years old as being a flower girl in a friend of the family's wedding and it snow balled from there. The next time I was in a wedding I was sixteen and I had graduated to being a bridesmaid, flash forward 20 years and I have been a bridesmaid 5 more times and a maid of honor 1 time (that was exciting). Overall in a 30 year span I have been in 8 weddings total, that I can remember anyway. Lol!
 Committing to being in a wedding can be quite costly, I suggest to anyone before agreeing to be in any wedding party you consider the cost(s) that come along with the honor and the responsibility. I have been in weddings where it cost me almost nothing more then my dress, shoes, jewelry, etc... And I have been in weddings were it cost me a great deal more. Worth it? Definitely! Depending on your role in the wedding and how close you are with the bride or the groom, your expenses will vary. Expenses include but are not limited to your dress, shoes, hair, makeup, accessories, bridal shower and bridal shower food, prep, etc, a bachelorette party and the list goes on. The most extravagant bachelorette party

I had to plan was the one where I was the Maid of Honor, thankfully the group of bridesmaids she had where a 100% committed to taking on their share of the expenses and even though it was an expensive shower and bachelorette party it was bearable. Luckily I was fortunate and didn't really come across any unexpected costs and for the most part have had success in having the other members of the bridal parties on the same page. If I had to, I would say the one and only time there was a slight more cost on my end was when I was in a bridal party where the other 2 girls were impossible to get a hold of or were not able to meet up as often as we should have and the brides mom and I had to buy the stamps and do all the invites to the bridal shower. But that was pretty minimal, just more frustrating.

I had been asked to be in another friends wedding at one point and I had to decline, not because I couldn't afford it, but I just didn't know where I was going in my life, I had been thinking about joining the military and didn't want to commit not knowing where I would be. Long story short I didn't end up going into the military and still attended the wedding, as a guest. My point is no matter your reason, its wise to inform the bride to be as soon as possible whether or not you will be able to participate in the responsibilities that go a long with being part of a bridal party. After all its an honor to be asked to be part of a bridal party, whomever it is thinks highly enough of you that they want you standing up for them at the alter sharing in their special moment. Be gracious, yet courteous and if you need to kindly decline. If your friend or family member thinks that highly about you they will understand. Maybe they could even give you a part in the wedding that won't cost you anything (singing, reading a special verse or a poem). If you do agree, its wise to get together as soon as possible with the rest of the bridal party to discuss ideas and costs so there are no future surprise expenses!

Happy Planning :-)

bridesmaid gowns· bridesmaids· connecticut wedding planning· ct bridesmaids· ct wedding planner· Engaged Connecticut· engagedct· flowergirls· robyn· straight from the bridesmaids mouth

Robyn's Bridesmaid Story

You all asked for it, and we answered!!! Our master bridesmaid consultant is here!! If you have questions for Robyn, let us know...She is here to help.

I've been sitting here trying to think exactly how many times I have been a bridesmaid and I have even used my fingers to count. It started when I was 6 years old as being a flower girl in a friend of the family's wedding and it snow balled from there. The next time I was in a wedding I was sixteen and I had graduated to being a bridesmaid, flash forward 20 years and I have been a bridesmaid 5 more times and a maid of honor 1 time (that was exciting). Overall in a 30 year span I have been in 8 weddings total, that I can remember anyway. Lol!
 Committing to being in a wedding can be quite costly, I suggest to anyone before agreeing to be in any wedding party you consider the cost(s) that come along with the honor and the responsibility. I have been in weddings where it cost me almost nothing more then my dress, shoes, jewelry, etc... And I have been in weddings were it cost me a great deal more. Worth it? Definitely! Depending on your role in the wedding and how close you are with the bride or the groom, your expenses will vary. Expenses include but are not limited to your dress, shoes, hair, makeup, accessories, bridal shower and bridal shower food, prep, etc, a bachelorette party and the list goes on. The most extravagant bachelorette party

I had to plan was the one where I was the Maid of Honor, thankfully the group of bridesmaids she had where a 100% committed to taking on their share of the expenses and even though it was an expensive shower and bachelorette party it was bearable. Luckily I was fortunate and didn't really come across any unexpected costs and for the most part have had success in having the other members of the bridal parties on the same page. If I had to, I would say the one and only time there was a slight more cost on my end was when I was in a bridal party where the other 2 girls were impossible to get a hold of or were not able to meet up as often as we should have and the brides mom and I had to buy the stamps and do all the invites to the bridal shower. But that was pretty minimal, just more frustrating.

I had been asked to be in another friends wedding at one point and I had to decline, not because I couldn't afford it, but I just didn't know where I was going in my life, I had been thinking about joining the military and didn't want to commit not knowing where I would be. Long story short I didn't end up going into the military and still attended the wedding, as a guest. My point is no matter your reason, its wise to inform the bride to be as soon as possible whether or not you will be able to participate in the responsibilities that go a long with being part of a bridal party. After all its an honor to be asked to be part of a bridal party, whomever it is thinks highly enough of you that they want you standing up for them at the alter sharing in their special moment. Be gracious, yet courteous and if you need to kindly decline. If your friend or family member thinks that highly about you they will understand. Maybe they could even give you a part in the wedding that won't cost you anything (singing, reading a special verse or a poem). If you do agree, its wise to get together as soon as possible with the rest of the bridal party to discuss ideas and costs so there are no future surprise expenses!

Happy Planning :-)

One of my least favorite things for our grooms is....the pocket square.  We have personally

Two Roads Photography

folded more than we can count and watched entire wedding parties struggle with them. 
The best man folds it one way and then the groom a different way and there is always the one guy who mostly just shoves the fabric into his pocket and calls it a day. Though now, we are finding a new love for the square. 

Of course when it comes to the handsome little ring bearers, the rental companies send along adult size squares and it just isn't going to happen.   Megan Dumaine from The Wedding Embassy admits that she has to cut them to size to make them work.  When most of us think of the square, we think of the satin type material but "they come in any fabric...personally I like printed cotton the best, looks fun, folds great! We can make them out of almost anything" says Dumaine.  Remember you can order your tuxes and suits at The Wedding Embassy. 

Recently we came across co.man, a vintage wear site for men and feel in love.  The detailed shots of pocket squares has given us hope for the upcoming 2014 wedding season.  Be inspired to find a look that works for you, and your look.  Try out a few different looks and either prep them all in advance or send along directions to all of the groomsmen. 

Tie-a-Tie.net has directions that are easy and simple to use. Plus there are plenty of youtube.com step by step videos to guide your through the steps.  If you can't seem to pull off the look you want, then check in with the experts like The Wedding Embassy. 
Also remember, the square doesn't have to match the tie or vest, have some fun with looks and look for our blog on that soon!  

Remember once you master the look you want, don't forget to share with us.  Find us on facebook or tag us @engagedct in your instagram. 

Ceremony· ct wedding planner· Engaged Connecticut· Engagement Shoot· grooms· groomsmen· megan dumaine· pocket square· suits· the wedding embassy· tuxedos· two roads photography· wedding planning

The Pocket

One of my least favorite things for our grooms is....the pocket square.  We have personally

Two Roads Photography

folded more than we can count and watched entire wedding parties struggle with them. 
The best man folds it one way and then the groom a different way and there is always the one guy who mostly just shoves the fabric into his pocket and calls it a day. Though now, we are finding a new love for the square. 

Of course when it comes to the handsome little ring bearers, the rental companies send along adult size squares and it just isn't going to happen.   Megan Dumaine from The Wedding Embassy admits that she has to cut them to size to make them work.  When most of us think of the square, we think of the satin type material but "they come in any fabric...personally I like printed cotton the best, looks fun, folds great! We can make them out of almost anything" says Dumaine.  Remember you can order your tuxes and suits at The Wedding Embassy. 

Recently we came across co.man, a vintage wear site for men and feel in love.  The detailed shots of pocket squares has given us hope for the upcoming 2014 wedding season.  Be inspired to find a look that works for you, and your look.  Try out a few different looks and either prep them all in advance or send along directions to all of the groomsmen. 

Tie-a-Tie.net has directions that are easy and simple to use. Plus there are plenty of youtube.com step by step videos to guide your through the steps.  If you can't seem to pull off the look you want, then check in with the experts like The Wedding Embassy. 
Also remember, the square doesn't have to match the tie or vest, have some fun with looks and look for our blog on that soon!  

Remember once you master the look you want, don't forget to share with us.  Find us on facebook or tag us @engagedct in your instagram. 

  Our WedTips, well they are just that, a tip, that tends to be a wedding related.  (Though let's be honest, every now and then we will break free from weddings and talk about parties and events. ) Our goal is to share one daily but of course sometimes life gets in the way.  Please join us throughout the upcoming year daily, for our #wedtips.  Feel free to share them Facebook or Twitter!!!   (Should we instagram our tips too??)  Plus if you are in the process of planning, OR if you are a vendor and you have a tip, please share it with us.  info@engagedct.com   subject: #wedtip!    Can't wait to see you suggestions and THANK YOU!!!  We hope these tips inspire, create, and let everyone know that they aren't alone!!!   Happy New Year!  

Celebrate· ct wedding planner· ct wedding planning· Engaged Connecticut· engagedct· engagedmass· estoccaisons· Events· facebook· kia martinson· Real Weddings· socialmedia· wedding· wedding tips· Weddings· wedtip

#WedTip

  Our WedTips, well they are just that, a tip, that tends to be a wedding related.  (Though let's be honest, every now and then we will break free from weddings and talk about parties and events. ) Our goal is to share one daily but of course sometimes life gets in the way.  Please join us throughout the upcoming year daily, for our #wedtips.  Feel free to share them Facebook or Twitter!!!   (Should we instagram our tips too??)  Plus if you are in the process of planning, OR if you are a vendor and you have a tip, please share it with us.  info@engagedct.com   subject: #wedtip!    Can't wait to see you suggestions and THANK YOU!!!  We hope these tips inspire, create, and let everyone know that they aren't alone!!!   Happy New Year!  

Coming this year : Straight from the Bridesmaids Mouth blog...Our guest blogger Robyn, who has been a flower girl, a bridesmaid countless times and even a maid of honor is ready to help your best friends get through assisting YOU on the big day.  Robyn has even had to say NO to being part of a wedding but still attended as a guest.  Don't you wanna know how to do that? There are things to consider each time you are asked and not only for the bridesmaids but for the bride.  #Robyn will be working with us throughout the year.    Make sure you read the blog, share with your girls and make if you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to ask Robyn.    Info@engagedct.com  subject:Bridesmaids 

bridesmaids· ct bridesmaids· ct wedding planner· ct wedding planning· dresses· Engaged Connecticut· engagedct· Events· robyn· straight from the bridesmaids mouth· wedding planning· Weddings

Straight from the Bridesmaids Mouth

Coming this year : Straight from the Bridesmaids Mouth blog...Our guest blogger Robyn, who has been a flower girl, a bridesmaid countless times and even a maid of honor is ready to help your best friends get through assisting YOU on the big day.  Robyn has even had to say NO to being part of a wedding but still attended as a guest.  Don't you wanna know how to do that? There are things to consider each time you are asked and not only for the bridesmaids but for the bride.  #Robyn will be working with us throughout the year.    Make sure you read the blog, share with your girls and make if you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to ask Robyn.    Info@engagedct.com  subject:Bridesmaids