Me, and my Journey through Life

Today I just want to talk about me. I think there is a song about that. No seriously, I think that weddings are very personal and when you hire a wedding planner, designer etc. You should be comfortable around them and get to know them so that you will feel confident in your choice for hiring them.

I am on a journey through this thing we call life. I know that sounds cliche but it is true. Turning forty this past January has had a profound impact on me. I see things differently. I have found that it is passion mixed with talent that make for a great designer. For Steven Clay Wedding and Event Designs what you see is what you get. I am the owner, planner and designer. Pretty much the buck starts and stops with me. I love this industry and love flowers, I want to share that love and passion with you. I have done well over 250 weddings, some complete planning packages and some just the flowers. A unique mix of flowers and naturals is my "design philosophy" I love natural greens from the area and like to incorporate those in my designs.

Whatever decision you make about your wedding vendors, please do yourself a favor and make sure you feel a connection with them and that they are passionate about what they do. You do not want someone that is just doing for the job itself but actually feel excited about your wedding or event. Cal me and let's discuss your next wedding or event.

Clay

Kid-Friendly Wedding Tips

I always say it is your wedding and the day of your dreams, and you have chosen to include children at the wedding. This can be risky as babies can cry during the ceremony, children become restless, and often the reception menu does not include foods they will eat. Since caterers require a head count, on which they base their charges including the kids can become costly. In addition sometimes Adults have a hard time enjoying the event as they have to tend to their children.

Here are some times to consider for making you wedding Kid-Friendly:

1-Hire a Babysitter to keep the children.

2-Designate a special room for the children during the ceremony and reception.

3-Offer a children's menu featuring items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken nuggets.

4- Feed the children in a timely manner.

5-Have a special drink for the children.

6-Incorporate Kid sized tables complete with crayons and coloring books.

7-Provide board games and toys.

8-Hire a face painter, magician, or clown to entertain.

9- Play music they like to hear.

10- Set up a supervised candy bar and provide special bags for taking home the treats.

Open Bar?

There has been a lot of discussion on the subject of "Open Bar".

Should we spring for an open bar?

Well truth is that depends on the venue of the reception. Open bars may be the most expensive choice. You have to cover all the tastes, habits and preferences, from your scotch drinking uncle to your cosmo-sipping friends.

There are options for you. You can have no bar (which can get ugly) or a cash bar (which some might consider tacky).

My suggestion to help trim costs, have a limited-time open bar-just during the cocktail hour, and then shift to wine with dinner. Offer a signature cocktail rather than a full range, plus wine and beer. Though the costs also depend on the length of time the bar is open, as a general rule you can shave about 30 percent off the total bill by limiting the hard liquor.

All in all it is your wedding, with trends and traditions being changed so often you do what is best for you and your overall budget. Please if anyone has additional questions please ask.

Clay

October and November Brides Checklist

If you are a bride that will be having a wedding this year in October and November. Here are some items that you should be working on and some stuff you should already have done. I hope this just helps keep you organized.

Order Invitations, announcements,programs, and thank you cards

Book Calligrapher for the Invitations, if using one

Select and order Bridesmaids dresses and shoes

Urge your Mother and Future Mother-in-Law to shop for their dresses

Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear

Register for gifts

Plan your honeymoon and make reservations

Purchase wedding rings

Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires

Choose reception favors

Choose gifts for attendants and your groom

Make a Hotel reservation for your wedding night

Make Hotel reservations for your out of town guests

Book Hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding

Take Dance Lessons

I am hoping that is is helpful information, some of the items on this list may not sound like a priority, but when you consider how crazy your life will be the closer you to the wedding you will realize the urgency of taking care of them now.

Clay