I know there are still some people out there that don't see the value of a wedding consultant, so let me give you a few reasons that may change your mind. We had a wedding last weekend where there was an unfortunate event that took place during the ceremony. We were there to keep things going...at a faster pace so the ceremony wasn’t a disaster. We were there to give directions to 911, keep people calm and make sure that most of the guests didn’t even know what was going on. I even escorted the grandmother down the aisle because the usher was taking care of the “situation”.

Once we arrived at the reception, there was a mix up with some of the décor and we were on site to have things arranged in a manner that once the bride arrived, she had NO idea. She still hasn’t noticed and she won’t ever know because we asked the photographer to photograph around the mix up.

I saw on Facebook that there was a wedding last weekend where the florist left their shop to deliver the flowers at the same time the ceremony was supposed to start! If they had hired a wedding consultant, we would have called the vendors to verify times and followed up with an itinerary of times and events.

We are experienced to handle situations so you won’t need to be bothered with any little detail. It is a bride’s job to be happy, greet guests and not have a care in the world!

Color Scheme: Peach and Robin Egg

We love this unique color combination. There's something so electic-vintage about it, while still being clean, fresh and perfect for the season. Beautiful!

AWC Special Features!

It's been a busy spring already, setting a strong pace for the rest of wedding season. We're thrilled this week to have had two special honors given to us.




We're thrilled and thankful that our clients and fellow vendors helped vote us into the TOP FIVE WEDDING PLANNERS in St. Louis, according to KTVI Fox 2's Hot List. Thank you to everyone who voted!

There were 19 wedding consultants in St. Louis added to the nominees list, and it was an honor to be placed among these amazing companies. We strive to to give our clients award-winning service, so it's great to have been recognized. We're looking forward to the coming season and will be working our hardest to move up to the #1 spot!













We're also exciting to be a featured blog on the Saint Louis Bride Magazine Blog. Check out what Erin had to say about hiring a wedding consultant here.

Thank you so much to Saint Louis Bride for the opportunity, and for continuing to provide brides with the best, most up-to-date, information and trends in weddings!

Ask AWC: In A Peculiar Position

Dear AWC:

My fiance and I were discussing the ceremony processional and altar lineup for our bridesmaids and groomsmen. I think it would be aesthetically best to arrange everyone in order with the shortest coming in first and starting on the outside and the tallest coming in last and standing closest to us (with the exception of our MOH and BM). However, my fiance is worried that some of his closer friends, who are shorter) may feel like he values them less because of the outer positions.

Which placement style is better and how do we avoid hurting any feelings?

Thanks,
In a Peculiar Position


In a Peculiar Position,

While both processional lineup styles are used in weddings today, entering in order of height is perhaps the most common. Think of it this way, everyone in your wedding is close to you for some reason and therefore does not have to be given a specific distiguished placement. They know you care about them because you have given them the honor of standing with you during one of the most special days of your life.

If you are worried with hurting feelings, using height may be your best option. This is a tangible way to enter your attendants (with, as you noted, the exception of your BM and MOH). Using the other method, someone who believes they are closer to you than where you have placed them may result in an upset attendant. In the end, make sure you let each attendant know just how special they are with a nice, handwritten note attached to their gift during the rehearsal dinner. This will affirm your close relationship with them and show how much they mean to you.

Sincerely,

AWC


Have a question you want answered by a Certified Wedding Consultant? Send your problems to alredweddingconsultants@yahoo.com with "Ask AWC" in the subject line. (Please note that all scenarios are different and advice given may not work for all situations. This is merely a discussion tool and any answer should not be considered the end-all/be-all solution.)

Meet Your Planners!

Question of the Month: What is your favorite school supply?

Shelli:

I don't know why, but I loved having a full pack of brand new
pens... the kind with the erasers! I don't even think they make
those anymore. They were actually terrible pens that left ink

all over my hands, but I really loved having them.

Erin:

Binders! I love how you can personalize something so typical

by putting in colored tabs with a font that reflects your

personality, photo and graphic cover designs and pretty folders.
Organization CAN meet style!

Jenn:

Favorite school supply has to be... MARKERS! With markers
you get lots of different colors and you can make wide lines

if you use them on their sides or fine lines if you use the tip.

LOVE the color wheel. :)

Nicolle:

New textbooks. Any kind, any subject. I just love the way

the pages smell!

Katie:

A new pack of highlighters - perfect for focusing on the

details and important points!

Receptions Trends: Centerpiece Pin Lighting

During one of last season's weddings, we had one bride with a desire to show off her beautiful centerpeices. Also desiring a romantically lit room, we came up with a solution to have a soft ambiance, while still allowing the centerpieces to truly be the centerpieces of the room. After all, wouldn't you want you guests to be able to see the detail in the florals that you've spent all that money on to create a specific mood within your reception?




The result are the two photos to the left: gorgeous florals each having its own bright white pin light. We love how each table

becomes its own piece of art. If your budget allows, this effect is well worth the money.

Logistically, each set of pin lights was placed out of main walkways and away from key events in the room (i.e. cake, dance floor, etc.) The posts were draped in fabric to coordinate with the decor and to help hide them from immediate guest view.

Lighting courtesty of Exclusive Events and reception location courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.

Going Organic

Going organic for a wedding these days can be quite the challenge. However, finding small ways to help make your special day a little more Earth - Friendly has never been so beautiful!

We LOVE this dress made by ThreadHead Creations (style Jane). With it's romantic style and classic appeal (and, honestly the reasonable $800 price tag), this wedding dress is perfect.

Can't you just picture a perfect spring Garden wedding with a beautiful bride walking down the aisle in this ensemble?

Remember, brides, going green doesn't mean sacrificing style, beauty or elegance. With dresses like this, it's possible to be eco-friendly and fashion forward at the same time!

Here's a view of the back:

DIY: Wrapped Votive Centerpieces

For brides on a budget, candle centerpieces are a great alternative. However, affording a custom look often puts a large dent into a small budget. Here's a great way to get a custom look for your wedding, without spending a lot of money! (This makes eight sets for approximately $60).

Step One: Purchase a cylinder shaped 16 piece glassware set from your local discount store (try to find the most round set possible. A set like this works great). A set with 8 low and 8 tall glasses is ideal. You'll also need to purchase 8 - 12" candle cylinders and 8 glass votive cups. We found all the supplies at Wal-Mart, between the Dinnerware and Craft aisles.

Step Two: Purchase a variety of coordinating papers and satin ribbons. Get at least 3 sheets of 4 types of papers and 3 rolls of 3 types of ribbon. Avoid card stock papers. Lightly colored pattern papers and translucent papers work best. You'll also need to purchase a few rolls of double sided tape.

Step Three: Wrap the 12" cylinders, tall and short glasses in your papers. The paper should be cut almost the same height as each piece, allowing a little room at the top and bottom (You need to be sure that no piece of embellishment is near or in the direct path of any flame. As always, use common sense and exercise extreme caution when working with open flames. Never leave any candle unattended.) Adhere the first edge with double sided tape, wrap and finish the second edge with another piece of double sided tape.

Step Four: Wrap each piece of glassware with ribbon. On the taller pieces, allow a few inches to hang down for a more romantic look. Again, be sure that any embellishment is clear from the path of any lit votive.

Step Five: Group each set and number on the bottom with a sticker. You will have eight total sets, comprised of one votive, one short glass, one tall glass and one 12" cylinder. Be sure to mix and match the paper and ribbon types.

Your finished votive will look something like this in one big group (you can see how we grouped each set):

Good Luck and Happy Crafting!

Spring into Color!

Now that the warmer weather is starting to finally arrive, it's hard not to be inspired by the coming spring! One of our favorite spring color combos is blue and yellow. It's fresh, clean, chic and perfect for one of the first outdoor weddings of the year.

Check out this country chic garden bouquet:

This outfit found at a local children's store would be perfect for any flowergirl! We love that it's different from your standard flower girl dress, more casual (fitting for a garden wedding!) but still absolutely adorable:

And how cute is this cake? The double increased size on the bottom layer paired with the white ceramic cake stand makes for such a unique look:

And finally - bridal style! Spring is the PERFECT time to rock that vintage, tea length wedding gown with a cute pair of colored heals. This dress seems fitting for the occasion!

Wedding of the Year!

We enjoy working with our brides and love knowing that we've created a truly unique event for their special day. We are honored each time we get thank you notes from past clients, and even more honored when our peers are just as enthusiastic about our work as we are .

That's why we are excited to announce that we've won "Wedding of the Year" from the 2009 Saint Louis Wedding Awards Show. Thank you to Saint Louis Bride Magazine for hosting this beautiful event and just as many thanks to the vendors who helped make the Breheny-Bennnett Wedding as magical as it was!

-Artistry Florist

-The Chase Park Plaza

-Two Blue Doors

-Exclusive Events

Don't forget to VOTE!

We are honored to be nominated for the FOX St. Louis Hot List! Please follow the link if you would like to vote for us.

Win a Design and Photography Package!

We're teaming up with St. Louis photographer Charity Craig, of Charity Lynn Photography to help make one couple's dream wedding come true! This includes one photography package from Charity Lynn Photo and a Design Package from AWC. Contest begins March 15 and the winners will be announced March 29, so be sure to check Charity Lynn Photo's Blog to see the couples, vote and the winner's announced!

For rules and ways to submit your entry, please check out the rules page. Good Luck!

We have been nominated for...

We have been nominated for Best Wedding Planner in St. Louis. Please take a minute to vote for us!

Just click here: http://ktvi.cityvoter.com/alred-wedding-consultants/biz/525680