Jen and Ashok

Did you ever meet with a client and know that it was just meant to be?  When we met with Jen and Ashok, we instantly clicked. They hired me on the spot and it was smooth sailing from that point on.  As per our process, I asked them to fill out our lengthy questionnaire. I started looking through it and I noticed that his parents address was in a small town in Southern Illinois very close to where I grew up. Upon further investigation, not only was it the right town, it was the family that lived next door to my husband grandparents! What are the odds?  The grooms father called me (possibly the nicest man ever) and asked if I was the granddaughter of the great "mole killer"  I had to laugh. If you knew my husbands grandma you would understand...She is about 4'11", white hair and super cute.  

This bride and groom during this entire process really wanted to make sure that all of their vendors were comfortable. They were quick decision makers, very kind and really trusted their vendors (which is key to a fun wedding). They wanted to hire vendors that worked well with each other, vendors that would ensure that everything was perfect for them and vendors that wanted to have fun planning during the process.  After many laughs, here is the end product. 

Please enjoy the blog posting by the very talented ladies of L Photographie, Kate and Kristie!

Jen and Ashok

I wanted to give a special thanks to all of the vendors that worked very hard on this wedding.

Exclusive Events: Not only created our vision, but added their special touches, creative eye and made all three events spectacular!

Artistry Florist: The flowers OMG! Were amazing!

The Chase: For the amazing food and letting us invade your property for days!

L Photographie: You created some of the most beautiful photographs ever!  It was like reliving the day

M Haley Design: Your invites, day of stationery and favors were amazing as usual! I also think you made a new friend ;)

The Cakery: Amazing in not only looks! I think I ate two pieces (and that doesn't happen very often)

The Chase Salon and Spa: You really made Jen feel relaxed and look beautiful!

Weddings are always a 100% team work effort and this one was no exception. I have said it before and I will say it again, all of our amazing vendors in St. Louis make wedding consultants like me look really good!

Wedding Website Love!

Social media is a wonderful thing. I just came across these super cute wedding websites at http://www.weddingjojo.com/ You can create your own custom domain and publish all of your wedding details!

So every year since I have had kids, I literally am still making costumes the night of Halloween (since it so inconveniently falls right in the height of wedding season). As a clothing and textiles major, I find it really hard for me to go buy store bought costumes. I have to admit, I have done it but I have always added a twist to it.  Since I have a girl and a boy, I also really want to make them a dynamic due. One year my daughter was Little Red Ridinghood and my son was The Big Bad Wolf.

He looks dangerous with a binky and a bib, right?

Since my daughter has turned into a "girly girl" the only thing she wants to be is some sort of Princess...so I bit the bullet and bought a costume. My son on the other hand it still to little to put up a fight so it was either Prince Charming or a pirate...the pirate won!

I came across this Halloween costume from Misha Lulu Blog and thought it was brilliant! http://www.mishalulu.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Alice-4.jpg

Let us know what you are going to dress up as or better yet, show us your photos.

Adorable coat

I love a good tailored coat!

What is Your Body Type and What Style of Dress Should You Buy

What body type are you? Its a question none of us want to face, but one that can really change the way we look at our whole lives. Knowing and understanding your body type can affect what you go shopping for for everyday clothes, but how does that translate when you are buying a wedding dress? We come in many shapes and sizes but I am just going to talk about four general categories: Apple, Pear, and Hourglass, Rectangle. Let’s look at a definition of each:

Rectangle: Torso and upper body are the same width as your hips – little waist definition

Apple: Torso and upper body wider than your hips – with little or no waist definition. You might have weight surrounding your waist. Tummy area is a big concern for you.

Pear: Torso and upper body smaller than your hips with waist definition. Hips and thighs tend to be the area of concern for you.

Hourglass: Torso and hips are approximately the same width – with waist definition. (I am definitely hourglass!)

If that doesn't help...take a look at this great image I found on citizensofbeauty.com

Which category do you fit?


I can’t tell you which category you fit in, that is some research you will have to do on your own. But one of the most reliable ways to discover this is by taking your body measurements using a cloth tape measure. Measure at your bust, natural waist and hips, then compare those numbers with the definitions below.

Apple: Bust and natural waist measurements are greater than that of your hips. Example: 36in x 36in x 30in

Pear: Your bust and natural waist measurements are close to the same number but are far less than your hip measurement. Example: 28in x 28in x 40in

Hourglass: Your bust and hip measurements are almost equal to each other and your waist is much less. Example: 36in x 24in x 36in

Rectangle: All measurements will be within approximately 3 inches of each other. Example: 32in x 31in x32in

You may think "why does it matter" but the more familiar you are with your body, you will know what looks good and fits well versus what you want to look good that doesn't.

With these tips from Real Simple, I hope this guide will make dress shopping easier:

If you are a Pear Shape:

Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.



Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.

If You're Busty

Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).



Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that are gathered will have the same effect.

If You’re Plus-Sized

Look for an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. In my personal opinion, I think curves are beautiful…embrace them! I love this style of dress hugs the body. The dress should play up the curves. If it too loose it will add pounds

Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.

If You’re Apple-Shaped

Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.

If You're Tall

Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.


Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.


If You're Petite

Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.

Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.

If the salon will allow it, take a photo of yourself in the dress so you can see how you look in photographs.

Long Distance Love

I love it when my friends get married, but it makes me sad when I can't be there...hazard of the job I guess. SO, what's a girl to do? Make one of her best friends dress, I guess!

I have been friends with Angela since 1993 or 1994. We met when we worked at a music store together. Being the only two girls, we became fast friends.  She moved away, I moved away, but our friendship remained. She is just the type of person that you can just pick up where you left off.

Watching her through her dating "process" with this new guy named Bob was really interesting. This guy was different and she was different too. She was 100% truly happy! They found each other through Facebook, met on the weekends, which turned into a proposal and then a wedding...my favorite! When Angela asked me to be a bridesmaid, I of course said YES! But then the date changed and I already had a wedding I was planning for a client I adored. I tried to figure out a way that I could be there to share in their day, but it just didn't work out. I know one of my favorite parts of planning the wedding is dress shopping, but instead I got to go fabric shopping with her. I was honored to design and make Angela's wedding dress for her.

Angela and Bob share many many interests, but being environmentally conscience is a passion they share. I think it just comes second nature to her. After her wedding was over, she finally got to sit back and ponder the details...which turned out were very green choices.  Because of that, she had her wedding featured on www.greenbrideguide.com.

You can check out all of her "green" details at http://www.greenbrideguide.com/realgreenweddings/long-distance-love

Mr. and Mrs!

Birch Chic in Columbia

They work together, they play together and they planned this wedding together. I could go on and on why I loved working with Annie and Terry, but I think the photos will show why I loved them! Their wedding had so many moving parts, but it was all so effortless!

These beautiful out of town gift bags were filled with sweet treats from The Cup Cakery, locally made BBQ sauce, locally made trail mix and many other local favorites

Annie's beautiful bouquet from Artistry Florist 

Large birch covered vases topped with puffs of baby's breath lined the aisle

She's a little bit country, he's a little bit cool!

Together, they are perfect

The guests entered the tent where they picked up their escort cards made by Cheree Berry Paper. They were perched on a moss covered table sitting birch logs...did you notice the wood floor in the tent?

This birch wall was one of the most thought out details. A wall filled with photos of their favorite things

Menu by Cheree Berry Paper. She calls him Mister and he calls her Lady

I make their cake pedestal out of birch. Their forks were etched by M Haley Design and read "Mister" and the other "Sister"

Seriously, this tent was perfect! The tent was from Traube Tent Company, the flooring and decor by Exclusive Events, the flowers by Artistry...notice the 6' wide orchid balls hanging overhead?

The groom burned the table numbers on birch logs...loved them!

The invitation set by Cheree Berry Paper

They danced the night away to the Well Hungarians!

Treated the guests to hot chocolate and donut  holes on super cute custom made wooden stirrers

His love of The Simpsons...a late night snack

They had quite a few custom made chalk boards that gave information to the guests! Made by their friends and co-workers. They were stunning!

Their beautiful wedding took place in Columbia, MO...and all of the vendors were in St. Louis.  There was a lot of coordination to be done, but when you have a relaxed couple, you have relaxed vendors that really want to make their day perfect and it was PERFECT!

Design and Coordination/ Out of Town Gift Bags: Alred Wedding Consultants
Tent: Traube Tent
Tent Decor/ Lighting, Beautification/General Awesomeness: Exclusive Events
Flowers/ Perfection: Artistry Florist
Linens: BBj Linens
Ceremony: Missouri United Methodist Church
Reception: Old Hawthorne Country Club in Columbia, MO
Rehearsal Dinner responsible for Chicky Wicky Dinner (inside joke): Country Club of Missouri
All things paper and beauty: Cheree Berry Paper
Delicious Cake: Cakes with a Personal Touch by Edith Hall
Late night snacks: McDonalds
Person responsible for beautiful images and all photography: Koch Photography
Band responsible for all the sound complaints due to too much fun: Well Hungarians
Chairs and tables for all guests to sit and eat on: Premier Party Rentals

Preparing to Propose

All of us are not like Romeo, or want to be Romeo. Rather, we will hopefully find ourselves in a position where we are proposing marriage once, to the loves of our lives, and survive it! Everyone definitely wants to make that moment as memorable as can be. We hear countless stories of how he/she proposed, and while many are fantastic, there are many tragic proposals as well.

We tend to think the best proposals are the ones that truly strike a chord in the heart of both people. There is no secret way to accomplish this. It is simply about knowing each other and finding that one proposal that brings in all the elements of the relationship and becomes the perfect proposal for each individual couple.

Proposing for marriage is something we all dream of. Try to become creative and invent your own ways before proposing for marriage. It is a very special moment in a lifetime so never try to copy someone. Surprise her by your unique way of proposing for marriage.

Why Hire Alred Wedding Consultants?
First of all...we have been helping grooms propose since 2005! We have a lot of experience in helping Grooms get the YES they want!

You have to prepare your proposal according to him/her, and it can be very stressful. This is where AWC can make a difference. Let us take care of all the things you may need and services you would like to avail. We can help in a multitude of ways. From helping you choose the right engagement ring to arranging things on site at your proposal location to securing special requests at exclusive hotels, shows, concerts... We are committed to make every moment memorable when you are proposing for marriage to someone you love. There are so many things to do before proposing for marriage. That is why we exist. To help you plan and see your dream proposal come to life.

If you are ready to pop the question, give us a call!

Caroline and Etai

After Caroline met Etai at work, she knew he was the one...and they are such an amazing couple. Their love for each other is so evident in every little thing they do.when they came for their design consultation, I didn't know if we would ever get through it because they kept laughing at each

Caroline and Etai were so fun and didn't take things too serious...in fact, their groomsmen and bridesmaids danced their way down the custom aisle runner.

Beautiful cakes by Sugaree

Their goal was to make it casual, fun and special to their guests. The details were everywhere! The number 3 was special to the Father of the Bride so we created everything in 3's. The tables for the place cards, three centerpieces,and three display cakes.

These were the place cards and the specialty cocktail...SUPER CUTE!

The one thing (and there are lots!) that stood out to me was their generocity. Caroline and Etai had been on their own and didn't need anything so they decided to have their guests give to Childrens Hospital (where they met) in lieu of wedding gifts.

The end of the night special treat was one of my favorites... A waffles and ice cream station! Delicious!!!

Super Cute cocktail napkins from Two Blue Doors

Favors by Two Blue Doors

Table Decor...notice the three different centerpieces on the table

Here is a close up

The beautiful chuppa that Exclusive Events built

Two Blue Doors made these fun cards for the couple where people could leave their "Wit, Wisdom and Wishes"

Beautiful teardrop bouquet made by Artistry. The orchids were the same flower that her mother carried on her wedding day.

Each family brought their kiddish cups for the couple

Wedding Design and Coordination: Shelli Alred/ Alred Wedding Consultants

Venue: The Chase Park Plaza

Photographer: Steven Seebeck Photography

Florist: Artistry Florist

Linens: Cloth Connection

Lighting and Decor: Exclusive Events
Cakes: Sugaree Baking

Michelle and Jason

When I first met Michelle and Jason they told me they wanted an intimate wedding in a modern space with about 200 people...but as time went on things changed. Their ultimate goal was to be a family as soon as possible so they decided to scrap the plans that we started on and go to a destination with their closest family. That too changed. They called me on a Tuesday and said they wanted to get married in St. Louis in 10 days! I had some work to do. I pulled together the venue, the florist, a photographer and videographer while Michelle got a dress for herself, her sister and her daughter. PHEW, the worked fast! I had to find a venue that was intimate enough for a total of 8 people so we ended up at the Conservatory in Old St. Charles. It was perfect!






My next event for them was a reception to be held 4 months later. They still wanted that modern feel so Lumen was the obvious choice. With a talented group of vendors, we made that happen. Flowers by Artistry Florist, Videography by June Bug Productions, Photography by L'Photographie, Linens by Cloth Connection, Music by DJ Greasy, paper goods by M Haley Design and design by Shelli with Alred Wedding Consultants

Elope in your own hometown...St. Louis!

The why of eloping seems to always be a curiosity?

Couples elope for many personal reasons, some as simple as; one having a fear of standing up in front of a group of people or they just don’t want to wait out the year long planning process! What ever the reason for eloping, Elope in St. Louis package offers an uncomplicated approach to a wedding ceremony while still retaining the non institutional feeling of a civil ceremony.

What are the three fundamental elements that cannot be removed from an elopement wedding?

The Bride, The Groom, The Official Presiding...but why not have it all?

Have you ever considered eloping in your own home town? Working with AWC, we will provide you with all the elements of a large wedding while keeping it very simple. This package is for the couple that wants to keep it simple but wants the bells and whistles of a larger event. This package can only be used Monday-Thursday

In this package, you will receive:

3 Hours of service

An album with edited images

Printed Proofs

Flowers:

You will receive 1 bridal bouquet of the color of your choice using all roses, 1 groom’s boutonniere that matches the bride, 1 bridesmaid bouquet, color of your choice, and 1 groomsmen bout to match

Wedding Cake:

You will receive a 2 tier cake, one layer to cut and eat and the other to save (if you wish). Flavor of your choice, filling of your choice and butter cream icing and a ribbon on each tier to match wedding colors.

Stationary:

You will receive 25 wedding announcements to share with your friends and family.

Honeymoon Suite:

Over Night accommodations at your choice of the Ritz Carlton, The Chase Park Plaza OR the Four Seasons Hotel to use as your honeymoon suite!

Transportation:

A Town Car provided to take you from your reception site to your honeymoon suite!

Along with all of the other wonderful details, you will receive a bottle of your choice of champagne or sparkling cider with toasting flutes and the peace of mind knowing you didn’t have to have a single worry about your wedding day!

Give us a call to help make your Elopement as fun and stress free as possible!

Did you hire the vendors that are best for YOU?

I can't tell you how many times I have received an e-mail from a bride

wanting to know more about my services and before I can call them back,

they hired the first person that returned their phone call. So many brides

rush into making choices on their wedding vendors without choosing the

vendor that best suits them.

Your story doesn't have to sound this way! You can have the perfect

vendors for your wedding without feeling like you spent too much time

researching them...hire a seasoned wedding consultant.

So how do you know if you’ve chosen the right vendors? You came into this not really knowing much about wedding prices or what to expect from wedding vendors. You work a full-time job and are going to school and simply don’t have the time to research all of them and read every wedding book there is on the topic. Let me help you with 5 simple tips!

1) Do they make you feel comfortable?

This is the most critical part of choosing the right wedding consultant.

This means they should be prepared for your meeting, familiar with the

details you’ve already shared with them, some idea of what they can do

for you to make your wedding perfect and a good solid contract that outlines

exactly when and where your event is and what exactly they are doing to

serve you. Not that they have to have the best sense of humor, but you should

enjoy their company and want to work with them when you leave. Being in their

presence should put a smile on your face and put you at ease.

2) Do they seem to understand your vision?

Being understood is a huge part of knowing that your wedding will go exactly as

you wish. Were they paying attention to you throughout your meeting or were they

distracted? Are they excited about working with you or do you feel like just another

bride with them? If you have to correct miscommunication frequently or don’t feel

like they are paying attention while you are speaking, this is not a good sign.

A good rule of thumb is that they should always be repeating back to you their

understanding of what you want for a confirmation that they are on the right track.

3) Do they have a quality product?

In many of these businesses, the product is not simply what they are making or

the final outcome of their services. Their product is also themselves. They should

be professional, well dressed and make a good impression at every meeting and

on every phone call. If they are ever disrespectful or bossy, this is not the right vendor

for you. If they are acting in ways or are dressed in ways that shock or offend you,

this is not the right vendor for you.

On top of the impression they give you of the business, their products should be

award-winning as well. Make sure you can see or sample their products and make

sure to check those references before committing to anyone!

4) Are they within your budget for that area?

You don’t have a budget!! This is definitely the time to put one together! EVERYONE

has a budget, even if you think you don't! If you say you don't have a budget and you

tell you vendors that you don't have a budget, the first thing that comes to mind it to

make this wedding over the top! Once you see the number associated with "over the top"

you will realize that you do in fact have a budget. Budgets don't mean that you don't have

money to spend...budgets mean that you would like to stay within a certain dollar figure

and you won't have to cash in your families retirement to pay for it. All of the vendors that

we work with will tell you what areas to cut back on but still get the same look at feel.

5) Do they seem to have your best interests in mind?

When all of these areas come together, you should feel really good about those

people you have hired. They make you feel comfortable, they understand your

vision, have quality products, and have stayed within your budget. Are they willing

to suggest ways to save money? Are they willing to suggest great vendors to you

that also fit all of these characteristics? Do they seem comfortable around you and

treat you like you are valuable to their business? Do they do everything in their power

to give you a good impression and make you happy? If you were able to answer no

to any of the above criteria, it may be time to rethink your vendor decisions.

If you are interested in learning more about Alred Wedding Consultants, please

feeel free to call us to set up a no obligation consultation.

It's a new year and there are a lot of new vendors that we have not had the opportunity to work with. If you are a new (or established vendor) we would like to meet you! You can contact me at shelli@alredweddingconsultants.com.

Coffee, e-mail or phone, I would gladly meet with you!

Mona and Milan

Mona and Milan came to me with their wedding. They had already booked Moulin Meetings and Events, which was the perfect place for their Egyptian/ American reception. With the love and support of their families, we planned an absolutely amazing three days for them. We started off on Thursday with a ceremony at the Worlds Fair Pavilion. Mona wore traditional Indian attire that her mother-in-law to be picked out for her directly from India. Having a ceremony at the Worlds Fair Pavilion is easy! It is such a beautiful landmark in St. Louis. We created a large square in the center for a fabulous lunch that was provided by Westwood Catering.

Friday was the Indian reception that took place at the Contemporary Art Museum. This event was a little harder because we had to find a caterer that could make fresh Bombay street fair food. We had Exclusive Events completely transform the CAM. The walls were washed in colored lights, overlapping gobos, sari's hanging from the ceiling along with Moroccan lanterns. We did long family style seating to maximize the space. The tables were draped with colored linens from BBJ and the florals were provided by Artistry Florist. They had flown in a sitar player that has played Carnegie Hall and dancers entertained the guests as they ate.

Saturday night was to pay tribute to Mona's Egyptian heritage. The reception took place at Moulin Meetings and Events. Exclusive Events created a grand entrance for the bride and groom. The entrance was draped with a lush orange crushed fabric and dry ice smoke was blown in to create a dramatic entrance. A traditional Egyptian band came in from out of state to parade Mona and Milan in as a part of the zeffa. Their wedding cake was provided by The Cakery Bakery, flowers again from Artistry, CJ's DJ's provided dance music, and of course, the design and wedding day coordination from Alred Wedding Consultants

Mona and Milan are the proud owners of the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast in Denver, CO. If you ever find yourself in Denver, please check them out!

Elope in your own hometown...St. Louis!

What could be more romantic that an elopement in a historic house, a place that is special to the two of you or eloping in a park? We can help! With our 'Elope In St. Louis' package, you can still have the wedding of your dreams on a smaller scale. This package includes all of the details of a large wedding but the intimacy of the two of you or 25 of your closest family and friends.

You will get a photographer and wedding album, a bouquet and boutonniere, an officiant, a town car, cake and an overnight stay in one of St. Louis' most luxurious hotels. After the wedding has ended, you will also be given wedding announcements to send to those who are nearest and dearest.

Give us a call for more details.