Philadelphia Wedding Workbook

What is a honeymoon registry?

2012-02-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Have you been registering for gifts and wish that your guests would just give you money to use towards your honeymoon? Well guess what? In a way you can get them to give you money for your honeymoon by registering for it at www.thehoneymoon.com .

By creating a honeymoon registry, engaged couples have a place to direct wedding guests who ask "What kind of gift would you like?" A honeymoon registry allows you the chance to select when and where you want to honeymoon and enables your wedding guests to buy a travel experience as a gift rather than a toaster or dish set.

Many couples getting married now a days are older, well established and already merging two apartments or homes. The last thing you need is yet another toaster. Signing up for a honeymoon registry could ensure you get what you really want.

A honeymoon registry generally works by allowing a couple to select elements of their honeymoon (airfare, hotel nights, meals, tours, sports, spa treatments, admissions, spending cash) that friends and family may buy for you in increments as wedding gifts.

Many travel agencies also provide travel registry services.
As with anything else, you need to be a smart consumer when choosing a honeymoon bridal registry. The last thing that you want is to have the value of your gifts eroded by a high "service fee" that can reduce your take by as much as 15 percent. That means before your honeymoon, you typically receive a check for the total gift cash contributions minus the company's percentage, which could represent a considerable loss to you.

Here are some questions to ask when choosing a honeymoon bridal registry:

What does it cost to register?
Are there other fees involved?
Is your business a travel agency?
Do you help customers announce their registry?
In what form do we receive our registry gifts and when?
Can they be redeemed for cash?
Do you notify us every time a gift is purchased?
Can the registry be integrated onto our wedding Web site?

So if registering for a honeymoon sounds like a fab idea to you then go to www.thehoneymoon.com and register for the honeymoon of your dreams....and tell us your experience with it below please.

Wedding-opoly anyone?

2012-01-30T10:05:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought, "Hey, I wish that I had a game of Monopoly that portrayed my life...instead of Boardwalk and railways. Well, guess what? Monopoly has done it again!!!

"I created one for my friends as a wedding present and used the names of local stations, bars and gigs as properties as well as familiar situations that would demand cash. They LOVED it." Ruth Gillan

This version of Monopoly is completely custom made in the factory. You send in your specifications, wait 6 weeks, and receive your game! You could have it be a surprise, and order it for the couple, or you could simply purchase them a gift certificate/voucher, and let them design their own.

You can name the 22 property squares, you can choose and name the icons, you can name the game. This game is made in the real Monopoly factory, and will come in a lovely metal presentation box. Even the rules and the title deed cards are personalized. This is a 100% original wedding gift, perfect for your favorite newlyweds!!

What do you think?

This is a WEDDING CAKE! What do you think?

2012-01-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

This stunning wedding dress cake is truly food as art. It is so intricately decorated that it almost appears wearable. The bodice is designed simply with a few details while the skirt is covered in swirls, ridges, and calla lilies. This wedding dress cake almost looks good enough to wear.

Do you want this as your wedding cake? If so, check out our amazing wedding cake bakeries at www.philadelphiaweddingworkbook.com . For example, check out:

Cupcakes Gourmet
Phone: (484) 318-8057
Website: www.cupcakesgourmet.com

Amy's Creative Cakes
Phone: (215) 529-5763
Website: www.amyscreativecakes.com

Top 100 memorable wedding songs

2012-01-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

One of the most memorable scenes in a wedding is the first dance. Sometimes choosing the song for that very important dance can be difficult. To help you and your fiance in this decision we have listed the Top 100 First Dance Songs of All Time.

After All - Peter Cetera & Cher
All My Life - Linda Ronstadt
All My Life - KC & JoJo
Always - Atlantic Star
Always & Forever - Heatwave
Amazed - Lonestar
A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
Back At One - Bryan McKnight
Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Breathe - Faith Hill
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
Colour My World - Chicago
Could I Have This Dance - Anne Murray
Crazy - Patsy Cline
Don't Know Much - Linda Ronstant & Aaron Neville
Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross or Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey
Everything I Do - Brian Adams
Faithfully - Journey
Forever - Mariah Carey
Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
From Here To Eternity - Michael Peterson
From This Moment - Shania Twain & Bryan White
Groovy Kind Of Love - Phil Collins
Grow Old With Me - Mary Chapin Carpenter
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison or Ros Stewart
Hawaiian Wedding Song - Andy Williams
Here & Now - Luther Vandross
I Can Love You Like That - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees or Mark Wills
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
I Finally Found Someone - Bryan Adams & Barbara Streisand
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
I'll Be - Edwin McCain
I'll Still Be Loving You - Restless Heart
I Love The Way You Love Me - John Michael Montgomery
In This Life - Colin Raye
I Only Have Eyes For You - Art Garfunkel
It Had To Be You - Harry Connick Jr.
It's Your Love - Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
I Swear - John Michael Montgomery or All-4-One
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Keeper Of The Stars - Tracy Byrd
Lady In Red - Chris Deburgh
Look At Us - Vince Gill
Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
Love Can Build A Bridge - Judds
Love Of A Lifetime - Firehouse
Love Of My Life - Sammy Kershaw
Masterpiece - Atlantic Starr
Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
Moon River - Andy Willams
More Than Words - Extreme
More Than Words Can Say - Alias
My Best Friend - Tim McGraw
One In A Million - Larry Graham
Only You - Platters
Open Arms - Journey
Power Of Love - Celine Dion
Saving The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
Sea Of Love - Honeydrippers
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Still The One - Shania Twain
Take My Breath Away - Berlin
That's Amore - Dean Martin
That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley
The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
Through The Eyes Of Love - Melissa Manchester
Through The Years - Kenny Rogers
To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You - Roberta Flack
True Companion - Marc Cohn
Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
Up Where We Belong - Joe Cocker
Unforgettable - Natalie & Nat King Cole
Valentine - Martina McBride
Waiting For A Girl - Foreigner
We've Only Just Begun - Carpenters
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
When A Man Loves A Woman - Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton
When I Fall In Love - Nat King Cole or Celine Dion
When I Said I Do - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman-Black
When You Say Nothing At All - Keith Whitley
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
You & I - Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
You Had Me At Hello - Kenny Chesney
You're The Inspiration - Chicago
You're Love Amazes Me - John Berry
Your Song - Elton John
You've Got A Friend - James Taylor
You've Got A Way - Shania Twain

To ensure a memorable first, second and third dance...make sure you hire the right DJ. Here's a list of local DJ's that we recommend:

The Love Jones Band
Phone: (856) 630-1205
Website: www.lovejonesband.net

Moore Music
Phone: (610) 269-6990
Website: www.mooremusicdjs.com

Amazing wedding flowers for your philadelphia wedding!

2012-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Everywedding should be dripping with beautiful flowers. But we don't want ourwallets to run dry because of it. We have some tips for you that might reallycut down the price you would be paying.

Firsttip, give your florist a general idea of the style and color scheme you aregoing for. Tell her which flowers that are an absolute no, but generally allowthem flexibility so they can use what is in season and cheapest. There are sometimes when peonies cost a fortune, and other times when they are so cheap youcan fill your hall with them. Make sure this flexibility will be reflected inyour final price tag.

Beautiful pink Peony's

Secondtip; avoid holding your wedding in February when flower prices are at an annualhigh due to Valentine's Day. That month even the cheapest of flowers areexpense.

Thirdtip, large arrangements on an altar will only be seen from far away. Useinexpensive flowers such as carnations, or large filling flowers such assnowball mums.

Pink Carnations with a Pink Ribbon

Fourth tip;find a venue such as a park or garden that is already lush and beautiful. Andthink about talking to your venue directors and asking them if any other bridesare booked the same day as you are. If the two of you could coordinate flowersand split the cost it would save the both of you a fortune.

White Lily's with Feathers

Do you wantto use your birth flower in your wedding but don't know what it is? Here is alist of all months and there flower.

Cream and Pink Roses with a studded wrap

January- the Carnation or Snowdrop

February- the Violet or Primrose
March - Jonquil (aka Daffodil or Narcissus)

April -the Sweet pea or Daisy

May -the Lily of the Valley
June - the Rose
July - the Larkspur or Water Lily
August - the Gladiolus or Poppy

September- the Aster or Morning Glory

October- the Marigold

November- the Chrysanthemum
December - the Narcissus

Quick tip, before you toss you bouquet have a back up bouquet to toss. Keep the one you walked down the aisle with hidden away. Maybe ask a bridesmaid to help you with this task. This keeps your bouquet from getting bruised or damaged, so it lasts longer for you.

For some amazing wedding florists in Philadelphia check out www.philadelphiaweddingworkbook.com .

Stress Free Planning: Five Tips to Keep You Calm from the Penn Oaks Golf Club

2011-12-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times in acouple’s life. Planning the weddingshould be as well, but the countless details and errands to juggle might seemoverwhelming at first…and right up until the wedding day. At the same time, couples have their own jobsand lives to maintain, so having a strategy to approach planning with isimportant to keep stress levels down. Here are some suggestions:

Start Early: Givingyourself enough time to plan is recommended. You’ll need at least a year to spread out the work over time, and moreimportantly, to have more options for the ceremony and reception hall bookingdates. You’ll also have flexibility withyour first-choice vendors.

Get Help: Look for a reception site with their ownevent coordinators, preferably a site with more than one, so there will alwaysbe someone to answer questions. Thecoordinator will work with you throughout the planning stage and on your bigday, and will be the difference between an enjoyable experience and adisorganized one.

Stay Organized: Thebasics: keep a large binder with dividers to hold all your receipts andcontracts. You may want to consideranother section for ideas, like magazine clippings and fabric swatches, and forresource and vendor information. Keepanything wedding planning related in one place—such as the corner of a guestbedroom. Keep a calendar where you canhave a quick view of timelines, and write everything down.

Take Breaks: It’seasy to get wrapped up, but you’ll be more efficient if you take restorativebreaks. Catch coffee with a friend, takea new yoga class; think and talk about things non-wedding related.

Be Grateful: Whenyou start to feel stressed, take a moment to remember all the things going wellin your life. Take a break (seeabove). Let your coordinator help too!(see above).

For more ideas and a great venue contact Penn Oaks Golf Club.

How to Pick the Right Accessories for your Wedding Day Hair

2011-12-24T14:58:00.001-08:00

To have, or not to have? That’s a good question. It seems that nothing is right until your hair is perfect. And it can be the hardest thing to decide on. It has been a long tradition to wear a long veil over the face while walking down the aisle. That will not do it for the modern Bride. She wants to be fresh, new, and original. Decorative hairpieces can make all the difference in a bride’s hairstyle. Here are three tips to help the decision process easier for our brides.

1.)If you want flowers in your hair, talk to the florist you have selected. Most florists will have the latest tips and trends for the season. Do your own research, look through magazines and on the internet. Clip and print out a few of your favorite pictures and show it to your florist. It will help them understand what you’re looking for.

2.)Do a couple test drives before your wedding. Do your hair in a similar way it will be at your wedding and take pictures of it with and without the hair pieces you selected. Show the pictures of you to your bridesmaids and mother to get their opinion.

3.)Be Careful! You don’t want to overdo it. Remember, less is more. The hairpieces shouldn’t have to compete with each other. If you are already wearing a tiara you don’t want flowers in your hair stealing its thunder.

Have you found a hair style that you like? Please tell us about it below and upload a photo.

A New Twist on Dessert: The Candies Table

2011-12-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

Wedding cake is always going to be the sweet ending to your reception feast, but why not add a new element to your own party? The candy buffet is gaining in popularity, for good reason: it is an attractive and customizable display that offers something different for every guest. Let us take care of creating your candies table in The Boardroom…an intimate, warm setting that will enchant your guests. We can pick out the sweet details for you or we can welcome your own selections. A few ideas:

Sweets Matched to Your Style: For an afternoon, casual wedding, try playful choices such as bright rock candy, gummies or colorful taffy. For a more upscale party, consider biscotti, chocolate covered strawberries and apricots, or sugar-coated nuts.

Display Decisions: Showcase your choices in clear jars of varying shapes, such as old-fashioned apothecary jars. Or, use classy giant martini glasses and decorative plates arranged on different levels of a dramatically lit table.

Final Details: Provide decorative scoopers for each dish to keep your display tidy. Consider artsy paper or plastic bags, or even oversized wine glasses for guests to use to collect their sweets.

Contributed by Penn Oaks Golf Club

For more information, contact: Carina Hernandez at 610-399-0501 ext.104

Top 10 Features for the Perfect Wedding Venue 10

2011-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Features for the Perfect Wedding Venue

Every bride wants to be assured she is picking the best venue for her special day. With so many locales and details to choose from, it could help to keep in mind the most essential features to ensure a wedding goes off without a hitch—and to look for some extra special ones, too. We’ve provided a helpful list:

Location, Location, Location: No one wants to be late for the party because it was too difficult to get to. Penn Oaks’ centralized location is conveniently placed between two metro areas and close to major highways.
Versatile Ceremony Options: Even if you have your heart set on a serene outdoor ceremony, it never hurts to have a Plan B: an equally appealing indoor alternative for unexpected weather. Penn Oaks offers both attractive options.
Picturesque Landscaping: Our manicured greens and foliage offer the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Customizable Event Packages: We offer reception packages for any type of gathering, whether it’s a casual afternoon garden party or a formal sit-down dinner.
Individual Focus: We only schedule one wedding at a time—your event will be our main priority with personalized attention to your needs.
Onsite Event Coordinator: There is always an experienced coordinator on-hand at Penn Oaks to ensure your day is exactly what you’ve envisioned. We’ll truly listen—our job is to make you happy.
Extensive Menu Options: From vegetarian plates to children’s meals to exotic hors d’oeuvres, our chefs will provide an exceptional wedding feast.
Power Generator: Little thought is given to the possibility of storm-related power outages. Penn Oaks will give you peace of mind—we have a massive generator to keep your party going all night.
Friendly, Attentive Staff: Each and every employee associated with your event is here to make sure you and your guests enjoy yourselves.
Affordability: Last but certainly not least, Penn Oaks will make your wedding wishes a reality no matter what your budget. We are the premier value for venues in the area!

WOW! What an amazing wedding venue. - Penn Oaks Golf Club -

2011-11-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

How long has it been since you've looked at the Penn Oaks Golf Club? Their grounds are BEAUTIFUL...perfect for a wedding reception. With amenities that rival those of a five star hotel, Penn Oaks has become the premier wedding banquet hall for wedding receptions in Chester County. They've expanded their venue with a brand new banquet room to accommodate a guest list of any size.

Check out these amazing photos:

If you haven't checked out the Penn Oaks Golf Club for your reception venue yet, I highly recommend that you do!! Here's how to set up a FREE CONSULTATION!

Carina Hernandez
Phone: (610) 399-0501 ext 104
Carina@pennoaksgolfclub.com
http://www.pennoaksgolfclub.com/

Address to the venue:
150 Penn Oaks Drive
West Chester, PA 19382

Need help with your vows? Need an officiant for your wedding in Phili? Check out Weddings with Heart!

2011-11-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

You'll need a makeup artist for your wedding! Drop Dead Gorgeous is FANTASTIC!

2011-11-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for amazing wedding cupcakes? Check out Cupcakes Gourmet!

2011-11-21T15:30:00.000-08:00

Learn how to dance for your wedding. FREE lesson at the Society Hill Dance Academy

2011-11-21T15:23:00.000-08:00

"Wedding Rules for the Techy Bride"...as seen on MSN!

2011-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, there's an update to wedding etiquette. Check out these techie laws to abide by while planning your wedding.

Do: Use Facebook to share pics from prewedding parties...and, later, wedding photos!

Don't: Don't skip sending traditional wedding invites. It's a formal event (yes, even if it's in your backyard), so treat it that way.

Do: Read blogs, online forums and review sites (go to WeddingChannel.com vendor reviews) to get real brides' opinions of potential vendors and to write reviews of your favorites after the wedding.

Don't: Don't bash your vendors on review sites! Give kudos when deserved, and remember that your vendors are human. A thoughtful and honest review is the way to go.

Do: Use social media (like foursquare or Facebook) for checking in during your planning (at the cake bakery or floral studio). You could even score a discount along the way!

Don't: Don't let this serve as a trail for those who aren't invited on the dress shopping trip. Cousin sally might be upset when she sees you've "checked in: to the bridal salon and she didn't get an invite. Don't publish a check-in to your feed.

Do: Follow wedding pros on Twitter for ideas, deals and inspiration. Just a few of our faves: @colincowie, @jesihaack, @kissthegroom, @ShawnRabideau and @mysweetandsaucy.

Don't: Don't use social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, to constantly update your followers and friends on your upcoming nuptials. Instant unfollow!

-- Anne Jones

Tell us....did you post your wedding on Facebook?

Have you heard of eco-friendly diamonds? Check this out!

2011-10-29T14:05:00.001-07:00

MiaDonna & Company creates the most fashionable, highest quality, Designer Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings available BUT from eco-friendly precious metals and they set their rings with these amazing, conflict free, diamond infused simulated diamond, the Diamond Hybrid®.

Every Ring from MiaDonna is created individually by hand right here in the USA and comes with a written satisfaction guarantee and warranty.

This is not only a beautiful and affordable solution for today's couples and jewelry consumers, but it also relieves the pressures that traditional mined products put on global society’s and the environment. Most of all, it allows MiaDonna & Co. to become a sustainable source to fund projects that repair the damage already created by the exploitation of these precious natural resources through our charitable foundation "The Greener Diamond".

Check out the details online at www.miadonna.com . It's INCREDIBLE.

Tell us what you think of this idea by commenting below and we just may publish your opinion. :)

2012 UBER FAB wedding trends are peeking out! See what's hot!

2011-09-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

We're seeing wedding cake colors of pinks, yellows, neutral colors making their way to the wedding stage for 2012.

Amazing floral arrangements are a must for the 2012 wedding season. Vibrant and fresh is the order of the day.

Not only vibrant colors but candy and sushi bars are making a comeback.

2012 HoneymoonsForget the same old destinations! No more generic all-inclusive resorts for couples getting married in 2012. Today’s newlyweds are saving up and heading to distant exotic locales. Bali, Morocco and Nepal will start to win out over traditional places like Jamaica and Mexico. Adventurous couples will be doing more than just lying on the beach – we’re seeing 2012 couples register for outgoing activities, such as kite surfing, scuba diving, horseback riding and more!

If you're planning a 2012 wedding make sure you stay organized with a printed wedding workbook from http://www.bridalworkbook.com/.

I LOVE Kim Kardashian's wedding day smokey eye!

2011-09-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

I just love the Kardashians..don't you? They're stylish, sophisticated and for reality tv stars they sure do keep themselves together. Did you like the photos of Kim Kardashians wedding? Here's how her make-up artist did her eyes.

I just love this! If you're looking for other tips on creating the perfect smokey eye then download a free copy of the Philadelphia Wedding Workbook at www.philadelphiaweddingworkbook.com .

Philadelphia Wedding Workbook recommends...Creative Video of Delaware

2011-05-20T10:50:00.001-07:00

If you'd like to interview them go to http://www.creativevideodelaware.com/ or call them at 302.454.1214

8 questions to ask a wedding videographer

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Choosing a wedding videographer in Philadelphia can be tiresome and confusing. What style do you want? Should you hire a wedding videographer in the first place?

Here are some important questions to ask before hiring your wedding videographer:

Will you personally be the videographer for our wedding?
Are you a full-time videographer?
What kind of experience, background, and education do you have?
How long have you been a wedding videographer, and how many weddings have you videotaped?
Have you handled events of my type and size before?
What are your criteria for choosing what you would videotape at my wedding?
What makes your videography better or different than anybody else's?
What will you be wearing at my wedding?

Dressing your Body Type!

2011-04-04T17:16:00.001-07:00

If You're Pear-Shaped

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.

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).

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. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.

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.

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.

Bride uses our wedding workbook to plan her wedding...here's her story.

2011-03-31T04:17:00.001-07:00

"We are putting our wedding workbook to good use. It was a life-saver when Jon and I went to check out venues for our ceremony and for our engagement party. Here’s why ~

I am a bit of a perfectionist. I love organization. Whenever I get too stressed, I begin cleaning and putting things away, getting rid of junk and organizing my desk, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom…nothing is off limits to become orderly. So, being a rather organized person myself, it would seem that I should be all put together, right? Wrong…

When I begin interviews with vendors that I need to make my wedding perfect, I begin to stress and I forget half my questions. Fortunately, the wedding workbook that Jon and I chose has all the questions written down and all I have to do is write the answers in the spaces given on the worksheet. I won’t have to find my note pad(s) later and try to remember where I scribbled all my notes. It’s truly brilliant!

I used the venues worksheets 1st because our whole wedding design depends on our venue. We decided on a country-vintage wedding theme. We’ve also decided to forget the traditional idea of wedding colors. Instead, we are keeping browns and neutrals dominant with splashes of color in flowers and decor. I am wearing pearls with little diamonds for earrings and necklace and we’re encouraging everyone to dress to our theme. I love the idea of a mis-matched vintage-y wedding that is all our own! Thanks for the great workbook. It's been a lifesaver!"

- Sara and Jon

Check out Moore Music for your Philadelphia Wedding!

2011-03-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

With Moore Music you'll receive excellent service. With their knowledgeable and courteous staff will ensure everyone has a terrific time.

They have more than 19 Years of experience to guide you in planning your event. They have experience with Weddings, Banquets, Corporate Events, Fund Raisers, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Anniversary Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, School Dances, and Graduation Parties. We also ensure that our music is 100% edited for parental control.

Check out JP Event Design!

2011-03-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

JP Event Design works with you to ensure that every aspect of your event far exceeds your expectations. They take care of every single detail so you don't have to. When the time comes, you and your guests can simply enjoy the day and celebrate! Feel free to head over to their website and get more info!

Check out Creative Video for your Philadelphia Wedding! We Love Them!

2011-03-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Creative Video is Delaware's premiere wedding and event photography company. Serving the Philadelphia area! Choose them for your next big day! Read more about them here.

Q: How do we make sure everyone has fun at our Philadelphia wedding?

2010-12-31T11:26:00.001-08:00

A: There are many ala carte services available to help spice up your wedding, make your guests feel welcomed, and assist it in running smoothly. For example, if you're having an outside wedding, have you provided restrooms and a hand washing station for your guests? How about a photobooth available to all? Have you thought about dance lessons for the two of you? for the bridal party? Specialized lighting is an economical way to turn an otherwise ordinary venue into an extraordinary sight. Are you serving alcohol? What about children...have you considered things for them to do or someone to watch over them? Do you need to hire a house-cleaning service?

How do you find good service providers? First of all, find recommendations from reputable sources, and then, ask questions? Below are a few sample questions:

How long have you been in business providing this type of service?
What type of guarantee do you have?
How are your employees dressed?
Are you licensed?
Do you have references?

For an elaboration on ala carte services and more questions to ask, please see the Ala Carte Section of the Philadelphia Wedding Workbook. Be sure to write down your answers to the questions on the worksheets provided in the workbook. This will help you be successful in keeping organized along the way during your wedding planning.

I love this wedding photo by Pure Joy Pictures, don't you?

2010-12-31T11:21:00.001-08:00

A lovely night to remember...Bridalworkbooks hearts guests' creative contribution for happy memories at this wedding. Pure Joy Pictures is full of creative ideas to help you treasure your special day!

Photo of the week! Pure Joy Pictures

2010-11-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

Bridal Workbooks chose this photo submitted by Pure Joy Pictures for it's "step back in time" serenity; exquisitely beautiful! We LOVE Pure Joy's artistic work!

Is hiring a wedding planning worth the money?

2010-11-10T15:09:00.000-08:00

In short, Philadelphia Wedding Workbook would like to shout a big,"YES"!! A wedding planner is actually a great way to stick to your budget!

Planners have extensive professional contacts who are willing to negotiate fabulous deals for you because of your association with your wedding planner. They are also experienced managing from start to finish your wedding planning process, including supervising various professionals, family members, and guests to help ease your planning and wedding day stress.

For more details of the many "hats" you can hire a wedding planner to wear, check out the Philadelphia Wedding Workbook, and what this recommended professional has to say:

JP Event Design

Wendy's Affairs of Heart

A professional wedding planner knows this is an exciting and busy time for you and should strive to efficiently meet your needs. In doing so, a planner should offer you resources within your budget, and still be able to help make your dreams a reality.

Be sure to check out the Philadelphia wedding planners we've screened and included above!

How do we choose a good band for our wedding reception?

2010-11-10T15:05:00.001-08:00

Your live entertainment choice can be the make-or-break factor in producing a memorable special occasion. Before you meet with a live band, write down your favorite songs and see if they can play a fair amount on your list.
Here is some good advice about band-hunting From the Experts...

Look for personality and friendliness among the members and how they interact with the audience...

Look for universal appeal (a little bit of something for everyone)...

Are they energetic, entertaining, and contagious?

A good band will learn a song or two just for your event...

Contributed by Keep It Real Band

For a FANTASTIC choice,The Philadelphia Wedding Workbook Team highly recommends you check out The Love Jones Band. They are a FUN, fresh alternative to the average wedding band. Listen to their music samples and you'll see why we think so.

You'll find the Top 10 Questions to Ask Music Entertainers in your copy of the Philadelphia Wedding Workbook. Take it along with you and write down the answers on the worksheets provided.

How do I attend a bridal show and make it worth my while?

2010-11-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

First off, you need to choose which events are going to be most useful to you. Do this by researching the different types of bridal shows and expos in your area. Free shows or workshops can be a fabulous start.

Second, use these shows to your advantage: there are a bunch of wedding experts in the same area, so ask all your tough planning questions without having to run all over town or make a hundred phone calls!

Now it's time to prepare! Here are four of our bride-tested suggestions:

Bring labels.
Be prepared to buy.
Bring color swatches.
Bring a camera

A bridal expo is also an excellent place to take along your Philadelphia Wedding Workbook. Not only does it have the Top 10 Questions to Ask each category of vendors, but it also includes the worksheets to write down the answers.

Be sure to look on our website for bridal shows in your area!

What is a typical order of events for a wedding reception?

2010-11-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone will be looking forward to the celebration of your union. How should you start it? You'll need some sort of agenda to make sure the party runs as smoothly as possible. You may even want to provide your guests with a program, so that they know how the evening will unfold.

Below we've included a sample agenda for you Although this is a traditional order, you can customize any portion of it to fit your circumstances:

5:00 pm Cocktail hour

6:00 pm Introduction of bridal party, bride and groom

6:20 pm Table blessing

6:30 pm Begin food service

7:00 pm Toast by the best man (and possibly the maid of honor or parents)

7:15 pm Mother/Son and Father/Daughter dances

7:30 pm Music and entertainment

9:00 pm Cake cutting

9:20 pm Remarks and acknowledgements by the bride and groom

9:30 pm Exit
10:00 pm The reception ends