Alexa and I at Turks and Caicos at Beaches, best vacation ever!

Happy Mother’s Day to you if you are a mom.

Happy early Father’s Day if you are a dad.

If you aren’t a parent, then please pass on love, hugs, and best wishes to your parents and grandparents!  If you don’t have a mom, or grandparents, I understand your loss, and remember their laughter, smile, and incredible times you had together.

As a parent, you feel fortunate to be able to bring a child into this world.  You understand what it means to want more for your child than you and your spouse ever had.

Before becoming a mom, I used to think life was “busy”.  Now being a mom, and running multiple businesses, have a new definition and balance for the word “busy”.

Being a teacher and positive role model for your child, you hope and pray the map for their road of life is filled with good choices. You have a positive mindset overflowing with strength and energy, especially on the days when there are detours.

When you are a parent you understand 24/7, you understand there is no time off, and traditions you pass on and implement will be passed on to your child’s children.

You want to be there to share great experiences and all those “firsts”.  You want to listen to everything about their day.  You want to give them hugs, dry their tears, and pick them up when they fall.  You understand one day when when you least expect it, they will be on their own.  You hope and pray you have instilled in them the knowledge, tools, and ability to make their own right choices as if you were there beside them as they follow their road of life.  It is hard to know all your parents sacrificed, yet you get a better idea when you become a parent.

When the doctors told me I would never have children, my mom told me “Kim, you will never know what love is”.  At that time I had no idea what she meant, and now after beating all odds to become a parent, I do “get it”!

Blessed that Alexa (our miracle daughter), Steve, and I have an incredible relationship.  We have each others “back”, and together anything is possible!

One of our favorite sayings is “I love you to the moon and back a zillion times, and I love you more than you love me and it is possible!”  Alexa is now 9, and in 9 more years she will be graduating high school and off to college.

My mom passed away almost 19 years ago next month.  Disappointed Alexa and her never met, yet know they have many things in common, which I have discussed with Alexa – their blue eyes, their nose, and their artistic creativity just to name a few of their similarities.

Steve and I celebrate our 22^nd anniversary today, and can’t wait for another weekend experience as we are together for Mother’s Day!

First Dance at Your Wedding

A DJ or band will set the tempo and mood of your wedding.  Music is one of the first impressions your guests experience when they arrive.  It pays to do your homework when hiring a DJ and band.  You do get what you pay for, if it appears to be too good, it probably is.  The personality, knowledge, and expertise of your DJ and band will make your event.  A professional DJ and band will be able give you guidelines on the flow of your wedding, and to assist you as you select your “must play” songs and your “must NOT play” songs.

Select Music for a Diverse Group of family and friends.  As a bride and groom, you have your favorite songs, yet your parents and grandparents may have an entirely different song list.  Review your guest list to see what type of music will work best, and ask your DJ and band for recommendations.  As you review your guest list, it normally narrows down to a diverse group of family and friends, which translates to a diverse group of music selections.   You may want live music for a portion, and a DJ for another portion. Music played during dinner will be an entirely different selection compared to the last hour for dance music.

Load In and Set Up.  Your DJ and band need to be scheduled to have enough time to load in, set up, have a sound check, trouble shoot, change clothes, and be ready for the arrival of your guests.   The last thing you want is your DJ or band loading in as your guests arrive.  If you have a band, they will have multiple breaks.  Make sure you have someone play music during breaks.

Are you a musiczilla?  As a wedding planner, always have lots of stories!  One bride had a song list of what she wanted played to the minute for her entire three hour wedding reception.  This is not recommended!  As her wedding planner, let her know it was not recommended, yet the DJ would follow her plan “her way”, yet she needed to understand if it wasn’t working we needed a Plan B.  Plan B was the most of the same songs, yet played in an order and timing the DJ felt worked best for the flow.  After 10 minutes of no one dancing, I approached the bride, and she agreed to go to Plan B.  Please remember you hire a professional for a reason, and each song may be three to four minutes long.  If you have a MUST PLAY list of 150 songs, you may have 600 minutes of music, translating to 10 hours of music.  Allow your DJ or band leader to guide you in selections which will get your guests up on the dance floor.  If there are songs which you do NOT want played, even if requested by a guest, make sure they honor your requests first.

Team and Timeline.  As your wedding planner, one crucial item requested of you is to be respectful to your vendors and give them a realistic timeframe to do what they feel they need to do it in.  You will need a timeline from your photographer to know how much time they need to photograph you, your wedding party, your family, and  your room before guests enter.  Depending on your menu selection and service style, you may want to position songs like the Father/Daughter dance after the servers have cleared tables, while everyone is waiting for your next course to be served.  You want your vendors to be able to do their personal best in a realistic timeframe.

Cake Cutting vs. Cake Service.  One of the key issues when timing your dinner is when to cut the cake.  Many feel when you cut the cake, your guests leave.  There is a “gap” in time from when you physically “cut the cake”, to when the cake is “served” to your guests.  Most people eat dessert and have coffee after their entrée (they don’t wait an hour or two for dessert).  Would recommend the bride and groom to cut their cake when most of the guests are finished eating their entrée.  Once the cake is cut, then have the DJ and band open the dance floor for dancing (approximately 20 – 30 minutes) while the catering staff disassembles, cuts, and prepares the cake to be served to the guests.  After 20 – 30 minutes of dancing, your guests are normally ready to take a break, and return to their table to eat their cake.

Check references, and meet with the DJ and band directly.   The DJ and band leader should give you recommendations or a guideline to help you with song selections for your:

• Grand Entrance
• Dinner Music
• First Dance
• Father/Daughter Dance
• Mother/Son Dance
• Cake Cutting Song
• Dance Music (slow and fast selections)
• Last Dance

Read and understand your agreement before signing it.

What time will they start and end?

What is included in their fee?

What is an additional fee?

Who is your DJ?

Who is your emcee?

Who are your band members and what instrumentation or vocals will they include?

What are overtime charges?

What will they wear?

If it is a band, how many breaks do they have and for how long?

What and who will be play on band breaks (or do they have a DJ to handle this)?

If it is a band, are they willing to learn the music of your First Dance, and other special requested dances?

Do they have a wireless microphone for announcements?

Do they include lighting, or is it extra?

Two recommended DJ companies:

http://www.CitronSound.com (ask for Jon)

http://www.RayTheDJ.com (ask for Ray)

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 61 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – April 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at TheWrightHouse.com in Mesa, Arizona

The rehearsal dinner has become almost as festive as the wedding itself.  It’s a time to celebrate your upcoming wedding in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Who should you invite?  Your guest list for your rehearsal dinner should include members of your wedding party, the officiant, parents, and grandparents of the bride and groom, and siblings of the bride and groom who are not in the wedding party.  If you have stepparents, they are invited with their spouses, yet should not be seated next to their former spouses.  The wedding party’s husbands, wives, fiancés, fiancées, and live-in companions should be invited, yet dates are not normally included.  Any children of the bride and groom from a previous marriage should attend, unless they are too young.  The flower girl, ring bearer, junior bridesmaid, and junior groomsman may be included, unless the hour or the formality makes it difficult for them to attend.  Would recommend inviting their parents (if they aren’t in the wedding party) so you have supervision.

What about my out-of-town guests?  Before adding all of your out-of-town guests, sit down and review your budget for the event with your fiancé.  If your budget would be able to accommodate them, then it would be a nice gesture.  Remember when you include one out-of-town guest, you should include most of them.  If this doesn’t work for your budget, you may want to arrange an informal meeting for them at their hotel, or a nearby restaurant to meet them at another time so they feel welcomed.

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 61 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

Negotiate and read agreements before signing.

When planning your wedding you have a multitude of lists.  One major “to do list” is to get your wedding team hired (i.e., wedding planner, ceremony site, reception site, caterer (if not on site), bakery (if not on site) finding THE dress, groom’s apparel, wedding party attire, photographer, ceremony musicians, DJ or band, officiant, florists, make-up artist, hair stylist, invitations, transportation, hotel accommodations, honeymoon, and there may be more, depending on your type of wedding!

Hiring an experienced wedding planner saves you time, energy, and is helpful in finding professionals which match your vision, budget, and style.  Experienced wedding planners know the reputation and have relationships with these vendors.  Yes, your BFF or a co-worker may have just gotten married and have the vendors they used for their wedding–yet do you want a wedding just like your BFFs wedding?.

Hiring an experienced wedding planner to finalize and negotiate your agreements is crucial.  They will know how to negotiate IN what you need, and negotiate OUT what you don’t need. 

Contract tips:

1).  Read the contract carefully before signing.

2).  Get clarifications on items you don’t understand.

3).  Negotiate what you don’t want out, negotiate what you do want in the agreement.  (BTW if you don’t know what you want – hire a professional planner to give you guidance)

4).  Specify the cost for the product and/or service(s) you are receiving in writing, and confirm if taxes, delivery, set up, take down, and gratuities are included, or at an additional expense.

5).  What happens if there is  a change of date or cancellation of the wedding?

6).  What happens if they do not deliver or perform the goods and or services you are paying for?

7).  When are payments due, and how are payment accepted?

8).  What if the company you hire changes ownership?

9).  If there needs to be updates and changes to the agreement, how is this done at a later date?

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

Bridesmaids, Junior Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls Responsibilities

You are engaged, getting married, and now are getting ready to ask your BFFs to be a part of your wedding.

Who do you ask, and what are their responsibilities?  Your bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girls will be a large part of your wedding day.  They will be involved in your journey from being single to walking down the aisle on multiple levels.  

Select your wedding gown first for the style, vision, and formality of your wedding.  Remember your bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girls will be your palette of color in many of your photos.  When you choose your color palettes go to ColourLovers.com – LOVE THEM, and work with colors which you look amazing in.  When choosing bridesmaid dresses remember to keep the wedding gown in mind.  You may come up with a common design which may be a combination of the fabric, sheen, bodice, train, neckline, shoulder treatment,  etc.

Weddings are stressful with emotions running high.  There are many important factors to consider before asking your BFFs to be in your wedding party.  The most important thing to consider is they are there to SUPPORT YOU!

It is your CHOICE to ask these people to be involved in your wedding day, and it should be an honor for them.  Not everyone may see things the way you do.

The day of your wedding IS all about you.  When you choose your wedding party, here are some things to consider BEFORE asking them to be in your wedding party:

1).  Your BFF which has always been “all about herself”, will probably still be all about herself.

2).  Your BFF which has always been there for you, in good times and bad, will be a source of strength for you.

3).  Your BFF which complains about being bloated when she is a size zero, will probably still be bloated.

4).  Your BFF which complains and talks about being too busy, may be too busy to help you.

5).  Your BFF which you haven’t seen since college, you probably won’t see or hear from until your wedding day.

6).  Your fiance’s sister who has been supportive of you becoming a new member of the family, will probably still be supportive.

7).  Your fiance’s sister who is BFF with his ex-girlfriend, will still probably be BFF with the ex.

Bridesmaid’s Responsibilities:

• Pay for their dress and show up for their fittings.
• Wear the correct attire.
• Attend the wedding rehearsal.
• Be supportive and follow the bride’s wishes.
• Purchase a wedding gift for the bride and groom.
• Arrive and be dressed for photos per the timeline for the wedding day.
• Walk down the aisle with or without the groomsman per the bride’s request.
• Look after the bride attentively on the day of the wedding.
• Be available to pose for photos throughout the day.
• Help plan the bachelorette party based on the bride’s taste.

Junior Bridesmaid Responsibilities:

The junior bridemaid is normally between the ages of nine to fourteen.  She is “too old” to be a flower girl, and “not old enough” to wear a bridesmaid dress.  Some manufacturers have junior bridesmaid dress sizes which are the same fabric and style of the bridesmaids, others may not.  You will want to have her purchase a junior bridesmaid dress which you approve which is in the same style and color as your bridesmaids.  Her parents would be responsible for purchasing her dress, shoes, and accessories.  The florals for the junior bridesmaid may be a scaled down version of the bridesmaids’ bouquet.

Flower Girl Responsibilities:

The flower girl is normally between the ages of three to eight.  Her parents will be responsible for purchasing her dress, shoes, and accessories.  If the flower girl needs a nap, it is best to try to keep her on schedule.  Ask your photographer if they could add the flower girl in the photography timeline when they are rested!   The flower girl traditionally follows the ring bearer (if you are having one).  If you have more than one flower girl, it works well to have them “buddy up” so they support each other.  Depending on the length of your ceremony, you may want the flower girls to be seated with their parents or grandparents.  It helps to have their parents on the center aisle to encourage them to walk to a familiar face.  Remember you may want to ask your makeup artist and hairstylist to make your flower girls feel extra special by touching them up before they walk down the aisle.  Keep in mind when you have children in the ceremony you have minimal control over the outcome.  The flower girl may run down the aisle, lift her dress, cry, or refuse to walk.  Remember, children in a wedding are adorable.  The flower girls are little, and the more supportive you and the bridesmaids are, the more they will feel included and want to impress the “big girls”.

Money Obligations:

If the bridesmaid or parents of the junior bridesmaid or flower girl are on a budget already, traditionally they pay for their own dress, shoes, and accessories.  Sometimes you may offer to pay for part or all of the gown and/or accessories, knowing the chance of them wear it again is minimal.  Remember the movie 27 dresses! 

Conflicting Personalities:

If the people you are considering to be in your wedding party get along well, great!  If they don’t, think again.  With stress and emotions running high, they will be at a higher level as the wedding day approaches.  Cat fights on your wedding day between your BFFs will not make it an enjoyable day, and your photos will show the stress in your faces.

“Real life” Happens:

Think about the situations which are “real life” to your BFFs.  Maybe one is pregnant, and expecting her first child close to your wedding date.  Maybe one just had a baby, and they need to bring the baby to your wedding.  Maybe one was just laid off from her job and has financial situations.  Maybe one no matter what happens has drama 24/7.  Try to surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and your fiance’s marriage.

Supportive:

By taking the time to hand pick your wedding party based on these specifications, this will help you choose a responsible and supportive group of bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girls. 

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

Bridesmaid Dresses

When you say:

1).  “I don’t want to be a Bridezilla, but…” your bridesmaid thinks you have just become one.

2).  “I want your bridesmaid dress to be one you will wear again…” your bridesmaid thinks the chances of that happening are slim.

3).  “Since you are not in a serious relationship…” your bridesmaid thinks she should have the opportunity to invite and bring a guest. 

4).  “Do you want your hair and make-up done…” your bridesmaid thinks yes, if you are paying for it yes, or no, if you are not. 

5).  “What shoes do you think work with your gown…” your bridesmaid thinks the comfortable ones since my feet aren’t going to show in the full length gown you chose.

6).  “Do you want to walk down the aisle with a groomsman, or by yourself…” your bridesmaid thinks (if she is single) definitely if it is my significant other, or possibly if it is the hottie groomsman, otherwise, alone works for me!

7).  “As your bridesmaid gift I was going to get you matching jewelry…” your bridesmaid thinks she would prefer something more personal from you.

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

• assign a “special” number to each guest as a “couple”* (see #1 below for details on why you will thank me a billion times for this tip)
• first name
• last name (easy to make an alphabetical list by last name of each guest) and title (if any)
• address
• city
• state/country
• zip/postal code
• phone number (in case they don’t RSVP and you need to call them)
• # RSVPed for reception
• # RSVPed for brunch (the day after your wedding)
  dietary restrictions (if any, especially if you are having a choice of beef, fish, vegetarian, etc.)
• table number (if you are having assigned seating at your reception)
• thank-you sent
• make brief notes of relationships (“Andrew’s mom’s best friend,” “Elena’s fiancé”) NOTE:  as you assemble your list these details will be helpful when you greet guests, arrange table seating, and when you write your thank-you notes.

1).  Make an assembly line so you do each step one by one (one task at a time will make sure you don’t forget to do it for one invitation)!

2).   To keep your sanity once you receive your RSVPs, use your “special” assigned number to each guest on the back of their RSVP card.  Many of your guests will forget to write or fill in their name on their RSVP card when they see the M________________.  When this happens, you receive their RSVP with the number attending, yet you do NOT know who they are!  Easily solve this by being proactive and printing the guest’s “special” number lightly in pencil or an invisible ink pen on the back of your RSVP card.  If your guest forgets to write their name on the line, you will know who is responding.

3).  Consider hiring a calligrapher, or ask your wedding planner for a recommendation of someone who has nice hand writing to address your invitations.   Depending on your envelopes, they may fit into your printer if you are a DIY, check one before continuing this so you don’t damage multiple envelopes.

4).  Do not abbreviate streets, cities, or states.

5).  Write the guests’ full names on the outer envelope (without abbreviations).  Traditionally invitations are inserted into two envelopes, an inner envelope and an outer envelope.  The outer envelope is the one that is addressed and stamped, while the inner envelope has only the names of the people the invitation is addressed to.  For example a married couple’s inner envelope is addressed to “Mr. and Mrs.  Anderson” with neither first names nor address.   You may want to write the names of intimate relatives and lifelong friends in informal terms such as “Uncle Tom and Aunt Sadie”. 

6).  Avoid writing “and guest” or “and family” so everyone invited feels the invitation is especially for him or her.

7).  Before mailing, take an assembled invitation (don’t forget all of your enclosures such as  your maps, RSVP cards, etc.) to your local post office to have them measure and weigh your assembled invitation and confirm you have the correct postage on your invitations.  (The last thing you need is to have your invitations  returned for improper postage or even worse having them delivered to your guests with “postage due”).

8).  In addition to your invitation you may have other enclosures  such as response cards, maps, and tissues.  Make sure everything is assembled one by one so you don’t omit an important item from your invitation mailing.

9).  Stuffing the envelopes:

• When 2 envelopes are used (inner and outer envelope) put all the enclosures in the inner envelope facing the back.
• The inner envelope is placed unsealed in the outer envelope with the flap away from the person.
• When there are insertions, they are placed in front of the invitation, so they face the flap (and the person inserting them).
• In the case of a folded invitation, insertions are placed in the same direction but within the fold.

10).  Mail invitations eight weeks before the wedding (especially if you are inviting many out-of-town guests). 

11).  Make sure your return address appears on the invitation on the upper left-hand corner, or on the envelope’s flap.  This lets your guests know where to send replies and gifts to in case your return address does not appear on the invitation.

12).  Expect that not everyone will attend.  25 percent of those you invite will not be able to attend.   You will receive your “yes” RSVPs before the “can’t make it”.  

13).  A and B list etiquette.  If you have a “wish” list or “B” list, try to mail all your invitations on the same day regardless of their “list” category.  Remember your “B” list may know some of your “A” list, and vice versa.  You don’t want to hurt the feelings of others by thinking they are not invited to your wedding.

Copyright 2012, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalShow.com

This weekend is the largest Bridal Show in America!  January 7-8, 2012 at Phoenix Convention Center in the SOUTH building from 9am – 3pm.  Tickets are $12 at the door.  ArizonaBridalShow.com for tickets online.

Bridal shows are a great planning tool when you are a busy bride, groom, or parent planning an upcoming wedding.  In one day and in one place you are able to talk directly with many different exhibitors, see/hear/taste/smell/touch samples of their work, and get an idea of costs involved in hiring their products and services.  Many bridal show exhibitors have show “discounts” or “specials” available for a limited time.

Bridal shows may be overwhelming, crowded, and confusing.  Would highly recommend you spend time planning ahead to get the most out of your bridal show experience.

Here are a few tips I highly recommend to make your “Bridal Show Experience” the most productive:

1).  Visit the bridal show web site for discount coupons on admission.

2).  Mark your calendar with the day(s), start time, end time, and the location with the address and parking details.

3).  Come early, since the you will get more accomplished.

4).  Attend the fashion show, and check the start time.

5).  Bring the people involved in making major decisions for your wedding. 

6).  Bring a camera or video to capture what you like.

7).  Bring address labels or an address stamp with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and wedding date to register for prizes.  This will save you time and prevent writer’s cramp.  Remember to register at locations you are interested in, otherwise your mailboxes will be overflowing! 

8).  Bring a large bag (or bag with wheels) so you may comfortably carry all of the hand-outs and samples you receive from the exhibitors.

9).  Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking and standing on your feet for hours.

10).  Bring your calendar so you may book appointments.

11).  Bring cash and your check book to take advantage of show discounts on site.

12).  Bring your color swatches if you still need a designer, florist, and bakery.

13).  Make a list of priorities of products and services you need the most.

14).  Some vendors may be able to book 1 or 2 weddings a day which will make them book more quickly.  Photographers, DJs, wedding planners, florists, and videographers may be examples of this vendor type.  Other vendors may be able to book multiple weddings on the same day.  Keep this in mind when organizing your priorities. 

15).  Stay until the end of the show, you may be able to have props which are leftover from the exhibitors. 

Copyright 2011, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

ArizonaBridalSource.com

Horn Family Holiday Card 2011

From our family in sunny Arizona (Christmas forecasts the high 65/low 41) to yours, wishing you an incredible holiday with your family and friends.  Thanks to Tracy Kreck from PhotoPassion.us for this family photo taken at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.

ENGAGEMENTS.  Christmas and New Years Eve are two of the biggest engagement days.  If you need proposal ideas and ways to sweep her off her feet, check out our proposal blog. 

BRIDAL SHOW.  January 7-8, 2012 at the Phoenix Convention Center from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the South Building, discount tickets are available at ArizonaBridalShow.com, tickets are $12 at the door.  Your ticket gets you admission for Saturday and Sunday. 

TV SEGMENT on WEDDING TRENDS.  Watch AZ Channel 3 TV on December 31, 2011 at 9:50 a.m. for 2012 Wedding Trends.

Copyright 2011, Kim Horn, MBC™

To hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Lead Arizona Wedding Planner – specializing in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix, and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – May 2012

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

O 480.921.7891

C 602.418.9089

F 480.829.6292

E info@ArizonaBridalSource.com

Deciding who sits with whom requires being tact, being considerate, having diplomacy, and having a sense of adventure.  This is similar to a jigsaw puzzle, where you will be putting all the pieces together, one by one.    

1).  Do I really need assigned seating?  Most guests prefer having assigned seating to a table.  Unassigned seating sounds great in theory, yet it rarely works out well. 

• Do you like going to an event which is “general admission”?
• There may be a “rush” for the best seats.
• Couples may get split up.
• If people turn up who did not RSVP, they may take seats intended for your RSVPed guests.

2).  Assigning tables or assigning seats?  Guests may be assigned to a table (where they may be choose any seat)  or assigned to a specific seat.  Assigning tables is more common in the United States, where assigning seats is more common in Europe. 

3).  Obtain a floor plan of your room from your reception site manager.  Make photocopies of the floor plan so you may work with the seating arrangements.  A few items are critical in the seating placement of your guests, such as placement of your:

• band/DJ (not the best seating placement for your grandparents)
• dance floor (next to your DJ/Band)
• bar(s)
• food tables (depending on the type of service you have chosen – sit-down/plated, action stations, or a buffet)
• cake table
• dessert bar or candy bar (not the best seating placement for children)
• number/name your tables (make sure you place Table #1 next to Table #2; if you have “names” for your tables, make sure they are alphabetical beginning with the letter “A”)

4).  Know your tables sizes and how many guests fit at each table. 

• 36” rounds seat 2-4 people
• 48” rounds seat 4-6 people
• 60” rounds seats 8-10 people
• 66” rounds seat 10 people
• 72” rounds seat 10–12 people
• 4’ banquet seats 4–6 people
• 6’ banquet seats 6–8 people
• 8’ banquet seats 8–10 people
• 36”  square seats 4 people
• 48”  square seats 8 people
• 60” square seats 10 people
• 72” square seats 12 people

NOTE:  If you are having chargers/base plates, you may want to reduce the number of people at each table, since some charges are 13” in diameter.

5).  Seating the bride and groom. 

• together at a sweetheart table for two
• together with your matron/maid of honor and best man
• together with your matron/maid of honor, best man, and their spouse/guest
• together with your wedding party
• together with your wedding party and their spouse/guest
• together with both sets of parents

6).  Seating parents.  Traditionally you would have one table for the bride’s family and close friends, and another for the groom’s family.  You may want to combine the two tables, yet normally there is an entourage of extended family and friends.  When the bride and/or groom’s parents are divorced, and all are in attendance, it is usually not the best idea to seat them together.  Hopefully they are amicable, yet the extended family of each may make it difficult logistically to seat them all at one table.

7).  The bridal party table.   Be creative with your wedding party.  Think of how you feel when you attend weddings or events.  You may your wedding party to sit with their spouse, guest, or family.  The bridal party table may be a rectangular table set against one side or end of the room.  The bride and groom sit at the center of the long side of the table, facing out so guests may see you.  No one is seated opposite of the bride and groom.  The bride sits on the groom’s right, with the best man on her right; the maid/matron of honor sits on the groom’s left, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen alternate along the same side of the table.  If you have a large wedding party, or if you want the spouses/guests of the wedding party to be seated with them, you may want a U-shape table with the bride and groom in the center.     

8).  Other guest tables.  Your basic objective is to make each table as congenial as possible.  For couples, try to mix and match while considering their personalities and interests.  Try to “fill the table”.  If you have a table for 10, try to fill it with 10 guests.  It will cost you more money on each table, linen, centerpiece, etc., if you do not fill your tables.  Trust your instincts and common sense.  If you do not personally know the guest, discuss with your fiancé or the parent which invited that person to assist you in the most logical positioning and grouping.  NOTE:  Seating a guest at a table where the other guests are close friends may leave the person feeling uncomfortable. 

9).  Seating children.  Younger children are usually seated with their parents.  Older children, tweens, or teens enjoy not being seated with their parents. 

10).  Seating disabled guests.  If you have a guest in a wheelchair, you may want to put them close to the entrance doors so they easily may get in and out of the room.  You may want to remove the chair for them if they will be seated in their wheelchair.  If they would like to be seated in their chair, you may want to move the wheelchair to the side of the room for them.  If someone has difficulty walking and has a cane or walker, normally it is easier to place them closer to the entrance doors.  A person with impaired hearing or impaired vision may enjoy being placed near the bridal party or near the band/DJ. 

11).  Seating charts, escort cards, tables numbers, and place cards.  Guests will need to know which table they are seated at so they don’t have to walk around to every table to find their place.  Place cards are recommended for seated dinners and formal buffets with more than twenty guests.  Table numbers with stanchions or frames are placed on each table to display the number or name of the table.  Table cards assign a guest to a specific table.  Place cards assign a guest to a specific seat at a specific table.  The table number of each guest’s table is written on his or her place card.  These place cards are in alphabetical order by last name at the reception entrance.  For assigned seating at the table, you will need to assign a direction in the room such as “the band is at 12 o’clock”, and seating is clockwise in the room.  Make sure you number your floor plan with the appropriate table number or table name, and make sure the reception site has table numbers and table number holders/frames (hopefully their selection will match your décor). 

12).  Alphabetical list by last name of guest with their table number or table name.  Make sure your wedding planner and head captain have your approved floor plan as well as an alphabetical list by last name of the guest with their assigned table number.   It is also helpful if you have a table number or table name list with the guests listed under this.  You will want to double and triple check this to make sure everyone has a seat.

13).  Open the doors.  Make sure at each entrance you have your wedding planner, a head captain, or a server with a detailed floor plan directing guests to their tables.

Copyright 2011, Kim Horn, MBC™

To you hire Kim as your wedding planner, call 480.921.7891 or text your name, wedding date, and wedding planner request to 602.418.9089.

Kim M. Horn, MBC™

Master Bridal Consultant | 1 of 59 in the World

Lead Arizona Wedding Planner – specializing in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Phoenix, and Destination Weddings

Publisher | Pres. | ArizonaBridalSource.com

AZ State Coordinator | Assoc. of Bridal Consultants May 2003 – present

ABC 2010 Conference Chair worked with David Tutera

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ArizonaBridalSource.com