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The first four questions to ask potential wedding vendors

Starting to secure vendors can seem like such the daunting task. We thought we’d share the questions we think should be at the top of your list.

Do you have my wedding date available?
This is the first question you ask of ANY vendor. I’m certain this is obvious why this is the first question, but just in case there’s any question, do let me explain. If the vendor does not have your date – the date you are married to (pun intended), you need not have another bit of conversation about their services. If you want THAT photographer then the fact that they don’t have availability will seal the deal and you can move forward with shopping other vendors. Time is everything in planning your wedding so one must not waste time dwelling on these issues.

How far in advance do I need to book your services?
This tip helps a great deal, especially when you are shopping vendors for a specific service. You will have a proper understanding of what sort of timing you are up against and when you’ll need to contract and have deposits ready to secure said vendors.

Do you have a portfolio you can share?
A vendor’s portfolio is the best representation of their work. As vendors, our portfolio is what represents us. It is representative of the high quality work we do on a client’s behalf. Keep in mind that these are the images the vendor has CHOSEN to show as the work that is exemplary of their work. If the images in someone’s portfolio strike you as mediocre, then take heed. If they have a significant portfolio and you don’t see what you like then they likely won’t match very well with your aesthetic. Certainly you can have a conversation with the vendor about the possibilities, but also consider this may be a cue to move on.

What packages do you offer and can they be customized?
All vendors should have a clearly outlined offering of services. It may not be on their website as most of us don’t want to include the more in-depth detail on our websites so as not to overwhelm you when visiting. Generally if you inquire about services via the website or by phone, we can supply a detailed list of services and discuss costs, as well. Get this upfront and factor the costs into your budget. This should be a big consideration and help tremendously in guiding your planning.

What are some wedding vendor questions you think should be asked immediately?

Not Your Average Cake

So many have integrated cupcakes into the food service at their special events, parties and weddings. I adore these cupcakes because there is a signature, unique style. Such dazzling design that they become a wonderful conversation piece. Fantastic!

Photo credit: Weheartit.com

Great Save-the-Date

Adore this Save-the-Date piece. I think of the groom of a particular couple we are working with when I see this. He’s such a techie, methodical guy. 🙂

See this save-the-date and many more at Minted. They’ve also got a wonderful save-the-date magnet collection that will wow everyone!

Hollywood Designer to make an appearance at Soliloquy Bridal Couture

This is a CAN’T MISS event! Kevan Hall, the hearalded designer who has dressed everyone from Halle Berry and Charlize Theron to Renee Zellweger and Vanessa Williams, will be taking appointments for custom-fitted wedding and evening gowns on Saturday, November 12th at the fantastic new luxury bridal boutique, Soliloquy Bridal Couture.

With a hat tip to the most stylish and celebrated of the Hollywood elite many of the gowns have been coined apropos names, like Mansfield and Blanchette. The Kevan Hall White Label Collection, exclusive to Soliloquy Bridal Couture, maintains Mr. Hall’s fashion philosophy – “emphasizing purity of style, incomparable tailoring and sensuously draped streamlined silhouettes”. Modern and elegant, these works of fashion art range from $4,500 to $10,000. A pittance to look like a million bucks for your nuptials.

Make your appointment today for the November 12th affair at Soliloquy Bridal Couture by visiting www.soliloquybridal.com or by calling 571.449.2580.

Note that Kevan Hall is also being honored by the presitigious Washington Club on November 11th. For more information visit http://twcspecialevents.com. Press privileges can be attained through Celia Reyer by emailing membership@thewashingtonclub.com

Special Note: Look at for members of the Klover Events team who will be speaking at Soliloquy Bridal Couture’s February Bridal Forum! Details to come!!

You’re Engaged! Now What?: The Top 4 Things-to-do After You Get Engaged!

#1 Announce it!

First things first! Announce it to everyone! Whether you announce it like Maria in the Sound of Music or send a mass email, make sure to share the joy of your impending nuptials with all your friends and family so they can join in the celebration!

#2 Bridal Party
Determine whom you’d like to stand by your side on your wedding day. Be very thoughtful about the selections you make. Keep in mind that, particularly, in this economy, you should consider your potential bridal party’s ability to afford what can be a very expensive role. Consider those who have to travel, pay for garments, etc. This is not to say don’t ask them. This is more to say, be prepared for the possibility that they may not be in a position to afford to support you in that way. We recommend asking early in the process as the longer people have to pay, the more it eases the cost. If you can afford this by paying for some of those costs, be prepared to have that conversation, as well.

#3 The Numbers: 1+1 is not just a Beyonce song

Consider now how much you want to spend on your wedding. Consider the absolute maximum you can afford. Everyone wants an amazing wedding day, but be realistic for your own good. You don’t want to be paying for your wedding day 10 years from now, so being realistic in the beginning and staying within budget are a must.

#4 Develop the Budget

It is imperative that you set a budget in the beginning. Before you do anything else, we recommend developing a detailed budget. From the fancy favors you want to give your guests to the venue to the boutonnières, each and every possible associated cost should be included in your budget. This considered, your budget should be more than a page. If you are working with a wedding planner they should have a really good template that you can customize for your own needs. To give you an idea, the budget template we provide our clients is five…count ‘em, (one, two, three, four) FIVE pages. Details are a must!

Oh, Wedding Cake, How We Love Thee!

Oh, wedding cakes, how we love thee — an ode to divine design for wedding cakes! Just because these wedding cakes are modern and fantastic, we had to post! Can’t. Take. Eyes. Off. Them!! Please refrain from drooling near the cakes. ha!

Images courtesy of Maggie Austin Cake