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About AWP
For the Brides and Grooms
We also designed these pages to provide a quality site that can be used by brides, grooms, parents, and anyone else who happens to be planning a wedding. By combining the member resources of the only association devoted exclusively to all wedding vendors in the Washington DC area, we hope that this site and its articles will provide you with the information or services that you may be looking for.
The Directory page allows you to access the profiles of wedding professionals committed to providing the highest standards of service, and to link directly to each professional's website. You will also find planning advice from local experts by linking to the Articles section.
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| Helpful Hints | |
AWP Members invite you to meet them at the following 2008 events:
Custom Cake Design Open Houses: http://www.customcakedesign.com/html/open_house.html
Washington Bridal Showcase: http://www.bridalshowcase.com/
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
WASHINGTON WEDDING SHOW
Sunday, January 24, 2010
11 am to 5pm
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
North Bethesda, MD
Sunday, January 31, 2010
11 am to 5pm
Washington Bridal Showcase
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Ctr.
Chantilly, VA
Februray 7, 2010
11 am to 5pm
Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD
Sunday, April 18, 2010
11 am to 5pm
Patriot Center @ George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA
Not TOO Big…Not TOO Small…The Washington Wedding Show is Just Right!
The Washington Wedding Show is designed for the bride and groom who want to be informed yet not overwhelmed. By creating an atmosphere that is fun while elegant, the Washington Wedding Show encourages couples, along with their friends and family to personally meet and interact with dedicated wedding professionals who can assist them in creating the wedding of their dreams.
Receive Advice from the Wedding Experts serving Maryland, Virginia and the District. Be Swept Away by the Latest Trends in Planning, Flowers, Photography, Videography, Invitations, Favors, Honeymoons, Transportation, Beauty, Registries, Reception and Ceremony Sites.
Enjoy 2 Bridal Fashion Shows, Food and Cake Samples, Music, Dancing, Giveaways and so much more.
Fashion Shows - 1pm & 2:30pm
Looking for planning tips? Visit the Articles page. http://www.weddingprofessionals.org/articles.php |
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How to Navigate the Name-Change Process
by Danielle Tate
Name change is a big decision for brides. It is important to take some time to consider how you and your fiancé feel about name change as well as what form name change you want. Will you change your name to his, hyphenate, or use your maiden name as your middle name?
Once you have decided to change your name you should inform your employer of your intended name change so the company can begin changing your email, business cards, and any other items bearing your maiden name. It is also very important to make your honeymoon travel plans and reservations using your maiden name. Make sure your fiancé knows that you will not have time to change your driver’s license and passport prior to your trip.
After your wedding you should get a few copies of your certified marriage certificate to use during the name-change process. Several state and government offices need a certified marriage certificate as legal proof of your marriage before they can process your name-change request form.
Once you have a few copies of your marriage certificate you are ready to start the name-change process. Start by requesting a Social Security card with your new name followed by a new Driver’s License or ID from your state. It is also necessary to notify the IRS and USPS departments of your name change. Last on your list should be changing your name on your U.S. passport. All of these offices have name-change request forms to submit.
After you change all of your identification documents you will need to notify all of your creditors of your new name. Typically a letter or phone call stating your former and new name will be enough to change your name on your accounts, although some companies will need you to mail in a certified marriage certificate before they can update your name.
If changing your name seems a bit overwhelming, there are a few services available to help you through the process. MissNowMrs.com is a Web site that provides all of the state & U.S. government name-change forms as well as name-change notification letters. Their service auto-populates the forms and letters and also provides detailed filing instructions.
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Capturing Precious Memories Through Your Wedding Video
Preserving your wedding memories that will last and be watched for years to come-- how do you decide on the right video Company to capture them? I still remember how difficult it was for me when I was a bride. Equipment, editing, style, digital, DVD-- it is so high tech today. So how do you get your search started?
Fifteen years ago I joined my husband in his wedding video business. We have videoed all types of weddings-- indoor, outdoor, small, large, civil, and religious ones of almost every denomination in the Washington, DC area. I have been through all the technology changes. And through it all I have found there are three main things to look for when choosing a wedding video company, EXPERIENCE, EQUIPMENT, AND HISTORY.Anyone can video your wedding but not anyone can successfully capture the emotions of your day. You want someone who has wedding experience and a good reputation. A friend whom you know may work for a TV station as a cameraman and have a $10,000 camera but that does not mean that he or she will know how to shoot a wedding. Trained wedding videographers know what to look for, when to capture an emotion such as your parents' faces as you walk down the aisle.
For starters, your company should be a member of WEVA (Wedding Events Videographer Association) so that you can be assured that your videographers are professionals in the field. Review the companies work and be sure you like their style and presentation. Some have lots of graphics, or short cartoons. Some use photo inserts and titles. Some conduct more formal interviews. Make sure you are comfortable with the product you are being shown.
Equipment is a big issue today. But, don't get too hung up on it. Just make sure it will meet your needs and reflects your interests. Again someone can have a $10,000 camera but miss all the important aspects of your day. There are a few items, however, that you need to look for. The company should use wireless microphones on the groom, readers, singers, and musicians. Remember that half of the production is sound. What good is reliving your vows if you can't hear them? Your wedding videographer should also be using digital cameras and editing equipment. Everyone should be able to offer you DVD.
Lastly, look for a Company's history. It is best to have a personal interview to see the company for yourself and look over their work. They should show you a promotional video so that you will have a good understanding of what your video would look like if you use their services. Don't be afraid to ask questions—even ones that may seem silly to you. How many years have they been in business? Are they a member of WEVA, other local wedding associations, and the Better Business Bureau? Have they been written up in any publications? Do they have some literature on themselves and their work? Are they covered by insurance? If in doubt, ask to see their certificate of insurance. Ask for letters of recommendations and names of past customers to call if they don't volunteer them. What do they give you to take home-- only a rate schedule or a whole packet of information?
Find out if the majority of their work is weddings or something else, such as corporate. Remember whatever the company does the most is what it does the best. If you can see the studio, I would check to see that it is organized and neat. I spoke with a bride once who went to a studio that had tapes in piles everywhere. She wondered how he kept all the weddings straight.
All in all, remember that buying a video is a visual and audio product and you must see the work before booking. Give yourself time to visit about three companies so you can make a sound decision. Your video will be a constant reminder of your wedding for years to come. Don't cut corners. Happy Video shopping.
Julie Bargeski, President Video Express Productions www.VideoExpressPro.com301-598-6096 or 703-836-7626 Winner of 2006 Best Videography, International Special Events Society Among the Top Videographers recommended in Washingtonian Magazine |
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Every Bride and Groom wants to have a stress free wedding day
Tips from Larry Glatt, Photographer
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Have an emergency kit containing; makeup, blow dryer/curling iron, pantyhose, safety/bobby pins, sewing kit, "Shout Wipes", and a list of vendors with their phone numbers |
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Have your hair stylist do at least one practice run through with your headpiece, (and have a friend take photos) |
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Only use oil free matte makeup, well blended, with no high colors. Wedding Day hair and Makeup; ALWAYS HAVE THE BRIDE'S HAIR and makeup done first; these services always seem to take longer than you are told |
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Florist should have all personal flowers labeled and know the times and places they are needed |
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Assign attendants/parents to take care of rings, license, and payments to vendors |
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A receiving line will take 30-45 minutes after the ceremony, wear out makeup and flowers will begin to wilt. Instead, visit your guests at the tables during the reception; this will give you an opportunity for candid photographs with some of your favorite people. |
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It takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on requests, for post ceremony photography |
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Two attendants should know how to bustle your gown |
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Thursday before the wedding all men should pick up and try on their tuxes, count every stud, etc etc |
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All fittings should be with the shoes to be worn at the wedding, (watch out for heels catching hems) |
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Use coarse sandpaper on the soles of all new shoes |
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All participants to be in photographs should know where and when to be for all photography, (remember to include spouses of siblings and their children). Time can then be used to the maximum |
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Make time plans with caterer and music to get the maximum from your reception |
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Reception Hint: Have the first dance and dance "set" immediately following the grand entrance with your family and wedding party ringing the dance floor - this way you won't be searching for people later on for the dances you want to do; your music can play dance music between courses and you can visit your guests. It really does make for a better reception |
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Modern Bride magazine says "A photographer who can blend posed photographs with photojournalistic coverage of your day is your best value and contract your photographer early." "Some Black and White photography is a nice added touch." |
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Having your ceremony at other than a church/temple? You should look at the background for pictures, mirrors, microphones, etc. |
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If you are having wine at your ceremony use white to prevent stains. |
About the author - Larry Glatt has been a professional photographer for over two decades. You can visit his website at http://www.lglattphoto.com/ . You can reach him via e-mail at larry@lglattphoto.com .
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WHY HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT?
By Carol Eyles - Everyday Angels Wedding Consultants
Brides and their families are often shocked at the current cost of a wedding and all the frustration it brings in trying to pull everything together. Why is the blessed event, which should be the happiest of days, such a nightmare to pull off? One reason is that a wedding is pulled together by hiring and working with a variety of small businesses, such as caterers, photographers, videographers, bakeries, florists and musicians.
There are invitations to order and facilities to be reserved for both the ceremony and the reception. There are dresses to order and alter, tuxedos and limousines to rent, bartender and waiters to hire. The list can go on and on and on. As if this were not enough to make you want to scream, all of these vendors must be coordinated to be at the same place, on the same day, at the same time, all working together toward the same goal - a smooth event.
Twenty years ago, the bride's family could pull all of this together for around $5,000. Today, however, wedding costs can easily reach $20,000 and more. A wedding can be a larger investment of time and money than the purchase of a new car.
Facing all these expenses, families sometimes decide the first way to cut costs and try to save a few dollars is to plan the grand event themselves. Unfortunately, they seldom have any first hand knowledge of, or experience with, any of these vendors. They may, and should, ask friends and family for references on vendors, but even this may only produce an incomplete list without much diversity, variety or selection. The next step may be to turn to the Yellow Pages. The problem with this approach is that the bride and her family may not know the right questions to ask the vendors, or what warning signs to look for when interviewing them. Not knowing this can result in problems on the day of the wedding, disappointments, and cost overruns. For example: Did you know that if you bring your own cake to some reception sites instead of using their baker you will be charged a cake cutting fee? Sometimes as much as $35. Or that some sites expect you to bring your own table numbers? This is generally not something they mention in the initial interview.
Many times the mother and father of the bride find after all their hard work, frustration, and great expense, they themselves have no time to enjoy the fruits of their labor because they must manage and coordinate all the vendors and details of the day. Are the flowers correct? Is the menu as ordered? Is the band playing the kind of music you wanted and at the right time? When should you cut the cake?
Experienced wedding consultants understand your concerns about planning the perfect event while working within your budget. They will help you navigate through the maze of planning a wedding and making sure that it is pulled together with as little fuss as possible. Wedding Consultants can help spare you countless sleepless nights, greatly increase your overall satisfaction with the final results, and best of all; they can actually save you money. They can do this by maintaining lists and relationships with hundreds of professionals within the industry, and in knowing which vendors would be the most appropriate for your concept of the wedding, and in keeping with your budget. The consultant can ensure that the day flows smoothly, coordinating all of the vendors into a team, all working together in creating a day that is in every way what you envisioned. By relieving the bride, groom, family and friends of the pressures and stress of attending to the details of the day, EVERYONE is free to relish the day, enjoy the moments, and look back years later with satisfaction that they placed these responsibilities in the hands of a professional.
Carol Eyles is owner of Everyday Angels Wedding Consultants. With many years of experience coordinating weddings, they can handle the details of the event you've been thinking about for years with the personal touch you're looking for while at the same time keeping a close eye on your budget. The size of the event doesn't matter...large or small you receive the same personalized attention. They can be reached at 703-791-5987 or via email at hlpuwed@starpower.net. |
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Formally Yours
Tuxedo Tips from Jonathan Bovee of Masters Tuxedo
| In my two decades of helping Brides and Grooms select their wedding formalwear, I've learned a thing or two. Here are a few tips to help smooth the way to your perfect wedding.
Always take the shoes! If you leave it up to your groomsmen, you'll have a collection of brown loafers, cowboy boots and sneakers. It's well worth the extra few dollars for a uniform look on the day of your wedding. You can be sure that if you've got mismatched footwear, your photographer will manage to immortalize it for all time.
Consider the purchase of a tuxedo. For the price of three rentals, you could own your own tuxedo. It can be brand new, tailored to your exact size, and in the closet, ready to go when that first big formal party comes along after your wedding.
Lie to your groomsmen. Fib a little on the date by which they need to have their measurements in to the tuxedo shop. You know these guys. They will procrastinate. If the formalwear shop needs the measurements three weeks before the wedding, tell the guys six weeks. If your ushers are out of town, this is especially important.
Take real measurements. When sending in your measurements from out of town, go to a tuxedo shop or a tailor and have them taken. Don't let your Aunt Lulu take your measurements with a piece of string. And just because you can still fit into those size 32 Levi's, don't assume that you can fill in the blanks yourself. Formalwear fits differently than casual wear, and unless you want to look like you're in a borrowed tuxedo, it's best to let a professional do the measuring.
Spend a few minutes to save a lot of time. Try on your tuxedo in the store when you pick it up. Be sure that you completely try on your tuxedo at the time you pick it up, and have your groomsmen do the same. If a groomsman takes a tuxedo home to try it on, never gets around to it, puts it on for the first time the morning of the wedding and then discovers that he has a problem, its tough for your tuxedo shop to do anything about it. Work with your formal wear provider to make any changes or alterations ahead of time, and eliminate last minute emergencies.
Formalwear makes a great groomsman's gift. Did you see an interesting tie and vest set in the tuxedo shop that you would like to use for your wedding? Buy one for each or your groomsmen, and your shopping is done. A set of studs and cufflinks for each of the guys is easy, affordable, and will be appreciated and remembered for years to come.
Put the best man to work. Enlist his aid in making sure that all groomsmen have picked-up their tuxedos, tried them on, and have everything on right-side out and in the right place. Its also nice to have one of the groomsmen or the best man act as designated tuxedo returner. Ask each of the guys bring a change of clothes to the reception, have them change out of their tuxedo, and give the suits to the designated returner to bring back to the tuxedo shop.
And finally, please... Change out of your tuxedo before you jump in the pool at the reception.
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Jonathan Bovee has been with Masters Tuxedo for 21 years. For a free catalog
and $20 off coupons, call 1-800-572-3353, or visit their web site at
http://www.yourtuxedo.com/
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The Many Benefits of Using a Make-up Artist
By Bette Price
AWP, Make-up Consultant
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Make-up artists provide a convenient personal in-home service to busy women on the go and any others who want to look their best for special occasions.
The service provides complete make-up for the bride and her entire bridal party. Make-up services can be performed at a location of your choice.
A personal consultation can provide the bride with the opportunity to explore and create her unique look by experimenting with a wide range of colors and styles: natural, exotic, or innocent. By making these decisions prior to the wedding, you remove a major stress factor, including the issue of last minute cosmetic selections.
Many women spend hundreds of dollars purchasing make-up that they never use, or they fail to achieve results at home similar to the appearance received from a professional make-up artist. A professional make-up artist can teach you the necessary skills during an in-home consultation.
A well-trained make-up artist can highlight your best appearance. Desirable features can be accentuated and defined. Flaws and imperfections of the skin are minimized to produce a polished appearance for extended periods of time.
Make-up artists are no longer confined to entertainers and actors. Many people realize special occasions should not suffer inadequate make-up. Why gamble with your appearance.
When appearance counts, count on a professional make-up artist.
Bette Price is a member of the Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP). She operates Make-Up Artistry and can be reached at 301-656-0285
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Create a Romantic and Memorable Wedding Day Using Professional Balloon Decorations
By Priscilla Williams CBA - Magical & Memorable Balloons
When decorating for your Reception it should have its own sort of decorative flair, letting the couple, participants and guests release those anticipatory feelings with dining, conversation, and entertainment to top off the event.
There are specific areas that you will want to accentuate with decorations:
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The Entrance: It sets the mood for the affair; |
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The Head Table: The focal point for the event; |
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The Party Boundaries: Defines the dance floor; |
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The Guest Tables: Unifies the theme on the tables with follow through design and color; |
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Gift and Cake Tables: Enhance with appropriate designs. |
The Grand Entrance: Entering the reception should feel like stepping into a new realm full of excitement and enchantment. The use of decorations here heightens the anticipation of what is to come prior to your guests entering into the reception area. This first impression of the event can be subtly striking, bold and exciting or quietly elegant. Whatever the look you wish to achieve can be obtained by using balloons.
The Head Table: The main focal point of the reception. The newly married couple ARE the center of attention. Your decorations should enhance the head table with color and design.
The Centerpieces or Arrangements: The purpose of a Table Centerpiece is to create additional atmosphere for the guests to enjoy when they are seated or standing. Balloons are impressive because they can create both dramatic and high visual impact with color, movement, and excitement that is visible when guests enter, are seated, walking around or dancing. They paint the air with color . On the other hand, Balloon Arrangements remain similar in height to a floral arrangement with perhaps a few balloons rising above the design. The design should allow your guests to see through the design so as not to interfere with their conversation. We now offer beautiful handmade bows in many different sizes, colors and materials that are appropriate for the church pews and as table centerpieces.
The Dance Floor: To emphasize this area we recommend some type of versatile design that will frame the dance floor. Something that will beckon your guests to participate in dancing to the music.
Priscilla Williams is a member of the Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP). She operates Magical and Memorable Balloons, and can be reached at 301-490-8935, or via e-mail at magmemballoons@comcast.net
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