You might be surprised at the many options The Centre’s Vintana wedding venues offer. Check them out at thecentreescondido.com/weddings
Category: tips from the pros
an exclusive bridal event :: Bridal Soiree in San Diego
For the best and most fashionable bridal event in San Diego, the Bridal Soiree is sure to be on the top of the list! Taking place this Sunday, April 6th, from 3:00-6:00pm, at the Westin Hotel in the Gaslamp District, this year’s soiree will offer plenty of bridal fashion and beauty inspiration. Many Weddings of Distinction vendors have teamed up: Beauti-on-the-Go, a mobile makeup and hairstyling company, stylists Sandra Nicole Design, and Studio Carre Photographie. These vendors, along with other remarkable San Diego wedding vendors, will bring you an event that is both informative, inspirational, and fun.
Get your tickets today! Bring your family, friends, and enjoy an afternoon of luxury!
san diego weddings :: what’s trending in 2013
Weddings are a major production, and while the main premise will always stay the same (the celebration of love), the trends and themes with which that love is celebrated is constantly evolving and changing.
So, while it may be the beginning of June, and you may be wondering why we would explore 2013 wedding trends at this point in the year, we think there is no better time than now to explore how 2103 wedding trends have played out. Using images and styles from some of the major San Diego bridal events as well as those from local photographers, we will explore a few things that we’ve noticed over the past five months.
Let’s explore!
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Simple, Stunning Lines in Bridal Gowns
A girl knows when she’s found her dress, and it is the bridal gown that can impact the rest of the wedding. This year, 2013 has proved to be the year of clean lines and simple elegance. Also popular: lace. Here are just a few styles:
Photos courtesy of Luna Photo
Bright Colors/Accents Colors
“By using varying shades of the color you have chosen, you will be able to add depth and interest to your color scheme. For example, if your bridesmaid’s dresses are burgundy in color, you could use a deep red and a light red to achieve a contrasting look.”
Photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier Photography | TRUE Photography | Luna Photo
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Accessories and Headpieces
Traditional veils are a thing of the past. Nowadays, brides are choosing stunning headpieces and/or accessories that are as unique as their personality.
Photos courtesy of Studio Carre’ | Luna Photo
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Going Beyond the Wedding Cake
The days of one flavor cakes are long gone. Enjoy the flavors and tastes of multi-tiered/multi-layered wedding cakes. Or, better yet, enjoy desserts that are not just cake! Now, mini donuts, cupcakes, candy and more are all viable dessert options! Now, all your guests can enjoy de
Photos courtesy of TRUE Photography | Luna Photo
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Themes
Great Gatsby or Steampunk – English Garden Romance — Themed weddings are all the rage in 2013. What’s better than the recreate a time long gone, or an atypical space not in the everyday.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Chartier Photography | Studio Carre’ | Luna Photo
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Information courtesy of:
Everyday Experience
:: newlyweds share their wedding regrets
We first published this piece over a year ago, but there is a lot of good information here that warrants repeating! Read it, share the info, and don’t make their mistakes!
Newlyweds Share Their Wedding Regrets (So You Can Learn from Their Mistakes)…
No wedding is absolutely perfect. When we asked newlyweds and… the less newly wed to share their biggest wedding day woes with us, a few common threads started to emerge. Here’s what we learned:
1. Get It On Film
So many brides told us they wished they’d sprung for a videographer, or given their wedding photographer more specific directions. Your wedding will be RIFE with special moments – make sure you capture as many as possible!
“My husband and I really regret not recording the speeches. They were so loving and beautiful, we were moved to tears again and again! It’s one of the best memories I have of that day and I wish we had a better record of all the kind things our family and friends had to say. A few gave us their typed notes but most strayed and added in some great anecdotes. Nothing about hair/makeup/venue or cakes mattered to me once I realized there were so many people there who loved us so much!” – Isabella
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2. Beauty Accidents Happen
Wind, rain, and acts of God can seriously undo your updo. When you’re contemplating your wedding hairstyle, consider the locale, temp, and time of year. ALSO – the week of/day of your wedding is not an awesome time to try exciting new beauty treatments for the first time.
“My biggest mistake? Thinking my hair would actually cooperate and not require 3.5 hours to do so, effectively ruining photo happy time.” – Christen
“My wedding was on the beach. It was gorgeous but there were strong winds so my Kardashian curls turned to a frizzy, curl-less disaster AND my veil flew out. Luckily the ceremony was over when it happened…. But you can see my hair get progressively worse in the pix!” – Jessica
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3. Budget Your Time
Three words, ladies. HAIR AND MAKEUP. Too many wedding timelines get derailed when brides don’t budget enough time for wedding prep. Don’t let the primping get the best of your special day!
“I honestly think the one and only thing I would change would be starting hair/make-up for the ladies earlier, so we could have done more bride+bridesmaids photos. That said, I love the few we did get, and that is the *ONLY* thing I would change!” – Sean
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4. Don’t Succumb To Peer Pressure
So many brides felt their wedding suffered because they’d been duped into letting friends or friends of friends handle important wedding services. “Friendors” can be fab…but they can also be a big flop.
“I’d have written contracts for services provided. Just because they’re your friends doesn’t mean you don’t need one. I’m still waiting for the dvd of our ceremony 13 mos later with no way of getting my money or the video footage.” – Jennifer
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So there you have it brides – wedding wisdom from real brides who have been to the altar and back (and lived to tell about it). If you’ve recently wed, tell us – what would you have tweaked about your wedding?
-courtesy OneWed.com
:: what can a professional wedding DJ really offer?
Wedding music; the decision of whether to have a band or a DJ can be daunting for some. Bands are great, but DJs offer more diverse options. Sometimes, it’s great to have both, but then who do you choose? Bands can be distinguished by their sound and skill, but a DJ, their skill is not so easily distinguishable.
[Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ.]
Many may think that a DJ just plays songs from a playlist. There is truth in that, but really they do so much more. Having a DJ at your reception not only gets the crowd moving, they have the ability to take your event to the next level. Ever been to an event where the music was blah, and the “DJ” was boring and dry? That’s what we’re talking about. A DJ can make or break an event.
Of course, DJs play music, and you may be thinking, “Well, Uncle __ can create a playlist on iTunes entitled ‘_ Wedding,’ and it includes all our favorite songs.” True, but think about timing. A professional DJ, one who has been in the business for years, knows the appropriate mix of styles of music & the right timing for certain types of music. Doesn’t that seal the deal? An experienced DJ knows how to cater your event to your tastes as well as to the expectations of your crowd. A professional DJ can read your crowd and then create the proper ambiance for your particular party in your particular stage/venue.
The idea that a DJ at your reception is there only to play music and to get the crowd bumpin’ is a bit naïve these days. Many professional DJs also act as emcees. They make announcements, introductions; or, they may chime in with a funny ad-lib or joke. DJs are in this business because they have personality; a professional DJ engages in public speaking for a living! And, think about it, keeping your guests entertained is not accomplished through music alone.
The services many professional DJs offer is extensive, and when you really think about what you’re getting for your big day, the money is always worth it. Music, microphones, speakers, and DVD/slideshows, and so much more. Arguably one of the key components to creating a fun and memorable wedding reception is the not just the food, it’s the DJ/music.
Our advice: be wise, do your research, meet with DJs in person prior to your event. Guage his/her personality, find out how long they’ve been in business, and look for reviews! Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business in our group: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ. You, your friends, and your family will surely remember the ceremony, the dress, etc., but why have a wedding if it’s not for the celebration
tips from the pros: newlyweds share their wedding regrets
Newlyweds Share Their Wedding Regrets (So You Can Learn from Their Mistakes)
No wedding is absolutely perfect. When we asked newlyweds and… the less newly wed to share their biggest wedding day woes with us, a few common threads started to emerge. Here’s what we learned:
1. Get It On Film
So many brides told us they wished they’d sprung for a videographer, or given their wedding photographer more specific directions. Your wedding will be RIFE with special moments – make sure you capture as many as possible!
“My husband and I really regret not recording the speeches. They were so loving and beautiful, we were moved to tears again and again! It’s one of the best memories I have of that day and I wish we had a better record of all the kind things our family and friends had to say. A few gave us their typed notes but most strayed and added in some great anecdotes. Nothing about hair/makeup/venue or cakes mattered to me once I realized there were so many people there who loved us so much!” – Isabella
2. Beauty Accidents Happen
Wind, rain, and acts of God can seriously undo your updo. When you’re contemplating your wedding hairstyle, consider the locale, temp, and time of year. ALSO – the week of/day of your wedding is not an awesome time to try exciting new beauty treatments for the first time.
“My biggest mistake? Thinking my hair would actually cooperate and not require 3.5 hours to do so, effectively ruining photo happy time.” – Christen
“My wedding was on the beach. It was gorgeous but there were strong winds so my Kardashian curls turned to a frizzy, curl-less disaster AND my veil flew out. Luckily the ceremony was over when it happened…. But you can see my hair get progressively worse in the pix!” – Jessica
3. Budget Your Time
Three words, ladies. HAIR AND MAKEUP. Too many wedding timelines get derailed when brides don’t budget enough time for wedding prep. Don’t let the primping get the best of your special day!
“I honestly think the one and only thing I would change would be starting hair/make-up for the ladies earlier, so we could have done more bride+bridesmaids photos. That said, I love the few we did get, and that is the *ONLY* thing I would change!” – Sean
4. Don’t Succumb To Peer Pressure
So many brides felt their wedding suffered because they’d been duped into letting friends or friends of friends handle important wedding services. “Friendors” can be fab…but they can also be a big flop.
“I’d have written contracts for services provided. Just because they’re your friends doesn’t mean you don’t need one. I’m still waiting for the dvd of our ceremony 13 mos later with no way of getting my money or the video footage.” – Jennifer
So there you have it brides – wedding wisdom from real brides who have been to the altar and back (and lived to tell about it). If you’ve recently wed, tell us – what would you have tweaked about your wedding?
-courtesy OneWed.com
tips from the pros :: what to look for in a dj
courtesy of Bob Brichmann, DJ / Emcee at Artistic Productions
The adage that the right DJ can make or break your event is completely accurate. DJs come with so many skill levels, levels of experience and do so many different things. Yes, they play music, but there’s an art to mixing your tastes with those of your friends & families coupled with timing (not to mention dealing with spontaneous requests). The emcee aspect, including introductions & announcements are all key tasks for the modern DJ. DJs monitor and manage the flow of events as the evening unfolds. They mini-crisis manage. They interact with the other professionals to make sure all are on the same page.
DJs also help with ceremony music & microphones. DJs are production specialists these days, too. They can do multiple sets both on-property and at two different locations and even set remote speakers for outdoor patio areas. Various A/V aspects are often a part of their repertoire, including DVD/slide show projection, monograms, uplighting, pin-spotting and various lighting décor.
Brides & grooms should look 1st for someone that does weddings. They are different than high school dances, bars/clubs, bar mitzvahs, karaoke parties and backyard BBQ’s. Find the personality you “click” with. Discuss your dream and seek their advice. You’ve probably never been married. Many of the good DJs do upwards of 100 weddings a year. That says something for experience. It’ll give you peace of mind, but, more importantly, it’ll lead to a stress free, memorable wedding experience.
tips from the pros :: honeymoon advice
San Diego Weddings of Distinction member, Romantic Honeymoons & Holiday Travel will make the honeymoon planning process fun, informative and worry-free for you with their complimentary services. They have 15 years of broad travel experience to help you decide on the perfect honeymoon destination of your dreams.
They have put together a few essential tips to help you begin planning:
· Don’t delay: You should confirm your trip at least 6-8 months prior to departing. In most cases deposits can be a minimum of only $200 per person to secure your trip. This will ensure the best availability for your accommodations (the most popular room categories sell out first!) if you book early you will also be eligible for early booking discounts and special promotions.
· Discuss a budget for your trip beforehand: Just like you will need to budget for the wedding details and vendors, you will also need to factor in the cost of your honeymoon INTO your overall budget. Honeymoons are a trip of a lifetime and a trip you will remember for the rest of your life! So make sure you indulge in the amenities’ that are the most important to you.
· Travel Dates: be sure to sync both of your calendars and check with your employers to ensure you have the same vacation dates guaranteed off. How much time you can be away from the real world highly determines where you should or could go.
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· Activities: What do you see yourself doing on your trip? Besides the obvious, romance, would you like to try out scuba diving, maybe go hiking, horseback riding, golfing, or simply relax on the beach while your personal butler serves you cocktails? Or are you adventurous and want to go explore a rain forest or Mayan ruins?
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· Consult a specialist: Not every travel agent has seen the world, so ask to speak with someone that has been to the destination you are thinking of going to. The internet has a lot of information and tons pretty pictures of different resorts but remember there is no perfect place. As experienced consultants, we are very particular as to where we send our clients. A true specialist will tell you the good, the bad and the beautiful.
· Do your research early: It’s important that you check out your top 3 destination choices to familiarize yourself with what the different locations have to offer you. The internet is the most valuable source of information at your fingertips. However, don’t book online. Your computer can’t VIP you as honeymooners or upgrade you for free. We are here to make sure you know what you are paying for as well as doing our best to make your dreams come true!
· Dream Big…anything is possible! Are you considering an “over water bungalow in Tahiti?” Or perhaps a “One-bedroom Villa with your very own private plunge pool in St Lucia”? Maybe you want to go yachting in the South of France or explore the Ancient villages of Italy?
It’s all possible when you register through their HONEYMOON GIFT REGISTRY. The honeymoon gift registry enables your family and friends to help pay for your honeymoon as a wedding gift!
So dare to dream big and reach for the stars….Romantic Honeymoons will be there for you every step of the way.
tips from the pros :: smaller more intimate weddings
Written by Cynthia Zatkin Events
With the economic downturn, 2009 was the year of the small wedding and I have to say that I have come to really like them. The majority of my brides, this past year, have planned weddings in the 50-100 person range. I have definitely coordinated some that were larger and even had one that was smaller, but the norm hovered around that number.
You get a bigger bang for your buck with a smaller wedding for sure. I have seen my clients invest more money into food, florals, linens, and fun extras like photo booths, cigar stations, espresso bars, and even an on-site mini-donut vendor because they felt like they could spend a little extra when they didn’t need as much of any one item (50 people = 5 table linens v. 20 for a 200 person wedding).
I think 50 people is really the critical mass needed to have dancing at a wedding. With that number, you can fill the dance floor and feel the energy of a crowd.
Small weddings can definitely go “big.”
Steal this idea:
Over Thanksgiving weekend, I coordinated a wedding for only 40 people and it was a wonderful, very intimate affair. The bridal couple, Kathryn & Michel, wanted to spend time with each of their guests and therefore decided to sit with a different table for each course. They had their reception staff set (5) tables with (10) chairs each but only assaigned (8) guests per table. Kathryn & Michel opted for a drawn out 5-course meal and shifted to the empty seats at each table each time a new course was served. I thought the idea was brilliant! Only with a group of their size, could such a idea be possible. And their guests felt incredibly honored by it!
tips from the pros :: planning a small wedding
San Diego Weddings of Distinction member Cynthia Zatkin Blase of Cynthia Zatkin Events helps brides and grooms coordinate their intimate and personal day. She shares her tips on how you can create the ultimate small wedding.
Find your critical mass: Figure out how many people you need to have in attendance to feel as if your wedding is an “event.” For some brides, 20 people are enough, but others need 50 or 60 to feel like they have created a party. Find that number you need and then, to account for negative responses, invite 20 percent more than that number.
Invite your essentials: Come up with a list of the people who mean the most to you. This, in itself, will create intimacy.
Find a distinctive venue: With a smaller group, you can select an untraditional space. Consider using your favorite restaurant or the quaint inn you and your spouse-to-be love.
Find a venue that fits the size of your group perfectly: Try not to have the room be too small or too large. If the room is a bit large, use more tables and seat fewer guests at each table.
Do more than just the standard toasts: Have childhood friends or your college roommate tell stories. Just make sure these are all prepared speeches and not inebriated ramblings!
Personalize your wedding: Because only your closest friends and family will be in attendance, include photos or mementos that truly showcase your personalities.
Specialize your menu: Consider polling your guests for their favorite kind of food or upgrading the alcohol to reflect their preferences.
Be grand! Small weddings don’t need to be small events. Feel free to create large, dramatic centerpieces, display a magnificent cake and have a full band.
Upgrade the item that is most important to you: Because smaller weddings are generally less expensive, spend the money you are saving on that item you really want. Whether it’s the perfect dress, a specific photographer or gorgeous linens, upgrade on whatever it is that you’ll remember most.
written by the union tribune http://sports.uniontrib.com/uniontrib/20080120/news_1c20wedtipm.html
