C E NT R A L
M A S S A C H U S ETT S
E ve ntPl anni ng Guide,SUMMER2010
phot ocour t esyof www. SckyPhot ogr aphy. com
Table of Contents
Editor:
Charles C. Parrilla
Graphics:
376 Studios info@376studios.com
Photography:
A Perfect Pictures Photography & Video aperfectpictures.com
Scky Photography SckyPhotography.com
Writers:
Bernard K Monlier Agnes E. Rivera Gail Stanton Emily Tanner
Address:
CP Publishing PO BOX 84 Southbridge, MA 01550
Telephone:
(508) 714-9112 (866) 696-0299
Fax:
(508) 499-3126
Website:
cppublishing.net
Email:
sales@cppublishing.net
Cut Down on your Wedding Day Stress
08
Make Sure Your Wedding Photography is a Hit
12
Getting Married in the Summer
15
The Importance of Proper Budgeting for your Wedding
19
Simple Details that Distinguish your Event
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Address: CP Publishing PO Box 84 Southbridge, MA 01550 Email: sales@cppublishing.net Telephone: (866) 696-0299 Introduction from the Publisher
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elcome to our events planning magazine. This is an exciting time in your life as you set forth to plan out the details of your upcoming event! You will find a variety of services and vendors in this publication that are all on board to help you make your day as special as they can. Our focus is to provide you with a combination of services to select from and information to assist you in all aspects of your event. This issue contains advice on how to properly budget for your wedding, and how to remain stress free on your special day. As you review our magazine please know that it is focused on providing you with everything you need to plan this event and other special days in your family’s life. As a quarterly publication, we will be focusing on numerous events each year, including quinceañero’s & sweet 16’s, weddings, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other family celebrations. We are looking forward to assisting you in all of your upcoming planning needs and would enjoy hearing from you with any recommendations you may have on how we can serve you better. Congratulations on your upcoming event! I hope we have been able to assist you in making your day as special as it possibly can be. Sincerely,
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Cutting Down on your Wedding Day Stress
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rganization is the key to a stress free wedding day. While you will probably follow a planning guide for accomplishing the major tasks associated with your wedding, it is really the last minute details that can lead to stress on your big day. The best way to avoid those problems is to carefully plan the final weeks and days leading up to your wedding. Selecting dependable people as your wedding attendants is one of the smartest things you can do. People you can count on will not only be on time for all necessary commitments, they will also be willing to pick up the slack as necessary and help out in other areas if the need arises. The week before the wedding is one of general confusion with scheduling conflicts happening all over the place. Most couples continue working their jobs almost up to the big day, so it’s important to delegate as many of those last minute responsibilities as you can. It’s also the key to cutting down on stress. One of the most important things to do is have all your vendors contacted to make sure all is set for your big day. Even if you have already checked on them in the months leading up to your event, have them called again. It will bring you peace of mind to know that all is still on track. Find out who in your family can pick up out of town guests at the airport, and who will be on hand to accept deliveries of flowers, etc, at the wedding site and/or reception hall. There are always a ton of small tasks to be assigned for the final week and if you make a check list and then delegate them, you will have less to deal with and to worry about. Time is of the essence, so make sure on your special day that your attendants will be arriving early to get ready before the photographer arrives. Have your makeup and hair stylists scheduled to arrive early as well and make sure you have an emergency kit packed and at the wedding site. Put it in your car a week in advance if you have to- just make sure you have it. This kit should have everything from bandages to clear nail polish to static cling spray in it. Wedding day stress doesn’t disappear after you are pronounced husband and wife, it can also follow you to the reception. Make sure you know in advance the time table you want for the order of events at your reception. It’s also important to make sure you DJ has a list of your plans as well. One of the best ways to stay stress free on your wedding day is to just relax and enjoy the day. If a mishap arises, decide ahead of time to take it in stride. Very few events are ever perfect, and it’s a smart move not to put undue pressure on yourself. And remember, you can’t please everybody, so don’t even try.
By : Gail Stanton
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Make Sure Your Wedding Photography is a Hit
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edding photographers have a great opportunity in front of them: the chance to capture the unique expressions and moments at one of the biggest days of a couple’s life. Weddings are important to us all, and good wedding photography provides a tangible reminder of that special day. After all, weddings and other important events don’t come with second chances. Unlike a studio portrait, if the photos don’t come out well, you can’t do it all over again to get some new shots. The person you hire to do your wedding photography needs to be able to guarantee that they’ll take good quality shots when it comes to your big day. This is why you have to know you’ll be working with an experienced person who knows what they’re doing and has the skill to capture your precious moments. Be sure you hire someone who’s understanding, open minded, and values your wedding as an individual occasion, not as one of a series. You need someone with an understanding of why wedding photography is so important, who knows what they’re doing. A good wedding photographer will have the special training that allows them to handle all the details and unique features of a wedding, no matter which type of ceremony it is. He or she should know how to take pictures of contemporary weddings, traditional ones, and everything in between, including civil ceremonies and many different religious events. The wedding photographer should also understand that no one should be pushed into a mold on their big day. That means taking spontaneous, free photography, not stiff, posed portraits. Photographers who aren’t willing to work with you on the most important day of your life as a couple shouldn’t take your photos. A good quality wedding photography service should also use the best and latest technology to produce your photos, ensuring high quality images. Avoid photographers who stick with outdated equipment (unless they’re experts in film photography, which is more and more rare these days) and go with someone who’ll use the equipment needed to produce truly beautiful images. Good lighting, positioning and other elements are what’s needed to make your photos great. A photographer who understands what they’re doing will be able to give you beautiful, memorable images that offer a pleasant reminder of your big day for years to come. A less good photographer will produce images that look good, but just don’t have the emotional impact that a better photo could offer. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you’re hiring a photographer or photography service that has the attitude, equipment and experience to provide great results. Look for good customer service and a photographer who knows what you need. You’ll get great photos that help you enjoy your memories for years to come.
By : Bernard K Monlier Article Source: http://www.free-wedding-articles.net
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Getting Married in the Summer?
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re you getting married in the June, July, August, or September months? This time of year has always been and continues to be a very popular time of the year to get married. Generally speaking, the hope is that the weather will be fine and this time of year is the most likely time to bag a bit of sunshine. Getting married in June is wonderful as you have the promise of warmer weather yet the freshness of the Spring close on your heels. This means that early morning photos when the mist is lingering are a must. Later in the day you are assured of clear skies and warm sunshine. Many brides opt for a bar-b-q or spit roast style wedding breakfast often in a marquee. Spoil your guests with summer style wedding favours and scatter tables with pink and yellow real rose petals. July and August weddings are more likely to attract the warmest weather of the year. Ensure that this is considered when planning takes place. If you are planning an outdoor ceremony ensure there is a gazebo or canopy to shelter you and your guests from excessive sun. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen and ensure children’s heads are covered. Best to stick to a light meal and ensure there is plenty of ice-cold water for guests. A light sorbet or fruit mousse would make great desserts as anything heavy will be too rich for your guests on a hot day. When it comes to the brides dress, best to go for a lightweight fabric that you will be cool in. Even if you are not marrying in the middle of a heat wave, you will be hot with all the excitement of the day so go for a simple dress. It is probably sensible to have your hair put up too; it will stay neat and tidy on a hot day if it’s up and it will also keep your neck cool. September brides can enjoy all the benefits of those marrying in the height of the summer. Evenings are starting to draw in a little by September so you can enjoy the benefits of the cosy nights. Sunsets at this time of year are incredible, so try and use this to your advantage in photographs. Usually, the weather is still warm enough for a light bridal gown and summery style bridesmaid dresses will fit in brilliantly. Scatter tables with handfuls of summer rose petals and lay tables with bright floral arrangements. Getting married in the summer is such a popular time to wed, so why not take advantage of this? If you know there is a wedding before yours at the same church, why not coordinate with the other bride on her flowers? This way, you could share the cost of expensive church pedestal arrangements!
By : Emily Tanner  Article Source: http://www.free-wedding-articles.net
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The Importance of Proper Budgeting for your Wedding
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eddings are costly affairs, and proper planning for your event is the best way to make sure that you have the celebration of your dreams. Each wedding has a budget, but that is not just a financial term. You need to budget every aspect of your wedding, from the services you choose to the people involved- to the time needed to carry out each task associated with the big day. The first step in planning a successful wedding is to make sure you allow yourself as much time as possible. Although it may seem unnecessary, it is best to give yourself a time frame of 1 ½ to 2 years from the engagement to work with. Remember, the more time you allow yourself, the more successful you will be in retaining the services you desire and at the best possible price. After you’ve established a time frame for planning, it’s imperative to find out if any family members are willing to contribute financially to the event. Once you nail down the numbers you are ready to start lining up services. First and foremost, you set up the venue for your reception. Obviously you need this to coordinate with the availability of your ceremony location but it can often be harder to find a hall then it is to reserve the wedding site. It’s best to get a list of availability days for the site of your choice, and then to visit the reception hall. Do not skip this step even if you’ve been to the hall before, you need to inspect it through the eyes of the bride, not as a guest. Does the hall meet your specific needs and if you’ve been there before, does it look the way you remember it? What are the stipulations associated with renting from this establishment? There is far more to be considered besides the choice of menu, and overall cost. This will also be your largest wedding cost, so you need to make sure that what you are reserving is what you really want. The next step is to select your photographer/videographer. Believe it or not, they are almost as hard to book as your reception hall is. This is also the second largest cost to your wedding and should be done at least one year in advance if possible. Although you may have a friend who takes great pictures and could do it for you, this is an area you really don’t want to cut costs in. When all is said and done, you want to make sure that the memory of your special day is preserved with professional photography and its best to hire a professional to do that. They will have the proper equipment,
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Cutting Down on your Wedding Day Stress knowledge, and experience you need to have the job done right. Buying ‘The Dress’ is the next largest expense involved in planning your wedding and this is not something you can rush. For many brides, finding the perfect dress can take months of shopping and then there are alterations and fittings to be scheduled. This should be done at least 9-12 months in advance, sooner if possible. Often in the planning process the costs associated with retaining smaller services tends to push their scheduling to the end of the list. This can be a terrible mistake. Although compared to the larger expenses, the DJ/music, limousine and flowers are relatively inexpensive, it’s important to arrange for them as far in advance as possible, especially if you are planning a summer time event. The majority of all weddings take place in the warmer months and if you’re not careful, the vendor you want may already be booked. The last item on your budget list is the decorations. Part of that may be the flowers, but there are also decorations for the wedding site to be taken care of and the hall. The head table is always decorated and you will want centerpieces on the tables. You may also want to decorate the limousine. It’s a wise move to check with your wedding site when planning decorations to find out if there are any guidelines concerning their use and to see if they may have things on hand that you can utilize. Many churches have items such as wedding runners, etc, because they are often left behind following ceremonies. Remember, it can’t hurt to ask. Although there are a myriad of smaller details to attend to, from choosing your style of invitations to selecting the attire for the men in the wedding- those are tasks to be completed, not services to be reserved and you have more flexibility in the time necessary for accomplishing those. It’s best to shop online for those items to make sure you avail yourself to the best selection and price. After retaining your service providers, it’s important to check on your reservations prior to the event to make sure that there have been no unexpected changes to the schedule. It is also important to make sure that the services you retain are guaranteed, as much as possible. Although no wedding goes off without some small mishap, you want to make sure that if things don’t go as planned that you get your money back. You also need to have a back up plan in place in case of an emergency. With all the details there are to be tended to when planning your wedding, it’s wise to allow yourself as much time as you can. Remember, you have dreamed of this day for years and you want it to be perfect. Allowing yourself the time you need in budgeting your services, people and time- is the key to making that happen. By : Gail Stanton
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Simple Details Distinguish your Event
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our event can be a simple breakfast for two yet details such as a great goblet for orange juice, fresh flowers and colorful coordinated napkins will make your table or bedroom a special place for a morning celebration. Details are the display of your imagination. These make the concept real; these make the event a memorable one. Events are an emotional and financial investment; let’s make it about the details. A focus is put on the colors selected for an event, this is because color sets the tone for the celebration, it creates playfulness, elegance, brilliance, drama or just functionality. The flair which details can bring may vary per host and individual, for example, the host of the event may be interested in a wedding which provokes social responsibility i.e. A green event- in this case the details will reflect this, the invitations, the venue, the centerpieces, the meal, the cake the napkins and the favors are all vehicles to carry out this message. The message is part of the details; these create an opportunity to share the host’s values while celebrating life. Details allow us to create a moment in our lives; they create a pause to enjoy the beauty, joy, purpose or just the pleasure of being part of a special moment in someone’s life. A Detail of butterflies being released is symbolic and beautiful .Those beautiful family photos shared during a quinceañera allows the guest to be part of the value of the event. The ability to share these as creatively as possible is what makes the details memorable. Details don’t have to be overbearing they can simply be those beautiful little flowers on the cake, the delicate ribbon on the party favor, the recyclable paper used on the placement cards, etc. It is the way you want your guest to feel as you celebrate together and for some is a way to woo and wow their guest. Details invite your guest to be part of what is special about you and your celebration. By : Agnes E. Rivera
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A - J Planning Guide Directory A Comprehensive Listing of New England Event Services
ACCOUNTANT Salas (22)
508-892-1793
ALTERATIONS Alexis (06)
508-791-0412
BEAUTICIANS Josefinas (26)
508-752-3344
CATERER / FOOD ARRANGEMENTS Edible Arrangements (13) 508-797-9200
BRIDAL SHOPS Alexis (06) Carbonneau (07) Casa Fiesta (22) Desired Weddings (21) La Canastilla Ideal (18) Lorens The Special Event (24)
508-791-0412 508-595-0400 781-593-9109 860-963-7664 508-799-0059 508-347-5222 508-624-9392
ENTERTAINMENT CoCo Key Water Resort Jillians (16) Tristate Speedway (21)
978-342-7100 508-793-0900 508-671-9030
CLOWNS Azucarin Chiroflita (26)
978-885-9309 978-534-8732
FLOWERS Mendez (18) Perros Plante
978-685-4068 508-755-7744 508-752-1444
GIFTS & FAVORS Casa Fiesta (22) D’Toda Party Center (07) Ilucion Party Store (18) Kelly`s Party Store (07) La Canastilla Ideal (18) Minervas (09) R & R Party Store (17) Rosemarys (10)
781-593-9109 978-479-4301 508-757-9702 978-459-0287 508-799-0059 508-799-9180 978-686-0308 508-799-4600
DECORATIONS Casa Fiesta (22) D’Toda Party Center (07) Ingrid (06) Kelly`s Party Store (07) Mendez (18) Minervas (09) R & R Party Store (17) Rosemarys (10) Sonia & Andy (17)
781-593-9109 978-479-4301 978-537-5254 978-459-0287 978-685-4068 508-799-9180 978-686-0308 508-799-4600 508-754-6117
DISC JOCKEY Big Daddy (10) DJ Berto (21) DJ Chino (09) International DJs (25) MCDJ (17)
774-535-1057 508-335-7203 978-847-4348 774-253-4093 508-365-9754
CAKES Bean Counter Crown Bakery Ingrids (06) Isabels (14) Rosemary (10)
508-754-0505 508-852-0746 978-537-5254 781-599-1335 508-799-4600
HORSE & CARRIAGE Hollow Brook Farms 413-245-9325 INVITATIONS Joel Suarez (09)
508-203-0427
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE George Cortes 508-868-4349 Yarisbeth Vega (11) 978-265-0967
L - Z Planning Guide Directory A Comprehensive Listing of New England Event Services
LIMOUSINE Gander (26) Grays (11) Kennedy (14) Limo Affair (7) Ruben (4)
508-434-0565 508-869-6365 617-799-0220 508-731-0226 888-782-3670
MASTER OF CEREMONY Billy Ayala 774-535-4161
SHOES Carbonneau (07) Shoes to Dye For
TRAVEL AGENCY Alpha Travel 508-753-2242 BC Travel 978-345-1499 Caribbean Travel 508-767-0172
MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE Wells Fargo (29) 860-712-1271 Top Notch Realty (29) 508-714-9112
TUXEDOS Armando (11) Bonardi (04) The Special Event (24)
PHOTOGRAPHERS A Perfect Pictures (1&2) HJM (Back Cover) Joel Suarez (6) Scky (19) Yaritza Col贸n (16)
508-714-9112 508-753-2230 510-205-9284 617-394-0900 774-230-0068
VIDEOGRAPHY A Perfect Pictures (1&2) Manced Video Production Scky Video (19) Sidon Video (22)
RESTAURANTS Brisas (17) Cancuns (16) Ixtapa
508-459-9801 508-839-8800 978-582-9702
RECEPTION FACILITIES Beechwood Hotel 508-453-1111 Colonial Hotel 978-630-2500 Courtyard by Marriot 978-602-1933 DiBurros 978-372-0441 FourPoints by Sheraton 978-840-5537 Haverhill Country Club 978-373-1146 Holiday Inn, Marlborough 508-481-3000 La Salle Center 508-765-0601 Leicester Country Club 508-892-1390 Periwinkles Garden (13) 508-832-9705 Salem Cross Inn (24) 508-867-2345 Wachusett Villiage Inn 978-571-2524
508-595-0400 508-653-6063
508-757-1530 508-754-4036 508-624-9392
508-714-9112 774-386-6173 617-394-0900 508-852-1085
Be sure to tell your advertisers you saw their ad in
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BudgetPl anner CAKE
CATERER
DRESS SHOP
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