June: A Month for Brides and Booze

weddingplanner2be — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:34:00 GMT

June has just ended, and with it so many weddings. In fact, the month has the most weddings among any other.

I also did more learning than any other, as I finished Lessons 3 and 4—“The Wedding” and “The Many Parts of the Wedding.”

Here’s where I was flushed: Every gal knows the basics of putting together cute favors and planning a scenic locale. But in this section, I learned about the various traditions and religious ceremonies. See, I haven’t been to every type of wedding, so as a consultant, I know that I’ll need to be aware of other cultures.

I’m also going to need to know the “etiquette” if there really is any, for situations like elopements, double weddings, military weddings, and pregnant brides. Turns out, there is, and the guide tells you how to deal with sticky situations. Obviously brides who are preggers should avoid white and veils although some brides may still want to use those symbols. The guide recommends to let them.

What helped a lot are the diagrams of various processionals for different religions. There are different ways for people to line up as far as Christian and Jewish weddings.

Once the ceremony is over, it’s time for the reception, and this is the most fun to me.

There are many types of receptions including seated breakfasts before noon and seated brunches, around noon. Then there’s a buffet brunch or lunch. And yes, the most popular is an evening reception. And no matter what type of reception there is, the book says there’s always a toast to the couple and a wedding cake. Ahh, it’s nice to hear that some things in this wedding business are uniform across the board!

Lesson 4 discusses the parts of the wedding—the creative parts. So learning all this was fun. I got a tutorial on engagement rings (not that I needed it!) and learned about the various gifts that are exchanged during the wedding.

And when it comes to photos, I am loving the list of candid photo ideas. The guide includes a whole page of neato ideas for those who don't want to pose the whole day. I mean, I’m sure the photographer will think on his or her feet, but it’s a great list to give him or her especially if a bride or groom wants a more candid collection of photos.

Here’s my only gripe with the material in Lesson 4. They’re discussing liquor at the reception and describe it as “a major cost” (well, yes) and a “headache” (well yes, but only after). The guide suggests having only wine and beer, or to close the bar and hour before the end of the reception. Let me say that the best weddings I’ve attended have always had liquor. It’s a nice touch. While it may not be for everyone, it’s vital for family members and bored guests to get through the event—not that any wedding I would plan would be a snore. But seriously, I don't know a bride that would try to cheap out on the booze. Maybe my family is just too Irish, though.

Overall, I’m enjoying the course. There’s a great attention to detail and tidbits of information so a bridal consultant has a broad understanding of wedding traditions and formats.

On to July—I’m sure that more weddings await!

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I Want to Be a Wedding Planner: Online Wedding Planner Course Review : summer weddings

June: A Month for Brides and Booze