The Wedding Party would like to congratulate our very own Celebrated Occasions for being voted “Best Invitations” in Jacksonville Magazine’s “Best of Bride”!

We got some great news from our friend Ashley at Bella Bridesmaid in Jacksonville!  She is offering a 5% discount on dresses if you mention our name – what a sweetie!

Ashley is also really excited about some of the new styles coming in.  Here’s what she had to say:

“Priscilla of Boston has come out with a classic collection and their short satin dresses are $160.00 and their long is $180.00.  Their quality of dresses are absolutely great and girls love them as cocktail dresses!  Plus, girls are mixing it up and letting girls pick their dresses, but keeping it with the same designer and fabric.  Priscilla of Boston has many styles to pick from and allows girls to do just that!

Also, Cynthia Rowley has started a bridesmaid collection, and her prices are too around $165.00 to $200.00, depending on style.”

Check out some of these faves:

Cynthia Rowley Style 8005

Lela Rose LR 118 from The Dessy Group

Cynthia Rowley Style 8000

Ashley also said that one-shoulder looks continue to be hot!  Be sure to visit Bella Bridesmaid in San Marco for all the latest looks.  Call 904.374.0351 to schedule an appointment.

The Wedding Party welcomes The Wedding & Portrait Photographers as one of our newest additions!

Here’s a little information about their company:

You are getting married, and choosing the one to spend your life with is an important decision…so is selecting the perfect photographer. The Wedding Photographers look to capture the important moments in your life with beautiful and creative photography. We preserve your memories with a distinctive style. Whether capturing the romance of the day or recording those unexpected moments full of emotion, we create nothing less than stunning images that tell the story of your special day!

With our unique blend of TRADITIONAL (classic postures in portraits) and CONTEMPORARY photography (creative compositions taken in the matter of photojournalism), so many of our clients have gone home happy with grand memories they are able to share with pride and excitement. We are masters in the Photoshop department and our skills can be seen in our groundbreaking Rembrandt series, which combines high-end photography with computer editing which makes the photo appear like a classical painting. We also offer themed photo shoots, a growing trend for parents who wish to see their children in adorable scenarios such as “Fairyland”, during a “Day at the Shore”, in a “Pumpkin Patch”, and more.

Our spectacular photos don’t only capture weddings, though, as other events can be just as special for us to photograph.

Portrait photos are a must in everyone’s life – and making them beautiful and extravagant is another necessity. Family portraits, senior portraits, business-related photos, and even personal portraits are all mastered areas of ours.

Pet portraiture of the family dog, cat, or whatever is another subject we are professional at photographing.

Photographers:

- Rick Ferro – For the last 40 years, Rick has been one of the leading wedding photographers in the nation. With a Master’s Degree in Photography, he established the wedding department at Walt Disney World in 1993. Owning many successful studios, he decided to call Jacksonville his home when he married his wonderful wife, Deborah.
- Tammie Sybelnik – Tammie is a Certified Professional Photographer. She was awarded the North Florida Photographer of the Year for 2009. Dedicated to her clients, she strives to produce excellence in every image. Her innovative style combines both classic portraiture and lifestyle photography.

On Wednesday June 9, 2010 The Wedding Party hosted their official Re-Grand Opening event to Jacksonville’s top professionals in the wedding industry. Our doors opened at 5:30 in the afternoon and remained open well into the night.

Top wedding professionals were able to come in, enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while meeting and greeting with the company owners that make up The Wedding Party as well as browse our newly expanded offices.

Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Moore Fine Foods followed by dessert provided by Simply Delicious Cakes. All décor and event design throughout the offices the night of the Re-Grand Opening were designed and provided by Unforgettable Events. A special thanks also goes out to Kirby Rentals, LLC for providing tables and flatware for the event. Thank you all for your help, creativity and time!

Overall, the Re-Grand Opening Soiree was a huge success for The Wedding Party! We are so proud of our newly expanded offices and are thankful to have shared our renovated space with all of our fellow wedding professionals

Here is a detailed wedding timeline to help your wedding planning process go as smooth as possible. Enjoy!

9-12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Officially announce your engagement
Decide on who pays for what and set an overall budget
Set a wedding date (consult with registry office and officiant)
Decide on the type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, informal…)
Book reception site (and arrange parking)
Book ceremony location
Decide whether you need/want pre-marital counseling
Hire wedding planner if you wish
Start first draft of your guest list

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Announce wedding date (Save the Dates)
Start shopping for wedding dress, shoes, jewelry etc.
Decide on bridesmaids dresses
Organize (flower) decoration and bouquets
Hire catering service
Hire wedding photographer/videographer
Hire DJ/band
Choose officiant and discuss ceremony process
Start thinking about gift registry options
Reserve hotel rooms (in varying price ranges) for out-of-town guests
Have an engagement party if you wish
Book honeymoon

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Select and order wedding invitations and stationery
Choose wedding cake style and flavor(s)
Discuss menu ideas with catering service
Arrange for rental items (arches, candelabras, china, crystal, flatware…)
Buy wedding rings
Organize groom’s tux and decide what groomsmen will wear
Make sure bridesmaids ordered their gowns and decide on accessories
Shop for wedding favors
Confirm dates for bridal shower and bachelorette parties
Start registry (before sending bridal shower invitations)
Practice ideas for wedding hair and makeup
Organize helpers (readers, musicians, guest book attendant etc.)
Organize additional management staff, babysitters etc.
Give guest list to shower hostesses
Decide whether you want wedding insurance

2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Finalize guest list and send invitations
Select place for rehearsal dinner
Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
Finalize menu
Select music for ceremony, reception etc.
Book makeup artist and hairstylist
Make sure tuxes for groom and groomsmen have been ordered
Organize wedding transportation (for you and your guests)
Order wedding favors
Find gifts for each other, your attendants, shower hostess, parents etc.
Purchase bridal party gifts
Purchase wedding accessories (candles, baskets, ring pillow etc.)
Check registry regularly (there always have to be enough options left)
Joint bank accounts, insurance, merging of money…
Start preparations for honeymoon
Send invitations 8 weeks before wedding date

1-2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Have first bridal gown fitting
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for formal bridal portrait
Finalize ceremony readings, songs, etc.
Design wedding programs (if using them)
Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony
Arrange “Bridesmaid Luncheon” and other “Pre-Wedding Parties”
Write vows
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
Prepare photo and video shot list
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state
Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers

3-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Get marriage license (normally no earlier than 30 days before wedding)
Arrange name change
Mail rehearsal-dinner invitations
Meet with stylist to discuss makeup and hair
Confirm hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Call guests who have not responded to invitation
Make final payments for all services that require payment
Have final wedding gown fitting
Finalize wedding-day schedule and share with attendants, parents and all vendors
Pick up wedding dress and make sure all accessories are together
Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony, reception site, florist, photo-/videographer, musicians, DJ, baker, honeymoon
Give caterer/reception site final head count
Provide wedding party and out-of-town guests with itinerary and maps
Prepare emergency kit with needle, thread, safety pins, tape, mirror, etc.
Give someone at home emergency numbers of honeymoon locations, credit card numbers etc.
Finalize seating arrangements
Prepare place cards
Prepare “wedding box” for ceremony accessories
Prepare “reception box” for reception accessories
Prepare wedding favors for transportation
Complete seating chart for reception
Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times
Confirm arrival times for attendants
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
Prepare payment envelopes, choosing who is responsible for each one
Hand out assignment lists and checklists to ensure everyone knows their tasks
Hand out ceremony box to appropriate person
Hand out reception box to appropriate person
Give rings to best man
Gather wedding dress and all accessories
Get a manicure, pedicure, massage
Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party
Confirm flight arrangements for honeymoon
Compile an emergency list of all wedding vendors with phone numbers

THE WEDDING DAY
Eat breakfast
Get hair done with attendants, mother, grandmother, future mother-in-law, etc.
Have makeup applied
Don’t forget rings (if you haven’t given them to best man) and wedding license

AFTER WEDDING
Get wedding gown cleaned and preserved
Preserve bouquet
Write and send thank-you cards
Complete process of name change
Finalize gift registry
Meet with photographer/videographer to finalize albums/video

2010 Wedding Trends:

In today’s economy, it seems almost too obvious to discuss the planning of a top of the line wedding with a barely there budget. However, the fact remains that people will continue to get engaged and be married, and weddings will continue to take place, despite these tough economic times. Some trends that are said to be hot in 2010 include:

-Homemade Wedding Favors: Often time’s favors can become quite a hefty expense in the wedding budget, but it is also a necessary expense due to the amount of money that guests are spending to be in attendance at your wedding. In 2010, couples are starting the trend of making their own wedding favors for their guests to take home. Favors can be something simple such as a Recycled Mini-Notebook made out of paper towel rolls, or something a little more elaborate such as a CD of the couples all time favorite love songs. Whatever favor you decide to make or giveaway, the idea of homemade favors is to express your thanks, and send your guests home with something made from the heart by the couple.

-Wedding Reception Décor: In 2010 brides are continually choosing centerpieces that are typically the same colors and tones of the rest of their décor, but they are choosing different sizes to be places on the tables throughout the reception. This new trend gives the reception a less “coordinated” look and a more personal touch. Popular vase fillers this year include glass marbles, water absorbing crystals, and fresh fruit.
A continually popular trend at wedding receptions this year is the candy buffet or confection bar. Typically this bar consists of a variety of different candies and/or treats placed in glass vases or containers of all different sizes, grouped together on one table at the reception. A nice little silver spoon or cute candy scooper gives guests the chance to take as they wish and fill small bags or boxes as a take-home favor.

-Attire: For the bride, strapless dresses have been popular for a number of years now, and this is no different in 2010. More than ever we are seeing brides in strapless, floor length gowns made of fabrics such as chiffon, lace and tulle. Another wedding dress style that was popular many years ago and has been making a reoccurring appearance in 2010 is the off-the-shoulder look. Brides today are looking to accentuate their neckline and often draw ones attention to their gorgeous jewelry being displayed. An accessory that is popping up in pictures everywhere this year are birdcage veils. These veils are a very vintage look that combines a veil covering the face, along with a clip, feather or flower headpiece. These are popular right now due to the glamorous, fun look and the lighter, less hassling look and feel of the traditional long veil.
As for bridesmaid’s dresses, 2010 has opened the door for a whole new trend of what your bridesmaid will be wearing on your big day. For the past few years it has become more common for a bride to choose a designer and fabric, and the bridesmaids were able to select the style they would feel most comfortable wearing. But the 2010 trend is taking this idea to a whole new level. The idea is that bride’s will choose a color of what they want their bridesmaid’s to wear, then she let’s her bridal party go out and choose any off-the-rack dress by any designer that they like and feel good in as long as it’s in the color the bride asked for. This idea alleviates some of the stress of the bride finding a dress for every to feel comfortable in, and also ensures that the bridal party will pick out a dress that they are sure to wear again. It’s up to the bride to let their bridesmaids know how dressy their pick should be!

-2010 Wedding Color Trends: For the Spring/Summer of 2010 colors that are currently popular in wedding décor right now include turquoise, platinum, coral, pale yellow, and fuchsia. For the Fall/Winter of 2010 trendy colors include deep red, teal, violet, mocha/chocolate, and sage.

These are just a few of the many popular trends of 2010! Good luck and enjoy your wedding planning experience!

The Wedding Party is currently interviewing candidates for Spring and Summer Internship positions.

Intern Office Duties:

• Assist all Wedding Party professionals with daily operations

• Greet clients warmly, tell them about The Wedding Party, escort them to proper office/meeting room

• Email information to prospective clients

• Follow up on inquiries and book appointments

• Create blog entries

• Work on marketing campaigns

• Answer phones in a professional manner

• Respond to emails in a timely manner

• Work with The Wedding Party team to create new procedures, promotions, etc.

• Use proper grammar and spelling at all times

• Maintain a clean and organized work area

• Other duties as needed

Internship Requirements:

• Availability to work 20-25 hours per week (4-8 hour shifts) at our office during the following hours: Tuesday through Friday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (as needed)

• Dress in business casual attire while at the office, black suit on wedding days. Remember, first impressions are everything in this business!

• Represent The Wedding Party in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

• Be pro-active and look for tasks to assist with when your assignments are complete

• Willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement stating that all paperwork, files, vendor information or client data is owned by each Wedding Party vendor

• Act as a team player

• Failure to report for a scheduled shift without notice (no-show) will result in termination of the internship. If you cannot work your scheduled shift, you must notify the office at least one hour prior to your scheduled start time.

Application:

To be considered for an internship, please email your resume to careers@firstcoastweddings.com along with a brief answer to this question: Why do you want to be an intern at The Wedding Party?

Congratulations to D’Land Entertainment for being voted best DJs in Jacksonville Magazine’s “Best of 2009″!