Uh oh! Wedding Traps to Avoid

When it comes to planning, it’s SO easy to become torn between all of the different ideas and opinions from family, friends, magazines, blogs, and more—do you go with tradition, or should you go with the latest trend? Who do you listen to when it comes to wedding décor? Do you need to make sure your family is happy with the decisions you’ve chosen? What should you stay away from, etc?

Photo (cc) by Flickr user lorilove

The questions are endless, and COULD go on forever if brides don’t take a minute to stop and refocus. (Ahem, there’s a reason why they call it wedding madness, and couples know the feeling all too well.) That’s why we’re lucky to have Kelven Book, a wedding and event expert who has been planning and catering events for over fifteen years!  Kelven took some time off of managing his busy the luxury catering company, Canard, Inc. in NYC, to give us some tips about the top wedding “traps” that brides are taken in by:

TRAP #1: Feeling like you HAVE to do something “wild” to be remembered

Photo (cc) by Flickr user lorilove

As weddings become trendier and trendier, more couples are feeling the pressure—to measure up to the fantastic & incredibly unique, one-of-a-kind wedding receptions they see on blogs. While these grand productions are great for some,  other couples might feel like they’re forced to put on a “show” for friends and family, when all they want is something classic and simple—and that can cause a lot of undue stress and (you guessed it) a ton of unnecessary worrying, which is not worth your time! So keep it simple and avoid this trap! Here are some of Kelven’s suggestions:

• Rethink the “anything goes” attitude to weddings, and turn back to classic traditions to make their weddings elegant.  Focus on basic, simple elements—if you’re not willing to give up the current trends, look to inventive twists on the old traditions to create a classic event that is “all your own”.
• When it comes to wedding photos, insist on touches that will feel unique and somewhat trendy, yet will still yield classic photos. Remember, you’ll look back at your big day someday—don’t you want to see something timeless, rather than “What was I thinking?”
• For example, if you have a red wedding dress—go ahead and get color photos, but also have your photographer shoot in black/white or with sepia tones to give it a timeless look for your photo album. That’s one great way you can combine a trend with classic elements for a fresh and modern look.

TRAP #2: Leaving out entertainment because you’re afraid of being “upstaged”

Photo (cc) by Flickr user ali wade

Just because it’s your one special day (or just because it’s your party) doesn’t mean that your guests need to spend their entire evening staring at you – make with the entertainment! Trust us, this will create a lot more fun for you AND your guests—plus, you’ll have time to chat with others and relax with your honey while your guests get busy. Regardless of the direction you choose, just make sure that your guests have enough to occupy themselves with.  (At all costs, though, don’t upstage the dress!) Some great ideas include:

• Strolling musicians—they can wander through the crowd to create atmosphere, and they’re a totally unique idea. Mariachi bands, violinists, and more… just take your pick!
• Artists/Caricaturists—A really fun idea. Have a caricaturist do portraits of guests (making sure to instruct him to be kind enough not to exaggerate the size of your new mother-in-law’s nose), the bridal party, and of course—the new husband & wife! These sketches will be unique keepsakes that provide a memorable alternative to photographs.

TRAP #3: Thinking flowers are a “MUST” for your wedding

Photo (cc) by Flickr user Philgarlic

Honestly, if you don’t care much for flowers in the first place, why include them on your big day? There are plenty of alternatives to flowers, and they’re certainly beautiful alternatives too! With these tips, you can create cutting edge design that doesn’t break the budget:

• Instead of flowers, use objects to create a centerpiece for each table, such as white milk glass or white cake stands. Think of creative, decorative, or simple elements that don’t need a lot of dressing up.
• Create a different look for each table! If you have several ideas and want to incorporate different themes, elements, or colors, this is the place to do it. Plus, it looks great all together—very eclectic!
• Always include candlelight of some sort, as it makes guests and food look beautiful and adds to the atmosphere of romance and love. The ambiance is unforgettable!

Thanks to Kelven for all of his much-appreciated AND wise advice!  Which is your favorite tip?

Kelven Book has been planning and catering events for the past fifteen years, working with exclusive firms in Boston, Washington, D.C. and now with Canard, Inc. in New York.  Blending his perspective from these cities, Kelven has a unique ability to coordinate cuisine with décor that never ceases to excite clients. His wedding menu, design and entertaining skills have been featured in Martha Stewart Living, Southern Living, Celebrate with Style, AM New York, WPIX, The View and a host of Bridal Magazines.  He is frequently heard as an entertaining expert on Martha Stewart Living on SIRIUS radio.