Melanie and Sherif at San Francisco City Hall

Posted on October 31, 2016 by jlammerts

Melanie and Sherif are very independent thinkers – so it didn’t come as a surprise that their wedding celebration was a bit unusual, too! Not a hotel, not a mansion… but I am getting ahead of myself. Melanie approached my company, A Day Like No Other, months ahead of time for help with her wedding coordination. As a professional event planner herself, she knew how demanding it is to make an event run smoothly and seemingly “all by itself.” And – she wanted to take her Great Day off of her professional duties – which she handed over to me.

For their ceremony, the couple had chosen the probably most iconic San Francisco landmark: City Hall! Rebuilt after the catastrophic earthquake of 1906, completed in 1915, this breathtaking Beaux Arts edifice was meant to be a symbol of the City’s irrepressible spirit. Its gilded cupola soars higher (by a full 42 feet!) than the US Capitol.

And it’s just as monumental from the inside as it is commanding from the outside. Melanie’s and Sherif’s ceremony took place in the 4th floor North gallery …

… with the couple’s closest friends and family members in attendance. Many had come from across the nation to share this moment with them.

Programs and personalized cake pops were waiting for the guests as well as Champagne for toasting –

… and escort cards on antique skeleton keys.Jay of City Express Limousine Service got Bride and Groom to City Hall relaxed, comfortable and on time. The very personal ceremony was officiated by Shyamala Littlefield and accompanied by Synchronicity Strings.

The bride wore an ivory silk backless Pronovias dress from Novella Bridal, a sleek updo and naturally-elegant makeup by Triple Twist, and carried a bouquet from San Francisco Florist (as did her bridesmaids).

For her bridesmaids, Melanie had chosen coordinating but not identical floor length allover-sequined gowns in harmonious shades of rose gold and champagne – in short, the ladies looked absolutely gorgeous!

And the groom and his groomsmen stepped up to the fashionable occasion in tux, bowties and classic suits befitting the festive occasion and the impressive architecture.

After the ceremony, there was plenty of opportunity for the couple and photographer Sasha (of Sasha Wedding Photography) to take photos within City Hall …

Leaving City Hall as “Mr. and Mrs.!”

Everyone then took Cable Car trolleys (another San Francisco icon, of course) to Isa Restaurant in the Marina District for cocktails and dinner. Heaven smiled on the wedding party – after heavy rain the previous days, and despite a gloomy weather forecast, the sun came out, and nobody got wet!

The newlyweds used the occasion for more photos around town.

The private dining room at Isa’s was all aglow with string lights and luminarias…

… and the newlyweds presided over the party from their Sweetheart Table.

Guests were treated to a delicious four-course French-Mediterranean dinner, and everyone declared that it was well worth the dietary sin! Melanie had changed into a more comfortable but no less dramatic all-sequined dress:

After dinner, the whole party walked over to Nectar Wine Lounge next door – the festivities were by no means over yet!

The couple had prepared a quirky Polaroid guest book; bridesmaid Bianca had baked a “naked” wedding cake for the couple – and one more big surprise was waiting for the guests: bellydancer Heaven Mousalem!

What a party… And now you know why I love my job so much!

Melanie and Sherif are off to their Honeymoon already – enjoy that and our heartfelt wishes for many happy years to come!

Lauren and Matt – full sail ahead at the Corinthian Yacht Club!

Posted on October 25, 2016 by jlammerts

Lauren and Matt are a high-powered young professional couple,

and when they decided to tie the proverbial knot, they had very clear ideas of what their celebration should look and feel like.

Fresh, modern, no frills. BUT classy and elegant. A church ceremony. Lots of friends and family members around. Glorious views. Fun and lots of dancing! When Lauren approached my company, A Day Like No Other, for help with her wedding preparations, I was immediately on board.

With these ideas in mind, the couple chose St.Hilary’s Church in Tiburon for their ceremony and the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon for their reception. As a nod to the maritime setting (after all, Tiburon used to be a fishing village, in the “olden times”), the only color accents in addition to bridal white were a tiny bit of metallic gold and then, of course, classic navy. That’s what the seven bridesmaids wore (the groomsmen were all in tuxes – as I said, an elegant affair!), that was the color of the sash the bride wore with her dramatic Hailey Paige dress, and navy and blue stripes turned up again as accents on the handle of the bridal bouquet, the napkin rings, and on the wedding cake.

Come Wedding Day, the weather was just perfect – a crisp but sunny day, blue skies, a slight breeze… it couldn’t have been better. For bride and bridesmaids, the day began with hair and makeup by Lindsay Davis at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Tiburon, while the groom and groomsmen were getting ready at The Lodge at Tiburon very close by. And since this occasion was not only festive – everyone also wanted to have a little fun: the gentlemen wore fire-engine red suspenders under their tuxes, believe it or not!

While the bridal party rode to Church in a Cable Car Trolley, guests were shuttled by Chariot Charters, and everyone arrived on time and totally relaxed.

The Church was beautifully decorated with altar pieces by Fantasy Florals …

and cellist Charles Wang together with the Church Music Director filled the sanctuary with uplifting music. The bride walked down the aisle on her father’s arm to the tune of “Plaisir d’amour…” – it was a truly moving moment.

After the ceremony (officiated by Father Roger Gustafson and orchestrated by Church coordinator Diana Rittenhouse), it was photo time with Jihan Cerda (just wait until you see HER photos!). Between her and Peek Media videography, all those precious moments during the day were captured – and soon enough we’ll also have a beautiful wedding video!

Guests were meanwhile enjoying Cocktail Hour on the patio off the ballroom, again serenaded by Charles Wang, and were feasting on shrimp and oysters…

… and enjoying priceless views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline.

Time for dinner! The CYC team together with my team – assistants Amanda, Annie and myself – had meanwhile set the tables…

… where blue-and-white striped napkin rings, handmade by the mother of the bride, and gold-toned Chiavari chairs established a very elegant maritime feel.

Calligraphed place cards (blue on white, of course!) and high and low centerpieces by Fantasy Florals completed the polished look.

What else? The cake! It took its clues from the nautical theme as well:

After the delicious dinner, it was time for dancing! Of course, the couple came first…

… but then, band leader Marty Johnson and the AllStar Jukebox “let it rip!”

Guests stormed the dance floor…
… and everyone was having a great time.

The only regret? That the party had to end, ultimately… but I am told there was still an afterparty going on down the street!

Many happy years together on your voyage, Lauren and Matt – fair winds, and “full sail ahead!”

Rain on Wedding Day: Good Luck for Briana and Andy!

Posted on October 15, 2016 by jlammerts

When Briana and Andy approached my company, A Day Like No Other, for their wedding planning, they had already settled on a venue and a date: Villa Montalvo in Saratoga in May. I was immediately on board – it doesn’t get any better than that!

Villa Montalvo, built as a stately private residence and now converted to an arts center and event venue, is an architectural gem in the Italianate style, and it is surrounded by breathtaking formal gardens, the most impressive among them the “Italianate Garden.” And that is where our couple was envisioning their ceremony to take place: on the steps of the “Love Temple” that is the focal point of the garden.

So far – the plan. Well, to make a long story short, the weather gods planned otherwise. While May was a sunny and warm month overall and especially in the Saratoga area, Briana’s and Andy’s wedding day was rained out. The good news? Across many cultures, rain on Wedding Day is considered a positive omen, portending fertility, renewal, cleansing and unity. If so, the two got a lot of all these good things!

The day began with “getting ready” – both for the bride and her many bridesmaids…

with hair and makeup services by Teri Lacro of The Charismatic Bride…

… and for the groom and his groomsmen – at the Tollhouse Hotel in Los Gatos.

Everyone then transferred to Villa Montalvo where the ladies got dressed.

The bride had chosen an elegant lace dress for her Big Day.

The rings were waiting…

… and the bride received her elegant bouquet from Karen Chang Burling of Huckleberry Karen (who provided floral design throughout.)

The bride stole a quick father-daughter moment to adjust her Dad’s boutonniere:

Meanwhile, the “guys” got ready as well:

… and here is the bride:

… with her entourage:

Ready for “First Look!” By that time it had already started raining. Actually – pouring, by the bucketfuls! An outdoor ceremony in the Italianate Garden was now out of the question. But nothing could dampen the spirits of bride, groom and bridal party. They had their First Look and photo session indoors while “behind the scenes” my assistant Amanda and I, together with onsite managers Kathleen Kirkpatrick and Tiffany Ferrante, florist Karen and our DJ Turner Hayes of Elite Entertainment were scrambling to implement “Plan B.” What that meant? Rescue all the sound equipment and ceremony decor from the Italianate Garden and move the whole ceremony setup to the tented side verandah of Villa Montalvo, move the Cocktail Hour setup from the side verandah to the library, move the dining setup from the verandah to the Great Room, morning room and adjacent alcoves.

Phew! It was a Herculean task, but against all odds we managed it all just in time before the ceremony was to begin. All guests were comfortably seated in the tent-protected side verandah, with the ceremony area looking out into the lush gardens. The elaborate altar decor for the Italianate Garden had been taken apart “on the fly” and reimagined to fit the new space. It was beautiful!

When Briana and Andy said their vows, the rain abated, and the Sun began to come out.

“You may now kiss your bride!”

Just married! While their guests were enjoying Cocktail Hour and The Laugh Box photo booth, the newlyweds were off to many, many photos with Brandon of Brandon Scott Photo Co.

… and of course, one photo in the Italianate Garden – which was still dripping wet from the recent rainstorm!

Dinnertime! Guests were treated to a delicious 3-course menu by Cafe Primavera, followed by…

Wedding Cake, of course! The newlyweds’ traditional “first shared task” is cutting the cake, then…feeding one another and sharing the rest with their guests. After that, there was nothing left to hold them back from their First Dance:

… opening the dance floor to a wild dance party for everyone! Guests were having a fabulous time.

Way too soon the party had to come to an end – but with a huge flourish!

The newlyweds were sent off with a bubble parade, down the Grand Staircase:

… where George Rose of Elegant Journey was waiting for them in their gorgeous getaway car, a 1933 Packard limousine:

And off they go to their lifelong journey together! Best wishes, Briana and Andy!

WIPA at the Cuyana Showroom, SF

Posted on October 13, 2016 by jlammerts

What do wedding industry professionals and a high-end leather-goods and clothing design company in common? They both create beauty – be it beautiful events to remember for a lifetime, or be it beautiful items that brighten every day! So it was a natural match when Cuyana San Francisco hosted our WIPA networking event last night.

Cuyana’s motto is, “fewer, better things,” and that shows in pretty much everything: from their simple, perfectly proportioned purses and garments (all done in natural materials – leather, silk, cotton, wool – and in impeccable workmanship) to the midcentury-modern style of their showroom overlooking Union Square in the heart of San Francisco.

Store manager Caroline Madden and her team graciously invited us to a relaxed evening gathering for networking, catching up with long-time colleagues and meeting new ones.

Mr. Shin of Michi’s served his signature super-fresh sushi…

… accompanied by an elegant Chardonnay, courtesy of Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards.

Everyone just loved it! And if that hadn’t been enough, Amanda Fein of Handheld Catering brought out platters and platters of oh-so-yummy Panna Cotta shooters and lemon and chocolate tartlets…

Of course nobody could resist! And in between we all found ourselves browsing the beautiful merchandise on the tables, racks and shelves.

Hadn’t we planned to replace this old weekender duffel for a long time already? Here was the perfect successor! And wouldn’t this elegant, streamlined leather purse elevate any wardrobe for Fall? Especially in conjunction with this incredible, reversible double-face wool coat in grey and tan? Many internal battles about “want” and “need” were fought last night, and some were lost… but all of us left as dedicated Cuyana fans!

Enjoy this little peek preview – snapshots to be replaced by beautiful professional photos by Emily Jean of Clane Gessel Photography. Stay tuned!

Thanks again to all, and it was such a lovely evening!

Taryn and Jason – an Enchanted Wedding at the Outdoor Art Club

Posted on October 11, 2016 by jlammerts

I just came home from helping one of my couples celebrate their wedding – and I am still in awe of that extraordinary experience I was privileged to be a part of.

First things first… Taryn, the bride, and I had been planning for a whole year. She had approached my company, A Day Like No Other, soon after getting engaged – suddenly feeling overwhelmed with the task of planning her Big Day with all its details and all the moving parts that go into such a celebration.

She and her fiance Jason were planning to invite about 120 guests, all of them close friends and family, to a venue showcasing the beauty of Nature. As is evident in their beautiful engagement pictures (by Wilson Lee who also photographed the wedding – stay tuned for his professional photos that will eventually replace my “sneak preview” snapshots!), these two really love the forest – the more enchanted, the better! We thought of Redwoods, vistas, gardens… and finally, Taryn and Jason settled for the historic Outdoor Art and Garden Club in Mill Valley, a historic venue surrounded by a mature garden. Founded as a Nature Conservancy, the OAC boasts a beautiful (and newly renovated) Arts-and-Crafts building designed by none less than Bernard Maybeck. It’s a peaceful, blooming oasis in the heart of a quaint little city. Perfect!

With Taryn’s love of all things Bohemian, slightly offbeat to downright mystical, in mind, we settled on a color scheme of muted warm gray and sage green, accented with sparkling mirrors (after all – mirrors are said to be the portal to other worlds…) calligraphed by Mariko Giverink of BeeCurious Designs …

The dining tables were adorned with floral centerpieces evoking little enchanted forests, complete with wood slices, mushrooms, crystals, geodes and ferns, artfully created by Katie Chirgotis of Eothen Floral.

For her Great Day, the bride chose a very unusual wedding dress from LoHo Bride…

… and a soft, very feminine hairstyle with a “messy side braid,” perfectly imperfect – by Angela of Edward’s Salon. Taryn’s makeup – natural, dewy fresh, and literally glowing – was applied by her sister Tracy, a professional makeup artist.

When the Great Day had final arrived, it turned out to be a warm and sunny Golden Autumn afternoon with blue skies and just a slight breeze – a dream! Taryn’s and Jason’s ceremony was officiated by Reverend Don Mulford in the shaded backyard of the Outdoor Art Club, under towering mature trees.

Guests then enjoyed Cocktail Hour in the open courtyard, serenaded by Synchronicity Strings…

… while Delicious! Catering took care of yummy food and an open bar.

Inside, string lights on the eaves (by Big4Rentals) set a festive tone, and dining tables beckoned with more sparkle from beaded glass chargers and mirrored table numbers…

The centerpieces boasted a profusion of ferns, grasses, wildflowers and other delicate blooms …

and of course the Sweetheart Table got a little extra treatment:

After dinner, there was dancing with music by DJ Woody Miraglia of Big Fun Disk Jockeys, with the couple opening the dance floor with their romantic First Dance to the tune of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”

Night Owl Photo Booth provided a lot of fun entertainment, and of course there was one more highlight of the evening: cake cutting! Following time-honored tradition, the new husband and wife team performed their official first task together – cutting their wedding cake (a luscious confection by Krista Juracek of Sainte G. – way too beautiful to eat!) and feeding one another.

Even the cake played along the mystic “Enchanted Forest” theme with ferns and mushrooms. Guests took home handmade little bundles of sage and matches – to be burned to ward off evil spirits!

If you ask me – evil spirits never stood a chance at this enchanted wedding, filled with warmth, love, and gratitude, with friendship, joy and exuberance. Many happy enchanted years together, Taryn and Jason, and be your journey always as happy as on your wedding day!

“Winter is Coming” in July – Whose Idea Was That?? Blueprint Studios!

Posted on July 14, 2016 by jlammerts

Blueprint Studios, famous for their creativity in event design, put their own skills to the test today – they invited the wedding professionals community to their warehouse to present their new collections with a typically creative event: “Winter is Coming!” (in July…)

What that is? Leave it to the Blueprint creatives… serenaded from the mezzanine,

guests were treated to a “cabinet of curiosities” – whimsical wintery tablescapes..

dining set-ups…

and lounge vignettes..

were competing for attention with more “July” (Hawaii??) themed groupings…

… and any creative “fusion” in between! What about a white Christmas tree adorned with fresh orchids…

or a tabletop variety composed entirely of cocktail paper parasols?!

Nothing is impossible at Blueprint! And their new collection is so fresh and different! I couldn’t get enough of even their chair collection…

Strategic partner Hensley presented beautiful new china patterns…

and a lot more, as listed on this menu card:

plus chargers in any color and style you can think of, to round out their tabletop offerings… and if you are still not convinced…

This incredible rainbow of colors – that’s their drapes!! I think that’s pretty unbeatable. Draperies in salmon, copper or lilac. I found my “Aladdin’s Cave!”

The “eye candy” was complemented by “culinary candy” provided by Componere..

Chef Ethan Mantle of Componere

… a company that spearheads culinary creativity even in its very name – “componere” is Latin for “to compose, to create.” Which they did – fresh mini tortillas filled with squash blossoms, accompanied by Patron cocktails in mini bottles…

and, my favorite, dark chocolate shells with a liquid blackberry filling. Divine!!

As of today, I am an official fan of “Christmas in July.” And of Blueprint, of course!

Fete en Blanc at the Palace Hotel: the Ultimate in Chic

Posted on July 12, 2016 by jlammerts

All who know Cristine Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of Today’s Bride Magazine (and who wouldn’t know HER?) also knows that her parties are out of this world. Truly beyond anything you’ve seen before! And she manages every single time to exceed even her own records… And now imagine she’s joined forces with Nick Eric of Luxe Bridal Shows and Cindy Danbom of Bella Notte Events! Well, the result was breathtaking: the party of parties at the venerable Palace Hotel SF…

… where the Grand Ballroom and adjacent rooms were decorated in all-white (of course) – and where right at the entrance an ice sculpture by Chisel-It

set the tone of elegance and glamour for what was awaiting the guests who flocked to the Palace Hotel in droves! I met so many dear friends and industry colleagues – florists Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs, Mandy Scott, Edgar Martinez of Flowers by Edgar, and Nancy Liu Chin; photographers Kevin Chin, Michelle Walker and Misti Layne; fellow wedding planners Deborah Moody of ACPWC (my teacher and mentor!) and Chanda Eddens of A Monique Affair; Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound, Diana Cardenas of Napa Valley Linens and Sue Leggett of Classic Party Rentals… Everyone was wearing all white in accordance with the party theme, even the Champagne Skirt ladies from Circosphere …

Circosphere

… and the stilt walkers…

Earth Circus Productions

… and the contortionists…

Earth Circus Productions

… from Earth Circus Productions whose performances were accompanied by the Dick Bright Orchestra.

The lavish floral decor was created by Edgar Martinez of Flowers by Edgar …

… and guests were treated to Wine, Champagne, a multitude of tasty bites (Michi’s, my favorite sushi specialist, was also there!) and an incredible dessert bar (among others – Pretty Please):

You know what? My diet resumes tomorrow. Today was totally worth the splurge!

Thanks so much, Cristine and Nick, for having me – it was fabulous!

How to Plan Your Financial Future as a Couple

Posted on July 1, 2016 by jlammerts

How to Plan Your New Financial Life as a Couple

Future newlyweds have so much on their plate when they first decide to tie the knot. They have to plan the wedding and take care of a thousand and one responsibilities so that everything goes off without a hitch.

Financial planning as a new couple is a conversation that’s often pushed way in the background. But should it be? What happens if you aren’t financially compatible? Where do you go from there as a couple?

Instead of ignoring your new financial life, do yourselves a favor and tackle it head-on. This is something that you need to do as a newly married couple. Since money problems are the main reason that couples argue, it makes sense to get on the same financial page in the marriage as early as you can.

Having the Dreaded (or Not so Dreaded) Money Talk

In a perfect world, you’ll realize that it’s important to have the money talk as soon as your relationship begins to get serious. Many couples find themselves financially connected before they actually get married. The sooner you have the money talk, the better it is for the relationship, and the better chance you’ll have at thriving as a couple.

Everyone has their own views about money. Some of us live like money grows on trees and that it is available in unlimited abundance. And depending on your financial situation – it might be. Others feel that money is a finite and limited resource. They work hard to scrimp and save so that they can get ahead and live comfortably in retirement.

Both members of the couple need to come together financially. Having the same money views is not necessarily required. But if you are too far apart on this topic, it could make it difficult – if not impossible – to live and grow together as a married couple.

Creating Common Financial Goals

If a couple seems too far apart on money issues, it may seem like all hope is lost for the relationship. But this doesn’t need to be true as long as you’re willing to compromise.

Instead of throwing in the towel, create common financial goals as a couple. When you begin working together to achieve common financial ground, not only will your relationship grow stronger; you’ll also begin t0 live happier lives and feel good about money and how it now has a positive impact on your relationship.

Have Regular Money Meetings as a Couple

Unfortunately, all of your money inconsistencies will not disappear after one conversation. This topic needs to be discussed regularly so that you consistently stay on the same page.

Money problems are going to arise. As a couple, you must commit to regular communication so that you can hash out money matters together. By holding regular money meetings, you can plan for your future together, set a budget/review your current budget, come up with ideas for a fun filled vacation, discover creative fundraising ideas, and so much more.

If you want to start off your married life as a happy couple, getting on the same page in your financial life is an absolute must. Heed the warnings shared with you today and use this information to guide your financial future.

A Wedding on Top of the World: Megan and Casey at Thomas Fogarty Winery

Posted on June 27, 2016 by jlammerts

Here comes a little preview on one of the most beautiful and most quintessential Californian summer weddings of the season: Megan’s and Casey’s celebration last weekend at Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside.

The setting is simply spectacular – high up on the crest of the mountain ridge running along the SF Peninsula, overlooking endless vineyards down to the San Francisco Bay with unobstructed views… it’s literally on top of the world! Megan and Casey could not have chosen better for their nuptials – this was sure to wow their more than 150 guests from far and near.

Megan, who had been away for study abroad and humanitarian work, only returned to the Bay Area three weeks before the Great Day. By then, her Mom had done most of the preparations together with my company, A Day Like No Other. But Megan jumped right in and put her own spin and her own finishing touches on everything in that short time! Our Senior Coordinator Kelsey Holtzinger guided the planning process on the “last stretch” and coordinated the festivities expertly from start to finish.

Come wedding day, Heaven was literally smiling on us – Megan and Casey had the perfect day with blue skies, summery warm sunshine and a slight breeze… Fogarty Winery showed itself at its best:

Endless views and extensive vineyards…

… and vintage trucks just for the sheer beauty of it!

The bride got ready in the cottage onsite:

… and here she is, radiant and ready to meet her husband-to-be!

Casey meanwhile got his boutonniere:

… and off to the much-anticipated First Look!

A few more photos…… and it was already time for the ceremony.

“You may now kiss your bride!”

Official wedding photo of the new “Mr. and Mrs.”:

Meanwhile, the venue staff, catering staff of La Bocca Fina catering and my tireless Senior Coordinator Kelsey had beautifully set up everything for cocktails and dinner. In accordance with the winery setting, wine corks did duty as escort card holders:

and the dining tables in the open-air pavilion were set with gorgeous centerpieces by Bloomsters.

Dinner was presided over by the newlyweds at their Sweetheart Table:

… while guests feasted on a fresh farm-to-table dinner from gold-accented plates, flatware and glassware.

Photographer Nathan Worden snuck the couple away for Sunset photos:

Entertainment was provided by Big Fun Diskjockeys and Night Owl Photo Booth.

Here, Megan and Casey share their First Dance as a married couple:

… followed by a wild dance party:

Photographer Nathan Worden and Owl and Tree Videography captured all those precious moments.

When dusk fell, the scenery turned downright magical…

… and the newlyweds were sent off to their married bliss with a sparkler parade!

To Megan and Casey – our very best wishes for a long and happy marriage!

How to Make Sure Your Wedding is Fun for Everyone!

Posted on June 27, 2016 by jlammerts

For pretty much all our couples, their wedding day celebration is by far the biggest party they’ve ever thrown, and the most intricate project they’ve ever tackled. Aside from the planning and logistics themselves, what is necessary to make the wedding celebration fun for everyone? What is it that sets an average party apart from an unforgettable one which everyone keeps raving about? I’m not talking about over-the-top-glamour, Hollywood-worthy entertainment or other perks only big money can buy. I am talking about the little things, the personal touches that make everyone feel good and special and well taken care of. To me, that’s an integral part of the overall wedding experience, just as much as good food and music.

1. You, the couple – totally worry-free

Let’s begin with the stars of the day: you, the Bride and Groom! Here at A Day Like No Other, our mantra is: Our couples have only ONE job on their wedding day, and that is – to celebrate! All our couples tell me afterwards that their wedding day flew by and that they can hardly remember all of it. We strive to maximize what our brides and grooms remember. We want you to be in the moment and to focus on what this day is about: committing your lives to one another. And that’s why we make sure that everything you might need and want on your wedding day has been meticulously planned ahead of time. Plus during Cocktail Hour, when most couples are busy taking photos, we make sure a platter of appetizers is set aside for them in a quiet side room with a chilled bottle of Champagne, and once photo session is over, we whisk them away for a few minutes of well-deserved break before presenting them to their guests.

2. The couple is “off-limits” for anything but celebrating!

What else? We, the planners, make sure that nobody will bother our couples with anything during their wedding day. Another mantra – or rather our promise to our couples: “If there is a glitch, you will not know!” It’s true: we do what is humanly possible to keep our couples out of it. And if you don’t have a wedding coordinator, you should absolutely designate one point person for all logistical issues and whatever else might come up. We at A Day Like No Other are even wearing funny buttons identifying us as the wedding planners… and invariably, that does not only “crack up” everyone – they will also find us and ask us for assistance. No one interrupts the couples’ partying!

3. Your parents

For most parents, their children’s wedding day is at least as important as for the bride and groom themselves. It’s an occasion they have been looking forward to since bride and groom were children, hoping for them to find a soul mate and lifelong companion who will take care of them once the parents are gone. Giving a child away in marriage is a milestone in parenting. It’s also a day to look back on all the sweet memories of that now grown-up man or woman when they were little, when they had just entered the world, and also to think back to one’s own wedding day, one’s own parents. It’s definitely a day of memories. And that’s why we encourage all our couples to include such memories in their celebration, e.g. , as a gallery of family photos.

4. Your older guests

Most of our couples invite quite a few older guests – grandparents and other relatives of that generation. Oftentimes, these feel a little lost in a crowd of young people. We make it a point to include them and make them feel an integral part of the couple’s family history. One unobtrusive way of making older guests feel good is to include music choices they are comfortable and familiar with – be it a few Frank Sinatra or Elvis songs or 80s top hits. Yes! It is possible to mix those in, and you should see those smiles on their faces! And in lieu of a bouquet toss, we often do a “generation dance” with the bride presenting her bouquet to the guest couple with the longest-lasting marriage.

5. All guests: look after them!

For many guests, attending a wedding means taking days off work, planning and paying for travel… despite the joy of seeing a friend or family member getting married, it’s also a lot of effort. Guests appreciate being well taken care of – they tend to remember that experience even more than the food! So, let’s make them feel special and well-taken care of. Here is what we recommend: Keep guests well informed, and the easiest way is a detailed wedding website. We recommend our couples to offer logistical help to their guests whenever possible, be it for accommodations, local climate and choice of attire. Plus, this is also a good spot to drop a hint regarding dress code… politely. Nobody wants to be seriously under- or overdressed for the occasion! The more the guests know beforehand, the easier it is for them to plan accordingly.

6. Help your guests with the logistics

The same holds true for the schedule of the wedding day itself. We recommend to include on the wedding website one page devoted to nothing but the logistics: Directions, parking restrictions, shuttle bus service, specifics about the property (e.g. walks over uneven terrain), cell phone reception, and when guests are expected to be where.

7. Make your guests feel welcome

Nothing makes guests feel welcome more than – Welcome Bags! Yes, we know, it’s a lot of work to assemble them (we do that for our clients…) Include personalized bottled water), snacks, local specialties like small bottles of wine or olive oil, local chocolates; a walking map and/or brochures for local sightseeing trips. And then, of course, a personal letter from the couple expressing their joy to have all these guests from faraway locations together for their wedding day.

8. Keep your guests comfy

And that’s why the pampering of guests doesn’t stop just there! For the wedding day, we recommend a welcome bar with chilled (nonalcoholic!) beverages; for outdoor weddings a sunscreen/bug repellant station; market umbrellas shading the ceremony area, fans (maybe imprinted with the ceremony program), personalized paper parasols doubling as a wedding keepsake; amenities baskets in the bathrooms, simple “pashmina” shawls or blankets for outdoors celebrations and a basket of flip-flops for beach weddings and long dance parties.

9. Your youngest guests

Let’s admit it: weddings are not for kids. Take that from a mother! The excitement about the decorations and the big white dress is wearing off after a maximum of ten minutes, and then kids want to do what kids always want to do: explore, play, do their own thing. Make sure that they get to do exactly that and have just as much fun during that wedding as their parents – just a different type of fun: their own area, their own babysitter(s) and their own activities. Activity bags, maybe even a kids’ entertainment company or a “sleepover party” with cartoon movies and pizza. Everybody’s happy!

10. Your Doggie

Well, same thing with dogs. Weddings are just not the thing for them. Just imagine: they are brought to a new, exciting, and maybe upsetting environment full of strangers, their “parents” don’t have time for them, they are expected to be quiet instead of inspecting and, yes, marking the new territory; regular walk/nap/meal times are all out the window AND they are even not supposed to bark! That doesn’t sound right to me. And yes, you guessed it, I am a dedicated doggie Mom. At A Day Like No Other, we offer a “VIC” (Very Important Canine) package – a dedicated dog handler on wedding day whose main task is keeping doggie happy, walking and feeding her, playing with her and chauffeuring her home as needed. But even if none of that is in the cards – you should plan for your dog’s well-being on their Great Day as you would for any other family member or guest. At the very least, designate a person not directly involved in the wedding for doggie care (the Maid of Honor is not a good choice, as she will be busy during the ceremony and during photo time…). It should not be a young child or a person unaccustomed to dogs. It should be someone who is willing to sacrifice part of the celebration time for this purpose, and gladly so. Provide an area where your darling can safely stay, protected, in the shade, and maybe in her familiar crate. Do bring her familiar food, treats, and toys. And should your fur baby get upset, your doggie babysitter can drive her home for a short while until her newlywed parents arrive – and the canine world order is happily restored!

Published on Honeyfund Blog, 6/26/16