Couple Planning Their Wedding Need "Due Diligence"

It seems that a lot is changing in the world of wedding planning, some of it good and some bad. The current economy is causing many brides and grooms to purchase items and services they need for their wedding much closer to the wedding date than most experts would recommend. Some of this is being fostered by the fact that they don’t have the money yet and some because there are fears about whether a business will still be in business on the day of their wedding.

Waiting too late to book a reception location or the photographer, florist and cake company of your choice may also have negative consequences in the fact that the company may not be available for you or they may not have the proper time to prepare everything you want for the wedding.

I would suggest these options over waiting to the last minute to book the vital services you need.
• First and foremost, do your “due diligence”. Research the companies you are interested in by checking with Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and asking other wedding professionals or friends for references. Ask the company for references. (According to Wikipedia “Due Diligence is a term used for a number of concepts involving either the performance of an investigation of a business or person, or the performance of an act with a certain standard of care. It can be a legal obligation, but the term will more commonly apply to voluntary investigations.” )
• Look for companies that are listed by professional associations such as WeddingsNorthValley.com (only Bride and Wedding Expert-recommended professionals are listed).
• After you have found the company you want to do business with, book as early as possible and see what kind of payment plans they can offer you. Let them know you would like to do business with them, what your budget is and see what they can do for you within your budget.
• Don’t be a bridezilla! Most professional companies will do the best they can to work with you, but telling them that if they don’t meet a certain price you will go elsewhere is not the best approach.
• If the price is too good to believe, buyer beware!
There are a lot more wedding professionals who want to make sure you have the best wedding possible who will treat you with honesty and integrity than the type you have to avoid. So whether you find your vendors at a bridal show, online, or in a wedding magazine, just check them out before hiring them and you will be able to move forward with peace of mind and look forward to a truly memorable wedding experience.
Yes, there are a few horror stories out there, but there are many more beautiful wedding days you never hear about!

The best way to start is at The DAZZLING Wedding Show on Sunday, October 18th at Rolling Hills Casino Resort. You will be able to interview the best wedding professionals all under one roof in an elegant afternoon of wedding planning.



Are there other bridal shows out there to attend? By all means attend them if you can, but if you only have time to visit one, make it the DAZZLING Wedding Show.

We look forward to seeing all the Northern California brides and grooms at the DAZZLING Wedding & Event Show!

Get Back to the Country! Your North Valley Wedding at a Farm, Ranch or Vineyard

There's something wonderfully charming about a wedding in the country --- whether you choose from our recommended farms, ranches and vineyards. Make your wedding timeless and graceful by coordinating relaxed details. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Attire: Wear clothes that you are comfortable in, including sundresses, khakis, or even jeans. Eyelet lace is a nice touch. Men can wear casual shirts and ties and forgo the jackets. This couple use the natural setting at Lazy K Ranch to share a quiet moment



Setting: Use picnic tables with red and white checked tablecloths. Decorate with borrowed quilts, lanterns, and candles. Although the elements are casual, unify your color palate for a clean, modern look. For example, use large groupings of daisies with yellow centers, yellow gingham tablecloths, and yellow and white striped bridesmaid dresses. Or, use a traditional red and white tablecloth with red dahlias and Gerber daisies, red ties on the groomsmen and red sundresses for the bridesmaids. Here's a fall reception at Cory's Country Inn in Chico.



Flowers: Yellow sunflowers or daisies in big pitchers, smaller groupings of brightly colored dahlias. Our recommended venue sites have beautiful flowers, shrubs and foliage during every season.



Invitations: Why not embroider your invitation as a country sampler, then take it to a print shop where they can photograph it and reproduce it on a card? If you know a skilled graphic designer, they may also be able to recreate the stitched sampler look.



Music: Hire a square dance, contra or bluegrass band, who will have your guests dancing all night long.



Favors: Make homemade cookies and package them in pretty paper. If you're not the baking type, purchase them at a great bakery (see our cakes & desserts professionals). You could also package beautiful small bunches of fresh local produce ---such as a pint of strawberries, beautiful tomatoes on the vine, or a bunch of grapes.Northern California offers abundant fresh produce available at year-round farmer's markets and roadside fruit stands. This collection of seasonal vegetables creates colorful fall decorations at Cory's Country Inn.



Special Touches: Since you're likely to be outdoors with the heat and mosquitoes, make fans for your guests with the order of service, or the members of the wedding party printed on one side, and a pretty country print on the other. Even the ranch owners celebrate at Lazy K Ranch!