Share the Sweetness on Your Special Day

Brides, prepare for the tastiest portion of your wedding planning! Follow this online guide to select the perfect wedding cake for your Northern California Wedding.

An offset square damask cake from Lovely Layers Cakery:Perfection by Confection in Chico, CA

Start Planning Early

After your engagement, you’ll have numerous wedding planning commitments, such as finding the date, venue, gown, etc. But in the bustle of bridal beginnings, don’t forget about the cake. Make plans to order your wedding cake six months before your wedding date.

Find Your Inspiration

Gather inspiration for your favorite cake features. Glance at bridal magazines, view wedding web sites, and peruse local bakeries to formulate your ideas of favorite cake designs. You can visit Northern California Bridal Show for inspiring bakers and cakes on display. 

Our Summer/Fall Wedding Fair features "Say YES!" to the Cake contest. A perfect place to select your cake.

Book a Bakery

As you gather ideas, make plans to book a bakery. Think of your favorite pastry shops, and explore your options for wedding cake specialists through WeddingsNorthValley.com’s list online. Then schedule consultations with your favorite bakeries, caterers, or cake specialists to narrow your options. Choose the bakery that best fits your needs and personal style. Remember to review a contract before you sign the dotted line to ensure these details are included: cake’s design, wedding date, wedding venue and delivery time (if applicable), final price, and initial deposit.

Sometimes you just want to find the "right fit"--- maybe it's Cake is the Best Part's Teri LaHorgue from Redding, CA

Choose the Design

Partner with your favorite baker to create a wedding cake design that reflects your wedding’s tone and color scheme to further personalize your experience. Incorporate ribbons, flowers, pillars, feathers, icing designs, figurines, or even exchange the traditional cake for contemporary cupcakes. Be as creative as you please, but bear in mind more intricate cakes are more expensive. Always show your cake consultant your inspiration pieces, pictures, or drawings to ensure your ideas are clearly communicated.

Know the Numbers

Tell your cake consultant the number of guests you expect to attend your reception. Then the baker can determine what size cake you’ll need to feed your entire guest list.  This may include the number of tiers, width of tiers, or even a separate sheet cake for economical necessity. Also, know whether you plan to save your top tier for your first anniversary or if you prefer to let guests enjoy this layer on your wedding day.

Select the Shape

Round cakes and square cakes are both popular choices for weddings. These shapes feed more mouths and they are easy to cut, which leads to quick food service and happy guests. If you have alternate shape ideas, speak with your baker to see if your idea is doable.

It may not be a "cake" at all! Cupcakes are more popular all the time. Check out Blue Sugar Cupcakes.

Find the Flavor

Once you choose your cake’s design, you’ll be able to select the cake flavor and filling. Enjoy mixing and matching as you decide which combination tastes the most decadent. Throughout this process, feel free to ask questions and listen to your wedding cake professional as well. The baker knows the products well and can guide you to complementary flavor combinations. If you and your groom savor different flavors, then ask your cake consultant if each tier can be a separate cake flavor.

Icing on the Cake

Complement your favorite cake flavors and fillings with the right icing. While you may consider the taste, you’ll also need to cater to your cake’s design. Some styles require sturdy fondant icing to create the complete look while other cakes can maintain a richer flavor with soft butter cream icing. If you’re unsure, ask your wedding cake consultant to recommend icing to best complement your cake.

Top It Off

To complete the cake’s overall appearance, choose a complementary cake topper. You may want an elaborate topper as the cake’s crowning glory, or you may prefer a simple topper as the subtle finishing touch. Consider your options, such as a ribbon arrangement, monogram, flowers, fruits, symbolic shapes, or porcelain figurines. Select a cake topper to reflect your groom’s and your relationship as well as match the mood of your reception.

Share the Sweetness

For all your wedding planning, your cake is one area where wedding guests will want a big slice. Share the cake cutting with your groom, and enjoy a bite of scrumptious dessert together. Then let guests partake in your celebration with their own thick slices of cakes. They’ll be pleased when there’s enough cake for everyone in attendance, and you’ll be glad you took the time to provide this tasty treat. 

Pink and sweetened by vine-ripened fruit is just one of the toothsome goodies from Marcie's Cupcake Kitchen.

Share the sweetness of your special day! For more information about Northern California’s Sweetest Choices, please view our website or visit us at Facebook.com/ChicoBridalShowcase. Make your wedding day extra fabulous…hire a Wedding Professional. 

Go to WeddingsNorthValley.com where great Northern California weddings start!

The Latest Rental Options for Northern California Weddings

There are lots of companies in the North Valley that offer the necessities for wedding and event rentals --- the chairs, linens, silverware, even pitchers for water.

But what about when you're an off-the-beaten-path type of bride with a little more eclectic tastes? Where do you go to find the unique items to use for your wedding without having to purchase dozens of jars or vases you'll never use again?

Today we'll take a look at some companies that offer fun items you can use to meet your special event needs.

Salvagno's Party Dog Rentals "works like a dog so you don't have to!"

PARTY DOG RENTALS is a division of Salvagno's Events. Manager Clint Salvagno takes great pride in the exceptional condition of his rental equipment – chairs are clean and china is chip-free. Dubbed “The Rental Wizard,” Clint either has what you need – or knows where to get it!  Meet
Clint personally at the January 8th Chico Bridal Showcase. Set an appointment to meet with him and see all that he and his crew can do for your wedding. http://www.salvagnosevents.com/rentals

A & J Party Rentals has served the Northern California area from Chico since 1978.

A & J PARTY CENTER Tim Randall and his team like to say “If you’ve been to great party in the last 30+ years, chances are we were there too.” Meet the Randalls personally at the January 8th Chico Bridal Showcase. Set an appointment to meet with them and see all that they can do for your wedding.

WE DO DESIGNS for a "high fashion slant" WeDo Designs combines the skills of a florist, fashionista, and events manager, we combine our years of experience to provide a one stop shop for your special days. WeDo Designs specializes in fabulous fabrics for tablescapes and draping to help make your special day even more memorable! Meet Rabina personally at the January 8th Chico Bridal Showcase. Set an appointment to meet with her and see all that they can do for your wedding. http://www.wedodesigns.net/http://www.wedodesigns.net/

Meet Nancy from All Star Rents in Chico.

ALL STAR RENTS is the "go-to" place for all things for your event. Nancy Fregoso and the All Star team have a huge selection of party and special events things --- almost anything you can think of. And you get Nancy's personal attention. Meet Nancy personally at the January 8th Chico Bridal Showcase. Set an appointment to meet with her and see all that they can do for your wedding. http://www.allstarrents.com/AllStarRents/Events.htmhttp://www.allstarrents.com/AllStarRents/Events.htm

JAZ Events brings a designer touch to your event.

JAZ EVENTS is the latest addition to our Northern California party rental market. They offer the latest in trendy lounge furniture and decor. They offer furnishings which bring high style to your event. Meet with the JAZ team during the Chico Bridal Showcase on January 8th. JAZ Events styled this year's CLUB GROOM! http://www.jazevents.com/portfolio

What does a "Day Of" Coordinator do?

You have to sometimes wonder what could possibly come up during your wedding day to justify the hiring of a wedding planner.  These are just a few and without a planner, some of them could have turned into minor catastrophes.

·       Purchasing sheet cakes for backup wedding cake when, after cutting, it was realized they were short almost 100 pieces of cake

·       Pinning and sewing torn dresses, straps and even shoe buckles

·       Giving directions to reception site to lost vendors

·       Quickly moving indoor ceremony, outdoors due to rain and then with only 20 minutes to spare, moving ceremony BACK outside at bride’s request

·       Reviewing setup to find that certain tables were missing chairs, silverware and napkins BEFORE any guest noticed

·       Setup of “Kid’s Area” for children who attended the reception and became bored with the long process of a 6 course meal

·       Setting up DVD/TV player for a surprise video provided by sister of bride, who forgot to mention to anyone that she wanted this viewed at the reception

·       Locating last minute seating for elderly parent who realizes they are unable to stand for entire service

·       Speeding up slow service and organizing an unorganized staff at reception site

·       Curl and up do of bride’s hair when salon was unable to create the look she had wanted (I'm not a hairstylist, I am only to be utilized in emergencies.)

·       Placing wood pieces underneath food tables when (because of excessive mud and weight of food) the tables began to sink into ground

·       Guiding lost and or slightly intoxicated guests to the site, back to their seat or to a cab (without anyone noticing, including said guest)

·       Last minute call to Limo Company who had provided wrong vehicle and wrong driver

·       Waiting at the hotel to escort 2 sets of great grandparents to transportation to the ceremony as well as the reception (after all other transportation methods had left and were unavailable)

·       Removing of an intoxicated/disruptive guests without any type of disruption the Bride or Groom (yes, this is a different example beyond the assistance with slightly intoxicated guest)

·       Purchasing specific bread (alcohol, napkins, dessert, appetizer) that Bride/Groom had requested that was found to be not available at the reception site

·       Pinning down table linens when an unexpected wind storm occurred (wind was strong enough that linens were blowing off, as well as centerpieces, which were then breaking.)   

·       Arriving at site to find set up/linen colors wrong and then fixing the entire site before bride, groom OR guests noticed

·       Organizing last minute song lists for wedding when groom “forgot” to handle (you'd be surprised how often the groom "forgets" to do things for the wedding)

·       Delivery of special items to bride/groom and placement of surprise/secret items and gifts for some of the special people involve

·       Calming jittery brides, grooms, family members (this happens every single time)

 The Wedding Lady recommends you make a consultation appointment with any of the following coordinators working in Northern California.

An Occasion to Remember  (530) 589-5900   

JKiendra Productions  (206) 617-2243 

Your Perfect Day  (530) 521-7539   

Before Booking Your Wedding Entertainment

Good entertainment is instrumental when it comes to keeping the party flowing. 

I thought it would be helpful to go back to basics and discuss the must-ask questions to review with any entertainment before you book them. This will ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision about who to hire for your wedding day.

The first and most important step is to find someone with a great personality, that will light up the crowd by curating the right music selections. The music should tell a story and create a rhythm: upbeat cocktails, more subdued and chic music for dinner and then dance sets moving into house music and beyond.
As with everything, hiring and negotiating successfully has most to do with how you approach people. Remember, creativity is not a light switch. You want to make sure you really gel with your talent. If you are hiring a DJ, spend several hours over a bottle of wine and go over the music selection making sure he or she understands what you like and what you don't like. Tailor the playlist with them and never think of them as a Juke Box and ask them to change direction after every song. And let them know what your policy is with requests.

Here are some basics to remember when you are meeting talent:
Verify their skills…
    •    It is important to ask detailed questions about the performer's skills and resume: How long have they been in business? Training? References? (Ask if you can see a video of a previous performance. It will help you assess more thoroughly.)
    •    What exactly will they need for their performance? (Staging? Equipment? Is it rented or do they have their own?)

During the wedding...
    •    While you may be focused on what your bridal party is wearing, you must also ask your entertainment these questions so it doesn't throw off the vibe of your party: What will they and their assistants be wearing to your event and when they set up their equipment?
    •    Do they have a wireless microphone that guests can easily use during the wedding for speeches, etc.?

Scheduling/technicalities...
    •    Are you guaranteed that you will have the performer of your choice at your event? Are you guaranteed a backup DJ or performer if they get sick?
    •    When do you need to submit your playlist and event details? Can you submit a "do not play list"? How will they handle guest requests during the party?

It's all about the money…
    •    This can be the "make or break it" category for most, so be careful when asking these questions because you can really save money (or lose it) depending on the answers: What is the complete breakdown of cost? What is required for a deposit? Does it include everything (the assistants, cancelation deposits, transportation or delivery fees etc.)?
    •    Do they carry liability insurance?
    •    What is their overtime policy? Are they prepared to play overtime if the party is going strong? What's their rate for overtime?

Remember, there’s nothing wrong with being straightforward and requesting the information you need. It’s important to be inquisitive now, when you have a world of options in front of you.

To discover the musical entertainment options in Northern California, we invite you to visit: WeddingsNorthValley.com

Content of this blog posting is from http://lifeandstyle.colincowie.com/notes/0078p.asp

10 Steps for Planning Your Perfect Wedding

We suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple. 

1.   IMAGINE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

Before you announce to the entire world that you are engaged and everyone assumes that they are invited to your wedding, we suggest that you sit down with your fiancé and discuss the date, time, size, formality and style of your wedding -- things that really reflect your tastes as a couple. 

2.  PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR GUEST LIST

What's a party without the guests? Remember that many of your guests will have a spouse or significant other and will count for two people. Also keep in mind that the more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.

One smart planning tip is to have a "must-have" A-list, and a "would-like-to-include" B-list, and mail your invitations early. If A-list guests can't make it, you can then mail out invitations to B-list guests and they won’t feel like last minute additions. 

3.  YOUR BUDGET

The fact is, all that wedding glamour and glitter costs money, and setting a realistic wedding budget now is going to save you from a nasty shock on your wedding day. So take out that calculator, call up your folks and decide on a realistic budget. Before you start number crunching, set your priorities. Are your guests more important, or the location? Once you know what elements you can't live without, you'll have a much clearer idea of how to allocate your money. Then 

4.  SET YOUR PLANNING NOTEBOOK

Remember, pictures tell a thousand words. The best gift you can give yourself is a Polaroid camera with plenty of film. You never know what item may inspire you for flowers, favors or any other wedding accessories.

Also purchase a three ring binder, dividers and plastic business card holders to create a planning notebook. We suggest including the following sections: Vendor Contact Information, Guests List, Bridal Ensemble, Bridesmaids' Attire, Beauty, Groomsmen's Attire, Ceremony, Reception, Invitations and Stationery, Menus and Beverages, Flowers and Décor, Guest Favors and Gifts, Rentals, Music and Entertainment, Photo and Video, Transportation and Parking, Miscellaneous, Checklists and Schedules, Budget/Payment Schedules, Invoices/Receipts, Out-Of-Town Information and Notes. Don't forget an empty folder for photos and magazine clippings. 

5.  SELECT YOUR DATE

Do you envision winter outside as you snuggle close to your new husband on the way to the reception? Or do you want a warm summer's night as you dance with your groom under the stars? Decide what time of year you want to get married and select two tentative wedding dates -- it's important to have a backup in case your first choice isn't available. Don't forget to check your city calendar to make sure there's not a holiday or major sporting event on your desired date -- otherwise you and your guests may be competing with fans for scare, or more expensive, hotel rooms and services. 

6.  CHOOSE YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION

Wineries, zoos, botanical gardens -- let your imagination run wild when selecting a wedding location. But remember, the best spot may be one that is nearby and can accommodate your guest count. You'll want to find out how many events each site hosts per day, and whether there are hidden fees and charges. Visit our step-by-step guides to finding reception locations for a complete list of questions to ask, and then search WeddingsNorthValley.com WeddingsNorthValley.com for a list of ceremony and reception sites in Northern California in cities surround Chico, Redding and Yuba City. 

7.  SELECT YOUR WEDDING PARTY

She's been your best friend since kindergarten; it's a no-brainer that you want her to stand up with you on your big day. But what about everybody else? Ask valued friends or family to do a reading, be an usher or oversee your guest book/escort card table. The point is, don't worry, there is a role to play for everyone, and a way out of any awkward situation. 

8.  SHOP FOR THE DRESS

Browse WeddingsNorthValley.com for a bridal salon near you. Be aware that most dress shops require at least six months to order your dress. Don't forget to bring stockings, shoes, a strapless bra and a hair clip to your appointments. Also bring any tear sheets or printouts from our fashion section of those dresses you adore, so that the sales staff can get a sense of your style. And now's the time to start a fitness program and get in shape to look your best in that dream dress. 

9.  BOOK THE BASICS

Top wedding locations and vendors are booked as much as a year in advance, so as soon as you've agreed on the type of wedding you would like to have, use our comprehensive www.WeddingsNorthValley.com and run to make your reservations in the following order: ceremony and reception locations, ceremony officiant, caterer, reception band, photographer, florist, cake designer, videographer, stationer and finally, the rental company.

Reception sites go particularly fast, but many places will allow you to put a courtesy "pencil hold" on the date for two weeks with no deposit. Finding your ideal spot isn't easy, so if a site meets 80% of your requirements, reserve it!

10.  SET UP YOUR REGISTRY

In this shopping frenzy, remember that your guests are going to want to buy presents for YOU. You'll enjoy the convenience of viewing your registry and making changes any time, day or night. And, your guests will be thrilled to have one place where they can find all your gift choices. You can also create your own wedding website to share your engagement stories, last-minute wedding details and get the word out about your registry. It's fast and easy! Simply answer a few questions, pick a pattern and we'll handle all the technical details. One of the registries we love is the HONEYMOON REGISTRY that you can get throughout our Sponsoring Partner Shared Travel.

Finally, get a little help from your friends. With all the excitement ahead of you, it's important to know that WeddingsNorthValley.com has all the ideas, advice and tools you need to make planning as simple as possible. Let our Wedding Experts guide you through your wedding planning.

Things We LOVE

This is what Rebekah Tennis of Wild Ink Press calls her "Annie Bidwell" line --- inspired by Chico's founding mother.

I love to just look through the website and the newly produced online catalog from Wild Ink Press. I have been following Rebekah and Mike's work for at least 3 years. What they do with their letter press is art on luscious paper. It is so modern and fresh. Because of the way each piece is produced it evokes another time. It is the loveliest handwork.

What a gift cards from Wild Ink Press would be!

Here are some of the ways that you can look at the work too!

Wild Ink Press Catalog
Wild Ink Press...jots and tittles BLOG

The Palms Hosts Spring Open House

We had such a wonderful time meeting with brides and their families and friends at a beautiful spring afternoon open house recently hosted by The Palms Pavilion in Chico.

The design team at We Do Designs featured the latest trends in color palettes and decor from New York during the event.

Other event experts on display during the Open House included:
Chico Catering Co. serving hors d'ouevres and their fabulous S'Mores Bar
Cambray Rose Florist with a variety of centerpieces
The Country Florist with a magnificent floral design
JAZ Events featuring a display of rental furnishings and staging accessories for any event
New Clairvaux Vineyards pouring wine
VIP Limousine company
Dreamworks Lighting and Sound
Duffy's Tavern Full Bar Catering
Espresso Express with coffee drinks
Drozian Photoworks photographing the event

Let Me Clarify...You Can Always Get It Cheaper

There's one thing that I definitely know in life and that is you can always buy something cheaper --- telephone service, flights, cars, office supplies, SEO optimization, wedding gowns, pharmaceuticals, wedding flowers, catering....wedding & event planners.  You name it and I'll betcha there's somebody out there that can give it to you cheaper...  I think that the question that people miss is:  But Will It Be What I Want?

Let me give you a scenario that happened to me last year.  I sent out a floral & decor proposal for an event that wasn't huge and over the top.  It was for a nice party and right in line with the type of events we do.  Prior to sending it out, I had gone through and made a few things optional for the client so that they could add in some of the "nice to haves".  Exactly what I told them I would do when they hired me. 

Then, the phone rings....it's the Mother of the Bride.  We'll call her Carol. 
Carol:  "Sasha...in this economy how can you, in good conscience, send me a floral proposal THIS high?"

Please know that I had been through the proposal backwards & forwards and it met all of the required components that the bride simply HAD to have. 

ME:  "Thanks for your call, Carol, I sent it because I believe it fits the desires of Melanie (name of bride has been changed) and I did shave a lot off to try to meet your budget"

Carol:  "But Sasha, how in the world do you expect us to pay for this?  We have decided we don't want to spend more than X"  {this would have been nice to know at the beginning, by the way}

ME:  "Please let me know what you would like to cut and we are happy to  make any changes you like.  We can switch from long tables to rounds & squares, change the design of the flowers..."{basically, I gave her 15 options to make changes}

Carol:  "But Sasha, Melanie wants all that and we expect that in this economy people are hungry for business and would be willing to make a little less profit for the job"

{quizzical look which garners the side note that in this economy, business owners are more likely going to want a higher profit from each job, not lower to compensate for fewer jobs overall - thereby providing the contracted & paid for services ONLY and not over and above the contracted services}

ME: "Carol, I'm not sure that's the case, but let me just say that I've found out something in life and in business...you can always get something cheaper but it will not be the wedding your daughter wants, it will only be the price you like." {if you use this in your business, feel free to say "well, Sasha Souza says..."}

Why have I told you this story?  Because it's true and the statement that I made at the end is an important one when educating couples and ourselves on weddings and what we get for our money. It's easy to say you want a centerpiece to be smaller or "not over the top" or "simple".  Let me give you a visual example.  We have seen this image from the legendary Preston Bailey in our office many, many times.  It's gorgeous with hundreds of flowers in it and I'm sure the image does not do it justice to how grand it is in person:


Can every bride afford it?  No.  But those that value it will seek it & Preston out to design for them and will be thrilled with the results.  Here is how we used his inspiration for a bride who loved the look but couldn't pay the price tag for the flowers:


Could the bride have gotten even this arrangement cheaper?  Yes!  Absolutely but the structure of the piece, the height, the design would have been vastly different.  More like this:

While still pretty, it doesn't emanate the same feeling - BUT it IS CHEAPER!  So, if it's cheaper that they are looking for then this would work out perfectly but the expectation can't be for the gorgeous images above.

Another example...Is the peony any cheaper because of the economy?  No.  So, we offer alternatives and often we substitute with garden roses.  Is it the same?  No.  It's just cheaper and different.  Some brides are OK with that and others REALLY want the peony and are not going to compromise for anything less.  The decision is only theirs to make.

Carol did go on to pay the bill for the flowers when she  understood that what she would get by going elsewhere wasn't what Melanie would have wanted.  We were very willing to make changes to the event to get them closer to their described estimated expenditure but they were unwilling to make any changes whatsoever and simply wanted it to be cheaper.  period.  just. cheaper.

That isn't how this works, people.  If you go to the gas station to fill up your car, you make a decision on the name brand station that you go to, how much you want to pay per gallon & the octane level of the gas you want. 
OR! 
You can go down the street to the gas station without all the special additives.  Will your car run the same?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  My car happens to like Chevron Techron 89 Octane or better.  I put anything less in it and I'm bummed by the lack of power and performance that I get in my car.  I can't go into the clerk and ask them if instead of $2.99 per gallon I can pay $1.49 per gallon and expect the exact same quality & product.  If you want me to shave $100 off an arrangement, you're going to lose $100 worth of flowers & design time. 

So, when you're visiting with your vendors and you ask them to reduce their price please be sure that you are getting the same exact thing - because if you're trying to compare apples to apples and one person says they can do that Preston arrangement for hundreds less than the other person - chances are  you'll be left with arrangement #3 on your 72" round seating 12.

I love Sasha Souza's Sparkiletti Blog.

Hiring Your Wedding Caterer

The caterer is one of the pillars of a wedding party's success. The taste and presentation of the food and the service provided will be remembered for a long time. Most caterers offer event planning and coordination, which is either included or an additional coordination fee. The caterer is responsible for buffet table decoration. Some prefer to do the other table decorations as well in order to ensure an aesthetically coordinated effect. Some caterers will work with florists, while others prefer to create the total look. 

For best results, the food is prepared in their commercial kitchen and the finishing touches are added at the event site. Some caterers service only one event per day, while others do ten simultaneously. Both can be equally good in service and quality.

Caterers usually bring along 10% more food than required, as running out of food is a nightmare for them. Leftover food is sometimes left with you, sometimes taken back. Caterers may prefer to keep the excess food since they consider it food you have not paid for. They also want to make sure you don't eat spoiled leftovers. If the food has been on display for several hours on a hot day, the caterer will dispose of it. Regardless of the reason, the caterer determines how the leftovers are to be dispensed with.

Steelhead BBQ Co. serves the bride and groom at Centerville Estates

Most caterers do not have a liquor license, but they will either serve what you provide or subcontract with a licensed bar service. Caterers with full liquor licenses run a bar or restaurant. Regardless of whether or not they have a liquor license, they will usually help you with beverage planning and also do the ordering. Note that the liability for serving alcohol rests with the party providing it; caterers carry insurance if they do. Some caterers have a license to serve only beer, wine and champagne.

We Recommend:

• If you choose a larger catering establishment, make sure you get to know the person in charge of your event and record the name in the contract.
• Take the time to carefully review every little detail with the caterer in order to avoid disappointments and unpleasant surprises.
• Rental items can be provided by the caterer. While this may be a more expensive way to go, you save the hassle of having to locate and rent them on your own.

Minding Your Budget:

• Caterers have different price structures. Be sure to ask about all the extra and hidden charges, and calculate carefully.
• Prices depend on food selection. A sit-down dinner is more expensive because it requires more staff.
• Though gratuities are usually optional, several caterers itemize service gratuities separately. A gratuity or service charge is a mandatory "tip," which is taxable.
• Consider a tea for your wedding reception.

• Serve more vegetables than meat.
• Reduce the number of service personnel.

Consult with these North Valley Wedding Professionals

A Bride's Guide to Happy Bridesmaids

She’s your friend, your sister, your cousin, your college roommateor your future sister-in-law. She’s your bridesmaid and she loves you...for now. Thanks to the bride, bridesmaids have become notorious for bad hair and bad fashion. Too many bridesmaids have smiled through their anger and humiliation and it is up to you to put an end to it. Following these Dos and Don’ts will mean the difference between having bridesmaids who are bitter and disgruntled to happy and confident…and the results will show. After all, don’t you want your closest girlfriends to look their best on your big day?

Dos

·       Do find a dress that your bridesmaids can wear again

·       Do allow each girl to wear her hair the way she feels comfortable

·       Do choose a color and fabric and let each girl pick her own style dress

·       Do consider everyone’s financial situation

·       Do choose dresses in black or neutral tones

·       Do buy them their wedding day jewelry or accessories

·       Do choose bridesmaid dresses that will complement your wedding gown

Don’ts

·       Don’t force a size 12 to wear the same dress as a size 2

·       Don’t make your bridesmaids wear something ugly so you can look better

·       Don’t pick a dress that is hard to dance or walk in

·       Don’t expect your maids to buy teal shoes…or any other color she can never wear again

·       Don’t take all of your maids shopping at once – it can get hectic and confusing

·       Don’t be blind to grimaces and unhappy faces at the fitting 

 For more information, visit Dresses, Gowns & Bridesmaid Dresses Category at WeddingsNorthValley.com. California's north valley stores offer the best and most choices for your wedding style and budget.