It’s not uncommon for couples to have questions before finalizing wedding plans. Often many of these questions go unanswered because couples do not seek the advice of professionals.
Recently, some of Detroit Wedding Day’s business advertising partners were asked during an interview to share their insight to help couples make wise decisions regarding their upcoming wedding day. Here are a few noteworthy words of advice from the experts.
The Hair
Brides and grooms alike can look stunning on their wedding day. But what can be done today to prepare for an upcoming wedding?
Carlie Kremer, Director of Paul Mitchell Salon – Clinton Township, gave her insight for preparing for the big day.
She suggested that clients have a hairstyle trial run.
“When clients come in for a trial run, we can recommend hair colors that work with different styles,” Kremer said. Clients can explore various styling options, including adding in hair extensions and clip-on extensions.
Even with the wedding day months away, she begins working with clients to help them get their hair in optimum condition. By applying nourishing treatments to the hair including Olaplex and KeraTriplex used to strengthen and repair damaged hair, brides can be proactive.
Regarding hairstyle trends, Kremer shared that she has observed that brides are choosing feminine boho hairstyles, which gives them a soft natural appearance. During the winter months, she has seen more brides opting for the classic vintage wave styles.
Even the grooms are choosing the classic groomed barbershop style look, including the reminiscent prominent hard-part and fade.
Fitness
It is not uncommon for brides to want to drop a few pounds before their big day. Certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer, Tony Reynolds of Classic Physique, suggested soon-to-be brides modify their daily regimen to include healthy alternatives.
“People don’t realize how much food and empty calories that they mindlessly consume every day,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds recommended starting each day with a large glass of cold water upon awakening. Also, he suggested eating an apple or other fiber-rich fruits within the first 30-minutes of the day.
Photographs
The biggest mistake mentioned by the photographers and videographers was the couple not hiring a professional.
Angelo Simon, the owner of AM & FM Photography, summed it up this way.
“Some couples try to save money and hire inexperienced photographers, friends, or family members to take the wedding day photos, but they usually later discover that it was a big mistake by doing so. At the end of the day, the photos are all you have. If the photographer blows it, that is what the couple will remember. Anyone can take a picture. You pay me to move six inches to the right”, stated Simon noting that professional photographers know the best positioning, lighting, and scale to create masterful photographs.
Jason Lawson, the owner of Lawson Video Production, similarly shared concerns about couples who don’t hire a professional.
“You want to stay away from hiring your relatives or other people that say they can do it if they are not actually in that business,” said Lawson. “It’s not always about the price. You don’t have to hire the most expensive or the cheapest person. It can be affordable.”
The Plan
“The mistake many couples make is not consulting with a wedding coordinator,” stated Lorri Lewis, owner of The DirectHer and host of Before the Big Day podcast.
Lewis indicated that many couples don’t bother to budget for a wedding coordinator. The lack of planning for a wedding coordinator is a recurring trend topic on her weekly podcast.
Lewis continued, “Couples don’t budget for a wedding coordinator. That is the main person you need to even establish a budget. We know where to cut costs.”
The Dress
“Make it your own. Make it personal. Stop worrying about what everybody else says,” said Nancy Gies, owner of Bellissima Bridal Salon in Rochester Hills, MI.
Gies shared that she has seen brides try on wedding gowns that they loved, to only moments later be discouraged after revealing the selection to her entourage of friends and family accompanying her at the fitting.
Gies continued, “When brides come in with 5 to 8 people, it can be a bit overwhelming. While those guests will have differing opinions, the bride has to listen to her heart and her own feelings. She has to remember her vision.”
Groom’s Fashion
It’s expected for brides to have fun when selecting their wedding attire, but the grooms can also join in with the excitement. For men visiting Chelsea Mensware in Wyandotte, the word of advice from the business owner is simple.
“Be prepared to have a good time,” stated Peter Rose, the third-generation owner of the 75-year old business. “We have a no-pressure environment here.”
It appears that more grooms and groomsmen are deciding to purchase suits for the wedding day. Rose shared that even though tuxedo rentals continue to be strong, he has noticed a significant increase in wedding day suit sale purchases over the past year. By far, the most popular colors of choice are the classic blues, blacks, and grays.
For the man who wants a little bling added to his wedding outfit, Carolyn Wright, fashion designer-owner of Bling Bow Ties, recommended a unique custom-made bow tie set for the groom and groomsmen.
“The bride has all the bling and all eyes on her, as she walks down the aisle. Everyone is captivated by her beauty and gown. When her groom salutes her and they turn around to walk back up the aisle together, he is supposed to have some bling, too,” said Wright.
Décor
For couples who are afraid of too many colors being introduced into their wedding reception, ghost-tables and chairs are a popular decorative alternative. Jalisa Grove, Wedding Coordinator and owner of Christian Lei Events, shared that she has noticed a recurring trend of clients requesting ghost-tables and chairs (an acrylic table paired with elegant crystal-clear chairs). The ghost table and chair set allow decorators more flexibility due to there being no competing colors.
“Couples don’t have to commit to a specific color. If they want to add more colors to the table, they can do so. Also, they don’t need to have chair covers or sashes on the chairs,” continued Groves.
Moreover, since many ghost tables have a removable top, wedding coordinators can conveniently add decorative accessories such as flower petals inside the table.
Flowers and Boutique
When it comes to the wedding bouquet and flowers, the key is communication.
“We really listen. Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Penny Murphey, owner of A&A Flowers.
Murphy recommended that brides bring in pictures and other design influences.
Murphy continued, “Go big because you can always tone it down.”
For brides who want a unique sparkly bouquet, Leslye Mathis, owner of Elegant Fantasy Events, offers an alternative. A jeweled bouquet.
“You can theme a brooch bouquet if you’d like. It depends on you,” said Mathis. This option allows brides to add personal keepsakes to the bouquet as she walks down the aisle.
Wedding Travel
Using a travel agent has benefits often overlooked by couples. V-Gail Simpson, the owner of Matrix Global Travel, explained that she often includes a little something extra for her honeymoon and destination wedding clients.
“I do special things for my customers. Once we get everything ready, I reach out to the hotel or resort and tell them to make sure to put flowers in the room, chocolates on the bed, or something special like a bottle of champaign.”
For clients traveling abroad, she recommended that they take steps to be proactive and safe. Her suggestions included securing passports, giving copies of travel documents to a trusted family member or friend while traveling, and reviewing the latest travel advisory news from the State Department, coupled with other practical advice. The goal is to help clients avoid being blind-sided by the unexpected.
Insurance
Unfortunately, sometimes the unthinkable does happen during the wedding or honeymoon. If the unexpected should arise, couples can easily lose thousands of dollars in wedding expenses.
Nevertheless, couples can be proactive and protect their assets if circumstances disrupt wedding plans. James Ralph, the owner of James Ralph Agencyhttps://detroitweddingday.com/gallery/james-ralph-agency-inc/, explained that special event insurance policies, such as wedding insurance, can help create peace of mind for couples.
Depending on what package couples decide to purchase, the policies can reimburse them after a qualifying loss.
