I- Phones at your wedding

The proliferation of camera phones has raised a new point of discussion for brides and grooms hoping to capture the essence of their wedding through a professional photographer of some distinction. How to handle wedding guests with cameras in their phones and preserve the privacy and security of the wedding events is a growing challenge. Social media are changing the rules around the ceremony that was originally about the bride and groom. As Kim Ode of the STAR TRIBUNE said “On a day planned down to the mints, social media allow for random acts of mindlessness.”


While some couples may embrace the technology, others wonder “how to keep their vows from going viral”. This concern has prompted wedding planners, coordinators and consultants to formulate some guidelines covering social media at weddings.

• Recognize that most couples make a distinction between the wedding ceremony and its more solemn aspects and the reception with its feel as a celebration.

• If the bride doesn’t want people to see her in her gown before she goes down the aisle, she needs to make sure her attendants understand that uploading photos of her in that special dress before the ceremony is forbidden.

• Consultants suggest putting a notice in the program itself which clearly states that this is an “unplugged” ceremony. Reinforce this request by asking the officiant to remind the guests to silence their electronics.

• Some brides have posted signs at the entrance to the ceremony asking people to refrain from using electronics. Placing a sign at the spot where the guest book is placed is another option.

Social media at the reception seems to be more acceptable. Photo-sharing sites enable guests to down-load reception photos into a designated wedding album which makes it nice for the couple to see lots of the action at their party. As one consultant said, the electronics made it possible for one couple to livestream their wedding to friends and family who could not make it to the wedding. If you have any questions or need ideas, call us at 708-268-7528 or email at weddingsbykristin@yahoo.com.

Huge Wedding planning and gift card combo celebration

Right now that wedding and event season is in full swing. I want to take a moment to thank all my awesome clients this year and let everyone know this will be our busiest season yet. Thank you for trusting in me to plan your weddings and events! Right now to celebrate I am offering $100 off any package of your choice and also any bride that books a package with me will recieve a $25.00 gift card to Victoria's Secert. Hurry this offer will end soon, so call or email today to book your free consultation. 708-268-7528 or weddingsbykristin@yahoo.com.

Creative ways to personalize your wedding

Because the push to be unique is increasing important to our brides, here are some of the more creative ideas we have seen.

• If yours is a smaller wedding, consider including a personal note with the invitation.

• With help from the US Postal Service you can create your own stamp.

• Stats have shown that social invitations are opened more frequently on Saturdays. Time your invitation mailings to arrive on Saturday if possible. You’ll receive more RSVP responses.

• Pick a monogram and use it throughout the planning process.

• One wedding planner suggests choosing a unique start time for the ceremony. For example use the date you met (5:23) or the date you got engaged (7:04) or other key dates in your lives.

• Take lots of photos during your engagement and pre wedding planning period and use them as table decorations at the reception.

• Create an entrance at the wedding – something that says WOW and let’s guests know they have arrived.

• Include your parents by having their wedding photos on display at the reception. Include grandparent photos too if they are available.

• To keep everything moving, plan a “surprise” for guests at the reception every 30 minutes.

• If you are planning a Dessert Station at your reception, ask family cooks to bring a dozen or two of their favorite treats. These will add variety to the selection and invest family in the reception.

Spring wedding and event planning special!

Book a free consultation now and recieve $100 off any package of your choice. That is a HUGE savings so book now as we are booking 2013 and 2014 weddings and events! You can email me at weddingsbykristin@yahoo.com or call 708-268-7528 to take advantage of this huge savings! Happy Planning! Offer good till May 15th, 2013 so call now!

What to ask your planner?

If you have decided to enlist the help of a professional wedding/event planner to assist with your wedding, you want to make sure that you are hiring the best. Schedule an interview with him/her and ask important questions. The answers to those questions will help you decide whether or not this person is right for you. The certified wedding planners, who are members of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide, are likely to be the standard against which you evaluate the planners you interview. They suggest that you review this list of questions and ask those that are important to you before you make your final selection.


• Have you worked with any of the vendors or venues that I have in mind? If yes, what do you know about them? If no, are there similar vendors that you would recommend? Why?

• How many weddings my size have you done? Can you tell me about one or two of them?

• Who are your favorite caterers, florists, bands, etc? Why do you like them?

• Please show me a portfolio of previous weddings you have done.

• What is your role? What is mine? Who has what responsibility? Who has the final say?

• How often do you expect to meet with me before the wedding?

• How many hours do you work the day of the wedding?

• How many weddings can you handle in a month? Do you have the staff to handle them all?

If staff members will be involved in my wedding, can I meet them first?

• How do you charge? Is it a flat fee or are there add ons?

• What kind of experience do you have? How long have you been planning weddings?

• Tell me how you handle emergencies or dicey situations?

Upcoming events and limited time offer!

Just a reminder to join us at the Hyatt in Lisle, IL this friday Feb 22,2013 for their Wedding Soiree! It is from 6-9pm and hope it will be a great turnout! It will be a great time for everyone to meet great vendors. Also, for a limited time only! Weddings and Events by Kristin have teamed up with Sahara Sun tanning in Glen Ellyn, IL and right now if you book any package with us you will get 50% off any tanning package and $15 airbrush tans! Call now as we are booking up fast 2013 and 2014 weddings. Take advantage of this great opportunity! Make sure your skin looks great for all your upcoming wedding events. For more information call me at 708-268-7528 or email me at weddingsbykristin@yahoo.com.

Valentine's Day wedding planning special

Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner take advantage of this special offer. I am offering 15% off any package or hourly rate of your choice now till the end of Febuary! Weddings and Events by Kristin will make all your dreams come true. We are a full service wedding planning business and have been in business and making dreams come true for over 5 years so please call or email asap to setup your free consulation. weddingsbykristin@yahoo.com or 708-268-7528.