Wedding Planner Journey: The Dress

Wedding Dress Disaster to Meant to Be

Planning has been moving along quite well in the McVaugh/Ermitano household.  Shea and I have realized that we are more on the non-traditional side of wedding planning. I don’t plan on having my dress stark white, throw a bouquet or garter, or having wedding cake. Additionally, I planned on having a unique dress , which was most importantly, me. I traveled back to Spokane Memorial Day weekend to visit with my family and to purchase my wedding gown. I ended up returning to the first dress I tried on a few months ago, and I realized that it was meant to be. I had tried on the dress several times prior. It was a beautiful, blush/champagne colored Oleg Cassini gown. It was far from traditional – I loved it. Over the last couple of months I had developed a close relationship with my stylist. She kept me in touch with updates from the designer and kept me updated on my timeline to purchase. Originally, I had put it off because the designer and stylist said I had nothing to worry about. It was a new design and it would be available for a few months- so I went on with my daily life and put wedding planning behind me. My mom, sister, and I scheduled an appointment with my stylist to try on the dress again and purchase. I tried it on, was ready to order, and then my stylist got on the phone. I looked at my mother, and then to my sister, I’m pretty positive they could see the fear in my eyes. She was having a discussion with their warehouse-over ride codes- oh, no. Something was wrong. My stylist got off the phone. I’m sure she saw my deer in the headlights look on my face. I knew I had lost the dress. Due to the color, the designer had pulled the dress and was not manufacturing the design anymore. Unfortunately the sample I had tried on was not the right fit and my dream dress destiny was over. I left the store before tears started to roll down my face, and I just cried. I feared that our wedding, which is planned around the color of the dress, was ruined. I got home, and my Dad- who is a man of few words when it comes to comfort- came in the house and said, “Rachel, there are more dresses honey. You’ll find a new one.” He is very quiet when it comes to comforting. He mostly tells me to, “Stop crying, and go wash my face.” These words helped me pick myself up, grab my mom and head out to a bridal boutique in Spokane.

The ladies at Bridal Collections were wonderful. I came in, explained my story, and after a gasp they said, “Let me help you!” My stylist Cynthia gave me the best experience. She asked me what I was looking for and went straight to work. She didn’t move outside the box, or try and get me in a dress I hated. She pulled every dress in the exact color that I wanted. I tried on dress one, a beautiful lace fit and flare, and I said, “Not for me.” Then, I tried on the most magnificent gown, in Parisian Mist with an Ivory overlay, and before walking out – I said, “I love this one.” As soon as I saw myself in the mirror, I felt like the most beautiful bride. I hadn’t felt this way in the previous discontinued dress. That was a beautiful gown, but now I was a beautiful woman that had found the perfect gown. We ended up ordering the dress right away. I would spend all day, every day, in that dress if I could. It is a Maggie Sottero gown, is traditional but offbeat, and most importantly, it is mine. I can’t wait to walk down the aisle with Shea, and do so looking like 1,000,000 bucks. Sometimes, disaster strikes during wedding planning, but remember there is always another dress or another way.

Visit BridalColletions in Spokane, WA if you want the fabulous experience I had! 

Wedding Planner Journey: The Guest List!

Wait, who are you inviting? And oh- surprise- I’m going to bring a date!

 

Yes. It’s time to talk about… the guest list. After our budget creation, our next order of business was the guest list. The guest list is honestly one of the hardest aspects of your wedding. You have glorious friends and family but, the question remains- can you afford to invite EVERYONE?

 

In most cases, it’s no. But, remember that doesn’t mean you don’t love someone. It simply means that your pocket book isn’t that deep. Being on the other side of weddings has taught me probably the most important note in planning my own wedding. Every guest, you pay for. You pay for their food, drinks and overall experience.  Every guest has a dollar sign attached to their name. Yes, it’s a black and white way of looking at the guest list- but it’s true.  Additionally, venues often have a cap of guest that you can invite. For instance, our venue only holds 150 guests.

 

Now, here we are. Shea and I want an intimate wedding. To be honest, I never really thought I would be the, “I want to get married in a princess dress and dance the night away” type of girl. Planning weddings is what I do. I deal with clients on a daily basis and help others plan their weddings. The last thing I really wanted to do was spend the money and plan my own wedding. One night, after a few glasses of champagne, champ is by far my favorite, my father and I made a bet. I had told my family for years that I wanted to get married in a vintage 50’s dress at the courthouse. Maybe some rice would be thrown, and we would dine at our favorite restaurant for the reception. I was confident that this was my vision. So, my father and I shook on it. Now, here I am engaged- planning a wedding. Why you ask? Well, when I told my mother about my courthouse plans she replied, “Weddings aren’t just for you. They are for your friends and family.” I understand what she said- they are a celebration. Now here I am planning our wedding, and well I am glad I changed my vision. Sorry Dad. Although my vision has changed, I still want to create an intimate celebration, like I had dreamed of, with just our close family and friends.  

 

We chose the number 120. We made a deal that we will not go over. And honestly, I won’t let it happen. Shea wrote down a list of his family and friends. I created my own list. Currently we are around 100. But, we are both noticing that as our time goes by, our parents and even ourselves; realize we left a few loved ones off. Over the next year, I’m sure it will grow and we will need to create a Plan B list. What is a Plan B list? Well, as RSVPs return, you will realize that some guests will not be able to attend. Well, hello Plan B. Do you have a distant family member that you would like to invite but had to prioritize, well put them on the Plan B list. Simple and effective, I promise you.

 

As for dates, ohhhhhh wedding dates. As a planner, this is my advice: If a wedding guest has a serious significant other and will not know anyone at the wedding- give them a plus one. If you are inviting a close group of gal pals that you can all place at a table- have them enjoy and celebrate together. Be decisive, and don’t be afraid to write in the number of guests allotted on the RSVP card. I can’t tell you how many weddings I’ve worked where we are short chairs, table seating, or even meals due to the surprise date. Be as precise and detailed as possible to limit mistakes and unknown factors on your day of.

 

Only time will tell what changes will be made in our guest list. Our guest list may not be set in stone until Save the Dates go out, but there is one thing we do know, that we want to spend our wedding days with those we love and not go in debt doing it. 

Wedding Planner Journey: Search for the perfect dress!

I’ve lived in Seattle for three years now. I enjoy every moment of the bustling city. Around the holidays, I leave the traffic for Eastern Washington to visit my family. This year, I went down to the Tri-Cities to visit my sister and brother-in law. We thought that it would be a fabulous and fun idea to try on dresses with my sister, who happens to be my Maid of Honor, and my mother. The only thoughts that occurred through my mind were the following, “Well, this is going to be fun!”, “It’s going to be just like dress up!” and “I won’t buy a dress on the first day of shopping!”

Yikes. Dress shopping for myself was not what I expected. I have gone dress shopping as a bridesmaid and consultant. It’s fun picking out bridal gowns for others. Deciding between mermaids, fit and flare, ball gowns, lace, tulle, ivory, or white seemed pretty simple on the other side. As we walked into the first store, my sister gleamed in excitement. All I could think about was, “There are so many dresses here. How do I know what I want?” I’ve been to sixty some weddings and I am absolutely CLUELESS. I’m pretty positive I looked like a deer in the headlights. I was silent, looking through the racks, and wanted out. Sara grabbed dresses off the rack and exclaimed that I needed to try all of them on. I went to the dressing room with the saleswoman and honestly, I only tried on one of the 3. I didn’t feel like trying on anything else. I was overwhelmed.

We went to the next store and I felt like I had a moment to catch my breath. We met my mom at the second store and she greeted me with a big hug! Dress shopping with my mom is so important to me. About a year ago, I tried on my mother’s 1970’s silk, custom made, bridal gown. I remember the glimmer in her eyes as she saw me in her wedding gown. She had offered to let me wear her dress, but I decided to create a new moment for us buy shopping for a new one. This is a special moment for my mother and in the end she would be buying my wedding gown.

We walked into the next store and a friendly woman greeted me. This shop was so much easier. They asked me what I was looking for. I quickly spurted out a list of all the things I didn’t like. Little did I know, what I thought I had wanted from my pins, looking at client’s gowns, I realized that my “dream” dress wasn’t what I wanted after all. I tried on a MAGNIFICENT bridal gown. They did me up, with the veil, flowers in my hair and all. Mom and Sara loved it. I loved it too. Then, as soon as I saw myself in the mirror, I was overwhelmed. Is this the dress for me? Should I buy it? Is it too soon?

I ended up leaving the store without the dress. That was the best decision I made. I wanted to go home and think on it, and I’m glad I did. If there’s anything I’ve learned from my dress experience on the other side:

1.       Don’t get discouraged if what you think you originally wanted isn’t what you want after all; sometimes the dress you least expect is for you.

2.       Don’t let the saleswoman wrap you into bridal gown fever. Yes, you like this dress, but is it YOU? Can you see yourself walking down the isle, dancing the night way, and feeling just like you?

3.       Is it in your budget? I recommend trying on dresses that are in your budget. On a whim, the saleswoman had me try on a beautiful blush bridal gown that was WAY out of budget. That was a mistake.

4.       Limit your audience. Yes, it’s fun to bring all of your bridesmaids and friends. Before, think about what their opinions are like. Do you have different styles? Will you be shopping for your friend and not you? This is your moment. Find something you can cherish, find something that you desire.

5.       Finally, Don’t be overwhelmed. Enjoy the process. I forget that this time, and when I look again I want to be ready to enjoy and take in every moment.

I’m planning on going dress shopping this summer for my perfect dress. In the meantime, I have decided not to look at any more bridal gowns. I want to enjoy my experience, not create  headache to find the perfect one. 

Wedding Planner Journey: The Hunt is On!

The holidays are over. Part of me is very thankful for January.  My life is finally back to normal, well almost normal. Life hasn’t been the same since I’ve been engaged; it’s been fast paced and exciting. The calls have finally died down and I now I feel like I can retract back into my cozy apartment and relax. Sometimes I forget that I’m a bride or that I have a wedding to plan. Not only do I have a wedding to plan, but we have the Seattle Wedding Show this weekend. This week is a big week for Elegant Affairs and our wedding planning team. We have anticipated the show for almost a year now. As a team, we have planned every detail to a tee and we are ready. I may be ready as a vendor, but am I ready as a bride?

The Seattle Wedding Show is an experience.  As a vendor we work to create a positive atmosphere for all our brides that enter our booth. The doors open bright and early. Before you know it, all of the brides eagerly flow in. It is overwhelming. I have seen so many brides walk around the Convention Center with a glazed over look on their faces. There is so much to see, so many vendors, and amazing deals everywhere. 

Everyone wants you, but who do you want? This is what I need to remember- who do we want?

This year will be a different experience for me. I will be working the wedding show and will be attending as bride. I will walk down the aisles of vendors- many whom are my friends. I’ll share my fabulous news of engagement followed by shrieks of delight. Even as a vendor, I have to think about what is best for us. Yes, there are various deals at the wedding show, but is it true to who we are? Will we be making a good decision choosing one vendor over the other?

Here is my personal advice, as a wedding planner- vendor-bride, hunting for the most magnificent wedding vendors Seattle has to offer. This is my wedding show game plan.

• I’m going to look around at various vendors. I will look at ALL the vendors the Wedding Show has to offer. Yes, I know what vendors provide catering, or who is a florist we use on occasions, but I will take all vendors into consideration. I will be open minded. I will explore new options. I will look for a vendor that can cater to my needs.
•  I will watch the fashion show. I think I have an idea for the perfect dress, but who knows what is out there? I want to visit various bridal gown vendors and see what they have to offer. Do they have off the rack dresses that can be purchased today? Are there any dresses that I love?
• I plan on trying cake, pie, and cheesecake. In no specific order. I will take multiple samples… and I may have to return for more. Just in case.
• I will look at all wedding photographers. Does this photographer have the style I am looking for? What is their turn around rate for photos?
• As for dresses, I will play a little dress up, but I will think clearly of my vision and the dress experience I would like to have.
• Most importantly, I will have fun as a bride. I will not have a glazed look over my face, or be the next contestant on Extreme Couponing. I will breathe, smile, and enjoy the ride.

The one thing I will not have to search for is an amazing woman to coordinate our wedding day. I have had the pleasure to work for such a supportive company over the last three seasons. Lori, the owner of Elegant Affairs, will be standing next to me on our wedding day as a bridesmaid. As for our wedding, it will be run by Elegant Affairs. I highly recommend hiring a wedding coordinator. Yes, I am a wedding planner but, I will have a coordinator run our wedding. I can do the planning, decide between lace and satin, but I want someone to take the stress off of us so we can truly enjoy our day with our loved ones. I want my guests, family, and friends to eat, drink, and watch us get married- not box up the reception at the end of the night. 

Don’t be shy; wedding coordinators are here to help.

I will be working the Seattle Wedding Show with Lori, the wonderful owner of Elegant Affairs, and two amazing woman from EA. Stop by, give me a wave. I’d love to chat about our wedding experiences together. After all, we are each other’s best resource.

Cheers and Happy Wedding Show ya’ll.

~Rachel

Wedding Planner's Journey as the Bride!

Every summer, my weekends are filled with countless wedding guests, various venues, and endless wedding day details. In the past three seasons, I have attended sixty-some wedding. Now, it's my turn.

My name is Rachel Ermitano. I am free spirit, or so my mom would say. I work as a teacher by day, wedding planner in my spare time, and am working on starting my very own fashion endeavor. My life is far from simple, but I choose to live my moments simply. 

I have a Pinterest board named "A Girl Can Dream" filled with beautiful pictures of other couple's wedding days. Now, that dream has become a reality. I have met the man of my dreams, someone who I cannot wait to grow old with. This man came into my life unexpectedly. It started off as missed timing, but turned into my future. As cliche as it may sound, this man, completes me.

The man of my dreams, and reality, is named Shea. He is driven, loving, and makes my world worthwhile. On December 14th, 2013, the night before his 27th birthday, Shea proposed. This is where our journey begins. 

Although my Pinterest board is filled with pictures and I have a few years of planning and coordinating under my belt, I don't know where to begin. It is a surreal moment for me. Realizing that the details I will be planning is not for another couple, but for us. I'm going to be honest- making decisions with someone's money, other than your self, is easy to make decisions with. Now, its our money, our experience, and our memories. Where do I begin?!

This blog will serve as my thoughts down on paper. I am no longer a wedding planner, I am a bride. This is our journey to plan our wedding. Cheers.