Join Experian Tomorrow afternoon for A Wedding Q&A Cocktail Hour

Save the date! The Wedding Q&A Cocktail Hour is coming to Twitter! Join Maxine Sweet, Vice President Public Education for Experian, and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Wedding Planning Expert, on June 14, 2011.


Maxine and Kimberly will be online from 4-6 pm PT (7-9 pm ET) answering questions on how to Live Credit Smart as a couple! It all starts with planning a wedding on a budget which leads to joint checking accounts, major purchases and saving for retirement. The decisions couples make now can impact their credit and financial future, so couples should start their life together on the right financial foot by getting educated!

Those who submit a question will be entered to win one of five $250 American Express gift cards. It’s the perfect little boost for that wedding budget, a helpful extra payment toward paying down debt or it could be used for something fun during this special time!

Tweet your questions by using #happilyeverafter and @Experian_US!


For additional information, please visit the Experian US Facebook page.

Bridal Premiere Question 7

Question: How do I arrange family photos with a blended (divorced family)?- Christa Hudson

Answer: Dear Christa,
First off, the wedding planner in me wants to immediately rephrase your question to how does your planner or photographer arrange your family photographs for you on your wedding day. I cannot help but correct that, only because come wedding day this is your day and not something you should have to worry about it.


However, blended families are so much more common than they were 20 years ago. It's important to know that everyone in your family, regardless of any history, is there to support you on your day and despite the circumstances that sometimes do they should act accordingly in respect to you and your new husband. The majority of them time, things run perfect and all parties involved typically are beyond considerate. If you are concerned that this could be somewhat of an issue, there is always a delicate way to handle things both prior to and on the day of.

Here are a few tips and tricks to insure that your photography on your wedding day runs seamless.

1. Plan Ahead. If you have a planner, insure that they are aware of the circumstances entirely in advance, so they can create somewhat of a plan to insure a smooth experience for you and your family. If you don't have a planner, make sure you inform both your photographer, videographer and the onsite coordinator at your ceremony location. In addition, I would suggest filling in a non-confrontational family member or friend and asking them for a bit of assistance during the photography session following your ceremony or prior to. What this person can do is act as a mediator to make sure everything runs properly and alleviate any issue prior to one even beginning. Also, it can't hurt to communicate with certain family members if necessary and let them know the game plan for wedding day, as well as how important it is to you for them to be mindful of your feelings on this occasion.


2. Speak with your photographer to create somewhat of an outline/time frame on what pictures are important, with whom and in what order. This enables the photographer to proceed accordingly and not utilize any extra time during your session to map things out while leaving family members there to converse.


3. Always take extra steps just to be safe. In my experience it is always better to be safe than sorry. This day only happens once and it is so important to not let anything jeopardize your magic moments. To do so, find subtle ways to avoid tension or contact when necessary. If you have divorced parties involved, take pictures separately, take pictures with step-members, then take a few with the whole crowd. Your family will understand and be happy to do whatever you ask on this day. Also, there is nothing wrong with placing certain members on different sides of the shot if you feel it is necessary.


I hope this posting answers your questions and concerns, as always, please feel free to email if you have anything further.

Happy Posing!

Bridal Premiere Question 6

Question: As a Groom, how can I get my points across to my Bride and her Mother? - Ryan McGill

Answer: Ryan, such a brave question and I'm so pleased to answer it for those that do not always feel comfortable stepping out and letting us know how or what they are thinking.


The truth is though, the best thing you can do is to just be honest and vocal. Your words will be much appreciated because when it comes down to it, this is your day too! There is nothing that your bride and family will want more than to know that your opinion has been heard and reflects in this day also. While it may sometimes seem difficult to get a word in with all the typical chaos of planning a wedding, most brides love it when their groom takes an active role in the process. So, please speak up and be proud to do it!

If you feel that when you try, your points are not addressed or not heard, try speaking to your planner and she may aid in making this easier.

Also, there are many websites which offer helpful tips and advice for Grooms. This trend is somewhat newer but definitely worth checking out when you are a groom and have questions. Some of my favorites are Groom Grove, The Man Registry and Groom's Club.

Good Luck and please feel free to email me if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Happy Speaking!

Bridal Premiere Question 5

Question: My fiance and I have been together for almost six years. He loves my heart and says he thinks I live in a fairytale my questions is the dress... Should I go for a fairytale Cinderella like dress or a elegant bride womanly dress? I love both looks, both have a different feel what should I do? - Gina

Answer: Gina, I love your question! I feel so bad that you are genuinely struggling with this and hope my answer gives you some relief!

First, remember this is your day, so you need to go with your instinct or gut feeling on this. While your fiance may feel your living in a fairytale, ultimately if you are... then you wear your fairytale dress and feel proud doing it! He loves you no matter what and is going to be speechless from your beauty regardless of which dress you pick, what's important is how you feel.


So many brides have dreamed about their day from the time they were a little girl if you have always had a fairytale vision than I honestly believe you should proceed with this type of dress. However, if you are feeling the urge to go more modern and choose that elegant "womanly" dress, don't let your fiance's opinion of how you live steer you away. If you want that look, regardless of what is holding you back or making you hesitant, this is the one day that it is okay to go for it!

Another option would be selecting a dress that features characteristics from both gowns you like. Maybe a gown that has the long fairytale train or bustle you love but a fitted look or has the detail you love yet with a sexy vibe to it. Similar to this Ines Di Santo look. There are so many designers that create gowns which combine various styles to them. If you have the time go to several stores and try on as many different looks as you can. As you try each gown on you will get a feeling that will help you and hint to you what feels right.


My last suggestion to you would be to wear two gowns. If it is in your budget this is a trend that has become more and more popular over the years and enables you to satisfy both options. You can wear your fairytale dream gown down the aisle and long enough for your grand entrance and first dance and then slyly switch into your party dress for the remainder of the night. It's an exciting and fun secret to keep from your guests and your new husband! When selecting this option, I often suggest renting one of the dresses to avoid double the cost. Check out One Night Affair in Los Angeles for a great selection and reasonable prices.



I hope these options helped and brought some ease to your decision. If you need further input you can always email me and I will try and help you work through it.

Happy Searching!

Bridal Premiere Question 4

Question: How do I get the wedding I want on a budget? - Anonymous

Answer: Dear Anonymous, it's really all about priorities! For my budget brides, I typically have them complete a bit of homework in which you need to evaluate what is most important to you on your big day.

Here's how you can do this on your own. Create a list including the following options below.

1. Location
2. Ambiance/Decor
3. Flowers
4. Food
5. Entertainment
6. Photography
7. Videography
8. Cake
9. Gown
10. Linens
11. Lighting
12. Favors

Feel free to add anything else you can think of that you would like to include that is not on the list above. Otherwise read through the list and put the items in order of importance. What is most important to you and your fiance on your day? Is it where you get married or just what the room looks like? It it how you look or how your photos come out? Each aspect is important to people for different reasons. Once you have come up with your list with the items above in order of importance it will be that much easier to prioritize what is necessary and what is not. In doing so, it will alleviate the pressure when you create your budget because you will be able to allocate funds based on your priorities. If after doing your homework you still are facing trouble feel free to call our office and I will try and work through your budget with you.

Another option would be to hire a coordinator to allocate your budget and design your vision at the same time. We have experience with budget management and also have very strong relationships with key vendors that enables us to negotiate discounts. As far as our fee, we always make sure to include it within your budget so you are not spending extra for the services rendered.

Happy Planning!

Bridal Premiere Question 3

Question: Do you wear your wedding ring to the ceremony? -Anonymous

Answer: Dear Anonymous, do you mean your engagement ring? I'm assuming since you don't receive your wedding ring until during the ceremony that you mean the engagement ring, so I will answer based on that, however if this is not the case please email me to clarify and I can try to clear this up for you.

There is no true engagement ring etiquette per say. However, many brides do want to incorporate their engagement ring on their day by wearing it. While some brides leave the ring on their left and switch the placement after the ceremony. The most popular option when wanting to incorporate your engagement ring on your day is to wear it on your right hand until the ceremony concludes and you have your wedding ring on your left hand. Once your ring is placed on your left, you can then switch the engagement ring over to your left too. Another option is asking a family member or maid of honor to hold your engagement ring until after the ceremony, so your hands are pure walking down the aisle. Some brides leave their engagement ring at home until after the wedding and then begin wearing them together. It all is up to you and what you are comfortable doing.

Happy Wearing!

Bridal Premiere Question 2

Question: My sister won't call me back (we're not fighting), so I can't ask her to be in the wedding (she lives in Texas). How do I get a hold of her to be apart of my big day? When is it too late? -Megan Newland

Answer: Megan, I'm so sorry to hear such sad news over what's supposed to be the start of the greatest experience of your lives. I'm sure you just keep missing each other and if your sister knew what your calls were in regards to that she would feel awful. Here is what I suggest...

Sometimes when distance interferes, there are alternatives that can help you get your point across quicker than a lengthy game of phone tag. Try reaching out to a family member or friend that speak to her on a regular basis also. Or, look into sending her a message through another form of communication such as email or regularly through the mail. There are some wonderful and creative ways to ask others to be a part of your day. Here are a few...

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?
Try mailing your sister this cute favor with a sweet card asking her to be an extra special part of your day.














Will you be my Bridesmaid Gift Set
This cute gift set comes with a special card to add your name to as well!



Another cost effective option is to pick up a sisters themed picture frame from a local hallmark or target store, place a picture with the two of you inside and send a card along asking to be a part of your day.

If you'd like a quicker method try these great e-card videos on Rattlebox or Lola Says.

As far as addressing when it is too late, I don't think it will ever be too late because I honestly believe that one of these methods will help solve the issue. If you can't get her to check your email, try sending a text message or voicemail leaving details to check her email.

If after all of your attempts you are still having an issue, I would speak to a parent or family member and maybe than can relay a time sensitive message without actually asking on your behalf.

I hope this information helps and please keep us posted on what ended up happening. Good Luck!

And of course... Happy Asking!

Bridal Premiere Question 1

Question: As a groom what is the best gift a man can get her bride on the "big" day? - Bennett Smith

Answer: Bennett, that is such a great question for you to ask and I'm so happy that it's the first one I picked out of our vase.

A groom could send his bride flowers with a love letter, jewelry or even just an exceptionally mushy card sprayed with his cologne on the day of. What's most important is really the effort and thought that is put in prior to the act of actually giving the gift. This is a gift that has no monetary value whatsoever and is strictly from the heart. The fact that your asking shows you are putting that effort in and your bride should feel very special.

This is the last act of giving a couple experiences prior to exchanging vows so I always advise my brides and grooms to make it something you know is meaningful to each other. For both, I always try to suggest it to be something they can take or wear with them down the aisle. For a bride if your budget is flexible, I do suggest a piece of jewelry she can wear as she walks down to you, whether it's something simple, pearls or diamonds, whichever you think she'll love the most. If your budget is a bit more modest, how about an embroidered handkerchief she can tuck in her gown for the teary moments. I suggest having them personalize it with something sentimental. Perhaps, "To my Bride, My Love, My Soul mate", "Can't wait to marry you" or "For the love of my life on our wedding day", with the date of course.

If either of these don't sound appealing to what you think your bride would love. Check out these additional gifts for your bride on your special day.

1.
Wedding Invitation Personalized Frame
A very sweet today to frame the memory of your day and give to your bride to be prior to the ceremony.













2.
Engraved "On This Day" Bottle
A beautiful bottle keepsake that engraves a special poem or can engrave words your write on your own. Something your bride will cherish and can place in your home.















3.
May Our Marriage Plaque
A gorgeous plaque for the sentimental bride to let her know your hopes for your marriage.










4.
Photo Memory Book
Create a memory photo book of your relationship and the path you took together. Use all of the images you can find that lead up to your special wedding day. This is one of my most favorite gifts to see a bride or groom receive. It's so special and definitely a wonderful way to create something to share over many years to come. You can make a book like this at any photo website, however shutterfuly is offering 25% off their memory books right now.





5.
Wedding Rose
A beautiful preserved rose in the metal of your choice with your names imprinted on it. A really sweet sentiment and still simple at the same time.















I hope these items help you you find one that is just perfect for your bride!

Happy Shopping!

Bridal Premiere Brides... Questions from the Show

Good Morning All!
I'm very excited to let you know that we had an amazing turnout for the Bridal Premiere Show.

We decided to make it interactive by asking all our brides to stop by the booth and fill out a note card with any wedding related question they had. In turn we will be taking their questions and answering them all week long on the blog. The response was great and we have some wonderful questions we will be addressing. At the end of the week, we are going to have our staff vote for the best question. The best question will receive a surprise gift.

Stay tuned for more details regarding the prize for the best question.

Please feel free to comment on the postings with your opinions, comments or even additional answers. If you also feel one of the questions addressed deserves the best question prize, please comment and let us know!

Keep checking back all week long for answers to some really great questions!

Happy Hump Day!