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African-American Weddings

Planning the Perfect African-American Wedding: A Complete Guide

African-American weddings are a celebration of culture, heritage, and love. It is a time to honor the African-American tradition and to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

The wedding ceremony is usually filled with vibrant colors, music, dancing, and joyous celebration. There are many unique traditions that are associated with African-American weddings such as the exchanging of colorful gifts and the blessing of the newly married couple. 

This article will explore some of the best African-American wedding ideas so you can incorporate them into your own special day.

Making Your Big Day Unforgettable with Traditional Elements & Modern Style

Reception Table Setup for African Weddings

One of the most important ways to incorporate both traditional and modern elements is through decorations. For African-American weddings, traditional decorations often include features like colorful fabrics, African masks, and intricate beadwork.

However, contemporary styles can also be incorporated with the use of modern lighting, metallic accents, and bold floral arrangements.

When it comes to wedding gowns, African-American brides have a wide range of options. Some choose to wear traditional African wedding dresses, which often feature rich fabrics and intricate beadwork. These dresses are a nod to their cultural heritage and can be a beautiful way to honor their ancestors.

African Weddings by Mimi Ebichi

However, many African-American brides also opt for modern wedding gowns that incorporate traditional elements. For example, a bride might choose a gown with a simple silhouette but intricate beading on the bodice, or a dress with a traditional neckline but a contemporary train. The key is to find a gown that feels personal and reflective of the bride’s style and cultural heritage.

Choosing the Right Venue for an Intimate & Memorable Ceremony

Choosing the right venue for your wedding is crucial to the success of the event. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor venue, there are several key factors to consider when selecting the best location for your big day.

  • Size & Capacity

One of the first things to consider when choosing a venue is the size of the space. For an intimate ceremony, you’ll want to choose a venue that is large enough to accommodate all of your guests, but not so big that it feels empty or uninviting. 

A smaller venue will help to create a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, making it easier for you and your guests to connect and enjoy the event.

What to Look for in a Full-Service Wedding Planner?
  • Location, Ambiance & Weather

Another factor to consider is the location of the venue. When choosing an outdoor venue, it’s important to think about the weather and how it will affect the event. Consider factors like temperature, wind, and sun exposure, and choose a venue that will provide adequate shade and protection from the elements. 

If you’re looking for an indoor venue, think about accessibility and parking, as well as the overall ambiance of the space.

The Best Music for Creating a Fun and Festive Reception

Music is an essential part of any wedding celebration, and for African-American weddings, incorporating traditional musical elements can help make the reception both fun and festive. 

Whether you’re looking for a live band, DJ, or a combination of both, there are many ways to incorporate African-American wedding traditions into your music to create a memorable and enjoyable event.

One of the best ways to add African-American wedding traditions into your reception music is by including live African drumming. This type of music is steeped in tradition and can provide a unique and energetic backdrop for your reception. 

African wedding dance

Another way to incorporate African-American wedding traditions into your reception music is by including African dance music. Couples may choose to include traditional African dances in their ceremony or reception. 

You can also hire a contemporary band that incorporates African rhythms into your music. From the upbeat rhythms of highlife and soukous to the soulful melodies of gospel and R&B, African dance music can help create a fun and festive atmosphere at your reception. 

Whether you’re dancing the night away or simply enjoying the music with your guests, African dance music is sure to add an extra touch of excitement to your reception.

You can also add a touch of tradition to your wedding entertainment through songs. For example, consider including traditional gospel hymns or spirituals in your ceremony or reception, or include a special song for your first dance as a couple.

One of the most important things to consider when incorporating African-American wedding traditions into your music is to choose music that reflects your personal tastes and cultural heritage. 

Whether you opt for live music, African dance music, or a combination of both, make sure that the music you choose feels personal and reflective of your cultural heritage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, African-American weddings are a beautiful blend of cultural traditions and contemporary styles. While these weddings often draw on African roots, they also incorporate modern elements to create a unique, personal celebration that reflects the couple’s personalities.

Finding the Perfect Multicultural Wedding Planner 

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking and can be stressful. Finding the right African-American multicultural wedding planner is essential to make sure that your big day goes smoothly. With a multicultural wedding planner, you can ensure that all of your guests will feel included and represented in your special event.

The DMV areas offer many options for African-American multicultural wedding planners, so it is important to take the time to do research and find the right one for you. 

A good multicultural wedding planner should be experienced in planning weddings in different cultures and have knowledge of local vendors who specialize in services geared towards African-American weddings. With the help of an experienced professional, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Our team has a wealth of experience in planning, designing, and celebrating African-American Multicultural Weddings.

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience for any season, the whole year through.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

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Bridal Planning Fall Weddings

The Ultimate Fall Wedding Guide

Fall weddings make a romantic backdrop for the start of your marriage. In fact, it is now the most popular season to get married! The changing colors of foliage, the cool air that signal cuddle season, the welcome treats you can add to your menu – all these make an autumn wedding an affair to remember.

We have done a lot of weddings during the fall or autumn. It has brought out a unique character into a couple’s special day. Even the guests enjoy the cozy, rustic theme of a fall wedding. If you have selected a date for this type of season, here is a complete FAQ guide you can use as you start making notes with your wedding planner.

Best Ideas for Fall Weddings

What colors are in this fall season for weddings?

Warm, earth colors are usually the go-to palettes for fall weddings. However, you can go a bit playful and incorporate other hues. The key is to balance or complement these with the traditional colors of fall. Try these and match them with the venue surroundings:

  • Blue and Green
  • Beige and Copper
  • Brown & Yellow
  • Blue & Coral
  • Dark Gray & Shades of Pink
  • Light Gray & Deep Blue
  • Black & Metallics

What are some wedding fall decor ideas?

You can be creative and use the season of autumn as inspiration for some wedding decor ideas, like:

  • Rustic table accessories
  • Dried florals
  • Pumpkins
  • Berries
  • Foliage
  • Jute-made materials
  • White linen

What are the best wedding settings to take pictures of fall colors?

The season of fall is already beautiful in itself so it will not be hard to look for the perfect setting for a photograph. Here are some tips you can use:

  • Do a nature shot with the full colors of autumn on display
  • Use leaves/foliage as accessories or props in your photographs
  • Don’t forget the “Golden Hour” – that window of time just before sunset during fall is spectacular!
  • Go for cozy settings – use a shawl or wrap, drinking-hot-cocoa-scene, a snuggle with your beloved
  • Simple, couple shots amidst an outdoor background will always do the trick

What are fall wedding reception ideas?

You can do an outdoor wedding in the center of nature so everyone can experience the beauty of autumn. Just be ready for temperature changes. Have garments ready for guests if the temperature drops too low. 

You can also do a barn wedding. It’s perfect for this season as it feels cosy/homey.

A rustic wedding reception theme is also beautiful to set up during autumn.

What are some of the best styles for an autumn bridal dress?

You can choose whatever style of bridal dress for your fall wedding. What is most important is you are comfortable and ready for any changes in temperature. 

The style and design of your wedding dress can include the floral shapes of the season. You can also go rustic by having a lacey bodice. It can also try a shorter dress if you like, especially if you will have an outdoor, close-to-nature wedding theme.

What are some ideas for your fall wedding bouquet?

Take advantage of the flowers in bloom this season like:

  • Garden Roses
  • Dahlias
  • Cymbidium Orchids
  • Amaranthus
  • Pampas Grass
  • Calla Lilies
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Succulents

What are some ideas for fall wedding favors?

Fall invites us all to be creative with heart-warming gifts and favors. You can DIY, purchase, or hire someone to make handmade favors for your guests with the fall theme in mind. Some ideas include:

  • Scented fall candles
  • Pumpkin-shaped soap
  • Personalized mason jars
  • Mini bottles of maple syrup
  • Ginger-spice or pumpkin cookies
  • Plaid throw blankets
  • Succulents
  • Jars of jam
  • Maple candy
  • Wooden tealight holders
  • Tea leaves

Fall Wedding Venue Checklist

  • Research & review ceremony venue options.
  • Book your ceremony venue and add the venue, contact information, invoice and payment details to your checklist
  • Purchase required site/liability insurance, additional insured requirements or permits for the venue, if required.
  • For outdoor ceremonies, determine a contingency plan for inclement weather.
  • Have a final site walk-through as needed.
  • Provide timeline, final layout, final guest count & vendor list to the ceremony venue, as needed.

TIP: Have just one venue or at least two that are close to each other. Hold your ceremony and reception in one venue so as to minimize transport issues.

How to Best Prepare for a Fall Wedding?

Hire a wedding planner who knows her way during this season. Check your venues and make sure they are autumn-ready. Prepare for temperature changes. Prioritize your guests’ comfort by allocating wraps, shawls, etc. Maximize the beauty of surroundings during fall.

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. Our team has a wealth of experience and success stories in both local and international wedding events. We specialize in multicultural weddings

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience for any season, the whole year through.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

Related Reads:

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Wedding Ceremony

The Wedding Ceremony Checklist

The wedding ceremony is the heart and soul of a wedding event. We have extensively discussed its importance and how to plan the ceremony with your groom and wedding planner.

For a clearer roadmap on how to build the wedding ceremony of your dreams, we are sharing here today a useful checklist to follow. Timelines are given to serve as a guide.

6-8 Months:

  • Discuss and decide on general ceremony preferences.
  • Research religious requirements for pre-marital counseling and others, as needed.
  • Review the marriage license and any requirements for the location of your wedding.

2-3 Months:

  • Confirm readers for the ceremony and share with them appropriate information.
  • Begin writing your own vows, if desired.
  • Review ceremony details and decide on the ceremony standing order for the bridal party, processional & recessional order and reserved seating.
  • Start working on your ceremony programs.

3-4 Weeks:

  • Prepare marriage license application & any required paperwork.
  • Finalize your ceremony programs.
  • Finish writing your vows.
  • Designate ushers for the ceremony.
  • Confirm witnesses for the marriage license, if required.
  • Purchase a suitable pen for a marriage license or certificate signing, if you desire.
  • Obtain a marriage license.

1 Week Before:

  • Review seating details with ushers and provide a list of guests as needed.

The most important thing when planning your wedding ceremony is to discuss what matters to both of you as a couple. What traditions do you want to honor in your own families, and which ones you want to include as a personal choice. Afterall, a wedding is the beginning of a shared life together.

For more information, advice, and tips on wedding planning, book a free consultation with Mimi Ebichi.

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. Our team has a wealth of experience and success stories in both local and international wedding events. We specialize in multicultural weddings

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience whether that is a hometown or a destination wedding.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

Related Reads:

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Bridal Tips

How to Make Your Wedding Hair and Makeup Last All Day

The wedding hair and makeup complete the bridal look as they complement the wedding gown, bouquet, and accessories. Whether you are going for a dramatic look or a more subdued appeal, what matters most is how to make your hair and makeup last the whole day.

The last thing you want is to look drained or shiny on your wedding day. So today we are sharing bridal hair and makeup tips to ensure you look your best from morning until night.

Choosing your best wedding and makeup look

The first step to bridal hair and makeup is to decide the look that you want. Your choice of wedding dress already says a lot. Try it on and feel the vibe that it gives you. Relay this to your makeup artist and discuss how you want the whole affair to feel. What is the vibe of your wedding day? That is your guide.

Next, show her the colors of your florals. Your makeup should complement your wedding flowers. Not too overwhelming or mismatched. Include this in your discussion with your makeup artist.

A word of advice from TheKnot.com:

Your Color SchemeIf you have your wedding color palette picked out, you can use those colors as inspiration for your wedding day look. Incorporate the hues you’ve selected for your wedding day into your hair and makeup. (For example: If purple is your accent color, consider a muted violet smokey eye to match. If you’re going for a simple green and white color scheme, keep your hair and makeup on the same level by opting for a natural beauty look.)”

Last but not the least, schedule a trial session. It can be more than once if you want to experiment with a couple more looks. During the trial session, you can ask about the products that your artist will be using on your skin so you can asses if these are safe, compatible with your skin type, and if they can last long until the evening.

Tips for making your bridal hair and makeup last

Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Actually, not just the night before. It would be ideal that you are fully rested 1 to 2 weeks prior to the wedding. This way, your skin remains healthy and surely your makeup will latch onto your skin to last longer. Always stay hydrated. You can also schedule a pampering session with your bridesmaids the night before.

Related: How to Relax on Your Wedding Day (and be a calmer bride!)

Stick to the skin care and routine that works for you

How to Relax on Your Wedding Day (and be a calmer bride!)

Now is not the time to experiment, dear bride. If there is a skincare product and routine that you feel comfortable with and has worked for you on a daily basis, just keep at it. You will need the same even on a special day like your wedding. Most likely, your skin is now familiar with your favorite skin care products and will naturally work wonders for you on your big day. Refrain from trying out new beauty products as they may have an adverse effect on your skin.

Have a beauty buddy

This can be your maid of honor or one of your bridesmaids who will be in charge of holding your makeup purse. She can monitor your look and be on the lookout if it’s time for a retouch or do some blotting of oil, stain in your makeup, etc. Ideally, she should be present during your hair and makeup session on the day itself.

Use lip liner

Line your lips and fill them in with lip liner. Then apply your lipstick, pat and apply a second coat. The colour will remain strong for longer. Because the day will involve a lot of kisses, drinking, and eating, better be ready with your lips!

Related: 3 Reasons to Make Sure Your Wedding Smile Is Ready to Say “I Do”

Mattify!

Matte makeup such as a translucent powder will keep oil at bay and can even create a mattified lipstick look! Matte makeup will be your best friend so your skin looks more flawless without the shine.

Choose waterproof mascara and lipstick

The easiest way to avoid smudges and stains on your face is to wear waterproof mascara and lipstick. As it will be an emotion-filled day, better be ready for anything!

How to touch up your wedding makeup

Layering and Setting

This process involves doing a foundation set-up first, then building light layers of makeup or powder onto your face. This will produce a more natural, flawless, and glowing look while allowing your skin to absorb the layers. Your makeup artist will be most skilled for this.

Blot Oil

When you feel oily on the face, take out those blotting sheets and powder to blot the oil so you don’t look shiny in the photos. Assign your makeup buddy (a bridesmaid) to look after your makeup so you have someone to do the blotting from morning until night.

Creamy concealer

If you need to use a concealer over an already done face, choose a creamy one. Apply dots on the area and smooth over using your ring finger. Then apply dusting powder so everything looks blended and natural.

Keep cotton swabs on hand

They can be used to remove excess makeup or smudge, blend your eyeshadow, and keep your lip lines clean after eating/sipping. Cotton swabs can rescue a makeup emergency so be sure to include them in your touch-up kit.

Extra Bobby Pins

Bridal Hair

An ideal hairdo is something that keeps your hair away from your face so you never have to brush or change anything. At the very least, keep some bobby pins on hand to keep flyaway strands in place after an evening of dancing.

Conclusion

Doing the wedding hair and makeup is an art. Keeping it longer is even more tricky. But with the steps and tips mentioned above, you can just relax and enjoy your special day. Be sure to get the help of a professional bridal hair and makeup artist so you don’t sweat the small stuff!

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. Our team has a wealth of experience and success stories in both local and international wedding events. We specialize in multicultural weddings

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience whether that is a hometown or a destination wedding.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

Related Reads:

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Wedding Transportation

The Complete Wedding Transportation Guide

What is a Wedding Transportation Guide?

Wedding transportation is just as important as most or any of the parts of a wedding. Basically, it is how you as a couple, your bridal party, family and guests will travel to and from the destination venues.

A wedding transportation guide is a roadmap on how this can be achieved. It includes a checklist of…

  • Pick up and drop off points (including airports, if relevant)
  • Timings and schedules
  • The type/s of transport vehicles to use
  • Contact information of service vendors
  • Names or groups of people to shuttle
  • Invoices to be paid
  • Designated parking areas
  • Confirmation notices

It can be daunting to keep track of all these. That is why it is important to have a point person to manage this such as a wedding planner.

You might be asking: How can we plan our wedding transportation?

Here are tips on how you can better plan for your wedding transportation.

Look for reliable professionals

Check out star reviews or ask your wedding planner for advice. The truly reliable service providers will help you determine the type and size of vehicle/s you need. They know the road and traffic conditions in their locale, so they can guide you in terms of scheduling. They are also knowledgeable of city transportation laws and any other fees to pay. It’s highly important to hire reliable professionals to secure a smooth run of your wedding event schedules. 

Book ahead of time

The best ones always get fully booked in advance. So once you determine your requirements, the number of people to transport, pick up and drop off points, and schedules – BOOK EARLY. This way you will get first dibs on vehicle selection and secure a reliable provider on your wedding day. This tip is especially important if you wish to use specialty cars.

Sort out your travel time

Be sure to give allowances for guest preparations, traffic, and other unexpected travel constraints. Your professional transport service can surely give you advice on timings. They can help you come up with a more realistic timetable and routes. Update your schedule to give some leeway for delays, etc. 

Include transportation information in your invitation

Maps and schedules will be useful for guests who will be driving to the venues. In the invitation, ask in advance who are planning to bring their own vehicles and who will be taking the provided shuttle service. List down the names and give this to your wedding planner so they know who and how many to expect. Provide information about pick-up, drop-off, and timings to your guests ahead of time.

Consider riding comfort

The size and type of vehicle play a factor in this. If you are having a destination wedding with weekend activities for guests, size and vehicle comfort are truly important. Also, there should be enough space for them inside the vehicle as they will come all dolled up and wearing gowns to and from the ceremony venues.

Make allowance for drop-offs.

Some guests may want to stay longer after the wedding. They won’t be leaving all at the same time as compared to when they all arrived on time at the start of the event. To solve this, offer shuttle service on stand-by some a few hours before the end of the night so guests can leave at their preferred time. The transport service can make multiple routes to ensure guests are well taken care of until drop off.

Who should you transport?

Destination Wedding Car

If you provided a reply card in your invitation, you will know who will be bringing their own cars and who will be taking on the transport service. Once you have the names, note down their pick-up points and drop-offs. The bridal party will normally come as a group as they get prepared in a hotel or the designated dress-up venue. Find out who will be the relatives and friends coming from the airport. Of course, the bride and groom will also need transport services.

Wedding Transportation Checklist

  • Discuss guest transportation preferences if needed, including pickup locations and schedule.
  • Discuss bridal party transportation preferences as needed, including pickup locations and schedule.
  • If separate transportation is required, discuss transportation for the bride and groom to the ceremony.
  • Review transportation options.
  • Book transportation and note down their contact information, invoice and payment details.
  • Set the transportation schedule. Add the details to your wedding day timeline.
  • Make parking arrangements or hire valet services, as needed for the ceremony and reception.
  • Post guest transportation information & schedule to your wedding website, or include it on the invitation for transportation RSVP.
  • Confirm transportation to the airport.
  • Confirm final guest count for guest transportation and reconfirm schedule and pick-up location details with all transportation providers.

Types of Transportation for Wedding Guests

Depending on the number of guests to transport, your style (i.e. vintage cars), your budget, as well as the locations involved, there are several types of vehicles you can choose from. Remember to always consider riding comfort and space for all. Here are some of them:

To accommodate a bigger group:

  • Wedding Transportation Bus
  • Mini bus
  • Coach Rentals

For bride and groom, or a small group:

  • Wedding Car Rental
  • Guest Carpool

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. Our team has a wealth of experience and success stories in both local and international wedding events. We specialize in multicultural weddings

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience whether that is a hometown or a destination wedding.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

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Press

Mimi Ebichi Bride on British Vogue

We are so happy and grateful to announce that our dear bride Mayowa Pamphille and groom Enyi Onukwubiri were featured in no less than the British Vogue!

A big thanks to the fantastic and talented photographer Kitsul Studio for his amazing style that created a world of comfort for our couple.

Mimi Ebichi featured in British Vogue
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfFDTHTOdkT/

Check out Enyi & Mayowa in this month’s issue of @britishvogue @voguemagazine.

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Wedding Bouquet

Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet: Ultimate Guide

Your bridal or wedding bouquet is an important element of your overall wedding style. The type of flowers, colors, size, shape, and styling of your bridal bouquet has to complement your wedding dress, as well as your hair and make-up. 

At times, even the venue of your wedding, the type of ceremony or tradition, and the current season can also factor into your choice of bouquet. It can be customized to match the bride’s personality, as well.

Given these things to consider, what are the basic do’s and dont’s in picking a bridal bouquet? Read our ultimate guide to help you make the right choice.

Related: 3 Tips on How to Hold your Bridal Bouquet

The Do’s: How to Choose Your Bridal Bouquet

Do choose your wedding dress before picking your flowers

This is the most basic guideline of all. Your wedding dress determines the kind, color, shape, and style of your bouquet. It should not overpower your wedding gown, the fabric details, as well as the silhouette. It should promote balance in your overall bridal look. So before meeting your florist, be sure to bring a picture of your gown.

Do pick the blooms in season

It’s not only cheaper to buy the flowers in season, but it’s also a sweet reminder of the month or season when you said your vows. In the years to come and as you look at your wedding photos, the kind of flowers you carried will instantly take you back to that romantic summer or rustic autumn season.

How to Your Bridal Bouquet

Do consider your hairstyle and the color of your make up

As in everything, balance is key. Your bouquet should not compete with the facial assets that you want to emphasize in your bridal make-up. Consult your makeup artist and florist on what hues can complement your look. If you will be using a headdress or hair accent, it would be great if it also matches your wedding bouquet.

Do consider the tone of your ceremony / cultural traditions

More traditional ceremonies normally go for more neutral, subdued hues. Less formal wedding ceremonies are more open to seeing huge and brightly colored blooms. If you are having a fusion or multicultural wedding, it is important to consider the types of flowers that are significant to your traditions. 

Related: The Significance of Varmala in an Indian Wedding

Do choose a bouquet you can hold comfortably the whole day!

Because it is a bunch of flowers made especially for you, it better be easy and comfortable to carry the whole day through! Do check the weight, shape, and style of your bouquet. It should give you balance and promote good posture. Be sure it is something you don’t find awkward to carry around with you.

Do make it personal

Your wedding bouquet should bring meaning to you. You can incorporate sentimental items like a family heirloom or a personal accessory or a gift from your groom. If you have that something old, new, borrowed, or blue – ask your florist to add it to your flowers’ overall design.

Do ask your photographer to capture it well!

Your bridal bouquet is a great representation of your wedding. It can clue us into the theme and feel of your event. Be sure to ask your photographer to capture pictures of your wedding bouquet from various angles (with or without you holding it).

The Dont’s: What to Avoid in Picking Your Wedding Bouquet

Don’t choose a trailing bouquet if your wedding skirt has the details

Since your bouquet has to work with your dress, be mindful of where the key design details are. If these are in your skirt, don’t pick a trailing bouquet that might cover it. Choose a size and shape of your bouquet that does not cover your waistline. But If you will be wearing a long veil and gown trail, you can go pick a more grandiose bouquet to match it.

Don’t ignore the exact colour or swatches of your bridal and bridesmaids’ dresses

There are many swatches of hues per shade of color. You might want to bring some excess fabric from your wedding gown designer and bring these with you when you meet your florist. Scraps of fabric from your bridesmaids’ gowns are also key in making sure the colors of your bouquet match the theme of your bridal party, too.

Don’t forget to hold it properly

Hold it just below your navel or belly button so that the shape of your waist does not get covered. Do not hold it too high or else it will lift up your shoulders and will look a bit awkward. So hold it lower than your waist and slightly away from your dress. Be relaxed and observe proper posture so you won’t look lopsided or tensed in any way when the photographer captures your pictures with the bouquet.

Don’t just toss it! You can preserve it!

While this tossing the bridal bouquet is a common tradition in wedding reception programs, you can still opt to keep it by using a bouquet preservation service. Ask your wedding planner for some options for this. Additionally, you can keep your flowers looking fresh by snipping a short portion of the stems and keeping it soaked in water during the evening. Delegate this task to a bridesmaid so you won’t forget.

Now, what about wedding flower colors? How important are they?

Wedding Flower Colors: What Do They Mean?

Flower colors can mean a lot of things – and differently too, for many cultures. You might want to check on your tradition before deciding on colors. Of course, it goes without saying that your wedding gown color, bridesmaid dresses, make-up, and theme are all factors to consider when selecting the shades of your blooms.

Here are some suggestions from teleflora.com.

Green wedding bouquet – green orchids, tropical flowers, green foliage, green hydrangeas, cacti and succulents, as well as fruit, can be incorporated into your bouquet. 

TIP: For a dramatic contrast, pair black bridesmaid dresses with green bouquets. Or combine pink with the green flowers for a romantic Victorian look.

Red wedding flowers – a white wedding dress and a classic red bouquet say all the right things – romance, passion and sensuality.

White wedding flowers – a classic choice for your big day. White symbolizes purity and innocence. White flowers go great with all dress colors. 

TIP: If your gown is white and you don’t like the look of white-on-white, add a collar of dark green ruscus leaves to make the bouquet stand out beautifully.

Pink wedding flowers – feminine and pretty. 

TIP: Try three different varieties of pink roses in the bouquet, the different hues and shades of pink will be gorgeous.

Purple wedding arrangements – dark purple flowers can sometimes be too somber for a bridal bouquet, but you can ‘lift’ the color by combining them with brighter colored flowers. 

TIP: Dark purple combined with lime green and white flowers is stunning. The complementary color of yellow is also stunning when added to purple flowers.

Orange wedding flowers – a vibrant color scheme for those brides looking for something a little bit different. 

TIP: It’s a great color for summer and autumn weddings.

Yellow wedding flowers – vibrant yellow wedding flowers are so bright and sunny, that they will make everyone smile. 

TIP: Lemon and paler shades of yellow are softer and more romantic.

Tips for Holding Your Bridal Bouquet

1. Hold it at the navel/belly button.

The rule of thumb when holding your bouquet is to put it in the right placement. Always place your bouquet at the level of your navel/belly button. This makes your dress and your bouquet well-coordinated, especially from different camera angles (trust us, your videographers will thank you). When your bouquet is held at the lower part of your body, it gives an accent and contour to your gown that you will want to highlight as you walk along the aisle.

2. Always be relaxed.

A big no-no when holding your bouquet and walking down the aisle is having tensed shoulders and arms. It is important to hold your bouquet in a relaxed yet firm manner. Having tensed arms and shoulders will make you look stiff and will instantly shut the confidence off. When this happens, it could result in poor video and photo outputs. So remember, just feel the moment and put on that confidence when flaunting your fits.

3. Highlight all the right parts.

When walking down the aisle, it is definite that your face should be the focal point. However, to achieve this, you should also incorporate your posture, gown, and bouquet. You do not want to hold your bouquet higher than your belly button as this makes your face the secondary source of attention only. But instead, you want to balance everything by making sure your face is directed in the middle (not too leaning) while your bouquet is held downward.

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. Our team has a wealth of experience and success stories in both local and international wedding events. We specialize in multicultural weddings. Our work can speak for itself.

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience whether that is a hometown or a destination wedding.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.

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Wedding Coordinator VA Wedding Planning Wedding Venue Coordinator

Wedding Coordinator: Roles, Responsibilities, and Checklists

The wedding coordinator is an essential player in a couple’s wedding. S/he is normally in charge of the venue logistics, wedding vendors, and time management, and ensures guests are safe and comfortable in the wedding venue. 

In this blog post, we discuss in detail the roles and responsibilities of a wedding coordinator, and how you can maximize his or her service on your wedding day.

What is a Wedding Coordinator?

Also known as the day-of-the-wedding coordinator, this key person in your wedding team is tasked to tie up loose ends on the day of the wedding. S/he may not necessarily be the wedding planner who has organized the vision, nonetheless, his or her role is of utmost importance. 

The wedding coordinator is mostly in charge of making sure the activities of the ceremony and reception are within schedule. S/he manages the venue and the wedding vendors. S/he creates contingency plans for weather changes and all other logistical requirements. 

The wedding coordinator also acts as the host who welcomes guests, ensuring they are safe and comfortable from the parking up to their seats. For any unexpected challenges, s/he steps in and works in tandem with the wedding planner.

What is the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?

It is not that hard to thank a vendor

In the wedding industry, it is not uncommon to find that people use the terms wedding coordinator and wedding planner interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences in their roles.

It is important to know their specific duties so you can decide if you need a full-service wedding planner or just a day-of-the-wedding coordinator for your event. It also gives you an idea of what to expect from both wedding event professionals.

Here are their key differences in terms of responsibilities:

Execution of the wedding plan

The wedding planner is the visionary. S/he is the one in charge of creating the whole wedding plan and design from the ground up. On the other hand, a wedding coordinator is simply the person in charge of executing it on your special day. Given this, you should expect to meet your day-of-the-wedding coordinator 1-2 months in advance.

Vendor and logistics management

Once the list of vendors and venue details are turned over to the wedding coordinator, s/he will take it from here. The day-of-the-wedding coordinator will check on your vendors, venue, parking, and other logistical needs on that day.

Monitors timelines and floor plans

The creation of the wedding timelines and floor plans can be done by either the wedding planner or the coordinator. Once this is turned over to the coordinator, s/he will now be in charge of making sure this is followed and executed well.

Final walk-through of the ceremony and reception sites

In order to match the wedding timelines and floor plans to the actual venues, the wedding coordinator will do a final walk-through or visit the ceremony and reception sites. S/he will take note of any pertinent requirements like electricals, parking spaces, etc.

Contingency planning

To tie up loose ends is one of the major duties of the wedding coordinator. S/he will be in charge of resolving emergencies such as missing supplies, weather changes, delays, etc.

Rehearsal management

All dinner and wedding rehearsals will be handled by the wedding coordinator. This is also a good time to check and discuss any unforeseen events that the wedding team may not have considered prior.

Welcoming of guests

The coordinator is the host who will welcome your guests as they arrive at the reception venue. Some venues have their own venue coordinator who takes on this role. S/he makes sure that guests find their seats, are comfortable and are well attended to.

In charge of everything on your D-Day

Finally, the wedding coordinator is the point person for everything on your wedding day. S/he may be one person or a team depending on your needs and the size of the guest list.

Should I delegate wedding coordinator duties to a friend or family member?

One important thing to note is to pick family and friends who are reliable and willing to offer service during your day. There are simple tasks that you can delegate to them. This is not just a way of helping you, but also a meaningful gesture that you can treasure from your friends and family.

Here are some tasks you can delegate:

  • Collecting your dress and/or suit
  • Posting invitations
  • Picking up guests from the airport
  • Guestbook work
  • Ushering of guests
  • Handing of ceremony supplies to the bridal party members
  • Providing you with overall emotional support

The Day of Coordinator Checklist

wedding table setting

For an overview of the complete roles and responsibilities of a wedding coordinator, here is a handy checklist that you can use:

  • Final check on the wedding and reception site/s
  • Manage the rehearsal direction
  • Ensure wedding attire/s and paraphernalia are ready and safe
  • Check up and manage the wedding vendors and venues
  • Organize the processional line-up
  • Welcome guests and usher them to their seats
  • Assist in pinning on boutonnières and corsages
  • Custodian of the marriage license, ketubah, ritual items, and rings
  • Collection and distribution of ceremony items
  • Ensure correct set-up and decor at the ceremony and reception sites
  • Set up the space for:
    • Favors
    • Gifts
    • Place Cards
    • Guest book
    • Cake table
    • Rentals
  • Overall director of the wedding event following proper flow and timelines
  • Assist with guest management
  • Help in transporting wedding gifts to the specified destination
  • Create a contingency plan for emergencies
  • Resolve last-minute needs

Last Minute Wedding Planner Checklist!

  • Reconfirm and review wedding-related duties with wedding day volunteers and helpers.
  • Download and print your Printable Final Guest List, Vendor Contact List, Bridal Party & Family Contacts and Wedding Timeline.
  • For outdoor weddings, begin to watch the weather forecast.
  • Prep and pack all wedding items and supplies for the wedding day.

How much does it cost to hire a wedding coordinator?

The answer mostly depends on several factors such as the complexity of the wedding event, size of the guest list, vendor count, decor installations, and the entire wedding period. Some weddings cover the entire weekend or longer. For busy couples, they prefer to simply book a full-service wedding planner who will take care of everything from beginning to end. This way, there will be fewer worries about turnovers, transitions, or any missed detail that was not covered by your wedding planner. It can prove to be cheaper and more convenient, too.

Why Choose Mimi Ebichi Events?

Mimi Ebichi is a professional wedding planner and wedding coordinator in VA. Our team has a wealth of experience creating, designing, and running meaningful wedding events in Virginia, Washington DC, and other wedding destinations worldwide.

As event designers, we deeply value relationships, culture, and trust. Hence, we strive to provide the most stress-free, and beyond-your-imagination wedding experience whether you book us a full-service wedding planner or a day-of-the-wedding coordinator.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH MIMI.