The Do’s and Do Not’s of working successfully with your Wedding Vendors
by Mrs. Hancock, President/Founder, Mrs. Hancock’s, Inc.

Many of us forget the genuinely appreciated niceties that show our genuine level of caring for others. All successful relationships, love or otherwise begin with kindness and respect. So let’s take this to the next step…

As a Bride and Groom we know you have a lot on your plates. Please realize, your vendors do, as well. All wedding vendors want to do the very best job we can for you; it’s what we do and what we do depends on making you happy. If you’re not happy, any referrals you may have been willing to send will not come our way. As our time is very valuable, it may take us 40 minutes to get to you one-way, or it may be that our calendar is booked for a particular afternoon and when you cancel or reschedule at the last minute and this in some cases, can cause us great professional harm.

Here are a few suggestions that will let your vendors know that you respect their time and their expertise. Keeping these in mind will surely go a long way in cementing your relationship and will ensure you come across as kind and considerate, as well:

1). Always keep scheduled appointments. Emergencies are just that and one may pop up on either side. When you schedule an appointment be diligent about writing it down in your calendar, please. If your spouse-to-be needs to be in your meeting, put it on his calendar, too. Send a text to him the morning reminding him where he needs to be and at what time.

2). Please always return phone calls promptly from your vendors (same day if possible). Our policy at Mrs. Hancock’s is from 6am to 12 midnight (unless it’s an emergency!).

3). When requested to provide information please be thorough and organized.

Follow up:

4). Always be on time for meetings! Punctuality is a sure sign of respect and good will.

5). Graciously accept you vendor’s input and suggestions. You’re always the final decision maker; but vendor’s are trained to think outside the box, hopefully saving you time and money. No talented planner or coordinator will ever push their will on you.

6). Please budget for your down payments, due dates and final payments accordingly and pay on time. Post dated checks will allow you to do this, without having to mail or drop off a check to ensure it arrives when due.

7). Communicate openly and honestly with your Vendors. Things will always come up or change; but we can’t assist you if we don’t truly understand your needs and/or concerns.

8). Further, please don’t use the ‘I’ll call you on Tuesday or I’ll bring your deposit next week”. If you’re not interested in working with a vendor, that’s fine; we can take it. Not everyone will be a great fit and that’s what meetings and interviews are for! Please don’t string a possible vendor along.

9). Have a question? Ask, please! No question or issue is too small or too mundane for a professional coordinator. It is our job to inform and educate you.

10). At a meeting consider paying for your Vendor’s coffee!

Using these simple tactics will keep your relationships running smoothly with all your vendors and you’ll find, treating them with respect and kindness will go a long way to ensuring the planning process is as much fun as it can be.

Now, I was extremely lucky enough to have a very talented sister who just so happened to have graduated from the culinary academy in San Francisco in the specialized field of pastry before I was planning my wedding.  Of course, I wouldn’t think of having anyone else create my wedding cake because no one knew my style better.  She made exactly what I wanted without me even really knowing what I wanted.  She created a beautiful wedding cake which was simple, elegant, and delicious.  A Genoise cake (Italian sponge cake) with lemon curd and cream cheese filling, covered with light and perfectly sweetened buttercream frosting.  Atop each of the three tiers was a disc of marzipan that had been flavored with lemon oil; it gave a beautiful contrast of color, added another layer of flavor, and just made it perfectly delectable.  Decorated with delicate scrolls, candy pearls, and iridescent powder, our wedding cake was simply lovely. 

Okay, so unless you have an amazingly talented sister, you’ll probably have to put forth more effort into finding your perfect cake than I did.  That’s not a difficult task when you explore your own neighborhood and find some wonderful local treasures right in your own backyard.  Take Sugarlips Cakery for instance.  Sugarlips Cakery is a custom cakery specializing in all-occasion cake design.  We have worked with Melodie now for three years as Sugarlips has joined us at the East Valley Bridal Affair since our get go in 2007 and is always a pleasure to work with.  Check out some of the pictures I pulled from their blog below.

Extra Extra!  My twin nephews turn one!!

Yep, this cake was for my twin nephews’ first birthday, and they are certainly two of the sweetest little cupcakes around. Happy first birthday to Indy and Jase! Hopefully I will be able to post a picture of them next blog with their SMASHER cakes.

Every “1st birthday” cake ordered from Sugarlips comes with a free 4″ “SMASHER” cake, which coordinates with your main cake, and fits easily on your little one’s high chair tray. Perfect for that once-in-a-lifetime photo op, and none of your guests have to eat the slice with baby’s handprint squished into it!

And yes, if you have twins, you may have two free smashers, triplets three, and so on!

This offer is good for baby’s first birthday only!

(We operate on the honor system here!!)

I Do! Me Too!

Victoria’s wedding cake was perfect for a small intimate reception; she chose a “Vows” style cake for the top tier, and a quilted pattern for the bottom tier. Squares set askew in ivory fondant, with fresh flowers. Very pretty! 

COOOO LA-LA!

Yes, I did say coo… this was a Parisian themed baby shower cake in ivory and black. We based this one largely off a Cake Boss cake that one of our lovely customers submitted. Too cute, and a refreshing change from booties and blocks, of course!

Come meet the gang from Sugarlips Cakery and other local artisans at the 3rd annual East Valley Bridal Affair on October 4, 2009 and the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa.  Other pastry designers on hand to inspire you are Robert’s Catering, Word of Mouth Cookie Co., Vali’s Custom Cakes, and  Designer Cakes by April.  You can even win a private chartered hot air balloon ride for two from Aerogelic Ballooning by registering online or show your enthusiasm for fun by entering the first annual Bridaloke Challenge to win a $500 gift certificate toward DJ services with Starz Entertainment or a 3 day/2 resort stay!

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The groom initials are hidden in the pattern, and the groom is supposed to find them on the wedding night or he has to give a gift to the bride.

Soumya’s Henna was quite elaborate and took over five hours to complete. The designs go almost to the elbow. The bride cannot move much or do any work while the henna is being applied.

The feet are also done, though not as elaborate as the hands.

After the bride, each of the bridesmaids received Henna designs on their hands and arms. While the brides took hours, each of these designs was done in 20 minutes or less.

Later that night all the ladies gathered for a traditional Sangeet, a party with lots of Indian dancing, singing, and lots of delicious Indian foods!

The bride and her mother at the Sangeet.

All the ladies wore traditional Indian sarees. They are so colorful – I love to photograph them! 

You can come meet Michael in person at the 3rd annual East Valley Bridal Affair on October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center, in Mesa, Arizona.  Join us to gather some inspiration for creating your perfect day.  Other photographers on hand at the event:  Drew Brashler Photography, Easel Photography, Endless Moments Photography, Tiramisu Studios, Roe Photographic, and Memories by Marsha.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

God’s Garden Treasures, one of the floral artists exhibiting at this year’s East Valley Bridal Affair can offer ideas and inspiration to help those of us that tend to get stuck – simply because we don’t know our options.  Here are a few suggestions from Karin’s blog:

So you like chocolate – the velvety, rich dark chocolate, and the milky, creamy chocolate? And you’re planning a birthday or anniversary celebration, or a wedding or event, and want to incorporate espresso, dark chocolate, latte, or mocha colors into the design?

There are chocolate flowers for you!

White Roses, Chocolate Dahlias, White Stephanotis and Schwarzwalder Calla Lilies

Chocolate Cosmos

Chocolate Calla Lilies

Other options are the new amnesia roses, the centers of black-eyed susans, echinacea/cone-flower, and sunflowers! (more pictures to come!)

Chocolates look great with pinks, or with tiffany blue, white, or the fall colors, too.

For more ideas and inspiration, join us at the 3rd annual East Valley Bridal Affair at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa on October 4, 2009 from 11am to 4pm.  You can speak face to face with representatives of God’s Garden Treasures, Y Knot Party Rentals, and Tyler’s Custom Designs to help you plan the look and design of your floral elements which represents you the best for your special day.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Sabayon With Fresh Berries Recipe as appears on www.chefkeathallen.com

As the weather heats up in Phoenix I am drawn to recipes for foods that are perfect for lunch on the patio. Sabayon is a very light custard created by whipping egg yolks, white wine, and sugar. In this recipe it is also combined with heavy cream and fresh berries. A dessert such as this, served cold, is perfect for those hot afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 7 egg yolks
• 8oz. dry white wine
• 8oz. sugar
• 8oz. heavy cream
• 16 oz. mixed berries
• 3 t. sugar
• Fresh mint for garnish

Place egg yolks in small stainless steel mixing bowl and whip until light fluffy. Stir in 8 oz. sugar and white wine. Place bowl over sauce pan with boiling water. Whip constantly with whip until mixture reaches 170 degrees. Use a kitchen thermometer, temperature is very important.

When mixture reaches 170 degrees remove immediately from heat and place mixing bowl in ice water. Continue whipping until mixture cools to room temperature. Cover, and place in refrigerator until completely cooled.

While mixture is cooling, slice strawberries and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks are formed. When sabayon mixture is cooled completely mix 8 oz. of whipped cream into custard. Sweeten remaining whipped cream with 3 t. sugar. Layer berries, sabayon, and whipped cream in parfait glass or martini glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

Chef Keath Allen is a full service personal chef catering to the greater Phoenix area. He is available for private social events, corporate events, fundraisers, weddings and rehearsal dinners, as well as regular meal planning and food preparation for individuals and families in their homes.  For more recipes and tips visit www.chefkeathallen.com or better yet, visit with him in person at the East Valley Bridal Affair on October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa.

Other food service vendors present at the event will include:  Sugarlips Cakery; Robert’s Catering; Vali’s Custom Cakes; Word of Mouth Cookie Co.; and Espresso Subito.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Checking out Weddingwire.com this morning (one of my favorite sites, and one I wish was around when I was a bride!), and saw this special being offered by Reverend Amy Miller and The Chapel at the Farm. Love Halloween and costumes? Then check out this offer as a great way to celebrate your big day.

Looking for other creative ideas to celebrate your wedding? Visit us October 4, 2009 at the East Valley Bridal Affair at the Windemere Conference Center 5750 E. Main Street in Mesa.

FREE CHAPEL WEDDINGS – LOOKING FOR  COUPLES WITH A WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR

Hosted by Chapel At The Farm Wedding & Reception Venue

• When:  October 31, 2009; 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (1 day event)
• Where:  Chapel At The Farm, 397 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, Arizona
• Cost:  FREE
• Homepage:  http://www.chapelatthefarm.com

Chapel at The Farm is offering FREE weddings Halloween Day….what’s the catch? Costumes are a must and no you can not dress as a bride and groom. You can invite up to 12 guests. This is going to be a fun, festive day, and a great way to remember your wedding. Perfect for the couple that needs to be legally married with a larger wedding at a later date. Also perfect for the couple that loves Halloween!

We are elated to have so many wonderful artists in Arizona to offer brides an amazing service for their weddings.  Just check out Drew Brashler Photography to see what I mean. A few of his images pulled from his blog are below…simply beautiful!

Jamie and Cole: MARRIED!

August 25, 2009 by brashlerphoto

We drove up to Colorado and photographed Jamie and Cole’s wedding recently. The weather and landscape was beautiful; the perfect scene for a wedding! I had the pleasure of spending the whole weekend with Jamie, Cole, their family and friends, and stayed for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and an engagement session on Sunday morning.

Meet Drew in person at the 3rd Annual East Valley Bridal Affair on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa, Arizona where more local Arizona photography artists will be on hand to chat with guests.  You can speak with Endless Moments Photography, Desert Trends Photography, Easel Photography, Memories by Marsha, Roe Photgraphic.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Anyone who has been appointed as a Judge, Justice of the Peace or Judge Pro-Tempore (pro-tem judge) can perform weddings in the State of Arizona.  Most Justice Courts do weddings, but call ahead to make sure.  You can find phone numbers for all the Maricopa County Justice Courts here, and all the Pinal County Justice Courts here.

For your convenience, here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect at a Justice Court wedding. 

• You will need to get your marriage license ahead of time.  Marriage licenses cost $72 and you can get one at the County Clerk’s Office – Maricopa County information is here, Pinal County information here
• The County Clerk’s Offices and the Justice Courts can be miles apart, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get the license before you are supposed to be at the Justice Court. 
• Don’t fill anything out on the license until you are at the Court and have checked with the Staff or the Judge. 
• Generally, when the Bride signs the license, she uses her maiden name unless she’s already changed her name.  Whatever your legal name is at the time of the ceremony – that’s the one you use.  Changing your name isn’t too complicated, you can find more information here. 
• You will need to bring two adult (over 18) witnesses with you. 
• Do not expect anything fancy – I’ve seen weddings performed in the judge’s office, in less than a minute.  It ain’t pretty, but it gets the job done!  I try to be a bit more formal: I wear my robe, I do the wedding in the courtroom, and I have a ceremony that runs about 2-3 minutes.  That’s just me, however! 
• If the ceremony is during business hours (M-F, 8 – 5), there is no charge and judges are not allowed to accept gratuities. 
• If the ceremony is after 5 pm at the Courthouse, Courts will generally charge around $60, but it varies so ask the Court staff when you call to make your appointment. 
• If your wedding is set after 5 pm, try to get to the Courthouse at least ten minutes before 5.  The staff may have to type up paperwork for you before the actual ceremony begins.  Also, keep in mind that Courthouse staff will be staying after hours (at no extra pay) until your ceremony is finished.  They generally don’t mind doing weddings, but it doesn’t hurt if you are extra gracious and respectful!
• No matter how great a person you are, the Court is still going to want you to pay with cash or a money order.  Don’t show up with a personal check and expect to get married. 
• Remember, most Justice Courts are pretty busy, so the length and location of your ceremony is entirely up to the Court.

Of course you can also get a Judge to do an “off-site” wedding for you at your actual reception site or another location of your choosing.  This requires a little advance preparation, some judges will want to meet with you at least once or twice before the wedding.  Also, since it’s outside of the courthouse, you can expect to pay more, unless the Judge is a friend or acquaintance and willing to do it in exchange for a bigger piece of wedding cake.  Or first shot at the buffet.

You can ask the Judge to use your vows, or just let them use theirs.  If it means a lot to you, check first; I have very secular vows with no references to anything religious (one-size-fits-all vows), but some judges have more spiritual language in their vows.  It all depends on your preference, and you can work with your Judge to figure out what you want in the vows.  

All in all, getting married in front of a Judge is a quick and inexpensive way to get the formalities out of the way so you can concentrate on hosting a fabulous celebration! 

Guest Blogger Delia Neal is a Pro-Tem Judge for Maricopa and Pinal Counties.   You can read more from Delia in her blog at http://deliasez.wordpress.com/. 

Images sourced from freedigitalphotos.net

Planning your wedding is a big task. As Arizona’s #1 bridal magazine, we want to make sure you, the brides, are getting everything you need from our products. So, in an effort to both better serve our brides and advertisers, Arizona Weddings Magazine & Website will be holding a small focus group at our office the first week of September. The purpose of this group is to get feedback on the marketing pieces, e-blasts, and collateral of our advertisers. At this time I would like to formally invite you to participate in this focus group. In order to participate in our group, you must be a bride in the middle of planning her wedding or a newlywed that has been married for less than 1 year. If you have friends or family that also meets these criteria, please forward this information to them as well!

Your feedback and participation will help our vendors better meet the needs of the ever changing Arizona Weddings bride. To RSVP now or to find out more information contact Kristina Munoz at Kristina@arizonaweddings.com OR (480) 451-1059.

Visit the East Valley Bridal Affair on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Hotel and Conference Center in Mesa and receive a complimentary Arizona Weddings digest!