This Isn't Your Parent's Wedding

In today's economy, most couples are pretty conscientious about the costs of putting on a  wedding.
The expenses, from the invitations to the wedding dress and tuxedo to the ceremony, flowers, photographer reception and even the honeymoon, can add up in a New York minute.

As the wedding planner for Alexander's, I encourage our wedding couples to enjoy the process of planning their wedding. I reassure them they can have a lovely and memorable wedding without going into debt for it. By planning ahead, agreeing to a budget and then sticking to it the bride and groom can avoid a huge amount of stress.  After all, the whole planning process--sending out the invites, picking out the venue, deciding on the flowers, etc., --should be fun and enjoyable.

If  parents offer to help pay for the wedding ---the wedding couple should be on the same page with each other agree to key points such as:
Who is paying for what?
Will they--the bride and groom-- be in control of the guest list, budget, menu, etc. or will they turn some of the tasks over to family?

If parents help pay for the wedding, will there be strings attached?  

Will the bride and groom still have the freedom to create their dream wedding?
  
Sharing the costs with parents can be a wonderful and positive experience for all. And, in today's economy, everyone understands most young couples could use a little help.

For more on weddings and sharing costs, check out this NYT article on the subject. 

NYT article re: Who's paying for the wedding 

Fine Feathered Friends

This week, winter decided to hang around--although everyone is ready warmer weather. Even so, our summer bird-friends are back and a joy to watch. I love that I can take a lunch break by the bird feeders and within five minutes see a lovely variety of winged creatures swooping in for a snack. This week we're feeding red winged blackbirds, hummers, blue jay, evening grosbeak, juncos, thrasher, robins and more.

For information about birds of Western Washington, check out the link to the Tahoma Audubon Society. http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/

Weddings & Flowers

   I love creating fresh flower arrangements for our wedding couples.
After many years growing lots and lots of flowers, I have a pretty good working relationship with these jewels of nature.
    It's so rewarding to start with a couple of buckets of fresh flowers, rolls of ribbon and a collection of vases--and end up with gorgeous creations; bride's bouquets, boutonnieres, table flowers and, of course, an elegant arrangement for the bridal suite. I always thank the flowers--couldn't do it without them.
    Shopping for flowers is fun too. During the winter I rely on wholesale florists but the rest of the year--I shop at farmer's markets, local nurseries and my flower gardens provide lots of beauties--from lilies to roses to sunflowers. All colorful and healthy and happy to be part of a big day.

Contest for the Best NW Bed & Breakfasts

Alexander's is honored and excited to be nominated for the
2010 Western Washington Best B & B Award. 

There are only three days left in the contest so if you want to vote--click on the title-- and cast your vote for Alexander's.

Thank you for the nomination and for your vote!