If your time between the Ceremony and Reception is short, it's always a good idea to take photos before the Ceremony of yourselves, the wedding party and even family. You can still have that special moment by having your wedding planner and photographer stage a "first look" moment. Choose a special setting, maybe the hotel where you're getting ready. The groom would be positioned so he can't see you approach. And, when you're ready, he would be told to turn around. You'll get that wonderful "first look" moment and the photographer and videographer can catch the moment, too. Wonderful idea to give you more time after the ceremony for greeting guests and enjoying yourselves. Renee Joshu, Weddings By Renee. www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

Tamara,
IMO, almost everything depends on the couple's priorities. But the one thing that always requires an experienced professional is the photography. While it is true there are a lot of low- or no-cost options these days, remember photos are the memories you will hand down from generation to generation. There is no substitute for high-quality equipment in the hands of someone trained to use it. A good photographer knows what shots work best. He or she is also skilled at editing, and knows the quality processing labs, to make them look even better. Plus, the right equipment adds depth, character, and texture to a photo.

This doesn't mean it has to break the bank, though. There are always options to a full premium package.

Bobette Kyle
www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com
Your Dream Wedding on a "DIY" Budget

Tamara,
I believe photography and videography are very important as they are what you will have after the wedding and for years to come. Very few brides get their dress out 10 yrs after the wedding but you will look at your pictures and video for years to come.
Best wishes to you.

Tamara,
I agree with everyone that photography and videography are very important as they are what you'll have for many years to come. But also take care in choosing your venue and caterer. The food and drink is usually your biggest expense ... and everyone remembers if the food is disappointing!
All the best,
Renee Joshu
Weddings by Renee
www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

Most do have the same number, but what's wonderful about a modern wedding is it can be as unique as you are! You don't *have* to have anything (except the legalities). The logistics will have to be addressed in rehearsal, of course, so everyone knows when and where to go, but you can work it out. Be ready for some resistance from those (family, friends) who believe a wedding should follow traditions, but I say go for it! Mix, match, and mismatch however feels right to you and your fiance.

Bobette Kyle
www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com
Your Dream Wedding on a "DIY" Budget

Hello Candace,
Weddings today don't have many rules. Let the wedding be about you. You definitely do not have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen if you don't want to. If you have more bridesmaids, then have a groomsman escort 2 bridesmaids down the aisle or vice-versa. That lucky groomsman or lucky bridesmaid definitely enjoys the little 'extra' attention going down the aisle! Make sure to go over the logistics during the rehearsal. Happy Planning! - Evonne Grabauskas www.beautifulcelebrations.net

Candace,
As others have said, you certainly don't have to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen ... but plan out the processionals and who will stand where during the ceremony and the photos. I had a groom who had just returned from Afghanistan and his best friends were all overseas. He only had a best man and the bride had 10 bridesmaids. So 4 of the bridesmaids stood on the groom's side during the ceremony. Circumstances and families vary widely now. Most important thing is to have the people you love in your wedding party.
All the Best,
Renee Joshu
Weddings By Renee
www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

I have a couple hints ... or maybe more cautions. Of course you want to be sure they are experienced in feeding large numbers of guests ... have the right equipment, know how much to prepare and are good cooks. But the caution with having family do anything at your reception is that they do the job and not become guests enjoying themselves and forgetting to do what they've promised. Have the tough conversations long before the reception.

All the best,
Renee Joshu
Weddings by Renee
www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

There are certain venues that allow outside catering. Most that do still have preferred list of caterers. Is this wedding going to be at someone's home? If not, I can help you find a venue that allows ANY outside catering.

www.weddingliaison.com/findavenue
Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison

I love New Year's Eve weddings! Of course, it depends on each couple and their guests, but I think it can be a fun and meaningful way to kick off the beginning of the year. Most people are looking for a fun and elegant party on New Year's Eve and weddings have those elements and more! My only advice would be to plan early enough in advance so guests can plan on celebrating with you!

Allison McDonald
Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge
flourishstl.com

Jordan,
A New Year's Eve Wedding is a great celebration for family and friends. It will be a welcome party option for all. Give them plenty of notice before they commit to another party. You might want to consider a hotel ballroom for the reception and get a block of rooms so guests can party, spend the night and make a weekend of it. Your groom will certainly never forget your anniversary ... and your anniversary celebration will always be a New Year's Eve party!

All the best,
Renee Joshu
Weddings by Renee
www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

According to The Wedding Report, the average St. Louis Metropolitan area wedding in 2012 cost $25,159. That said, around 38% are less than $10,000.

A few ideas that come to mind...
- A wishing tree [some examples are here (amidst some other table top trees: http://pinterest.com/YourWeddingHelp/wishing-tree-or-tree-centerpiece/)
- Have guests write on note cards and display in collage frames.
- Guests sign a family tree quilt or large illustration.
- Have them sign smooth rocks and make a water centerpiece or arrangement with them.
- Set up a Polariod photo booth...guests take photos and write note on the back.
HTH
Bobette

The average price of a wedding in St. Louis is about $26,000 but what does that mean? $25,000 for 300 guests is a tight budget, $25,000 for 50 guests is a very lovely wedding. The best way to control your costs is to control your guest list.
www.bridesvision.com

A friend of mine runs a unique local service where guests can leave video messages or pictures in a photo booth setting. He also has video cameras available for guests to wander about creating their own video. The couple gets all copies of everything on a flash drive after the event. Video and pictures can be immediately uploaded to social media sites and prints made. I think even on-site.

www.picturethisphotobooth.com

A wedding I did recently had a simple sketch of a tree with bare limbs with a large white border. There were different shades of green rubber stamp ink that guests used to make thumb-print leaves on the tree. We also had markers to sign names on the border. Be sure to have wet wipes on hand! It made for a great frame-able memento!

Allison McDonald
Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge
www.flourishstl.com

It is absolutely OK! There are so many wonderful non-floral options for centerpieces.
- Candles can be used in a huge variety of ways...on mirrors or in Mason jars for a rustic look just to name a few.
- Individual cakes or other desserts on stands for each table
- Items of special significance to the couple (books, collectibles, natural elements)
- Clear containers of seasonal fruits (citrus, pomegranates, cranberries, etc)

The sky is the limit. Always remember, it's your wedding and the only rule is that you want your day to reflect who you are as a couple!

Allison McDonald
Owner - Flourish Events & Concierge
www.flourishstl.com

Allison about covered it, I think. I have one additional idea: centerpieces of photos of the bride, groom, friends growing up put into mason jars or otherwise arranged. If possible, match photos at each table with guests who will be sitting there.

For inspiration, you can see around 15 other easy, non-floral centerpiece ideas my daughter and I did up for do-it-yourself videos here: http://www.myonlineweddinghelp.com/DIY/centerpieces/

Hi Barbara! Thanks for the comment. This edition of Patch Pro has ended and we have a new topic for this week. We will revisit wedding planning again soon!

Thanks for sharing this information Jeff!