Published on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Fran Hansen Gone are the days of the bride's family paying for the wedding, or the groom's parents getting off of the hook completely! Today's couples are actually picking up a greater portion of the wedding costs themselves rather than going to their parents. The first step in coming up with your wedding budget is to sit down together with a pencil, paper and a calculator. Fi...

Published on Thursday, November 4, 2010 by Ask Fran The Early Bird Gets the Dream Wedding A wedding is one of  life's  most important events, and as such, it is meant to be a memorable, beautiful and poignant affair.  But before the actual ceremony can take place,  you know there is a tremendous amount of planning that needs to be done. A bride has a certain vision of her ideal wedding – where it is...

Published on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by Ask Fran If you like quiet, leisurely shopping with no pressure, and a narrow focus, bridal shows are not for you. If you want a one-stop shop where you can interview and review florists, photographers, caterers, wedding planners, dress makers, tent rentals, beverage services, etc., a bridal show certainly provides the perfect opportunity. However, bridal shows will most defin...

Published on Sunday, October 25, 2009 by Fran Hansen Ordering all your male attendants formal wear from one shop puts you in a position to ask for something extra, so be sure to request that your groom’s tuxedo be included at no additional cost to you. I MEAN ABSOLUTELY FREE!! Also ask for multiple discounts and because of intense competition between tux shops they will almost always make you a good deal!  If one...