Tips to Plan the Perfect Wedding

It’s all about creating the perfect, most memorable wedding for your special bride and groom. This last article will provide a one stop shop for the tips and direction found in this series with an important goal…to see you through to the start of something new — a new life together kicked off by special memories. I decided to start this series to help others, since as a bookworm, I was thrown into a difficult situation when the books didn’t work for me.

During the course of planning a wedding, you’ll probably have to deal with one uninvited guest on a regular basis — stress. This article provides tips on alleviating it for a healthier you.

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Victoria with her Dad, Uncle George, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Theresa – Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

When planning the perfect wedding, the date will make all the difference in the world with availability and cost. Check out what to look for… .

wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
Gary Liebowitz with Sound Junction

Finding just the right D.J. is key to a great wedding. This may not be an easy task, at least it wasn’t for me, but thankfully I found a phenomenal one! If you’re in the front range area, you can’t go wrong with Gary Liebowitz at Sound Junction. He is phenomenal as he kept the wedding party dancing and moving. If you’re not, this article has tips on finding one.

wedding, wedding planner, books, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, University of Colorado, photographer, videographer, Laura Grace Petersen, Jackson Dorfman
Laura Grace Petersen
Laura Grace Photography

The word “wedding” added to anything tends to increase the cost at least by double if not more, but there are reasonable vendors available available. If you’re in the front range area and are interested in making beautiful memories, I highly recommend:

Laura Grace Photography

Jackson Dorfman – Jackson.dorfman@colorado.edu  970-306-2775

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Sandy, Karen, & Carlene

The wedding decorations could be a daunting task. You can pay an expert if it’s in your budget, or rely on your very talented friends, as I did.

The perfect wedding cake doesn’t have to cost any where near $1000. Find out how to keep the cost less than a quarter of the cost.

Jacqueline & Elizabeth — Beautiful Bridesmaids — Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

You’ll want your beautiful bridesmaids dressed to perfection in a dress they can afford and could perhaps use again.

Despite your best efforts, more than likely at least one aspect won’t go as planned, but no one needs to know. In my case, a miscount snowballed… .

Delicious and safe food is a key ingredient for a great wedding. This article gives you key pointers to look for.

 

Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed to Perfection
The Wedding Party at the Head Table — Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

The Music — A Requirement for Every Wedding Ceremony, but it’s not as easy as you’d think.

The Wedding Celebrant — Who Do You Want to Marry You? Do you have someone in particular in mind? We did, Father Mbala, and there are no words to describe what he added and the inspiration he instilled in all of us.

The Rehearsal & Dinner Kicks Off the Wedding Events.

 

wedding, wedding planner, books, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, University of Colorado, photographer, videographer, Laura Grace Petersen, Jackson Dorfman
J.C. & Jane

Historic hotels can provide an exciting venue in more ways than one. Check out why.

If your ceremony and/or reception will take place at an historic hotel, there are important factors to take into consideration. Check them out at: The Wedding Hotel Accommodations — Historic vs. Contemporary.

Choose the right hotel for a comfortable and affordable stay for those celebrating with you. The Right Hotel for Your Wedding Guests provides guidelines and a checklist to help you find just the right hotel.

wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
The Dance Train – Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

Most of all, have fun and dance the night away, even if things didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Most likely, you’ll be the only one to know. This will most likely be the last article on the Wedding Planner Series; the bride graduates medical school Sunday and will shortly start her residency in Neurosurgery. Congratulations to my beautiful daughter!

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Medical Student

(C) 2018 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer

The Wedding Planner — The D.J. Is Key to a Great Wedding

wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
The Happy Couple                                               Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

 

The D.J. is key to a great wedding — no doubt! But how do you find that great D.J.? After I unsuccessfully contacted the D.J.’s on the Preferred Vendors List, I did what most people do; I asked  my friends and family for recommendations. However, with the wedding date, that was fruitless, especially for the D.J. — they were either out of business or unavailable at that time.

The Search
wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
The D.J. Is Key to a Great Wedding

One unavailable D.J. suggested that I check Thumbtack . Although I had never heard of it, I wasted no time, after all, the wedding was fast approaching and I knew an iPhone playing music would not be very helpful. According to their profile, “Thumbtack is an online service that matches customers with local professionals.” With my date and required professional entered, I received messages from a number of local D.J.’s with a wide range of pricing and experience.

wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
Gary Liebowitz with Sound Junction

I like to listen to my “gut,” and out of the list, only one stood out to me above the rest — he was experienced and I liked his work. He was from Monument and the wedding was in Estes Park, more than 2 hours away. I sent him a message and asked if Estes Park was too far and received an immediate response — definitely not, he handled the entire Front Range and did not charge for travel.

The Right D.J.
wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
Dancing to the Music                                             Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

My “gut” does not disappoint and neither did Gary Liebowitz from Sound Junction, LLC. He was absolutely phenomenal! Although I had the opportunity to provide him with a selection of songs, I was so frazzled and clueless that I  only gave him 3 songs for 3 dances: the bride and groom’s, father/daughter, and mother/son. With an age range of attendees from 20 to 85, I asked that he handle everything and he did. I can’t recommend him highly enough!

wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
The Dance Train                                                  Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography

Gary:

  • Called prior to the wedding to offer help and assurances,
  • Arrived early,
  • Called when he arrived and started set up,
  • Handled my request to take care of all the music with a smile,
  • Acted professionally,
  • Dressed professionally,
  • Had a positive and upbeat attitude,
  • Was an outstanding MC,
  • Kept the party moving and lively,
  • Had reasonable rates and offered a military discount (he is retired Air Force), and
  • Went the extra mile above and beyond.
wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
The Wedding Train                                                  Courtesy of Laura Grace Photography
Contact
wedding, wedding planner, Hidden Bloodlines, wedding budget, Stanley Hotel, Christmas, Christmas wedding, budget, checklist, timeline, organization, organization tips, library, military discount, veterans, savings, cost savings, Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park, Colorado, preferred vendor lists, vendors, D.J., Disc Jockey, Sound Junction, Gary Liebowitz
Gary Liebowitz with Sound Junction

If you are interested in an exceptional, professional D.J. who is more than willing to go the extra mile with reasonable rates, I recommend Gary Liebowitz with Sound Junction:

Phone: 719-351-8301
Email: gary@soundjunctiondj.com
Website: www.soundjunctiondj.com

Two months after the wedding, a number of people shared their nightmare experiences with the wrong D.J. Needless to say, I am very thankful my story is not one of them. I had the best!

What are your experiences?

(c) 2018, Karen Van Den Heuvel