Sara Shoemaker, lead planner and designer for Uniquely Yours, continues her series of recollections from her own wedding day in today’s post with her thoughts on flowers, linens, and catering.

Floral Shop vs. Wedding Floral Designer

Because I did my own centerpieces I just needed bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages for my personal flowers. I worked with a regular florist who delivered arrangements,  and because I always loved their work I figured they could do what I needed. Yes, they did what I needed but it wasn’t the same as a wedding floral designer. First, they did exactly what I said. I know that sounds weird, but as I said before, I was young and had no idea what I was doing. I wish I were offered suggestions and some creativity. I now have learned that there are floral designers who specialize in only wedding flowers. Not to mention, after working with several incredible designers across Central Florida, I see that it would have been more cost effective to work with them as well.

Who Cares About Linens? You Will!

I knew nothing about linens or even thought of covering tables or chairs. My caterer offered the standard white cloths with a colored bow so I went with that. Little did I know what effect linens have on a room. I always tell my clients that linens are a cost effective and easy way to transform an entire room  if selected wisely.  It takes a wedding from plain to fun or chic or formal (depending on your overall theme). And also in my planning experience I’ve learned that if I had a planner through the process she could have helped me find better linen options resulting in a more appealing look for less money.

Smart Menu Planning

My caterer was fantastic and I still love to use them to this day. I had a brunch reception that was more for eating and mingling than partying. I went with a few heavy appetizer type options, which after I started planning weddings, I learned can be one of the most expensive options. I could have saved at least 1/3 of my food budget by changing to a meal. It’s good to talk to the caterer about how the prices change based on the type of food you serve as it relates to quantities. If you don’t ask, then they often aren’t willing to share. You mention appetizers because you think they’re cheaper; why would they suggest anything else? Also, by working with a planner through the process, she will work with the caterer directly to put together options that fit your style, wishes and budget.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing insights on entertainment and weather as it relates to attire so please check back in.

The planners of Uniquely Yours are pleased to announce that our creative services and ideas have been featured in the most recent issue of Brides Florida magazine (Fall/Winter 2009).  Brides Florida offers engaged couples a unique “Florida” perspective when it comes to planning their wedding. From venue locations, to fashion and favors, to honeymoon ideas and everything in between -  Brides Florida is perfect for Florida brides or brides desiring a destination wedding in Florida. The publication is one of our favorite recommended reads and can be purchased at newsstands all over the state or by following the link here.

We were so excited to see that one of our summer couples, Amy and Justin , were interviewed regarding their menu planning process. You can find the article on page 178.  Amy and Justin were seeking a menu that would compliment the location and lighthearted beach atmosphere they wanted to create for their guests.  Prior to bringing on planners Uniquely Yours Karry Castillo and Erica Lake, Amy and Justin had been considering a caterer who was suggesting a more formal plated dinner.  But upon hearing their ideas for the overall wedding aesthetic and mood, Karry suggested Arthur’s Catering, a firm known for creative cuisine and presentation.  Amy and Justin decided to offer stations, each focusing on a different type of “cabana” cuisine  that kept the mood of the reception light and laid-back while keeping the guests mingling and delighting over the creative spreads laid before them.

A special thanks goes out the entire editorial team at Brides Florida for including Amy and Justin’s menu planning as part of this great issue!