From ABC’s Good Morning America (09/05/10): Tips on how to have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.

“Groomology” is a book every Groom should not only read, but keep with him as a reference throughout the wedding planning process. It’s an entertaining look at serious ways Grooms-to-be can be active participants in the planning while helping their Brides-to-be avoid so much unneeded stress.  

As a guide to “what every (smart) Groom needs to know before the wedding,” it’s filled with extremely helpful and useful information. Plus, did I mention, it’s entertaining!

Like the Grooms that have borrowed the book from me, most engaged guys will enjoy the rather quick read. One of its unique selling points is that it is written from another guy’s perspective. You won’t be hearing Martha Stewart or any other so-called, female wedding expert in your head as you get into the meat of information that is sure to win you accolades from your Bride for years to come. 

The author, Michael Essany,was the host of  “The Michael Essany Show” on E! Entertainment Television. As a recent groom himself, Essany saw the need for an intelligent guide that would help the couple plan their wedding together.

“Groomology” Contents:

Let “Groomology” show you how becoming a partner in the wedding process can make the whole event more enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable. Time and time again, soon-to-be husbands only tackle what the bride-to-be has told them to do. “Groomology” outlines these traditional Groom’s duties but goes a step further to instruct Grooms in the art of getting involved.

Grooms Will Learn The Best Strategies For A Happy Bride Including: Being Sensitive To the Bride’s Needs and Worries. Taking Over Tasks the Bride Doesn’t Want. Understanding How Much Work Goes Into It All. Reducing Her Stress. Giving an Opinion. Letting Go of an Opinion. Being Creative. The One Thing He Needs to Do…(More “Groomology” contents). 

For more information about “Groomology,” including excerpts from the book, visit the listing on Amazon. Then…buy the book! You AND your Bride will be glad you did!

The Overland Park Marriott
Proudly Presents:

An Entertaining Workshop For Every Bride & Groom!

Please Attend As Our Guest:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
from
6:00pm-8:00pm

At the
Overland Park Marriott (Map)
Grand Pavilion

Admission: FREE

You and your guests will have the opportunity to meet Ron Ruth, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and one of the most sought after Wedding Entertainment Directors™ in the Midwest.

Ron will share his helpful tips, creative ideas and insider’s secrets of using…

to design and create an extraordinarily fun wedding celebration
that your family and friends will rave about for years to come.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Come and experience The Overland Park Marriott’s Chef’s culinary delights and discuss your
Wedding Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower, or Luncheon with a Marriott Certified Wedding Planner. Prepare to be inspired by the striking, contemporary design
that now embodies the Overland Park Marriott.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Recently Added: Exciting news from the Mojica Photography blog. Loraine Mojica McCall writes: “I will be there as well, and will give all attendees a free digital portrait after the workshop. Even if you think you’ve already planned everything for your wedding, it will be worth your while, plus you’ll get a free professional portrait for your FB profile.”

Work For A Win-Win Solution

Imagine, you’re a couple planning your wedding, and you’re looking for the perfect wedding professionals that match your style, have great experience and referrals, and are within your budget.

Let’s say you’ve come across a professional that fits the first two criteria and you absolutely LOVE their work. You’re also certain that they can meet your every need and you think they are just the coolest person(s) ever!

Aaaand then they share their fees for their services…and, unfortunately, they are out of your budget. What do you do?

Many Brides and Grooms I speak with will take an “oh well” attitude and move on. They keep searching, but that one perfect, wedding pro keeps popping into their heads. As they shop, they compare all others to that one awesome individual and it becomes increasingly apparent that no on else will do.

So, here’s a thought.

Instead of giving up on your perfect choice and, perhaps, settling on second best, you do have a couple of options! Which option you choose will depend on just how far that vendor is out of your budget.

My first bit of advice is to contact them and explain what it is, specifically, that you love about their service, but don’t be afraid to let them know that you just don’t have quite that much to spend.

If your budget and their pricing are hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars apart, ask for a referral! As a wedding professional, myself, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment in Kansas City, MO, I’d always prefer to find a way to work with couples that really want to work with me. But, I can also point you in the direction of someone that has a similar style that you might like just as much, will meet your needs, but is in your price range. And, you can still be confident that they will perform in a professional manner and do a great job.

Another possibility is that the vendor may offer associate services. They may have an assistant or associate that has been trained by them, works in a similar style, but is more affordable.

I have an associate Entertainment Director (her name is Carrie…she’s super awesome…but more about her another day) that has worked many, many wedding receptions with me. Most importantly, I am completely confident in her ability to plan, direct, entertain and exceed expectations at wedding celebrations. There are times that she’s a much better fit for a couple on a tight budget.

You may also find some wedding professionals, like me, that will try to work with your budget! If there is only a small discrepancy between what you have to spend and the fee, let them know what part of their services you love, that you really want to hire them and ask if there’s any room for negotiation. My mama taught me that it never hurts to ask! They may be willing to work with you a bit. But, be prepared to bend your budget a bit for them, too.

Personally, I want nothing more than to assist couples that truly appreciate my work.

Let’s say, regardless of the company, the DJ entertainment package you want is $500 more than what you have budgeted. Depending on the popularity of the date of your wedding, you should not be afraid to ask if there may be a reasonable, “middle ground” that is mutually agreeable. They bend, you bend and you both win. Keep in mind, however, that it is not fair (or nice) to ask any wedding professional to negotiate if you are not willing to make concessions, as well.

Another possibility is to consider the importance of each item you want to include in your wedding reception and the impact (and expense) that those amenities will have on creating lasting memories. In other words, in what areas might you scale back a bit that most of your guests will not really notice, let alone remember?

As an example, I am a DJ that is also a certified, Wedding Entertainment Director. I offer, literally, dozens of creative options. Some can be quite time consuming to prepare for in order to provide a quality performance. How much you may invest in my services depends greatly on all of the options you may want to include in your wedding celebration and the amount of time that must be dedicated to helping you realize your dream. Perhaps you can do without 1 or 2 to make my services more affordable to you.

Important Note: You’ll have a better shot with negotiating if your wedding is during the off season (November – March) or on a day other than Saturday.

One word of caution, Only enter into negotiations if you really, truly LOVE the vendor’s work and you REALLY…REALLY want to hire them for your wedding. If they simply have no room to negotiate, don’t take it personally.  Like you, wedding professionals have budgets they must meet, expenses they must pay and depend on their salaries for their livelihood.

If all else fails, just go back to “Plan A” and ask for that referral! Either way, you’ll benefit.

The original inspiration for this post came from a blog article written by Kristen Kaplan, a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and owner of Simply Stunning Events in Nashville, TN. I appreciate her permission to borrow from the essence of her article, “Vendor Pricing & Negotiation,” to create this post.

Receive Congratulatory Greetings For Your Wedding From The President Of The United States and The First Lady.

Imagine how exciting it would be, as a Bride & Groom, to receive congratulatory greetings for your wedding from the President of the United States and the First Lady.

Well, you can and it’s FREE as long as the recipients are American citizens and you follow 2, very simple steps.

First, wedding greetings may only be requested after the wedding has taken place. 

Second, a Presidential greeting request must include the following information:

Name of the Bride & Groom

Address of the Bride & Groom

Date (month, day, year) of the wedding

The name, email address and daytime phone number of the individual requesting the greeting.

And, although not mandated as a requirement, sending a copy of the wedding invitation might be a nice gesture. It would also add legitimacy to the request.

Now that you’ve got all of the information put together, you can submit it in one of 2 ways:

Fax: 202-456-2461

Mail: The White House
Attn: Greetings Office
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20502-0039

As you can probably surmise, my inside sources* tell me that the White House gets a ton of requests for such congratulatory greetings. So, allow several months for it to reach the recipient.

As an FYI, the White House also sends congratulatory notes to citizens that are…

…commemorating the birth of a child.
…celebrating a birthday of 80 years or older
…retiring from the same job of 30 years or more
…celebrating an anniversary of 50 or more years.     

All congratulatory greeting requests, other than those for weddings and child birth, should be sent at least 8-12 weeks in advance of the specific occasion.

You’ve got to admit, regardless of one’s political affiliation, a congratulatory note from the President of the United States and First Lady would make a memorable addition to any scrapbook. And, you don’t have to “crash” a White House party to get it!

*Just kidding. I don’t really have any inside sources.

In a previous article comparing the similarities betwen the making of Oscar winning films and creating unforgettably fun Kansas City wedding receptions, it was demonstrated how each follow a 3 act structure that includes a very distinct beginning, middle and end.

Regardless of the genre of movie, an emotional connection is triggered at the very beginning of a film with the first note of the musical score.  Depending on the movie, the opening music or title song might also be considered as the overture.

A horror film will open with a very dark and macabre soundtrack. A comedy, however, will begin with a light, maybe whimsical, tune. Either way, the music you hear sets the tone for what you are about to see. 

A wedding reception is very similar. The music played as the first guests arrive sets a tone for the evening. In many ways, it is the overture that gives them an emotional glimpse at what is to come. That’s not to say that there can’t be transitions along the way. A film score directly reflects what is happening on the screen at any given moment. And, variety in tempo and intensity brings out a number of emotions. That’s why there are also Academy Awards for best original score.

In some cases, couples want their wedding reception to be “classy,” “elegant” and “fun.”  They wish to convey the “classy” and “elegant” as the guests arrive at the reception site and progress into the “fun” throughout the course of the event. Other couples want their guests to make the emotional transition into the “fun” mode from the moment they arrive. These personal preferences can be satisfied with a little thought and consideration given to the opening soundtrack of your wedding reception. 

For those that want to begin with “classy” and “elegant” perhaps some light jazz or contemporary piano would be appropriate in the early hours of the reception. If you would like to gradually build the energy level during dinner, upbeat classic vocals from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett (to name only a few) can help you make a subtle, yet notable, transition to “fun.” It is best, however, if the first few party songs of the evening continue to build on the “fun” rather than making an abrupt shift in genres so your guests will enjoy an unobtrusive, seemingly natural  increase in intensity.    

If you are that couple that wants their guests to jump into the “fun” from the onset, you might consider music with a funky Motown, R&B flavor that evolves into a dinner time, toe tappin’ walk down memory lane with some of the greatest one hit wonders from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. When the party starts, it will be hard for your family and friends to stay in their seats. 

These are just a couple of ideas from what are, quite literally, hundreds of ambient music options. Regardless, the selections you choose to set the emotional tone for your wedding reception should also be an unmistakable reflection of your unique personality and style.            

I’ll make it easy for you to find the right songs for the perfect musical score to your Kansas City wedding reception. I’ll give you hundreds of choices that will help you create an overture that will set the tone you wish to convey and a soundtrack that will emotionally engage your guests during every memorable moment of your event from their arrival and throughout your extraordinary celebration. 

Receive a complimentary list of over 2 dozen, popular wedding reception arrival, cocktail hour and dinner music genres along with a list of performing artists by emailing your request to ron@ronruthweddings.com.

PWG Spring Bridal Show

The Perfect Wedding Guide’s Spring Bridal Show is next Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the Overland Park Convention Center. The show runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with spectacular bridal gown fashion shows at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment is participating and will be supplying the sound and music for the runway show. Our booth will be located directly behind the last row of seats in the center viewing area. We’d love to have you stop by to say “Hello.”

 Tickets for the PWG Bridal Show are $10 at the door or $6 in advance, on-line or You Can Get A Pair Of Tickets From Us For FREE!!!

I’ll send one (1) pair of tickets to the first five (5) Brides that email me with their mailing address. There’s no obligation but you’d better ask for them by Wednesday to assure that they get to you on time. Send your email to ron@ronruthweddings.com.

And, if you’ve never been to a Bridal Show, check out our articles filled with some great “Bridal Show Tips”  to help you make the most of the experience.

We’ll see you at the show!

Creating An Academy Award Winning Wedding Ceremony & Reception.

With the 82nd annual Academy Awards coming up this Sunday, March 7, 2010, I thought it might be fun to look at how the most unique and personal Kansas City Wedding Receptions have many of the same elements of entertainment and technical assistance as an Oscar winning film. And, couples will be happy to know that they don’t need the budget of James Cameron’s “Avatar” to put their wedding reception in contention as the greatest event of the year.

First, consider that a movie is made with the assistance of a production crew that includes writers, producers, directors, set designers, stage hands, make-up artists and costume designers, cameramen, cinematographers, composers, musicians and a slew of other technically gifted individuals.

A wedding ceremony and reception is created with many of the same talented specialists but with different titles. A Kansas City wedding ceremony and reception production team might include a wedding consultant and a wedding planner as the director(s). The set-designer would be the florist, decorator, up lighting tech,  linen suppliers, etc. The stage hands are the service staff provided by a venue or caterer. Make-up artists would fill much the same role as in a movie but the costume designer is replaced by the bridal gown designer, retailer and seamstress. And then there are the photographer and videographer that take on the cameraman & cinematographer responsibilities with the harpist, string quartet, DJ or band acting as the orchestra to form the soundtrack of a wedding ceremony and celebration.  Depending on the Bride & Groom, they may also be the producers (providing the financial resources) or share producer responsibilities with their parents.

Of course every movie is shot in a location that adds the ideal, visual backdrop to the story, similar to wedding ceremonies and receptions that take place in a location where the site’s intricate beauty or simplicity best fits the needs, personality and style of the newlyweds.

What motion picture would be worthy of Hollywood’s most coveted prize without the outstanding and memorable performances of it’s lead actors, supporting cast and extras? Obviously, the Bride and Groom are the stars with a supporting cast that includes the bridal party, the parents and grandparents, the guest book and gift table attendants, ushers, flower girl & ring bearer, just to name a few. But unlike a movie, where the audience is nothing more than an observer, at a wedding reception the audience, or rather family and friends, are invited to be much more interactive and would fill a dual role that includes that of ”extras.”

It’s important to note that most Academy Award winning films are rarely nominated, or win, in just one category. That fact speaks to the unprecedented commitment of every participant, at every level in the making of a film to create an unforgettable entertainment experience that is emotionally captivating and that makes a powerful impact that influences the “Oscar buzz.” 

The same is true of couples that want an Academy Award quality wedding ceremony and reception. Everyone involved must come together with a singular purpose…to create extraordinary memories through a storyline and presentation that engages it’s audience with laughter, love and excitement, all to produce an “award winning,” wedding day celebration and inspire a lifelong “buzz” all of its own.

But the comparison doesn’t end here. For more, come back for “Part II” of this article!

Getting Your Gifts Home!

Yesterday morning, I had the pleasure of spending a few minutes with Francie Feinberg, Director of Catering at the Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park, KS. We got together to talk about Overland Park wedding receptions we share in common but somewhere along the way, our conversation turned to items that sometimes get left behind at the end of a wedding reception.

Although it is not uncommon for me to find an abandoned bow tie or camera sitting on a table after the guests have headed home, Francie pointed out a number of wedding reception mementos that are often forgotten at the end of a long evening of partying. She went on to  explain how she reminds couples in advance of their event of  the importance to have someone assigned the task of collecting these valuables at the conclusion of their wedding reception.  

Just as a groomsman or a father may have been assigned the duty of returning all rental tuxedos, the most efficient way to make certain that no bow tie gets left behind is for Brides and Grooms to prearrange the responsibility of a “room sweep” at the end of the evening with a family member, friend or the venue’s staff. And, it would be a great help for those chosen to have a check list from which to work. If the venue is to be responsible, a check list is of greater value to be sure that valuable items do not, inadvertently, get thrown out.  

It’s not only a good idea for the Bride and Groom to know who will be gathering the items on the list, it would also be helpful to predetermine where all of those items will go.  (i.e.: parent’s home, hotel room, friend’s house, etc.)

What follows are 25 of the most common items that Kansas City Brides & Grooms will want to include on their list.

The Obvious:

• The Gifts
• Leftover cake & the top tier of the wedding cake (often frozen until the first anniversary)

Note: Some venues will hold the leftover cake in their refrigerator overnight. Still, somebody needs to be responsible for picking it up the next day to avoid it being thrown out.

Items the Bride & Groom or Family May Have Provided:

• Bride & Groom’s Champagne flutes
• Cake knife
• Cake topper
• Leftover party favors
• Centerpieces / Candles
• Disposable cameras
• Monogrammed cocktail napkins
• Floral arrangements brought from the church
• Guest book
• Personal and/or Engagement photos
• Specialty linen

Often Overlooked Items Found On, Under or Around The Head Table:

• Bride’s veil
• Bride’s dress shoes
• Tuxedo parts (jacket, suspenders, cuff links, button studs, shoes)
• Bride’s and/or Bridesmaid’s bouquets
• Purses
• Cell phones
• Cameras

Miscellaneous “Lost & Found” Items Left By Guests and Found On or Around Dining Tables:

• Overcoats
• Purses
• Cell Phones
• Cameras
• Suit / Sports Jackets

One final, very important note to add, make certain to look under the gift and cake tables for items that may have been stored there. And, look under the head table for items that may have been accidently left behind.

Additional items that you think should be included in the above list are welcomed in the comment section below.

Right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.

Their invitation read: “Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” And on that Valentine’s Day, 2009, Craig & Kelli Morford began their journey to a lifetime of happily ever after when they exchanged vows at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel.

Guests perform a Broadway tune on thier way to the buffet.

Craig & Kelli’s wedding celebration was an incredibly happy event, three years in the making from the day they met on April 15, 2006. It was attended by over 100 of their closest friends and family, a vast majority from out of town. And, although their evening was a memorable affair with a number of very personal touches and emotional surprises, there are 3, personal favorites of mine that stand out as unforgettably fun moments. These are also great ideas that any Bride and Groom can adapt to their own Kansas City wedding reception.

Kelli is a local actress with a love for Broadway style musicals. Each dining table was “themed” after her favorites and those in which she had performed a role, including “Oklahoma!,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “West Side Story,” to name a few. When the guests heard a familiar song played from their table’s musical, they knew it was their invitation to make their way to the buffet. 

An extraordinarily entertaining first dance.

It was so much fun to see a great many friends and family entertain Craig & Kelli by breaking into song, impromptu dance routines and a little over-acting as they headed off to fill their plates. It was a far more enjoyable way of getting everyone through the buffet, without long lines. And, it created a tremendous amount of laughter.   

After dinner and at the conclusion of their unique “Love Story,” Craig & Kelli amazed their guests with an extraordinarily entertaining first dance, creatively choreographed to Michael Bublé’s “That’s All.” It was beautifully done and every eye in the room was focused on them. Who would have thought that Craig, a computer programmer, could be so light and nimble on his feet? 

Finally, as a tasty and amusing tribute to their vows, Craig & Kelli provided a late evening treat of fresh baked pretzels. Next to the delightful delicacies was a clever sign that read “We Tied The Knot!” 

The pretzels were such a fun idea; I now suggest them as an affordable and witty alternative to the traditional wedding cake. 

Fresh baked pretzels to celebrate tying the knot!

Thank you once again, Craig & Kelli, for inviting me to act as your Wedding Entertainment Director. On behalf of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and Cornerstone Photography, congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! 

May the happy memories of your very special day remain vivid for many years to come.

Happy Anniversary Craig & Kelli!