Before giving deposits to your vendors...

After meeting with one of my clients today, (I know you're reading this Yun Jae! :) I decided to post something very important for all you brides out there who are in the process of choosing your vendors.

Remember all contracts should be in writing and should include, dates, products, prices, name brands, etc. These contracts need to be signed and dated by all parties involved. Be sure to understand the cancellation policy and have that included in your contract, including refund policies and returns on deposits. Insist that these factors be included in the written and signed contract.

Most vendors will require a non-refundable deposit. Try to keep them as small as possible in case you have to cancel or change plans. You never want to give full amount or half the amount. (I would generally say $200-$300 except for the caterers and photography) Putting down the deposit simply means you are securing your wedding date not making any payments.

It is best to set the budget early on and stick to it. Remember to get multiple quotes on services, don’t always be lured by the lowest price. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and contact them. Don’t fall to high-pressure sales tactics. (Trust me, they will pressure you to pay the deposit right away and tell you that the dress you're renting will be rented out to someone else if you don't make the deposit now! Unless you haven't found your dress and your wedding is next month, you can definitely walk out of there knowing that that was just their sales tactic) To simply put it this way, if you do not want something, do not buy it.

Another consideration is Wedding Insurance. Some venues require wedding insurance but if your total budget is below $40K, it's not necessary. However, it protects your investment from circumstances outside of your control and you can seek reimbursement for incurred expenses. Speak to your insurance agent to find the policy that is right for you or check out www.wedsafe.com to find out more.

Vendor Spotlight: Leigh Miller

I have a confession to make... I'm obssessed with photographers' blogs. Leigh Miller is one of my favorite photographers along with so many that blow me away with their skills. I should really consider posting a photographer's blog once a week for the readers huh? And soon enough, you'll be browsing through their blogs religiously like me! :D

Cooking Korean Food

To tell you the truth, I've always thought I was a pretty good cook before I got married. But having to cook EVERYDAY for my husband was a total different story. Shameful to say, I barely got up in the morning to make him a good, hearty breakfast for him. Not that I don't like cooking or anything, but I sometimes find myself not being motivated enough to cook for him everyday. He always complains that he's married to a wedding planner not to a wife. Now that I finally moved down to LA, I decided to get my act together to cook a healthy, home-cooked meal, I needed some inspirational cooking blogs that will keep me motivated. I'm not 100% confident how long I can keep this up, but at least he'll know that I tried. :) It is so true how you speak love to a guy when you fill his stomach. Since my hubby loves Korean food although he doesn't like kimchi (I know.. how ironic) here are some great cooking blogs that you definitely need to check out!!! I don't know how these women can keep up with creating such delicious meals,but I must learn from the experts!

Ellen over at Kitchen Wench is amazing!!!! All her dishes literally makes me speechless and I hardly doubt if I will ever try her receipes, but for all you newlyweds and brides-to-be, you must check out her blog NOW!! * You'll find all the Korean receipes in English and she has over hundreds of receipes that are jaw dropping!



Another great blog for everyday cooking is hammygommy (For Korean readers only) not only does she create wonderful everyday Korean food, she also bakes pastries, cheesecake, bread & makes ice cream from scratch. Oh my... my husband should not venture over into these blogs or he'll get some wrong ideas =P


all images from gommyhammy

Sweet Treats other than candy buffet

There has been a huge craze for candy buffets but has anyone considered other alternatives?


These Apothecary Jars can be purchased at Target, Michaels, Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn image from The Knot
I introduce you a flavored popcorn buffet… a.k.a. the new candy buffet.
Personalize each glass container with a ribbon and tag with the featured popcorn written either by hand or using a computer font that matches the rest of your stationey. This is an idea that is unique and will definetly make your guest talk!

Images from The Cupcake Shoppe
Instead of having traditional wedding cakes, what about these cute & adorable cupcakes? You can also display these on a cake stand for guests to take home after the wedding or these will be perfect for bridal showers.

what could be a sweeter treat to serve at weddings than ice cream, and what cuter ice cream accessories could there be than these adorable customized wooden spoons from Paper + Cup? You can print out your names, your wedding date, or your favorite nicknames for each other and make dessert even more delectable for your guests!

images from Junebugweddings


Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie
serving cookies and milk as your 'late night snacks' How fun is this?

Creative ways of using your engagement photos

Your engagement photos certainly don't need to be in your photo album, they can be used in so many different ways.... there are endless options....

1) personalized guest book

from Tuscany albums

2) save the date or invitation

Photo credit: Jun Shien (He's another amazing photographer my assistant found... you must check out his blog!! I love photographers blogs because they seriously tell a story with their photos and I get the latest inspirations & ideas from their sites)

3) table numbers

such a cute idea, huh? Ms. Tiramisu over at weddingbee chose 20 of their favorite engagement photos as their table numbers

4) even on your cake- this one was the groom's ice cream cake!

photo credit: Jessica Claire

Sarah sent me a picture of her wedding cake designed by Kayla from Kayla's Kakes. She graduated USC with piano major and I believe the groom is in film industry. What a cute way to express what they both love and treasure in a cake design? She also incorporated her engagement photos as well!

Your relationship with the wedding coordinator

Not only do I enjoy the process of planning a wedding together with the couple, but I also really appreciate and love getting to know them throughout the process. If I were to narrow down two types of brides, they would be: an opinionated bride, who knows what she wants and is very specific with her needs; and a clueless bride who is totally lost in the planning and is indecisive in decision making. (Well, there are some who are clueless at first, but get pretty demanding later on in the process, and there are others who are opinionated at first but later end up not caring as the day approaches.) Anyways, it's always fun to get to know them, and some of them literally end up being my close friends even after the wedding.

So, which type do I prefer to work with? ha ha...well.. sort of in between the two.. but more than their personality, there needs to be a definite connection with the coordinator and the bride. And most importantly, they both need to be on the same page in terms of their expectations. If you hire a DOC(day of coordinator), then the bride can't expect a full service package and the coordinator cannot be solely responsible for the unexpected things from the vendors. 'You get what you paid for'. This applies to all the vendors, even the coordinator. As for the coordinator, you NEVER want to promise too much as if you're THE person who can make their weddings happen. You can never take all the credit after the wedding is over. It's teamwork between the couple, vendors, family & friends and the coordinator.

There also needs to be a complete trust between the coordinator and the bride, to be sure that the coordinator will take care of any sticky issue that may arise during the planning process. This will also mean that she will have to be quick, discerning, frank, and somewhat courageous to step up, even when her reputation is on the line. However, she also needs to be wise as to what to say and how to say when they hear all sorts of complaints about their in-laws, future husband to-be, parents, friends, MOH, and not to mention, some of their vendors. For this reason, you want to find someone not only resourceful but someone who knows how to deal with real life issues. As you can see, being a coordinator is more than making things pretty or being organized; she needs to handle real life crisis with poise and professionalism.
Bottom line is, whoever you choose as your coordinator, ask yourself, "Does she know my taste? Is she on the same page or ahead of me to guide me through the process?"