Wedding Workshop Helps Mothers Plan Daughters’ Weddings

Mother and daughter attend attend the Kiss Wedding and Event Planning

My Daughter’s Wedding, a free workshop hosted by Kiss Wedding & Event Planning in collaboration with Goeglein’s Catering, did what it was meant to do — answer many of the questions mothers have when it comes to planning their daughter’s wedding.  A panel of experts was on hand to provide information.

One of the biggest concerns addressed was stress.  Dartanya Williamson, Wedding Consultant for Kiss handled that one. 

“You can reduce the stress with planning,” said Williamson.  “Every bride will go through something, but if you plan ahead as much as you can, it reduces surprises.” 

“Set the budget first,” added Denise Jordan, Marketing Director for Kiss.  “Then, as you move through the planning process, you can talk about what you can do rather than what you can’t.  It helps all concerned keep things in perspective.”

Another hot topic was reception halls — when to book them and what to ask when working with the vendor.  Jeff Werling, Marketing Director for Goeglein’s Catering had several recommendations.

“Book the reception hall 12 to 18 months in advance when you can,” said Werling.  “When you set your date, book the hall.  The sooner you book, the better.”

“Ask about whether or not there’s a catering fee.”  He explained about the sales tax and other fees that are often attached when dealing with caterers and hall rentals.  He also addressed the choices of sit-down dinners vs buffet-style and questions to ask in regards to each. 

“How do I decide what to wear?” was a question posed by mothers of the bride and groom.  Dawn Quick from the Wedding Place said the mother-of-the-bride sets the guidelines.  She decided on what she wants to wear – long or short – and chooses a color that complements those of the wedding party.  The groom’s mother follows her lead, choosing a dress of the same length but in a different complementary color.

When questioned, Quick explained, “Complementary means choosing a color that works with the colors the bridal party is wearing, but it should not match.  The mothers don’t usually wear the same color as the bridesmaids!”

Judy Gaulden from Photo Artistry by Judy addressed 15 questions that brides should ask when working with a photographer.  “Don’t compromise on your photos!” she said emphatically.  Others in the room supported this advice.  It was agreed that the photos are the most treasured remnants of the day because they capture the moments and freeze them for the future.

Marilyn Zellers, the cake lady, talked about the latest trends in wedding cakes and how to save money on this often very pricey item.  Artificial layering on a tiered caked was just one of the possibilities.

Lorrine Swain, whose daughter Tara was married last year, offered advice from the mother’s perspective.  She talked about managing a lot of her daughter’s wedding planning because her daughter lives out of town, the stresses of dealing with the guest list and RSVPs.

“Order extra invitations,” she advised.  She pointed out that it was less expensive to order more and not need them than to reorder if one ran out.  “There’s always someone you missed!”

One of the Kiss brides-to-be, Ashley Gaugler, talked about the stressors of being a bride and how she was handling that. “My wedding planner is my new best friend.”

My Daughter’s Wedding was held on Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m. in The Fireplace Room at Goeglein’s Reception Halls located at 7311 Maysville Road.

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette  also covered this Mother/daughter event on Sunday, February 1, 2009.