You call, I study, I plan, I shop, We execute. You get married & celebrate.

{Quick post} I got a call today from a Naples bride who wanted to know how I was different from "Wedding Planner B". Well, this is the plan Stan. Every wedding, this is all we start off with. But that's it. Simply put. I'm not one of those fill in the blank or checklist type planners. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE lists. I just don't think the same to do list works every day, so why should planning your wedding be planned that way?

Spotlight on: Barbara Banks PhotographyA formal beach wedding on Captiva

Look what came today! Wedding pictures from Super Sarahs destination wedding at South Seas Resort! Truly we loved planning with Sarah, and her photographer Barbara Banks was (and is) phenomenal. Aren't the colors lovely? This is a wedding that proves you can absolutely have an elegant and formal beach wedding. Sarah and Ben exchanged their vows on the lawn at Sunset Cove. So while they weren't on the sand, they still had the backdrop of the jetty and the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Loved it. Loved it all.




You can see more photos from Super Sarahs wedding on the Weddings by Socialites website in the South Seas gallery. And you can see a few snapshots that we took at this wedding here: Kelly's lack-of-photography-skills-pictures.

Engagements, Christmas and New Years! I love this week!

From all of us here at the Weddings by Socialites Studio, we wish you a very merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Congratulations! Congratulations? Yep, this is the engagement week. More couples get engaged in the next week than any other time of the year. No matter what your reason for being in high spirits this week- we're with ya! So have a great time and enjoy this week to its fullest! We'll be back in the studio for wedding planning and meeting newly engaged brides on Monday. Until then...

Here are some snapshots of the Amazing cards we got this year from our swap with Brooklyn Bride and some of our clients. They're all adorning our Christmas tree. I love how incredibly unique each one is.


Again, to all of our dear friends, clients and clients to be- "Merry Christmas and Here's to Another Great Wedding!"
-Kelly McWilliams

Considering a destination wedding?

Quick tip: This is a great time to consider planning a destination wedding. Travel costs are down, you'll be able to have that intimate gathering you've always wanted (smaller guest list), and right now, resorts are hosting a plethora of great deals. Here's a link to an article I contributed to last year about destination weddings: Budget Travel Magazine and the CNN segment that followed it.

Have to cut your budget? Call a wedding planner now!

A couple days ago the NY Times published an article about the effects of the current economy and wedding planning. While some are fortunate enough to not have to cut back, many couples started their planning with a budget in mind that now seems impossible. For those who fall into the latter, this is the best time for you to call in a wedding planner. Not a wedding designer or wedding coordinator- but a planner or consultant. I have a feeling you're thinking (or perhaps screaming at your laptop),

"Is she nuts? Why would I spend money on a planner when I can't afford the band I want?"

I'll tell you why. There is no better person to show you how it may be possible to cut your costs significantly without losing sight of what you wanted for your wedding prior to having to cut back. A wedding planner or consultant has experience and professional relationships and knows how to make the most of the money you have available. Would I love for you to still be able to have the amazing 12 piece band? Yes. If the dollar wasn't an issue, go for it. But if it is an issue, let's find a way to get something just as great for less. And yes, it absolutely is possible! Dreaming of a platinum wedding on a shoe string budget? Or maybe that shoe string even just broke. Geez, I hate when that happens. So with all that said, call a wedding planner or consultant in the area where you are getting married. If nothing else, ask if its possible to hire for consulting only (usually at an hourly rate).
Just a quick note- it is crucial that you go to a well experienced professional if you're hiring specifically for this reason.

Need a referral for a great planner in your area? Email me. I happen to know some really great planners all over the world. WeddingTidbits{at}Gmail.com Another good source for good planners- ask your venue who is the planner they work with most often (again, make sure it is a planner and not just a day of coordinator!). Many venues don't list planners on the vendor lists, so you have to ask.
Photo by Julie Goodacre.