Ask Michele: Family Dynamics, Time-Off Work, & Groomsmen Style!

Planning a wedding in Orlando?  Got questions?  We’re betting you do!  

We get many excellent questions that we love helping our clients with.  Here are some that we find common and crucial to answer on our website.  Please let us know if you have any of your own we can help with by emailing me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com!

Q: My future mother-in-law purchased silk flower centerpieces for my wedding without me knowing (they were on sale).  She loves them – sadly, I do not.  

I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but this is not what I envisioned.  What do I do?!

Michele: Don’t fret!  These type of things happen and we are here to help!  

First, it is very compassionate of you to be mindful of her feelings.  She wants to be a part of your special day and is excited for your wedding, so that is to be treasured.

However, this is your day so it’s okay to want something that expresses your love.

We always recommend talking with your wedding planner – hopefully me! – to be a buffer in calming and fixing the situation.  We can work wonders with family dynamics!

If you are on your own, we suggest taking the piece to your floral designer.  We have seen florists make gorgeous centerpieces out of items you would never imagine!  He or she may be able to utilize the container and include fresh flowers rather than using the silk flowers, or create something larger out of what you have that could be used as a foundation.  

If there’s no saving the arrangement for a centerpiece, consider other areas that could use some extra decoration.  The aisle?  A welcome area?  Cocktail reception?  Be creative and make sure to thank her for her generosity!

Q: How many days should I take off before getting married?  I only have so much vacation time and I need it for our honeymoon!

Michele: This is a great question and the answer varies widely depending on a few things…

If you have a wedding planner, you should be pretty good to go!  Your last minute details should consist of getting yourself ready – nails, hair appointments, fittings, etc. and welcoming guests and spending time with them.

For weddings in which guests are coming from out of town, you may want to be available a day or two prior to connect with them.  

If you do not have a wedding planner, you may have some last minute details that you should factor in time for.  Do you have to pick up your flowers?  Are you putting together your freshly made favors?  Who is picking up any liquor or beverages?

You may want to consider taking 3-4 days prior to your wedding depending on what still needs to be done.

Our advice?  

The day before your wedding should be spent prepping yourself for the next day and spending time with your guests.  Get a massage, have your nails done, get some yoga in, and arrive early to your rehearsal or welcome dinner to mingle with people who have taken them time to celebrate with you.

Q: What are some ways we can add personality to the groom and groomsmen tuxes?

Michele:  We love that you are asking about this!  The current trends on men showing style at weddings are memorable and fun – definitely worth considering!

Here are some trends we love:

– Bow ties.  And, not all the same!  The groom can wear a different color or print or each groomsmen can wear the same color scheme but with different print.

– Socks.  There are endless colorful socks with different designs that are so much fun for weddings!  It’s just a splash of playfulness that in only shown when they sit down.

– Shirts.  Think plaid, gingham, or even a light color!

– Boutonnieres.  It’s typical to see only one type of boutonniere for the men, but you may want to talk to your florist in regard to slightly changing each one.  Keeping with the same flowers/elements but carefully adjusting each style can give a depth to something that is usually not noticed as much!

Do you have a question for me in regards to your wedding or event?  Let me know!

Please email me now at michele@michelebutlerevents.com and I am happy to help answer your question!  

I love helping clients with managing family dynamics and giving a plethora of ideas.  If you are experiencing any of these concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me now!