New to our fabulous Wedding Showcase is our 'Ask the Experts' panel discussion. Hosted by Gold Hill Vineyard from Noon - 1:00pm, this is your opportunity, as couples, to 'Ask the Experts' anything you want to know about their particular specialty. So, whether it's catering, florals, cakes, you name it, one of our experts will have an answer for you.
This fabulous event will take place one hour before the showcase officially opens so be sure to mark your calendars so you can take part in this fantastic panel discussion.
Seating may be limited, so to reserve your seat, please call Gold Hill Vineyard at 530/626.6522.
In the coming weeks, sample questions and answers will be posted from each of the participating panel members to give you an idea of the topics that will be addressed at this informational addition to our fun day.
Expert Panel Members:
First Class Entertainment MC/DJ - www.PackedDanceFloor.com - 916/616.7635
Golden Gourmet Catering - www.TheGoldenGourmet.com - 916/689.6437
Natural Flair Florist - www.NaturalFlair.net - 530/677.0878
Quintessence Photographic Art - www.QPhotoArt.com - 530/363.0138
Simply Elegant Day Rentals & Decor - www.SimplyElegantDay.com - 916/541.4494
Thelma Goldman - Officiant - 530/889.8743
'Ask the Experts' Questions and Answers Series
First Class Entertainment MC/DJ
Question:
"I want to do the bouquet toss however, I have few if any single ladies at my wedding. Should I skip the bouquet toss all together or do I have other options?" Answer:
"There are many creative ways to still include the traditional bouquet toss even if you have no single women to throw your bouquet to. Years ago I worked with a bride who included all ladies in the bouquet toss even married women, as her MC she had me explain that whoever caught the brides bouquet would win an gift certificate for a one hour message. Needless to say it made it fun for her guests and she was able to still include the bouquet toss." For more information on 'First Class Entertainment' go to: www.PackedDanceFloor.com or call Gary at 916/616.7635.
The Golden Gourmet
Question:
"What comes with the meal al hat carries an additional charge?"
Answer:
Service Staff: Staffing is included (it also includes the cooking staff)
- How many will there be for a buffet / seated service?
For 100 guests at a buffet there will be a staff of approximately 5 depending on your
Menu. For a seated and served menu there will be approximately 7.
- What duties will they perform?
Our staff set tables, staff tables throughout the meal, clearing, and finally stripping tables at the finish.
Cake cutting and serving?
Our staff will cut and serve the cake and there is no additional charge.
- Pouring wine or champagne?
Our staff will refresh wine glasses at the table and pour the toast and there is no corkage fee or additional charges for this service.
- Setup and breakdown fees?
Always, always ask if there are any extra charges.
For more information on 'Golden Gourmet Catering', go to: www.TheGoldenGourmet.com or call Liza at 916/689.6437
Natural Flair Florist'
Question:"How do I choose a great florist?"
Answer:
"First, narrow your preferred list to a few florists whose websites you have checked out. Choose those florists that design flowers the way you envision for your wedding. Next, make appointments with those florists and ask for their vision or suggestions for your special day. Go with the florist who seems most excited by your vision because that's the person who will execute it to a "T" and add that special flair. It's also important that they're willing to go the extra mile, like visiting your venue if they have never been, showing you how to hold your wedding bouquet or checking on flowers before group pictures. You'll know the right person by their interest, excitement and dedication to making your wedding the best day EVER!"
For more information on 'Natural Flair Florist go to: www.NaturalFlair.net or call Dawn at 530/677.0878.
Quintessence Photographic Arts
Question:Quintessence Photographic Arts
'When hiring a professional photographer, how do I know that they will do a good job for me? There are so many to choose from!'
Answer:
'There is no required test or class to call yourself a "professional photographer", so you do need to be careful. Make sure you look at the photographers images as well as sample albums (not only their web site images). You should be able to view full weddings from start to finish, not just a few images that they choose for you to see. If they only offer a CD/DVD of images but not albums, run away! However, if their work is beautiful and a style that you love, inquire further. Ask for referrals and call them. Was the photographer reliable and prompt? Did they do what they said they would do? Were they fun and easy to work with? How do you like the final product they gave you?'For more information on 'Quintessence Photographic Arts' go to: www.QPhotoArt.com, or call Gail at 530/363.0138.
Simply Elegant Day Rentals & Decor
Question:
'Should I save money by only renting one “set” of chairs and move the ceremony chairs after to the reception area?'
Answer:
'This could be a good idea and a great way to save money, however there are a few important things that need to be considered.
- Do you have a crew/manpower to have the chairs moved? You probably don’t want to ask guests or people that are in the wedding party do this task. Not only will pictures be taken during this time with some of these people, but this job could be quite labor intensive and if your guests are dressed nicely for your wedding they could get dirty and/or hot. If you have a crew or staff from the venue that is there specifically for that task, then great, I say take advantage (just make sure that this charge/fee for them to do this isn’t more than the second set of chairs would cost).
- You will also want to consider the logistics and the flow of the event. Often after the ceremony your guests may want to stay in their seat and mingle or talk with other guests. It may become awkward to ask your guest to move so that you can take their seat. Also, if your guests start moving into the reception area, they will be looking for their seat or may be in the way while a crew is attempting the move. If you have an area that is enticing for your guests to go to that is separate from the reception area you may be able to pull it off. This may be a separate cocktail area or lounge area with some appetizers and drinks to help lure them away from the ceremony site and reception area while the move is happening. Your DJ/MC can make an announcement after the ceremony to help direct guests in a timely manner.
- The last thing to consider is whether or not your guests have a view of the reception area before or during the ceremony. If the décor and overall first appearance of the room is important to you, one set of chairs may not be an option for you. A room set-up without the chairs will look unfinished and overly spacious. It is something to evaluate and determine if the first look and appearance is worth the savings or not.'
Thelma Goldman - Officiant
Question:
'How long is the typical ceremony?'
Answer: 'The typical ceremony I use is about 15 minutes long: however, they can add readings or music or their own words if they choose… I advise them not to worry about what they have to say because when the vows are given I do short and concise sentences for them to repeat after me. They may also write their own vows if they choose.'
For information, you can contact Thelma Goldman at 530/889.8743.
Pizzazz! Event Planning & Bridal Consulting
Question:
'Why should I consider a bridal consultant?'Answer:
'Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion as well as a significant emotional and financial investment. Protect it by retaining a bridal consultant, regardless of your wedding budget, as multiple levels of service are available to you; consultation along the way, all-inclusive planning or day-of coordination. A bridal consultant is the most important part of your overall plan. Remember, they work for you, have your best interest at heart and see to it that your requests are adhered to, exactly as you envision.'
For more information on 'Pizzazz! Wedding Planning & Bridal Consulting' go to www.PizzazzEventPlanning.com, or you can contact Shelley at: 916/276.8737 or 916/782.6501.
That concludes our 'Ask the Experts' series. I hope you've enjoyed this little introduction to the fabulous experts. They'll all be on-hand at Gold Hill Vineyard on Sunday, September 25th from Noon to 1:00pm to answer all your wedding and reception questions. Be sure to attend this great event before you head out to tour all our unique wedding venues as we all 'Celebrate Coloma Weddings!'
In exchange for this wonderful opportunity to 'Ask the Experts', we'd love for you to help us support one of the greatest non-profit organizations around, 'Wish Upon A Wedding'.
Donations will be taken at this event, and all the other venues, so if you can find it in your heart to donate, it will help this wonderful organization provide dream weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or serious life altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. Thanks so much!
