Planning Your Big Day
by Bruce Mullen
You are about to embark on what will probably be one of the most simultaneously stressful, fulfilling, and joyous times of your life: you are getting married!
I am Bruce Mullen, and I have been the Director of Banquets at The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, a 5 Diamond Hotel, for over 20 years. I have also worked at The Playboy Casino in Atlantic City and have worked for Donald Trump as well. But this is not about me; this is about you! I would like to offer an insider’s look at some of the things you, as the bride, will need to do over these next 6 to 10 months. You might be thinking: “Oh, my God, where do I start and what do I do first?”
Of all my years in this business, I hear that question over and over. I always tell our prospective brides to “lean on the people that do this all the time.” Use your resources, the people that you are going to use for your wedding. Some of the most influential people and those easiest to talk to are the vendors that you will select to help you plan and execute your big day. There are many people that you will need to select to help you with the happiest day of your life: decorator, seamstress, dress designer, invitations, entertainment, photographer, caterer, videographer, transportation company, makeup artist, and stylist. The list is endless.
There are so many plans that you have to make. For me to list them here in this small space could be a little overwhelming. So, instead, I will give you a little synopsis of some of the higher points in this first blog post. Then, every so often, I will touch on a few subjects and answer readers' questions.
Picking a Date
One of the biggest decisions that will be dependent on so many other outside influences is the date you are going to get married! Do you want a spring, summer, fall, or winter wedding? Do you want a destination wedding? Is there a home Eagles game? (Believe it or not, there have been decisions based solely around that criterion.) Can your parents make this date? All of these circumstances play an integral part in selecting a date.
Picking a Venue
Notwithstanding, a venue is just as important. Whether you have your heart set on a perfect venue, such as a certain 5 Diamond property in Philadelphia (ahem, The Rittenhouse), or a farmhouse country wedding, you also need to make sure they have your date available. At some venues they can execute multiple events at the same time, while at other venues you are the sole focus and your wedding receives the ultimate attention you so deserve on YOUR DAY! Remember that the venue will play an integral role in the entire event.
Ask yourself questions like:
What type of feel or ambiance are you looking for?
Do you need hotel rooms for out of town guests?
Will there be a brunch for your guests that stay over?
Who handles the food and service at the venue? Do you need to bring in an outside caterer?
Do you need to add in extra expenses of equipment (tables, chairs, linens, china) or is that included?
Define Your Vision
So as you begin this incredible journey, make decisions based on “what you want” and what you envision your dream wedding to be. You can customize anything and everything you want and make this day as perfect as you want. Just remember there is a cost associated with everything, so a budget must be considered.
One of the phrases you will say quite often in these upcoming months will be. “DAD, I need the checkbook.”
Until next month, “At Your Service,” Bruce Mullen
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