Planning Your Wedding

Byline: Linnyette Richardson-Hall

Linnyette Richardson-Hall is a professional wedding planner based in Baltimore, Maryland. She's been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has put together hundreds of weddings on both a local and national level. She's appeared in Essence and Glamour magazines, and is one of several wedding planners featured on Style Network's hit reality series "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?"

Watch Linnyette as she works her wedding magic for a happy couple.

To find out more about Linnyette, visit her at theweddingdiva.com .

The transcript follows below.

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New York, N.Y.: Do the groomsmen have to be your ushers or can you ask your Uncle or favorite cousin to help seat guests?

Thanks!

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Hi: Most certainly! You can ask close friends or family members to act as ushers ... that will keep your groomsmen with you!

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Arlington, Va.: Linnyette,

In your opinion what are some of the best places to cut some costs without losing impact? And what details will still be waiting to be worked out in the two to three weeks leading up to the wedding? I'm getting married in October, and things seem to be coming along just fine, but I worry that I'll find myself overwhelmed at the end!

Thanks!

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Hello: I like to give my clients what I call the "totem pole"...in the grand scheme of things, define what aspects are most important to you, where you are willing to spend money, etc. Those are the things where you will put the most effort. To be perfectly honest, you'd be surprised as to what your guests "see" and what your "vision" might be. In many cases, they are totally different. Items such as favors (which get wasted more than you know!), expensive menu cards and table frames (which can be done beautifully and inexpensively at home), transportation (not many people will see you arriving or leaving!) are some areas where you can cut back on. However, don't skimp on pictures, food, entertainment and decor. These are the things that people will remember the most.

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Arlington, Va.: What suggestions do you have for a couple with an extremely small budget that would like to invite approximately 200 people to their wedding and reception?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: First - I'd ask you to define your vision - what would you really like to see in terms of decor, ambiance -- feeling?? Then I would suggest looking critically at the time of day you are having the event. Consider doing an early morning wedding followed by a wedding breakfast, or a late evening wedding followed by champagne and dessert. All very classy, all much less expensive than the traditional reception.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any opinions on renting a dress? Do you know where a dress could be rented?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: While that is a viable option - there aren't many places that rent out bridal wear. Have you considered finding something at a consignment shop or some of the discount bridal retailers? Depending on the formality of your event, you may be able to get something off the rack from a store - or maybe try JCrew.com. Really nice, simple outfits.

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Easton, Md.: The room in which we are holding our reception is divided into two, one larger room and a smaller room, by a large fireplace that has walkways on each side. We have about 100 guests in attendance. What layout do you suggest so that no guest feels any less than any other?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Unfortunately - when guests are "divided", someone will always feel left out. The best way to address this is to make sure that each "side" knows what's going on at all times. It's just going to be during times such as when the cake is cut, toasts are given, etc. that you'll need to congregate folks into one area so they can be a part of the festivities. I would suggest doing a group toast (great shot for the photographer) and making sure that either your planner, banquet captain or other trusted person is informing both sides of the room as to what is transpiring - a few minutes before it actually happens.

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Alexandria, Va.: I'm getting married next June and already have the place, caterer, officiate and dress (oh, and the groom!), but work full-time and go to grad. school (I graduate next May) so am trying to get things out of the way as much as possible. My question is am I sticking to a good time line, and what types of things to people tend to get bogged down on (flowers, invitations, favors)?

Thank you!

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Well - you've got some of the main items in place. I would strongly recommend that you consider hiring a professional planner in some capacity ( and that's not because I am one!). Simply put - you've got a lot on your plate and planning a wedding can be strenuous at best. A good planner will help you get the timeline together that works for you and your situation..and help you so that you don't get bogged down. I know that many people think planning this thing called a wedding is a breeze - but it's not. It's a lot of hard work and I can tell you from experience, a good plan can really help on your wedding day!

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Washington, D.C.: I am planning my October wedding and was wondering if it is necessary to invite people who are doing readings at the ceremony to the rehearsal dinner. We have limited space at the rehearsal dinner location. Thanks!

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Typically, the rehearsal dinner is for those people who are actively involved in the wedding itself. So, yes - proper etiquette would dictate that you invite them to the dinner. If your space is going to be limited, I would take out any out of town guests - and make the dinner for wedding party members, their significant others/spouses, parents, ushers/hostesses, readers and officiate.

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RE: An early morning wedding? : Is there a such thing as too early? What is a reasonable time?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: I am a fan of early morning weddings! I've done them as early as 10 a.m. followed by wonderful breakfasts and brunches, definitely a great alternative to the typical afternoon/evening soiree. Plus - you can save more money and be finished earlier - leaving you time to have some relaxed moments with your out of town guests - or get started on your honeymoon! Bottom line - people who love you will show up - no matter what time you say!

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Washington, D.C.: I am having an outdoor home wedding in August and I am searching for a "day-of" coordinator. What are some questions to ask that person? Is there a big difference between indoor/outdoor weddings as far as coordination?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: Good question! A wedding at home can be more difficult than one in a facility -- simply because there are more parameters to take into consideration. In your quest for a coordinator, look for someone who has experience managing complex events -- especially ones at private residences. Ask them about their experience, dealing with the myriad of off premise providers that will be necessary for the event. Find out how they will handle parking, staffing, maintaining privacy for you and your neighbors, permits and noise ordinances, portable restrooms ... the list is endless. There is a MAJOR difference in the management of an indoor vs. outdoor wedding. Mother Nature is the key player in this instance -- so make sure that you have a solid "Plan B" in the works. A good coordinator will help you do that! On another note - because of the complexities of dealing with a home wedding, I would suggest utilizing the planner for a bit more service - the help will only benefit you in the long run.....

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Alexandria, Va.: I am getting married in December and am anxious to tie in some Christmas themes without going too overboard. Any thoughts?

Linnyette Richardson-Hall: I did a wedding this past January -- and used a "winter wonderland" theme. Lots of "snow" and wintry trees ... pure white linens, touch of silvery sparkle, white florals. The end result was stunning -- and the venue was still decorated from Xmas!! It's a matter of concealment, smoke and mirrors if you will. I'd probably stay away from red..and focus instead on the purity of winter. It's a classy, clean look