weddings and special events and private estates: Playing by the Rules and How to Bend Them

We have all heard of stories about family friction or uncomfortable situations that come up while planning a wedding or special event.

In this week's blog, we try and tackle some of the more popular challenges.

Q. Trying to plan a wedding on a firm budget and everyone has given you their guest list and now the guest list is out of control.

A. If you and your fiance are paying for the wedding, then pay for what you both can afford. There is nothing worse then starting a marriage off in debt. If the others insist on the larger guest count, then see what they are willing to contribute financially. Please make sure that there is an understanding (I think I sound very Italian when I write the word "understanding" LOL) that the planning decisions will be up to you and your fiance before they contribute.

Q. Your fiance wants to choose and pay for your ring.

A. Gently show him what styles you like. You might want to avoid showing him photos of diamonds big enough to ice skate across - this could give him a heart attack.

Q. You are getting married for the second time - who should walk you down the aisle?

A. Choose someone who plays an important role in your life - could be an uncle, brother or parents. This is your call.

Q. You want both of your parents to walk you down the aisle, but they are divorced and don't speak to one another.

A. Ask them if they can do this for you this one time. If they refuse, and the situation gets sticky, then consider having someone else close to you walk you down the aisle.

Q. You are being pressured by the groom's family to wear an heirloom ring?

A. If you love the stone, but dislike the setting, see if they are open to having the gem placed into a different setting. If that is not possible, then be honest with your fiance and let him know that you want to wear something you will love, since you will be wearing it for the rest of your life.

Here is a photo from a beautiful wedding we produced earlier this month.