Barbara @ Barbara's Brides

February 2012 Austin Monthly Wedding Issue

2012-02-03T23:57:05Z

We were very excited to receive so many calls and e-mails from friends and family
members when they saw the great special wedding issue of Austin Monthly. We
were one of the Austin wedding planners spotlighted.

The only problem? We were interviewed before our 6th year of The Knot's "Best of Weddings" was
announced. Oh well, we are still excited to be included in the article.

Have a fantastic weekend,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Barton Creek in the Fall

2012-01-26T03:51:54Z

We love the pavilion at Barton Creek for a ceremonies and then moving inside
for an elegant, spacious reception. The weather was perfect for Jocelyn and
Casey's beautiful wedding day. Thanks to Amelia Tarbet for the fantastic photos
and being so much fun to work with that night.

Thank you to all the wonderful vendors that made the night so special:

Ceremony, Reception, Catering & Bar: Barton Creek Resort

Reception Music: Blind Date, Mark 560-7465

Photographer: Amelia Tarbet 799-7878

Ceremony Music: Tracy Seeger, Barton Strings 445-6864

Cake: Scott Calvert, The Cake Plate 263-9305

Chairs: Marquee Rentals 491-7368

Officiant: Gordon Smith

Lighting: Ilios Lighting 440-7045

Photo booth: Toddy Darby, Say Cheese 484-4966

Happy planning,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Austin

2012-01-24T05:10:21Z

It is official: Barbara's Brides has received "The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick" for the 6th year in a row. We had so many fantastic weddings in 2011 and we are so very grateful to all our beautiful brides and their parents that took the time to post their reviews and "the knot" for their editor's pick selection.

We are off to an amazing start for 2012, thank you!
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

The Knot's Top Wedding Trends 2012

2012-01-20T15:31:43Z

I attended a wonderful luncheon at The Driskill where we heard from several speakers in
the wedding industry. One of the most interesting was "the knot" sharing their predictions
for the top wedding trends of 2012. I was very excited that several of my 2012 Austin brides
are right on target with the latest styles.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2012-- From bewitching, fairy-tale-like wedding dresses channeling Snow White and The Huntsman to bachelorette parties with The Hunger Games action, TheKnot.com (NYSE: XOXO), the #1 online wedding planning resource, today released its annual forecast for the hottest wedding trends for 2012.
“Weddings have been sexy and bold, but now the world is ready to embrace the traditional…with a modern twist, of course,” says Carley Roney, cofounder and editor in chief of TheKnot.com. “From the long-lasting ‘Kate Middleton Effect’ on wedding fashion to romantic watercolor details and a 1900s-inspired panoramic wedding portrait, expect more classic and formal wedding details for 2012. Just remember – brides will still take certain elements to a whole new level, like once-in-a-lifetime mega-moons or even The Hunger Games-style bachelorette parties.”

Here’s a look at the top 10 wedding trends for 2012:
1. “Snow White” Wedding Dresses: Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.

2. Enchanting Flowers: The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy film The Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.

3. Watercolor Designs: On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!

4. The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties: Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.

5. The Bombshell Bride: Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.

6. The Panoramic Wedding Portrait: Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.

7. Ritzy Ranch Weddings: The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.

8. When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers: When it comes to wedding videos, it’s not something brides are watching after the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.

9. Long Sleeves & Lace: Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.

10. Mega-Moons: Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot.

Does anything look exciting to you? What touches are you going to add to your own wedding?

Be sure to contact us if you need help making it all come together for your wedding day.

Happy planning,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Finding Your Austin Wedding Planner

2012-01-18T16:14:28Z

I thought this was a great post from www.eleGala.com regarding what you should
know before hiring your Austin wedding planner. The other comment I would add
is to ask your other vendors or venue. They have first hand knowledge on which Austin
planners are great to work with, who creates amazing weddings and are considered
top notch. We are very proud to be recommended by many wonderful Austin wedding
venues and some of the best wedding vendors in Austin.

eleGALA tip

Remember: The planner should also ask you plenty of questions to best determine whether he or she can meet your needs to pull off your event.

Hiring a Wedding Planner

Here’s what you need to know to find a wedding planner who is your perfect match…

Find Your Wedding Planning Pro

Once you’ve determined what services you’d like to hand over to a wedding planning pro, scout out a few in your area. The eleGALA.com local vendor directory is a great place to start. Then schedule some phone or face-to-face consultations with a few wedding planners who strike your fancy.

Ask the Right Questions

During the consultation, you need figure out whether you’ll work well together. It’s best to come prepared with the right questions:

1. The Know-How

Does the planner offer all the services you need? Come prepared with a list of things you’d like help with, and review your list together.

2. Money Talks

Does the planner’s service fees work within your budget, and is the planner able to commit to your total wedding budget while planning your event?

3. The Right Connections

Does the planner have a network of reliable professionals, and can they refer you to those who match your style and budget?

4. Prime Negotiator

Will the planner be able to help you save on any aspects of your wedding – either by negotiating the best prices, scoring vendor discounts, or obtaining added extras?

5. Etiquette Guru

Is the planner knowledgeable on etiquette matters, and can he/she steer you in the right direction?

6. Trend Savvy

Is the planner in the know on the latest wedding trends and styles? Does he/she have a blog or use social media? Be sure to “follow” that planner, and you’ll get a sense of who this person is through his or her posts.

7. Straight Troubleshooter

Can the planner coordinate all logistics with vendors and the wedding party to ensure everything runs smoothly? With a professional on hand, you should be able to enjoy your day like a guest and leave the details to her.

8. Personality Plus

In the end, it’s all about a positive relationship and trust. Do you like this person? Try to get a sense for how well you think you’ll work together.

9. Always the Professional

Ask to see the planner’s business license, professional organization membership, or any indication that she is a certified business professional and not just moonlighting as a wedding planner.

10. Seal of Approval

Ask to see reference letters. Be wary if they cannot provide any.

Sign on the Dotted Line

After you’ve determined that you would like to work together, it’s time to sign the contract. Make sure that all services discussed are listed on the contract along with the total cost. Also make sure a pre-discussed cancellation policy is included on the contract.

Happy planning,

Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

Happy Birthday MLK, Jr.

2012-01-16T17:39:42Z

Other than having a day off, I hope everyone will take a moment to remember the
amazing man who was born today and celebrate what he stood for.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Think of your fellow man,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Bridal Shows and Vendors

2012-01-04T12:10:00Z

It has been such a whirlwind of activity with the holidays wrapping up as we continue
with our January weddings coming up. We have met several new brides the past week
and we're so excited they chose us as their planner, especially since two of our new
brides are long distance. If you live out of town, out of state or in some cases out of the
US, we can be your Austin wedding planner anchor. Having a wedding coordinator based
in Austin gives you the insight and experience you need to make all the details come
together for your perfect day.

We normally participate in an Austin bridal show in January, but we just aren't able to
with weddings on the same weekends. We always encourage our brides to take our
preferred vendor list with them to the bridal shows so they aren't as overwhelmed with
the tremendous volume of vendors in all categories they will meet at the bridal shows.
Be cautious with "deals" that seem too good to be true. You should be able to take a
day or two to think over the special offers the vendors are offering. Don't feel pressured
or rushed to make a decision at the show. If you don't have a wedding coordinator yet
be sure you feel that connection when interviewing them. You shouldn't have any doubt
or hesitation with your vendors, especially your wedding coordinator or designer.

I have a text code below for you to use to get one free ticket into the Bridal Extravaganza
at Palmer Event Center on Sunday, January 7 & 8.

Text "BrideA" to 45384 for one free ticket per bride. Offer good for online purchase only.
Not valid at the door and this coupon expires January 8th.

Have a great time at all the shows happening over the next month,
Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

New Year's Eve Weddings

2011-12-31T16:08:08Z

Happy New Year's to you and your loved ones. We love New Year's Eve. Quite often we
have a wedding on New Year's Eve which is so fun celebrating with a large group of wedding
guests and of course the elated bride and groom. Here are a few fun photos from past
weddings and we look forward to seeing photos from tonight's weddings soon.

If you receive an engagement ring on NYE, we hope to hear from you so we can assist you in
planning your beautiful Austin wedding for 2012.

Cheers to you and Happy 2012,
Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

Are you newly engaged?

2011-12-27T04:07:22Z

There is always excitement in the air around the holidays, but add in that it is also one of the
most popular times for engagements. You have this amazing ring sparkling on your finger and
the man you love by your side, so what is next? Where do you start with wedding planning?
Start thinking and writing down your ideas and thoughts.

1. The first thing I would suggest is deciding the month you'd like to be married. What is your
favorite time of year? If you hold off on the specific date it will give your more options with the
venues for the ceremony and reception.
2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I knew from the beginning we wanted to
get married in September but we were also living in San Diego. I know I am not a morning
person, so we picked an evening wedding.
3. Do you want a big wedding or a more intimate affair?
4. What is your most picturesque setting when you dream of your perfect day? Ours was
on the water with our closest family and friends.
5. Hire a wedding planner to help you find the perfect location and the right vendors.
6. Start gathering photos of what you are envisioning for your wedding.
7. As uncomfortable as it is you also need to know what your budget is? Are you paying
for it yourselves or are your parents?

Those are the first steps after you become engaged. We look forward to hearing from you.

Congratulations!
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T21:23:07Z

Our tree is up, the stockings are hung over the fireplace, surrounded by nutcrackers
and snowmen. My grandmother's hand painted nativity scene is in the center of all
the Christmas gifts and we have made our gingerbread house. We are getting ready
for Christmas Eve service which is one of my favorites of the year singing carols by
candlelight with parents and children together. It makes me teary each year.

What are some of your favorite family traditions? Do you plan to start new ones?
It is a magical time of year and the perfect time to appreciate the precious gift of
time with loved ones.

Happy birthday Jesus,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Happy Birthday Driskill Hotel

2011-12-20T17:26:24Z

It is no secret how much I love the Driskill Hotel. From the moment I first walked into
this majestic property 17 years ago, I was smitten. I loved watching the renovations,
hearing about all the hidden doors, documents and photos that were discovered during
the renovations and the one of a kind hotel it is once again. There is remarkably history
throughout the hotel. Not many places can boast having the oldest working hotel in their
state, but The Driskill Hotel is the oldest hotel in the vast state of Texas. That alone is
quite an accomplishment. Not to mention how many glorious state balls, weddings, first
dates, honeymoon nights and the first Austin telephone call coming through to the Driskill.

Did you know that The Driskill is where Lyndon B.Johnson took Ladybird on their first date?
Did you ever notice the unbelievably beautiful golden mirrors lining the Maximilian Room
on the Mezzanine were actually wedding gifts to the beautiful Princess Charlotte of Belgium
from Maximilian when she became Empress Carlota? Her likeness is on each of the mirrors
that line the room. This is my very favorite room at the Driskill. See the third photo below to
see the mirrors in the cake cutting photo.

I love to walk the corridors looking at all the paintings with some depicting historical moments
with a plaque describing the event. The suites are unique and are the perfect setting for
honeymoon nights and special occasions. The Cattle Baron Suite and Bridal Suite are the
perfect backdrops for wedding photos for the bridal party getting ready.

I could never count the amount of weddings I have had at The Driskill and hope for many
more. The staff is top notch and only add more reasons why this is my favorite wedding venue.
Be sure to visit during the holidays to see their grand tree in the lobby, enjoy their fantastic bar
area and be sure to appreciate such a treasure in Austin, I know I do.

Here is a photo from the Driskill Bridal Event last year. We decorated the ballroom along
with Bouquets of Austin as well as a few of our favorite weddings at the Driskill.

Here's to wishing The Driskill many more birthdays,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-20T16:19:03Z

The holiday spirit is definitely in the air. Regardless of which holiday you celebrate I
hope that you share goodwill towards everyone. To all my wonderful Jewish couples
I wish you Happy Hanukkah.

Happy Holidays everyone,
Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

Holiday Spirit

2011-12-15T10:22:00Z

Our church has challenged us to give gifts of the heart and service this holiday season.
I know there are needs all over the world for food, sponsoring and other donations, but
there are so many in our own community that need our help. The Statesman has a
holiday drive with several families listing specific needs, your church may have an Angel
tree, schools in your area have children without the basic needs of clothing, food and
school supplies. You can go into the school office and ask if you can provide gift cards
or pay $30 for their lunches. Many may have the children's Christmas wishes or a tree
in the lobby with children's wishes on it. The opportunities are all around you, just look.

There are countless organizations and charities trying to help local children and families
that need food, clothing, toiletries not to mention not being able to open even one gift on
during the holidays. Several groups are arranging for a children to shop for their parents
and also for parents to pick out one special gift for their children.

When you start to feel sad or not sure how to get the holiday spirit, try giving. It warms
your heart instantly and makes an impact on someone's life. You can spend as little as
$30 for a grocery card, $20 for Target or Wal-Mart and you have made someone happy.
Bags of Grace can be handed out to the many homeless on the corners we pass by
each day. Fill a ziploc bag full of energy bars, dried fruit, bottled water, hand wipes and
mints. Get creative with the giving spirit. You will feel great afterwards.

It is an effort we can make year round, but this time of year it has an even bigger impact.

Happy Holidays to each of you,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Promises Message

2011-12-13T16:40:10Z

With the holidays upon us and so many struggling for ideas on what to buy loved ones or how to
afford a special gift, reading this Promises chocolate message really hit home.

Spending time is a greater gift than spending money.

Taking a child to the park, sitting down with a grandparent to listen to them talk about their
favorite memories or taking a parent to lunch is a priceless gift that says far more than a trinket.

Hope your holidays are very special,
Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

A Stunning New Knot Wedding

2011-12-08T20:35:52Z

We loved working with Anna and Nadeem on their fantastic wedding last April.
Pam Hults with a la Vie Photography captured their day beautifully. I told Pam
on the wedding day that this wedding should be in The Knot because it was so
gorgeous and here we are in the latest edition of The Knot.

Best wishes to Anna and Nadeem on their new marriage,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Remembering Pearl Harbor

2011-12-07T09:57:00Z

Today is the perfect opportunity to stop and remember all that our country's service
men and woman sacrifice for us each and every day. The 70th anniversary of one of
the most horrible attacks against the US needs to be remembered. Our country has
come so far, we have been in many other wars and we bonded together again as a
nation after 9/11, so just pause for a few moments to remember the past.

If you travel to Oahu, be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor monument. It is chilling,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Winter Wedding Treat

2011-12-05T01:07:14Z

With a wonderful chill finally in the air, it's beginning to feel like winter. At
our winter weddings we love to add a special coffee bar during the cake
cutting. It doesn't add a lot to the bar budget, but it does make a big
impact on the WOW factor for your guests. Consider adding Bailey's,
Kahlua, Tia Maria for the coffee drinkers, spiced hot teas, hot cocoa with
whipped cream and of course, chocolate shavings. Your guests will love
the sweet surprise you've given them.

All the delicious drinks are from www.pauladeen.com

So yummy, enjoy!
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Hiring an Austin Wedding Planner, Designer or DIY

2011-12-02T05:15:23Z

Our peak wedding season has kicked off and so have the interviews with
new brides looking for someone to assist them with their wedding planning
needs, but what type of person do they need? A few brides have called asking
"Why do I need a planner when my venue comes with one?" Well, is your
site coordinator a wedding planner? Did they tell you we are here for you
from the beginning of planning until you leave for honeymoon suite? Do
they handle all the details that pertain to the property only? I have many
venues in Austin with fantastic catering managers, but they recommend me
because their jobs are to coordinate the details of the venue in regards to
setup, staffing, food and beverage needs and perhaps hotel rooms. They
recommend us so that you will have someone to contact with planning
questions that aren't about the venue: tuxes, rehearsal dinner, flower colors,
family dynamics, transportation questions, decor ideas and so much more.

That leads me to the designer. Do you want a planner or do you really need
some with the vision, ideas and inventory to implement it all? Are you at a
loss where to start with the look of your wedding and how to make it happen?
Designers can do all that and more, but they typically aren't going to your
catering tasting, assisting you with questions about interfaith weddings,
fixing a bustle or sewing a tuxedo button. You may want to add a "day of"
planner along with your designer if that is enough.

What about a wedding planner or coordinator? That is what we do. We have
great ideas on design, what will work to create a beautiful event, but we don't
claim to be designers. We know all that it takes to coordinate the countless
details of your wedding day. We have a natural sense of what needs to be
done, what goes where, what looks best and how to keep the bride calm. We
have been voted the "best of the knot" weddings every year for a very good
reason we absolutely love what we do and we do it extremely well. Our
prices are listed under services so you can see what we offer. We encourage
our brides to add or delete any services they don't need. If you will be
shopping for your gown with your mom, you don't need us there, but if you
have no idea what centerpieces work best at your venue that is where our
expertise comes in. If you are lost in the sea of wedding photographers in
Austin, we can give your our top 3 to consider. All our vendors are only
recommended after we have worked with them and built a trust that the
bride can be comfortable working with. We have a great team element at all
our weddings and that makes the wedding day even smoother for the couple.

So think about what you need and give us a call if we sound like what you
have been looking for. Our dates for 2012 are filling up quickly and we'd
love to help you with your wedding plans.

Welcome to December,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com

Thought for the Day

2011-11-27T10:42:00Z

Are you good at delegating or do you have to do it all yourself? I have worked very
hard on this trait because I felt I needed to do everything myself, but I learned a
valuable lesson that people feel special when you ask for small favors or let them
help you. I was the one who always helped everyone until there came a time 5 years
ago when I needed to rely on others. Here was my latest fortune cookie and it made
me smile knowing how far I have come. I now let interns do a lot more at my weddings
in regards to setup so I can focus on the needs of my brides. I know I don't have to do
it all in regards to my family, work or my kid's school.

Do not hesitate to look for help, an extra hand should
always be welcomed.

Are you a DIY bride? Are you planning to take care of all the wedding details yourself
throughout the planning and also on the actual wedding day? If there was ever a time
to have extra help it is with your wedding. I cannot express strongly enough how many
of my "Day Of " only brides are relieved to have me to contact with planning questions,
decor ideas, vendor referrals and most importantly bringing the whole day together so
they (and their families) can relax and take in all the wonder of the wedding day.

If you need an Austin wedding planner, be sure to give us a call. We have been
selected "the best of the knot" every year for a very good reason. We are very
experienced at creating beautiful weddings which is why vendors and our past
brides recommend us all the time.

Happy planning,
Barbara

www.barbarasbrides.com

Being Thankful!

2011-11-24T10:53:00Z

We should truly have a thankful grateful heart all year long. There are countless blessings
each day that go unnoticed. A beautiful clear sky, a baby laughing, the ability to run, living in
a country with so much freedom, a person who loves us, food on our tables and work that
you love in order to provide for your family. It doesn't take much to be thankful, so take a
moment and count your blessings.

We are doing Thanksgiving different this year. We have had two major losses in our
family with the very sudden death of one of my best friends the end of June and my
husband's mother in August. It is going to be very strange and sad not to have them
a part of any festivities, gift exchanges or sharing holiday cheer. Thanksgiving is also
my husband's birthday and with a very rare wedding free Thanksgiving weekend, his
birthday wish is to spend it in Las Vegas with just me and our boys. So off we go to
celebrate what we are most thankful for, our amazing family and all that comes with it.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com