Wedding Professional Spotlight: Deposit a Gift

We recently had the opportunity to interview Dana Ostomel, founder of Deposit a Gift.  We hope you enjoy this inside look at such a unique registry service.

1) YBD: Hello! Please introduce yourself and tell us how many years you have been in business.


DAG: Thank you for sharing the Deposit a Gift cash gift registry service with your readers and clients! We are delighted to be part of the blog for Your Big Day. My name is Dana and I am the Founder and Chief Gifting Officer. We launched our service at the end of last year and are already servicing thousands of users.

2) YBD: Tell us about Deposit a Gift and why you decided to start this company.


DAG: Years before I got married, I wondered how anyone could store so many presents—and even if they could, how they had the time to unwrap, return (often), track and use them all. The way we live has changed and it is driving a different set of ‘starter’ needs: we’re more mobile, getting married and having kids later, are more eco-conscious and thinking longer term – we need a gifting option that makes sense for our changing times, one that is flexible and can accommodate a variety of needs. I started to think that I could simplify the registry process—and not just for weddings, but for any big gifting event, while still offering a gratifying gifting experience that is important to gift-givers. And so Deposit a Gift, the next generation gift registry was born.

3) YBD: What makes Deposit a Gift unique?


DAG: Simply put, Deposit a Gift is a less crass way of asking for cash. Our registry let's friends and family contribute monetarily towards dreams and experiences you want most. It's incredibly user friendly, and offers a great alternative to traditional registries -- ideal for couples who already live together and have all their pots and pans, blenders and wine glasses. Our registry was built to function like a department store registry to be easy on gift-givers, but allows couples to register for anything — from honeymoons to home down payments, newlywed activities to charities.


4) YBD:  How do you provide added value for the soon-to-be wedded pair?

DAG: Customer support is hugely important to us. We want our users to benefit from the flexibility that comes with an online cash gift registry, while still not losing the personal support that they would get from an in-store registry. I try to make myself available to our users as much as they’ll allow, to ensure they know that they can count on us for anything they need during this important moment in their lives.


5) YBD: What are the benefits of using Deposit a Gift (for engaged couples and gift-givers)?

DAG: Everything about Deposit a Gift is about choice, so the power is in your hands:

• You can choose to register for more than just your honeymoon, OR create a hybrid registry of ‘honeymoon + newlywed activities’ OR ‘volunteer honeymoon + charity’ -> THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR IMAGINATION

• You can choose when you redeem your gift money and do it as often as you want

• You can choose how to redeem your gift money: via free direct deposit, personal check or Visa gift card

• You choose when to publish your registry and make it publicly accessible

• You can choose to use our site as the hub for all your event details or you can choose to just use the pages you want and turn the others off. Please feel free to view this sample page.
• You can choose to list your other registries on the same page so that everything is in one place and convenient for guests

• You can choose to keep your environmental impact to a minimum and get what you want: No shipping. No gift wrap. No returns. Just the green you want for what you need down the road.

• And, importantly, you can choose when and where to spend your gift money without worrying about store credits or misplace receipts. This allows you the freedom to do many things: save for a larger goal, shop at your own pace from more unique stores, buy locally and support your community’s small businesses and local artists

6) YBD: How does using your service simplify the registry process for the engaged couple?

DAG: Our goal is to offer the most fun, flexible, hassle-free experience possible to both user and guest:

• You don’t have to work so hard to ‘spread the word’ about what you want. A Deposit a Gift wedding website has the cash gift registry ‘baked in’ amongst the rest of the wedding details. So you can circulate the site to your guests comfortable that you are sharing valuable information that they need about the wedding, but also that the registry you most want them to use is easily accessible in a subtle way.

• You don’t need to spend hours in a store or online picking out gifts

• You don’t have to worry about misplacing credits or stores going out of business

• You don’t need to agree with your partner about everything you are picking out

• No one needs to spend their weekend returning gifts

• There are no returns, no space constraints

• Guests traveling from afar don’t have to worry about transporting gifts

• If you have guests coming from another country, receiving cash gifts through Deposit a Gift can help ensure that you don’t lose money on depositing foreign checks or contending with exchange rates

• You don’t have to worry about any of the gifts getting lost or misplaced on The Big Day. Plus it’s a convenient option for guests who want the ease and security of paying with credit card.

• It’s perfect for showers too! We offer a printable gift certificate at checkout that guests can use if they want to bring a gift to the party. There is also a time delay option so that the user won’t be notified of the gift until after the shower. Find more tips by clicking here.


7) YBD: What tips or advice do you have for engaged couples preparing their registry?

DAG: TOP 5 REGISTRY TIPS:

1. Create at least 1 registry, not more than 3. If you are among the couples that feel uncomfortable ‘asking’ for gifts, try to shift your focus and keep in mind that you are not ‘asking’ for anything. A registry is an idea list that relieves guests of guess-work and stress, and is anything but a list of demands. It’s good to give your guests choices, so 2-3 registries is a typical sweet spot, while not being overwhelming.

2. Don’t have separate registries per event. There is only 1 thing happening here: you are getting married. When you register, you are creating gift lists for this occasion in its entirety and these registries may be used for everything from an engagement party to a bridal shower to a bachelorette party. Don’t let semantics confuse you…some stores call it a wedding registry, some a bridal registry, some a gift list, but they are all the same thing.

3. Make it fun -- think like a gift-giver! Although this is your moment, you’ll fare better if you keep your guests in mind. This does not mean that you should stress about what they’re thinking, you’ll think, they’re thinking and all of that emotional head garbage! Thinking like a gift-giver means: What do you like to give as a gift? If you’re like most, you want to give something special that you’ll be remembered fondly for. So whether you’re making a registry to update your kitchen or registering for a new home fund, try to create a list of special gift items that feels personal and is fun for guests to shop from.

4. Keep it simple and all in 1 place. Many guests struggle just to keep up with the details, book hotels and manage flights, let alone make sure they buy you a nice gift. The last thing you want is for the registry to add to their confusion. Today wedding websites are easy, often free and the perfect tool to stay organized: Fill them with all the wedding details, including the registry information so guests have it handy. The wedding website URL can be included on an invitation insert or emailed as appropriate.

5. Online availability is key: Make sure to have at least 1 registry with an online shopping option so guests can just click and go. You’ll be surprised how many gifts are bought the night before or the day of the event.

8) YBD: What is one thing you want everyone to know about Deposit a Gift?

DAG: Deposit a Gift is the service to use when you prefer cash gifts.

How you can connect with Dana & Deposit A Gift

If you have any questions that you would like to ask Dana directly, she can be reached at: support@depositagift.com Follow her: http://www.twitter.com/DepositaGift Keep up with Deposit a Gift’s news: http://www.facebook.com/DepositaGift

I think I love my bridesmaids

I watch some bridezilla episodes and cringe at how the brides often turn their bridesmaids into verbal punching bags. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming to a bride. Here are a couple of tips that can help you & your bridesmaids have a positive, stress -free planning experience.

Brides

1) Make sure that you're selecting bridesmaids that are supportive - Select friends and families that are supportive of your relationship and who will love and support you not only through the planning process but through your marriage.


2) Create a task sheet for each bridesmaids - Since you know your friends best make sure you assign them task that highlight their strengths.



3) Schedule regular meetings with your bridesmaids - You can set the frequency of meeting depending on how much planning time you have. For example if you have 1 year to plan you may want to schedule meeting every 3 months, with more frequent meeting as the wedding date gets closer.


4) Create a bridesmaids newsletter - include information about their dresses, shoes, hair styles. As well as information about the wedding location, time, & day of time lines. You can also include small details like where you are honeymooning and information about the wedding professionals that you have hired.


5) Be kind to your Bridesmaids - Don't take your wedding stress out on your bridesmaids. Remember they have feelings too. Everyone wants to feel respected and valued including your bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids

1) Be committed - If you have agreed to be a bridesmaid, you are making a pledge to the bride that you will be committed to her big day. That commitment extends further then just putting on a dress on wedding day. We know that you have responsibilities outside of "the wedding" but once you agree to participate in the bride's big day. Be prepared to commit yourself when called upon.

2) Be Honest - If you cannot commit fully to the wedding and all that comes with it. Inform your bride upon her asking. Let her know of anything that may hinder your full commitment to her big day so that she can plan accordingly.

3) Check- in on your bride - Try to reach out to the bride via phone, text, or e-mail at least once every two weeks. It allows the bride to know that you are thinking about her. Giving her a sense that she is not alone during the hectic planning time. Allowing the bride to be more relaxed.

4) Have a good attitude - When asked to participate or assist with a task check your attitude. It may not be your favorite task, but remember the bride is asking because she needs help. Make sure you give your attitude an adjustment so that you don't bring any added stress to the situation.

The most important thing for both the bride and bridesmaids to remember is to have fun! Enjoy!

Be Insured & Assured on Your Big Day

When everyone dreams of their wedding, they envision the Perfect Day, where everything runs smoothly and then they drive off into the sunset. Not to abruptly bring you down to reality, but so many things can go wrong and at times they do. Now, we know you don't want to hear this...at all, but disaster can strike on your big day. Isn't it better to be insured for what you hope may never happen, then not be prepared at all?

Wedding Insurance?

What if the day before your wedding, the wedding site burns down? What if a sudden storm prevents all your guests from making it to your wedding? What if your dream dress gets damaged or before your wedding dress is completed the bridal boutique closes down? What if your groom gets a stomach virus after the rehearsal dinner? What if? What if? What if?

The purpose of wedding insurance is to financially protect engaged couples from unforeseen circumstances that they have no control over. In order words, it's your "What If" protection. Wedding insurance policies typically cover cancellation costs from unforeseen issues like a missing officiant, weather, missing vendors, sickness or injury, and damages to your wedding site. Policies usually range from around $125 to around $400, depending on the amount of coverage you need. And with the rising cost of weddings, getting wedding insurance is quite inexpensive in comparison, especially with the peace of mind it provides.

Do I Really Need It?

Having wedding insurance is a lot like having car insurance. You hope you never have to use it, but if an accident happens you are protected and the burden of recouping your losses is not solely on you. Let's continue with the car analogy. You can be the best driver in the world, taking all possible precautions, but there are other variables that are beyond your control: other drivers, the weather, roads in need of repair, etc. Same thing goes for weddings. A lot of other people are involved, from vendors to your wedding party. With your wedding day success dependent on so many things, the likelihood of something going wrong is a big possibility. Wouldn't you rather have something in place, just in case something goes wrong?

No one wants to think about disaster striking their wedding day. That's understandable. And though it's unlikely that the worst case scenario will occur, wedding insurance is worth considering, if only for peace of mind.

Dress Styles for your Trendy Bridesmaids

Usually picking out dresses for your bridesmaids is seen as one of the smaller details to be dealt with throughout the wedding process (especially in comparison to the bride's wedding dress). When picking out one's wedding dress, a bride-to-be puts a lot of thought and time into figuring out what wedding dress is sure to both blow everyone away and bring awe to her groom. She may either go for the modern look, a vintage dress with a modern appeal, or something uniquely her.

While you brides-to-be are deciding on what to wear on your special day, don't leave your bridesmaids looking out dated. Long gone are the days of the cringe-worthy frumpy and puffy-sleeved bridesmaid attire. Now bridesmaids are walking up the aisle looking as fabulous and glamorous as they truly are. Here are some trends from the Spring 2011 Bridal Fashion Week that will inspire you to find great looks for your bridesmaids:

Same Color, Different Styles
This recent trend takes into account that your bridesmaids' bodies are as unique as they are. It's all about accentuating each bridesmaids' figure. Instead of sticking to the "one dress fits all" idea, this trend is going in the direction of bridesmaids wearing the same color or varying shades of one color, but dressed in different shapes and lengths that fit their unique styles and shapes. Having your bridesmaids styled differently but within the same hue allows for some uniformity while playing up individuality.


Jasmine, Twobirds, Jim Hjelm
(Photo Credit: Jasmine, Twobirds, Jim Hjelm)

Bows, bows, bows
The bow detail is still in vogue for next spring as can be seen on the runways. This detail is sure to make your bridesmaids ever present in your guests minds.


Alfred Angelo, Alfred Angelo, Melissa Sweet
(Photo Credit: Conde Nast Digital Studio, Melissa Sweet)

Corsage Detail
The new statement piece is just that: a statement. Corsage details were seen throughout the spring 2011 bridal fashion week- be it over-sized or subtle. For simple dresses, bigger is better. This detail can be seen placed anywhere from aside at the waist to attached at the shoulder.


Priscilla of Boston, Alfred Angelo, 57 Grand
(Photo Credit: Conde Nast Digital Studio, 57 Grand)

Asymmetry
Asymmetry is still in for Spring 2011. whether it is through one shoulder dresses or elaborate draping across the bodice of the dress. This trend is sure to catch the attention of your wedding guests. If you are looking for something fresh and stylish, this is something you should consider incorporating.


Priscilla of Boston Priscilla of Boston, Alfred Angelo, Thread

(Photo Credit: Conde Nast Digital Studio)

First Dance.....with a Twist!!!

Just Picture It.....

After agreeing to spend the rest of your life with THE love of your life, you start the evening off gazing lovingly into each others eyes, slowly rocking to Etta James' At Last. Yes, nothing is as perfect as it is right now. But Suddenly, the music comes to a halt. Confusion ensues......Then, everyone starts hearing some old school blast from the past on the loudspeaker. NO, this is not a wedding disaster. This is all apart of your plan to entertain your guests and let loose, as you perform a high energy choreographed number or simply just wing it!


Does the above scenario sound familiar? It should. This is a growing trend at weddings all over the U.S. and it's all the rage!!! We've all seen the youtube videos of various couples' twist on the traditional First Dance. You've probably witnessed a few of these at weddings yourself. This is definitely not your mom's wedding (unless she was way before her time). Couples are veering from the typical 'hug and sway' and making their first dance uniquely their own. Sometimes they even include their wedding party. It's all about showing your personality, entertaining your guests, but most importantly just having fun with each other in the moment.

So, this sounds like something you want to incorporate in your upcoming wedding. But where do you even begin? You're no dancing aficionado. The only dance moves you've got are the robot and the cabbage patch. No Problem!! You have two options:

1. Just Wing It. This is your big day. It's all about you and your love having fun and enjoying yourselves. Your Wedding is a big party, so dance like you would at any other: be carefree. Who cares if you don't have the best moves. As long as you're enjoying yourselves, so will your guests.

2. Get a Dance Instructor. This is the route many have taken. Just go to the nearest dance studio and they'll choreograph a dance that represents you as a couple. So what are you waiting for? Go and contact a dance studio, in your area!

And as we sign off, we'll leave you with two videos that may give you some inspiration. And remember, Just Have Fun!!!!

Just Add Family

Blended families are becoming more common. The Bride, the Groom, or both maybe entering into their new lives together along with their children. The wedding day then takes on the added value of three or more becoming one (Bride, Groom, & children).

Here are a couple of ways that you can celebrate the new family unit on Your Big Day:

1) Family Medallion - The family medallion is a symbol of three interlinked circles that represents the love of the couple that incorporates the child(ren). The medallions come in different jewelry styles including pendants, lapel pins, rings, charm & bracelets, and watch & key chains. Each jewelry order comes with a free ceremony guide. The jewelry can be given as a special gift in private or you can incorporate the gift giving into the wedding ceremony. Typically, after the couple has been pronounced husband & wife the medallion ceremony will take place. The ceremony includes the presentation of the selected jewelry and a parents pledge of continued love to the child(ren). For more information visit http://www.familymedallion.com/

2) Children Participating in the Wedding Party - The most common incorporation of children into the day is including them in the wedding party or within the ceremony as scripture or poem readers. Wedding party or ceremony participation selection should be age appropriate for the child(ren). The child(ren) should also feel comfortable with their role and participation should not be forced. The couple should formally ask the child(ren) to participate in a special way kind of like a second proposal.

3) Create a family logo or symbol - In the days of custom wedding monograms and logos the family can design a monogram, logo, or symbol that will be used throughout the wedding day on items such as invitations, programs, menu cards, favors, and any other special touches that personalize your day.

The most important detail of incorporating children into the day is to ensure that everyone feels special and loved during the process. However, you decided to celebrate the union just remember everything grows with love.

Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn T. Williams
Event Createurs
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/
info@yourbigdayllc.com

Don't let your D-I-Y event project turn into an OMG Moment on Event Day

When planning for events many people view making centerpieces, event planning/coordination, and printing invitations as tasks that they can do themselves. I am not addressing the people that have a creative energy and just haven't gone into business yet. I am talking to the person with no real creative background or skill who thinks that they are saving money by being their own florist, planner, and/or printer. You may think you are saving money in the long run by doing things yourself but you could be setting yourself up for an even greater expense, heartache, and headache.

Professionals within the event industry have taken the time to research, study, and perfect their skills. They insert all of their knowledge into ensuring that your day is a success. You maybe able to order wholesale flowers at an inexpensive rate but how will you keep them fresh until wedding day? Who will be responsible for setting up the centerpieces on event day? What will you do if you wake-up on event day and all your centerpieces wilted because of lack of proper storage? Or when the person that you assigned to set -up your venue is more concerned about what they are wearing to your event then they are with properly dressing your table?

We are not saying these things to scare you, we just want to make you are aware of all aspects of D-I-Y projects for your big day.


Here are some things to think about before you decide to take on a D-I-Y project for your event.

1) Study and research what it will take to complete a professional looking job - depending on the project you may need to to turn to the Internet, library, or local bookstore to find out the proper materials, tools, and techniques you will need complete your project.

2) Create a realistic budget for both your material and time - After researching your project you will need to create a budget for the materials that you need, also apply a monetary value to your time. The easiest way to do this is to multiply whatever your hourly rate is from your job by the amount of hours you think you will need to complete the project, including day of event set-up. Compare it against the quotes you received from a professional. Are your savings that much greater?

3)If something goes wrong how will this impact my event - complete a risk analysis by answering the question how will my event be impacted if something goes wrong with my project on event day? Will it cause a big disruption or will it go unnoticed if its not there. Try to only take on projects that will not totally disrupt your day if things don't happen the way you planned for them.

We know that even with working with a professional mishaps can still happen. However, when you hire a professional you maybe able recover some damages for poor services or and if something goes astray. When taking on D-I -Y projects you have no protection or legal recourse that you can bring against yourself.

Ask yourself, can I live with ME if my project doesn't go according to plan?

Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn T. Williams
Event Createurs
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/

How Can I Get The Most Out Of My Event Budget

The number one concern these days, whether you are planning a corporate event or a bride-to be, is sticking to the budget! So we've put together a short list of things that you can do to stretch your budget on Your Big Day.

1) Guest List - This is the primary budget buster. The number of people you invite affects not only your catering budget, but also the cost of your invitations, favors, and decor (centerpieces). It is great to want to share Your Big Day with everyone. However, I can't stress enough that when trying to cut costs keeping your guest list lean is the best way possible.

2) Host your event on an "off" day - Friday and Saturday are the most popular days for weddings and personal events. They often come with a high price tag, too. Flexibility on your day can save you lots of money. Weekday evenings are usually available at event venues. If your're flexible and willing to try a non-traditional day/night you could still have your dream location at a fraction of the price! Many worry about their family and friends not attnending a week day event; however, if you provide enough notice this should allow them to make the necessary arrangements. Keep in mind that near and dear family and friends will be by your side whether it's a Monday afternoon or a Saturday night.

3) Professional Event Planner - Do not underestimate the value of having a professional event planner and the money they can save you. This may seem conterintuitive. Why hire someone to do what you can do for free? Event planners form relationships with other planners, and vendors who often offer discounts. Event Planners generally pass those savings on to their clients. Also, event planners save you time and energy. They do the running around and leg work required to make your day what you dream. Less stress has a value of its own!

These are just a couple of tips to think about as you plan your next event. If you follow these cost-saving tips we're sure you will still have a memorable event with money left over in the bank!

Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn Williams
Event Createurs
www.yourbigdayllc.com

With These Mean$ I Thee Wed

A wedding is a huge investment. In our opinion its part of the top 3 investments of a lifetime along with buying a house and having children. In most cases you will be spending a pretty large amount of money within a very short period of time.

How do you prepare for such an expense? While one of the top things is saving as much as you possibly can. The number one thing you need to do is be HONEST.

1) Be honest with yourself. Set a realistic budget. Your wedding will last one day don’t spend what you can’t afford. After the last guest has left and the dishes are cleared away you will still have to pay your monthly household expenses. Come up with a comfortable dollar amount that you can save monthly after meeting your monthly expenses. Add that number by the number of months you have to save for your wedding and this should be the base number you use for your wedding budget.

2) Be honest with each other. Vocalize the number you really feel comfortable with spending. Although we would all love to have a budget less wedding the truth is that the average folk just can’t do that. If for some reason you run into financial trouble during the planning process. Let your finance know as earlier as possible. They maybe able to help out with covering the shortage OR the two of you can begin to comb over the details to see were you might be able to save. Don’t be afraid to voice your needs, if you have to tighten up on some things when you find yourself in the midst of planning. It can only help you in the long term.

3) Be honest with your planner. This is critical. Being honest with your planner about your finances during the planning process can save you a lot of heartache. Based on your initial budget notification your planner can ensure that all vendors chosen can accommodate your budget. Also, if faced with financial difficulties that many arise during the process your planner can let you know where you can effectively trim the budget without trimming elegance. Your planner can also help you communicate with your vendors if any special arrangements need to be made.

Open and honest communication will be your key to successfully saving for your big day.



Happily Planning,

Ingrid M. Williams & Joycelyn T. Williams
Creating Events That Last A Lifetime
http://www.yourbigdayllc.com/