Thursday, April 30, 2015

How a wedding gown is preserved

Handing down a wedding gown is something special. Ever wonder how gown preservation is done? Here is some information you may consider.

How are gown cleaned?

* Gowns are hand-cleaned with gentle chemicals to dissolve stains. Then, the gown is rinsed in pure solvents to complete the cleaning process.

What is preservation?

* Gowns are carefully packed with acid-free tissue and placed in a museum quality chest. This chest protects the fabric from exposure to air and light which can cause yellowing over time. 

Can the gown be seen from the chest?

* Yes. The gown can be viewed from the front of the chest - similar to a store front window.

The sentimental value attached to a wedding gown is often times greater than the purchased value of the gown. Handing down a bride's gown from one generation to the next is an honor. This tradition can be preserved forever. 

This cherished possession is certainly a sign of a strong family bond.

Happy planning!













Wednesday, April 29, 2015

New Orleans - Your destination for weddings










New Orleans is known for its laid back, care-free celebrations. When a city has a tomato festival, you know it takes celebrating very seriously.

New Orleans is a city with a snapshot of historical time. The French Quarter homes and other structures have been in place for a long time. It's this historical perspective that gives New Orleans its unique flavor. The downtown area is creatively designed in that hotels are minutes away, and walking distance, from the festivities. It is lawful to carry an open container. Where can you find that in the United States?

The real draw card is the understanding that people who live here have for "out-of'-towners" when events are a part of the daily activities. People here love to party so they feel free to join in the celebration.

Other places may have beautiful landscapes, mountains, bigger hotels, sandy beaches, and the list continues.

New Orleans offers a picturesque backdrop unmatched by other cities.

Happy planning!





Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Big Church or Small Chapel

What used to be a relatively simple routine ceremony for wedding events has evolved into a monumental undertaking. Today's economy has forced couples to rethink having big splashy traditional church weddings with lots of people. Instead, a growing number of couples are opting for a smaller, simpler, more intimate type of weddings. Chapels can provide that type of intimacy.

A simple service in a small chapel can be more personal and less expensive. And, it can be just as romantic as a big church wedding. Offering a "scaled down" ceremony, couples invite fewer people and find the cost savings quite enjoyable.

There are some advantages to having a large church wedding. Couples can include more people, thereby ensuring essential family partaking in the joyous occasion.

So, when it comes to that special event, what choice will you make? Whether small or large, make sure your weeding event is the happiest moment of your life.

Happy planning!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Before you visit your florist

Before you visit your florist, you should do a little homework:

1. Develop a budget for flowers
2. Select at least two options for your bouquet and wedding party
3. Survey your wedding party for allergies to certain flowers

Upon arriving at the florist for your first appointment:

* Bring a swatch of fabric with you for the florist to keep
* Show the florist pictures of the kinds of shapes in flower arrangements that best suit your taste
* Be prepared to develop a color scheme
* Discuss availability of flowers
* Give your florist the names and wedding positions of everyone who will receive flowers
* Request the names be pinned to the flowers to avoid confusion
* Request extra flowers (just in case)

If you visit your florist prepared, your visit will be fruitful and productive. When choosing flowers, keep in mind the overall look your are trying to achieve. The colors of your flowers should add "life" to the big picture, not fade into the background. Imagine what photographers "see" from a distance. Ask your florist to prepare a sample bouquet for you. Stand with the bouquet in a mirror and back up as much as possible. Take near and far pictures with your phone. Do you still like your selection. If not, you have a golden opportunity to make changes.

Take deliberate time with your florist. This is an important step toward having the wedding even of your dreams.

Happy planning!

 

Saturday, April 25, 2015

I want my wedding to look like the photos in the magazine, but...

I want my wedding to look like the magazine photos, but I really cannot afford it. How often do you hear brides say this? One thing to note here - avoid taking out a loan or going into massive debt to pull off the wedding of your dreams. That dream may become a nightmare. Financial stress takes a huge toll on newly married couples. There should be no reason for a couple to bear the weight of an overly done wedding. My advice to couples is to plan ahead and to be patient. If you are newly engaged, plan to get married toward the end of 2016. Ladies, if he loves you, he will still be around! Create a flow chart for yourself and a timeline. Assign duties to reliable people. Prepare whatever you can far in advance. Rent out a storage facility if needed to keep items safe until the wedding. Avoid waiting a few months prior to the event to start gathering materials to make centerpieces, for example. This kind of planning reduces stress and lends itself to a smoothly run event which people can enjoy.

Remember, all that glitters is not gold.

But, love is priceless.

Happy planning!

Friday, April 24, 2015

No more slow dancing?

As you will see in this brief snippet, couples are not always choosing a slow song for their first dance. Having fun is top priority. Couples should choose the dance style that most fits their personalities. In this wedding dance, you can see this couple enjoying each other. Couples are opting "in" to creating their own dance routines as well. Weddings dances have certainly become an event all by themselves.

Happy planning!


Charming!

At Best Events New Orleans, we work with brides on a strict budget. We offer what we call the "Charming Event Service." This service provides an elegant touch to any event without taking away from all the bells and whistles. And, we follow your orders. In this outdoor wedding, the bride requested a simple centerpiece. When outside, we consider the surroundings. What's in bloom and what's close that offers a touch of color. nature has a way of providing a glow that we could never afford. As you see in this photo a nice touch of yellow from a lemon tree offered the perfect exclamation mark to a simply dressed table. Around the yard, there were gorgeous trees and shrubbery.

For a Charming Wedding, we allow nature to take the lead. 

Happy planning!

Outdoor vs, Indoor Weddings

Outdoor wedding under the oaks

When planning an outdoor wedding event in New Orleans, it's always a good idea to have a "Plan B." However, when the weather is on your side, outdoor weddings can be very romantic and elegant. This wedding was under the oaks at Audubon Park. That evening, the scenery was perfect. Nearby the ceremony was a duck who decided to remain along the perimeter. As the couple exchanged vows, the birds "sang" louder. It was absolutely beautiful. When true love is present, that love seems to permeate throughout the entire space. Can you see the trees giving homage? Even nature knows when love is present.

Outdoor weddings are one of our specialties at The Best Events New Orleans.

Contact us for event management of your outdoor wedding.

Happy planning!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Less is more

A florist once told me that a bride's bouquet should never upstage her dress. He said, "Flowers should make a statement, but act as an accessory."

Bouquets should be proportioned to a bride's body. Certainly, if a bride is below average height, a bouquet half her size will not be flattering. The florist's point was to allow the dress to do what it is designed to do and to let the flowers do their job. When a bride enters the church or ceremony area, most people gasp at the dress. If most people see the flowers first, the bouquet is not right.

Flowers can become a big cost to the total cost of the wedding. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on high-ended flowers like out-of-season flowers and orchids. I have found that a "hint" of flowers is elegant and serves the purpose nicely. I would suggest that brides-to-be create a variety of shapes of bouquets with some inexpensive flowers from the Dollar Stores. Stand in front of a mirror and have someone take a photograph of you. The shapes of these bouquets will give you an idea of the how the real bouquet will look. Take photographs at a distance and closeup. This exercise will give you an idea of how large the bouquet needs to be. Remember, the flowers act as an accessory and should not overpower your body or dress.

Less is more.

Happy planning!

What if my parents don't like the man I'm marrying?

What if my parents don't like the man I'm marrying? I will write this article from the woman's point of view.

If there is conflict this near and near to the family, there will be conflict in the marriage. I heard a minister say to a couple (as he looked from bride to groom), "Now, turn around and meet the real people you're marrying!" The whole church burst out in laughter.

And, that's the truth!

Couples, you are marrying each other's family whether you want to accept it or not.

This is such a common issue. Parents sometimes have the "controlling" thing going on. On the other hand, they may be right. Here are two scenarios.

Wedding One:

Background - a young couple from Georgia/bride - a very professional woman with a good job/groom - average work and a little submissive

- mother of bride totally against the marriage.

The day of the wedding, the mother of the bride poked her tongue out as she walked down the aisle. Well, the videographer could not edit the tape because it would have interfered with the "flow" of the ceremony. So, the bride has (forever) a tape of her wedding with her mother poking her tongue out as she walked down the aisle.

Wedding Two:

Background - young couple from New Orleans/groom's mother paid for the entire wedding/mother of groom had "mixed" feeling about her son's choice for a bride.

As the plans for the wedding unfolded, the mother revealed that she had paid for a new house for the couple. Well, that's a big gift. The wedding reception cost in the neighborhood of $100,000. Oh, it had ALL the bells and whistles alright. The couple was married for 9 months.

The point - family opinions do matter.

On occasion, couples do prove the parents wrong. There are exceptions to the rule.

But, it's real nice when everyone is on the same page!

Happy planning!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Keep Health in mind

As you plan your event, don't forget to take care of yourself. Your health plays a major part in how your event turns out in the end. And, of course, you want to enjoy your day to its fullest. If you feel good, you look good. You want your skin to glow and your stamina to sustain the stress of being awake for an extended period of time. As your date approaches, you may become a bit anxious. This is natural. There's no set formula for dealing with the "butterflies." In an ideal world, you only get married once. Right? Sometimes, we overtax our brains with unnecessary worries. Exercise helps protect our bodies from those anxiety invaders by producing hormones which create an inner equilibrium. I've never met a bride who is not concerned about her weight. If you are willing to do the work, shed off those unnecessary pounds at a healthy pace. The "get quick methods" do not produce long-lasting results. Also, anxiety can stress your body so much that it upsets your natural rhythm. Exercise helps restore this balance.

Aim for radiance on YOUR day.

Happy planning!

Be on time

Planning the details of a weddings or other events can be time-consuming. But, guess what? It pays off in the end. I have had clients ask me, "Why should we start planning 18 months out from the wedding date. We have time?" Time is something you don't have. Planning anything is a process. Just getting ready for a family meal takes time. What seems to be peculiar about weddings is the number of times the planning model has to be re-worked. If a solid gap of time is built into the model, then the event is still "safe." I use the word "safe" because the details of the event should be as close to ideal as possible. Unforeseen things do happen. One of my clients lost her Flower Girl to leukemia a month before the wedding. At the rehearsal, everyone was crying. Of course, the wedding should be a time to celebrate, not to mourn. In her honor, the couple lit a special memorial candle, placed a "Remember" section in the program, and asked the minister to conduct a moment of silence in the girl's honor. The wedding went off without a hitch.

After the newness of the engagement wears off, the first order of business is to secure the venue. This is a huge part of the planning model. Some brides wait until they select a dress and color schemes. All the while, some other couple has booked that date. In New Orleans, venues book fast. When a bride contacts me, the first thing I want to do is contact venues to determine if the space is available. This decision is critical and should be made as quickly as possible. Venues contract for time. Most venues in New Orleans contract for 3 hours. It is important that clients enjoy every dollar of this expense. If you are late, you lose money. This is a true example of:"Time is money."

The Best Events New Orleans contracts for time. If the event is scheduled for 6 o'clock, then it should start on time. There is no wiggle room on the day of the event. Venue managers do not readily negotiate for extra time the day of the event. So, if you are a procrastinator, train yourself to be on time for one day.

Be on time.

Happy planning!

Monday, April 20, 2015

My mother and father are divorced...what is the etiquette?

I assisted with a wedding once where the mother of the bride and the father of the bride were divorced. The divorce was very messy. The mother never forgave the father, especially because he moved on and found another wife. The mother of the bride adamantly exclaimed that she wanted to be "no where near that man." Well, the father had to walk his daughter down the aisle. So, where does the new wife sit? And, where can the father go when the mother strongly opposes being anywhere near him?

My advice, through experience, is to hold an adult conversation with both parents - separately. Both have their best interests at heart for their daughter. So, please can we get along for one day?

The parents compromised in the end. The father walked his daughter down the aisle. He sat in the second pew with his new wife - on the opposite end from the first wife. The mother of the bride was seated at the front pew nearest the couple. At the reception, all of the "family" photos were taken according to a list. The mother opposed any picture-taking with the new wife, especially with her daughter.

Sometimes, these situations can be pretty sticky. Weddings are emotional events and should be handled delicately when both parents are at odds. As far as strict etiquette, I would say: Yes, there are rules, but when dealing with potentially volatile situations playing it according to each case is my best take. Wedding coordinators should know how to deal with situations like this in order to make the day memorable for the couple.

Happy planning!

Why a destination wedding?

The Best Events New Orleans specializes in destination weddings to New Orleans.

Why do brides choose to have a destination event? Isn't it more costly?

Actually, in New Orleans, you can have a big splash for a fraction of what it costs to host a wedding compared to most major cities.

A $50,000 wedding in most cities just secures the venue and food (house beverages). For the same price, a bride can have a blowout wedding with all-inclusive services.

New Orleans offers a unique backdrop akin to European cities. The pictures are awesome. Couples love the rustic antique appearance. Despite the millions of visitors per year, New Orleans still offers that "newness" that literally forces people to return. There is always a party, festival, or celebration going on. The freedom to walk around with an alcoholic beverages "trips" people out because in most places, to do this is strictly prohibited. Where in the world can you buy a daiquiris through a drive-up window?

Of course, your guests will have to travel. This could be a good decision because it reduces the amount of guests for which you have to pay. With a reduced guest list, the savings on a wedding automatically increase.

Destination weddings may not be for everybody, but they sure are fun!

Happy planning!


Sunday, April 19, 2015

Couture vs. Store bought dresses

Couture dresses offer a tailored look. I have never met a bride who wants to look like "everybody else." The word "couture" automatically triggers the word "cost." Yes, you may pay a little more for a tailor-made gown, but let's consider the comparison. Store bought dresses are generically designed. A person's body is not generically designed. If you purchase an off the hanger dress, you will pay for alterations. This cost could easily feed into getting a dress tailored made. If you know someone who sews well, get measured. Give yourself at least 4 months for the finished product. A good seamstress will take about 4 - 6 months, especially if s/he has a number of clients. If you decide to hire someone to design your dress, get a contract. The number of fittings and the final gown delivery date should be determined. The entire process is an experience that every woman should have.

I recently made a dress for one of my November brides. She choose a simple look. The fabric was a cream colored Indian silk with Italian lace one shoulder overlay. It took me about four weeks. Through the process, she came over for three fittings. Every fitting, she teared up saying, "It's so pretty. I feel like a bride!"

That's what every seamstress wants to hear.

Taste in fashion is personal. As you can probably tell, I am more prone to have a dress designed and hand made than to buy from the rack. Weddings or other special events deserve that extra special attention.

Get a dress that accentuates your body shape. The goal on your wedding day is to look good and feel comfortable enough to freely move around. Brides do a lot of hugging and bending over. Take this into account when choosing off the shoulder dresses. Every woman should want to feel "pretty."

Choose a stunning look, fabric that fits your body type, and a dress/gown that people will talk about (in a positive way) long passed the wedding day.

Happy planning!


















Locations for Louisiana Marriage Licenses

* Fees for licences are non-refundable/only good for 30 days from the date of purchase

* There is a 72 hour (3 days) waiting period/Waiting period can be waived if couple lives outside of Louisiana has a ceremony in Orleans Parish performed by an Orleans parish officiant/Forms are needed for this waiver/Attach waiver to license when returned to Vital Records

* Licenses are good only in the state of Louisiana

* One person (of the wedding couple) can purchase the marriage license



Locations:

Benson Tower                                                                       Second City Court, Algiers
1450 Poydras Street (Downtown New Orleans)                   225 Morgan Street
Suite 407                                                                               9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. M-F, except holidays
8:15 a,.m. - 3:15 p.m. M-F, except holidays



What to bring?

1. Driver's License, passports, valid state ID
2. Original or certified birth certificate - "out of towners" may apply to have this waived by a Judge         of the First City Court (M-F).
3. Original forms Social Security cards (if no SS card, must appear in person with the form provided       online for this case)
4. Certified copies of divorce decree(s)/death certificates

Suggestion: Order more than one copy of your license. $5.50/copy




Before you start planning

Before you begin planning, write down your vision. Include everything you've ever dreamed of or wanted. Write your vision as if you had all the money in the world.

Believe in your vision.

Your vision sets the tone for the outcome. Without a vision, you will overspend and in the end, not be happy.

What I strive to hear from every client is: This is everything I ever dreamed of and more.

That's my greatest reward!

Write down your vision.

Happy planning!

Financial Planning

Have you set up a wedding account? Yes, that's right. Keep the wedding expenses separate from your personal financial transactions. Why?

1. This exercise helps you increase your financial health. Discipline in spending is very important in a "community" living environment. A couple shares a community together and financial communication is a strategic component to sustaining a healthy relationship.

2. This exercise streamlines your decisions. You are more prone to foresee deficits in spending if your wedding account is separate.

2. This exercise will "force" you to stay on budget.

Too often brides go with what they want instead of what they can afford. One of the most beautiful weddings I assisted with was a couple from Georgia who came to New Orleans to get married. I hired a minister and a violinist. Their witnesses met us in a park. It was a gorgeous February afternoon (on a Thursday). The birds were singing and people on bicycles stopped to watch. The water from the nearby fountain played a perfect harmony to the romantic ceremony. The vows lasted all of 10 minutes. Voluntary guests witnessed the entire event from park benches. I provided the bride and groom flutes, a toasting beverage, a video, and still photos. Once the ceremony was over, the couple boarded a carriage to take a scenic stroll to the French Quarter. I had the cake delivered to the restaurant. The couple ate dinner with their parents. There was no big huge fanfare. The couple found me over the internet and told me they had a small budget. They stuck with the budget and the love was definitely evident.

So, it's not really about inviting everyone in creation or spending your last. A wedding is about the two people getting married.

Stick to a final number. Try to pace your money based on your income. Spend wisely.

If you want me to look over your budget or give you some advice on spending, do not hesitate to contact me.

Happy planning!

Cost of Louisiana Marriage Licences

Marriage Licence = $27.50 (CASH)

*Copying Birth Certificates = $1.00 (CASH)

Legalize (Certify) License = $6.00 (CASH)

Total = $34.50 (CASH)

* Original Birth Certificates

You may want to bring your driver's licenses and original version Social Security cards.

Happy Planning!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Mardi Gras Indians + New Orleans Weddings

Our Signature - Our Stamp - Our Mark

What do Mardi Gras Indians have to do with New Orleans weddings? The answer is - a lot! The Mardi Gras Indians have a deep cultural tie to African American celebrations. Our event signature is the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian. Along with the Second Line brass band are Indians jumping and dancing to the beat that makes traditions in New Orleans famous. In the year 2000, we started using Indians at our destination events. Our weddings took to the streets, stopped traffic, and "external" guests became a part of many wedding videos. Yes, we do it right! Our event signature is summed up in one word - fun! The Indians add color and style to our events. They should be at yours. Call us for a free quote and be sure to mention:
add Indians. 










Bride's Don't Forget Checklist

The Bride's Don't Forget Checklist is yours for free. Send a request for a digital copy at besteventsneworleans@yahoo.com and you will have your checklist within 24 hours.

Subject: Don't Forget

Happy planning!

Bride's Don't Forget List



Friday, April 17, 2015

Contracts

Be wise about your contract. Take it with you and read it. In my 16 years as a event organizer, I can attest that contracts make a huge difference in the outcome of the event. If you are handling your own event and certain accommodations, insist that these accommodations are put in written form. My October bride chose a venue where the manager of the property is a very hostile person to deal with. My first reaction to this choice was not to make any decisions unless they were done in writing. This particular manager tried to ruin the wedding rehearsal with a technicality until I was able to produce a document agreed to months before the wedding. When I represent clients, the first order of business is to examine the contracts. Some contracts are tricky. One advantage to hiring a seasoned coordinator is that you would have someone who has experience in 1. understanding contractual language and 2. negotiating contracts. My clients enjoy the "breaks" they get from being represented by our staff. I have a lot of experience dealing with venues in New Orleans and negotiating contracts. These types of events cost too much money to slip at the contract level.

Happy planning!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Cakes!

The sweets are VERY important. The cake will not be outdone - even by the dress or flowers. Early in starting my business, I was fortunate to find two gentlemen who worked out of their apartment. I cannot give you a piece of their cakes through this screen, but take it from someone who is real hard on the quality of food - the cake MUST be good. The taste of the cake can actually make or break how your guests comment on the entire event. I usually schedule cake tastings for my clients. Believe - this is one of my favorite places to go. A good cake seals the deal. A perfectly decorated cake means nothing if the taste is horrible. Have you ever had that experience? When I attend events where cake is served, the people at my table complain about the dryness of the cake's texture. I take a serious approach to selecting cake vendors for my clients. Good cake vendors do not necessarily have store fronts or online advertising. That's when knowing people in the city comes into play. I had a bride once who paid $4000 for her cake and the taste was mediocre. Most of my clients spend on average $600 - $800 for their cakes and the guests have at least two slices. Some guests are even seen wrapping slices of cake in napkins slipping slices in purses and other holding containers. Cakes are one of my signatures.

The Best Events New Orleans - where cakes hit home runs!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Planning your own event

Tips for planning a successful event:

*   Create a vision.
*   Establish a budget.
*   Use practical information (experts, internet) connecting your vision with your budget.
*   Educate yourself to the fullest degree on every aspect of your vision. Ask questions.
*   Write down your vision and allow a close friend to read it. Discuss the plan (pros/cons).
*   Omit any frills - things you may want, but can really do without.
*   Create a timeline and stick to it.
*   Create a checklist and delegate responsibilities.
*   Check your list against your timeline. Every detail must show real connections.
*   Do not become overly anxious if someone "drops the ball."
*   The timeline gives you "wiggle room" to regroup to create an alternative plan.
*   Stick with your plan and discuss these plans with everyone involved.
*   Trust the people you put in charge.
*   Believe in your ability to carry the task through.

Happy planning!


Questions?

Have an event planning question? Contact Lacey.

You will receive a response within 24 hours.

Happy planning.

The Best Events New Orleans
http://thebesteventsneworleans.com
besteventsneworleans@yahoo.com
@bestevents1
979-820-1639

I can do it all by myself!

Ever heard a newly engaged woman say, "I can plan my wedding all by myself?" Most times, she is speaking from two angles: 1. She wants the experience because weddings are so personal and
2. Money is usually a factor. I spoke to a young couple recently who are planning a wedding for November 2015. the bride is following the lead of a lot of family members and sees no reason to hire a coordinator. In the sixteen years as an event planner, I have seen this all too often. What happens is more money is spent in some areas needlessly. Without the help of a qualified person, too many brides make unnecessary mistakes. Especially, for events like weddings, these mistakes are costly. Over the years, I have negotiated contracts for my clients far beneath the price they would have paid with a "cold" call. A coordinator knows the inside track. And, when it comes to spending thousands of dollars, that "inside" track is worth every penny.

A bride can never go wrong when hiring a wedding planner. Some people fear working with someone who is a stranger for something so personal. My advice: get over your fears. There are a lot of planners in the industry. Brides can freely seek out the best person for their vision. Along the way, I made some pretty good friends. One of my first clients (from 2000) was recently diagnosed with cancer. I happened to see her at a wedding for a mutual friend. Planners are people too. brides have to connect with that right one.

Choose a planner who understands that the event is not about them. Ever see those wedding photos where the wedding planner is in all of them? The mark of a good planner is acting in the background without needing the limelight. My staff is trained to "fall back." I have trained them to understand that the details matter and all "i's" must be dotted and "t's" crossed. Of course, we cannot do that if we're taking photos all day.

So, choose wisely. But, choose!

Happy planning!




The Best Events New Orleans
http://thebesteventsneworleans.com
besteventsneworleans@yahoo.com

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What about those handkerchiefs and umbrellas?


At the end of almost all weddings in New Orleans, you will see a brass band. Guests, along with the bride and groom, wave and swing beautifully decorated umbrellas and imprinted handkerchiefs in the air. To an outsider, this all looks pretty weird. What is this about? New Orleans is a traditional kind of place and people travel here to have a good time. The second line is one of those traditions. The second line is an African American custom that originated as a celebration after a deceased person was laid to rest. It is thought that death is not an end, but a beginning. People dance from the gravesite with a brass band playing upbeat tempos. This custom has found a niche into celebrating a sacred union and is now shared by almost everyone who has a wedding in New Orleans. When the brass band strikes up the music, people automatically know to snatch a napkin or handkerchief or to open an umbrella. It’s time to par-tay! Umbrellas are ornately decorated to signify importance. The more decorated the umbrella, the more important its owner. The bride’s umbrella is usually embellished with lace, silk flowers, ribbon, and sequins. Just like bouquets, the bridesmaids’ umbrellas are not as fancy, but are comparable in beauty. The groom usually has a black umbrella, opposite the bride’s white one. Grooms have even latched onto carrying finely decorated canes instead of umbrellas. The guests join in the celebration taunting personalized handkerchiefs in the air. As the music plays, everyone festively moves to the beat. The bride and groom start the second line around the room and guests follow. The music and dancing goes on for about a half hour. Because second lines were originally outdoors, umbrellas were used to block the sun and offer protection from the rain. Handkerchiefs were used to wipe away perspiration. Through the years, both the umbrella and handkerchief have become “essential tools” for every second line at weddings. The second line is a definite must for any New Orleans wedding. It’s how we go out in style. The umbrellas and handkerchiefs simply add to the beauty.



Lacey
The Best Events New Orleans