My Little Secret Weapon is a full-service wedding and event planning company located in Redding California.

Since there is no general format to event production, we offer a range of planning packages that are created specific to your event. We encourage you to call or email our coordinators for more information, and to schedule your complimentary consultation!

More Wedding Resources in Redding, Ca.

All DJ Services By Mike Flanagan

de Party Centre

departycentre.com - 1824 Churn Creek Road, Redding

(530) 222-1295

Lynn E. Fritz, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

www.lynnfritz.com/

(530) 243-8862

 Occasions

New Image Studio of Photography

www.newimagestudio.net - 1300 Market Street #204, Redding

(530) 243-4301

Van Hazelaar Photography

www.vanhazelaar.com - 3135 Blue Bell Drive, Redding -

Tyler Faires Productions

www.tylerfaires.com - 5760 Farm House Lane, Redding -

Welcome to A Planned Affair!

www.aplannedaffair.net

“I Do” Wedding Creations,

www.idoweddingcreations.com

Wedding tips and advice

You’ve waited for it, you’ve imagined it, you’ve planned it: your wedding day! The day when everything should be perfect and nothing should go wrong… but you fear for the worst and you are so worried not to miss something that you may actually forget to enjoy the day! Here are some wedding tips that may help you put everything in order.

The most important is to choose the date, to establish a budget and to try to stick to it. Do have an available marriage license for that day!

Book in advance the church and the party site. Take your time to compare prices and offers and don’t be shy, try to negotiate.

You and your partner will want to look astonishing on your big day, but remember that the suit, the wedding dress and the shoes should also be comfortable. And make sure you also have the rest of bride’s and bridegroom’s attire.

Check carefully the guest list and make sure that everybody’s got an invitation.

If you have some small children in your family (nieces, nephews, cousins) appoint them as flower girl and ring bearer.

Don’t forget to choose the opening dance (it would be better to practice it a bit before -  everybody will be watching you). Talk with the band/DJ about what are they planning to play. The music should be as various as possible, to meet almost everyone’s requirements. Talk to the photographer to take pictures with all your guests (not only with the family) and to catch unique and funny moments (they will make you smile latter).

The vow moment is quite emotional! Practice your vows in front of a mirror, just to make sure you won’t get nervous when the moment comes.

Choose carefully the flowers for the bride’s bouquet; they have to match with the colours of the bride’s gown and the groom’s suit.

For the final check make sure that everybody knows their schedule and appointments (the hair stylist, the photographer, the flower and catering firm, the restaurant, the church, the band, the firm that makes the decorations).

If you want to, you may give some small gifts to the guests (a picture of the lucky couple with a funny massage or a classical “thanks for coming”; a deco object; a piece from the wedding cake).

And most importantly don’t forget to smile and be happy!

When You have to deal with the once-a-life-time decision of choosing a wedding band ring, everyone should do their own research in order to make sure they get the piece that can symbolize the eternity of marriage.  For those who are seriously considering of buying the modern metals (titanium or tungsten) as wedding rings, here are some thoughts that are worth considering.

Will they be scratched?
Even though titanium wedding bands are very strong and durable, the surface of the rings can actually be scratched.  It takes another extremely hard object such as diamond to cut into the metal; however, it does not get damaged during normal daily use.  For titanium rings with gold, silver or platinum inlay, the inlay part of the ring is as vulnerable as a ring that is made of the precious metal itself.

In the case of minor a blemish, a titanium ring can be re-polished or refinished to restore the original appearance.  On the other hand, tungsten rings are totally resistant to abrasions.  Since tungsten carbide, the most common grade of tungsten alloy offered in the market, is extremely hard, it will NEVER get scratched.

Will they be bent out of shape?
Both titanium and tungsten have extremely high ductile strength.  However, under extremely circumstances, titanium rings could bend out of round but a tungsten ring could not.  If a high pressure is applied on a titanium ring, which could happen when being hit by a car door, the ring would bend when the force is strong enough.

On the other hand, a tungsten ring stands a better chance of remaining intact, because tungsten in general is harder than titanium.  However, once the force goes beyond the threshold, the tungsten ring will be fractured into several pieces instead of bend out of round.  This characteristic, which we refer to as being brittle, is similar to that of diamonds whereas it is extremely hard but not ductile at all.

Will the color turn?
Neither of the metals will turn color.  Titanium and tungsten alloy are biological inert and do not turn color with normal usage such as being exposed to the sun, in contact with sea water or cosmetic products.

Can they be resized?
The possibility of getting resized might be important since we gain or lose weight in the future.  Due to the extraordinary high melting points of titanium and tungsten alloys, they cannot be cut and welded like traditional precious metals.  Hence, resizing is more difficult, if not possible.  Titanium wedding rings can be compressed or stretched up to one size, if there are no stones or inlay on the rings, with the help of special equipment.  However, tungsten carbide wedding rings can not be resized at all.

The most important secret to have the best possible bridal shower party is careful planning. If your bridal shower party is carefully planned, it will be not only more organized but a lot of fun.

Paying attention to details is what makes a wonderful bridal shower party. If you treat your bridal shower party just like any other project, you have a good chance of making it a success. Proper planning is the most important first step to take toward a great bridal shower party.

The following list can serve as a simple outline for your overall bridal shower party planning. Follow the outline to help plan the bridal shower party. Be sure to check or underline each completed task, so you can concentrate on the incomplete items. It is also helpful to use actual dates to meet your deadlines.

First steps

· The most important first step is to select the appropriate date and time. Be sure to check with the most important participants, and make sure the date works for everyone. Setting a conflicting time for a party is a bad start.

· Set your budget – do not purchase anything until you have set your budget.

· Select the place (A favorite restaurant is a great location, but a friends house works on a tight budget.)

· Prepare your guest list – your guest list is limited by your budget.

Five to six weeks prior the bridal shower party

· Select method of invitations (You can save money by sending e-invitations, your guests are Internet savvy.)

· Make a decision about the shower theme – a popular theme is beach party.

One month prior to the bridal shower party date

· Send out the bridal shower party invitations

· Decide on food (Select caterer or restaurant if you wish to use one)

· Research bridal shower party favors

Two weeks before the bridal shower party

· Based on RSVPs from the invited bridal shower party guests make final arrangements regarding food and other planned activities

Last minute preparations
· Contact caterer or restaurant (if you use one) to make sure they are ready for the bridal shower party

· Put together any accessories you plan to use for the bridal shower party

· Wrap gifts and prepare party favors

· Make sure a video recorder and cameras are available to record the bridal shower party.

Nowhere on Earth is as beautiful and breathtaking as the Carribean Islands. Without a doubt, it is a place you absolutely must see in your lifetime. So much so that if you have a wedding in your future, you should consider having a Carribean wedding and merging these two magnificent memories in to one. Carribean weddings are among the most exotic, memorable events anyone could hope for.

The sky is the limit with Carribean weddings. No matter what you want your special day to include, it is available on this island paradise. You can go with a traditional church wedding or a ceremony on the beach at sunset – whatever makes your heart skip a beat.

For a traditional ceremonial wedding, the best of both worlds is available. Imagine saying “I do” in a large cathedral church and being whisked away to your tropical getaway right next door! You can not beat that for convenience and excitement. You will also have the best photographs and videos to share your wedding memories for years to come.

On the other hand, you can really embrace the culture of the islands and have a more festive wedding in the white sands of the beach. If you are adventurous at heart, you could top the ceremony off with rock climbing or skydiving. It is all available with Carribean weddings. Of course, there is a lot to be said for lying on the beach with an umbrella in your drink!

The other great thing about Carribean weddings is that the islands are so close you can almost touch them! You will not be on a plane for half a lifetime – just a few short hours and you are there, basking in the sun! Not that anyone wants a short trip to the Carribeans, but if you have to return quickly, this is the best option you have to really enjoy yourself that allows for a short trip if necessary.

However, if you have time to spare, there is plenty left to fill your days on the islands. For a really spectacular time, consider planning your Carribean wedding around a cruise. You can visit the many islands of the Carribean while you enjoy the luxury and pampering of a full-service cruise.

Even more, you can combine a trip to the Carribeans with a quick stop in Mexico. Shopping and site seeing in Mexico would only add to the charm and exuberance of the trip.

You have spent countless hours planning and dreaming about your wedding day which is now fast approaching. As you count down the days the panic begins to set in.  How do I prevent the all too familiar pre-wedding bloating experienced by so many brides on their wedding day?

Naturally, we as women may think, I will simply starve myself and not drink a lot of liquids for a few days before my wedding.  If I do so perhaps this will help drop a bit of weight and reduce some of that nasty cellulite on my body…right?   Wrong!

Did you know that water retention is directly linked to what you eat, drink and your daily habits?

Bloating is caused primarily by dehydration. The loss of water in the body can cause constipation.  And the corresponding lack of bowel movements creates the tummy bulge.

Here are six tips to follow for at least 1-2 weeks prior to your big day:

1.  Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water a day. Drinking less fluid will not cure water retention and can actually make it worse. So drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body. Cellulite is a form of fat with retained water. When the body cannot get rid of the wastes and toxins it tends to store cellulite.

2.  Try to eliminate salts and refined sugars from your diet.  If you can’t eliminate these types of foods then at least cut down on their use as much as you possible can.

3.  Get some exercise. Go for a brisk walk, even if it is just 10 minutes. Movement helps you lymphatic system drain and gets the blood pumping which increases circulation. Did you know poor circulation can cause water retention?

4.  Don’t skip meals.  Much as you may think this is wise, low calorie diets have been shown to increase water retention. But do avoid high fat foods. Incorporate protein in your daily routine. While you are running around getting all the last minute details finished remember to reach for a yogurt, some cottage cheese or make yourself a protein shake. One of the most important nutrients to prevent water retention is protein.

5.  Cut down on caffeine and alcohol.  These liquids cause dehydration, plus they are empty calories.

6.  Take a good multivitamin.  Find one that has a high content of Vitamin B (12 and 6). Stress robs your body of essential vitamins, plus you are probably not eating as healthy as you should. Vitamin B is especially good to take when you are under stress, or have bloating.  I always take a daily multivitamin but supplement them with a good B vitamin.

Of course it goes without saying that you should also try your best to get proper and sufficient sleep during this stressful period.

If you can follow these six simple, natural yet highly effective guidelines then you’ll look better, feel better and be as radiant as a bride should be on her wedding day.  Take charge and eliminate that unnecessary and unwelcome pre-wedding bloating!

The following article presents the very latest information on weddings.

If you have a particular interest in weddings, then this informative article is required reading.

The rehearsal dinner is one element of the wedding planning that can be confusing for the future bride and groom. Questions such as do we really have to have a rehearsal dinner, what do we do at the rehearsal dinner, who pays for the rehearsal dinner, who is invited to the rehearsal dinner and do we have to invite out of town guests are planning questions that remain unanswered for many couples.

While the rehearsal dinner may just seem like another expense and another task that needs to be completed, it’s important to not skip out on this wonderful opportunity to get together with close friends and family members for a night of relaxation in a casual atmosphere before the wedding. T

his article is intended to answer some of the questions surrounding the planning of a rehearsal dinner and to provide the couple with some necessary information to help them plan a successful rehearsal dinner.

While a rehearsal dinner is not necessary, it is a good opportunity to get together with close friends and family members to thank them all for their participation and assistance during the planning of the wedding as well as their participation in the actual wedding itself.

The rehearsal dinner gives the couple the chance to extend their thanks to everyone who has been involved with the wedding planning or who has simply supported them in their efforts. The rehearsal dinner can also be the opportunity to relax and unwind before the wedding.

The couple is able to put aside their concerns over their upcoming nuptials and enjoy the time with family and friends. The rehearsal dinner has become a common tradition in weddings but the couple is not obligated to host a rehearsal dinner if they choose not to do so.

The typical activities involved in a rehearsal dinner include meeting at the site of the ceremony to run through the logistics of the ceremony and then gathering at a particular location, a restaurant, catering hall or even a friend’s house, to enjoy a meal together.

During the dinner the couple usually takes the opportunity to thank all their guests for their love and support and may choose to honor their wedding party with gifts at this time. There are also usually a series of informal toasts at the rehearsal dinner. The parents of the couple will also usually thank the guests and offer a toast to the couple.

Any of the guests at the rehearsal dinner are also free to offer a toast or a few words of wisdom to the couple. While the wedding is shrouded in traditions and expectations, the rehearsal dinner is typically a relaxed atmosphere with no set agendas.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding weddings, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

The subject of who pays for the rehearsal dinner is another confusing topic. Tradition holds that the parents of the groom assume the financial responsibility of the rehearsal dinner but more and more couples are opting to bear the burden of the rehearsal dinner on their own.

There are a couple of factors that are contributing to this changing trend. First the medium ages of couples getting married is on the rise and couples who marry at a later age are typically more financially established and capable of affording to finance the rehearsal dinner themselves.

In addition the responsibility of paying for the rehearsal dinner is typically accompanied by the responsibility of planning the rehearsal dinner and many couples are unwilling to relinquish the planning responsibilities.

The couple wants to ensure that the rehearsal dinner reflects their personalities and tastes and therefore assumes all responsibilities for planning the rehearsal dinner.

Although the original intent for the rehearsal dinner was to include those who are actively involved in the ceremony, the couple is free to invite any other guests that they choose to join them in the rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity for the couple to thank everyone who has supported them throughout their wedding planning and also to just relax and have a good time with friends and family outside of the formality that often surrounds a wedding. With this in mind it is appropriate to invite anyone that you want to share in this sentiment.

The couple may also wish to include out of town guest in the rehearsal dinner in order to thank them for making the trip to be with them on their wedding day. While including out of town guests is a wonderful gesture, it is important to understand that the couple is not obligated to do so.

If it would be too financially cumbersome to include all of the out of town guests, the couple could consider hosting a smaller event such as an evening of drinks and appetizers for this larger group. Although everyone participating in the ceremony should be included in the rehearsal dinner the guest list is not restricted to these individuals and the couple can choose to include anyone they wish.

Planning a rehearsal dinner can seem daunting as the rules are not clearly defined but it is this flexibility that makes planning a rehearsal dinner such a fun challenge. From the invitation list to the activities the couple is under no obligations to adhere to any strict guidelines in planning their rehearsal dinner.

Although planning a rehearsal dinner is not obligatory, many couples opt to do so because it is such a wonderful opportunity to thank their loved ones for their continued support.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest wedding news.

Catering is an important part in any wedding planning

Hence a good caterer is needed to keep the wedding ceremony go on in good spirits. A person who has a good meal would be in good spirits than the person who is not enjoying his meal.

Choosing a perfect wedding location is important for the caterer. Most of the venues for wedding offer catering also themselves. They do not allow catering from outsider since they have a team with them always.

Hence it is better to inquire about the catering service offered at a wedding venue before you even fix up the venue for the wedding. Hence planning a catering service provider is also done when you fix up the venue for the wedding. Most of the wedding venues have their own caterer or they recommend someone for their place.

Considering the quality of the food served by a caterer is important than the looks of the ballrooms that are available in the wedding venue. If caterer for a particular venue is not up to the standard you are looking for then it is better to change the venue if needed.

If the wedding venue allows outside catering you can choose an outside caterer who is good in catering. Most of the best recommendations come from you friends and relative who had experience with a particular caterer. If you had a attended a wedding that served you good food then you might enquire the caterer who served that wedding and fix a contract with him for you wedding.

Checking out the price range for the menus they have for the wedding is also important. Some of the caterers may have a menu for themselves and they prepare food items only from that menu.

If you have a special item that you want to include in your wedding party it is better to check with the caterer whether they would prepare that food item for you. Most of the caterers would prepare a food item that is not in their menu also.

Most of them are skilled enough to prepare anything you ask for. When adding food items to your wedding menu make sure that everything is within your budget. Ask the caterer if they provide any tasting sessions.

Choose one who has a tasting session. If you have not tasted the food prepared by the caterer there is no guarantee that you will be getting the required taste in the food prepared. Most of the caterers provide a tasting session so that you can identity, which items to choose from. Give a rating to the foods that

Organizing a wedding can be a stressful event.

The last thing you need is to be ripped-off by an unscrupulous wedding vendor or planner. Here are a few tips to help avoid this problem.

Complete Your Wedding Arrangements and Bookings As Far In Advance As Possible

Most facilities, vendors, and planners can be booked more than a year in advance. If possible, take advantage of this window of opportunity.

Should something go wrong, it will provide you with more time to make alternate arrangements. Also, be aware that some vendors will actually charge you more if you order or book things at the last minute.

Shop Around and Deal With Trustworthy People

Before booking anything you should shop around and get an idea of current prices for each category of your wedding. Don’t just hire the first caterer you meet with.

Ask around with family, friends, co-workers, etc. and get their recommendations about services they may have used. If you want to be extra safe in this regard, you could also call your local Better Business Bureau.

They can provide you with any problem information they may have received regarding a particular company.

Get Everything in Writing

It would seem obvious to do this, but a lot of couples tend to go on “faith” of what a vendor says, then are shocked with the vendor doesn’t follow through.

Get everything, down to the smallest detail, in writing and be sure both you and the vendor agree on all points before signing any contract. Include exact descriptions, such as if you are ordering flowers: how may bouquets, the exact type and color of the flowers, etc.

Be Aware of The Fine Print

Read any contracts over very carefully. Pay particular attention to their cancellation policy. You want to make sure it includes a provision for a refund of the deposit if you cancel or change your wedding date by a certain time period before your wedding.

Of course, reasonably, you would not get a deposit back if you cancelled two days before the wedding. Be sure to also include a written statement on the contract that you will not pay for services and will expect a complete refund on any deposits if the company does not deliver exactly as specified in the contract. A reputable company will respect this clause.

Regarding Photographers and DJ’s

When booking these services with a company, often you may wish to have a particular photographer/videographer and DJ for your wedding because you have seen their work or heard their play style and really like it.

Make sure this is detailed on the contract with the person’s name. Again, also include the clause that if that particular person is substituted, you will not pay for the service and will receive a refund on all deposits.

This happened at our wedding with the DJ. The one we were told was coming and who knew how our ceremony music was laid out did not show up, and the substitute DJ that showed had no idea how the wedding service was to proceed with the music.

There was a mess up with some songs during the ceremony and we had no recourse, as we didn’t include that provision in the contract. So be aware of  Wedding Rip-Offs. Don’t pay for a last minute substitute (unless you were thoroughly happy with their service).

The dress is always the highlight of all wedding fantasies and make-believes.

Ever since their youth, people will most often dream of a beautiful princess-bride in a snowy white, ethereal wedding day dress of stunning beauty.

It comes as no surprise that choosing the perfect wedding dress for your wedding will prove to be one of the most challenging and exciting part of planning your wedding.

Marriage is – ideally – an once-in-a-lifetime event. There isn’t much leeway to practice or make mistakes.

So to make the bride’s entrance down the carpet perfect and memorable, one must take great pains to ensure that everything is done correctly – down to every little detail on the wedding dress.

From watching fantasy-like weddings on TV, or reading about them in books and magazines, or hearing about them from other people, many brides-to-be form an image in their minds of the kind of wedding dress they would like to wear on their wedding.

Many people take a watch and learn stance as they formulate, plan and dream up their ideal wedding dress.

If your time has come, and you are shopping for the perfect dress to make your wedding dreams come true, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few tips to help you get over the wedding dress hump will less sweat.

1. The Dress Comes First
Although it may go both ways, the theme of your dress should follow your desired theme – or vice versa. Some couples choose a theme before choosing a gown, and in effect, they make the gown fit the theme they have chosen.

But for some people, the choice of gown comes first, and the theme of the wedding follows the gown’s theme. So if the gown that catches the bride’s fancy is ultra beaded and formal, then the wedding may tend to be more formal.

If the bride chooses a less formal dress, then the wedding may follow a less formal route.

2. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself with Choices
Yes, it may be tempting to try every gown that comes your way. But what if you find yourself buried under a pile of 20 or so gowns you think you really like and can’t make a decision? That sort of scenario will prove to be a terrible headache – not to mention a great source of stress.

To avoid this, try making decisions in stages. You could try an ‘American Idol’ style way of choosing a gown. You could vote off the least liked one and then reevaluate the remaining gowns.

Another method is trying 5 gowns and then choosing two of the best. These ‘champions’ will be pit against 5 more new gowns. Continue the tournament until you get to the perfect gown.

It may become tempting to say, “Aw, but that other gown might have been better.” Try to make sure you make your final decision among 5 gowns.

If you end up with too many to choose from you may get overwhelmed and end up choosing an inferior gown, or choosing the perfect gown but forever asking yourself whether you made the right decision or not.

Choose Wisely
And choose a wise companion; take along one or two of your closest friends or confidants who know a thing or two about wedding dresses and style. Their advice will come in handy when choosing a gown.

Also, make sure you check the durability and quality of the wedding dress, the material and the accessories. You don’t want your gown falling apart on you during the ceremonies.

The wedding reception site you select affect the atmosphere for your entire celebration.

Everything from your invitations, your dress, the food that is served, and the music will be impacted by the location for your wedding reception.

Therefore, finding the right location should be on the very top of your wedding planning list.

Before you begin your search you should no, at least approximately, how many guest you would like to invite. You can change a lot about a venue, but there is nothing you can do about capacity.

If you can’t seat everybody on your list, you need to find another venue. The manager should be able to inform you of the maximum capacity of the place.

Another essential factor is your first impression. First impression is so important, that if you hate the place at first it is unlikely you would enjoy celebrating your most special day there.

You don’t have to get married in a hotel, a country club, or any of the obvious places. There are a variety of possibilities for exciting wedding receptions.

Historic buildings or exotic beach destination weddings are a couple of examples of out of the ordinary wedding locations.

Whatever location you chose, be sure you understand what is included. Some venues quote you with food, some without. Others may include the furniture such as chairs and tables, and you may have to provide it yourself at other locations.

Make sure you understand if the cake is included, how much staff is provided, are food and beverages included, etc?

Make sure you understand exactly what is and is not included. Don’t assume anything. The cost of a reception venue can add up based on what is or isn’t included.

Try to bargain and make sure the management understand that you are considering several other places.

Make sure everything is in writing. It protects you and the wedding reception venue to have everything in writing.