Etiquette sounds like a stuffy word, doesn’t it? Fortunately, etiquette in today’s society has evolved into less formal, more fluid rules. Use of good etiquette can actually alleviate unnecessary planning as well as day-of stress and anxiety.
Dreamcatcher Events will assist you in navigating the sometimes delicate waters of wedding and event protocol so that both you and your guests enjoy the time of your lives.

Following are just a few typical questions that you may run across when doing your planning:
– How and when do we tell people that we’ve decided to marry?
– How do we select a date that everyone can make?
– How do I word my invitations?
– Should I send invitations to people that I know can’t make our date?
– Who pays for what?
– I haven’t spoken to a family member in several years — should I include him/her in the wedding?
– Where should divorced parents sit?
– When must thank-yous be sent?
– When do I start dress shopping?
– Should I pay for my bridesmaids’ dresses?
– Some of the most stressful areas of planning and etiquette issues revolve around family dynamics.
Now is the time to be as honest and forthright as possible with your coordinator. Allow her to keep an eye on little headaches before they become throbbing migraines. Does ‘Aunt Marie’ get a little boisterous at family gatherings? Worried about your brother-in-law’s never-ending toasts? Your coordinator can tactfully step in to prevent unwanted disruptions and keep things moving along. Regardless of the issue, your wedding day is not the day when you or your groom should be managing family members. In the end, a good coordinator can be worth her weight in gold!
And remember, etiquette is not just about avoiding ugly situations. Today it’s also about the latest trends and styles, as well as communicating your personality in a memorable and appropriate way. So don’t hesitate to ask your coordinator how to make etiquette work for you — you might be surprised to find out how much flexibility and fun there is in today’s rules.

He proposed. Or you did. Or you both did one day… One of the most beautiful times of your life has arrived and now you are ready to begin planning! For some, it’s an adventure full of excitement and happy emotions. For others, it can be a stressful and nerve-wracking jumble of decisions and never-ending to-do lists. Wherever you and your soon-to-be spouse are on the spectrum, Dreamcatcher Events will assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams.
55 percent of all couples consider eloping at some point because of the stress and strain of planning a major event. In spite of this, many couples feel that planning and budgeting their own wedding is a task they can take on themselves. Often as the day nears however, the number of loose ends and details to arrange and confirm can be overwhelming — especially for couples that both work full time. At this special time in your lives, the assistance of an experienced and creative wedding planner will ensure that your day is as wonderful as it’s meant to be.
Here are just a few money and time-saving benefits you’ll gain from working with us:
♥ Timing and planning: learn the advantages and disadvantages of when and where to plan your event and how it can affect your budget
♥ Learn to prioritize your wedding wish list, set up a budget and stick with it
♥ Creativity! Make your event truly personalized and memorable by adding custom-designed party favors, elegant invitations or other unique elements
♥ Gain immediate access to a select list of some of the best wedding resources in the Bay Area — all tested and approved by Dreamcatcher Events
♥ Learn tips on negotiating the best deals with your wedding vendors
♥ Choose from a variety of vendor prices and service levels to find the best vendor for your budget
♥ Learn to navigate the waters of etiquette and protocol so that you can enjoy your wedding as much as your guests will
Get the newest and hottest tips on wedding styles and trends so that your event is a true reflection of you and your groom’s personalities

Certified Wedding Planner / Consultant:
​♥ Certified Wedding planner provides a higher level of comfort for everyone. She is able to recommend the right professionals for you. Professionals enjoy working with other professionals.
♥ Wedding planner is trained to handle difficult scenarios and unexpected occurrences at weddings;
♥ The right planner is familiar with the latest trends and have the best resources;
♥ She knows the best locations and services for each couple’s particular needs;
♥ Wedding planner has access to exclusive locations that couples would otherwise never hear about;
♥ She can recommend the right wedding professionals for all aspects of the wedding;
♥ She is trained to help create a budget, keep expenses within that budget, and protect couples from making costly mistakes;
♥ She will save couples time in researching options. She already knows what works best and why.

Dreamcatcher Events performs the following with wrap-up and Day of Wedding Coordination :

• ♥  Help with selection of any vendors not yet contracted—make referrals/suggestions, go to site if couple wants, review contracts, negotiate if needed
• ♥  Review the invitation draft and all components of the invitation, direction card, a program and menu card, if applicable
• ♥  Draft  a list of questions that need answers at a meeting a few weeks prior to the wedding
• ♥  Draft a timeline for the entire day and once approved, provide copies to all vendors
• ♥  Advise vendors on setup requirements, load ins, power needs, meals (let them know when they will sit to eat), etc.
• ♥ Develop a floor plan, if needed
• ♥ Inform you of all deposits, payment schedules, and take care of delivering final checks to appropriate vendors that day
• ♥  Provide a checklist of all the items needed at the church and/or reception
• ♥ Supervise the rehearsal, giving instruction to attendants, ushers, their position, etc.  This brings a greater calm on ‘the day’
• ♥ Provide an ‘emergency kit€™, personal items in a basket for ladies’ bathroom
• ♥ On the wedding day, pin on all boutonnieres, any corsages
• ♥ Light any candles that need lighting
• ♥ Set out seating cards in an attractive pattern; set up guest book, engagement photo or comparable display
• ♥ Cross check tables, making sure they are set for the proper number of guests
• ♥ Set out place cards, as needed
• ♥ Set out table numbers or comparable display
• ♥ Take care of putting out favors, cameras, etc.
• ♥ Do everything in my power to start the wedding on time
• ♥ Monitor the timeline throughout the event—time for toast etc.
• ♥ Check to make sure appropriate person has the ring(s)
• ♥ Organize the bridal procession, having each person in the proper order
• ♥ Make sure that beverages are served promptly upon arrival of guests at reception; that the ordered appetizers are passed, and spot problems and make corrections (this is transparent to client)
• ♥ Make sure that the needs of all the vendors are met and that they are made familiar with the facility
• ♥ Go over the timeline with each vendor to see if there are questions about timing, duties etc.
• ♥ Organize the bride, groom and/or wedding party if they are to be introduced into room
• ♥ Work directly with facility manager, catering manager to coordinate timing of dinner
• ♥ Announce dinner seating (may take several rounds) and Assist guests in finding their table
• ♥ Make sure microphones are in order, if needed
• ♥ Pay close attention to the bride & groom and parents needs
• ♥ Make sure everything about the first dance and cake cutting is organized
• ♥ Take care of gifts/cards that may come to the reception
• ♥ Readjust table seating if guests are a ‘no show’ so that everyone has a person next to them to visit with—no empty seats
• ♥ Constantly keep an eye open to the entire event, spotting potential problems, dealing with such things as an unexpected guest(s), misplaced seating cards, etc.
• ♥ Collect such items as the toasting glasses, cake knife, gifts, etc. and have them boxed and ready for the family to take home
• ♥ Ensure that the bride/groom and parents relax and enjoy the day with their family and guests

I stay calm and keep a positive attitude which is contagious! ​

ext Ann at 925-788-5003 to organize your social event!
Ann Saavedra of DREAMCATCHER EVENTS in No. Calif. was featured in the Chicago Tribune Life and Style Section suggesting creative ideas for Solstice-themed parties.

Ann Saavedra, owner of Dreamcatcher Events in Walnut Creek, Calif., suggested a casual and fun festival big on color and lights.
“You want to have a wow element. The wow element can be lots of outdoor lights, lots of color. The colors that come to mind to me would be bright pinks, yellows and golds — really bright colors,” Saavedra said.
For her party, she suggested activities that let people use natural materials to get in touch with their creative side. For a lighthearted theme, people can decorate summer hats and then wear them at the party. To celebrate nature, she suggested placing leafy greens cut small and flowers on a table to make wreathes held together by wire, or to decorate wicker spheres.
“People love to do things with their hands. They like to get creative. You give them something like that, and you can’t go wrong,” she said.
To pick up color, she suggested using colored linens or at least colored napkins to be served with hors d’oeuvres, which are inexpensive ways to brighten up the party. Plates in shapes like shells or other natural items accent the earthy theme, Saavedra added.
To celebrate solstice’s ancient origins, she suggested having a toast with mead, the honey-based liquor, as the sun goes down.
As the day ends, that’s when hosts can amp up the lights. This is a good time to light votive candles and use mirrors to reflect the light. Tiki torches and fire pits are good choices, but so are lighted ice cubes in drinks, lighted sticks to put in flower arrangements and string lights in trees.
“You definitely want to create energy that goes way into the night,” she said.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/home/sc-summer-solstice-goods-consumer-0616-20160613-story.html

Your chosen wedding location for your wedding day can contribute a lot to its success. This is the main reason why you have to pick a gorgeous venue without going beyond your budget. Here are some unique ideas that you can use in your hunt for the best wedding location for you and your partner:
​

1. On a Boat – If you and your future spouse love the sea, then consider choosing a ferry, riverboat, yacht, sailboat, etc. as your wedding location. It can give your big day a more memorable and unique vibe. Aside from the fact that your guests will most likely love the venue, your photographers and videographers will also love the fact that they will be shooting changing backgrounds the entire day.
2. Museum – You can go for the more classical choice, the art museum, but note that you can also find several entertaining conservatory options. In fact, you can find city museums, space and air museums and natural history museums that are open for rental. If you choose this location for your wedding then you can choose to use exhibits as a backdrop. Also, make sure to ask whether it’s possible to provide your guests with guided tours or make certain exhibits open for them, so they can also enjoy and explore.
3. National, State or City Park – There’s no need to cross public parks from your list of options when hunting for the best locations. Note that in most cases, they have lots of gorgeous backgrounds. They are perfect options if you’re planning to hold a casual and intimate wedding but you can also choose it to make the event grand. Hotels, restaurants and resorts with nice view are also often close to these parks, so you can easily book one where you can hold the rest of your special day.
4. Historic Libraries – If you’re searching for a venue with the best backdrop for an elegant wedding event then historic libraries fit the bill. With their sprawling and historic spaces plus amazing architectural details, you and your guests will definitely fall in love with the place. This is also the perfect place to hold your wedding, especially if you’re a couple who loves literature.
5. Ballroom – Of course, ballrooms are among the top picks for wedding locations. This ballroom, for instance, can provide the vibe and feel that everyone, especially the couple, wishes to feel during their wedding day. Situated in San Francisco, you can expect this ballroom to present lots of breathtaking details plus their professional staff can handle all your concerns immediately.

Other unique choices for a wedding location are ice caves, antique stores, tree houses, theaters, amusement parks and underwater. When making your choice, though, consider what you and your partner are most passionate about. Your chosen venue plus the theme should speak of both your personality. It should also be within your budget.
We highly recommend the following venues:Brazilien Room, Berkeley CA
Julian Morgan Ballroom, San Francisco, CA
Scott Restaurant, Walnut Creek, CA
Something very unique, Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA

The groomsmen play a vital part of a wedding. They are the ones who help the groom all throughout the process of planning for the wedding – standing by him when he tries on wedding suits, offering help during the wedding day itself, organizing a great stag do, and giving a best man’s speech.
With all the tasks and responsibilities that your groomsmen hold – from the planning down to the wedding day itself – it’s just right to give them the best gifts. If you’re still unsure what to give them, then here are some of the best groomsmen gift ideas that are worth checking out.

1. Money Clip or Wallet – Go for a simple yet nice and elegant leather wallet instead of the cheap ones you find in the market. This will be a good replacement to your friend’s duct-taped and old wallet. You can also pick a metallic money clip. This is a great gift as you can engrave it with their favorite quote or initials.

1. Tie Clip – The tie clip is making a great comeback as a groomsmen gift. Aside from being functional as this keeps a tie in place, your groomsmen can also use it to add more style into their tie. They will look neater and more elegant once they stand by you with matching tie clips.

1. Classic Sweatshirt – This is a gift that they can use over and over again. If you’re holding a fall wedding, then they can start using it to warm themselves while still looking dashing.

1. Fun Socks – Give your groomsmen a matching pair of fun socks complete with their favorite college team or NFL player. They will definitely love it plus it has some personal touch.

1. Cufflinks – A classic pair of cufflinks are the best gifts that you can give your groomsmen if you want them to be fully prepared for the special day. This can also help them dress up without worrying too much in case they’re also nervous about walking down the aisle.

1. Tie – Add one to your groomsmen’s collection of handsome and quality ties. If possible, choose the same pattern for all of them. This will serve as a remembrance that they played a huge part on your special day. You may also choose a unique tie for each of them. Just make sure to pick one, which perfectly fits their specific style and personality.

The wedding day is not only about the bride and the groom. There are also people who spent time and effort to make it to your wedding and turn it into a success. Among them are your groomsmen, so you have to pick the best gift for them.