5-4-3-2-1…Countdown to the Bridal Spectacular

One way for the detailed-minded bride to start her wedding planning adventure is to attend a bridal show. A bridal show may make some men want to go to a gun and knife show. For any bride though that needs to talk to a lot of wedding professionals in a short amount of time without running around town, this weekends Bridal Spectacular holds the answers to many wedding questions.

The Bridal Academy sponsors will also be on site to assist you in making your wedding planning experience enjoyable. Sara Keltsch of the Monogram Shoppe will have all of the latest wedding invitation styles as well as “save-the-date” card examples and wedding party gifts. She will help you avoid all of the major pitfalls when phrasing your wedding paper ensemble. Dawn Quick of the Wedding Place provides you with double the resources for your wedding fashions. One booth will feature bridesmaids styles as well as guys tuxedos. Her other booth is exclusively made up of the latest bridal gowns. Dawn also promises some magical surprises too.

Going hand-in-hand with the latest in bridal fashions, the Wedding Place is exclusively featured at the Bridal Spectacular fashion runway shows (at 1:30pm and 3:30pm) on Saturday and Sunday (January 3rd and 4th). What does that mean for every bride and her wedding entourage? It means that the hottest wedding attire and the coolest bridal colors will be on display right before your eyes. Everything thing from breath-taking bridal gowns and accessories and sharp-dressed guys tuxedos to fashion-forward bridesmaids attire and adorable flower girl dresses.

June Hoffman from Megasound is the official MC for all four of the style shows. She is taking care of all of the needed commentary and helpful information. The runway music was compiled with a fun-party atmosphere in mind. No lullabies this weekend.

Be sure to register at any of the four fashion shows for the Bridal Academy gift basket. You need not be present to win so make sure to sign up as the gift basket is filled with wonderful wedding goodies. Hope to see you this weekend! Happy Planning.

P.S. Checkout some of the tips on how to survive a bridal show.

Bridal Spectacular

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

4000 Parnell Ave

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Admission fee and parking fee at the door

Snow, Rain, Sleet, Ice, Oh My…

Due to the fact that Mother Nature has her own agenda, Indiana (and many other states) and especially Fort Wayne were hit by an ice storm this past week. As I was driving on some of the slickest ice in the area (or at least it seemed that way), all I could think was I sure hope that brides have opted to have their weddings in some other month (than the middle of December).

December in Indiana has a fair share of challenges. Worrying about friends and family arriving safely to their wedding should be one of the lesser fears on a brides mind. This is not to discourage concern, but put no additional stress on a bride.

I asked myself, what back up plans can be made in case Mother Nature takes a turn for the worse. With modern technology, wedding can be broadcast on web-cam. Twenty years ago when I started in the DJ world, guests just stayed home from a wedding if a blizzard showed up on a wedding day. Even ten years ago, if the weather was too bad, brides and grooms simply had to pay for their confirmed number for dinner even if a snow storm kept the guests from joining the reception. Now, of course, a web-cam should not be a replacement for guests attending, but it might even make it an option for more of your loved ones to enjoy being an actual part of the ceremony/reception.

One thing to ask your reception facility is their back up plan for power outages and such. In many cases, venues have back up generators available. Even some DJ’s (like Megasound) have back up plans for power, but these must be arranged in advance.

Even in fair-weather months, the weather and nature can change quickly and without too much warning. You should consider your back up plan for your wedding. No need to overly fret over flooding, snow storms, and drought as these are generally few and far in between in Fort Wayne. Think about what the time of the year you select for your weddings and what the weather may hold. Remember that the most important part of your wedding day is that you are getting married to the man you love. You may wind up having your ceremony by candle-light. That might be nice.

Happy holidays and happy planning!!

Spring 2009 Bridal Academy Dates Announced

The Bridal Academy sponsors are proud to announce the spring 2009 Bridal Academy sessions:

These Thursday evening sessions will be on January 29th, February 26th, and March 26th.

Registration at 6:45 p.m. Session is 7-8 p. m. Bridal Academy is a revolving
panel of area experts whose purpose is to guide you into the planning process through education. Learn what to look for, what to ask, what’s a good “deal” and what is not. Each Academy features different topics. This is for the bride and one guest. Gift bags for each bride attending! This monthly event rotates between The Wedding Place (4618 Speedway Dr.) and The Monogram Shoppe (Covington Plaza) Visit http://www.weddingplacebridal.com/ for topics, times, and more information. Sponsored by The Wedding Place, The Monogram Shoppe, and Megasound.

Photo Tree Offers Many Uses for Your Wedding and Home

Saw a real cool idea for an escort card (place card) arrangement at the Bella Bridal Event. I thought of brides when I saw this photo tree. It has about 40 spots to attach photos, cards, or whatever you like to attach to the clips. I thought that it might also make an interesting “wish” tree. A place where guests can hang their well-wishes for the bride and groom. This tree would also make a nice display for a simple photo arrangement of engagement photos.

All in all, this free-standing photo tree would make an attractive addition to a wedding reception entrance or at the guestbook area. Then move right into your first home and decorate with favorite wedding photos and more. Over time, the photos can be changed easily for the seasons or when the family changes. Fotofalls offers a 55 inch free-standing tree with clips.

Just an idea for your Christmas wish list that offers a beautiful addition to your wedding and home.

Happy Planning

Indian Summer...Outdoor Weddings are Out

We are about at the end of the “outdoor” wedding season. November generally is too cold in Indiana to hold nuptials in a natural setting. Do not be fooled by “Indian Summer” as it is short-lived and unpredictable.

How can you have the outdoor feeling inside? A wedding ceremony at an alternate location (from a church) affords you a lot of creativity. Backdrops and lighting are helpful as well as floral additions and usage of color.

A wide variety of rental items are available locally at places like A Party Apart, All Occasions Rental, and Bob Mutton Party Rental. As long as your ceremony area is a focal point and that all guests can see, you are only limited by your venue location restrictions.

The ceremony area would be a lovely backdrop then for the head table or sweetheart table during dinner. Just make sure that your facility staff (or caterers or ushers) knows that is part of their responsibility after the ceremony.

As we are moving into the season, many venues are already decorating for the holidays. This is a cost effective way to add color to the ceremony area and limit your investment.

You still have a great deal of options that will create a ceremony area that offers beauty, warmth, and a pleasant experience. Opportunities are all around.

Happy planning!

When it comes to your wedding and the mail…only trust yourself

I just got an apology message from one of my April brides. She found out that at least 90% of her “thank you” notes did NOT go out to family, friends, and wedding professionals.

At first my bride thought that the problem stemmed from using old rate stamps (rate increase). This bride had trusted an assistant to put her thank you notes into the mail and somehow the notes just never got to the box.

My bride is a very gracious person in the first place. I really did not over analyze not receiving back my evaluation (that I had mailed to them after her wedding). I know that brides are busy and the transition from being single to the married life gets hectic.

From a wedding stand point, expressing gratitude is important. So to save embarrasment, it would warrant a phone call to a few select family and friends after mailing your thank you notes…just to make sure they were received. Also, make sure that “you” are the person placing the cards in the mail box. This will reassure you that all of the time that you spent writing your thank you notes with your husband was not in vain or have to be redone.

So, trust yourself!! Happy planning.

For Style or For Comfort

Trend or not, I am unsure. This last weekend revealed a first for this long-time MC. The groom and groomsmen wore sneakers to the wedding. Now I am not talking about your b-ball or track type of tennis shoes. No these were black and white brand new, shiny type of sneakers.

Have guys taken comfort into their own hands on their wedding day? We shall see if the drift away from the pointy-toe or square to deluxe tuxedo shoes are a thing of the past.

These sharp shoes make for easy dancing and really even go with the tuxes. So we shall see what comes of the men's shoe role.

Guys, I would not suggest trying to plan on tennis shoes if you are holding your nuptials in a church or other formal setting. The pastor, priest, or rabbi might just hold up the ceremony.

Happy planning!!!

Bridal Academy is Right Around the Corner (9-23-08)

Wedding planning help is right around the corner. Mark your calendar for the September session of Bridal Academy. This event is for newly engaged brides-to-be as well as upcoming brides who are working on their wedding planning.

Bridal Academy presenters are all experienced wedding professionals from the Fort Wayne area. They feel passionately about helping brides make their wedding a truly splendid experience. Each bride is encouraged to bring one guest with them to share in the learning experience.

Please call 260-482-1250 today to reserve your spot as space is limited. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

The Wedding Place

4618 Speedway Drive

Pre-registration is recommended

Please arrive at 6:45pm so the session can start promptly at 7pm.

Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm

Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

Topics for September session will help you with:

Getting Started

*Wedding Themes

*The ABC's of Choosing Entertainment

*Invitations ~ They set the Tone

"That's Life"...Really Surprises are Fun

Many times you meet grooms who simply "show up" at their wedding. Other times, you meet grooms who really want to be a huge part of their wedding although most of the grooms fall into the happy area between the two extremes.

Every once and a while you meet a man who loves his fiance'/new wife so much that he wants to impress everyone at their reception. Whether it comes from the idea of "one-upping" a sibling or in-law or simply wanting display his love, men do some interesting and innovating activities (and yes, someone already pulled the grandma panties and rubber chicken out with the garter).

Last Saturday really rated in a top-notch display of vocal talent that almost made this MC stop for a kleenex moment. Not only did Dennis attend a Bridal Academy session last year with Angie (his fiance'), he also (at the reception) belted out an awesome version of "That's Life" that would have made Frank perk up his ears. I am really glad that the video guy got the three and a half minutes on video because that will be something their kids and grandkids will want to hear/see. "You did what at your wedding??"

So brides, if your man wants to surprise you with a special activity, simply ask him to plan well and practice, practice, practice. Also make sure he consults with the band or DJ/MC so the timing and sound become a flawless expression of his love and devotion.

Dennis, you did an awesome job!! Keep singing! Angie, you got yourself a great guy!!

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

"Bridesmaids...Your Special Friends"

Be sure to mark your calendar. Pick up the phone and call to reserve your place at the August session of Bridal Academy.





Bridal Academy is for newly engaged brides-to-be as well as upcoming brides who are working on their wedding planning. Bridal Academy presenters are all experienced wedding professionals from the Fort Wayne area. They feel passionately about helping brides make their wedding a truly splendid experience.



Each bride is encouraged to bring one guest with them to share in the learning experience. This event is no charge for the bride and her guest. Each bride will receive a complimentary goodie bag.



Please call 260-482-1250 today to reserve your spot as space is limited. Hope to see you there!

August 14, 2008

Bridal Academy August

The Monogram Shoppe

6410 West Jefferson

Registration 6:45pm

Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm

Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

Topics for this August session will feature: “Bridesmaids ... Your Special Friends”

*Showers and Bachelorette Parties

*How to Have Happy Bridesmaids

*Bridesmaid's Responsibilities

*Unique Bridesmaids Bouquets

Sara Keltsch returns from seminar

Sara Keltsch, owner of The Monogram Shoppe was a seminar speaker at the July Atlanta Gift Show. She along with three other gift shop owners were panelists at a seminar about promotions, merchandising and other hints for gift shop owners on Friday, July 11th. The seminar was sponsored by the Larry Lucas Showroom at the Altlanta Apparel Mart. The hour long seminar was a question and answer time to learn what promotions and ideas work best. Keltsch spoke about the Bridal Academy and how joining with other like businesses can help promote education for the brides to be.

Welcome back Sara.

Make a list and check it twice...

A couple of weeks before your wedding take a couple of minutes to put an email together for your wedding professionals. “Why” you might ask in the midst of all the wedding chaos? An email ahead of time that shows your wedding timeline gives you the opportunity to touch base and make sure all the players are on the same page.

As an example, if you change your reception start time from 7pm to 6pm and only confirm that with the venue, your band or DJ may be scampering around to get set up by your new start time. You might be hitching a ride with friends if you forget to let the limo or trolley know your modification. And your baker may be setting up your beautiful sugar confection while your guests are enjoying cocktails.

Give yourself peace of mind and ask your wedding vendors to reply to your timeline email so that you know they have received the schedule. If you do not hear back from them in 48 to 72 hours, make a phone call. This will save you a world of headache and heartaches right before your wedding. You need calm and serenity right before you get married, not a frantic search on the internet and all night on the phone trying to find a replacement for something/one you thought were already set in stone.

Happy Planning

Dawn Quick returns from 2 Be Bride Convention

Dawn Quick (owner of the Wedding Place) just returned from Nashville, TN. 2 Be Bride unveiled the new 2009 collection of breathtaking bridal gowns.

The Wedding Place is one of the only exclusive shops in Indiana to carry the 2 Be Bride collection. 2009 brides will find many fashion forward dress options for their special day.

Dawn talked to Terri (one of the 2 Be Bride) designers about where she finds inspiration for the gown designs. Terri finds inspiration “everywhere” so each one of these dresses will be original…not just another dress on the rack. Brides will be able to find beautiful dresses right here in Fort Wayne.

"Sweetheart Table"

A “Sweetheart Table” is a wonderful way for your and your new husband to share some time as a couple in a dedicated “space” at the reception. This table is a focal point where you can enjoy your meal together and reflect on the moments of the day. Guests will be able to focus on the two of you during dinner and still give you a bit of privacy.

As you see with Lisa and Jon’s table, the color and décor flows with the other tables and can be decorated with even a more elegant feel for the event.

Fall 2008 Sessions Announced

Bridal Academy is for newly engaged brides-to-be as well as upcoming brides who are working on their wedding planning. Bridal Academy presenters are all experienced wedding professionals from the Fort Wayne area. They feel passionately about helping brides make their wedding a truly splendid experience.

Each bride is encouraged to bring one guest with them to share in the learning experience. Please call 260-482-1250 today to reserve your spot as space is limited. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Monogram Shoppe
6410 West Jefferson
Registration 6:45pm
Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm
Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

Topics for this August session will feature:
Bridesmaids ... Your Special Friends
*Showers and Bachelorette Parties
*How to Have Happy Bridesmaids
*Bridesmaid's Responsibilities
*Unique Bridesmaids Bouquets

Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Wedding Place
4618 Speedway Drive
Registration 6:45pm
Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm
Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

Topics for September session will help you:
Getting Started
*Wedding Themes
*The ABC's of Choosing Entertainment
*Invitations ~ They set the Tone

Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Wedding Place
4618 Speedway Drive
Registration 6:45pm
Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm
Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

Topics for this October session will assist you with:
Pampering and Preparation
*How to Shop for your Wedding Gown
*Gifts for your Special People
*Spa Style Pampering
*How to Determine what's Important to You!

Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Monogram Shoppe
6410 West Jefferson
Registration 6:45pm
Bridal Academy 7pm-8pm
Q&A and light refreshments 8pm

The topics for this November session will aid you with:
Wrapping it All Up!
*Honeymoon Tips
*Thank You Notes
*Gown Storage and Preservation
*Great Closers for an Awesome Reception

Journal Gazette features article on the Monogram Shoppe

Stationery but growing

Monogram Shoppe expands store, clientele by adding products from defunct neighbors

By Sherry Slater~The Journal Gazette

Garland's Art Galleries. Jorgensens. Oz Gallery & Gifts. Hoffman Collection.

One by one, over the past three years, high-end retail stores have closed in and around Covington Plaza.

The trend worries Sara Keltsch, who owns The Monogram Shoppe in that west-side shopping center. “Each time one of those stores closes, you think, ‘Am I going to be next? Have I made the right choices?' ” she said.

Customers and mentors say Keltsch has made some savvy choices in her stationery and gifts store. Those decisions include adding Mariposa, Byers' Choice Ltd. and Crane products - popular lines once sold by the closed stores. By reaching out to those loyal local customers, Keltsch has increased her own base with shoppers who are grateful they can still find their favorite collectibles in town.

But Keltsch has been highly selective, resisting the temptation to stray beyond her niche.

The Monogram Shoppe is in its seventh location in 28 years. The store started in Time Corners, where it had four addresses, before moving to Covington Plaza, where it is in its third space.

In July, Keltsch moved the store next door from about 1,700 square feet to about 3,300 square feet. The larger space includes an area that's visible but set apart from the rest of the store.
“Our wedding business increased a great deal, and what we needed to do was showcase our lines,” she said.

Her success, Keltsch's supporters say, stems from her ability to stock the store with items that perfectly suite her clientele.

Carol Lupke, a customer since the store opened, depends on the store for small rhythm instruments she gives her young dance students as Christmas gifts.

“Sara has always been able to find a source for the perfect item,” she said. Lupke also buys her personal and business stationery from Keltsch. “I don't know how I would get along without Sara and The Monogram Shoppe,” she said. “Sometimes I just walk in the door and say, ‘Help!' ”

Rolene Popp, another loyal customer, favors the Mariposa line of serving pieces, including platters, bowls and tongs. Mariposa, which markets its lines as a blend between elegance and whimsy, works well for informal dining, Popp said. She likes that it doesn't need to be polished like silver does.

Popp bought the brand at Jorgensens before that family-owned store closed in January 2006. Jorgensens, an expansive 18,000-square-foot store, carried dozens of china, silver and crystal patterns and dozens of other items. Popp thinks Keltsch made an astute choice to look past the rest and choose Mariposa to sell.

When Oz closed in March, The Monogram Shoppe picked up the Byers' Choice line of collectible Christmas caroler statues. When Hoffman Collection closed in December, Keltsch picked up the Crane stationery line and some etched glassware that's identical to what Hoffman sold, even though it's a different line.

When those retailers were open, Keltsch resisted duplicating their specialties and even referred her customers to those neighboring stores when they asked for certain lines of collectibles. Now that they've closed because of poor sales or retirement, Keltsch has reached out to their loyal customer bases.

Maurice Keltsch, Sara's father, co-owned Keltsch Pharmacy for about 50 years. His retail experience allows him to advise his daughter when they take early-morning walks with her dog.
He doesn't believe in trying to flood the market with merchandise. Just because you sell 10 of something doesn't mean you can sell 50 more of the same thing. But, the father stressed, his daughter makes the final decisions.

“She has the ability to decide what is something that really will sell,” he said. “I think she has a good sense of business and sometimes might go overboard, but she works her way through it.”
Larry Lucas, president of Larry Lucas Inc., also gives Keltsch business advice. He's an Atlanta-based manufacturers' representative for 100 children's lines and sells to higher-end retail stores and boutiques.

Lucas, who has been in business 42 years, guides Keltsch on what the hot new items will be. He also encourages her to know her market but diversify within it. Keltsch has expanded beyond the initial stationery focus of her store to include baby shower gifts, birthday gifts, items for tweens and items geared toward indulgent grandmothers.

Lucas also steers Keltsch away from some items. Maybe they are too expensive for her customer base. Or maybe they're unlikely to sell well. Or maybe another manufacturer makes a similar but superior product.

“She's very receptive to new ideas and suggestions,” Lucas said. “She definitely has a great flair for merchandising.”

Her particular blend of “clever, interesting” merchandise attracts middle-class shoppers who want to splurge during good times and upper-class shoppers who don't want to travel all the way to Chicago during bad times, Keltsch said.

“I've got nothing that if people didn't have them, their life would be horrible,” she said. “But having it makes their lives more fun.”

Keltsch said the best business advice she's received was to stay focused. She remembers that when past customers from closed neighboring stores ask her to pick up more lines those retailers carried.

“I'd rather have a small thing I'm perfect at than be a generalist and not be good at anything,” she said. “A lot of times you try to be everything to everybody. But then, you can't.”

Are you expecting a “perfect wedding day?”

The idea of perfection is ideal although truly expecting perfection on your wedding day is too difficult for anyone to fulfill. Anticipate a wonderful wedding day and set reasonable expectations. Truly, the main goal is getting married. Everything else is just icing on your wedding cake.

Take the time to plan and organize your wedding. Give yourself and your fiancé enough time to enjoy your engagement and reduce the pre-planning stress. Place responsibility in your wedding vendors. You hired them because they are professionals. Keep the communications lines open and your expectations will become a wonderful wedding day reality.

Try to take time to enjoy the days leading up to your wedding. Pamper yourself and set time aside for pre-wedding relaxation with your groom or bridesmaids. Get plenty of rest and try not to overindulge in libations.

On your wedding day, don’t sweat the small stuff. Have an emergency bag packed with items to take care of “problems” that might arise. Make sure that you eat breakfast even if it a light one. Drink plenty of water and try to hold off on enjoying the champagne until the reception. Remember to enjoy the day for what it is…your wedding day!!

Have a “terrific” wedding day!!

April Bridal Academy session completed

The final spring session of Bridal Academy wrapped up this evening. It is almost bittersweet as it will be four months before we have our next session. The summer is way too busy for the presenters to even think about trying to get all of us together on the same evening.

I am very proud of the brides who are already planning their 2009 and beyond weddings. I hope that with all of the contact information that if any questions come up that they will call us. Keeping the planning process going is very important and with all of the great questions tonight I know that these girls are on their way to making their wedding dreams reality.

As soon as I get the final details for the fall 2008 Bridal Academy sessions, I will get the details posted. Don’t hesitate to jot an email or give us a call with those questions. We will be more than pleased to help you out.

Happy planning!!

Spring April Bridal Academy session

The last spring session of Bridal Academy is this Thursday (April 24, 2008) at the Monogram Shoppe.

The groundwork for the four fall sessions is taking place right now. Bridal Academy will offer four fall events (from August through November 2008). Check back soon to see the awesome wedding topics.

Do you help with your wedding planning? Call 260-482-1250 or email (june.hoffman@gmail.com) and members of Bridal Academy will help you or get you in touch with the wedding professionals who can best help you with your questions.

Hope to see you on Thursday!!

April Bridal Academy Session

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Bridal Academy

The Monogram Shoppe
Covington Plaza
6410 West Jefferson Blvd

Call 260-482-1250 to reserve your spot today
Registration 6:45pm
Academy 7pm-8pm
Question & Answer and light refreshments at 8pm

“Gifts for your wedding party” by Sara Keltsch ~ The Monogram Shoppe
“Gowns-the good, bad, and the ugly” by Dawn Quick ~ The Wedding Place
“Planning a fun reception” by June Hoffman ~ Megasound

Bridal Academy is free to the Bride and one guest. Each Bride will receive a complimentary gift bag as well as wedding planning information.

Hope to see you there

Bridal Academy Bride says it best...

“The ladies with the Bridal Academy really know what they are talking about! Being a first time bride, I had no idea what to expect and what all goes into planning a wedding. With the help of the bridal academy I quickly learned about the process and got my wedding planned in no time and without much stress. I am using all of the Bridal Academy vendors in my wedding, as I have gotten to know them and trust them. I know they are committed to the success of my wedding. To them, I am not just another bride. But best of all, the Bridal Academy sessions are filled with tons of information, the bride gets a goodie bag at every session, and it is FREE!

Thank you Bridal Academy for everything you do for brides, I would not have been able to plan my dream wedding as easy and stress free without your help.”

Stephanie Renfrow

March Bridal Academy

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Bridal Academy session:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Monogram Shoppe at Covington Plaza
Registration at 6:45
Academy 7 PM - 8 PM
Bridal Academy is a panel of wedding planning experts.
This is free for the bride and one guest.
Appointments required. To schedule yours call: (260) 482-1250
Topics for this session include:
Sharp Dressed Men (Dawn Quick of The Wedding Place)
Toasting Speech Tips (June Hoffman of Megasound)
Open Forum: Wedding Questions answered by Wedding Professionals
Light refreshments and gift bags for each bride attending!
Hope to see you there!

Bridal Academy (Fort Wayne)

Welcome to the Bridal Academy blog site. This area is dedicated to providing wedding education to Brides in an informal setting. The next Bridal Academy session is on Thursday, March 25, 2008. Details to follow.