Asking Liz: Questions From My Couples This Week

Photo: Ether and Smith, Flowers by Enchanted Florist

I have been BUSY this week, man. Of course, it was a short week, so once Tuesday hit, everything just kind of hit. And I’m going out of town for a week, starting Friday – follow me on instagram @lizcharm for pictures this weekend. And, I got hired for some new weddings this week, and that involves a lot of questions. Here’s a few I thought may help you out, too:

Do I need a permit to get married on the beach?

It depends on which beach, but don’t assume that you don’t. Google the beach, call the county or city it belongs to. If you need a permit, and don’t have a permit, you will get thrown off, at the very least, fined at the worst (hopefully). Here is the Los Angeles County Beaches site, to give you an idea.

Is it okay to only have an open bar for two hours, even if that means it’s closing an hour before the reception ends?

Yes, but make sure your guests are given a heads up that it’s closing. Make an announcement 30 minutes before. In other words, eliminate the element of surprise.  No one likes to be surprised that they can’t drink for free anymore!

I’m worried about how much my bridesmaid’s dresses are going to be paying for their dresses. What can I do?

If you can’t buy their dresses for them, send them to a website where they can rent them, like Vow to be Chic. Other stores like BHLDN, Moddcloth have reasonably priced dresses, too. You can also give your bridesmaids a color and a dress length, and let them pick their own. Mismatched dresses are really in these day. And no, no one ever wears that dress again. I mean, you didn’t after you were a bridesmaid that one time. I know I didn’t. It’s like expecting you to wear your prom dress again.

I’m buying all the liquor for my wedding. How much can I expect my guests to drink?

It usually comes out to 3-4 drinks per person. The easiest way to figure this out is to come up with a bar menu first, and then go to the bartender you hired and ask how much of everything you’re going to need. Don’t forget about water, and don’t forget about ice.

Do you know where I can get a bouncy house for my wedding?

Yes. If you, dear reader, want some suggestions, ask in the contact box below.

I hired a taco cart to cater my wedding, for 100 guests. How do I make that work?

In this order: 1. Get a second taco cart. 2. And/or Use them as a kitchen for a buffet. 100 people rushing a taco cart isn’t pretty, and even calling tables to the taco cart will take forever. Set up (double-sided) buffet tables, and serve from there. That will require tables, serving platters, serving implements and staff.

What questions do you have about YOUR wedding? Complete the contact form below and let me know, or click on the Live Chat box on the bottom of the page to talk with me right now.

See you at the end of the aisle,

Liz Coopersmith