MyTurlock.com, Turlock Area Online Magazine

Welcome to MyTurlock.com’s Wedding Planner page. With downtown Turlock being branded as the Wedding Capital of California, we thought we could help by offering you a directory of local businesses that provide all sorts of services when planning your own wedding. From wedding caterers to wedding apparel, we have it covered on this page. We’ve also included some links that will provide ideas, as well as some printable check lists, that will be helpful to the Bride planning her special day. This will be a great source for those who never realized how much work goes into planning this event. In fact, you may want to start with wedding coordinators! We wish you great success on your wedding day and throughout your lives together. If you’re a local business owner that provides any wedding-related service, but don’t see your listing on this page, please email us at weddings@myturlock.com so we can update our information.

About the columnist:

Dorali Mitre, Publisher.

Dorali has over ten years of experience in marketing, public relations and program management working with both the private and public sectors. She has worked with several nonprofit organizations like the Great Valley Center, United Way of Stanislaus County and has also served in a marketing consultant capacity to small businesses, nonprofits and local political campaigns. She has served on the grants advisory board for The Women’s Foundation of California and as an appointed

www.redbowweddings.com

member of The Stanislaus County Economic Development Committee. Dorali received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science from California State University, Stanislaus. She is lifelong member of Phi Lambda Rho Sorority.

May 2009

Planning Your Outdoor Wedding
Written by the Staff at Red Bow Weddings, Every Bride’s Guide

The weather is an important factor when planning an outdoor wedding. The weather will determine what elements you want to ensure are in place to make your guests comfortable and your ceremony and reception a success. An outdoor wedding can take place in a private residence, public site such as a park or facility, restaurant with a patio area or an outdoor site. It’s a good idea to inform your guests that you will be having an outdoor wedding and expected weather so they can dress appropriately.

The following are some tips if you’re considering an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception.

Have a Plan B. Consider having a back up plan if the weather changes dramatically. If you’re having a completely outdoor wedding (without a tent), inquire with your site coordinator if one is available in case of an emergency. Also inquire about the cost of the tent – to plan for it if you need to use it. If you don’t want to take any chances whatsoever, perhaps a location that offers both an indoor and outdoor location will be more suitable for you. Decide early in the planning if you are going to utilize a tent for your outdoor wedding. *Tip: Visit our website at http://www.redbowweddings.com/articles/10/ to learn more about what type of weather is anticipated on your wedding date.

Consider having a small stock of the following items available for your guests:

• During warm/hot weather: ice-cold bottles of water, sunscreen, paper fans, bug spray, tissue/paper towels, hand sanitizer
• During cool/cold weather: lap blankets, portable heaters, chapstick

Sunlight/Sunset. Consider the timing of your outdoor wedding if you want your guests to experience the sunset as you two take your vows. The positioning of the guest seating should also be taken into consideration to avoid direct sunlight in their eyes. Trees can provide a cool and natural shade.

Wind. If it’s windy outside, consider what type of hairstyle you’ll be having so your hairstylist can create a style that will stand up to the wind. Also, consider how the wind may affect your outdoor decorations and your photographs – so make sure to talk to your photographer and site coordinator on planning for this.

Sound. It’s a good idea to prepare for sound when planning an outdoor wedding. Depending on where you are having your outdoor event, you will need to be aware of surrounding noise that may affect what your guests can and cannot hear.

Lighting. Ask about lighting set-up. If you have a tent, you may need to coordinate lighting and other electrical needs between your different vendors to get the desired lighting for your wedding.

Décor. If your wedding is set to take place in a garden setting, please ensure to communicate with your site coordinator about your expectations regarding the maintenance of the grounds. We recommend to visit the at least one week before your wedding to make sure everything is ready for your special day. Some manicured outdoor venues do not require too much decoration due to its natural setting. However, ask the site coordinator what is allowed when it comes to decorating the premises.

The Food. Communicate with your caterer about your concern on how the food selection and presentation will be affected by the type of weather during your event. Your caterer must meet food serving regulations that involved food safety policies.

Flooring. Another thing to consider is the type of flooring of your outdoor venue. Is it on concrete, rented dance floor or sod? How will this affect your guests if some are wearing heels?

Permits. Connect with your site coordinator to learn about what permits are in place for the use of their outdoor site. In addition, inquire about liability insurance for your event – what type and how much is covered with your event agreement. Please be sure to ask about rules regarding candle or torch lighting and pre-wedding photography.

Signage and Hosts. Designate hosts at the entrance to the garden where the wedding will be held to direct guests to the correct area. This is particularly important if you have out of town guests who may not be familiar with the location of your wedding. Make sure that all walkways are properly lit. Become aware of accommodating any special guests’ needs such as handicap who need wheelchair access, the elderly and children.

Restroom Facilities. If you are renting portable restroom trailers, plan accordingly based on the number of guests invited to your wedding. Check with the site coordinator about available restroom facilities for your guests.

Parking. Ensure that there is plenty of parking for your guests and learn of any fees associated with parking. It is also important to find out the distance between the parking station to your ceremony/reception site. If it is a good distance, you may consider renting golf carts to take your guests to the event destination.

The Valley provides engaged couples with an incredible number of outdoor and indoor venues to choose from - including amazing vineyard sceneries, elaborate upscale sites, to an intimate and historic settings.
Red Bow Weddings, Every Bride’s Guide provides its readers with a detailed listing of local wedding ceremony and reception sites.

View the entire wedding publication online now at http://openpub.realread.com/rrserver/browser?title=/Red001/RBW09

WEDDING VENDORS INVITED TO OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 21ST
Turlock, CA-- Wedding vendors are invited to attend an informational open house to learn about the campaign to make Downtown Turlock, the bridal destination spot for Central California brides. The open house is slated for Tuesday, April 21, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Downtown Turlock’s Mercantile Mini Mall located at 200 West Main Street.
The event provides an opportunity for wedding vendors throughout the region to learn how their business can benefit from becoming involved in Downtown Turlock’s efforts to attract thousands of brides to its downtown. Property owners, local officials and existing downtown bridal businesses will be at hand to provide information about the campaign.
This is one of many other efforts to come for wedding vendors throughout the region, whether they are existing wedding businesses looking to expand or relocate, people interested in starting a wedding business or an active wedding professional, are all encouraged to attend.
“Even wedding businesses as far as Stockton, Sacramento or Fresno are encouraged to come out and learn about what it means to get in while the concept is still in its planning stages. Every wedding business, even those who may not be located downtown, can participate and benefit,” said Trina Walley, Executive Director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association.
“One of the key elements of the bridal destination concept involves strategic marketing and advertising efforts that will increase exposure to bridal businesses on a larger level that one business can accomplish on its own,” stated Walley.
The event is hosted by the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association, the Mercantile Mini Mall and Red Bow Weddings, Every Bride’s Guide. For more information and to RSVP for this free event, please contact the Red Bow Weddings office at (209) 669-4933 or e-mail info@redbowweddings.com.

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WEDDING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Wedding Dress & Tuxedo Alterations
Wedding Make Over
Wedding Catering
Wedding Cakes/Bakeries
Wedding Photographers
Wedding Disc Jockeys
Wedding Consultants
Wedding Florist

Wedding Honeymoon/ Travel Agents
Wedding Rings/ Jewelry
Wedding Invitations
Wedding Limousine Service
Wedding Party Rentals
Wedding Reception Halls
Wedding Bridal Gowns
Churches

PLANNING LINKS

Wedding Wire
www.weddingwire.com

Frugal Bride
online wedding magazine
www.frugalbride.com

Wed Alert
www.wedalert.com

The Knot
www.theknot.com

Red Bow Weddings
www.redbowweddings.com

WEDDING BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Wedding Dress & Tuxedo Alterations

Alterations By Helen
209-756-7339
1745 McCormick St
Turlock, CA 95380
Babylon Tailoring
209-667-9525
1145 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95380
Bright Cleaners
209-632-0700
2470 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95382
Camara's Clothier
209-667-9022
107 W Main St
Tlk, CA 95380
Carr's Cleaners
209-667-5300
500 E Main St
Turlock, CA 95380
Carr's Cleaners
209-634-0870
2575 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95382
Carr's Cleaners Royal Valet Service
209-669-3969
500 E Main St
Turlock, CA 95380
Dry Cleaning By Martinizing
209-632-7270
2842 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95382
Maria's Tailoring & Alterations
209-669-1636
2111 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95382
Today's Alterations
209-632-7270
2842 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95382
Turlock Dry Cleaners
209-669-0244
1571 Geer Rd
Turlock, CA 95380