Lynda Barness named ISES's
2010 Best Wedding Planner
International Special Events Society,
Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Lynda was recently named 2010's Best Wedding Planner by International Special Events Society, Greater Philadelphia Chapter - click on the pictures below to see her at the awards ceremony!
ISES award photos courtesy of Jean-Valentin
Wedding Planning in a Week from I DO Wedding Consulting
StyleMePretty.com, November 2011
Lynda talks about how her younger daughter called on I Do Consulting to plan and manage her London wedding - in one week!
We Do: Multi-Cultural Weddings
Summer 2011
The Association of Bridal Consultants PA State Meeting asked Lynda Barness to be a speaker, with the topic being multi-cultural weddings.
Wedding Planning Tips: How to Create a Memorable Reception
MainlineToday.com, Summer 2011
Philadelphia-area vendor Lynda Barness and I Do Wedding Consulting is ready to elevate your special day from typical to unforgettable.
Brides Magazine Editor's Choice
Bride's Magazine, Summer 2011
Lynda Barness and I Do Wedding Consulting is featured in the Bride's Magazine editor top choices.
Getting the List of It
Jewish Exponent, Summer 2011
I Do Wedding Consulting helps Beth D'Addono explore what your registry says about you.
Blend of the Line
Jewish Exponent, Summer 2011
I Do Wedding Consulting helps Gail Snyder take a look at inter-faith marriages
Asia Encore
Association of Bridal Consultants, Summer 2011
Jerry and Eileen Monaghan, the co-founders of the Association of Bridal Consultants, recently went to Japan to make a presentation about weddings. They reached out to US consultants, including Lynda Barness who was quoted in the article.
Christiana and Brad
Philadelphia Wedding, Summer 2011
Stunning seasonal decor and fun, whimsical touches put a personal stamp on this couple's early-autumn wedding
Christina and Bradley
StyleMePretty.com, May 18, 2011
Coordinated by Lynda Barness of I DO Wedding Consulting, Christina and Bradley throw a contemporary Philadelphia wedding at the Kimmel Center.
"The List"
Philadelphia Style Magazine, Winter 2011
Philadelphia's Style magazine names their top people including: Roy Halladay, Jerry Seinfeld, Ryan Gosling, and… Lynda Barness!
A Girl and Her Maids
Philadelphia Wedding, Spring / Summer 2011
Cliques, bickering, money troubles, and complaints about their dresses: Here's how to make sure your best girls still love you – and each other – when all's said and done. (by Allison Stadd)
Lynda is interviewed in this article that describes how to best keep your sanity when dealing with bridesmaids.
Welcome to the PTC Board!
Winter 2010
Lynda Barness is welcomed into the PTC Board.
Best in Bridal
Philly Style, Fall 2010
Lynda Barness and I Do Wedding Consulting was chosen as an industry leader in this bridal trends article.
Katie and Jeff
Brides Magazine, Fall 2010
I Do Wedding's help out Katie and Jeff with their Ritz-Carlton wedding complete with ornate details.
Point. Click. Wed.
Philadelphia Wedding, Fall 2010
Lynda Barness offers helpful advice on how to provide a web centric portion of your wedding planning details.
Wedding Toasts with Class
Tufts Magazine, Summer, 2010
Lynda Barness, I Do Wedding Consulting, for Tufts Magazine's "Take It From Me" advice column:
Remember the four B's
Be prepared. If, like most people, you find it difficult to get up in front of a crowd, write down your toast, and refer to your own notes. Otherwise, you may find yourself rambling.
Be sincere. You care about the bride/groom/couple, and you want her/him/them to know. You are happy they found each other. You wish them a wonderful future together. It warms all the guests' hearts to feel the love in the words of the toast.
Be brief. It is no fun to have a dinner waiting to be served, or food in front of you that you can't eat, or a party that can't get started, all because someone is speaking endlessly. A short, cute story that does not embarrass the bride or groom is fine. Welcoming someone, or that person's whole family, into your own family is wonderful. (if you must have long speeches, warn the caterer.)
Be seated. Raise a glass, toast the couple, and sit down.
How to Plan a Wedding in Philadelphia
eHow.com, June 2010
Couples marrying in Philadelphia have a range of choices, from selecting venues and vendors to churches and wedding coordinators. I Do Planning is mentioned as a wedding coordinator recommendation.
Jill & Peter
Philadelphia Magazine, April 26, 2010
Lynda Barness is mentioned for consulting Jill and Peter Murphy's wedding at the Union League of Philadelphia. The article was featured under the "Real Weddings | Get Inspired" section of Philadelphia Magazine's April 26th Bridal Bulletin.
"Luxe List"
Philadelphia Style Magazine, March, 2010
Lynda Barness was placed on Philadelphis Style's “Luxe List” in March of 2010.
"The List"
Philadelphia Style Magazine, October, 2009
Lynda Barness was mentioned in Philadelphis Style's “The List” in October of 2009.
Kate & Jeff
SusanStripling.com, October 12, 2009
Lynda Barness worked with photographer Susan Stripling for the wedding of Kate and Jeff. It was held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, with reception at The Ritz Carlton.
Jill & Peter
Artoflove.com, September 19, 2009
Lynda Barness works with Marie Labbancz for Jill and Peter's wedding at the Union League of Philadelphia.
Nicole & Charles
Facebook.com, September 18, 2009
Lynda Barness works with Peachtree & Ward Catering for Nicole and Charles' wedding at Greystone Hall.
Puppy love: More pets partake in even formal weddings
USA Today, June 26, 2009
"Wedding attendants are going to the dogs. Pet-loving couples are increasingly including their dogs (and other pets, to a much lesser degree) in the wedding parties of some very formal weddings — decking them out in silk and satin and including them in the receiving line, on the program and in the portraits."
Nicole + Charles
Philadelphia Wedding, May 30, 2009
Cultures combine to create a French-inspired wedding in Chester County.
Couples Retreat
Philadelphia Wedding, Spring / Summer 2009
You think he's lazy. He thinks you're crazy. Wedding planning takes its toll on even the strongest relationships. Here's how to keep things fun up to the day you say "I do".
Bernice & Adam
MK Photography, April 13, 2009
"What a way to start off the wedding season! We were so looking forward to working with Bernice and Adam, they are a fun and relaxed couple. We did their engagement shoot several weeks back and knew this was going to be a fun day! Bernice and Adam were married at PAFA (The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.) in Philadelphia."
Green Weddings
County Lines Online, April 2, 2008
"Many couples are using their wedding day to pledge their commitment, not just to one another, but to the environment. They are going “green” and choosing ecologically friendly products and services — from their invitations to the gifts they request to the venues they use. Planning any wedding is a challenge. But where do you start when you’re thinking green?"
Rebecca and James at the Franklin Institute
Michael Leslie Photography
"Rebecca and James were so much fun.
They got ready at the Four Season Hotel, Philadelphia and then had a beautiful wedding at the Franklin Institute just across Logan circle.
We worked with many of our friends. Lynda from I Do wedding consulting kept everything moving smoothly. Tim from Video One is the best. He is doing some wild video stuff with his 5dmkII. This is the little Canon digital still camera that shoots 1080p HD-video. This gives video the shallow focus we still photographers love with the great Canon L lenses."
A New Year's to Remember
New Jersey Bride, Fall 2008
"When Rachel Zoe Schlacter and Brian Krasner of Westampton, New Jersey, tied the knot on December 31, 2007, the black-tie-mandatory event had all of the guests buzzing… At ten minutes until midnight, noisemakers and hats were passed out, and as the New Year approached, the band started a countdown. At midnight, to the complete surprise of guests, fireworks exploded above their heads inside the ballroom while the Fralinger String Band came back to play."
Laura & Adam
Brides Philadelphia, Fall 2008
"One Philadelphia couple hosts a classic affair that embraces the city where they met and fell in love… Lauren and Adam met in high school and dated for eight years before getting engaged over the Christmas holidays in 2006. The couple worked with wedding planner Lynda Barness throughout their engagement."
Speak Now: How to Choose Your Readings… and the Readers Who Read Them
Philadelphia Wedding, Fall/Winter 2008
"Wedding planner Lynda Barness… has had couples opt for odes to love by Joan Walsh Anglund, Roy Croft, Robert Fulghum and Kahlil Gibran. She's also seen readings of song lyrics — in one case 'Push' by Sarah McLachlan. 'Something from your ethnic background can be very meaningful, too,' Barness says, adding that one bride honored her national heritage by having a friend read a work by 19th-century Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi in the piece's original language."
Jacyln and Dan
ArtofLove.com, June 2008
"The temperature was soaring on Jaclyn and Dan’s hot, yet beautiful wedding day. The afternoon temperature was near 98 degrees and combined with the high humidity it felt like 110 in the shade. This did not keep the couple from having a very “cool”, romantic and uniquely beautiful wedding day. . . . The day moved along so smoothly with the “day of” coordination of Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting. Thanks to such a wonderful team of professionals to create such a marvelously perfect wedding day!"
Knowing the Bride
Bucks-Lehigh Magazine, July/August 2008
"As a wedding coordinator, I am involved in all the details of the wedding, but I am also a keen observer of the various parts. I watch the dynamics of the Bride with her Maids with particular interest because I often spend a good deal of the preparation time with them. And so I began thinking about the role of the bridesmaid (way before the movie '27 Dresses' was released!), and who she is, and what she is expected to do…"
Jacyln and Dan
The Bride's Cafe, June 2008
"Thanks Marie for sharing another beautiful wedding with us today and thanks to Donna for all the beautiful "eye candy"… and to Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting…Lynda was Jaclyn's "Day Of" planner…great job Lynda!"
Hanging with Marie Labbancz
ArtofLove.com, Spring 2008
"I must say I was totally blown away when I entered the ballroom of the Union League to see the breathtaking flowers and décor by Nancy Saam. The usually very dark ballroom was all aglow with white tulips. It was very grand, yet so spring like. It was my first time working with event planner Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting. She kept the day running perfectly; it was a pleasure as I was able to just concentrate on capturing all the moments of the day!"
Get a Clue
Daily Candy, Philadelphia - Spring 2008
"Lynda Barness will hook you up with a plan if you have no idea what to do after you agree to marry the dude or implement one if you already know every last detail. She’s professional, courteous, and most importantly will ease your stress - not add to it."
"Bridezilla on the Warpath"
Main Line Magazine, January/February 2008
"It's an overwhelming process for anyone. I had a bride who called me 10 weeks out and hadn't planned anything. She had no clue where to start," says Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consultants. (Warning: Do not try this at home.)… "I am really clear with clients that this is not my day," says Barness. "I try to play matchmaker between the couple and wedding professionals that are right for them."
Barness always carries a hot glue gun, a steamer, a crochet hook for buttoning the tiny buttons on the back of wedding dresses, and spray-on Band-Aids for blisters. "I had a bride not too long ago who was petting a horse when her pictures were taken and her dress got marked. I brought out some chalk and fixed it," Barness says. "I always order an extra boutonniere because very often the groom gets hugged and it gets flattened."
"Destination Wedding Tips"
Style Me Pretty, February 2008
Lynda Barness, owner of I DO Wedding Consulting in Philadelphia, has written this great tip sheet on planning a destination wedding … I wanted to share her top tips with you guys because I know that there are quite a few of you planning destination weddings!
From Lynda …
A destination wedding - whether it is in the mountains, on the beach, or just anywhere that is a bit far from home… can be both exciting and challenging. Here are ten tips to make a destination wedding stress-free:
- Put everything in writing. You will want to make sure that everyone is literally on the same page, and documenting what you are expecting is one way to make sure this happens. This is particularly important if you are dealing with a venue that is in a place where English is not the only language. You want to be sure that your messages have been conveyed and understood. And, if possible, know some rudimentary words if you are in a place with a foreign language. (This really helps!)
- Check all room reservations and their locations. Does a child have to have a room near a parent’s? Are there adjoining rooms? Will the hotel deliver welcome bags to guests, and is there a charge for this service?
- Know your guests’ limitations. What about access for those with physical disabilities? Remember that foreign countries may not have the same requirements for ramps and other means of assistance that you may find in the United States. Let the venue know of your guests’ needs, in room assignments, transportation and any other situation.
- Know exactly where to find a doctor, where the doctor’s office is located, what the hours are, and what the costs and means of payment may be. You do not want to wait until there is a mishap to figure this out. Investigate ahead of time!
- Carry as much as possible with you if you are traveling by air. You will not want to pay mailing or import costs, for example, on gift bags for hotel guests. Check with the airline ahead of time if you have questions. And this includes traveling with a wedding gown.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you need a golf cart to help you get around at a resort or need help from the hotel staff to assist in decorating tables, just ask. You may be surprised at the willingness of others to assist.
- Make sure you have a back-up plan for rain. And for everything else! Think about "what if."
- Take a moment to think about climate conditions. If you are going to a warm climate, remember that you may also be in (very cold) air conditioning, and plan accordingly. Think about sunscreen, bottled water and a sweater. And if you are going to a cold climate, think about layers. Conditions vary, and you want to be prepared without overloading suitcases.
- Carry an emergency kit. Have your hotel/resort’s phone number on your speed dial or at least in your address book. Hire a wedding coordinator at home and, if possible, bring that coordinator to the wedding. If possible, bring your own team of wedding consultants, photographers and videographers. All of these may be available at your hotel/resort, but you will find that the coordination will be smoother if you have your own team in place.
- Do whatever you can to have a nonstop flight or at least one where you don’t have to change planes, gates or terminals. It is not fun to miss a connection due to weather (think about the groom’s children ending up in Detroit instead of Cancun) or the airlines (think about sitting on the tarmac in Atlanta because there is no gate available to deplane, and thus missing the connecting flight home).
And … enjoy! I would love to hear YOUR tips on planning a destination wedding … no matter how large or small, all ideas are welcome!
I Do recognized as a recommended wedding planner
Real Simple Magazine, January 2008
In January 2008, I Do Wedding Consulting was named to Real Simple magazine's list of recommended wedding planners nationwide.
It's Official: How to find the right person to declare you Husband and Wife
Philadelphia Wedding, January/February 2008
Q. What if I want a religious ceremony at a destination wedding?
"You'll be making decisions from afar, so Lynda Barness… suggests trying to get recommendations from a local source when possible. If you're Catholic, coordinate to make sure your paperwork is in order (you'll need to send certification of Pre-Cana completion to that little Caribbean church.) If you can't make a planning visit months ahead of time, arrive several days early so you can meet with your officiant before the Big Day."
"10 Tips"
Bucks-Lehigh Magazine, January/February 2008
Details, details, details. They are just endless! Here are a few ideas to help you in your wedding planning:
- Buy wedding magazines. Yes, of course you do this… but, instead of just cutting out pictures of things you like (which I do recommend), also make a pile of the things you hate. It is much easier to say to the florist (or cake baker, or any other vendor) that I love this and don't want that… the visual of the two extremes will narrow it down so the communication between you and your vendor is very clear.
- Order an extra boutonniere for the groom. He will get lots of hugs on your wedding day, and if the two of you greet guests before you take photos, his flower may not be so pretty in the pictures. Take a moment to make a quick swap of boutonnieres, and the photos will look even better!
- Make sure that you physically take your invitations to the post office and have them weighed before mailing. You want to make sure that they get where they are going! You can order personalized stamps (www.zazzle.com, for instance). The US Postal Service now offers wedding stamps in two denominations, one for the envelope and one for the response card. Remember NOT to pre-stamp response envelopes for those who live in foreign countries, because they will need to have their own postage stamp on the letter.
- Let your photographer and videographer know of any personal family issues… if Uncle Jack doesn't talk to Aunt Sally, you don't want them shoved together for photos.
- Purchase a new wedding perfume (and a new after-shave for your groom). Every time you wear it, you will remember your wedding day.
- Take a napkin. And then fold it. No, not in the regular way. Try some OTHER ways. If you Google “napkin folds,” you will find 1,610,000 entries! There must be something there that will strike your fancy and dress up your table without spending anything extra at all. And where you place it… on the left side of your plate, across your plate, in a glass, on the back of the chair… will make this a personal, stunning addition to the whole look of your reception room.
- Be kind to your vendors. Have water bottles at the musicians' stands at the ceremony, and make sure to discuss vendor meals with your caterer. Your vendors will be so appreciative (they don't have to eat what the guests are eating, and most will be happy to have a sandwich… they have a long day and are grateful to be fed at some point during the reception).
- There is a difference between flowers that decorate a cake (they shouldn't be treated with any chemicals) and flowers that might be on a cake table surrounding the cake. Make sure to discuss with the bakery and also the florist.
- Personalize SOMETHING at your wedding… it doesn't have to be something big, but do something to make your day yours alone. Try a monogram somewhere, or a signature drink, or use a family heirloom.
- If you don't own a glue gun… or don't want to have to use it on your wedding day… hire a wedding consultant! Lots of little things go wrong, and it is nice not to have to deal with the stress yourself.
"It Depends"
Bucks-Lehigh Magazine, January/February 2008
Wedding consultants are frequently asked if children should be included in a wedding guest list. There is a two-word answer: It depends on how well-behaved the child is (would you take a 7-year-old to a fancy restaurant late at night?) It depends on whether the parents are willing to really take care of the child during the event (would you let a 7-year-old roam around a hotel alone?). And it depends on what the expectations are for the child during the reception (what should he/she be DOING???) There are, though, some terrific options for young children attending wedding receptions. Here are just some of them:
- Hire a children's entertainer. Do face painting, have a treasure hunt, or plan other activities in a room adjacent to or nearby the reception room.
- Hire a babysitting service. Not just babysitters, but those who have worked at weddings and can handle a number of children of different ages. Coordinate with the reception site and run a DVD for children.
- Serve food that kids like. Chicken fingers and French fries seem to be the way to go. You could also have a sundae bar too. Or, plan food boxes with goodies, and include a toy or other small game. A lunchbox filled with snacks and craft items would be a cute gift. Or, maybe you would like to have a mini-wedding cake or individual cakes for the kids… or a cupcake tree. S'mores or marshmallow sandwiches, anyone?
- Have a kids' table (with a sitter). If there are lots of little ones, have a special low table and chairs for them. Or, make sure that children and parents sit together. Instead of fancy linens, place a large sheet of freezer or craft paper over a plain cloth, and provide crayons or markers. There are special Wedding Day Kits for Children. They often include stickers and other activities. Wedding coloring books are helpful, too, and many can be downloaded from the internet and even personalized.
The whole point is to have fun… both the adults and the children should be at the reception to celebrate and party!
"The Wedding Party", Know Your Place
Philadelphia Style, January/February 2008
Be realistic. Before you start looking at venues, make a tentative guest list and decide just who needs to be there. According to Lynda Barness, proprietor of I Do Wedding Consulting, "That means actually putting it down in writing, and asking parents and in-laws to do the same." Tackling this task first will automatically take some reception sites out of the running. Discuss the logistics. If the ceremony and the reception will not be held in the same place, Barness suggests coming up with a plan on how guests will move between the two. Buses, vans, and even trolley cars can do the job, but it will cost extra. Ask about hidden fees. Amenities such as bathroom attendants and coat checks — and if it's an outdoor wedding, heaters, fans, and air conditioners — can factor into a couple's budget, says Barness. Find out what you'll be paying for and what's provided gratis. Put your guests at ease.
Climate control issues can be the cause of mild discomfort for the unprepared invitee. For al fresco receptions, "Let guests know that they can bring sunscreen, hats, or whatever they might need. Provide parasols at the site to ward off the sun," Barness recommends. And as anyone who has faced the martini-and-chicken-satay balancing act knows, having enough chairs at the cocktail hour is always a good idea, she adds.Work with the employees. The staff can make a great first impression, as well as seal the deal on a memorable evening. "It's always nice to have someone stationed at entrance points," says Brian Kappra, owner of Evantine Design. Giving guests a personal welcome is a touch that's always appreciated, he adds. Barness fondly recalls a wedding where the valet parking staff left a Krispy Kreme favor in each guest's car.
Erin & Jamie
The Knot - Philadelphia, Spring/Summer 2008
"Our general goal was to make the whole wedding feel as natural as possible and to create a romantic, subtly magical atmosphere in the reception tent," Jamie explains. He and Erin chose an "enchanted forest" theme for their nuptials, complementing the natural beauty of their site.
Wedding by I Do Wedding Consulting.
Melissa and Rick's Fairytale Wedding
LuckyProductionsVideo.com, July 2007
"It was so beautiful, I found myself saying repeatedly “This is just like a fairytale!” It didn’t hurt that the reception was at Fonthill Museum, the quintessential storybook castle! I kept waiting for a unicorn to just prance across the field, it was THAT fantastic! Melissa and Rick are such a lovely couple that are so obviously in love, they deserved this picture perfect day."
"Green with Joy"
Jewish Exponent, June 21, 2007
Erin Becker and Jamie Gulick worked with wedding planner Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting in Center City, who has planned several green weddings in recent years. In keeping with their natural theme, Becker and Gulick's centerpieces were potted plants and their place card table was decorated with moss that could be replanted. Their caterer, Feastivities, helped them find fish that was not caught or raised in a way that harms the ocean or the environment. The couple chose the type of fish to serve based on what they read in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's "Seafood Watch Guide." The guide encourages consumers to support only Earth-friendly fisheries and fish farms.
"Lights of the Round Table"
Jewish Exponent, June 21, 2007
One reason centerpieces are changing is because they no longer carry the weight of bringing color to an affair. Linens, glassware, plates, fabric draping, napkins, and chair covers now do their share of adding color to the reception room and tabletop, creating greater freedom on how centerpieces can be used, notes Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting in Center City."Fresh fruits and vegetables now take starring roles," Barness says, both in arrangements and plated on the table. For example, starfruits cut in a vase with limes provide a yellow-green tint to the table, she says.
What Makes One Wedding Different from the Rest?
PhiladelphiaWeddings.com, April 2007
"What makes one wedding different from the next? They all have so many of the same elements… bride and groom, ceremony, band, flowers, photography, food. What makes it personal? Yours alone? And how do you do this without hiring a sky-writer and spending a fortune? Here are 12 ideas…"
"Here Comes The Bride"
The Knot - Philadelphia, Spring/Summer 2007
Article features Meredith Vacca's traditional wedding at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.Wedding by I DO Wedding Consulting.
The Real Fairy Grandmothers
Jewish Exponent - Wedding Supplement,
January 27, 2007
"Lynda Barness, owner of I Do Wedding Consulting, suggests asking yourself how much time you have to do the necessary legwork in planning a wedding. 'There are probably at least 50 fabulous photographers in the Philadelphia area,' she notes. 'Do you really have time to check them all out? I narrow down the choices based on what a couple tells me they want, and then try to make a perfect match.' Barness, who always carries a huge emergency kit to the wedding so she's prepared for anything that might happen, considers herself the choreographer of the wedding, as well as a neutral voice of reason, especially when it comes to the delicate family issues that can arise. "I provide objectivity during what can be an emotionally trying time," she explains.
And Fido Makes Three
Spokane.net Bride's Guide, December 2006
"I do not see people who want to have animals in their weddings because they want a gimmick," says Lynda Barness, president of I Do Wedding Consulting in Philadelphia. "It is dog lovers where the animal is an absolute part of the family."
No matter what the original motivation, Barness says couples don’t need to worry about their furry friends getting more "oohs and aaahs" than they do. "I do not think anything deflects attention off of the bride and groom. Flower girls are cute. Processionals have all these other elements all the time and nothing takes away from the wedding couple."
Horse Sense About Dogs and "I Do's"
Sierra Nevada Weddings, December 15, 2006
Serious about including a pet in the wedding party? To pull it off with no howling from your dog or from you, keep these tips in mind: when selecting your wedding attendants, pick someone to be in charge of your four-legged family member. "It can’t be the bride," cautions Lynda Barness, president of I Do Wedding Consulting in Philadelphia. "Your dog sitter should be responsible for walking the dog before and after the ceremony, making sure the dog does what is asked of him. Resist the urge to have the cute flower girl be your designated dog sitter. The person in charge needs to be a grown up who can prevent your dog from jumping on someone clad in her Sunday best."
Floral Pattern
Vicky Katz Whitaker, Copley News Service
Fall Brides 2006, July 2006
Choosing a seasonal flower is more economical than an exotic flower that has to be flown in if not grown locally, points out Lynda Barness, president of Philadelphia based I Do Wedding Consulting. "The rose is still the most popular wedding flower" since it holds up well and is reasonably priced because of its many varieties. "But the white, cream or pale roses are being matched with other flowers - peonies, hydrangea and orchids - to deviate from the traditional monochromatic or single-flower arrangements."
The Bridal Emergency Kit
Main Line Today, July 2006
Lynda Barness, president of I Do Wedding Consulting, always brings along the following to every wedding:
- Glue gun
- Shout wipes (removes grass stains after posing for picture on the lawn)
- Sewing kit
- Nail glue
- Black socks
- Panty hose
- Plain silver rings (rings are sometimes lost or forgotten)
- White chalk (for covering scuffs on fabric)
- All kinds of tape (for wayward electrical wires and aisle runners)
- Drinking straw (prevents lipstick marks on stemware)
- Snacks and energy bars
- Votive candles, spare matches, barbecue lighter
- Sandpaper (for scuffing new shoe bottoms)
- Clear nail polish (stops pantyhose runs)
- Anti-static spray
- Hair spray (dab on a cotton swab to remove ink stains)
- Portable CD player and backup wedding music
Woman Of The Week: Lynda Barness
PhillyWomen - Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Lynda Barness, Wedding Consultant, Mother (of two Daughters), Montgomery County, PA, speaks with Marilyn Russell. As spring turns to Summer suddenly our day planners are filled with activities – graduations, Memorial Day BBQ’s, charity walks, birthdays…and of course, WEDDING Season is here! Just ask our Woman of the Week this week, Lynda Barness, who lives, eats and breathes the season all year long. She was nominated by one of her clients, Meredith Landis, whose wedding she’s planning for March ’07. Lynda’s real-world expertise and supportive guidance navigating the complexities and challenges of arranging that special day makes her one of the best wedding consultants in our area. In fact, this time last year, Lynda was planning Sixer’s President Billy King’s wedding at the PA Governor’s Mansion last August - an intimate affair featuring 180 guests.
“I asked Meredith why she felt she needed a wedding consultant and her response was this: “To be honest I was not even going to have a coordinator, but after meeting with Lynda about doing her PR and hearing about everything she does on that day, I decided that I had to have her there. I genuinely felt that all my time would be taken up talking to everyone at the wedding. I don't want to deal with missing flowers, the cake not coming out on time or something like that. I have been to weddings where the Bride's dress ripped or someone in the bridal party had a problem with their dress. I was also at a wedding where there was elevator music playing during the ceremony and they were unable to find the person who could shut it off. Lynda is there to make sure none of that stuff happens and she knows exactly what to do if it does. I am looking forward to having her there.”
- Lynda, where did you grow up? In beautiful Bucks County – Warrington. Warrington was still a rural area when growing up there and I even remember the general store. The family business was started by my grandparents back in 1925 and remained in business there for 80 years. That has always been “home” even though I moved to Montgomery County with my family when I was teenager.
- How many jobs did you hold before finding your niche? I worked for Senator Arlen Specter in the early 1980s. I started our in his Philadelphia office and then worked in his fundraising office. After that, I joined my father, Herb Barness, working in The Barness Organization. This was a homebuilding business started by my grandparents and continued by my father. My father expanded the business in many directions, encompassing various types of real estate development. I worked with my father for fourteen years until his untimely death in 1998. I continued the homebuilding business with a wonderful group of loyal “family” until it was sold last summer. I’m very lucky to have had wonderful work experiences!
- How much do you credit your family, in particular, your father with providing necessary guidance and support? I learned so much from working with my father, but the most important lesson had to do with priorities and attitude. Family always came first, so I think that my wedding consulting business reflects that. The wedding day is important for the two people getting married, as they start their married life together. I urge the bride and groom to step back and take a look around the room, just to appreciate the people in their lives…the guests are "their" special extended family. It is not often that we have the opportunity to share something so important with so many people we care about… And in terms of attitude, the glass is more than half full. Again, this helps in the wedding business, because little things may not be perfect, but you can still have a perfect day!
- How did you get started with I Do Consulting? Although I knew I was selling the homebuilding business, I hadn’t made a plan for my future work life…until I picked up a course catalogue from Temple University and came across a Certificate Program in Wedding Planning and Consulting. I had just helped to plan my older daughter’s wedding and since I have another daughter and two nieces, I thought it might be fun to take the courses. I did…and loved it! A friend of my daughter’s was getting married and she was my first client. She then recommended me to another bride-to-be, and I DO Wedding Consulting was born!
- What do you like best about your work? I am hopefully able to reduce stress for the bride, groom, and their families in the planning of the wedding.
- What’s the hardest thing to accomplish? Reducing friction between family members in the planning process is a challenge.
- What if (as it usually does) something goes wrong? Well, I like to think that I am organized enough that I am able to prevent anything really disastrous from happening. I always bring three emergency kits with me to every wedding. My emergency KITS are now comprised of three-tiered tool boxes on wheels! There is one for the Groom and the men (black socks for the usher who forgets and is wearing brown ones, black shoe laces and polish, an instant cold pack, wine stain remover, mosquito wipes, extra boutonniere pins- I've used them to pin the head of a flower back on and to close a jacket when the groomsman popped a button right before going down the aisle). There is also one for Bride and the women (white chalk to take marks out of a gown, a white towel for the bride to stand on if she is having photos taken on grass so she doesn't stain her gown, tulle and double-sided tape to stuff the top of a bridesmaid's gown that was in danger of falling down- don't laugh, I’ve really used that! There’s also a straw so the bride can use it to drink water (after her makeup is done) and a general emergency kit (extra candles, matches, caution tape to prevent guests from parking where they shouldn't, clear duct tape to tape down electrical cords so no one trips, a CD player and a CD with wedding music, "just in case" cash, calligraphy pens in the wedding colors, copies of the ceremony readings, extra place cards and, my new best friend, a glue gun and sticks. And, that’s honestly just of portion of what my emergency kits hold. It makes me laugh to have all of this, but I end up using so many of these items that I am happy to have them with me!!
- Okay, so besides ‘being prepared’, describe your philosophy and how it works with your business. My father had a wonderful saying: Every day is a good day…some are just better than others. I enjoy the challenges of creating a start-up business, including all the networking, marketing, and even the paperwork. It is different and stimulating for me and meeting with clients and helping with the details is rewarding. Even when there is something difficult, I know that I am learning from my experiences.
- What are you most proud of? My daughters and one son-in-law.
- What is the one thing you’ve always wanted to do? I like to think that I am doing just what I want to do right now.
- What’s next? More weddings!
I Want To Give Personal Attention To Every Bride
Philadelphia Business Journal, April 28 - May 4, 2006
- Name Of Company: I DO Wedding Consulting, Inc.
- Owner's Name: Lynda Barness
- Location: Philadelphia, but I cover Bucks, Montgomery counties and others, South Jersey… and I am also available for destination weddings.
- Description Of Company, Including Its Target Market: I DO Wedding Consulting provides guidance, experience, expertise, and planning to make a wedding day enjoyable and stress-free for the bride, groom, and their families. I DO works with brides, grooms, and/or their parents to manage all the details, organize vendors, and coordinate wedding day events. Customized, personal services are also available.
- Is location important to the company's success? Not at all. Since weddings can be in any location, I will travel anywhere.
- Age Of Company: More than a year and a half. I started doing the groundwork for this company two-and-a-half years ago but actually launched it a year later.
- No. Of Employees: One full-time and a number of part-time assistants hired for "day-of" weddings.
- Owner's Education: Bachelor's degree in political science (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Tufts University, master's degree in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania, and I have a Certificate in Wedding Planning and Consulting from Temple University.
- Owner's Prior Experience: Before starting I DO Wedding Consulting, I was the president of The Barness Organization, a real estate development and home-building company. I like to say that I have gone from dream homes to dream weddings!
- How Did You First Perceive A Need/Opportunity? During the planning of my older daughter's wedding, I realized how many details were involved.
- What Made You Decide To Start Your Own Business? I started planning for my daughter's wedding and loved it. I knew, though, that planning my own child's wedding was very different from doing wedding planning as a business, so I took the Temple University Certificate Program in Wedding Planning and Consulting and then worked as an intern for another wedding consultant before launching my own business.
- How High Was Your Anxiety Level After You Made The Decision To Start Your Own Business? I was excited and well-prepared. I was very eager to start!
- What Were Your First Sources Of Funding? Savings.
- How Are You Funding Operations Now? Through business operations.
- Give An Example Of How Your Network Of People, Including Friends, Family, And Acquaintances, Influenced Your Decision And Launch: A friend of my daughter's was engaged shortly after my daughter's wedding, and she was looking for a wedding consultant. She hired me just as my Certificate Program was ending, and thus I was launched before I knew it! She then recommended me to a friend of hers whose wedding was about eight months later, so I was in business! And both of my daughters were extremely encouraging and supportive, which gave me the impetus to actually launch the business.
- Who Or What Is Your Competition? The other wedding consultants in the area are my competition, but so are family members who take on the tasks of planning and assisting in wedding day preparations.
- What Was Your Biggest Hurdle? Having the time to deal with all the elements of starting a new business. I was finishing up the sale of The Barness Organization, so I was handling a lot of details for both businesses at the same time.
- What Turned Out To Be Easier Than You Thought? Working with brides I didn't know before.
- What Lessons Have You Learned About Controlling Costs And Deciding In Which Areas To Invest Resources? The initial investment in a Website was very important to the launch of this business. Brides do so much investigation on the Internet. Print advertising is helpful, of course, but so is online marketing.
- Was There A Time You Regretted Your Decision Or Thought You Wouldn't Make A Go Of It? NO!
- How Has Your Role In The Company Changed Since Your Launch, If It Has? At the initial launch, I was still extricating myself from my prior business. Now this is full time for me, and I love it.
- How Do You See Your Own Role Changing As The Company Grows? I will hire staff to handle clerical work, but it is very important to me to be hands-on and handle each wedding personally.
- Was There One Moment Of Relief, When You Thought, "Yes! This Will Work!" I had such a good experience with the first bride… she was wonderful to work with, and I knew that I would love the business.
- What Is Your Long-Range Outlook? I offer customized, personalized wedding planning and consulting packages, so I am able to be flexible. I think that this will continue to be attractive to brides and grooms.
- In Your Dream Of Dreams, How Big Would You Like To Get? I want to give personal attention to each bride, so I intend to book no more than one wedding per weekend.
- Finally, Do You Have Any Words Of Wisdom For Others Contemplating Starting Their Own Business? Preparing a business plan is essential for understanding the economics of starting a business. There are always more costs involved than initially anticipated.
Inqlings (Wedding Recap)
Michael Klein, Inquirer Columnist
The Philadelphia Inquirer - September 18, 2005
"Details have finally surfaced from the Aug. 27 wedding of 76ers president Billy King and Melanie Frantz in front of 180 guests at the governor's residence in Harrisburg. (The bride, see, wanted to wait for the pictures to get back from the photographer.) Best man Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers gave the toast before handing the mic to Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Miller dazzled the crowd by cutting the rug with U.S. Judge Midge Rendell, there with her husband, Gov. Ed. also there: Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider, New Jersey Nets owner Lewis Katz, New York Knicks coach Larry Brown, Utah Jazz exec Kevin O'Connor, plus King's former Duke teammates Danny Ferry, Johnny Dawkins, Tommy Amaker and Quin Snyder, and Sixers forward Kyle Korver. Philly outfits got the work: City Rhythm orchestra, Ten Pennies florists, Catering By Design, and Lynda Barness of I Do Wedding Consulting."
On the House | Dismantling a family firm after 80 years of building
Al Heavens, Inquirer Columnist
The Philadelphia Inquirer - August 14, 2005
It was the most difficult decision Lynda Barness has ever had to make. But she made it, and so in a couple of months the Barness Organization - at 80, the region's second-oldest residential builder after Orleans Homebuilders of Bensalem - will be history.
"Our marketing material calls this company a family, and it really is," Barness said shortly after it was announced that DeLuca Homes of Yardley would be acquiring the Warrington-based builder's 800 remaining lots, which are scattered across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, from Bucks County to the Lehigh Valley.
A purchase price for the lots was not disclosed.
DeLuca will be hiring many of Barness' employees and will assume the builder's remaining warranty obligations, to make the transition "seamless."
"These are people I work with every day," said Barness, who joined the company in 1985 and became president on the death of her father, Herbert, in 1998. "It's very hard to imagine not seeing Murray [Hirshorn, chairman of Barness' board for 32 years] every morning."
But the pressure of the business had just gotten too great, Barness said.
"Things have changed so much in the seven years since Dad passed away," she said.
"For example, when he was alive, we never had a land-acquisition department. Farmers would call Dad with land to sell, or he would call them and say, 'Call me when you're ready.' We never had to go scouting for ground."
Buildable land is now scarce in the suburbs, and the larger builders - both national companies and home-grown ones - tend to have deeper pockets. "We are like the corner hardware store, surrounded by larger national stores," including Pulte, Toll Bros., Orleans, Beazer and Hovnanian, she said. In addition, municipal rules and regulations have gotten stricter and more complicated, she said, making the time from proposal to completion longer and costlier.
The results of a survey by the Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School showed that a community's wealth, income and education level are important drivers of local regulation.
The higher the housing prices, household incomes, and percentage of college graduates in a community, the survey showed, the larger the increases in single-family-lot development costs, the longer the review times even for standard projects, and the longer the permit lags between application and approval (even when rezoning is not required).
Consumers have changed, too, although for the better. "They are better educated about the home-buying process than ever, because the Internet has made so much information so easily available," Barness said. "When they come in, they know what they want."
Her decision has saddened other area builders.
Jeff Orleans, whose grandfather began building houses in Philadelphia in 1918, said, "Lynda has been a driving force in our industry, and her expertise and presence will be sorely missed."
In 1925, Lynda's grandparents, Joseph and Mary Barness, traded chicken farming for residential construction, building one house, then a second.
The Barness family was well established in Bucks County when Lynda's father joined Joseph after service in World War II and graduation from Bucknell University. In his 50 years with the company, Herbert Barness moved into multifamily and commercial construction, as well as single-family homes on both sides of the Delaware.
He also exported his expertise in the 1960s, building townhouses in Mexico and apartments in the Virgin Islands, his daughter said. There is no exact count of the houses and apartments the company built in eight decades, but Barness said the figure is easily in the thousands. "Just in the last few years, we have been completing 100 to 200 homes every year," she said. "It was a hard decision because I have 80 years behind me. Still, I knew it was the right thing to do, and I know my father would have supported me wholeheartedly."
Will Barness find some other niche in residential building?
"No," she said. "I've been doing wedding consulting on the side, and I've decided to go into it full time."
"It seems like a logical transition. From dream homes to dream weddings."
For more information, or to set up a private consultation, please contact Lynda Barness at:
I Do Wedding Consulting, Inc.