More Beautiful Flowers

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Manji of Juliet's Flowers.  Looking through her portfolio, I saw some amazing creations. 

No two arrangements for her events were alike which we love!  It is obvious that she loves what she does and makes sure to add extra care in making sure her clients are happy.  Below are more of her great works:

It still always amazes me what the beauty of flowers can do for a room!

Happy Planning!

Ways to Save

We are always looking for ways to save our Clients money when it comes to planning events.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Try to locating a venue that is already ornate. You may not need decorations. The beauty of the venue may  be enough.

2. When it comes to flowers, make sure they are in season

3. Is there an event before yours? See if you can gain their contact information and maybe both of you can share in the costs of some of the vendors (i.e., flowers, music,)

4. Do you really have to have your event on a Friday or Saturday night, which is prime time? Why not a Sunday or weekday evening? Sometimes this can save as much as 50% when it comes to the venue rental and vendors.

5. Depending on the type of event you are having, why not use online invitations?

6. Try to purchase items in bulk

7. Start planning early so that you can take advantage of sales as they come about

8. Plated dinners are often times less expensive than buffets. Attendees have a tendency to eat more when there is a buffet. Extra dishes, flatware and staff are also often needed for a buffet.

9. Ask the venue if you can bring in your own liquor. Even if there is a corkage fee, often times you will still come out ahead.

10. Want to have a Photographer or Videographer, but running close to the end of your budget? Check out a Photographer or Videographer school. There are some great student Photographers and Videographers out there. Catch them while they are still students before they begin charging at least $350/hour.

Hope this helps in saving you a few dollars!

Happy Planning!

Day of/Month of Wedding Services

With the DIY Bride becoming more and more popular, many Brides are seeking the services of a Wedding Coordinator for only “Day of” or “Month of” services.

You don't want to have to worry about what is going to oversee your rehearsal, wedding, and reception to and make sure that your special day goes smooth.

What exactly do “Day of” services include you ask? The services provided will vary depending on the planner, but below are a listing of the most common services:

• Ability to speak with a planner for advice and guidance
• Confirmation of your vendors
• Development of a timeline for the big day
• Directing the rehearsal
• Creating the timeline for the vendors as well as the wedding party 
• Coordinating and directing the actual day of the ceremony and rehearsal

With the creation of the “Day of” service for weddings, the days of thinking that you cannot afford a planner are long gone.

Happy Planning!

The Art of Tipping

It takes many to make any event successful.  You want to thank those that have helped you make your event memorable.  I am often asked what to tip and who to tip?  Find the answers below:

Caterer and/or Banquet Manager - 15%

Bartenders - 15% to 20% of the liquor bill

Powder Room and Coat Room Attendants - 50¢ per guest or arrange to pay a flat tipping fee instead.

Clergy members - $20 or more donation, depending on the length of the ceremony.  Some will not accept, so it is appropriate to make a donation to the church.

Civil Ceremony Officials - $10 and up. However, look into this first. Some judges cannot accept money.

Florist - 15% directly to the driver who delivers the flowers.

Photographer - 10% to 15%

Videographer - 10% to 15%

Cake Decorator - 10% to 15%

Musicians or D.J. - 15%

Limousine Driver - 10% to 15%

Please note that some vendors include the gratuity in their quote, so be sure to ask!

Happy Planning!

Beautiful, Beautiful Flowers

Most events have some type of flower included in the decorations.  They are versatile, fun, beautiful, and smell wonderful.  With all of the types of flowers, remember that not all are available in all seasons.  Flowers in season are less expensive than those out of season.  Below are flowers that are always in season!

All Seasons:
Alstroemeria
Aster
Baby's Breath
Bachelor's Button
Bird of Paradise
Bouvardia
Calla Lily
Carnation
Chrysanthemum
Eucalyptus
Freesia
Gardenia
Gladiolus
Iris
Lily
Nerine
Orchid
Statice
Stephanotis
Stock

Happy Planning!

Two Important Words When Planning an Event

Budgeting and Flexibility

There are many things to consider when it comes to your event. Your budget is the most important. No money. No event...

However, I always like to ask any client that I meet with:

"What is your dream event or wedding?"

”If you could have everything you wanted, how would it look?"

Of course everyone has a budget. Very seldom are unlimited funds available.

Many times my clients look at me strangely because the words budget and dream usually do not coincide. I ask for the dream because I try to find a way to incorporate that dream into the event, but on a smaller scale. Sometimes making small adjustments can make a large difference. When it comes to budgeting, one of the biggest things that can help you to get where you want to be is flexibility.

Flexibility: the quality of being adaptable or variable

Change the day of your event, Friday and Saturday evenings are prime time which means prime pricing. Would a weekday evening or weekend afternoon work? There are several tricks of the trade and money saving ways.

My best advice is that being flexible can many times get you what you want.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Traditions

Ever wondered where some of the time honored wedding traditions that we follow today came from? I thought you may find it interesting to know.

1. Something Old, Something New...
The actual saying goes like this:

Something old, Something new,

Something borrowed, Something blue,

And a silver sixpence in her shoe

This popular rhyme originated during the Victorian Age. Something old represents a linking to the Bride’s family and her past. Something new is for good fortune in the Bride's new life. Something borrowed is a token from a happily married family member or a friend. Something blue symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty. A silver sixpence in her shoe is a blessing for wealth. There are many ways to represent the something old, something new, something borrowed something blue tradition.

2. Wedding Flowers...

Before the bridal bouquet, women carried herbs which were believed to ward off evil spirits. As time passed, the herbs were replaced with wild flowers which symbolized fertility and everlasting love. Depending on the flower and culture, flowers have different meanings, but I think that we can all agree that they are beautiful and add a wonderful touch to any wedding.

3. The Bachelor Party...
The Bachelor Party which used to let be known as a Bachelor Dinner or a Stag Party, began in the 5th century in Sparta. In those days, military comrades would get together and eat, drink, and be merry in honor of their friend’s upcoming nuptials. Due to the popularity of this tradition and the often times late night, it is recommended that the Bachelor Party, nor the Bachelorette Party be held the night before the wedding.

4. The Wedding Dress...
Long ago, in the 18th century, poor Bride's wore simple robes. This dress let the future husband know that they were bringing nothing with them into the marriage; they were not burdening their Groom with debt. Queen Victoria in 1840 began the trend of the pure white gown worn by the Bride for weddings. Imagine the low cost of the Bridal attire for weddings in the beginning!


I hope that you found these as interesting as I did!


Happy Planning!