Rhonda tapped to create "something special" for the ABC bridal show

As a senior member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, and a co-director for the North NJ networking group of the ABC, I have been asked to add a very special touch to the upcoming ABC bridal show on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge. Of course, the show will have lots and lots of ABC vendors (yes, the ABC has vendor members, despite its rather unfortunate name!) showcasing their products and/or services. The show also will have great food provided by Dolce Basking Ridge, and beautiful wedding gowns worn by models walking through the venue. And there will be an awesome gift bag for the attendees!



So, what more could a bridal show ask for? How about a chance for you to get up close and personal with leading ABC wedding consultants and vendors?! I set up "meet and greets" with a whole bunch of people on a variety of topics, such as getting your wedding in print, amazing honeymoons, personalizing your wedding, why you need an ABC wedding consultant.... The list goes on an on!!! In small groups, you'll be able to get tons of valuable tips from the experts, ask questions, and really take away important information to make your wedding even more amazing.



For more info about the show and to register, which is called Before "I Do" (catchy, huh?), go to the website at http://www.beforeido2008.com/. Tickets are only $40 for the first 2 people, and $25 for each additional person.



Now, for the added bonus: For the first 3 people who correctly respond to the following question, I'll give you 2 free tickets each! All I ask is that you find me during the show and introduce yourselves! So, here's the question: How much of your wedding budget should be allocated for the venue? GOOD LUCK!!

How much do you charge for a wedding?

I get this question at least once per week: "How much is a wedding?" Well, where do I begin???

The answer to this question is very complex, because every couple is looking for different assistance from a wedding consultant. I can do as little or as much as you need -- from simply creating an "engagement blueprint" (a monthly to do list and budget) to attending every single meeting with your vendors. I offer my clients a wide variety of options to fit their needs - both emotional and budgetary.

So, the better question to ask a prospective wedding consultant is not "How much for a wedding?" but rather "How can you help us achieve our wedding vision?" When interviewing wedding planners, focus on three things: how well you "connect" with the planner, what types of services the planner is offering and the planner's qualifications. It's very important that you and your planner get along well because he or she will be working very closely with you over the next months, and you'll need to be excited to be working together! As for the services being offered - if you want a filet mignon sauteed in garlic, you don't head to McDonald's, right? The same way, make sure the services being offered are customized to your exact needs, including your budget! Also, you want to hire a consultant who has been through training and is a professional in the industry - after all you are entrusting your most important day to this person!

Until next time, happy planning...

Giants Win!

I have to admit - I didn't watch the football season. I did catch the Giants win over the Packers (in OVERTIME!). Well, I just watched the Superbowl -- WHAT A GAME!!!

I hope all you engaged couples out there took time away from planning to watch this great game. The Patriots really played well, but had the weight of their undefeated record. All I can say is "WOW"!

Until next time, happy planning ...