One of the many questions I'm asked by my clients is about reserving rooms for their wedding guests. As soon as you decide upon the location of your ceremony and reception site(s), you can start this relatively simple process.
Step #1 -- Choose at least 2 different hotels that are close by. I recommend that you select 1 higher-end and one moderately-priced hotel, to accommodate your guests' varying budgets.
Step #2 -- Visit both hotels to make sure they are up to your standards. Check out the lobby, restaurants, amenities, and ask to see a standard room.
Step #3 -- Once you're confident that your selections are a good fit, ask to speak with the Group Sales Manager (or some such title). That person will walk you through the process to reserve a block of rooms, at a discounted rate for your guests. You may or may not be required to sign a contract for the block; if you do have to sign one, make sure to read it carefully to make sure you are not liable for any fees, including indemnification provisions!
Step #4 -- Tell your guests!! Either in your save-the-date information, by email, on your wedding website or in your invitations, let your guests know that you have block-booked rooms for them. Tell them the telephone number they must call and under what name they must reference in order to get the discounted rate. Don't forget to let them know the deadline - most hotels release the block back into the main reservation system about 1 month before your wedding date!
Keep in mind that some hotels will give you a free room (or even suite) if your block is filled. (Most room blocks are for 20 rooms.) Of course, your wedding consultant can help you out with all of these steps - usually taking over all of the legwork!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Of birthdays and parties
Well, allow me to go slightly off-topic today and talk about my weekend - which did not include any wedding-related activities. In fact, I didn't even turn on my computer the whole weekend! You see, it was my birthday on Friday and I celebrated all weekend long. On Friday, my husband Mike took me out to see Spiderman 3 and then we went to a club with a bunch of friends from our dojo (where we both practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu). Saturday, we had a big party at our house - some friends who live in Virginia and Maryland stayed over. After a fun brunch, they left and my husband and I drove to my Mom's and went out to dinner with them. Boy, am I tired!!
Sometimes, though, you just have to stop and enjoy your friends and family - rather than only planning for the future! (You knew I'd have to tie this post into wedding planning somehow, right?!) I had so much fun with my long-time friends, some of whom I've known since the 3rd grade. There also were surprises, like when my BJJ sensei stopped by with some of his friends, including Rigan Machado (8th degree black belt and world champion). Not to mention Mike's beautiful present of a charm bracelet. It was a wonderful weekend!
As a wedding planner, I am constantly planning, making lists, attending meetings and offering advice. It's so easy to get wrapped up in thinking about your wedding day, planning for it and dreaming of it, that you miss all the little things going on around you. So, in this Spring, pick a day and just enjoy all that nature has to offer. Turn off your cell, leave your computer behind, and have fun. You'll be all the more recharged come Monday, and have great memories that make you smile!
Until next time, happy planning ....
Sometimes, though, you just have to stop and enjoy your friends and family - rather than only planning for the future! (You knew I'd have to tie this post into wedding planning somehow, right?!) I had so much fun with my long-time friends, some of whom I've known since the 3rd grade. There also were surprises, like when my BJJ sensei stopped by with some of his friends, including Rigan Machado (8th degree black belt and world champion). Not to mention Mike's beautiful present of a charm bracelet. It was a wonderful weekend!
As a wedding planner, I am constantly planning, making lists, attending meetings and offering advice. It's so easy to get wrapped up in thinking about your wedding day, planning for it and dreaming of it, that you miss all the little things going on around you. So, in this Spring, pick a day and just enjoy all that nature has to offer. Turn off your cell, leave your computer behind, and have fun. You'll be all the more recharged come Monday, and have great memories that make you smile!
Until next time, happy planning ....
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Reality Check
Over the past few years, we have become inundated with reality TV. From The Amazing Race to Survivor and The Apprentice, reality TV is a big industry now -- affording networks relatively low budget shows that can mean ratings success. Just ask Fox - with its goldmine of American Idol.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love watching some of these shows. Our TV is regularly tuned to American Idol, and I get a guilty pleasure from watching The Bachelor! But there also are many wedding-related reality shows that I'm sure you're glued to: Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? started the trend, that is now being followed by Bridezillas, The Real Wedding Crashers, Real Weddings, A Wedding Story...the list goes on and on.
When I watch reality wedding shows, I do so with a critical eye. And so should you! Some of these makeover shows that promise a million-dollar wedding on a $5000 budget - and the wedding looks amazing! - are simply scary to me. What you don't see, or are not informed of, is that the shoestring budget is supplemented by donated gifts and labor. In order for the budget to stay so low, vendors simply give things to the couple. In real life, "giveaways" do happen, but on a much smaller scale. If you tried to go out and duplicate some of the "low budget" weddings shown on TV, I suspect that the real life budget would be at least 4 times the amount anticipated. So, please keep watching reality shows for their ideas and for inspiration, but remember, it's a TV show!
Until next time, happy planning ....
Now, don't get me wrong, I love watching some of these shows. Our TV is regularly tuned to American Idol, and I get a guilty pleasure from watching The Bachelor! But there also are many wedding-related reality shows that I'm sure you're glued to: Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? started the trend, that is now being followed by Bridezillas, The Real Wedding Crashers, Real Weddings, A Wedding Story...the list goes on and on.
When I watch reality wedding shows, I do so with a critical eye. And so should you! Some of these makeover shows that promise a million-dollar wedding on a $5000 budget - and the wedding looks amazing! - are simply scary to me. What you don't see, or are not informed of, is that the shoestring budget is supplemented by donated gifts and labor. In order for the budget to stay so low, vendors simply give things to the couple. In real life, "giveaways" do happen, but on a much smaller scale. If you tried to go out and duplicate some of the "low budget" weddings shown on TV, I suspect that the real life budget would be at least 4 times the amount anticipated. So, please keep watching reality shows for their ideas and for inspiration, but remember, it's a TV show!
Until next time, happy planning ....
Monday, April 16, 2007
Class over!
I just finished teaching a course at the Montclair Adult School, titled "The Art of Planning Exceptional Events." I had 13 students in my class and, over the 4-week session, we covered all sorts of topics related to event and wedding planning. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, and started (or continued) their education into this exciting field.
In teaching this course, I learned a lot as well. I was forced to "break down" the many different areas involved in planning so that I could explain them to the class. In so doing, I was reminded why certain steps have to be taken first, rather than just jumping into the whole planning process at once. While my students gained an introductory education into planning, I also gained a deeper understanding of the "art" as well as the "science" of planning major milestones. And, I believe, I became a better wedding planner by being forced to think through all of the steps and details!
Of course, seeking education is important. For those just starting in the wedding planning industry, the best thing to do is take courses and learn how to run your business. For those of us who have been doing planning for a while, taking courses is equally important because you always are learning!
Until next time, happy planning ...
In teaching this course, I learned a lot as well. I was forced to "break down" the many different areas involved in planning so that I could explain them to the class. In so doing, I was reminded why certain steps have to be taken first, rather than just jumping into the whole planning process at once. While my students gained an introductory education into planning, I also gained a deeper understanding of the "art" as well as the "science" of planning major milestones. And, I believe, I became a better wedding planner by being forced to think through all of the steps and details!
Of course, seeking education is important. For those just starting in the wedding planning industry, the best thing to do is take courses and learn how to run your business. For those of us who have been doing planning for a while, taking courses is equally important because you always are learning!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, April 2, 2007
The Purrfect Day
I'm going to go slightly off wedding-topic today and write about something else that's near and dear to my heart: my 3 cats. Yesterday was Nutmeg & Phantom's 4th birthdays (they are litter mates). Mr. Whiskers' birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks; he'll also be 4. These 3 cats really give me and my husband a run for our money -- always trying to get into places they know they're not supposed to go, hiding when they know we want them to come out, playing shy around our friends. But they are great companions, sitting on our laps and purring at the end of a hard day. And boy can they sleep!
We were very fortunate because we - luckily - hadn't fed the cats with the tainted pet food that's been in all the headlines lately. Of course, our cats didn't even know of the health scare and have continued on their merry, mischievous ways. In fact, Mr. Whiskers is literally lying across my arms as I try to type this blog!
But I think we can learn a lot from our pets. Speaking on behalf of my 3 cats, they are most contented when they are around the people that they love, and who love them back. They are not afraid to show affection, and be playful. They don't worry about what can go wrong, but rather fully enjoy what is right, in the moment. So, take a cue from 3 cats in New Jersey, and appreciate what's going right in your lives, leaving for another hour the hassles with the reception site, caterer or musician! After all, there's no need "to save up all the fun" for your wedding day -- go out and enjoy just being with your fiance right now!
Until next time, happy planning ...
We were very fortunate because we - luckily - hadn't fed the cats with the tainted pet food that's been in all the headlines lately. Of course, our cats didn't even know of the health scare and have continued on their merry, mischievous ways. In fact, Mr. Whiskers is literally lying across my arms as I try to type this blog!
But I think we can learn a lot from our pets. Speaking on behalf of my 3 cats, they are most contented when they are around the people that they love, and who love them back. They are not afraid to show affection, and be playful. They don't worry about what can go wrong, but rather fully enjoy what is right, in the moment. So, take a cue from 3 cats in New Jersey, and appreciate what's going right in your lives, leaving for another hour the hassles with the reception site, caterer or musician! After all, there's no need "to save up all the fun" for your wedding day -- go out and enjoy just being with your fiance right now!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Toasting The Night Away
I recently experienced a 20-minute toast given by the best man at a wedding. Twenty minutes. Wow.
During the speech, several guests left the reception room, many of whom asked me to "do something" to end the toast. Not to mention the caterer whose next course was delayed due to the extended speech. Of course, there was nothing that I could do but sit and wait for the speech to come to an end. Which it did - eventually - and to a very rousing round of applause from the guests.
Now, the best man is the groom's cousin, he is in his very early 20's and this was the first wedding he had ever attended. And the newlyweds were extremely happy with the kind words he said, and all of the preparation it took. But, guests at a wedding do not expect to sit through such a long dedication during the reception and were not paying attention to the speech to enjoy it. The same type of situation also occurs when too many people give toasts to the bride & groom.
So what can be done to stop the long-speech-giver, or the fifth (or twentieth) person to take the mic and give a toast? Take these few simple steps to ward a potential drag on your reception:
During the speech, several guests left the reception room, many of whom asked me to "do something" to end the toast. Not to mention the caterer whose next course was delayed due to the extended speech. Of course, there was nothing that I could do but sit and wait for the speech to come to an end. Which it did - eventually - and to a very rousing round of applause from the guests.
Now, the best man is the groom's cousin, he is in his very early 20's and this was the first wedding he had ever attended. And the newlyweds were extremely happy with the kind words he said, and all of the preparation it took. But, guests at a wedding do not expect to sit through such a long dedication during the reception and were not paying attention to the speech to enjoy it. The same type of situation also occurs when too many people give toasts to the bride & groom.
So what can be done to stop the long-speech-giver, or the fifth (or twentieth) person to take the mic and give a toast? Take these few simple steps to ward a potential drag on your reception:
- Designate up to 4 people to give a toast, and tell the DJ or Band leader not to let anyone else take the mic
- Speak with the people you have chosen to give toasts, and ask them to keep their speeches under 5 minutes - there are websites that can even help!
- Remind those that are giving speeches to speak clearly so that even Grandma Rose can understand them!
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
When Bad Weather Happens
Usually, you pick the date for your wedding about 1 year ahead of time. Sometimes, the date is selected 2 years ahead - or even 2 months. But, in any case, the weatherman hasn't given their forecast yet. So, you choose a date based upon a special anniversary, astrological charts, or just when your favorite reception site is available. And then you hope for the best weather possible.
But sometimes it snows in April, or a hurricane comes through in July. As a wedding planner, I try to control all of the possibilities and make contingency plans. The one thing I simply cannot do is control the weather! And no matter how many times you refer to the Farmer's Almanac, or look at the 10-day weather forecast, Mother Nature has a way of surprising us.
So what can you do? For starters, ALWAYS have a Plan B in case of inclement weather when any part of your wedding is going to be outdoors. That includes photos outside - always think about where you can take them if the weather just isn't cooperating. This way, your wedding will run smoothly when your wedding coordinator tells all the vendors that you've decided to go with Plan B (also, you need a deadline for when you'll make the Plan B Call - make sure to leave enough time for all the vendors to set up!).
If the weather is dangerous, and not simply inconvenient -- then you need to work with your wedding coordinator and the venue to make the correct choice. Usually, if a hurricane is coming through, or a Nor'easter is threatening the blizzard of the century, you'll have this information at least a couple of days ahead. It's important to make sure that all of your guests will be able to drive to and from your reception safely. You may want to postpone your wedding or see if the caterer will lower the minimums because of the weather forecast. Or, perhaps you can get your guests to the reception site a day or so earlier and extend your celebration! Unexpected storms can make for some creative solutions -- one that will make your wedding day even more memorable!
Until next time, happy planning ...
But sometimes it snows in April, or a hurricane comes through in July. As a wedding planner, I try to control all of the possibilities and make contingency plans. The one thing I simply cannot do is control the weather! And no matter how many times you refer to the Farmer's Almanac, or look at the 10-day weather forecast, Mother Nature has a way of surprising us.
So what can you do? For starters, ALWAYS have a Plan B in case of inclement weather when any part of your wedding is going to be outdoors. That includes photos outside - always think about where you can take them if the weather just isn't cooperating. This way, your wedding will run smoothly when your wedding coordinator tells all the vendors that you've decided to go with Plan B (also, you need a deadline for when you'll make the Plan B Call - make sure to leave enough time for all the vendors to set up!).
If the weather is dangerous, and not simply inconvenient -- then you need to work with your wedding coordinator and the venue to make the correct choice. Usually, if a hurricane is coming through, or a Nor'easter is threatening the blizzard of the century, you'll have this information at least a couple of days ahead. It's important to make sure that all of your guests will be able to drive to and from your reception safely. You may want to postpone your wedding or see if the caterer will lower the minimums because of the weather forecast. Or, perhaps you can get your guests to the reception site a day or so earlier and extend your celebration! Unexpected storms can make for some creative solutions -- one that will make your wedding day even more memorable!
Until next time, happy planning ...
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