Right now, as I write this post, my husband and I are in the middle of preparing to put our house on the market. We are now undertaking the most difficult process -- clearing out the clutter and straightening up the closets!
You, as an engaged couple, are about to start your new life together. Some of you may be living together already in the home you will share as a married couple. Others will be moving in together once you say "I do!" Either way, you should step back from wedding planning and make sure you are both ready to purge your old baggage and begin a new slate.
Believe me, I was filled with trepidation before conquering (or at least starting!) the "junk room." Over the past 8 years that we have lived in this house, there always was this one room that just ended up being the place where things ended up. And this room was in shambles! It took one weekend, at least 3 huge garbage bags, 1 huge recycling bin and a lot of patience to go through and get rid of the stuff that we didn't need/want. "Why did I keep that?" Funny to see what you felt was important at one time in your life - turns out to be trash later! But at the end of the weekend, how amazing was it to walk into the "junk room" and see its true beauty!
Before you get married, take a bit of time to get rid of the old stuff - be it literally or figuratively. Cleanse your house, and get ready to enjoy the endless possibilities!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Buff Brides
With all of the planning that you're doing for your perfect day -- trying on numerous wedding gowns, doing hair and make-up trials, selecting your jewelry, getting your teeth whitened -- one area to remember is to work out and tone up! After all, you want your body to be in the best shape possible, and you'll have the photos to prove it!
There are so many ways to get in shape available. Think about how you like to work out - are you a gym person, or do you like to work up a sweat in the privacy of your own home? Do you want a personal trainer that comes to your house? Do you have free weights in your basement next to the treadmill, gathering dust? Or, do you like DVDs?
Another consideration is what is your goal? Are you looking to lose weight overall, or tone up your arms only? If you want buff upper arms, jogging around your neighborhood with your dog may not be the best option.
Also, think outside the box! I started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about 1 1/2 years ago and, without changing my diet, lost 20 lbs. Not to mention gained a lot of confidence and cardio health!
Until next time, happy planning...
There are so many ways to get in shape available. Think about how you like to work out - are you a gym person, or do you like to work up a sweat in the privacy of your own home? Do you want a personal trainer that comes to your house? Do you have free weights in your basement next to the treadmill, gathering dust? Or, do you like DVDs?
Another consideration is what is your goal? Are you looking to lose weight overall, or tone up your arms only? If you want buff upper arms, jogging around your neighborhood with your dog may not be the best option.
Also, think outside the box! I started doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about 1 1/2 years ago and, without changing my diet, lost 20 lbs. Not to mention gained a lot of confidence and cardio health!
Until next time, happy planning...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Honeymoons
My favorite topic! I love to travel, and have been lucky enough to have seen many parts of this beautiful world, so I enjoy assisting my clients in selecting their honeymoon destinations.
There are so many places to choose, it's almost overwhelming at the beginning. When working with a client, I start with how they like to relax. Do they go hiking, skiing and scuba diving, OR do they go to the beach? In other words, are they active or more laid back? Another question I ask is whether they want to go sightseeing on their honeymoon, or want to go to a resort where everything is included and they don't have to leave the property. Also, do they want to stay within the US, or travel abroad?
Based upon their responses and budget, I make recommendations for places for them to consider. Beach bum? Think Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii. Sightseers -- Europe or South America. Adventurists, how about an African Safari? Resort-lovers should look at Sandals or even a cruise. Exotic locale? Try Bora Bora (where I spent my honeymoon), Australia or Asia.
Once we zero in on a location, I usually recommend a travel agent to help them with their booking. While online booking engines certainly can be expedient, I've found that, especially with a honeymoon, getting that personal touch with insider knowledge really enhances the experience! After all, your wedding day is filled with professionals - shouldn't your honeymoon be as well?
Until next time, happy planning...
There are so many places to choose, it's almost overwhelming at the beginning. When working with a client, I start with how they like to relax. Do they go hiking, skiing and scuba diving, OR do they go to the beach? In other words, are they active or more laid back? Another question I ask is whether they want to go sightseeing on their honeymoon, or want to go to a resort where everything is included and they don't have to leave the property. Also, do they want to stay within the US, or travel abroad?
Based upon their responses and budget, I make recommendations for places for them to consider. Beach bum? Think Mexico, the Caribbean or Hawaii. Sightseers -- Europe or South America. Adventurists, how about an African Safari? Resort-lovers should look at Sandals or even a cruise. Exotic locale? Try Bora Bora (where I spent my honeymoon), Australia or Asia.
Once we zero in on a location, I usually recommend a travel agent to help them with their booking. While online booking engines certainly can be expedient, I've found that, especially with a honeymoon, getting that personal touch with insider knowledge really enhances the experience! After all, your wedding day is filled with professionals - shouldn't your honeymoon be as well?
Until next time, happy planning...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Congratulations...the winners are
Thanks to everyone who sent me emails in response to my last post!! The answer is no more than 50% of your total wedding budget should be spent on your reception - and less is better!!
The winners, who each received 2 complimentary tickets ($40 value) to the Association of Bridal Consultants' bridal show, Before "I Do," coming up on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge are Kirby Henderson, Amanda Huckabee and Mike Luteran. I look forward to seeing them -- AND YOU -- at this amazing show!!!!
The winners, who each received 2 complimentary tickets ($40 value) to the Association of Bridal Consultants' bridal show, Before "I Do," coming up on March 16th at Dolce Basking Ridge are Kirby Henderson, Amanda Huckabee and Mike Luteran. I look forward to seeing them -- AND YOU -- at this amazing show!!!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
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!!
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!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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...
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...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
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 ...
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 ...
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