Recently I've been asked about centerpieces that don't revolve around flowers. My clients either are very eco-conscious or were looking for new ways to personalize their wedding celebration. So, to this challenging question, I came up with the following alternatives:
1. Use a potted plant with a decorated container. That way, the winner of the centerpiece can take it home and plant it, or add it to their houseplant collection.
2. Wrap up the favors into different sized boxes and pile them in the center of the table. At an appropriate time during the evening, tell your guests to pick their favor.
3. Do something really unusual - wrap a stuffed animal in beautiful paper and then announce that the centerpieces are being donated to a homeless shelter.
What do you think? Do you have any creative ideas for your wedding reception that you would like to share? I'd love to hear from you!
Until next time, happy planning...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Valentine's Day is coming!
Valentine's Day is this Saturday! A time for you to pause from your wedding planning and to remember why you're getting married - the love you share!
There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday, from lavish dinners out to an intimate dinner for two at home. Whether you go out or stay in, just focus on each other and your celebration will be just perfect!
Until next time, happy planning...
There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday, from lavish dinners out to an intimate dinner for two at home. Whether you go out or stay in, just focus on each other and your celebration will be just perfect!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Congratulations to the Yoshas!
I was sooo excited to see Lindsey & Jonthan's great photo in the new issue of New Jersey Bride! Check out page 41 to see their beautiful ceremony site! Here's a little preview:
Also in this issue is a little article about me, when I went to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica and rubbed elbows with the industry's elite - Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine as much as I did!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sandals Royal Bahamian
For most of last week, I escaped the frigid temperatures of NJ for the relatively more balmy ones of the Bahamas! I was invited to go on a "fam trip" to Sandals Royal Bahamian - to visit the resort and experience it first-hand. Please contact me if you are interested in a Sandals honeymoon or vacation, as I can help you decide which resort is perfect for you!
Until next time, happy planning...
Royal Bahamain is, like every Sandals resort, perfectly manicured. The grounds are beautiful and lush. The resort itself is relatively small, which makes it very easy to navigate. There are 2 main pools and many hot tubs dotted throughout. Also, there's a private island about 5 minutes away by boat that has a restaurant, spa, and great beaches. The restaurants have great a la carte menus and the drinks are all included!
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't all that great. We were mainly in sweatshirts and long pants. I know - you were getting snow, so I can hear the violins from here! It was the weird weather pattern that was affecting Miami that blew over to the island. Oh well!
Here are a couple of photos of the Royal Bahamian (I was the photographer, not the photographee!). The first one is of the resort from the private island, and the second is my friend and fellow wedding planner, Anna Weaver, on the pier back from the private island.
Until next time, happy planning...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Services & Fees
I just did something a bit radical in the wedding industry. Not many wedding consultants have done this, but for many reasons I felt I needed to do it. Mary Dann, a celebrity wedding planner in California with whom I met during the annual Association of Bridal Consultants conference, encouraged me to join her. So, now I went ahead and posted my Services and Fees on my website!
Why do something a bit outside the box? First, I thought it would provide some information to newly engaged couples like yourself as to the range of pricing for wedding consultants in the northern NJ area. There are so many TV programs that show how wedding planners help a couple throughout the planning process, and probably many of you think that because it's on TV that you cannot afford much needed help. By listing my services and fees, I wanted to take the mystery out of this process.
Second, I wanted to show you how many valuable services a wedding planner provides. As a newly engaged couple, you may not realize how much is involved in planning a wedding - as many as 120 decisions are made during the course of your engagement!
Third, when I started Bride Ideas back in 2002, I made the decision to charge a flat fee depending upon the services my clients needed, and not upon whether the reception is at The Pleasantdale Chateau, Stirling Ridge or The Bethwood. I also do not charge my vendors to be recommended by me, or take a commission from them when my recommendation is hired. In fact, I ask that if a commission is offered, that it be given to my client as a "Bride Ideas' discount." That's my philosophy.
Please know that I am not trying to make a "commodity" out of wedding consulting services. There is a range of pricing on Bride Ideas' site, as the exact amount can only be determined after we have an initial meeting and all of the details are discussed. Of course, custom packages are often created based upon your individual needs! I am here to help guide couples on their way down the aisle, and felt it was time that I lifted the veil, so to speak, on Bride Ideas' services and fees. I hope it helps!
Until next time, happy planning...
Why do something a bit outside the box? First, I thought it would provide some information to newly engaged couples like yourself as to the range of pricing for wedding consultants in the northern NJ area. There are so many TV programs that show how wedding planners help a couple throughout the planning process, and probably many of you think that because it's on TV that you cannot afford much needed help. By listing my services and fees, I wanted to take the mystery out of this process.
Second, I wanted to show you how many valuable services a wedding planner provides. As a newly engaged couple, you may not realize how much is involved in planning a wedding - as many as 120 decisions are made during the course of your engagement!
Third, when I started Bride Ideas back in 2002, I made the decision to charge a flat fee depending upon the services my clients needed, and not upon whether the reception is at The Pleasantdale Chateau, Stirling Ridge or The Bethwood. I also do not charge my vendors to be recommended by me, or take a commission from them when my recommendation is hired. In fact, I ask that if a commission is offered, that it be given to my client as a "Bride Ideas' discount." That's my philosophy.
Please know that I am not trying to make a "commodity" out of wedding consulting services. There is a range of pricing on Bride Ideas' site, as the exact amount can only be determined after we have an initial meeting and all of the details are discussed. Of course, custom packages are often created based upon your individual needs! I am here to help guide couples on their way down the aisle, and felt it was time that I lifted the veil, so to speak, on Bride Ideas' services and fees. I hope it helps!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
Well, it's that time of year again. Or, more accurately, five days ago was "that time of year again." The time when we look back on 2008, assess what we did right and not so right, and resolve to make changes in 2009.
For many of you, 2008 brought new changes - perhaps an engagement! 2009 will be a year of planning and celebrating that decision. I hope your new year's resolution is to remember that a wedding is a happy occasion, a time for your family and friends to come together and share in your joy and happiness. Try to remember the reason for all the planning that is to come, and not get bogged down in all the details!
For me, one of my new year's resolutions is a bit more mundane: to get and KEEP my office organized. For those of you who have been to my office, you probably didn't notice the huge pile of papers hidden in the back closet - only to return to my desk as soon as you left! I want to figure out a way to organize my office so it is a more stress-free place to create wonderful weddings!
How about you? What is your new year's resolution? I'd love to know!
Until next time, happy planning...
For many of you, 2008 brought new changes - perhaps an engagement! 2009 will be a year of planning and celebrating that decision. I hope your new year's resolution is to remember that a wedding is a happy occasion, a time for your family and friends to come together and share in your joy and happiness. Try to remember the reason for all the planning that is to come, and not get bogged down in all the details!
For me, one of my new year's resolutions is a bit more mundane: to get and KEEP my office organized. For those of you who have been to my office, you probably didn't notice the huge pile of papers hidden in the back closet - only to return to my desk as soon as you left! I want to figure out a way to organize my office so it is a more stress-free place to create wonderful weddings!
How about you? What is your new year's resolution? I'd love to know!
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Attitude of Gratitude
I've been hearing that phrase a lot lately - "attitude of gratitude." At first, I have to admit that I just scoffed at it, thinking it was a hollow string of rhyming words. However, I have come to embrace the meaning of the phrase, and wanted to share with you some of the things I'm grateful for over the past year:
I'm grateful for my clients who trusted in my guidance for decor and vendors, and had absolutely beautiful celebrations.
I'm grateful for my clients who challenged me to become a much better communicator.
I'm grateful for the Association of Bridal Consultants, which provides me with education and networking opportunities.
I'm grateful for the wedding professionals with whom I've worked, who enhanced my clients weddings by going above and beyond.
I'm grateful for all the new vendors that I've met but not yet had a chance to work with, because they show me alternative ways of reaching a client's dreams.
I'm grateful for all the emails and cards from my clients, sharing their growing families.
I'm grateful for everyone who reaches out to me for my professional guidance, as it truly is my honor to be asked to share in your most important day.
Personally, I'm grateful for my loving husband, playful cats, supportive family and understanding friends, who constantly remind me that my most valuable possession is them!
Until next time, happy planning...
I'm grateful for my clients who trusted in my guidance for decor and vendors, and had absolutely beautiful celebrations.
I'm grateful for my clients who challenged me to become a much better communicator.
I'm grateful for the Association of Bridal Consultants, which provides me with education and networking opportunities.
I'm grateful for the wedding professionals with whom I've worked, who enhanced my clients weddings by going above and beyond.
I'm grateful for all the new vendors that I've met but not yet had a chance to work with, because they show me alternative ways of reaching a client's dreams.
I'm grateful for all the emails and cards from my clients, sharing their growing families.
I'm grateful for everyone who reaches out to me for my professional guidance, as it truly is my honor to be asked to share in your most important day.
Personally, I'm grateful for my loving husband, playful cats, supportive family and understanding friends, who constantly remind me that my most valuable possession is them!
Until next time, happy planning...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
