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Planner’s Notes: I’m Sorry!

Posted By on May 17, 2012

I recently attended a blogging workshop. It was very informative…and…very humbling. I learned I have a long way to go with content and SEO/marketing. No surprise there! I knew I needed help in writing great content and getting it out there and in this workshop, I got a ton of information to implement into my blog and make it more than just something that takes up space on the web. However, I also learned that my current blogging “routine” is reflecting poorly on me and my business. I’m not  consistent and that leaves you – my future bride – wondering if that’s how I’ll be with you. Inconsistent. That is NOT me – but how would you know? You haven’t met me. All you “see” is this blog, and maybe my Facebook page (which I’m more consistent on) and possibly my website.  How can you get to know me or trust me when I’m not around that much?

It’s not hard to blog. Actually, I have a lot to say and a LOT to share. It’s more about scheduling time to blog and realizing that I do not have to blog a “major” thing every time I sit down. It’s about getting a plan and making it happen. Someone once said that ‘Dreams don’t come true. Plans do. So make plans.’ That’s what I tell couples who come to me for planning and coordinating. Time to take my own advice and apply it to blogging. Plan your work…work your plan. I did not realize the power of blogging until a few days ago. I don’t have to be a power blogger – just a consistent blogger.

I hesitate to do this publicly…so…<taking deep breath>… I am committed to being present at the same time every week on Wednesdays, “Wedding Wednesday,” with wedding ideas, tips, and planning advice that I hope will encourage you to be the unique, classy, savvy, one-of-a-kind bride (and groom) that you are for your wedding…<exhaling> I also found a nifty tool in WordPress that will help for quick little blog posts throughout the week. If I see something on the internet that I want to blog about, I have a “Press It” button (like the Pin It button from Pinterest) and it will bring that into a blog post that I can write about. Cool, huh?

Looking forward to seeing more of you…on a regular basis! ;-)

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Flippin’ Fun (part of FAB Friday Finds series)

Posted By on April 6, 2012

How many of you remember flip books? When I was a kid, I thought I was something’ when I could draw a series of stick figures on the side of my notebook and “flip” them to make them come to life. Oh yeah! Fast forward…oh…a bunch of years (HaHa) and we have PicFlips!  PicFlips has taken a very old (first on the scene in September 1868) form of animation and turned it into modern day fun versatile enough to fit into any party setting.

So what is PicFlips? I’m glad you asked:

Simply put, PicFlips is a way to bring your parties to life with the newest craze in customized party favors.  How?  We set up a display in a 10′x10′ area at a party or event and invite guests to step behind the camera and make a short video clip.  In less than 90 seconds, the video clip is transformed into a personalized flip book while partygoers watch.  It creates a buzz as your guests interact with each other and laugh at the entertaining skits, while giving each other creative ideas.  PicFlips averages 45-50 flipbooks per hour and is versatile enough to fit into any party setting, from casual to couture.

Added entertainment – custom party favors – captured memories!

Who’s using PicFlips? Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert used PicFlips at their wedding instead of a photo booth. Guests had a blast making short video clips using various props and Miranda’s Red 55 as a backdrop. Within minutes, guests had a pocket sized PicFlip book to take with them. Read more here.

Want to do your own? In the Spring 2012 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, they share a template and instructions to make your own save-the-date PicFlip book with 11×17 card stock paper and an ink jet or laser printer.

Will you/would you use PicFlips at your wedding? Tell me what you think!

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Planner’s Notes: What is My Title?

Posted By on March 29, 2012

I’ve been wondering for quite some time – actually it started when I was getting business cards printed – what kind of title to give myself. I think about this every time I’m asked to provide a title or a select category when I register my business listing with a company and many times I’m stumped as to what to call myself. I mean, I’m a wedding planner right? Right. Or am I? When some people, brides especially, hear “planner” they immediately say, “Oh I don’t need a planner. I just need someone for the day.” This tells me that they don’t understand what a planner really does…do you know how much planning goes into managing the wedding day? I am a wedding coordinator, but that has it’s own stereotypes as well. Some view coordinators as bossy, control freaks or they view us as Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner who has a dreamy job, a fabulous office and staff, and brides who are beating down the door to hire her.

In all reality and depending on the day, I am a family mediator. Do you know that weddings bring out the family drama? Or bridesmaid drama? Some days I am an etiquette advisor giving instructions for wording invitations and response cards, or how to handle seating at the ceremony. Initial meetings with couples has me filling a financial role as we set a budget and payment schedule. I have found that I’ve been a counsellor to many couples as they deal with their changing relationship between their parents as they struggle to define themselves as a couple during the wedding planning process.

On the wedding day, I am a coordinator as I work to oversee that all the people and pieces are falling into place. So is THIS  what I put on my business cards? Will the sounds of shrieking music and visions of a woman with a steak knife in her hand come into the bride’s head when she picks up my business card? I think that happens the way they shy away from my booth at a bridal show. Makes me want to  say, “BOO!” when they walk by. HaHa.

The final decision for my business cards was to put “Wedding Consultant” as my title. After all, I consult brides on all areas of wedding planning and coordination with the final hat I wear being one of coordinator. I will probably change that with the next set of business cards and just put “Owner” as my title. What do you think? What title would you give me since I wear so many hats? Is “Coordinator” enough? Is “Planner” the right one? Would love to hear your thoughts.

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Planner’s Notes: Networking

Posted By on March 27, 2012

I like people! I like to meet new people especially those whom I have something in common with. The best part of being a wedding planner is meeting new people all the time – couples planning their weddings! In order to provide them the best possible advice and planning help, I need to be meeting more people involved with weddings who will be able to provide services to them. Usually that’s through community events, bridal shows and networking parties.

There are other opportunities to meet people. What has been the biggest networking opportunity for me THIS WEEK has been through The Small Business Room on Facebook. Not only did I gain 31 new fans in one hour, I connected with two small businesses who are in my neck of the woods and have products that I believe brides would be interested in. And…The Small Business Room is helping me grow my business by giving me exposure on their Facebook fan page! Say it with me now…”WooHoo!!”

If you are reading this and know someone who has a small business, direct them to The Small Business Room.

It will help them get noticed and connect with other business owners.

See you there!!

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Mason Jar Cocktails

Posted By on March 12, 2012

It seems that the mason jar, once thought to be seen only in your grandma’s pantry, is the center of attention for parties and weddings and not just for centerpieces anymore! Check out this really cool idea from Six in the Suburbs: Ready-made drinks in mason jars. They’re already pre-mixed, chilled and ready for consumption. Genius! Not to mention a timesaver for the night of your party! These would be great for a cocktail hour at an outdoor wedding reception or for an after-reception party by a bonfire? What do you think? To read more and get a recipe to make your own mason jar cocktails, visit Six in the Suburbs blog.

Category: DIY Wedding, Reception Ideas, Wedding Planning | No Comments »
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DIY Wedding Fans

Posted By on March 9, 2012

Here’s a great weekend DIY project for your summer wedding. Wedding fans made with various scrapbook papers. Get the complete how-to here from Goodness Recycled. Adorable!!

Photo by: Twin Lens Images

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Dear Bride, I Don’t Like It When…

Posted By on March 8, 2012

Dear Bride,

I don’t like it when…

…your parents miss out on your wedding day. When your mom is rushing around on the wedding day trying to get everything done instead of enjoying herself, she’s not the mother of the bride. She’s unpaid help! When I see your mom never sitting down to eat or socializing with family and friends because she’s too busy making sure everything is going well in the kitchen, or with the candy table, it just breaks my heart.  And your dad should NEVER eat his reception dinner in the kitchen instead of with his family because he had to play the part of waiter at your wedding due to poor planning.  Your mom and dad are missing out on the special moments of the day (watching you transform from daughter to wife, cutting the cake, first dance, tossing the bouquet) and also missing the moments they look forward to celebrating and enjoying as parents of the bride! You probably didn’t mean to do this – but you have stolen their joy. You got in over your head with those little DIY projects (mason jars, favors and table runners) that required more time than you anticipated which left your mom, dad and siblings and friends scrambling up until the last minute getting everything done, organized, and in place. NO! NO! NO! Don’t put your family or your friends through this! Don’t even expect to! Hire me to organize you. Hire me to help you develop a plan of attack for your DIY projects so they don’t come around and bite you in the “boo-boo.” I’m here to help you – not to do your DIY projects – but to make you accountable to get them done. I’m here so I can give you a kick in the butt to work on them – when it’s still fun to do them – so by the time your wedding day arrives, no one is frantically running around. I want you to have a fun and memorable wedding day and to see your parents enjoying themselves.

 

…you don’t have an opinion. This is YOUR day. How can you say, “I don’t care?” I don’t want to plan your wedding for you…then it wouldn’t be your wedding. It would be mine. I already had my wedding, thank you. Maybe you’re afraid to voice your own opinion for fear of disappointing your parents. Maybe it’s that you’re afraid of saying what you really want because you might hear that you can’t have it. Maybe it’s because you really don’t know what you want and would rather push the decision to someone else. You know what? That’s OK. That’s why I call you. To talk. I want you to talk to me. I need you to talk to me. I’m here for you and your groom. I want to know what you’d really like to have on your wedding day. We are a team! Together we find ways to work through your budget to get what you really want to have. Together we will sift through all the wedding “stuff” out there and find your vision. Together we’ll find your voice and help you stand confident in your decisions. But, please…CARE about your wedding day!

 

…you leave me out of the loop. I can not do a good job for you if you cut me out of the planning. I’m not talking about calling me up for every move you make, but I do need to know that you’re on track with dress purchases, invitation ordering, DIY projects, vendor selection, etc. When you don’t stay in touch with me, I’m left guessing. I will call you to see where you are at and if I’m always the one calling, I will seem like a nag. Just send me an email periodically letting me know where you’re at in the grand plan. And PLEASE….return my calls and respond to my emails. When you don’t respond, not only is it rude, but you’re making it harder for me to do my job. If I’m left out of the loop, I can’t help you. I need contact information for venues & vendors. I need contact info for your bridal party. I need copies of your contracts and rental agreements. I need to hear your brainstorming and planning so I can see what you see. I need to be on the same page as you. If you don’t tell me things, it’s like walking in the dark on your wedding day. You hired me to do a job – let me do it! You’re NOT losing control of your wedding. You’re actually gaining more control by letting go.

 

…you expect me to lower my price. I understand “the economy” stinks right now and everyone is “on a tight budget.” Who isn’t these days? But when you spend 80% of your budget on a venue and catering and then come to me say MY prices/packages are too expensive, that’s not my fault. I don’t care how gorgeous the venue is…only 45-50% (maximum) of your wedding budget should be spent on food and venue expenses. Putting all of your eggs in one basket is budget mismanagement. I want to help you for your wedding but don’t expect to negotiate with me on my price AFTER you’ve already tipped the scales. Your financial stress could have been avoided had you come to me first. I would have given you a budget breakdown to help you discern what to spend in each category. I would’ve found vendors to fit your style and budget. I’m an asset to have on your planning team. I’m not the cheapest, no. But I AM good at what I do. I know what I am worth. I charge what I need to make to pay my childcare provider when I work your wedding. I charge what I need to make to pay my business expenses. Yes! I do have them!!  Just because I work out of a home office doesn’t mean I don’t have business expenses. What’s left over is for me. I’m sure you understand that as a working woman. You bring home your paycheck, pay your expenses, and you have some left over for you. How would you feel if your boss asked you to work for less because the company is on a tight budget? If you want someone “cost effective” (translation = cheap) because you’re on a tight budget I’m sure there is someone out there who will fit into your tight budget. But you will get what you pay for. When you want wedding planning/coordination and want a job well done so you don’t end up in paragraph number 1, expect to pay!! Otherwise expect to have a stressed-out mom and dad, non-existent bridesmaids and maid of honor, and anyone else who has to run around on your wedding day trying to do what I have done for over a decade.

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Overcoming Wedding Stage Fright

Posted By on March 1, 2012

Are you dreading the thought of standing in front of all those people at your wedding? Does the thought of it make you want to wear a sheet for a veil? Have no fear. The feelings associated with stage fright are not uncommon. Stage fright can affect anyone so you’re not alone! As a performer myself, I still get very nervous when getting in front of people to sing, or to speak, or play an instrument and I’ve been doing this for 25 years!! But I have learned to embrace my fear and anxiety and use it as a tool to help push me in a performance. There are a few tips and tricks I can share with you to help you overcome your stage fright for your wedding day.

One of the things that helps me while I’m in front of a lot of people is to not look them in the eye. While I’m singing I look at their foreheads. If I make eye contact with someone, I’ll forget the words or I’ll start to cry if I see them crying. So on your wedding day, you have it much easier…your back will be to the audience for your ceremony. The only person you have to look at is your groom and if you have problems making eye contact with him…uh oh! When walking down the aisle, look straight ahead at your groom. Don’t make eye contact with the people in the seats. You can make eye contact later at the reception when the atmosphere is more casual.

Another thing I do before a performance is breathe deeply. Slowly inhale and slowly exhale through the nose. A few times of this and my nerves have calmed down. They don’t go away…but they do calm down. While you’re getting ready, take moments to breathe deeply. Right before the doors open and you make your grand entrance, take one more deep breath…exhale though your mouth and smile!!

 

*Renee Fleming was so paralyzed by stage fright that the opera
star’s voice coach would push her onstage. “We’re not talking about the jitters,” she told The Times.
“We’re talking about deep, deep panic, and that every fiber of your being is saying, ‘I cannot be on that stage.’”
Credit: AP Photo

One last thing I do is laugh. Yes! Laugh. And laugh loud. Laugh at yourself. A lot! When you stop taking things so personally the fear seems to go away. Most of my fear comes from a fear of messing up…making a mistake. If I do make a mistake, I tell myself, “So what?” I laugh. When I laugh when I make a mistake, it makes those in the audience feel more comfortable. If you stumble over your vows, or your soloist forgets the words, or you slightly trip on your train…laugh! Roll with it! It will not ruin your day. It will make it more real because, yes, we are real people and we all get nervous. If you make the decision ahead of time to just laugh, you will be more relaxed – still a little nervous – but not so nervous that you can’t breathe…just in control.

*Donny Osmond  dealt with his stage fright by lowering his expectations of himself. “I know when I walk out there, I’m not going to give the
best performance,” he said in an interview with CBS News. “I’ll make a mistake. I’ll trip. I’ll do something stupid. But it’s OK; you pick up and just move on.”
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

 

Please, please, please don’t be so nervous for your wedding that you lose out on living the moments! There really isn’t anything to be nervous about. Really! Everyone who is at your wedding is there because they love you and your groom. Embrace that and walk down the aisle with confidence.

Have you ever experienced “stage fright?”  Share your thoughts and experiences – no reason to be shy here! ;-)

 

 

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10 Money Saving Tips for Your Wedding

Posted By on February 15, 2012

10 ways to save money if you’re a bride on a tight budget and they have NOTHING to do with DIY!! Unless you count doing your own manis, brewing your own coffee, and chopping your own vegetables!

1. Skip drive-through coffee drinks. Frequent visits to the coffee shop in the morning, could be costing you as much as $450 a year!! Brew it at home, pour it in a thermos and take it with you.

2. Avoid vending machines. Vending machines often win out when you need a quick snack at work or in between college classes. Buy snacks and soft drinks in bulk and keep a stash at your desk or pack them in a container as you head out for classes. You could save $197 a year!

3. Dump the Bottled water. If you purchase a $1 bottle of water every day you would be spending $365 a year. Buying bottles of water in bulk saves money, but you could still be spending up to $100 a year just for one person. And that’s just one bottle. You need at least 4 of those every day! Save up to $1300 a year by adding a $30 filter to your tap for clean water on demand. Take it with you in a self-filtering water bottle for about $10.

4. Have a girls night in: Invite your girls over for a spa party. Take turn giving manis, pedis, and even neck massages. Totally a no-cost evening catching up with your your friends. Substituting one night out a month with the girls for a night in with your own homemade snacks and drinks could save you $100 a year.

5. Go to the salon quarterly. By changing your polish at home in between appointments you could save more than $600 a year. You can find your favorite colors for as little as $4 per bottle.

6. Avoid the gym. What??? But you say, “No! I want to look good on my wedding day.” I know. Besides going outdoors for a walk, look for discounts for 50% or more on local yoga classes or boot camps on group buying sites (groupon.com and livingsocial.com). The possibility of saving as much as $700 year is worth the research!

7. Substitute store brands for name brands. Did you know that basic staples like flour, pasta, eggs and milk are generally the same no matter the producer so why pay extra  for the brand name? Substituting 6 staples a month = up to $288 savings per year.

8. Chop your own veggies. We all love convenience but if you spend just 10  minutes with a knife, you can save $130 a year!

9. Commute. Cutting out 2 paid parking spots per week ($3 each) saves more than $300 a year. Let’s say you spend just $5 a day in gas, carpooling with co-workers or college classmates once a week saves $250 a year! Scheduling your appointments to one day or combining your errands in one trip will help you save even more.

10. Dry Clean at home. Dry Cleaning is a big budget buster! If you make frequent trips to the cleaners you are probably spending up to $3,100 a year in dry cleaning costs! WOW! Purchase an at home dry-cleaning kit for $10 that cleans approximately 24 items.

Add all these savings up and you’ve got some serious cash for your wedding!! (A total $5,865!!) Most couples are engaged for a year and doing just *one* of these tips will allow you to purchase something for your wedding in the next year.  It will also help you get started in the right direction for saving for your first home. A little sacrifice is worth it in the long run, don’t you think? Are you willing to forego one or more things on this list for your wedding? Skipping the coffee shop…now…that’s a tough one!

 

**Statistics from All You. Visit them at www.allyou.com for money saving tips all year round.

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Wedding Photography Draws Us In

Posted By on January 25, 2012

I love looking at the photographs that come back from a couple’s wedding and seeing unique and precious moments – stolen moments – that the photographer captured from the day. I have not been so moved by wedding photography as I have been with Cami and Erik’s wedding photographed by Josh Elliott of Josh Elliott Photography. I don’t know this couple. I don’t know this photographer. But what I DO KNOW – this is a very special couple whose love is so beautiful and so strong for each other. How do I know this? The photographer has captured it. This is what a professional does. Photographers do more than just take pictures. They capture moments! They capture life! Special moments need special attention and hiring the right photographer – one who knows you and is in tune with you – to capture everything right down to the tears.

One photo from Cami and Erick’s wedding that I featured on my TaylorMade Weddings Facebook page  has gotten a lot of attention. It is the one where they are praying together. The couple wanted to pray together before the ceremony but not see each other and Josh was there to capture the beauty and emotion of that moment. People were so touched and moved by this. Not only because of the beautiful shot, but because of the beauty of the moment. We were all drawn in to the serenity of the moment, grabbing tissues and wanting to jump through the screen and kiss them! I am still gushing over this wedding. It is just beautiful! These are a few of my favorites. View more of this wedding here. Be sure to give your compliments to Josh! xxoo

 

 

 

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