Planned to Perfection

We're Engaged! And then the panic sets in, what do I do?

2012-01-04T12:22:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to all of you newly engaged couples. What an exciting chapter of your life that you are about to begin! Now it's time for magazines, bridal shows, websites, etc., so before you put yourself into wedding overload, let's start very simple so that you can have the wedding of your dreams.

First, be realistic about your budget. Who will be paying or contributing to the wedding? Although an awkward conversation to have with your parents, both the brides and grooms, it is one that you must know going in because you may think they are paying for it all when they have another plan. Why is it a budget important? For planners, it is a good starting point and discussion for us to have with you, so we know which venues and vendors to point you to.

Second, how many people will you invite. Again a conversation piece for both families, again, the number of people that are going to attend your wedding will determine what venues will work best for you.

My last piece of advice is this, bridal shows can be completely overwhelming, and some vendors offer great deals to book on the spot. Make sure before you sign on the dotted line that you connect with your vendors and that they are the best fit for your wedding. Sometimes the best price does not mean the best quality. Make address labels with your name and address on them so you can give them to vendors rather writing your name to enter raffles, get more information, etc.

Happy Engagement!

Gift Certificates

2011-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Don't know what to get the bride to be this year? Or really want a gift that you don't have to stand in a long line to return? Purchase a Planned to Perfection gift certificate this season. Gift certificates can be purchased in $50 denominations and can be used for any of our services. Give us a call or send an email.

New arrival

2011-07-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

Photo by Jennifer Neves Photography

Planned to Perfection is proud to announce our newest team member, David. He was born on June 24th and is doing wonderfully. His big sisters love him to pieces!! Thanks for all of your well wishes!

City Bride 2011

2011-04-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Planned to Perfection is so excited to once again be a part of City Bride. There will be a fantastic runway show, amazing vendors, great music and more. We are offering some great specials for Fall 2011 and 2012 so come by and check us out. We hope to see you there. For more information and details: www.foxprovidence.com/dpp/wildcard_7/wildcard_70/city-bride-2011

Come visit us at La Bella Bride Wedding Showcase

2011-01-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

Come visit us at the 2011 La Bella Bride Wedding Showcase

Sunday, January 16th 11-5 at the Hotel Viking in Newport

Tickets are $10.00 at the door or $5.00 preordered at www.labellabridemagazine.com

Visit with Wedding Professionals and attend free seminars

Relax in the Couples Lounge

Watch the Fashion Soiree Fashion Show

Attend the networking party the night before for free appetizers and great music

We will be offering a show special of 10% off any packages if you book within 30 days.

Enter a raffle f0r $500 off any of our services!

Fall Special

2010-11-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are offering 20% off any of our packages if you book by December 31st. Mention code "fall" when emailing or calling!

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

2010-10-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy wedding season, and the blogs have suffered! I am so excited to announce that Planned to Perfection's tabletop design will be featured in the Spring/Summer issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style. We had a great photo shoot at the picturesque Ocean House in Watch Hill and help from many of our wonderful vendor friends, The Perfect Setting at Felicia's, Conceptual Image Designs, and Rentals Unlimited. I can't wait for the magazine and for you all to see it!

Be sure to check out the Grace Ormonde website for the exact release date. www.weddingstylenewengland.com

Ashley and Tom's Wedding

2010-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day and what a beautful couple! I have been working with Ashley and Tom for the past year planning an intimate wedding at Regatta Place in Newport. They had a lovely ceremony in Jamestown and then headed with Erica Mancini from Adeline and Grace Photography and Mike Henriques from Artistic Wedding Video Group to Beavertail where they captured some gorgeous photos and many laughs. While they were taking photos, their guests enjoyed a steel drum player during cocktail hour and delicious hors d'oeuvres from Regatta Place. The floral arranagements of blues, greens and ivory, which were provided by Conceptual Image Design popped in the tent and uplighting from Luke's DJ created the perfect ambiance once the sun went down. Guests enjoyed a special treat near the end of the evening with a slider bar that included fries, onion rings and milkshakes. Congratulations and best wishes to Ashley and Tom!

2010-07-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

What to do with your dress after the big day:
In today’s wedding world, there are numerous possibilities for your gown after the vows are spoken and last piece of cake is eaten. What to do with the centerpiece of this special occasion? Here are some ideas:
1. Save it! A time honored tradition of cleaning and sealing up a thing of beauty. You might want to keep it for future generations to enjoy, perhaps your daughter will love it as much as you did. It will always be there for future try-ons. However, I must warn you it can be costly. Expenses may add up to $500 for proper care.
2. Sell it! If you can part ways why not earn a little money back. There are second hand stores, online websites and classifieds which can earn you a great return on a priceless item.
3. Donate it! If your feeling generous and what to save a fellow bride wallet trouble, donate your fabulous dress. It is a great thing to do for upcoming brides to be. Your donation creates a world of discount dresses for those on a tight budget and the dress will see the matrimonial alter once again.
4. Transform it! Nowadays, there is no telling what you can make out of your dress. What have you always wanted? This is a great way to make new memories out of something you already love. It can be anything from pillow cases to skirts, to curtains, to baby blankets, lining on a portrait of you and your hubby. Picture it and you can have pieces to take with you always.
5. Trash the Dress! Now for my new favorite. Why not put that gorgeous gown on one more time and snap a few more memorable photos. A new trend that is sweeping bridal nation and the photography world is trashing your dress in a photo shoot. It is a way to have fun and get dirty. Some have worn it in the mud, others on the train tracks, and even lit them on fire! The images are magnificent and you get to be a little crazy. It is one more fun post wedding activity you can engage in, I mean you already have the attire for it. The contrasts are amazing and the pictures will last you forever.

Photo by Sara Zarrella

2010-07-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Wedding Insurance is your friend

Ensure your wedding will be without worries with insurance. Well you’ve bought insurance for your car, your phone, your house why not secure your wedding day. You never know what crazy thing might jeopardize your plans so play it safe and take out your very own cancellation policy and protection plan. Most brides never intend to use it until that ‘just in case’ emergency plan saves your event, your investment and your sanity.

Picture by Gayle Wheatley

There are numerous companies out there which specifically provide bridal insurance. It safeguards a newly embarking couple against venue cancellations, unexpected liability suits, outside elements such as Mother Nature, unorthodox contractors, negligence and anything which might interfere with a perfect day or honeymoon. Quotes can be acquired online, as well as any and all information. Insurance gives peace of mind to customers and ensures they will not be taken advantage of at any time. It can be purchased for one day or longer. A plan can cater to you and your needs. You certainly don’t want to be the one with horror stories but only happy memories of your wedding. Plan ahead and protect your special day!

2010-07-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

A July 4th Wedding!

For one couple, July 4th will not only be about a day off from work, cookouts and fireworks but an anniversary celebration. Katie and Tim said their vows in the charming Channing Chapel in Newport, RI this past weekend. It was a perfect day filled with sunshine and wedded bliss. The couple enjoyed a short and sweet ceremony and pictures on the lawns of Bellevue Avenue. The Rockstar trolley then drove them through scenic Newport to the Atlantic Beach Club where hilarity, picture perfect moments, and family blessings honored the bride and groom.

The Atlantic Beach Club served every facet of the wedding with elegance, charm and pure fun. It is a location right by the seaside offering picturesque views and an outdoor deck to relax on. The food was stupendous and the atmosphere a pleasure. Luke’s DJ got feet moving on the dance floor as Katie and Tim enjoyed every minute. From cake feeding to garter tossing the wedding did not miss a beat. Fireworks went off later in the evening, making it truly a night to remember. It almost felt like they were for Katie and Tim . . . and the country of course.

When guests were stuffed with good food, good wine and a fantastic experience, it was time to send the couple off, to across the street. Family had flown in for this special occasion, enjoying accommodations right across the street at Newport Beach Hotel & Suites. However, the goodbye was quite unique. Sparklers lit a grand walkway for the bride and groom to run through. Guests and family said their final congratulations and with sparklers in hand wished them all the best on every endeavor.

2010-06-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Lights, camera, wedding!
A very distinctive feature of a wedding is the lighting. According to Sound Xplosion (a modern entertainment and distinctive lighting company), it “adds the "WOW" factor to your event.” The glow and awe of any occasion can be created through the type of lighting you choose. It also 'reflects' upon your style. There are many ways to go about it. For example, it adds color and tone to a room allowing some areas to appear subtle while others are illuminated with life. A venue never looked so enhanced as it does in color. Lighting has a way of showcasing what is important while also creating ambience one can enjoy over dinner at a special happening. It even serves as decoration with methods such as ‘up-lighting’ which has become very popular. This is a way to personalize your event. Monogramming is a new trend which displays lettering on the floor or wall. It is a great way to introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. Most importantly, don't forget to feel all lit up inside, on your special day.

2010-06-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Flowers, flowers, everywhere! The floral motif is an intricate detail of a wedding that binds everything together. It is forever present first appearing when the flower girl (look at that, a girl named after them) saunters down the aisle sharing them with families, to the bride and bridesmaids bouquets of colorful wonder to the décor of the reception to the centerpieces that guests can take home, enjoy and remember the magical event they recently witnessed. Flowers and their arrangements can be viewed as a piece of art adding color, texture, emotion and ultimate pizzazz to any atmosphere. They are the first element you notice, besides the bride of course, and the last to leave an impression.

I recently worked beside a fantastic florist and designer who absolutely awed me with his creativity. He loved that his contribution set the stage for an auspicious occasion. Flowers frame the very essence of a wedding. At this particular wedding the star flower power was the snapdragon and it shined from every corner of the room. The bride may choose whatever she like and it truly does make you smile when holding a bouquet specifically made to fit your personality. Of course there are many ways to go with your arrangements, especially in today’s modern world. The flowers can be bold and beautiful or subtle and soft. They can pop or deliver that sensitive yet dramatic whimsical feeling. It all depends on what captivates you. Pick the style which suits your own desires and indulge.

Flowers make everything better, I truly believe that. They are a form of expression and ultimate pleasure. They give a wedding life and décor depending upon season, bridal wishes and design. Always have fun with it using your imagination to create an intimate setting: bohemian style or romantic or beach casual or glamorous beyond belief. Enjoy the entire experience and never forget to take a moment, sit back and . . .smell the roses, while your at the altar.

2010-06-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.foxprovidence.com/dpp/wildcard_7/wildcard_70/expert-tips-on-cutting-wedding-expenses

Check out a videoclip of Christine at the Roadshow!

2010-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

As a planner it is imperitive to be present in the industry; it means getting involved with the world of events around you. For example: joining such associations like ISES or the CVB are opportunistic tools of the trade. Networking, presents Planned to Perfection with multiple expos and conventions throughout the year. Wedding week in Rhode Island is upon us and one of its major happenings is City Bride.
On Wednesday, June 16th from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the Hotel Providence a gathering of the industry will take place. Brides from all over will flock to the heart of downtown Providence in order to view and meet the people who create the most lavish and luxe wedding experiences. From the top designers to the most extravagant floral arrangements, this is where you will find the modern bride and all her accouchements. There are also mini events such as a cake off. So indulge and spoil your pallet with a tasting of the finest pastries while exploring vendors that will suit your matrimonial needs. A fashion show will take place displaying top gowns from New England Bridal Salons and a tasting of wines and will be held right next door on the Blackstone Terrace. There is much to see and do and be merry.

Sponsors include such names as Sound Xplosion, Conceptual Image Floral Design, The Perfect Setting at Felicia’s and many more. It is the best of the best at one major event, including Planned to Perfection. Come and experience it for yourself!

2010-06-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

It’s wedding season! The gloves are off and the dates are set. Christine is super excited for the upcoming months. This season is expected to be even better than the last. The new trends and wedding themes are something to see. There is a July 4th wedding coming up along with many other special days to celebrate. The office in Newport is getting a facelift and things are truly coming together. There is everything from a photographer to a florist to a designer sitting next to Christine, a planner. It is one stop shopping for the brides to be.
Next Wednesday is the CityBride event at the Hotel Providence and the industry is gearing up. All vendors will be present and accounted for including: caterers, planners, dressmakers, designers, photographers, florists, lighting, venues and much more. It is a bride’s dreamland, full of wedding temptation. This is a fantastic opportunity to compare and find what is right for your wedding; especially since your planner is already Christine.

First Wedding of the Season!

2010-05-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kim & Rob who had a beautiful wedding Saturday May 8Th!! Kim (a lawyer) and Rob (a doctor) had a truly special day, and thankfully the weather cleared up just in time for the celebration to begin! The ceremony started just as the sun started to shine through at Manning Chapel at Brown University. The reception was held at the historic Providence Biltmore and was an intimate atmosphere for the just shy of 100 guest reception. What a great view the party had as well, up on the 17Th floor in the Grand Ballroom that overlooked the whole city of Providence on a clear day and lit up night. The sweet color of Amber up lighting really brought the room together for a great atmosphere. The raw sushi bar really wowed Kim's guest and was a unique touch to the cocktail hour. Cover to Cover had everyone on their feet dancing to their great cover tunes. Photos and video were taken all day and night by Jennifer Neves Photography and Mike Picard Videography as they captured all the special moments of the bride, groom, bridal party friends and family. Providence Biltmore started serving guests with a fabulous lobster chowder and then a delicious chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed greens and also tasty pasta. How could we forget the unforgettable lemon cake from Konditor Meister!!! For more pictures of this beautiful day, check out our Facebook page "Planned to Perfection"!

Wedding Season is here!

2010-04-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Wedding Season is finally here! The sun is finally shinning through and the flowers are blooming! Brides and planners are putting together last minute details for their upcoming special days! We have amazing brides this summer and fall and we are looking forward to seeing their weddings fully executed! Even if you have made all the plans for your wedding its not to late to hire a planner last minute to tie together all of your details and be there during the ceremony and reception. Having a planner on site the day of your wedding can relieve a lot of wedding day stress! Planners can take care of any problems that may arise, be the contact for all vendors arriving on site throughout the day, and will help with last minute set up needs to ensure that your wedding is looking its best! A wedding planner will also be there to make sure all guests are where they should be or can answer any concerned questions, help line up the bridal party and will get everyone where they need to be on time.

Call Planned to Perfection today (401-885-1300)to ask any further question about our wedding day coordination package or get more details on our other wedding services!

Spice up your Wedding!

2010-03-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

Looking for new ways to entertain your guest at you wedding? Check out these new trends that are fun and exciting to make your wedding memorable! A sweet treat that will delight your guest during your dessert hour. Try a chocolate fountain! They come in many different flavors, and you can have multiple dippers like strawberry's, rice crispy treats, pretzels, marshmallows, cookies and much more! This is a fun and interactive way to engage your guest with your unique menu choices so they can get up and mingle instead of staying seated! Check out Sweet Streams Chocolate Fountains located in Cranston RI for more info!

Another fun sweet surprise you can WOW your guest with are cute wedding favors! How about bride and groom fortune cookies, or cookies with a picture of you and your future husband! These personalized items will definitely leave your guest impressed with your creative ideas for your big day. Sweet Indulgence in Warwick Rhode Island can customize fun treats for yourself, bridal party and wedding guest. They also specialize in fudge, ice cream, gift baskets and fun candy bars! Candy bars are becoming quite a popular wedding trend, you can customize them to fit your theme and color. Pick out our favorite candies and share your sweet tooth cravings with your guests!

OK now that I've gotten you hungry, lets talk about other fun ideas to have at your reception. Photo booths are huge right now! All your guest get the opportunity to take fun and silly pictures at your wedding. Instead of leaving disposable cameras on your reception tables, get a photo booth and all the images will be uploaded to a website for you to look at and print. You can also print instantly right at your reception. Some companies even give you the option of putting together a quick scrapbook right on the spot! This way your guest can put the photos they took right in a scrapbook and write you a personal message, then at the end of the night you have an extra memorable present! This picture on the left was from the NBC Channel 10 wedding where Jen & Eric had an awesome photo booth at their wedding!

Another popular wedding favor that has been become more and more popular every wedding season is making a donation in your guest name to the charity of your choice. This can sometimes be a touchy and sentimental subject for the bride or grooms family because the charity of their choice is often related to a personal experience, never the less it is a great and kind gesture that your guest would greatly appreciate instead of a materialistic favor.

Remember, think outside the box with new fun, creative and personal ways to entertain your guest and yourself! This is your day so have fun with it! You don't have to be traditional in every sense of the word!

Hot color trends for 2010!

2010-03-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

The word is out…vibrant brights and practical neutrals are the color trends for spring 2010! Why do invitation designers care about fashion color trends? Well, fashion color trends translate into popular wedding colors (bridesmaid dresses, floral designs, and linens) and those colors are often the inspiration for our wedding invitation designs. Don’t be afraid to mix your favorite fun colors like violet, turquoise, coral or fuchsia with neutral earth tones like Tuscany, pink champagne, off white, or eucalyptus. Bridesmaids are always looking for a fun pop of color that will draw attention to the overall feel of your wedding and reception.

Brides, think about wearing a bright fun colored sash to match your bridesmaid dresses to add a little extra spice. If you are getting married in the spring or summertime outside, be playful with the colors you choose; they will clash perfectly with the greens of the trees around you or a great blue of the ocean side. For a nice dramatic look, have your bridesmaids wear all different shades of purple, pink or whatever color you choose!
Don't forget about those accessories! Jeweled stilettos, drop-dead gorgeous chandelier earrings, cool metallic clutches...dramatic silver accessories give "blue-girl" bridesmaids some fine heavy metal to play with.

2010-02-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL "day of" COORDINATION OFFER

As heard in our radio advertisement.

Planned to Perfection is featuring a limited time offer that extends from Monday February 15, 2010 through Sunday February 28, 2010. Receive rehearsal dinner planning and coordination with the booking of any "day of" coordination package. Services include the referral and assistance in rehearsal dinner locations, assisting the venue to create exciting personalized menu options, acting as a liason between couple and venue, coordination of decor, and even the organizing of transportation if necessary. Additional savings totaling over 40 percent of the initial package. It's all part of planning your event to perfection and the savings are enjoyed by you.

*Packages are considered booked two business days post-receipt of the initial deposit by check only.

Successful Wedding...Check!

2010-01-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Well the couple is now officially married and their wedding was fabulous! The NBC Channel 10 Wedding took place on January 15Th and it was executed perfectly! Jen & Eric had a beautiful day starting with pampering from Celebeautique and amazing photos taken at the Lippitt house by Jen Neves Photography. The ceremony couldn't of been more perfect and I'm not sure if there was a dry eye in the house. The reception was so much fun with all the different Jewish and Filipino traditions that took place, like the money dance! The food was delicious and the guest were dancing up a storm thanks to Luke's DJ Services! We want to wish Jen and Eric a happy and healthy life together! It was great getting to know the couple and their families who were so fun! Special thanks to all the vendors who helped make the wedding possible and a special thanks to the Crowne Plaza, Channel 10, and video excellence!! Be sure to check out the wedding on Monday February 15th at 11am on channel 10 to see how everything went down! also check out our facebook page where you can see pics from the wedding and pictures from our bridal shows this past month! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?v=wall&gid=52339410797

As well as the many bridal shows we have been attending we also were apart of Temple Sinai Bar/Bat Mitzvah show this past weekend. It was fun too see all the different vendors partaking in this show, much different from the bridal show! Check out our fun Hollywood inspired table set up! Helping to plan a bar/bat mitzvahs are so fun because you can really be creative with your kids and have a fun theme that will make your special event stand out!

Don't foget to stop by the RI Wedding Show in Newport, RI at the Rosecliff and OceanCliff Mansions on Saturday, February 20, 2010 11:30 am - 4:30 pm. Check out their website for a list of vendors and lots of information on anything else you might need! http://www.newportweddingexpo.com/vendors.htm

Also, dont forget to print your labels with your information on them to save yourslef the trouble of writing it 100 times!

Happy Planning!

Busy, Busy!

2010-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

With the holidays behind us this can only mean one thing, lots of couples have gotten engaged; and are now starting their wedding planning which is great for us! January has been super busy meeting dozens of wonderful brides at many different bridal shows! Here is a picture from the Southern New England Bridal Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Fabulous show, lots of vendors and a great fashion show with beautiful dresses! Special thanks to Jay from Golden Gate and Tom from Conceptual Image Design for the beautiful flowers! Also Erica from Adeline & Grace Photography your photos look amazing!

*Quick tip if you attending more upcoming bridal shows: Instead of filling out your contact info 100 times at all the different booth, print out labels with your name, address, phone, email and wedding date! It will make life so much easier!*

Not only have we been busy with bridal shows but we are also getting ready for the big NBC Channel 10 Wedding on this friday at the Crowne Plaza!!! Things are running smoothly, Jen had her final dress fitting and she looks gorgeous! Be sure to check out the wedding in February on TV! (actual airing date to come)

Dont forget about this Sundays Bridal Show, The Venus de Milo's Grand Wedding Show will be held on Sunday, February 21, 201012:00pm - 4:00pm. $5 admissions but FREE for brides!

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming shows!

Sit back, Relax, and enjoy the Bridal Shows!

2009-12-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

Right after the new year we are heading into bridal show mode! We are attending 4 bridal shows this upcoming year, 3 in January and 1 in February. For all you newly engaged brides I would highly recommend attending some shows for great information and vendors to help perfect your wedding. Our first big show is the Southern New England Bridal Show on Sunday January 3, 2010 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

http://www.southernnewenglandbridalexpo.com/ check out their website to see all the exhibitors and the fun things they have planned for us!

It is open to the public and there will be approximately 145 wedding related exhibitors along with two professional fashion shows, very exciting! Now don't be overwhelmed when you first arrive, there is a lot to see but a lot of important information you will gather for your wedding planning. Also don't forget to look out for the Rhode Island Wedding Group Booth where we will be representing many different vendors in the wedding industry. It is a one-stop-shop to plan your entire wedding! learn more about us at: http://www.rhodeislandweddinggroup.com/

Our second bridal show we will be showcasing at is "La Bella Bride" on Sunday January 10th 2010 at the Hotel Viking in Newport RI. The intimate, boutique hotel style show offers seminars, intimate settings to meet and greet with vendors, as well as bridal overnight accommodations.

http://www.wedalert.com/bridal_show/A_Newport_Wedding_Showcase/?id=1615&state=RI&showid=2890&showdate=1/10/2010&show=NewportWeddingShowcase. Here you can register yourself as well as search for other bridal shows in RI.

Still more shows to talk about...on Sunday January 17th from 12pm-4pm at Venus de Milo there will be The Grand Bridal Show. This show is returning for its 3rd year and they will have everything from florist, catering, video, photography, limos, invitations, MYSELF and much more! There will also be a fabulous fashion show featuring the latest styles in bridal gowns and formal wear as well as free samples, giveaways, and prizes to enjoy!

http://www.venusdemilo.com/events-weddingShow.htm

Our last show we will be attending is the Newport Life Show at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport RI on Saturday February 20th 2010. http://www.newportweddingexpo.com/welcome.htm Newport is the perfect location for a romantic get-a-way or an elegant wedding reception, so plan to spend the weekend with your fiance. Also if you're staying in town, in Newport, Feb. 12 -21 is the annual Newport Winter Festival offering a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment. It should be a fun weekend!

Here are some tips when attending the show:

1. Don't be overwhelmed! We know there are a lot of people to talk to but we have your best interest at heart!

2. Don't be afraid to tell vendors "no" they are looking for business and its OK if you don't like what they are offering.

3. Get business cards and brochures if you are interested!

4. If you are interested in a vendor, ask right then and there if you can schedule an appointment with them so you can check out their locations and services.

*Don't forget to look for Planned to Perfection at all of these shows! We would love to meet you!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here at the office we have been super busy; but we are so excited to be apart of the NBC Channel 10 Free Wedding Giveaway! The big winners are Jennifer Coliflores and Eic Rosenthal who will be married in January at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel at The Crossings in Warwick RI. Be sure to check out the NBC channel 10 website to see all the great prizes they won for their wedding, including Jen’s dress, Eric’s tuxedo, reception menu’s, wedding favors and much more!
http://www2.turnto10.com/jar/lifestyles/wedding_contest
You can also check out the previous winner from last years wedding, Jen & Eric’s entry video, all the sponsors of the wedding, and great wedding planning tips for your big day!
For the last month we have been going on many appointments with the sponsors of the wedding along with Jen & Eric; including a fun tanning trip to 2nd to the Sun where the couple has won a one month unlimited tanning package for themselves and their bridal party.

To follow all the fun of the wedding preperations, you can follow Jen & Eric on facebook at, http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/JenEric-Wedding/182907915795
Here you can check out pictures from the tuxedo fitting at Carl Anthony Tuxedo, the winning dresses from Party Dress Express, Jen’s cute hair-du from Celebeautique Hairspa as well as fun updates from the bride and groom!

We have also been working on our 2010 brides and making sure they are on track with scheduling, appointments and vendor agreements. Planning a wedding is hard work and here at Planned to Perfection we are always up for the challenge! As we all know the holidays are just around the corner so we hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday with their friends and families!

August Weddings

2009-08-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

This past week we worked at two great weddings! We were at Keri and Mike's wedding on Thursday at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth. They had a green wedding and it was great to be a part of that. Keri and Mike were also featured in the Providence Journal so please check out the article on green weddings.

http://www.projo.com/lifebeat/content/lb-green_wedding_08-11-09_EPEN13V_v31.2936fe8.html

Their guests ate local and organic foods provided by Blackstone Catering as well had gorgeous locally grown flowers and herbs from Conceptual Image Designs. Sin Desserts created an organic cake that was absolutely amazing.. In lieu of favors, a donation was made to Amnesty International and guests arrived in style in a trolley from Rockstar Limo that reduced the amount of cars on the road and also is eco-friendly. Congrats to Keri and Mike!

On Saturday, we headed over to Beavertail for the ceremony of Laura and Juan. The day was absolutely gorgeous for this ocean side ceremony. We only had about 10 minutes to set up the ceremony and we were off and running. Rev. Michael Egan performed the ceremony which even included a large cruise ship sailing off into the distance! After the ceremony we headed off to the Johnson and Wales Inn, for the reception. Laura had chosen chocolate brown and red as her colors, she put together all of the centerpieces herself and in conjunction with the gorgeous linens and chiavari chairs from Rentals Unlimited, her tables looked spectacular. Jason Citrone provided uplighting for the room and the monogram that was displayed the entire evening. Luke's Disc Jockey Service did an outstanding job keeping everyone on the dance floor the entire evening and we even got to see a traditional Laotian dance. Congrats to Laura and Juan!

Working hard to get it all done!!

Matt & Shelby's Wedding

2009-07-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was so excited to head to Connecticut for Matt and Shelby's wedding. Their wedding was at Matt's uncles house which I was told had this amazing landscape but I was completely blown away but how amazing it actually was. There are no words that can explain how absolutely magnificent this property was. The ceremony was held in one portion of the yard that looked like it was made for wedding ceremonies.

The tent and rentals were all done by Rhode Island Rentals and Jess's Country Flowers did an amazing job with all of their Floral Designs. Cocktail hour was held pool side and Kim Praast stole the bridal party away to take some great shots throughout the property. The amazing cupcakes were provided by Sugarbelle and the crowd danced all night to music provided by WRIK. Best wishes to Matt and Shelby for a lifetime of happiness!

The Rhode Show!

2009-06-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

On June 22, there was a segment on the Rhode Show regarding wedding etiquette, and I had the pleasure of being a part of it!
http://www.foxprovidence.com/dpp/wildcard_7/wildcard_70/rhode_show_the_buzz_20090622

One of the topics covered was whether or not the bride has the right to ask her bridesmaids to change their appearance and the extent to which they can do so. Other topics included how to handle the “plus one” situation, mow much a guest should give, and how to handle those guests that do not answer well to RSVPs. There are also many other aspects and situations that may call for use of proper wedding etiquette.

As far as the bride’s relationship with her bridesmaids goes, there should be a mutual understanding on how much too much is to ask of each other. The bridesmaids are expected to understand that it isn’t their special day, but the bride’s. The bride should also keep in mind that the women she chose to be her bridesmaids are either family or close friends. Because of this, she should refrain from asking her bridesmaids to make drastic changes such as losing weight, changing their hair color or covering up tattoos. She should be accepting of her bridesmaids’ individuality.

Aside from situations concerning the brides and bridesmaids, there are always questions coming from the guests’ point of view. The “plus one” is a popular question. It is a given that a person invited can bring their spouse, fiancé, or even a long running significant other. However, for those who are single, should they find a date or go stag? There usually is no problem with going stag. The majority of the time, the party attending will know the family or friends so it will not be as if they are lonely the entire time. Every person and situation is different so if unsure ask the bride or somebody else who will be attending for a second opinion. Ideally, one should bring the cost of the plate which can usually be estimated around fifty dollars. Is bringing a guest worth that amount of money?

A common occurrence in planning a wedding can be acquiring a guest count. From those “plus one” ambiguities to those who seem to never RSVP. The RSVP is very important and timely. There are vendor deadlines that must be met. When there is a guest who seemingly forgot to RSVP, it is alright to call or email them to check up on their decision. Always be friendly about it. One never knows if there is a legitimate reason or if the guest simply forgot. There is still a slight possibility that they never even received the invite.

Have a great week!!!

Wedding South Beach Style and Big Move!

2009-06-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wedding Season 2009!! There will be much more blogging this season about our weddings so keep checking out the site! Our most exciting news is that we have moved to Newport! Our office is located at 129 Bellevue Avenue, so if you are in the area please drop by and visit.

On to the weddings...

We had the honour of being a part of Jen and Craig's wedding this past weekend at Astor's Beechwood. They brought South Beach to the old style mansion, which looked fabulous!

Broadway Florist did an outstanding job with creating a lounge in the ballroom and the lighting from Bentley Meeker was absolutely incredible. Congrats to Jen and Craig!

NBC 10 Wedding Giveaway Blogs

2008-12-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

I thought this was cute and wanted to share. Here is Kate and Steve's latest blog. Enjoy!

Monday, December 15, 2008
Our Twelve Days of Christmas
Kate and Steve
We love Christmas!!!!!
Our Twelve Days of Christmas(By Kate and Steve)
On the first day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: An NBC 10 Free Wedding.
On the second day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Steve Passarelli, from A Better Sound, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the third day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Christine Clark, from Planned to Perfection, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the fourth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the fifth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the sixth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the seventh day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the eighth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us: Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the ninth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the tenth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:Honeymoon in Mexico from AnyPlace Travel,A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, turn to 10 gave to us:
A Dream Come True,
Honeymoon from AnyPlace Travel,A Wedding at Crowne Plaza,Chad Michael Peters Limo and flowers,Hair and make-up at Celebeautique,Tuxedos from Waldorf, Wedding dress from Couture Bridal, Rings from Providence Diamond, Invitations from Crosstown Press, Christine Clark, Steve Passerelli, And an NBC Free Wedding!!!!!!!!!

ABC Conference

2008-11-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I attended the Association of Bridal Consultant's annual conference in Newport Beach, CA and what an amazing experience it was for me. I came away with so many new and exciting ideas and some great products that I can offer my clients. One of them is Kate Aspen products, you can click on http://plannedtoperfectionllc.0.kateaspenshops.com/ and order their amazing and unique favors. I also had the privilege of watching Colin Cowie speak, I am in awe of his creativity and enthusiasm for events. I am working to further my education with the ABC and become an Accredited Bridal Consultant by the end of December. I am looking forward to the 2009 season so that I can put all these idease into amazing events. Have a great Thanksgiving!

What is the worst thing?

2008-09-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

Many couples have asked me in the interview process what is the worst thing that has happened at an event that you have had to fix on the spot. I have to admit it has been awhile since something has happened. So when I was asked the question on Friday, I recalled a story of a few years ago when the bride went to put on her dress before leaving for the ceremony and it was four sizes to big. YIKES! Same dress style, not her dress!! So I get in touch with the bridal salon and they rush the dress over, iron it as quickly as they can. I keep the bride and groom as calm as possible and in the end it all works out. Note to bride: Always try on your dress before you leave the bridal salon for the last time. I hang up the phone after this call and think to myself, I am so glad these issues are rare. Fast forward to Saturday when everything is going smoothly at a wedding. Then the bus catches on fire. Yes, the one the was carrying most of the guests catches on fire en route to the venue. Thankfully, no one was hurt and we managed to have all the guests squeeze onto the other bus. Another bus from the company was called and made it to the venue so that everyone could get back o.k.. So I no longer will be thankful that is has been a long time since I have had an incident, I will be thankful that I can handle the incidents!

I am coming around to this blogging thing.

2008-08-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I always mean to write a blog, and then the wedding season takes off and now it is August. This has been a wonderful wedding season thus far. I have been a part of some fun weddings, having a dog as a ring bearer and sneaking him on the property. And by the way he did a wonderful job, better than some 3 year olds I have seen. A bride and her bridesmaids choreographed some outstanding moves to Dancing Queen, it was quite impressive. I am excited for the remaining weddings that I have this year and am so excited to announce that I will be the wedding planner for the NBC 10 wedding that will air in February. Be on the lookout and make sure to vote for your favorite wedding items this fall on their website. We are also offering brides and not just the ones that hire us the opportunity to have a Pampered Chef bridal registry. You don't even have to leave the house to register, and you get amazing products. I promise, I will get better at this blogging thing and update with more great weddings.

Themes

2008-03-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the word "theme" freaks people out. They think I am not a theme person and not going there. But a theme does not have to be only the Wizard of Oz as the focus of a wedding. Themes could present themselves in a color, flower, or location. Since I am in New England, beach themes or New England themes tend to be pretty popular but you definitely can be suttle if you want to add that special "theme" flair. One couple that I worked with instead of using table numbers, named each of their tables various lighthouses, throughout New England. Another couple named their tables places that they had travelled together. If you love a certain flower, why not have that flower in all the bouquets and in the centerpieces. There are many options to incorporating bits of your personalities into your wedding day without making it an all out "themed" wedding. Who knows maybe your guests will end up learning more about you as a couple!

Why do you need a Planner?

2007-09-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times I am asked this question..

And what a great one it is with couples spending their own money or mom's and dad's they are spending an enormous amount on their wedding.The average amount that is spent on a wedding in Rhode Island is enough to buy a car!

So people want to know what their return on investment will be when they hire a planner. Well how much do you value your free time or actually getting work done during the day rather than searching the web for vendors?

The average couple spends 250 hours planning their wedding. I can cut that time for you so that you are able to spend time with your friends and family and maybe even getting a little work done! On your own, you would be searching sites for vendors, scheduling appointments and spending money on gas to meet with vendors only to find they are not what you are looking for. I would direct you to vendors that suit your personality, needs and most importantly, budget.

Wedding Planners also are the mediators for all those family issues that arise during the planning process. A neutral third party is always helpful to get through those issues and that is priceless. And finally on the day of your wedding, don't you want to sit back and relax and enjoy every minute? To let someone else be the go to person and not the obvious person in the white dress.

Average wedding in New England 36,469. Saving time and money on a planner, priceless.

Going Green

2007-09-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

With a variety of companies and organizations going "green", why not a wedding? There are numerous ways that couples can achieve a green wedding! The first would be to hold your ceremony and reception at the same location. This would save on car emissions that would come from the automobiles, buses and limos that your guests would use to get between two sites. Or how about a ceremony and reception location that are so close that your guests could take a stroll while the happy couple are getting their pictures taken. Couples can use paper products out of recyled papers, have soy or bees wax candles, and ask for organic foods, especially locally grown! Use natural light or candle light to provide a beautful ambiance without wearing down the environment.

Make your registry count! The I Do Foundation www.idfoundation.org, offers charitable contributions to your charity of choice when your guests purchase a gift from your registry. And the best part is it costs them nothing extra! Instead of giving out favors to your guests, why not donate to your favorite charity? Most charitable organziations will send you personalized scrolls for all of your guests to enjoy.

You can have fun and go green at that same time!