ABC Conference

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?

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.

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

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?

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

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!