by Deb_Admin | Jan 24, 2018 | Event Planning, Party Planning, Wedding Planning
Your first step in any event planning should be to set the budget. This will allow a much smoother process moving forward as you book vendors and make purchases. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to pin down exactly how much to spend and what to make major allowances on while laying out your vision. With a clear budget in mind, planning your event will become a much simpler task! Where to begin? We like to stick to the main points: the who, what, where type questions. What is the type of event you are planning? How many people will be on the guest list? Where is the venue for your event? These three key points will determine the bulk of your budget. What is your event? The money needed to create an amazing birthday party is far less than a grand wedding. This may seem like an obvious answer, but take it a step further and determine what kind of event. Are you aiming for an upscale retirement party? A modern wedding? A boho-chic birthday bash? How many attendees? Your guest list total will create the logistics of catering, seating, and how much space you need. The next questions following will have a lot to do with how many people you will be accommodating. 20 people versus 200 makes a big difference on where to allot your spending. What is your venue? Securing a location should always be one of the first steps in your event planning process. Your other vendors will need to charge travel and services accordingly. Often, your venue may want to take...
by Deb_Admin | Jan 10, 2018 | Event Planning, Events By Deb Services, Party Planning, Wedding Planning
As we embark on a brand new year, we all adjust our goals to fit the timeline we have set up. No matter what kind of event you are planning, having a month by month countdown with achievable milestones will keep you stress-free and in line for success. Time to break out the calendar. Whether you use a pen to paper planner or rely solely on the calendar on your phone, marking specific dates to hold yourself accountable will help you A LOT in the long run. What date is your event? What vendors have you already booked? We just saw many engagements on our Facebook over the holidays which gives you a fresh map to success. 10-12 Months Before Event Collect inspiration images and determine the budget. This is the best time to hire an event planner to keep you on track and answer any big questions if you have never planned an event before. Organize names and addresses for your guest list. 8-10 Months Before Event Time to establish goals and objectives. Your date should be chosen. Next, research and book your venue. Our last blog went over creating a budget. In that blog we detailed the big questions such as where the event is being held, how many guests are attending, and what kind of event & theme you are envisioning. Book your florist, caterer, photographer, DJ or musicians.. 6-8 Months Before Event Book additional vendors such as hair and make up and rentals. Planning a wedding? Choose your wedding dress and cake! Create a registry. Book hotel rooms and a honeymoon. The Last 6 Months...
by Deb_Admin | Oct 18, 2017 | Engagement, Event Planning, Wedding Planning
Your wedding day is a special time to celebrate your love and future. So often, we see third parties taking over this big moment with their input. When your future in-laws and over-opinionated friends try to take the lead, how do you pull back to achieve your dream day – not theirs? Put Your Foot Down This is one scenario, no matter how light-footed you may be, you have to be strong! Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime experience. You cannot let others dictate details and alter your dream. Learning how to firmly say “No,” when reacting to the overbearing suggestions of others can feel negative but is very important to your planning process. Explain what your ideas are and try to find common ground. If you don’t want to wear your mother’s wedding dress, state the kind of style you are looking for and why the experience of dress shopping is important to you. If you have a relative trying to take over some of the planning, sometimes it is best to simply say you have hired someone to handle those tasks, and their attendance is all you need from them. Be Honest! Take advice with a grain of salt – or maybe a scoopful. It is okay to allow others to interject their experience and ideas for your big day. In fact, it can be beneficial to see where aspects could be improved. However, you have to be honest when dealing with friends and family who are overstepping their boundaries. Let them know you respect their desire to help but you have a professional...
by Deb_Admin | Jun 20, 2017 | Engagement, Lifestyle, Wedding Planning
A wedding is a magical time where a new family is created. When there are children involved, bringing two families together may take a couple extra steps and considerations. To make sure the transition goes over smoothly, it’s important to keep the children in mind during the planning process, the big day, and what to expect after the wedding. This is an exciting time for everyone! Incorporating relationship building into your planning process will ensure the family connection will be sealed by the wedding day. Enlisting a professional and attending family counseling classes is a neutral way to discuss the present and future. During the time leading up to the wedding, offer available times for activities, meals, and mutual interests to bond over. Make sure you listen to your kids! Find out how involved they want to be. Depending on their age, they may be eager to participate or would rather sit out and observe. Let them take it in strides. Inviting your children or spouse-to-be’s children into the ceremony can be a truly special time that unites everyone. On the flip side, if they choose to sit out, make sure you follow up, especially depending on living arrangements. Ask them if they would prefer some one-on-one time before or after the wedding to talk and answer any questions. They may be uncertain of what to expect and it could hold them back, or would rather wait until the celebration is over to talk about what they are feeling. Remember, this is an exciting time for you but may be confusing for them. Opening the lines of communication is...
by Deb_Admin | May 17, 2017 | Engagement, Wedding Planning
(1). Interview your planner because he/she’ll be interviewing you. (2). Before signing a planners contract make sure to read his/her contract, clauses and guidelines. Looking over these details will ensure you and the planner are all ways on the same page! Know what you’re signing and have a conversation about anything you’re uncertain of. (3). Be on time and prepared for all appointments and or conference calls. Know that your planner wants to offer 100% of their support on the call. (4). This is a huge day, and your planner is there to help guide you in making decisions on major details, vendors, and so much more. Vendors tend to book up quickly for certain dates, so being decisive will guarantee your first choices are locked...
Recent Comments