Posted by Patti Wellington on Sat, Jan 02, 2010 @ 02:15 PM
Here is something I found on Youtube that will help you create your own wedding planner.
It's a great video, although I strongly disagree with the first statement about not hiring a wedding planner; this will give you an idea of all the work that goes into planning your wedding and will help with your organizing if you decide not to use a planner.
Posted by Patti Wellington on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 10:04 AM
Everyone wants a wedding like none other, but most couples don't know how to achieve it. Your ideas don't have to cost, they just have to be personal and creative.
When I work with couples, I really want to find out what their likes and dislikes are - what do they enjoy doing in their spare time, where did they meet, where are they going. Plus, we like to see what their favorite restaurant is and why, what colors do they like and what their favorite season is. All of these questions will help us create a real unique, fun-loving celebration.
Here are some really great ideas to work with. Hopefully they'll inspire you and help reveal your personal styles.
1. Locate the perfect location for your wedding
Finding the best spot to host your event will be the biggest test. Hosting a wedding in a local ballroom will provide a very different tone than having it in an old historical building. Try to research all the venues in your area so that you can locate a very distinctive venue just for you. Check out nightclubs, movie theaters, city top venues, trendy restaurants or art galleries. If you don't have access to those types of properties, try to covert one that will transform into your vision. With lighting, linens and all sorts of décor you could really transform a venue to the point where it may be unrecognizable. Think outside the box and call around to all the places you have come up with. You may be surprised at what's available in your area.
2. Colors and Textures
Build your venue up with lots of color and stick to using monochromatic palates, whether you use all oranges, violet, or blue colors, use your favorite ones. Try setting up different size tables using different types of shapes (some circular, square, and rectangular), then use different textures of fabric around the room. Some tables could have stripes; some solid and others could be silky or have a fun pattern. The color scheme will still remain the same. This will give your event some real personality.
3. Re-Arrange the table pattern in the room and have a variety of different centerpieces to add interest.
Arrange the tables in a more non-traditional manner. Then have three or four varieties of centerpieces placed on the tables in a non-uniformed fashion. This will really add interest to the room. Some guests may have been to the venue before, but this will be a completely different look. The centerpieces can be tall, some will be short, and others will be a mix of the two.
4. Bring Comforts of Home to the Big Event
If you're working with a massive reception hall, make it warm by adding lounge furniture to the space. If this is something you cannot afford, try having more tables but smaller amounts of guests at each. It will feel intimate to your guests. Also, add some nice ceiling and wall treatments to the venue and this will help the space feel smaller. You can also achieve this by getting a lighting expert in to place images on the walls and dance floor. Think of an enchanted garden look.
Do you have any questions or want more information about wedding planning? E-mail them to me and I'll contact you with an answer. Who knows, I might even write an article on it and post it in my blog. weddings@occasionsniagara.com
Posted by Patti Wellington on Sun, Dec 27, 2009 @ 09:50 AM
I have a great working relationship with Tasha Rae from Tasha Rae Designs in Colorado. I have been referring her wedding invitations to all of my clients to her for the past couple of years and I think her work is fabulous. I found her products at a Association of Bridal Consultants convention I attended and fell in love with her work.
I contacted Tasha for some information for my blog, and here is the edited copy for your enjoyment:
Tasha was born and raised in Minnesota, and for the past 19 years, has called Colorado home. She lives with her husband and 2 daughters (one human and one canine).
She loves her jobs... being an Artist and a Mommy and finds them equally as challenging and rewarding. She studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and The Art Institute of Colorado.
When talking about her business, here's what Tasha said - "I can't say that Tasha Rae Designs really has a "Mission Statement" because each 'mission' is different. Every day is a new day and things are forever changing. I guess my business philosophy is something like this: You know that feeling you get when you find the perfect gift for someone and you can't wait to give it to them? That's how I try to run my business. My gift is my art, and I want it to be just what you wanted and imagined. If I can do that, then mission accomplished."
Samples: Unlike a lot of other companies, Tasha does not charge a fee for invitation samples; instead she asks that you donate a few dollars to your favourite charity and help those who are in need (if you need suggestions, see the attached link below) She also asks that people imit sample requests to 3 designs; here's a for a list of great charities - http://www.tasharaedesigns.com/charity.html
And here's a few pictures of her wonderful work:
Do you have any questions or want more information about wedding planning? E-mail them to me and I'll contact you with an answer. Who knows, I might even write an article on it and post it in my blog. weddings@occasionsniagara.com