Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: This Survey Is Like a Band-Aid for Brides!

Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: This Survey Is Like a Band-Aid for Brides!: If you are a bride or know of a bride who would like to feel that someone understands her, validates her feelings and helps her as well as h...

This Survey Is Like a Band-Aid for Brides!

If you are a bride or know of a bride who would like to feel that someone understands her, validates her feelings and helps her as well as her fiance' get on track with planning her wedding, this survey is a must.  Here is the link to peace of mind.

Wishing you the greatest of days!

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Plan Your Wedding Theme Palette at A Paint Store

Where can you go to get inspiration for color?  A lot of color!   I know this isn't going to be what you normally hear as far as where to go if you are stuck on choosing a color theme.

Hear me out!  What I want you to do is go to a professional paint store and ask for a Color Key which is much like a fan will a ton of colors and they more than likely will not let you leave the counter while you are looking at it.  These come out as the newer colors come on board for a new season or the names are changed to what sounds cool according to the new trends.  Maybe a couple times a year.  It might be that a color is called aqua one year or turquoise or Tiffany blue another time.  Much of the time you will see that popular colors coordinate across the lines of fashion and interior design.  You don't want to go into the store asking for a particular color because of the name changes.

Here's another way to use a color fan.  Lets say that you have a fabric that you like and you want to paint some of you Do-It-Yourself projects.  You can take that piece of fabric in to the paint store and they will be able to mix up a paint color to that fabric.  A professional should know what to allow for as far as interpreting the sheen of a fabric.

One more thing, very important thing to remember.  When you look at one particular strip, you are actually seeing one color but all the shades represent what it will look like with different amounts and types of lighting.  Just look at a wall in your home and see how different it looks throughout the day.

If you are wondering what colors go well together no matter what shade you like, you'll find the complimentary shade in a different color.   This is how you want to use a color wheel.  If you find a color that you like, determine where it is on the color strip you are looking at.  If it is the fourth color down on the strip, look at any of the other strips and the colors that are in the same position on their own strip and you've found a ton of colors that would coordinate.  You just get to choose.  That might be the hardest part.


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Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: Weddings! You May Be Seated, But How?

Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: Weddings! You May Be Seated, But How?: "Are there 150 of you dining this evening? Would you like reception, plated, classroom, buffet or theatre? One might be safe for you and ...

Weddings! You May Be Seated, But How?

"Are there 150 of you dining this evening?  Would you like reception, plated, classroom, buffet or theatre?  One might be safe for you and one might not."    

You might be thinking, "She's really lost her mind now!"  But this is important information.  What I'm referring to are the different types of seating options for events.  Depending upon the type of event, you will have to decide which one best suits your needs.  I'm really trying to avoid puns here, but we'll see how long I can do that!

Let's say that you're having a wedding reception.  Reception style might be what you would assume, but in this case you would not find a place to plant it!  Picture in your mind what it looks like when you're waiting for the doors to open for an event.  Everyone is standing around and there might be a few people sipping coffee, others not and you can see a cocktail table or two here and there.  Standing is the key word.  In fact if you've noticed on the walls a sign that reads "Maximum Capacity  150 people", they are referring to the number of people allowed with the reception style.  You'll be disappointed if you were thinking it is perfect because you're inviting 150 people to your wedding reception, banquet, fund raising dinner, etc.  With Reception style seating think of S.R.O.- Standing Room Only.  Taken out of context, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say.

Now, let's go to plated.  More than likely everyone has assigned seating in this situation, but primarily it means that there are complete place settings at a regular table when guests arrive.  Do you see how this drastically changed how many people you can fit into a room?  At most receptions, it takes 100 square feet to seat 8-10 people around a round table with enough room for people to walk between tables, including wait staff.  You would need about the same amount of space for a buffet reception, but you would have to take into account that a buffet line takes up space in a room along with the seating.

Classroom and theatre seating are more common for seminars.  Classroom includes shallow tables to sit at so a person can take notes.  However, sometimes it is an option for a head table where the bridal party sits, or the board. Theatre seating is more like what you would find at a ceremony with one or more aisles separating the seating areas. 

Sorry, but I can't help but think of something we memorized as kids.  It goes like this.  "Ladies and Gentlebeans!  This Thursday which is Good Friday there will be a special fathers meeting for mothers only.  There is no admission, just pay at the door!  Pull up a seat and sit on the floor." Whatever!

Wishing you the greatest of days!

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What Every Entrepreneur Could Learn from a Bride

What every entrepreneur could learn from a bride as a client could possibly change your perspective on how to serve any client.

I wish that every entrepreneur no matter what field of work they are in, could experience the camaraderie that we find in the wedding industry.  I honestly thought it would be dog-eat-dog when I started my business! It has been just the opposite! 

Ninety-nine percent of the time I see wedding vendors eager to help each other.  Everyone wants to find the perfect match for their client's personality, style and budget.  Wedding professionals work extremely hard working very long hours all week, and are often away from their families for weekend upon weekend.  Most people don’t know how many hours go into each aspect of helping a client with their wedding.

Here are some things that wedding professionals have to consider and I’m wondering if other entrepreneurs would see a difference in how they serve clients if they had to examine their services in the same light.

Customer's Memory of Their Experience.

Wedding professionals are creating a day that their clients will remember for the rest of their lives..for better or for worse!  

Don't Make Assumptions on What Your Client "Should" Know.

Generally a wedding is something that clients have never planned before nor have they experienced anything that will change their lives so drastically. Many times they have no idea where to start and can’t visualize or begin to express what they want.  You have to help them find their own words.  

You Only Have One Shot!

There are no re-do’s.  That wedding day is the wedding day.  

What Has  Possibly Influenced a Client's Perception about What You Do?

Wedding professionals deal with the whole family, on both sides.  We learn the dynamics of both families and often see what has helped shape our clients into who they are.  It gives us an understanding or a feeling of compassion for our clients and their behavior.

Emotions  Expressed Are Not Always Linked to What a Client is Really Wanting to Express.

Brides, grooms, the wedding party, family, friends all can experience a wide variety of emotions.  It can even be very much like grieving.  Fear of the unknown such as a mother wondering about whether she is “losing” her daughter/son or even a best friend fearing that their friendship will never be the same or might end at some point.  Seldom do the emotions get expressed in the right manner, to the right extent or at the right time.  They are just what they are!  We have to prepare our clients for what might happen.

You Can't Please Everyone All the Time!  Expect Monday Morning Quarterbacks.

There’s a time period that is kind of a let down after so much has been focused on the wedding.  This is when wedding professionals are more likely to be “Yelped” whether it is fair or not.  You could say, “The honeymoon is over!”

Customer Loyalty/Referrals.  How Sweet It Is!

Happily ever after for wedding professionals is when we get to help yet one more client create this once-in-a-lifetime event.  Each wedding is different and it feels like we are gaining another friend.  You really do get emotionally involved and always wonder how they are doing.

Greatest of Days feels that planning a wedding shouldn’t feel like a part time job to a bride who is probably already working hard. A bride and groom might have college bills to pay off, have little vacation time accrued, and certainly don’t have time to research for the best prices, hidden costs, or find the venue or vendor that will be the best match for their personality, style and budget.  Time is money!  Especially if a bride or groom have a business to run and a wedding to plan! That gives overwhelm a new meaning!

After being asked if I planned events for a living, it made sense to try doing what I love to do which is to plan and design events. I'm all about inexpensive creativity to make something look better, add meaning or humor to relax a client.

5 Reasons Why Brides Hire Wedding Planners

I will keep this short and sweet.  These are things I hear most often.

1.  Save money planning their wedding because of a Wedding Planner's relationships with vendors.
2.  Less stress planning because of a Wedding Planner's relationships with vendors.
3.  Don't have enough time to plan a wedding.
4.  Don't want to worry about a lot things on the wedding day.
5.  Mother of the bride wants to be able to enjoy the wedding day.

Recently I was talking to someone in a non-related profession and it was music to my ears what she said.  She said, "I thought that everyone knew that Wedding Planners could save brides money!"  I wanted to take her with me to every networking meeting, or wish that I could plaster that message on every billboard around!  Yes, I love saving brides money...absolutely love it.  I also like to shorten engagements by doing just that!  That alone is less stress.  It's not my goal to change wedding dates, if that makes sense.  I just have been able to make it possible for people to get married sooner!

Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: Your Venue Voyage

Helping Brides Plan Weddings Without Stress.: Your Venue Voyage: When searching for a venue for your wedding and/or wedding reception, the better prepared you are the smoother everything will go on your we...

Your Venue Voyage

When searching for a venue for your wedding and/or wedding reception, the better prepared you are the smoother everything will go on your wedding day.  You don't want to receive any unexpected "You can't do that's" in the middle of decorating, or realizing that you have more guests than what the fire department has deemed to be safe.  The list goes on from there.

Here is a general outline of what you should know to ask when you look for a venue. I know I'll forget a few, but these are the ones that come right off the top of my head.  One key thing to remember that is in "venue speak" provide does not always mean something automatically comes with rental package.  It may mean that it can be acquired for you usually with an additional rental fee.  

Here is your list of questions!

1. Who is the contact person that I will need to speak to the most.
2. Who is the backup person I would speak to in case that person isn't available?
3. What are your business hours?
4. Do you have 2 phone numbers (landline & cell) that I can call if I have a question?
5. When do you not want me to call?
6. What is you Fax number?
7. What is your mailing address?  (Is it different than your street address?)
8. Is your facility handicapped accessible?
9. Do you have an elevator to get to the reception?
10. What is included in the price of the rental?
11. Is AV equipment and or sound system available?  If so how much does it cost?  Is it maintained properly?
12. Do you know of any other community events taking place on the day of our wedding?
13. Do you know of any road construction that might be happening around the time of the year we want to have our wedding?
14. Are there any competing noises such as planes, trains, sporting events, or concerts?
15. What if you rent some of your space out to a group that might not like being near a wedding reception?
16. If I get a professional Wedding Coordinator do you give them discounts that they can pass on to me?
17. Rental of Venue:
1. How do you determine the cost of the room fee?
1. Do I need a minimum amount of food ordered?
2. If I meet the minimums, can I get the room for free?
2. Rehearsal:  Does that cost extra?
1. What day do you usually schedule rehearsals?
2. How much time do you allow for a rehearsal?
18. Catering:
1. Do you allow outside caterers?
2. What if I want to bring in my own cultural cuisine?
3. We have our own restaurant, does that make a difference?
4. Is gratuity included in the price?
5. What about feeding my vendors?  What are my options?
6. Do you make cakes or a can you do a dessert bar?
7. Does a dessert bar cost extra?
8. Will you cut the cake?
9. Do you provide the knife and server?
10. Will there be plates there when we cut the cake?  Can we bring our own?
11. Do you have a container that we can put our cake top in?
1. Bartenders:
1. Can I have an open bar?
2. Can I have a closed bar?
3. Can I bring in my own alcohol?
4. What types of alcohol can I bring?
5. Do you have and how much is the corkage fee?
6. What will you do if someone appears to have too much to drink?
7. What about event insurance?  Do I need that?
2. Tables
1. How many and what sizes do you have?
2. Do you have special tables for the gifts, guest book, DJ and other vendors?
3. Will the guest book table and gift table be outside of the room?
3. Tablecloths and Napkins
1. What color?  
2. What size?
3. Black, white or tan only?
4. What if I want another color you don't have?
5. Do you have napkin rings?  Colors, costs, etc.
4. Do you have all of the glassware that we will need?
1. Water glasses
2. Coffee cups
3. Toasting glasses
4. Do any of these have to be rented?
5. Do you provide beverage napkins?
5. Flatware and China/Dishware
1. What does it look like?
2. What if I would rather have another pattern?
3. Can I bring in my own dessert plates?
6. Do you have a dance floor?
1. How big is it?
2. Does it cost extra?
3. Can the DJ be close to it?
7. What can I do for decorating?
1. Table Decorations:
1. Open-flame?
2. Votives?
3. Enclosed flame?
4. Floating Candles?
5. Party-Lite Candles?  Any particular type?
6. Battery operated only?
7. Can I have confetti or glitter?
8. Do you have any other limitations on table decorations?
2. Walls
1. Can I use:
1. Tacks, 
2. Tape, 
3. Nails, 
4. Putty, 
5. Quake wax, 
6. Glue,
7. Staples 
8. Magnets?
3. Ceilings
1. What can I hang up?
2. Am I allowed to do anything on a ladder?
3. Will you decorate for me?
4. If so, how much will that cost and how soon would it be done?
5. Can we hang anything from the chandeliers? 
6. Can we drape anything across the room?
1. Do you have hooks already set into the walls for this?
2. If so, what type of fabric is allowed?
4. Floors
1. Can I use a runner?
2. How will you let me attach it to the floor?
3. Can I tape our monogram (removable) to the floor?
4. What else should I know?
5. Balloons
1. Are they allowed?
2. What types?
3. What if some get lost up to the ceiling?
4. Can I have an arch if you won't let me have other arrangements?
6. Chairs
1. How many come will fit into the room for the size of the tables that you have?
2. How much do extra chairs cost?
3. Can I rent chairs that I like better?
4. Do you have chair covers that fit them?
5. Do you have chair sashes?
7. Signage:
1. Will there be signs outside?
2. Will there be signage and directions inside?
3. Can I make my own signs?
4. If so, are there any restrictions
8. Parking:
1. Do you only have street parking?
2. Is there a fee for parking?
3. Do you have handicapped accessible parking?--(some don't)
4. Do you have access to a parking lot close by?
5. Do you offer valet parking?
1. Music:
1. When is the cutoff time for the music?
2. How soon can a DJ set up?
3. Can we bring in our own music and just use an iPod?  I have to insert an Eeeks! here.
2. What is the amount of the damage deposit?
1. When is it due?
2. Will you do a walkthrough with someone to make sure we get our deposit back?
3. How soon would we get a damage deposit back?
4. Do you just keep a credit card on file and then charge it in case there is damage?

I hope that these help you or give you some insight on what you can expect.  Again I know that I've probably missed some points, but this will get you ahead of the game.  Assumptions are made on both sides that can cause problems.  Those being the venue and also the client.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  They love it when you know what to ask.  In this situation when I've been hired as a Wedding Coordinator, I've found that the client loves it when they don't have to ask the questions and just have their Coordinator ask the questions.  Chances are a Coordinator knows a lot about many different venues as far as what they allow and how any particular venue operates.

Wishing you the greatest of days!

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You may use this article if you give credit to Janis Flagg of Greatest of Days

Weddings Equal Eight, Yes Eight Reunions in One

Sorry to take the romance away for a minute from the mental visual of a wedding but only for a minute.  If you think about it, a wedding is much like planning 8 reunions all at once.    In some families it is more complicated than this but here is a general line up!  


Bride's immediate family
Bride's mother's family
Bride's father's family
Groom's immediate family
Groom's mother's family
Groom's father's family
Bride's "Class Reunion" and Groom's "Class Reunion" (friends from school and work)


Ready for one more?  Like it or not?  All of these divisions seem to find other people to invite!


Here are the caveats!  Everything is boosted to a level of higher expectations and a lot more emotions are involved.  Rightfully so!  Beginning from invitations to the send off at the reception, everything is on a grander scale.  Why wouldn't it be?  When you realize that all of the people who have been most important in your lives or would have your back, even though you've only met them a couple times in your life, are all going to be together for that very special day? 


With families and friends spread out so far, even across the globe, you really want to be able to enjoy your time with your guests and to give them a day to remember.  They are not only celebrating your new life together, but they are more than likely having their hearts warmed by seeing friends and relatives for the first time in years.  Your wedding reception could be the first occasion where the blending of both of your families really begin.  That is why I think that having a Wedding Coordinator is really one of the smartest things and kindest gifts you can give to your guests for your wedding.  You shouldn't be working or worrying on your wedding day!  I actually think that a very nice engagement or shower gift to include as part of your "wedding registry" items is the opportunity for people to contribute to a Wedding Planning Fund and really feeling invested in your wedding.  Imagine the feeling they would have knowing that they helped you to put on the wedding of your dreams or you were able to have elements you wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise. 


Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Autumn Wedding Show - Wedding Forums @BridalTweet

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Free admission and free parking! October 1 & 2, 2011

Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-3

Weddings, Dog Gone It!

First I have to say that I love dogs and can't imagine living without them.  My husband and I have pampered them for years!  Everything from a Yorkie-Poo to an Old English Sheepdog and many mutts in between including one that was considered "Most Deserving of a Double-Take" on a local TV show. We loved that dog, and he goes down as my favorite of all time!

So why would I bring up dogs on a wedding blog?  They can be a great part of the ceremony if it is allowed and planned for.  What makes me want to howl is something I've seen a lot of this past summer.  Guests are bringing their dogs to weddings!  Even if it is at an outdoor venue, I think it is inconsiderate to not see if animals are allowed on the venue property.  If there is one day that you should be considerate of everyone else, it is a wedding day!

Here are some things to consider.

First of all, is the weather going to be cool enough to leave a dog in the car?  Not just what you consider cool enough, but what a veterinarian would recommend.  Cars are not dog houses!

Are other people who attend the wedding allergic to dogs?

What are you going to do when it comes to going through the buffet line or sitting at a table when it's time for everyone to get their food?

What if there are little kids at the wedding who are afraid of dogs?

How pleasant do you think it will be for guests to see you walking around with that other variety of a doggie bag?

Appetite lost yet?  I kind of hope so!  It is the reality when you bring a dog to a wedding as a guest.  A bride and groom should not have to include in their invitation, "No dogs, Please!"

One piece of interesting information for brides and grooms! There are dog sitters who will actually come to your wedding and arrange to pick up your dog right after the ceremony if you want your dog to be a part of your ceremony.  Of course, you will have some get acquainted sessions beforehand.  There are places that will make your dog feel like he/she has been on an splendid vacation after the wedding just as I hope you will have a terrific honeymoon!

Wishing you the greatest of days!


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7 Tips to a Happy and Yes, Uneventful Wedding Day!

1.  Have a wedding rehearsal.  It's also nice if everyone who is going to be in the wedding party will be there.  I'd recommend it happen the day before the wedding and not more than 2 days before the wedding.

2.  Don't booze it up before your wedding.  People have been getting married for ages and everyone thinks that people pass out during the ceremony because of nervousness. More often than not it's from a poor judgement call made regarding alcohol consumption before the wedding the night before or the day of the wedding!  I find that many couples really don't want alcohol at their wedding and sometimes there is alcohol at a wedding because family members or friends pressure them into it.  My response would be, "It is your wedding and if someone can't handle a few hours without alcohol, they have bigger problems than you can take care of.  Create your day the way you want it.  Consider toasting with sparkling cider for everyone as an alternative and everyone will actually remember your wedding the next day!  You can consider finding a venue that won't allow alcohol and that will take some of the pressure off of you.

3.  Include a map in with your wedding invitation and make directional signs guiding your guests to your wedding.  So often weddings start late because of late arrivals and we hear this "wait for this person or that person".

4.  Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.  You don't want to be blamed for everyone getting sick.  Leave the food and cake up to the professionals to help eliminate this potential problem.  For instance, I heard of bride who's guests all got very ill and it was traced back to the cake.  The bakery knew it had nothing to do with them.  The mistake was that the bride didn't want to pay anyone to put flowers on the cake.  The guests found out the hard way that you can't just stick any flower into a cake!  Some flowers are toxic and at best should only be inserted into the cake with floral tubes to avoid contact with the cake.  Don't risk it!

5.  Know the venue rules well.  You're probably safe if you just make it a policy to leave it in better condition that you found it!  Have someone else go with you to visit the venue that you trust will be your eyes on the wedding day looking out for your interest and the venue's interest.  Don't be afraid to use signs that can be put in picture frames to set on a counter, or on a table where everyone will see the rules.  The venue should do this, but often they don't!

6.  Plan ahead and anticipate everything you will need for your wedding.  It's very frustrating to find that something crucial has not been purchased.  Listen to suggestions and act on them as soon as possible to avoid any last minute rushes.

7.  Handle those chronically late people differently (and gently).  Tell them you need them 30 minutes to an hour earlier than you tell your other guests!  You know better than anyone who these people are.  If they do show up early, that's okay.

Wishing you the greatest of days!


Greatest of Days 
Event/Wedding Planning
Decor Design and Officiating




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Why Do Wedding Vendors Offer Exclusive Discounts to Wedding Coordinators?

Vendors tell me that they offer discounts to professional coordinators for a number of reasons. When there is a Wedding Coordinator, there will be fewer phone calls to their businesses, they have one person to coordinate with instead of trying to reach a busy bride, or deal with multiple friends and family members.  They know that someone is going to be present for deliveries at a time that is convenient for them and is going to keep a protective eye on their equipment.

At the wedding itself, vendors only have to concentrate on what they were hired to do.  So many times a DJ or a photographer end up adding to their duties things that a coordinator would do but without a picture of the event as it has developed over a longer period of time.  Coordinators can communicate with the vendors to help keep things on a schedule or informing them of changes that are going to have to be made due to key people arriving late and mishaps that are just going to happen because life still happens even if it is a wedding day.  A Wedding Coordinator is there to keep all of them informed of anything that might effect the timeline which has been developed with all of the vendors in mind.  I hear from vendors all the time that their job is made so much easier when a Wedding Coordinator is present.

I don't only work with vendors that give discounts, because many vendors have a great product or talent as well as great pricing.  I enjoy being able to pass on discounts to clients from vendors because it can sometimes make the difference in them getting the wedding they've dreamed of as compared to one they feel they have had to settle for. Clients consistently say that they were reluctant to hire a Wedding Coordinator, but later say hiring a coordinator was one of the best decisions they made.

Wishing you the greatest of days!

Greatest of Days Event and Wedding Planning

Tip #5 for a Stress-Free Wedding. You Gotta Have Friends!

Who you choose to fulfill the role if maid or matron of honor, could have a big effect on how stressful your wedding planning might be.  Choose someone who will support you but be honest with you when they see a big roadblock or problem.  Choose someone who is open to ideas and brainstorming with you but won't plan their wedding through helping you plan your wedding.  Take some time to just be friends and not mention the wedding.  Above all, be kind!


Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Tip # 4 for a Trouble-Free Wedding. Space! The First Frontier!

The sooner you have a "guess-timate" of  the guest count established, the least likely it will be that you waste money on deposits on venues that won't be large enough or even a waste of space.  Your choices are limited finding a venue that will hold more than 200 people.  Most brides and grooms tell me they are expecting 150 people.  You might think you know how many people will show up until you talk to your parents and they start spreading the word!  

In some cultures, there really is no way to know how many people are going to show up, so let your caterer know about this.  So by all means have a lot of space in this situation.  There's nothing worse than having your event shut down due to exceeding capacity!

This is important!!

Speaking of capacity and those numbers that they put on the walls telling you how many people can be in that room, in industry terms, it means reception style.  Reception style is when EVERYONE is standing and there are no tables and chairs.  I know, it sounds like the opposite just like having to obtain a banquet permit which is actually for serving alcohol that you have bought.  The human form takes 2-3 times as much space seated as it does standing.  There's your first visual on that difference.  The human form also needs a minimum of 18 inches to navigate between items of furniture.  You'll be happier with much more than this at a reception.

Horror stories that I've actually seen and heard about:

1.  A bride sent out her invitations before she put down her deposit on the venue.  They fell in love with the venue and got stars in their eyes.  A wedding coordinator who is hired to do a full-planning would have never let that happen or stand back and think, "What?!"

2.  Don't just think that it will be okay!  Be realistic.  Everyone wants to enjoy the festivities and not be craning their necks to see what is going on.

3.  See if your venue has supporting beams that will block your guests' vision.  Those among other things cannot be changed!

4.  Please have all your guests in one reception room!   This is such a downer!  Your guests will feel like 2nd class citizens in a smaller room.  Again a Wedding Coordinator who would be in on the full-planning process from the start, would never suggest this.  

It is because of these and many other situations that many wedding coordinators, truth be told, dread some day-of-coodinations.  We're stuck with decisions that have already been made unadvisedly by a client and there's no turning back.  Wedding Coordinators in some respects have a crystal ball.  Most of the time we know what might be a problem.  It's not always a problem with a bride's decision.  On the other hand, there are some venues, plain and simple think they can just open their doors for weddings like any other event.  Weddings are different.  I'll say this again Weddings are different!  If a vendor or venue does not live, eat and breathe weddings, perhaps they should reconsider weather or not they should provide services for weddings.

One of my next posts will be about choosing a venue.  Warning!  It's going to be a long one!

Wishing you the greatest of days!!

Janis Flagg

Greatest of Days 

Event and Wedding Planning, Design and Officiating

http://greatestofdays.com/services.html

Feel free to leave a comment so that I know what you are wanting to read.  I'm here to help, but I need to hear from you!  I ♥ U!

It's the Little Things That Add Up to Make Weddings Special!

Why be ordinary?  It's the little things that add up.  It's the little things that count.  It's the little things that make the difference.  We have all heard these statements regarding many aspects of life whether it be something good or bad.  I love to hear reactions from clients when I've done something special that they didn't expect.

I just had an idea today.  When I get that thought in my head that there has to be some way to make this more meaningful or special, I know I'm on to something.

I like to pack up a little bit of food from the reception while it is still fresh that can be refrigerated and then sent with a bride and groom as they leave the reception to go to their hotel along with a bottle of wine or favorite beverage.  It's fun to put things in a basket and personalize it.  Of course, I put in plates and silverware and a couple of glasses, napkins, but I started thinking about the plates.  Just plain plates seem too ordinary!  Then I thought, I'm going to get one plate that says Happy 25th Anniversary and Happy 50th Anniversary.  To me, it says "I wish for you a long and happy marriage!"  It's not much of an investment but if it becomes a memory, it's priceless.

If you need inspiration, maybe these few words will help you.

Unexpected.

Surprise!

You shouldn't have!

How did you know?

You remembered!

How time flies!

That's my favorite...

I remember that!!

That's our little secret!

I never would have thought of that!


Anyway, have a great time practicing your uniqueness!  Let's never just do what everyone expects!  It's not much different than a random act of kindness!  Try it and have fun!

Wishing you the greatest of days!


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Tip #3 for a Trouble-Free Wedding.

When you are setting up your reception, prepare the table for the cake first.  You don't want anyone but a professional cake designer handling the cake.  Also, ask your cake designer to provide a box to put your cake topper in at your reception that you will save for your first anniversary.  Some craft stores have these boxes, too.

Wishing you the greatest of days!

http://greatestofdays.com/services.html