From wedding to baby shower...

Four years ago as I was coordinating the perfect wedding in Atlanta, Georgia. Little did I know that I would be planning the details of a baby shower with them down the road. The cycle of life marches on. Life is constantly filled with challenges , but I always find that just makes things a little more interesting. So my challenge with this event began with the invitations. The sex of the baby will remain an unknown until delivery. So there will be no pink or blue or even the neutral pastels of yellow or green for this baby shower. My first task was to explore my invitation vendors and see what exactly my options were on this task. After visiting Papyrus at Southpark Mall in Strongsville to peruse the books, I moved on to my favorite paper boutique on the west side Paper Trails on Detroit Road in Rocky River. If you have never been to either of these stores, I highly recommend! My final stop was at Archivers at Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted. Success! I will now be making 60 invitations with the help of Archivers staff and work room. What do you think? Black card stock with a white full moon with gold stars...the imprinted verse on the moon will read "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star, how we wonder what you are!" Just got the green light from my client! Now to cut and paste.

A few Don'ts with your I Do's

There is no better example of attention to detail than that of a military wedding. Protocol dominates the planning process and when executed everything is perfectly orchestrated. After 25 years as an Air Force officer's wife I should know.

So often the details of the reception become the total focus of planning the wedding day and often times not enough emphasis is placed upon the wedding ceremony itself. If it weren't for the ceremony, wouldn't it be just another party? I love a good party as much as the next person, but equal thought and effort should go into the importance of this ceremony with the exchange of marital vows.

There is infinite latitude in planning a meaningful ceremony; whether it be in a church, on the beach, at the reception site or even city hall! Flowers, candles, music, officiant, guests and processional are all integral parts of the whole. Symbols of joy, unity and love are in abundance. Research! or pick your event planners brain to create the most memorable ceremony representing all of your thoughts and emotions on this very special day.

Don't let the party become more important than the ceremony.
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Favors for Guests

Searching for that perfect keepsake for your guests? Why not consider a donation to your favorite charity? A lot of money is spent on favors that usually become a "throw away". Something to consider would be to use the budgeted monies as a donation to a favorite charity. There are a multitude of charities in need of this type of generous gesture. Cancer research, education, animal rescue, the environment, the arts, just to name a few. An explanation concerning this can be displayed in the entry area of the event or at each individual table. Guests appreciate this thoughtfulness.

Critical Element for Success is the Event Time Line

Nothing is more critical to any event than the adherance to the time line. In the case of a wedding, it is often the DJ or the florist that will coordinate and/or establish the time line. IF there is an event planner present then it is that person's responsibility to keep things going as planned.

I would strongly recommend that only the most experienced wedding DJ should take on this responsibility. The DJ is the entertainment and that in itself is huge. Unless this individual is a close, personal friend with access to all the details of the event they cannot effectively coordinate the time line for an event.

For example, the DJ may have the crowd going, everyone is out of their chairs and dancing, but it is time for the cake cutting AND the photographer's 4 hours has run out. So the DJ is revelling in his success, the cake cutting is delayed and the photographer packs up and leaves the venue! YIKES! What a disaster! You see what I mean?

So there are many good reasons to have someone there to insure that everything happens as planned. And that is why there are people like me called "event planners". Think about it!

Destination wedding in Cleveland, Ohio

Each bride and groom become my "favorite" with every event. Although weddings can be very cookie cutter, it is the individuals that create the elements making their wedding unique to all the others!

In August '09 I was contacted by Amy from Denver to help with her wedding in Cleveland which was already scheduled for late October in Olmsted Falls. I had experience with the vendors already in place and I was looking forward to working with them again. Amy and her fiance' were both living in Colorado but CLE was home to her so this destination was an easy choice to make. Shaun being the wise man said yes to many of her ideas. Amy was quick to point out that she was 38 and finally getting married. She did not want some of the same things that the younger brides had to have to make their day perfect. I shared with Amy that she was not the oldest first time bride I had worked with and from that moment on a friendship grew between us.

Amy's goal was to focus on autumn colors of gold, chocolate and hues of orange, incorporating lots of lighting in her reception venue. She had so many wonderful ideas for flowers, centerpieces, the wedding cake and guest favors that I simply coordinated the details and made her vision a reality. The greatest challenge I encountered in this event was time available to set up for the reception. The venue had double booked that day giving my team only 30 minutes for set up! A seemingly impossible feat at the time, but it was achieved. The white horse-driven carriage arrived with the newly married couple ~everything and everyone was in place just as the bride had imagined.

Another perfect ending to a beautiful new beginning.

Little Time/Less Budget Weddings

Previous generations used to label "quickie weddings" and assume the worst, but in today's day and age we are finding that there are a multitude of reasons couples choose less time to plan and I personally am a huge fan! Shorter engagements are no longer the exception to the rule with couples cohabitating. After all, the engagement period was originally intended as a time to get to know one another better. Obviously, living together serves that purpose very well.

Some of my favorite weddings that I have coordinated were done in three weeks to three months. Yes, it is very "do"able. Those brides have less time to read bridal magazines, go to bridal shows and discuss details with other "brides". That usually translates to less details to incorporate into her special day. Less details means less cost which is a very good thing in today's current economy. The average cost of a wedding in Cleveland is $25,000. I am here to tell you that you can have your perfect wedding for under $10,000. Yes, that includes the dress, the fun party with cake, a photographer, invitations and flowers. You're on your own for the honeymoon!

Fundraisers

Several years ago a local non-profit organization contracted me to help them increase their annual fundraiser revenues. It was their 25th anniversary year. They were stagnating in the world of Reverse Raffles and were able to raise a couple of thousand dollars with their efforts each year. A non-profit of this nature could better assist the community they serve with greater efforts and larger profits. By organizing a higher profile event this organization would benefit from the publicity for the cause and more than double the net proceeds. It was time to step out of the box.

After a year of planning, a very successful Art Auction was held with a Silent Auction on the side. Sam Rutigliano was the Honorary Chairman. Corporate Sponsors were extremely generous. A west side venue was chosen. The guest list was a real Who's Who and it was a delightful evening for all in attendance. This event was a genuine $ucce$$.

The secret to a successful fundraiser is a lot of hard work. It truly takes a village.

The Perfect Event

This past weekend I had dinner with a delightful couple celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary. They are fascinating, youth filled and extremely attractive. I feel so lucky to be able to call them “friends”. We were reminiscing about their anniversary celebration one year ago and what an unforgettable event that was!
Dee and Don were the perfect clients; fun, easy going, charming and very good taste….in everything! They were the closest I’ve ever come to planning a “no budget” affair! I knew when I met them that this would easily be one of my fondest career memories.
Planning a 50th Anniversary party is like planning a wedding. There are very similar elements: invitations, venue, menu, entertainment, flowers, guest lists, and hotel room blocks. Make no mistake, Dee and Don’s celebration was like no other!
First step, we shopped venues. ~Botanical Gardens, Severence, Sammy’s, Glidden House, The Rain Forest and by process of elimination the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was selected. It was perfect! The museum’s preferred caterer is Executive Caterers who were accommodating and amazing, as well as very professional. We especially enjoyed “the tasting” before making the final menu selections. The pastry chef created the perfect cake. It was a master piece! One of the specialty shops in Rocky River created an elegant invitation with the couple’s original wedding portrait imprinted on velum over a rich ivory card stock trimmed in 50th anniversary gold. It set the tone for this extravagant affair.
On the day of the main event, the guests were treated to valet parking at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Upon entering they enjoyed passed appetizers and an open bar. Their eyes viewed a majestically attired dining room with gold chairs, ivory linens and fresh flowers at each table from a innovative florist in Avon. The live entertainment was Sean Connery meets the Rat Pack. It was sensory overload! The highlight of the evening was Don and Dee’s professionally choreographed anniversary waltz. They were graceful, happy and very much in love. Guests were welcome to tour the exhibits of the museum throughout the evening. What a night to remember!
Day Two of the celebration included the renewal of weddings vows in the anniversary couples beautifully landscaped yard under a tent. This was enjoyed by family and close friends. Soft music filled the air providing the perfect background. the caterers prepared a feast along with fresh baked pie a la mode from the West Side Market. A more relaxing yet another memorable celebration of this golden anniversary!
Day Three was for the die hard party goers. Don and Dee took family and friends to see the Indians “play ball!” against the Angels at Progressive Field. Watching the Indians winning streak from a luxurious suite made it a day to remember.
Now you can see why I developed a sincere fondness for this special couple. They are truly 40 carat gold and I wish them many more years of love and extraordinary memories.

Wedding Rehearsals

Yesterday, I was asked by a client to share some pearls of wisdom on wedding rehearsals. I have attended my share of these events as it is an excellent tool for me to acquaint myself with all the players so to speak for the upcoming wedding day. Sort of connect the names with faces. Like anything else in life, some rehearsals go much better than others.

Here are some of my "pearls of wisdom".
ALWAYS be on time, I cannot stress that enough and make certain that this includes the entire bridal party, even the parents and any little people involved in the ceremony. Everyone is excited to see one another and are anticipating the social aspect of this event, but it really is important to see exactly how things will play out and each person's role will be explained at this time.

Rehearsals have a way of calming the bride and groom down before their big day. The more you know; the more relaxed you are. Trust the people in charge (minister, church lady, event planner, etc.), they have done this a million times before and really do know what they are doing.

Usually a quick run thru is all that is allowed and necessary. During the actual ceremony there will be lots of assistance just in case anyone forgets what they are supposed to be doing and when and where.

After the ceremony rehearsal, at a predetermined location, there is the sharing of food and libation (possibly, hopefully) and generally the mingling of bridal party, families and if budget permits any out of town guests. Usually it is at this time when the bride and groom show their gratitude to family and friends; perhaps in the way of a toast and presentation of gifts to their bridal party attendants and parents. My advice to the bride and groom is: This is a very fun night, your adrenaline is pumping BUT tomorrow is the big day AND you don't want to be over tired OR hung over. Please know when to say good night and see you at the wedding!

What is "traditional" in a wedding?

There is that word again, "traditional" wedding! It can be a curse or a blessing. Many families and faiths have beautiful traditions in their wedding ceremonies seemingly from the beginning of time. The Jewish faith marries a man and woman under a canopy at the end of ceremony a crystal goblet wrapped in a napkin is crushed by the groom's foot and everyone cries "Mazeltoff"! In an African ceremony, the bride and groom jump over a broom stick to begin the journey of their new life together. In many religious ceremonies, a unity candle is lit signifying the joining of the bride and groom's families to make one new family. Weddings are seeped with literally hundreds of traditions. But isn't it still a wedding if the mother of the bride walks her down the aisle? If the best man is actually a woman ? If the wedding takes place on a beach instead of in a church? If the bride doesn't wear white OR if she does and it's not her first time? Does it really matter who pays for what? Who hosts the bridal shower? IF children are invited to the reception? Who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner? Does the grooms family pay for the booze? Do I have to have favors? Is a bouquet and garter toss really necessary?

I think the fact that a couple agrees to become legally married in the eyes of their family and friends is all the tradition that there needs to be. The witnesses of the promises a bride and groom make to one another. The guests presence is their pledge to stand by this couple throughout their marriage. Granted there are numerous couples who have been together for decades without that little piece of paper. It works for them. Who are we to judge? But so many things have changed since the weddings of our great grandparents and couples before them; customs, economics and traditions.

So when a bride asks me about what is traditional in a wedding ceremony, for the rehearsal dinner, or at the wedding reception. I usually say, it is YOUR wedding, personalize it, there is no right or wrong. Usually a couple will make decisions based on their dreams and/or their budget! Either way it is a perfect day with memories to last a lifetime!

Fashion Show Luncheon September 26, 2009

I am currently wrapping up the details on a purely social fashion show luncheon! No pressure on this event and everything is going as planned. This luncheon is at Legacy at Sweetbriar Golf Course in Avon Lake, fashions by JAX in Avon and all the models are volunteers. They were all very excited to be comped time at ARZ hair salon prior to the show. Over 55 guests and I just completed the place cards (doing calligraphy is very theraputic for me!) and assembled the programs (print, cut, paste, mount, tie ribbons). Today I am waiting on the delivery of the carmel apples and will do individual packaging (more ribbon tying) upon their arrival. I had so much liberty in planning this this event, so I chose to do a fall theme with burgundy and gold colors, very rich and warm. The centerpieces are pansies in olive green baskets and adorable mini scarecrows resting in them. Even the weather is cooperating this week!

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