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Posted by admin on February 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment
By Cynthia Rensink
Everlasting Elegant Wedding
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10. We save you time! Your time is valuable. On average a wedding takes at least 1200 hours to plan start to finish. How many hours do you and your fiancé have left in your day after working your full-time job? With a planner, your wedding becomes their full-time job, dedicated to making your day special.
9. We offer advice and guidance! There are many vendors who offer many different options with their packages. Since this is the planner’s job, we will look at the whole picture of your “wedding day” to make sure that the right vendor and the right package are selected.
8. We save you money! We have established relationships with many different vendors who will “work with us” to ensure you stay on budget. Some will even offer you a discount because of our referral.
7. We organize your entire event! From choosing your save-the-date cards and invitations to the bridal gown, church and reception (venue). We are with you every step of the way.
6. We take your dream and make it a reality! With countless options available for your decorations and style, your planner can help you narrow down an option that will be cost-effective and fit within your budget while still giving you your dream wedding.
5. We bond your puzzle pieces (vendors) together! With the countless hours and money that is spent in planning a wedding, we will make sure that every puzzle piece will fit together smoothly. We make sure there are no missing pieces. On your wedding day, we make sure that all of your puzzle pieces (vendors) will stay on track and in place to make you your beautiful wedding day picture.
4. We manage the manners! There are many ways to plan a wedding, but one thing that is a factor in every wedding is etiquette. Wedding planners have experience and knowledge necessary to advise bride and their family on how to invite guests, on how to deal with difficult family issues, on how to create a processional order at the ceremony, to assign seats at the reception, and when to send thank-you notes, and so on.
3. We provide you with security! Hiring a wedding planner means less risk of something to go wrong or be forgotten. We will make sure that all your bases are covered.
2. We remove the stress! When you have a planner, it is like having a life insurance policy. You can sit back and enjoy the planning of your wedding day knowing that every detail will be covered without disturbing your joy.
1. We provide you with peace-of-mind! We become your wedding day investment broker. Your wedding day is a huge investment in you. There is nothing better than knowing that the investment you made in your wedding day was well worth every hour and dollar spent. We will make sure that your investment will give you many years of joy and happiness so that when you look back at your memories, you will remember that you were not stressed and enjoyed your wedding day to the fullest.
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners, Wedding Tips · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago Wedding Planner, Chicago wedding vendors, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, wedding checklist, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips
Posted by admin on January 9, 2010 · Leave a Comment
By Cynthia Rensink
Everlasting Elegant Wedding
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Which type of style are you looking for?
There are three types of wedding ceremonies: formal, semi-formal and an informal wedding. There is also the style of the wedding to consider: traditional or non-traditional ceremony. How you decide which one is best for you? The best way to decide is by the location of the ceremony, the number of guests you want to have and the time of the day you want to have it. Read more
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago Wedding Ceremony, Chicago Wedding Officiant, Chicago Wedding Planner, Chicago wedding vendors, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, Wedding Ceremony, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planners, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips
Posted by Patti on January 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
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Strap on your seatbelt and shoulder harness, here you go! Planning your wedding is going to be a wonderful roller coaster. Most of this process will be fun, like trying on fabulous dresses to selecting the luxurious papers your invitations will be printed on to tasting all the delicious food options for your reception. Unfortunately there will also be some not so fun tasks. Like times when you are frustrated and don’t know what to do next and when you wish you had somebody outside of the situation to talk to. Thus was born the bridal consultant!
Read more
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago wedding vendors, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding budget, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips
Posted by admin on January 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
TO PLANNER OR NOT TO PLANNER
How to Hire a Wedding Planner
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
That shiny new ring on your finger is just the start of your wedding planning process. Maybe you are the bride who already has a binder of magazine cut-outs -we’ve all seen that episode of ‘Friends” – or perhaps you have never given much thought to the details of what will be your wedding day. Either way, a wedding planner can be your biggest advocate in this entire process.
A good wedding planner will take your hand and guide you through the planning and execution of your day, making it as much fun and as painless as it can possibly be. She can save you time, money, anxiety and, from time to time, a bit of your sanity. As you set out to find the right planner for you, consider what it is a wedding planner does.
A full service wedding planner will be with you every step of the way. She will start by helping you select your ceremony and reception venues and be able to make recommendations for all of the vendors you need to hire. She will attend your meetings with you, help you procure contracts, brainstorm ideas, work with you to design the décor and ambiance of the day and find all the pieces you need to make your visions come to life.
Your wedding planner will serve as your roadmap to the who, what, when, where and how’s of your day. As you get into the actual celebration she will be with you at rehearsal and will oversee every detail of the wedding day. From establishing timelines and floorplans to being the point of contact for your vendors, to letting you know what comes next as the day unfolds, she will be there.
Think of her as the CEO of your event. She will make sure all the ‘departments’
have the information and items they need to enact the plan at all the right moments. She will also be able to deal with anything that may not go according to plan (something will go wrong, be ready for that) but with a good planner you will likely never even know!
As with all your vendors, but especially with you planner because of how much she will be with you, pay close attention to your personal connection and gut feeling. Do you like her personality? Does she seem to understand YOUR vision of your day? Does she seem excited about your event? Do you
feel comfortable with her? Take a few minutes to get to know each other, if you like her, assess her knowledge and background and then discuss her fees and duties.
You’ve probably seen the movie “The Wedding Planner.” That movie and the surge in bridal shows on women’s television stations created huge interest in this field. You probably have a friend (or many even you) who’s dream job is to be a wedding planner. But a true wedding planning professional comes with
background in the industry, a knowledge base of more than planning her own
wedding, and is focused on this as her career.
Ask your planner about her experience in the industry and the past events she has done. Does she demonstrate a working knowledge about weddings? Get a feel for how she has handled emotions, interpersonal conflicts, and crisis situations in the past. Does she have a comprehensive list of recommended
vendors? Ask her to explain her planning process and how you will work together. Look at pictures of her past events and ask if you can speak to former clients.
If you like her, she has the knowledge and experience level you are comfortable with, and you are thinking you would like to hire her, it’s time to talk price. Pricing for planners can vary greatly. Things such as the size and scope of your wedding, location (is travel involved), your potential planners level of experience and what extra perks are offered can affect the price. Full service wedding planning is usually charged as a percentage of the total cost of the wedding. 10
– 15% is a standard range. However, most planners do have a minimum fee for small budget weddings.
Consider the value received versus the dollar spent. I have seen planners that have paid for themselves fully with what they were able to save the client. Many times planners can get you discounts with vendors they work with often or are aware of how to get price breaks on items you have to purchase. Some planners have things in their own inventory, such as candles holders, card boxes, vases, etc. that you are free to use as a client, and therefore you don’t have that extra expense yourself.
Get a contract with your chosen wedding planner. The contract should state the specifics of your wedding date and location, the services and fees agreed upon, the date the services start, an outline of any potential additional fees and list any
tangible goods included. Review the contact specifications together and make sure you both have a signed copy. After you have a signed contract you
and your planner will start down the road to happy planning!
How to Hire a Wedding Planner
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
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That shiny new ring on your finger is just the start of your wedding planning process. Maybe you are the bride who already has a binder of magazine cut-outs -we’ve all seen that episode of ‘Friends” – or perhaps you have never given much thought to the details of what will be your wedding day. Either way, a wedding planner can be your biggest advocate in this entire process. Read more
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago Wedding Planner, Chicago wedding vendors, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planners, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips
Posted by Patti on January 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
SELECTING YOUR RECEPTION VENUE:
Ten Considerations to Picking Your Venue
by Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
You took careful consideration when selecting your beloved, now it’s time to take careful consideration when selecting your wedding venue! This venue sets the stage for all pieces of your wedding reception and will be one of the most crucial
decisions you make. Read bridal magazines (Chicago Style Weddings has a great venue section), surf the web, and pay attention to the weddings you attend to get started in your quest to find the perfect setting for your big day. Select a few locations and schedule visits armed with this list of your top ten considerations to making your decision.
#1 First Impression
It’s true, you only get one chance to make a first impression! As you arrive at your prospective venue employ your senses. What do you see as you drive up?
Are the lawns and gardens well maintained? How is the lighting? Are there sidewalks (think about your guests in formal attire and high heels)? Once you are inside of the space what feeling is provoked? I have walked into venues that reminded me of my Grandma’s house… or worse, smelled like a locker room and stale cigarettes. Take in all of these things, what you see… and smell and hear… are what you will get on your wedding day, from the parking lot to the bathrooms.
#2 Color Scheme
When you tour reception venues, you are likely to see the blank canvas. An empty hall can leave much to your imagination and envisioning can be a struggle for many brides and grooms. How will your things look in this room all set up?
Look at what you can absolutely bet on… like draperies and carpet… do the color schemes enhance the colors you have selected for your day? Will your exquisite emerald green bridesmaid dresses look pleasing against pepto pink colored walls? And yes, that pink hall does exist, I’ve been there before!
#3 Natural Environment
We’ve already taken into consideration what the lawns and gardens look like, and hopefully they are up to par. Now take a look at what you see from the room. Are there windows? If yes, what do these windows overlook? Do you have access to usable outdoor space? When will it get dark? Video montages and dancing are most popular when done after the sun goes down… with lots of windows on a sunny summer day that could be well into your party.
#4 How Many Events Run at Once
This is YOUR once in a lifetime day, consider who you want to spend it with. That vision probably doesn’t include another bride. Many venues, such as hotels, can run multiple events at once. I have worked in locations that have been running up to seven weddings at one time! If your potential venue runs more than one wedding, that doesn’t mean it has to be ruled out and it may not even matter to you. If it is a concern, consider how close the event rooms are to each other and if all event guests will be entering from the same area. Does this affect your concerns with strays walking into your wedding or wedding crashers?
#5 Is the Space Large Enough AND Small Enough
Most couples are concerned if the space will be large enough to accommodate their guests. As an event planner my concern is not only if the space will be comfortable for the guests and meal service logistics, but will it also be small enough to make the party look full and robust? You don’t want sardines, but you don’t want peas rolling around in a tin can either. My goal is usually to be
within 50 people of the room’s maximum.
#6 Is There a Logical Place for Everything
Once you have the venue picked out you will have a number of things to fill the space with. While walking through a potential venue try to envision where you think each piece of the day will go – place card table, gift table, DJ or band set-up (more space if you will have lighting), dance-floor, guest tables, head table,
cake table, buffet tables, late night snack table, sweets table, photo booth… whatever your personal needs are. Not only is there enough space, but also is the space conducive to the logical flow of a party?
#7 Staffing
Food and beverage will take up the bulk of your budget, so spend it wisely. The staff at your venue will be the point of contact for your guest. You want a beautiful venue, but also a top-notch service staff. Questions you’ll want to
ask are how many tables does each server have (2-3 is a good number)? Is there a banquet captain? What does the wait staff wear? How many bartenders will be on staff (1 per 100 guests is standard)? How many valet staff will be available? Is there staff for a coat check?
#8 Is It in Budget
As we established, food and beverage is the bulk of what you will spend your money on. Be realistic in the consideration of what you can afford. There is much more to factor into your bottom line price than what is presented on the menu. Start by thinking about what you want to serve… chicken is obviously less expensive than surf-and-turf. Have an idea of your meal selection BEFORE you sign a contract, or I can pretty much guarantee you will blow your budget.
Make your preliminary selections, consider any upgrades and add-ons (extra hour of bar, chocolate fountain, late-night buffet…), factor in ALL of these things. Once that is done multiple that by your number of expected guest, then multiple that by your service charge (estimated 18-23%) and your sales tax. Yes, they tax the service charge. That is your true bottom line cost, don’t get shell shocked in the end when you are handed a bill that is over 30% higher than what you expected.
#9 How is the Food
This one is a bit tougher to tell because you won’t do a tasting until after you have signed the contract. You will have to depend on reviews (most wedding websites have them) and word of mouth. Going with a chain venue is usually a safe bet because there are certain quality control standards. If you are going to a stand-alone venue or using a smaller catering company, make sure you do thorough investigation prior to signing a contract!
#10 Guest Convenience
Your guests will likely travel from far and wide, I’ve even had a wedding that had representation from 31 countries; consider them in your decision. Is the event space convenient for them? Is it easy to find? Is it clearly marked? Is there a hotel close by that will give you a good group rate? Does that hotel have shuttle service? Since your guests are happy to give their time and travels to
celebrating your big day with you, give them equal consideration!
That is quite a list to consider, but you will be happy you did! Remember to bring your camera to take pictures of the venues that meet your standards for review later on. If a potential venue meets all your specifics, take a moment to consider your emotions, can you imagine yourself celebrating your wedding day in this space? If the answer is yes, congratulations, you’ve found your venue!
Ten Things to Consider When Picking Your Venue
by Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
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You took careful consideration when selecting your beloved, now it’s time to take careful consideration when selecting your wedding venue! This venue sets the stage for all pieces of your wedding reception and will be one of the most crucial decisions you make. Read bridal magazines (Chicago Style Weddings has a great venue section), surf the web, and pay attention to the weddings you attend to get started in your quest to find the perfect setting for your big day. Select a few locations and schedule visits armed with this list of your top ten considerations to making your decision. Read more
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners, Wedding Reception · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago wedding vendors, Chicago Wedding Venues, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips, Wedding Venues
Posted by Patti on January 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment
One-on-One About Your Wedding
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
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I’m going to tell you a secret. It’s a secret that most people in the bridal industry will never tell you… Read more
Filed under General, Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Chicago wedding vendors, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips
Posted by admin on January 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment
By Barbara Martin
Director of Catering Sales
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
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Congratulations! You’re engaged – you have the ring, and now you are starting the wedding planning process. First and foremost, enjoy the engagement! Being married lasts a lifetime – being a Fiancé happens once in your life and is a very special time of its own! The transition from girlfriend to fiancé to wife can be very stressful or you can have as much fun as possible to remember every step along the way.
I have been in the wedding business for over 20 years and have worked with hundreds of brides and grooms. If there is one important piece of advice that I can share with you is please enjoy the wedding planning process! Most of the couples I’ve worked with have done just that and have great memories of their special day. There are those few couples that every detail they plan causes them stress and they are unsure of what they want. These are the couples that wish their wedding day away and isn’t that a shame!
The planning process is a good time to realize that decisions that will be made are very similar to what marriage and life are all out – planning, budgeting, compromise, and dialog, not only with each other but with your parents, family and friends as well. The wedding is your day but is also a family celebration. If everyone gets along and has a good time along the way, your wedding is guaranteed to be a wonderful day! It doesn’t matter if you have your wedding at a hotel venue, a banquet hall, or a church basement – as long as it is your wedding with your own personal touches to make it your special day, it will be a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Take a deep breath and start planning..…..!!
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Wedding, Wedding Advice, wedding DIY, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips, Wedding Trends
Posted by Patti on January 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Top 10 Ways to Save Money
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
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1. Opt for Off Peak!
The busiest season for the wedding market in Chicagoland is between April and November. By getting married in the winter months you may be able to take advantage of lower minimums or discounted package prices. If you can’t imagine a winter wedding, but you still want to save a few bucks, go for any day other than Saturday. The most common secondary days are Friday and Sunday.
2. DIY – If you are the slightest bit crafty, or have crafty bridesmaids, you can take on some Do-It-Yourself projects to save cash. Invitations, programs, place cards, etc. can all be part of a fun girls night!
3. Shop Online Shopping online is sometimes shunned by bridal vendors, but the world wide web gives you access to many reputable vendors that can save you big bucks! From dresses to toasting flutes!
4. Hire a Planner You are probably wondering how you save money by hiring yet another vendor. Wedding planners have connections and vendors they work with regularly that give their clients price breaks or incentives. Not only will a good planner save you money, but they will save you time!
5. Cut Your Guest List Between you, your fiancé and both sets of parents the guest list tends to grow out of control. Consider who is on that list and cut all that aren’t essential and important to you!
6. Book a Package Deal When you start to book your vendors consider all they have to offer. For instance, if a DJ also offers ambient lighting and a photo booth and you want all those items, book a combination package. A package price will usually merit a discount and hiring one company to come over three will definitely be more cost efficient.
7. Use In Season Flowers You may have dreams of delicate lily of the valley or fields of poppies, but consider the season. Ask your florist what flowers are most affordable for the time of year of your wedding and use those blooms. Keep the unusual or exotic to the bride’s bouquet only.
8. Forgo the Traditional Centerpiece Flowers are most common for centerpieces, but don’t limit yourself to just that option. Candles can be every bit as impactful at a fraction of the price. Another option would be to use your favors as centerpieces. Think outside the box!
9. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse Going back to the fact that you are probably one in your group of friends getting married, consider what you can pass along. Did your friend have a veil you loved? Also, contact your church and ask if there are any weddings on the same day as yours. Talk to the other bride about sharing church flowers.
10. Dance to a DJ When it comes to picking your reception entertainment, some options come with a heftier price tag than others. Hire a DJ to dance the night away to instead of a full band. A full band will not only cost more to hire, but also consider the price of vendor meals and gratuities for one verses many.
…and a Few Places to Spend Money
1. Photography Those pictures will hang on your walls for years to come. Spend a few extra dollars to get the quality you want. Your wedding album will be one of your most precious memories, choose your photographer wisely!
2. Entertainment Most brides and grooms will say it is a priority to have a fun party that goes all night. Your brother’s friend in the corner with his I-Pod and strobe light isn’t a good formula to start that fun. Spring for a knowledgeable and experienced wedding DJ or Band that can read the crowd and keep the party hoping.
If your guests leave early because the music is bad, you’ve wasted a lot of money on food and beverage.
3. Videography Many couples debate on if they should hire a videographer. When budget gets tight it is usually one of the first things to go. But think about this, in 40 years wouldn’t it be great to sit down with your kids and watch your wedding video?
4. Linens Picture this, your wedding reception with tables and tables of white, cotton linens. Now picture this, your wedding reception with tables of luscious satin, custom colored linens. Enough said.
5. Day of Coordinator You’ve spent an average of 250 hours planning your wedding, it’s time to let go and enjoy! By hiring a day of coordinator (or having a wedding planner) you will be able to live in every blissful moment of your wedding day, focused on your fiancé and the fun, while she runs the behind the scenes. With all the money you’ve spent, make sure you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy it!
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Wedding, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, wedding DIY, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips, Wedding Trends
Posted by Patti on January 7, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Wedding Budgeting
By Patti Herioux
With Love, Event Planner
Before you take a hammer to your piggy bank take a moment to design a budget that will serve as your financial advisor in your wedding planning process. Be sure to be realistic about what you can afford. You can download a sample Chicago wedding budget here to give you an idea of what percentages to allocate to each area and how much you can expect to spend based on the average cost of a Chicago wedding.
Read more
Filed under Wedding Advice, Wedding Planners · Tagged with Chicago, Chicago wedding, Wedding, wedding budget, Wedding Budgeting, wedding DIY, wedding newsletter, Wedding Planning, wedding professionals, Wedding Tips, Wedding Trends
