New Addition

I know I have been out of the loop for a while.  I have not done an actual bog post in a while but I have been doing YouTube videos.  Be sure to check me out and subscribe to my channel: Wedlady77. 

Today, I am introducing a new service.  Here at BOE I am constantly trying to find ways to make the wedding planning process easier on my brides.  I have been providing this service but several months, but wanted to make sure I worked out all the kinks before I introduced it officially.  

Blessed Occasions Events is an authorized dealer for Mariell.  Mariell is a Special Occasions company that specializes in bridal jewelry and accessories.  Mariell has been in business for over twenty years and provides stunning bridal collections to make every bride shine on her special day.  I am so excited about this partnership because it allows BOE to help a bride complete her wedding day look without running all over town to do it.

I thought I would show off some of my faves from 2011-2012 catalog. 

So, what do you think?  I think elegant jewelry compliments any outfit.

Ask the Planner: Finding a Planner Tips

Hello All,

I know I have been MIA and I promise to do better.  Today's blog is actually a vlog!  I made this video to answer an ask the planner question.  Hope you enjoy!

Ask the Planner

You Get What You Pay For!

This past weekend I attended a wedding at a very prominent venue in my area.  Usually, I do not attend weddings that I did not plan because it is an occupational hazard.  It seems I always end up in a planning/coordinating position whether I want to be or not.  This was no different.  I ended up putting out fires and helping out even though there was supposed to be a director on site.  Which brings my to the point of this post.  You get what you pay for and sometimes you end up paying to much for nothing. 

Now how does this apply to planning your wedding or event?  My advice is to work within your budget but don't assume that the cheapest (or even most expensive) price for a service is the best.  Daily I get calls from brides who are simply working their way down the phone book and asking each planner, "How much do you charge for weddings?"  If a planner can just spit you out a price without talking to you first you should be very hesitant to work with them.  There is a difference between planning a wedding for 50 and planning a wedding for 400.  The guest count is just the tip of the iceberg when thinking about the scope of a wedding.  Don't get me wrong price or budget is a major factor in any wedding, but it isn't the only factor.  So, these are some guidelines for pricing when you are ready to plan your wedding.

The minimum amount for a wedding with 100 guests is $15,000.  I have pulled off wedding for $10,000 but that is for another blog.  Please note if you live in metro cities (i.e. Atlanta, Houston, Miami, etc.) add anywhere from $20-50,000 to my minimum.
Your wedding planner, or coordinator should average about 10% of your total wedding budget. 
The biggest percentage of your budget should be food/reception venue.  This item should be around 35% of your overall budget. 
Attire for the bride and groom should be around 12%.
Decor for ceremony and reception which would include flowers, chair covers, linens etc should be around 20%.
Cake or cakes should be around 5% of the total budget.
Keepsakes should be around 2% this covers items like guest book, aisle runner, unity or sand ceremony items. 
Transportation should be around 6%
The other 10% will cover items such as officiant gratuity, favors, attendant gifts etc.

The bottom line is this every wedding and couple is different and unique.  I have some couples who spend 20% on attire and 15% on cakes.  When you sit down with a professional specifically a planner they should ask what is most important to you in your wedding.  This will help in ensuring the most money goes to the areas that you care about most. 

What do you think?  Is price shopping vendors a way to get the best price or should you go into a meeting knowing that things can fluctuate?

What Inspires Me

This is another edition of my inspirations.  Just to let you all know where my head is lately.

This wonderful design is by Delicate Decadence in Vermont.  I love the contrast between the red, white and black. 

I'm not a huge pink fan and definitely not the high heel type but this show just caught my eye.  Wouldn't this be a wonderful surprise hiding under a wedding dress? 

The perfect ice sculpture (yes it's made of ice) for the fairytale bride.  The detail in this is amazing! 

So, what do you think of my latest inspirations?  Also, let me know what's inspiring you.

What Inspires Me

Hey All!  Just jumping in real quick to share what is catching my eye lately.

To be honest there was a time that I hated the vintage lace look; now I find myself being drawn to it more and more. I just love the figure flattering look of this full lace gown.  An A-line gown flatters almost every body type.

This lovely confection was created by Kathy's Kakes LLC.  It reminds me of hat boxes stacked on top of one another.  I guess it's the vintage feel attacking me again.

I just love this sweet invitation created by Sweetly Invited.  I really can't point out why I love it I just do.  

So, it's obvious i have been bit by a vintage bug of late.  I don't know if I'm permanently affected or when a recovery is in sight. What do you think of my Vintage illness?  Let me know.

Ask the Planner 2/23/2011

Hello All this week's blog is really a vlog.  I received an "ask the planner' question from Patrice in Tallahassee, Florida and decided making a video would be easier than writing it all out.  Thanks for your question Patrice.

Ask the Planner-Names

The Catering of It All. . .

I find that most of the questions I get asked on a regular basis have to do with catering or food.  The questions usually deal with how to serve it, when to serve it, is buffet better than plated and so on.  

In this blog I will try to clear away all the muck and leave you with a basic idea of how to handle wedding day catering.  Please note that every catering company and catering venue has their own chosen set of rules and regulations so please read before you buy; I don’t care how much you love the room!

  

1.   Breakfast, lunch, or dinner; my dear?  The first hurdle to cross is what time of day is your wedding taking place.  Wedding food is no different than any other meal and needs to correspond to the time of day.  The later in the day your ceremony starts the heavier your reception fare should be.  
2.  Plated, Buffett, or Full Service?  Now that you have decided the when; how comes next.  The three most common types of service are plated, buffet, and full service.  Let us explore each.  

  

a.       Plated-this is when service staff will serve your guests a single plate containing a entrée, vegetable and side (or starch).  The pros to this option are the quickness and ease of service and you can almost guarantee everyone will start and finish their meals simultaneously.  The down side is that if you have a family of hearty eaters they will be left hungry or disappointed.  Also there may be guests who will not partake in any portion of the plated meal because it is not to their liking it all.  This option can be more accommodating if two or even three entrée choices are given.

b.      Buffet- this option is where several entrees, sides, and vegetables are lined up all-you-can eat style.  This is great but can (if not handled properly) result in a long never ending line. The positive of this option is there are usually food options for even the pickiest eaters and usually enough food for the hearty eaters to make two trips. 

c.       Full Service- this is a more upscale choice it combines the options of a buffet with the ease of the plated meal.  Often servers will come to each guest separately and ask them to choice from 2-4 entrees.  Then each guest is given their choice.  This style relies on apt training and swiftness of catering staff.  Since orders are taken it can result in a slightly longer wait time for food.  The option is also pricier because of the additional staff required.   

   

3.       And if none of that tickles your fancy- Other options for catering include cocktails and hors'd'oeuvres, champagne and cake and a breakfast buffet.  All of these are increasing in popularity for the budget bride as well as with individuals who are not celebrating their first marriage.  Just make note that these options are cost effective, but often much shorter than traditional style wedding receptions.  

Once again I hope this helps to make your wedding planning just a bit easier.  Don’t forget to check us out at www.blessedoccasionsevents and follow us on facebook: Blessed Occasions Events and Twitter: boevents

Introducing Ask the Planner

Beginning February 1, 2011 we will begin a new installment to the Blessed Occasions blog called Ask the Planner.  This will allow questions to be answered by Ms. Rogers via blog or video. If Ms. Rogers chooses to answer your question or provide advice on your dilemma you will receive an email from here letting you know when your response will be posted.  If you wish to take part please send your wedding related questions or dilemmas to asktheplanner@blessedoccasionsevents.com. 

We can't wait to hear from you.

It's All About the Gown

Every bride knows she has to eventually venture into the world of wedding gowns.  Depending on the bride this can cause a sense of barely containable excitement or overwhelming fear and dread.   No matter which side of the fence she is on the dress is an important (if not most important) detail of the wedding. How you come down the aisle will be a part of your guest’s memories for several years.  It will also be a important factor in whether your wedding is a success or a flop.  There are tips for wedding dress shopping to make your important decision a little less cumbersome.

1. Have a budget and stick to it.  Nothing is worse than falling in love with a dress you can’t afford; if you have a budget in mind the consultant won’t pull dresses that you can’t afford.  This small step can help you avoid a world of disappointment.  
2. Know your body type.  Buying a wedding dress is similar to buying any other piece of clothing.  Dresses are made to flatter certain figures and knowing your body type can make a world of difference.  This website http://www.style-makeover-hq.com/body-shape.html can help you determine your body type if you don’t know it. 
3. Wear the proper undergarments.  Undergarments can make a world of difference in the fit of your wedding dress.  Most dresses are made with built in corsets or body slimmers, but it doesn’t mean you can skimp on the proper bra and underwear.  Be sure to get fitted for a bra that fits correctly and compliments your dress style. ( i.e strapless dress-strapless bra) If it has been more than a year since the last time you were fitted for a bra make sure you get fitted again to ensure a proper fit.  To find a bra fit specialist near you: http://intimg.3by400.com/images/stories/intimacy-retailers.pdf 
4. Have an open mind.  How it looks on the hanger is no sign of how it will look on you.  Be open to trying on different styles and designers.  The dream dress you found in the bridal magazine may not be the perfect dress for you. 
5.  Less is more.  Try to limit your entourage to a 2-4 people who truly have your best interests at heart.  Taking a gang of people dress shopping can make a overwhelming experience almost unbearable.  There are several events that will take place during the course of your planning where you can invite friends and family.  Dress shopping is not the best environment for family gathering if puts unneeded pressure on you and your dress consultant to please such a large group.  Remember you’re the bride and you must be happy even if others are unhappy.  
6. Ask about policies and guidelines.  Ask the bridal salon where you are purchasing the gown what is their payment policy, how long will it take for your dress to arrive from order date, how much are alterations, if there is a flaw with the dress what is their return exchange policy.  If the store has their policies in writing be sure to obtain a copy.  
7.  Avoid crash diets or extreme weight loss techniques.  Once you purchase your dress try not to go on a diet.  Losing or gaining weight can affect the fit of your dress and add additional costs later for alterations.  If you want to lose weight do it before you go wedding dress shopping. 

If you follow these guidelines dress shopping should be a happy and joyous occasion.  I hope all of you knock em’ dead with your dress selections.