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St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | planning
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We Likey: Style Me Pretty’s Style Circle

 

style me pretty style circle wedding community

 

If you adore details and the latest trends in weddings, then you will go bananas for Style Me Pretty’s Style Circle.  Far more intimate and interactive than most of the bustling online communities for brides, Style Circle allows you to explore creative options for your wedding inspiration.  In addition to maintaining a blog of your inspiring ideas, you can also create storyboards and interact with other Style Circle members on the forums for feedback and assistance.  Here are some of the things I am loving from the community members:

 

From member Brancoprata’s blog:

 

fall inspiration board with roses and brown and pink ruffles brancoprata style me pretty style circle inspiration board

 

 

I loved the softness of this palate crated by Lauren Renee:

 

style circle inspiration board by lauren renee with photos by jose villa aqua and turquoise and mint dresses with pink flowers wedding

This is a clip, the original inspiration board can be found here.  With the innovative technology behind the Style Circle’s inspiration board creator, it credits the photographer, in this case the talented Carla Ten Eyck, as well as tags the individual images with a description and color breakdown. (Genius!)

 

There is so much to explore and participate in at the Style Circle, so if you haven’t had an opportunity to do so yet, check it out!


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Event Vision 101: Scale Up

eventvision101

At times, it is far easier to think about your details and their place in the grand scheme of things, rather than to be overwhelmed with all of them at once.  Instead of thinking of the entire reception, think of one table.  This is the only table that needs your attention, the only table that will convey your event’s personality

 

Close your eyes. 

 

Tell me about it.

 

What colors are on the table?  Are they deep and rich?  Soft and light?  Run your hand across the table—what textures do you feel?  Soft satin?  Crinkly bichon? How does the table make you feel?  What about your place setting and glasses?  Is it modern or traditional?  Eclectic or romantic?  Do you feel an ambient glow on your face?  Is it coming from small votives?  Thick pillars, or floating candles?

 

Take a whiff.

Which fragrant aromas are present? Open your eyes—what flowers are on your table? What do their containers look like?  Glass or silver vases? Tall, square or cylinder?  Low to the table?  What shape is your table—oblong or round? What about your chairs—are they casual or elegant? Think about a quiet dinner with your  love, and holding hands across this beautifully designed table. If the table was the only thing in the room, where would you feel that you were?  The key is to create an experience at each table for all guests to enjoy, and duplicate it for the remaining tables. You could choose to create a slightly different experience, by using different linens or centerpieces. 

 

Start small, scale up. 


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Fabuluxe 2.0 Friday Download: Wedding Flower Planner

download

A fabulous wedding photographed by Brooke Images :: Flowers by Liz Stewart

We’ve cracked open the vault to help you with your planning this wedding season!

This week’s download is a Flower Planner—it will help you to keep track of the things you want for your wedding.  You can accompany the planner with pictures of sample bouquets, flowers, etc. to give your florist a better idea.  We’ve found it’s always easier to supply the florists with a neat list of ideas and pictures to get the entire vision. Notate the flowers you like by name–a florist will know what hydrangea is versus you saying “that big puffy blue flower”.

Put the quantity under the flower order type, and the details under the description column.  For example:  “lisianthus, white roses, pink roses and star fish, hand tied bouquet with khaki satin ribbon and pearl pins ” under the description.  Your florist will be happy to review your planner or keep it to make notes on or base their proposal around.

Happy Downloading!

Flower Planner


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10 Tips from 10 Wedding Planners

tips

One of the benefits of reading wedding blogs is that you get so much insight from fellow planners and brides.  I decided to ask some of the planners I think are outstanding to share a few of their favorite tips with Fabuluxe™ readers. Be sure to check them out, too!

“Hire vendors you trust, then let them do their jobs.”  Sara Bauleke • Bella Notte
“Start work on your seating assignments early as this becomes a MAJOR task as you get closer to the wedding…. when you make your guest list, purchase plain white, cheap paper plates and a pack of sticky notes…..write each guests name on a sticky note and arrange them in groups by family, friends or co workers around the paper plate about 8-10 on a plate ( as most 60” round banquet tables seat 8-10).”

Mark Kingsdorf • Queen of Hearts Weddings | BLOG

“Do you dread negotiating with vendors on their prices?  Wedding vendors need to support their lives too so most aren’t willing to drop their fees just because you ask.  The best way to get a good deal is to tell the vendor what amount you’re able to spend.  Then see how they can customize their services to fit your budget.  Perhaps the photographer will knock out the parent album that you don’t need anyway.  Maybe the DJ will leave the spinning club lights at home.  Or perhaps the caterer will suggest that you skip the mini dessert buffet and only serve wedding cake.  You may be surprised at how customized your vendors will make their packages in order to earn your business.” Laura Auer • Wish Special Events | BLOG
“Don’t get caught up in a particular shade of “pink” or “blue” when choosing your colors!  Different hues of a color will give your decor and overall wedding style that “designer” look.  Gone are the days of everything matching as well.  Bridesmaids dresses in gradient shades is a HAUTE look!”
Wendy Robinson • Sacred Moment Weddings | BLOG
“If you really want a unique wedding, stop looking for inspiration in wedding magazines.” Monica Gill •   The White Box | BLOG
“If having an outdoor ceremony, be considerate of your bridesmaids who may be wearing heals.  Consider purchasing them Solemates It keeps them from sinking into the grass.”  Latrice Cushenberry •  Bridal Opulence Weddings and Events | BLOG
“Keep all wedding related information in one place. Don’t have piles all over the house, and one at work, and one in the car, and don’t forget about the one that you have in the bathroom.  If you keep all of your wedding contracts, correspondence, emails, pages you’ve pulled out of magazines in one place, you will feel more organized. And if you need something, you will know exactly where it is. If your wedding consultant asks to see a copy of the contract, you know where it is – if you need to check the floral order, you know where it is.”

Melissa DiStefano •  MasterPiece Weddings | BLOG

“Consider a brunch reception if you are planning your wedding on a shoestring.”  Shanika Butts • SJB Weddings and Events | BLOG
“Add a line item to your budget for vendors that need to receive gratuities such as limo drivers, beauticians, etc. This can add up and it is so important to account for it at the beginning.”  Saundra Hadley • Planning…ForeverBLOG
“Make the timeline realistic and plan for all the activities you want. For instance, if you want to take pictures before the ceremony, please don’t ask the bridal party to show up only 2 hours before the ceremony, then say “If they’re late, then they won’t be in the pictures.”In reality you are going to WAIT for them because those are your friends or MOTHER,  and you really want them to be in the photos.  Plan accordingly to avoid any tardiness, tantrums and hurt feelings.”

Katasha Butler •  K.Sherrie + Co. | BLOG

Thank you to all of the planners that were so gracious with their time to participate. You all offered some wonderful tips and I know you will create more fabulous events in 2009.  Stay tuned for more tips from other wedding pros.


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Event Vision 101: Personality

eventvision101

 

Finding your event’s personality is crucial.  I no longer like to say the term “theme” because it’s a bit antiquated and can be a bit stifling.  However, just like a theme, having more than one at your event can be confusing and distracting.  No good ever came out of anything with multiple personalities—this includes your wedding.  Your  event’s personality could be inspired by color, a location, a jewel, an era, or even food!  How does it make you feel when you think of it?  What does it make you want to do the second the thought of it enters your mind?  In other words, if your event were a person, who would it be?  How would it smell?  What would it look like?  How would it feel? 

Starting off with very basic questions in the beginning of your planning process can be helpful to get you to discover facets of your design that you hadn’t originally considered. Also, asking them halfway through your planning allows you to make sure you are staying on track and can steer away from an event vision exorcism. 

Ask yourself—if your long lost friend had missed your wedding, how would you describe it to them?  What would you create that would be the most memorable for you, as well as your guests?  Could you sum up your event vision in just five words?  What words or feelings would then stem from that? 

 

You will find that your event’s personality is born right before your eyes.


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Four ‘Secrets’ You Shouldn’t Keep From Your Planner

The secret

 

If you want a successful and productive relationship with your event team, keeping secrets are a “no-no”—yes, even accidentally on purpose. It is similar to the relationship with your doctor or lawyer; if you want us to really help you, we do need to know everything.  I typically tell my clients what my Contract Law professor told me:  “Clients should tell you everything, and you can decide what’s not important”.  This is very true, and rings true in our profession.  We represent you to your caterer, florist, venue—practically everyone you come in contact with.  Therefore, it is imperative that we always stay on the same page.  Lack of communication and embarrassment can and has been the downfall of what could have been beautiful weddings.

 

1. The budget changes  If for any reason your budget increases or decreases, you need to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Your planner bases his/her recommendations based on the event’s personality, the dynamic between you and the vendor providing a service, but also on your budget.   Any changes in your budget may put you in a different price bracket—either allowing you to choose between a higher caliber vendor or cause you find a more economical resource.  Fear not, your planner can help you by creating a new set of priority shifts to meet your new budget to ensure you get what you want and need.

 

2.  The family dynamic is off  Some families have issues—others have subscriptions.  And that is okay.  If your parents are divorced and your mother would like to literally rip the face off of your stepmother or if the groom’s brother is the undependable black sheep of the family, your planner needs to know.  To avoid any gaffes at the rehearsal or planning of the day, be sure to let her know of any rough edges either family may have.  If you feel more comfortable discussing these potential pitfalls with your planner one-on-one, definitely take the time to do so.  Your planner does this often enough to be able to foresee any mishaps and help you avoid them.

 

3.  Critical vendor changes  We want you to be proactive with all of your vendors, just be sure to keep us in the loop.  If you ordered 20 burgundy bichon table linens, but then change it to 25 merlot lamours, your planner definitely needs to know.  If you fire a vendor or change their service, it’s best to let your planner know as soon as possible.  Do not assume that a change is too small to notify your planner; one simple change can cause a logistical nightmare.  Since s/he will be responsible for confirming services and executing your day, having the latest, correct information is not optional.

 

4.  You are not happy with his/her service  Do not suffer in silence.  Your planner is there to assist and guide you, not to be a hindrance to you enjoying your planning and special day.  If your expectations are not being met, please bring them to your planner’s attention.  Ask your planner if you could have an outline as to when you should expect certain things to be done.  I am quite sure that your planner will welcome the opportunity to better assist you.

 

Remember: open lines of communication…always.


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Event :: I’m Getting Hitched :: March 19, 2009

Maria from Ritzy Bee is teaming up with other excellent wedding pros like Anne Chertoff and other DC Vendors for the I’m Getting Hitched event.

From Maria’s blog:

Now that you’ve said “I will”…come meet, mingle and hear wedding expert Anne Chertoff and the best of DC’s wedding vendors give you inside tips and advice on getting organized and planning to say “I do”!

Get inspired with event décor, sample cocktails & decadent sweets, win fabulous raffle prizes and take home a wonderful assortment of goodies too

Featuring: Hitched Salon, Design Cuisine, Ritzy Bee Events, Kate Headley Photography, Humanstory Films, K. Rose Cakes, Laura Hooper Calligraphy and more…

When: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Hitched Salon {located in Georgetown} 1523 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC 2007

Register: The event is complimentary and you must register to attend. Space is very limited and open to brides + 1 guest only.

Please RSVP early to: fromiwilltoido@gmail.com with your first & last name, wedding date, email, phone, mailing address and guest’s name

Questions: Please email info@ritzybee.com

{Fabulous map and calligraphy by Laura Hooper Calligraphy!}

We can’t wait to see you there!


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Another Cocktails & Details Virtual Soiree!

Cocktails and Details Virtual Soiree

We are doing it again!

Want a team of the hottest wedding planners to help you with your wedding?  Done!
Fabuluxe is excited to announce our first virtual event, Cocktails & Details: Virtual Soiree on March 5th.  We are extending invitations to a select number of brides!  Here is your chance to pow wow with the industry’s and blogosphere’s hottest wedding planners!  Ask questions, get advice and be fabulous in a comfortable, relaxed setting.
Would you like an ultra-exclusive invite?  Just comment below or send in your request to blog {at} fabuluxeinc dot com. Simply let us know your wedding date and be sure to let us know where we can find your wedding website or blog.    We’ll get you on the guest list!
Stay tuned for more fabulous details!

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Why You Won’t Hire US

I recently outlined several reasons why I would not hire someone– and I thought, well what about vendors? Why wouldn’t a bride hire a certain wedding vendor? Then it came to me….

You won’t hire us because:

1.) We talk too much Brides love talking with people about their weddings. Key word: their. Be respectful of her time– keep your pitch to a minimum and answer her questions concisely. As a professional who has to work with vendors on a daily basis, I meet a lot of vendors who are considerate and some who just won’t shut up. I drink shots of bleach before I have to call them.

2.) We play games. Don’t doubletalk and don’t avoid her questions about pricing. You dodging the “How much is” question will only build mistrust and lack of respect. Give her what she’s asking for, but also clarify your benefits. Don’t quote her a price one day and then something different the next day. Your trust factor just went out the window.

3.) We are indifferent I had one client tell me she did not want to work with a particular vendor because they were not “excited enough” about her wedding. Professionally, it can be hard to exude and gush excitement with every phone call, email and meeting. We’re people too– we have lives, problems, and pains too. But, from a bride’s point of view, this is the most important day in her life. She wants someone that she feels cares about her wedding. So while you can’t be Mary Sunshine with every communication, with the money she’s paying you, you’d better put forth a good effort.

4.) We have no idea what we are talking about This can come from overselling our services to a point that we get into a situation where we underdeliver. This can also come from inexperience and lack of education.

5.) Our presentation is just God awful It’s clear and simple: the eye buys. If our websites, brochures, and emails are of poor quality– literally, no one is buyin’ what we’re sellin’.

6.) We think our stuff doesn’t stink, but the flies are giving us away It doesn’t matter what TV show we’ve been on, how many magazines we’ve been in, or what superstar venue we work for; if we allow our egos to get in the way of providing stellar, non-judgmental service, we’re worthless.

7.) We have no connections We need someone who can vouch for us– who says, “YES! I’ve worked with them before and they are great at what they do”. This adds validity and security to the client, as she can see we’re constantly building our business contacts.

8.)  The only wedding we’ve planned is our own  And that’s all I’ll say about that….before I have the knottie planners burning me in effigy.

9.)  We get caught in a lie, half-truth or controversy  Brides do their research as much as we research them (yes, we research our clients 🙂 ).  It is far better to be honest and communicate effectively any misunderstandings or controversy.

10.)  We are way too aggressive in getting the client  Brides don’t want to bombarded with emails, postal mail and telephone calls everyday.  She’s a big girl. If she wants to hire you– she will.  Don’t shove the concept down her throat.

Hopefully, these are some things that will help brides differentiate the fabulous vendors from the desperate or inexperienced ones.

Happy Planning!


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Hear Terrica on the Wedding Planning Audiocast

I was a featured guest on The Wedding Planning Audiocast. I had an opportunity to sit and talk with Ralph Mucci, the show’s host, and let him in on a little known secret– our great little islands!

Their guests to date have been some of the biggest names in the wedding world such as Colin Cowie, Marcy Blum, Jennifer Brisman, Michelle Rago, Ron-Ben Israel, Sylvia Weinstock, The Bridal Bar, & The Wedding Gown Specialists to name a few. These professionals have all offered such fantastic advice, tips, & secrets on wedding planning topics & issues, which is a wonderful asset to both professionals and brides.

They’ve also had on some of the biggest gown designers such as Watter & Watters, & Adele Wechsler, along with many many more. Their “You Look Marvelous” show segment which addresses hair, makeup, & skincare is awesome, because it doesn’t just reach out to brides but to all women, and being a women myself I love any beauty tips & advice that I can obtain. They’ve also had on some of the biggest names in the celebrity makeup world on such as Carmindy from the Learning Channel’s #1 hit show “What Not to Wear”, Sephora, Benefit Cosmetics, Mally Roncal, Elke Von Freudenberg, Billy B., & Shalini Vadhera. They just don’t seem to leave any stone unturned. Their shows are straightforward and right to the point, which is what I really enjoy about them, and they have some of the coolest music throughout their shows.

I recently had the pleasure to appear on their “Destination Wedding” show segment to inform their listeners about The Golden Isles of Georgia. These four islands– Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons, & St. Simons are all beautiful places if one is considering a destination wedding. I have orchestrated many destination weddings to these islands and all have been spectacular & memorable events. However most people aren’t aware of these islands and have been pretty much a well-kept secret up until now. On the show we inform the listener & cover all the elements and ingredients one needs to know if their considering a destination wedding one of these 4 emeralds. Without giving to much away about the show listeners will be very surprised to learn that one of the islands can be your very own if you choose.

Have a listen to the show! I had a great time, and Ralph even read a few of the New Rules!Have a listen to the show!
Be sure to subscribe, because like I said The Wedding Planning Audiocast has some great topics and wonderful guests on there!
Thank you, Ralph!