It's the last day of the year. The first thing that pops into my head on this day every year is "Happy Birthday Little Sister!" The second thing is usually, "I wish I didn't have to work holidays."
It's the end of another great wedding year for me. As I sit here looking at all of the folders for all of my clients over this year, I realize that I have once again, done more weddings this year than the previous. It's a good thing! But it's also something that I think I may be changing in 2008.
My only resolution this year is to slow down. To spend more time with family and friends rather than strangers. A lot of this will directly apply to weddings. My event planning business is a side business....I truly, truly do it because I love it. It has nothing to do with money (hence, my low rates). However, 2008 needs to be different. I've made a vow to myself to not take as many weddings, no matter how much I want to say yes. I'm not getting younger and before you know it, my 30's will be over. Supposedly these are some of the best years of my life. I'd rather enjoy them healthfully and not in an aftermath of sickness because I don't know how to slow down.
I also have to giggle myself because as one pile of client folders is rather large for 2007, the pile that is already neatly displayed on my desk in it's file for 2008 is growing rather large as well. 15 weddings already booked for 2008. That's half of what I normally do and most Day of Coordination requests come within 3-4 months of the wedding. That leaves a lot of time for 2008 inquiries to be booked. Slowing down also means planning more strategically around the weddings I do take. I've already put big black X's through holiday weekends....no more. Long holiday weekends are meant to be shared with family, laying on beaches, driving up to Door County to see mom, etc. Want to know how many times I went "home" in 2007? Three times. Want to know why? Because I had weddings.
As hard as this is going to be more for me, I'm determined to try. Trying gets me points right? Wish me luck!
Happy New Year to all of you. Feel free to share your resolutions here as well. Brides, what do you resolve to do for your 2008 planning? Vendors, any business-related resolutions for you as well?
Have a safe, happy and celebratory begining to 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
One more thing...
After re-reading my less than exciting posts just now (I'm SICK people!) I realized I forgot to include the best detail of Tanya & Steve's wedding.
In Jewish wedding custom, the bride walks out alone and meets her parents halfway down the aisle. This meant that Tanya and I had some time alone behind closed doors as we waited for her parents to complete their long walk.
I smiled at her, grabbed her arms, told her this was it...it's time to get married. Her response? "Holy shit, Holy shit, Holy shit Danica" I mean, ooops, I shouldn't be saying that here. Holy shit."
Ok, so maybe you had to be there, but it was priceless and pretty much adorable. I swear, there are no better memories for me than when I have alone time with brides just before they walk down the aisle.
In Jewish wedding custom, the bride walks out alone and meets her parents halfway down the aisle. This meant that Tanya and I had some time alone behind closed doors as we waited for her parents to complete their long walk.
I smiled at her, grabbed her arms, told her this was it...it's time to get married. Her response? "Holy shit, Holy shit, Holy shit Danica" I mean, ooops, I shouldn't be saying that here. Holy shit."
Ok, so maybe you had to be there, but it was priceless and pretty much adorable. I swear, there are no better memories for me than when I have alone time with brides just before they walk down the aisle.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Shalom!
Or something like that. I'm not Jewish, but every time I get to do a Jewish wedding, I am reminded how much fun they have at both the ceremony and of course, the reception. In Jewish history, it is practically an obligation to have a huge party after a couple weds and boy...do they ever!
Tanya & Steve got married last night in Fox Point. They got married where they both have attended synagogue forever. Where they both celebrated their Bat & Bar Mitzvahs. Where their families are no strangers to the congregation. It really was something. I had a blast with Tanya during the planning stages and she could run circles around Martha Stewart, let me tell ya.
We had several snafus with the florist, who shall remain nameless. I will just say that I will never be working with her again and I'm still shaking my head at what on earth she was thinking with the chuppah floral in all it's bright pink and fern greenery glory while the bouquets were a blend of ivory and burgundy roses. Huh? The bride thought the same thing. Luckily, Unnamed Florist redeemed herself at the reception with gorgeous branch centerpieces that were nearly as tall as me! What the bride doesn't' know about the reception is that I went around plucking more of that ugly green fern stuff away from it all. Shhhh...she doesn't need to know it was there in the first place.
Brynwood Country Club pulls off great events, mainly due to their diligent and happy staff. With an event coordinator and a banquet captain waiting on you hand and foot you can't really go wrong.
All in all...it was beautiful. Tanya glowed. Seriously, she did. And her dress? Oh.My.God. I can't even put it into words actually. I didn't even have time to take pictures so I'm hoping my friends at Expressive Photography will send me a few.
One more wedding to go tomorrow. Then a nap.
Tanya & Steve got married last night in Fox Point. They got married where they both have attended synagogue forever. Where they both celebrated their Bat & Bar Mitzvahs. Where their families are no strangers to the congregation. It really was something. I had a blast with Tanya during the planning stages and she could run circles around Martha Stewart, let me tell ya.
We had several snafus with the florist, who shall remain nameless. I will just say that I will never be working with her again and I'm still shaking my head at what on earth she was thinking with the chuppah floral in all it's bright pink and fern greenery glory while the bouquets were a blend of ivory and burgundy roses. Huh? The bride thought the same thing. Luckily, Unnamed Florist redeemed herself at the reception with gorgeous branch centerpieces that were nearly as tall as me! What the bride doesn't' know about the reception is that I went around plucking more of that ugly green fern stuff away from it all. Shhhh...she doesn't need to know it was there in the first place.
Brynwood Country Club pulls off great events, mainly due to their diligent and happy staff. With an event coordinator and a banquet captain waiting on you hand and foot you can't really go wrong.
All in all...it was beautiful. Tanya glowed. Seriously, she did. And her dress? Oh.My.God. I can't even put it into words actually. I didn't even have time to take pictures so I'm hoping my friends at Expressive Photography will send me a few.
One more wedding to go tomorrow. Then a nap.
Bringing a Little Piece of Japan to WI
I apologize...I have been overrun with weddings since 12/21 and when you couple that with the holidays, traveling, and then an upper respiratory infection...well, it causes great excuses for not blogging. Through SICK and thin though, I'm pulling through and doing weddings all weekend with a final holiday curtain call New Year's Eve with yet another wedding. January? I'm hibernating.
The military couple stationed in Japan had their Burlington, WI wedding on 12/21 and it was so perfect. Really. Ok, besides the Priest not being there for rehearsal and then wondering why no one left him notes about the ceremony details. But other than that it was perfect. I'm begining to think that full planning is easier than Day of Coordination. Simply, because I own it. I OWN their wedding. I KNOW exactly what needs to be done, who needs to be where, who doesn't need to be anywhere, etc. Why? Because I created it all. And executing something that you create is just easy. Well, for me at least.
I have to say this couple was so much more into their marriage than the actual wedding and that of course assisted me in making my job easier. It always does. Sadly, this is most often not the case. There's just too many brides out there that are way more into the color of the flowers, how a bow is tied, does Grandma coordinate, oh my gosh...I can't believe my bridesmaid has pink nails; you get the picture. I hate to say it, but I see a lot more of that than I do of Wow, I can't believe I'm marrying him today, I'm so excited for the ceremony, my family and friends are all here for US. But this couple?....they did it and they did it right.
They included Japanese scrolls that were framed for half of their centerpieces which guests loved. Whenever you tie in anything personal that is a bit different, your guests will go crazy with it. They also included all Japanese items in the bathroom baskets which was a ton of fun to pour through! Their black/white/green motif was pulled off beatuifully if I do say so myself. Even if it meant hours of cutting and gluing green ribbon around 300 votive holders during Packer games the past few weeks.
The end result was a very happy couple who was able to celebrate their life together despite the foggy conditions of a winter wonderland.
Pictures soon to come.
The military couple stationed in Japan had their Burlington, WI wedding on 12/21 and it was so perfect. Really. Ok, besides the Priest not being there for rehearsal and then wondering why no one left him notes about the ceremony details. But other than that it was perfect. I'm begining to think that full planning is easier than Day of Coordination. Simply, because I own it. I OWN their wedding. I KNOW exactly what needs to be done, who needs to be where, who doesn't need to be anywhere, etc. Why? Because I created it all. And executing something that you create is just easy. Well, for me at least.
I have to say this couple was so much more into their marriage than the actual wedding and that of course assisted me in making my job easier. It always does. Sadly, this is most often not the case. There's just too many brides out there that are way more into the color of the flowers, how a bow is tied, does Grandma coordinate, oh my gosh...I can't believe my bridesmaid has pink nails; you get the picture. I hate to say it, but I see a lot more of that than I do of Wow, I can't believe I'm marrying him today, I'm so excited for the ceremony, my family and friends are all here for US. But this couple?....they did it and they did it right.
They included Japanese scrolls that were framed for half of their centerpieces which guests loved. Whenever you tie in anything personal that is a bit different, your guests will go crazy with it. They also included all Japanese items in the bathroom baskets which was a ton of fun to pour through! Their black/white/green motif was pulled off beatuifully if I do say so myself. Even if it meant hours of cutting and gluing green ribbon around 300 votive holders during Packer games the past few weeks.
The end result was a very happy couple who was able to celebrate their life together despite the foggy conditions of a winter wonderland.
Pictures soon to come.
Friday, December 14, 2007
A First Date
Remember the feeling you get in your stomach for a first date with someone? That feeling of excitement coupled with nerves. The "what if's" that run through your mind? --- What if we don't get along? What if he/she isn't what I expected? What if I like him, but he doesn't like me?
I have a date tonight. A first date! With my couple from Japan, that is. :)
They flew into Wisconsin on Tuesday and have been running around like mad trying to pay their vendors, shop for last-minute items, meet with the Priest, get a marriage license, etc.
But tonight...I get to meet them! And they get to meet me! It is going to be fabulous, I already know this. I feel like I know them already, especially the bride. The emails have been countless for the past 15 months as I attempted to plan their wedding with only suggestions, their likes, their dislikes, and that's about it. I'm nervous! I hope they like everything I've come up with.
I'll be sure to report back on my First Date. Wish me luck!
I have a date tonight. A first date! With my couple from Japan, that is. :)
They flew into Wisconsin on Tuesday and have been running around like mad trying to pay their vendors, shop for last-minute items, meet with the Priest, get a marriage license, etc.
But tonight...I get to meet them! And they get to meet me! It is going to be fabulous, I already know this. I feel like I know them already, especially the bride. The emails have been countless for the past 15 months as I attempted to plan their wedding with only suggestions, their likes, their dislikes, and that's about it. I'm nervous! I hope they like everything I've come up with.
I'll be sure to report back on my First Date. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 3, 2007
I've Said it Before...
...and I'll say it again. I love my Brides. MY brides. I claim them, love them, and am always sad when I have to give them up.
Another wonderful bride tonight. A fun and chatty consultation meeting. A wedding date that I was not going to take because June is so busy already. However, she was a referral from one of my September 2007 brides and I just cannot turn down referrals if at all possible. When I do, I feel terrible and literally lose sleep over it. So, I said Yes to this June 28, 2008 bride. So glad I did! She's a sweetheart and not wedding-obsessed and just FUN!
People are always asking me how my brides are and how I can possibly stand working with brides all the time. I really think they question my honesty when I almost always tell them that I have the best brides ever. Hands down, the BEST. Sure, I've had a Bridezilla or two, but with as many weddings as I've done, that's really not that bad. Maybe I attract the sane ones, maybe I'm just smarter than the other Planners and know how to weed out the crazies before they sign on my dotted line. Maybe someone up there is watching out for me. Whatever it is, it seems to be working. The day it stops working is the day Dreams & Designs closes shop.
Another wonderful bride tonight. A fun and chatty consultation meeting. A wedding date that I was not going to take because June is so busy already. However, she was a referral from one of my September 2007 brides and I just cannot turn down referrals if at all possible. When I do, I feel terrible and literally lose sleep over it. So, I said Yes to this June 28, 2008 bride. So glad I did! She's a sweetheart and not wedding-obsessed and just FUN!
People are always asking me how my brides are and how I can possibly stand working with brides all the time. I really think they question my honesty when I almost always tell them that I have the best brides ever. Hands down, the BEST. Sure, I've had a Bridezilla or two, but with as many weddings as I've done, that's really not that bad. Maybe I attract the sane ones, maybe I'm just smarter than the other Planners and know how to weed out the crazies before they sign on my dotted line. Maybe someone up there is watching out for me. Whatever it is, it seems to be working. The day it stops working is the day Dreams & Designs closes shop.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Self-Promotion Post at its Best
One of my loyal readers emailed earlier in the week to say she missed my posts (awww!) and also to lead me in the direction of one of her website's newest articles. In a nutshell, it goes through why a bride and groom should consider hiring a Planner.
Their Top 3 reasons included:
1. To Get a Break
2. To Save Money
3. To Avoid Family Conflict
I can attest to the fact that these really are the top 3 reasons. Those that don't hire a Planner usually reflect back on these exact things after the wedding and wish they had done so. Keep in mind, that although a Planner is an amazing tool to utilize during the entire planning process, I realize it is not in everyone's budget or even in their overall scheme of what they want. However, a Day of Coordinator is in almost everyone's budget. Especially if you find a Coordinator that will work with your budget and your needs.
To elaborate on the above points, Getting a Break is essential in planning any event. Do you really want to have to be the go-to person for every single detail, idea, decision, etc.? Probably not. Especially the day of the wedding. There is no more awful feeling on the day of your wedding than vendors tapping you on your shoulder to ask your opinion on something or to let you know that something is wrong. You, your family, your friends should not have to deal with any of this on your Big Day. For that reason alone, invest in a Coordinator!
Most brides don't realize that if they hire a professional wedding specialist, they will end up saving money. Usually a lot of money. Yes, you are going to have to pay your Planner, however, in the weddings I've done full planning for the bride has ended up saving at least double what she paid me for my services. The reason is due to the fact that I have long-standing relationships with other wedding vendors. Good wedding vendors. Wedding vendors that aren't going to screw me or the bride over. Wedding vendors that value the referrals I send their way and are willing to negotiate with me on pricing for my bride. I also utilize reputable Internet sites that most aren't aware of that give great deals and discounts. I'm able to buy many items wholesale which means my bride just got those deals. So, think of hiring a Planner as an initial investment to save money in the end.
Want or need someone to run interference during the planning process or even on the day of the wedding? That's what your planner is for. You will always have a professional and unbiased approach by a Planner. I'm not going to agree with your mother just because she's mom. I'm not going to go along with Aunt Betty's crazy cake idea just because she swears it will be beautiful. I'm there for the couple, for their wants and needs. I'm there to explain benefits and downfalls to the family so their daughter is not labeled the "Bad Bride."
There are other great reasons to hire a Planner of course. However, I truly believe these are the top reasons. These reasons alone will let you be the Bride on your wedding day and that is it.
Their Top 3 reasons included:
1. To Get a Break
2. To Save Money
3. To Avoid Family Conflict
I can attest to the fact that these really are the top 3 reasons. Those that don't hire a Planner usually reflect back on these exact things after the wedding and wish they had done so. Keep in mind, that although a Planner is an amazing tool to utilize during the entire planning process, I realize it is not in everyone's budget or even in their overall scheme of what they want. However, a Day of Coordinator is in almost everyone's budget. Especially if you find a Coordinator that will work with your budget and your needs.
To elaborate on the above points, Getting a Break is essential in planning any event. Do you really want to have to be the go-to person for every single detail, idea, decision, etc.? Probably not. Especially the day of the wedding. There is no more awful feeling on the day of your wedding than vendors tapping you on your shoulder to ask your opinion on something or to let you know that something is wrong. You, your family, your friends should not have to deal with any of this on your Big Day. For that reason alone, invest in a Coordinator!
Most brides don't realize that if they hire a professional wedding specialist, they will end up saving money. Usually a lot of money. Yes, you are going to have to pay your Planner, however, in the weddings I've done full planning for the bride has ended up saving at least double what she paid me for my services. The reason is due to the fact that I have long-standing relationships with other wedding vendors. Good wedding vendors. Wedding vendors that aren't going to screw me or the bride over. Wedding vendors that value the referrals I send their way and are willing to negotiate with me on pricing for my bride. I also utilize reputable Internet sites that most aren't aware of that give great deals and discounts. I'm able to buy many items wholesale which means my bride just got those deals. So, think of hiring a Planner as an initial investment to save money in the end.
Want or need someone to run interference during the planning process or even on the day of the wedding? That's what your planner is for. You will always have a professional and unbiased approach by a Planner. I'm not going to agree with your mother just because she's mom. I'm not going to go along with Aunt Betty's crazy cake idea just because she swears it will be beautiful. I'm there for the couple, for their wants and needs. I'm there to explain benefits and downfalls to the family so their daughter is not labeled the "Bad Bride."
There are other great reasons to hire a Planner of course. However, I truly believe these are the top reasons. These reasons alone will let you be the Bride on your wedding day and that is it.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
I'm Back
It's a been a month. I realize this. However, it's been a BUSY month with things other than weddings. Gasp! Can you believe it? I had the month of November off from all things weddings, well almost. My December weddings are all crammed into a matter of two weekends and all right before and right after the holidays. Not sure what I was thinking except that all my brides for those weddings are so darn nice that there is no way I could say 'no' without feeling bad about it.
Winter is here. As I look at my window right now the start of the blizzard is upon us and it's coming down forcefully. The selfish side of me is so happy that I didn't take a wedding for this weekend, the nice side of me feels so bad for all those women in their dresses today...but they'll get FABULOUS winter pictures if they can bare the cold for just a few minutes of their photographer's time. Winter pics are my favorite by far. There is just something magical about them. Almost mystical.
I'm in the final stages of getting everything done for my 12/21 couple that I'm doing full planning for. I cannot wait to meet them! I'm nearly giddy already. You see, this is the couple that is stationed in the Navy in Japan....so all I have had with them is emails. A lot of emails. And that's it. Funny though how I have managed to get to know them, their styles, their personalities through a bunch of words. The next few weeks will be filled with my last-minute running around picking up some picture frames for some of their centerpieces, givin them their final checklist, finalizing church music, making sure the vendors are paid, prepping the decor that is taking up the back half of my living room, making list after list after list for myself and whatever else gets tossed my way. Yup, I'm going to be busy this month. Throw the holidays in there and 3 other weddings and I expect January will be here way quicker than I would like.
Oh, and if anyone you know is getting married 4.19.08 and is looking for a Day of Coordinator, I have an opening. Kind of. My bride that hired me for that day no longer needs my services and I really like her so I'd love to be able to fill the date and give her the deposit back. I've tried to talk with her mother to let her know that even though their venue promises them that they can do all the set-up on the wedding day, that's not the only reason I'm there. What about making sure all the vendors show up on time and are doing their job? What about keeping everyone to the timeline? What about ensuring that all of their decor is set up correctly? Venues and vendors may promise you that they'll do everything, but will they do it to your satisfaction? Too many times I've walked into a venue and table numbers are sitting on the tables facing away from the entrance, in different spots on all the tables, tipped over. It's the details. I do details. It's why people hire me. And at the end of the day it's a small $350 price to pay to know that you had a go-to person to take care of anything and everything that happens pre-ceremony to the time your guests sit down for dinner. On the other hand....$350 is money saved if you trust your vendors completely and don't need me.
Happy Birthday Dad!
Winter is here. As I look at my window right now the start of the blizzard is upon us and it's coming down forcefully. The selfish side of me is so happy that I didn't take a wedding for this weekend, the nice side of me feels so bad for all those women in their dresses today...but they'll get FABULOUS winter pictures if they can bare the cold for just a few minutes of their photographer's time. Winter pics are my favorite by far. There is just something magical about them. Almost mystical.
I'm in the final stages of getting everything done for my 12/21 couple that I'm doing full planning for. I cannot wait to meet them! I'm nearly giddy already. You see, this is the couple that is stationed in the Navy in Japan....so all I have had with them is emails. A lot of emails. And that's it. Funny though how I have managed to get to know them, their styles, their personalities through a bunch of words. The next few weeks will be filled with my last-minute running around picking up some picture frames for some of their centerpieces, givin them their final checklist, finalizing church music, making sure the vendors are paid, prepping the decor that is taking up the back half of my living room, making list after list after list for myself and whatever else gets tossed my way. Yup, I'm going to be busy this month. Throw the holidays in there and 3 other weddings and I expect January will be here way quicker than I would like.
Oh, and if anyone you know is getting married 4.19.08 and is looking for a Day of Coordinator, I have an opening. Kind of. My bride that hired me for that day no longer needs my services and I really like her so I'd love to be able to fill the date and give her the deposit back. I've tried to talk with her mother to let her know that even though their venue promises them that they can do all the set-up on the wedding day, that's not the only reason I'm there. What about making sure all the vendors show up on time and are doing their job? What about keeping everyone to the timeline? What about ensuring that all of their decor is set up correctly? Venues and vendors may promise you that they'll do everything, but will they do it to your satisfaction? Too many times I've walked into a venue and table numbers are sitting on the tables facing away from the entrance, in different spots on all the tables, tipped over. It's the details. I do details. It's why people hire me. And at the end of the day it's a small $350 price to pay to know that you had a go-to person to take care of anything and everything that happens pre-ceremony to the time your guests sit down for dinner. On the other hand....$350 is money saved if you trust your vendors completely and don't need me.
Happy Birthday Dad!
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