As an event planner, I am often asked to help plan and execute an event. The most successful business events involve careful planning and a clear understanding of your goals and objectives.  For those of you who would like to run your own, here are 10 steps to help you create your successful business event.

1. Create a solid organizing team:

• People who can commit
• People who can complete tasks
• People who can work in a team environment
• People who can take direction
• People who can work hard and have fun!

You need to have a solid, competent team, in order to be able to deliver a successful event.

2. Prepare a Budget:

When making a budget, look at the money you’ll spend (expenses) and the money you need to bring in (income) from the event. A successful event will always cover your expenses.

Expenses:

• Venue,
• Catering,
• Promotion,
• Materials,
• Presenters (if they charge),
• Technical Assistance,
• Decor and miscellaneous items

Income:

• Ticket Sales,
• Sponsorships,
• Raffle Prizes,
• In-kind Contributions

You cannot begin to plan an event without a budget. Often clients will call me and say “I’d like to have a one-day seminar”.  My response is always “What’s your budget”? I have had people say, “oh I don’t have a budget, I plan on using the money from ticket sales to pay for the event”. WRONG!!!!!!

3. Create an Agenda & Theme

Deciding how to allocate time during the event is one of the key steps of planning a successful event. When planning the agenda, keep in mind the event objectives and your target audience.

Make sure you allow sufficient time for every step of the event, including breaks and meals. For example, if you have to move from one building to another, you need to allocate enough time on the agenda to accommodate that.

4. Set the Date

There is more than goes into setting the date than just picking a date arbitrarily. Things to think about:

• Time of year – Planning a business event 2 weeks before Christmas will likely result in poor attendance
• Is there another large event taking place at the same time or on the same day?
• Choose a time that works for the target audience is almost as important as the date.

 5.  Event Organization

Much thought needs to go into this. You will want to ensure you allocate enough time to address the following:

Site Selection:

• Venue
• Get proposals
• Negotiate contract
• Sign contract

Vendor Selection:

• Technology (audio, video, lighting)
• Decor
• Staging
• Photography
• Entertainment
• Speakers

Venue Management

• Event Set-Up
• Registration
• Food & Beverage

6. Promoting the event

You won’t have a successful event without participants. Here are a few ways to secure adequate attendance:

• Invitations,
• Face-to-Face,
• Phone,
• E-mail,
• Post,
• Newspaper,
• Posters,
• Flyers,
• Media,
• Press Releases,
• Radio Shows,
• Word of mouth, and,
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in etc).

7. Staffing for the Event

To run a great event, you need good people. Members from your organizing team will obviously help, however, you still need others to facilitate other aspects of the event. Volunteers are good, however, they are not always reliable. Getting a strong commitment is important, but remember – people get sick, things happen, circumstances change, so it’s critical to have more volunteers than you really need to ensure you have good coverage for all areas in the event.

8. Logistics/Critical Path

This is what makes the event happen. The step by step process for the event day, with times and responsibilities. Categories you need to ensure you have covered off: Agenda, Venue, Speakers, Facilitators, Props, Materials, Meals, Attendance, Registration, Transportation (if applicable), Accommodations (if applicable), documenting the event, a go-to person and contact numbers for everyone involved. You will want to create an evaluation/comment sheet to hand out to the participants.

9. Day of Event Plan Requirements

Arrive 2 hours before event. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a change of clothes. Ensure you have final copies of all planning documents (most event planners carry a binder with everything from the moment you started to plan the event, right up to the event). Script agenda for the podium/MC, volunteer list and their duties, signage, sound checks, registration area and guest list are some of the many things you will need to look after. Having a tool-kit (with accessories, tape, pens, rulers, highlights, badges, calculator, band-aids etc.) is also a good idea. You will want a blue-print for decor and a radio or phone for people to contact you. Ensure the venue manager knows who you are for any issues that may arise. Always carry snacks and water, in case they aren’t available right away.

10. Its a Wrap!

• Thank all your volunteers, speakers, vendors, caterer/kitchen staff and the facility team.
• Evaluations – You will want someone to collect them and be responsible for them.
• Tear down – You will want staff, volunteers to help you return items to the vendors and facility.
• Date for post-mortem – this is 3-4 days after your event has taken place. You will want to talk about lessons learned, what went well and what could be improved for next time.
• Give yourself a pat on the back, relax and put your tired feet up!
• Day after event – all thank you notes and letters go out!

These are the items that go into planning and executing a successful event. Some of you might look at this list and decide you don’t want to tackle it yourself and if that is the case, ask for help! Event planners do this kind of work every day and we love what we do.  If you do decide to plan one yourself, please let me know how it goes! I love getting feedback. And, don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog via the commentluv feature here on my site.

Until next time,

Kathy

Mother’s Day is just round the corner so I thought I would give you a few ideas on how to celebrate and say ‘I Love You’ to your mom. It will make this Mother’s Day a little extra special – to acknowledge your mother’s contribution in your life and pay tribute to her.

Did you ever wonder how Mother’s Day came to be? The history of Mother’s Day is centuries old and the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of  ancient Greece in honor of Rhea the Mother of the Gods. In the 1600′s, early Christians in England celebrated a day to honor Mary, the Mother of Christ. By a religious order, the day was later expanded in its scope to include all mothers and named “Mothering Sunday”, celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. In America, the holiday officially began in 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May a day to honor all the mothers of mere mortals like us. The 1st National Mothers Day, began as a day for citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.

But Mother’s Day is not just about honouring your own mother.  It is a day to honour motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of all mothers in society.

Here are 7 ways to make Mother’s Day extra special this year:

1. Surprise Visit

Surprise your mom with a visit if she lives far away. Of course you will want to make sure she will be home. You don’t want to travel and find out when you get there – she’s away or out for the day.

2. Mother’s Day Party

Have a Mother’s Day Party with all your friends and their mothers. Make it a festive brunch. How much fun would that be!

3. Spa Day

Give her a day at the spa. Have a limo pick her up and drop her off. She will be beside herself. What a nice treat for her. If she doesn’t want to go alone, ask her to take along a girlfriend. She is never too old to be spoiled rotten for a day!

4. Gardening

If she has a garden, go and do all her planting and spring clean up. Make it a spectacular, colourful garden. Add an extra touch by putting in a nice bird bath, a little garden flag or a statue of some sort.

5. Spring Cleaning

Do her spring cleaning or have a company come in and do it. Have them do the laundry, chores and prepare a meal. To make it extra special, have them place her favorite flowers in the kitchen and bedroom.

6. Chauffeur

If your mom has a friend or family member that she rarely sees because of distance and doesn’t drive – then drive her and let her spend some time with that person. How special would that be for her and the other person.

7. Decorate

Decorate a room in her home or apartment. She may have been thinking about it and just hadn’t gotten around to doing it. It could painting the room or adding a new piece of furniture or just a freshen it up with flowers, new cushions, curtains or accent pieces.

Go the extra mile and think out-side the box. Get away from the usual flowers or chocolates. Doing something special for mom on  Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be a big expense or the same-old-same-old. Plan something different this year; Mom will love it and so will you for thinking of it!

If your mom is no longer living, consider honouring her memory. If she had a favorite charity – send a donation, or spend the day working for her favorite cause. Do things she taught you to love. If you have a religious family, consider having her honoured in some capacity through your church or religious community.  Visit her gravestone or crematorium or perhaps plant a tree in her name. Do something to remember your mother.

If you have some other ideas, please feel free to share them here with me on my blog. And remember to add a link back to your own blog if you have one via the commentluv feature here on the site.

To all the Mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day & Bless you all!

Kathy

Did you know that more than half of our first impressions are based on appearance? As a business owner, it is important to be aware of this.  This includes dressing and behaving appropriately, how you answer your phone and email and your manners. These are all a reflection of you and your business.  Here are 5 tips to help you get that great first impression.

1. Dress for Success: How you dress is a reflection of who you are. What you wear should be clean, neat, wrinkle free and age appropriate. Of course your style of clothing depends on what service you are providing. Be clean, fresh, use deodorant, have good posture and good breath. Your perfume or cologne should be subtle – not over-powering. An example of appropriate dress?

• A nice pair of black pants and jacket,
• White shirt or plain good white  t-shirt (no wording or pictures on it),
• A scarf or necklace (ladies),
• Checkered shirt is the trend for 2012 (for the guys),
• Nylons (when wearing a dress or skirt). Always carry an extra pair,
• Black (Polished) shoes.

Shoes should be clean and polished. This is a pet peeve of mine. I never leave the house without polishing my shoes or boots. I can’t tell you how many people I have met who are dressed nicely and then you look at their shoes/boots and they are dirty with salt stains or scuff marks on them.  It takes seconds to polish your shoes. You can purchase little shoes brushes with the polish in them very inexpensively.  Leave it with your shoes and that way you will never forget to polish them. When I was growing up, every morning I would see my dad polish his shoes before he went off to work.  He is 77 and still polishes his shoes before he goes out. This is something that never goes out of style.

2. Email Etiquette: There is no hard and fast rule stating you have to respond to emails as soon as they come in. You really should only need to check your emails twice a day, otherwise you never really get much else accomplished. When you respond quickly, it sets an expectation with people that you will always be able to respond within a few moments. Be realistic!

• Emails should be clear, concise and courteous.
• Do not use CAPS! This is SHOUTING at the person.
• Avoid using slang – this is unprofessional.
• Stay away from writing long paragraphs; break them up – it makes it so much easier to read.
• Always make sure you run email through spell check.
• Make sure you spell the person and their company name correctly.
• Always re-read your email before you send it! – Don’t be in a rush to press send.
• NEVER send an email when you are angry!

3. Phone Etiquette: How and where you answer your phone is a reflection of you and your business. Be aware of your surroundings when answering and be aware of how loud you are speaking.

• Answer your phone quickly and within 3 rings.
• Give your name and the name of your business.
• Smile when you speak.
• Don’t eat or drink when your answer the phone.
• Never say “I don’t know”.  A better reply would be “I will find out and get back to you”.
• Be different! Instead of saying “You’re welcome”, try saying “My pleasure”.

4. Manners: With everyone in such a rush today, they tend to forget good manners. Here are a few general ones as a reminder…

• Say Good Morning to people! (enough of this nonsense that “I’m not a morning person”).
• Be nice to people.
• Say “please” and “thank you”.
• Hold the door for people.
• Table manners: eat with your mouth closed and don’t speak with food in your mouth.
• Always turn your phone off when you are in a meeting with someone. If you are expecting a very important call, let whomever you are meeting with know ahead of time that you are expecting a call and may have to step aside to take it.
• Don’t be texting when you’re with a client – nothing is that urgent that it can’t wait until you are done.
• BE ON TIME!!!!!!

5. Customer Service: This is key to your success! At the end of the day, this is the back bone of your business. If you don’t have good customer service, then your business will most likely not survive in today’s marketplace. Here are 10 key skills to have.

• Be warm, friendly and approachable.
• Be flexible.
• Be honest.
• Good communication skills are critical.
• Know how to communicate with people from other cultures.
• You need to be positive!
• Learn how to deal with negative feedback in a positive way.
• Treat people as you would like to be treated.
• Become the expert.
• Exceed their expectations.

Feel free to add to this list! I love getting feedback. Don’t forget to take advantage of the commentluv feature here on my site and leave a link back to your own site too.

Until next time,

Kathy

Have you heard the term Personal Concierge and wondered what it is? Do you know what they do?  A Personal Concierge is a convenient time saver and service professional that helps you simplify your life, reduce the stress in your life and increase your productivity. In this way, you can spend time on other important things and stop worrying about completing all the little things that need doing that are keeping you awake at night. Here are 5 ways a Personal Concierge can help you.

1. Events:

• Plan and execute weddings, showers and parties
• Event Planning and coordination, including social events and conferences
• Arrange for Flowers, Gift Baskets, Special Deliveries

2. Travel/Transportation:

• Travel planning and arrange transportation services – train, car, transit, limos
• Assist in finding vacation rentals, nannies and house-keepers
• Car service maintenance, license renewal sticker

3. Errands:

• Run errands, such as: business banking,  get documents notarized, passport documents, deliver sensitive documents, prescription pick-ups for elderly, shoe maker, dry cleaning, keys cut, mail packages…
• Drop items off to people in hospitals

4. Residential:

• Estate Planning and sales, downsizing your home or space
• Organize home and office files, paperwork, pay bills, book appointments, schedules
• House-sit – for people traveling or during long hospital stays
• Wait for service people/repairmen
• Check in on elderly family members living alone
• House cleaning services
• Nanny Services

5. Office:

• Office Help, Internet research
• Office errands
• Organize office parties

Just to list a few……

What You Need to Know

• Resources – A Personal Concierge will have also have a list of resources – they have done all the research on good vendors and suppliers to work with. By using their contacts, clients don’t need to spend time researching them.

• Affordable – One of the misconceptions out there is that you have to be rich to afford a personal concierge. Not so! I’d be happy to discuss my services and fees with you. There is no typical client for a concierge – Concierge clients range from single people who work long hours and don’t want to be bothered with all the small stuff, to helping young families who need help with the chaos of organizing their life, so they have more quality time with their family.

• Confidentiality – Everything a Personal Concierge does for client it is kept strictly confidential. A Personal Concierge values the trust they earn with their clients and will do whatever it takes to protect their privacy.  Most Personal Concierges have their clients sign a “Confidentiality Agreement”.  It just gives the client that peace of mind.

• Loss of Control – A Personal Concierge also understands that some people feel like they are giving up control by using their services, however, once clients use this service, they love it and some concierges end up becoming an ancillary part of their family.  Most Personal concierges are so passionate about their job, that they don’t think about client service because it is already ingrained in them, it’s their life! And, a good Personal Concierge will always exceed a client’s expectations.

At the end of the day, a Personal Concierge will do whatever it takes to get the task done for you! Consider contacting me for more information!

Have you used a Personal Concierge? What kinds of services did you contract them for? I’d love your feedback. And, don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog via the commentluv feature here on this site.

Until next time,

Kathy

As a Wedding and Event planner, I often get asked my opinion on great destinations for a honeymoon. Like your wedding, you will want to put the same effort into planning a wonderful honeymoon. Whether you choose a warm or cold destination, here are 5 tips to help you plan the travel and honeymoon of your dreams.

1. Budget

Determine your overall budget for the honeymoon, including travel expenses, travel insurance and spending money. If money is tight, choose a destination that is affordable. Do your homework via the internet as well as visiting a travel agent, as they can be extremely helpful.

Helpful tip: As the bride, you will want to make sure your plane ticket is purchased using your maiden name. Why? Unless you are delaying your honeymoon, you will not have a valid passport with your married name on it until at least five weeks after the wedding. You don’t want to get to the airport and not have the correct identification to match. I know you’re happy to be married, but for one more event, you will need to use your maiden name..

2. Places to Consider

• All-inclusive couples resorts (i.e. Couples Resorts Jamaica, Sandals, Halcyon Cove, Antigua and Viva Wyndham and the Bahamas).
• Romantic places
• Hawaii has amazing beaches and romantic scenery.
• Aruba – Every day is a beach day with hundreds of miles of white sand and beaches with turquoise water and the nightlife in Oranjestad is spectacular.
• Fiji is a most beautiful peaceful place and you’ll want to go scuba diving to see the beauty of the coral reefs bloom.
• Tahiti is one of the most romantic spots with breathtaking blue water. Try the delicious fresh tropical fish, walk through amazing rainforests and rainbow waterfalls.
• Beautiful European Cities – Italy, for example, has the piazzas of Rome and Florence.
• Paris is the city of love and romance.
• Greece has spectacular sunsets.

Helpful tip: Consider traveling to one of these destinations during the off-season (destinations have different off-seasons), which can be a lot more affordable and make sure to make reservations well in advance.

3. Identification

Ensure your Passports are valid and signed.   You should also carry other pieces of photo I.D. too like your driver’s license, health card etc. Bring a copy of your marriage certificate. At one wedding I organized, the bride asked me to pop out and get 2 photocopies of their marriage certificate while they were having their photos done, as they were leaving very early the following morning on their honeymoon and wouldn’t have time to get them.  Many hotels will want to see your marriage certificate particularly if you have booked the honeymoon suite. Also, some hotels will offer honeymooners special amenities, without charging extra, if they have proof that you were recently married.

Helpful tip: Make 2 copies of of your passport. Leave one at home with family and take the other copy and carry it in a separate piece of luggage.  With respect to your airline tickets and itinerary, it’s important to leave a copy with your family in case of a family emergency concerning you or your family.

4. Safety

Remember never to leave your luggage unattended at any time. Don’t ask a stranger to watch your luggage while you run to the bathroom. Do not accept carrying anything for anyone onto an aircraft or through customs either. If you have to exchange money while you are away, change it at a bank, not via people on the street.  To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear expensive jewellery, carry an expensive handbag or carry excessive cash. Many hotels now have room safes. It is better to be safe, than have something like theft ruin your honeymoon. To safeguard your health, be sure that you have checked with and complied with the vaccination requirements of any country you are traveling to.

Helpful tip: In order to avoid violating local laws, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local laws of the country you are traveling to.

5. Things to pack 

Depending on whether you are traveling to a warm or cold destination; digital camera, underwater camera, cell phone (make sure you check with your hosting company to make sure your phone will work in another country and that you understand how expensive these phone charges can be), phone charger, travel adapter (electrical converter), travel guide, sun-screens, reading material, ipod/charger (providing you will be able to charge it while you are away), anti-diarrhea medication, Gravol, bug repellent, extra eye glasses/contacts, allergy medication, aloe (in case of sun burn). If you take prescription medication, make sure you have it in the medical bottle prescribed from the pharmacy.

Groom: Running shoes, belt, casual & dress shirt, a tie, underwear, socks, shaving gear, toothbrush /paste, lip balm, deodorant, comb/brush. If you are traveling to a warm destination; hat, t-shirts, shorts, swim wear, sandals. If you are traveling to a cold destination; warm coat/jacket, gloves/mitts/scarf, hat, warm boots, ski goggles if skiing is on your list.

Bride: Comfy Shoes, dress, one pair heels, costume jewellery, socks, panties, deodorant, brush, toothbrush/paste, make-up, tampons, hair ties, moisturizers. It you are traveling to a warm destination; light sweater, t-shirts, shorts, pair of light pants, sandals, bathing suit, hat. If you are traveling to a cold destination; warm coat/jacket, gloves/mitts/scarf, hat and warm boots and ski goggles if skiing is on your list.

Helpful Tip: If you are traveling by plane, make sure you understand the quantities of liquids and note the items that you are and are not allowed to board the plane with. Visit your airline’s website to get the information you need to know. There is nothing worse than having your special facial products or favourite manicure scissors confiscated at airport security if they do not meet regulations.  Also, if you are traveling to Europe to ski, make sure you have your passport with you at all times. In a few of the European countries, you could start at the top of the mountain in one country and end up at the bottom of the hill in another!

Although the task of arranging a honeymoon can seem daunting, if you haven’t traveled much before, using the web and doing your homework, makes planning easier. There is lots of info out there and other tips to help you save money.

As you start your new life together, relax, reflect and enjoy your honeymoon!

What is your dream honeymoon destination? Please share it with me. I love getting feedback! And, don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog via the commentluv feature here on my site.

Until next time,

Kathy

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just have all your favourite girlfriends escape their busy lives for one afternoon of desserts and fun? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or a lot of work. Just be creative!  Before you start, set a budget of what you want to spend and then plan from there! Here are some inexpensive ways to host your fun girlfriend afternoon party.

Theme: It’s all about girls and desserts! Use what you have in your home to come up with your theme or colour scheme. You could use your favourite dessert or favourite colour.

To add an element of fun to your “girlfriend” afternoon, pull out pictures of the close friends you are inviting and put them in inexpensive frames (visit your local dollar store). You can put them all around the room where you will be entertaining. Your friends will be touched!

Use flowers that are out of season. This way they are much cheaper. Put some in a vase and some in small fancy glass dishes (floating flowers, so pretty and easy). In my case, I love blue and have a lot of blue vases, dishes, fancy mugs etc., so I would use blue and add a colour to make my theme.

Invitations:

Be creative! Print them on card stock on your computer and mail them to your girlfriends. We ALL love to get an invite in the mail, rather than a less personal email. Create the invite to match your theme. There are tons of “templates” on-line. Remember to ask about food allergies.

Presentation:

You want to give it the “wow” & “fun” factor, but don’t go into debt over it… Use the tables you have, one long one and one smaller one. Use the same table cloth on both or borrow them if you don’t have any (table cloths tend to be expensive).

Use all different heights of dishes, from 2 tier platters, 1 level cake stand, to triple & 4 tier stands. Use what you have or consider borrowing items. If it doesn’t match the theme, cover it with foil and put a white paper doilie on it. Get all of these ahead of time, so you can put them on the tables to see how they look in terms of size, style and colour.

If your theme has two colours, try mixing light with dark; 3 colours -use the 3rd colour as an accent colour. Keep it simple, elegant and fun. For silverware, you need small coffee spoons, dessert spoons and tea spoons. For the tea and coffee spoons, put all the same colour ribbon on the coffee and then tea spoons; that’s how you can keep them separate.  Again, if you don’t have enough spoons, you can purchase them inexpensively at a second hand store or you can borrow them. They don’t all have to match. You might also want to print off a label to identify your food. Use a fancy stick in your colour scheme and wrap the label around the stick .

You also need small desert plates (in your colour theme) and tea cups and saucers (again these don’t have to be sets) – they are pretty all mixed and matched. If you don’t have enough, you can borrow them or get these items at second hand stores, for not a lot of money.  If you purchase them at a discount store and don’t wish to keep the cup and saucer, consider giving each of your girlfriends one on their way out, as a little keepsake from a fun afternoon!….

Menu:

Offer hot & cold drinks – Tea, Coffee & Hot Chocolate: Accent with milk, cream, whip cream, cinnamon sticks, chocolate spoons (as stir sticks) lemon & honey. Ensure you have a jug of water with lemons on the beverage table as well. If you choose, you may have some non-alcoholic beverages as well.

You should have, along with the various desserts, a cheese plate, fruit cocktail with yogurt dip/whip cream and a bowls of nuts/pretzels to absorb some of the sugar intake…plus it adds a little variety around the desserts. The trick here is to strike a balance – make sure everything compliments the other. Have some “light” dessert alternatives for friends watching their weight.  Choose desserts that match your colour theme. If your theme is pink and white, than all desserts should be pink and white…

Some suggestions for your dessert table:

• Cheesecake  – should be cut in small bite size pieces
• Mini Tarts, Mini Cupcakes – in fancy/coloured liners
• Variety of mini cookies
• Chocolate Cake/Bunt Cake/Angel Food Cake -cut in slices and then cut in 1/2 again
• Fudge – no one ever thinks of this and you can cut into small pieces
• White or Chocolate Fountains are fun and you can rent them fairly inexpensively – you can add some mini-marshmallows, wafers, fruit etc. to make it fun. You can get the long sticks at the dollar stores as well.
• Candy dishes with coloured candy to match the theme

Time with your girlfriends is limited and precious, so enjoy it and have fun! Remember to take pictures……….and consider posting them on Facebook for us to see!  Let me know how it goes.  And, don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog using the commentluv feature here on my blog.

Until next time,

Kathy

In my previous blog post, I talked about 5 Tips on Saying “YES” to the Dress.  But your special day isn’t just about the dress.  Wedding planning can be a daunting task. By paying attention to the details you can avoid the many pitfalls that engaged couples find themselves in. Here are 3 common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding.

1. Not enough time

Giving yourself plenty of time for your wedding preparation is important to ensure your wedding goes as flawlessly as possible. If you are having a large wedding, you need to plan at least 12-18 months ahead of time. Why? Venues that can accommodate large numbers, get booked up 1-2 years in advance. If you choose to have a small wedding, 6-8 months is sufficient. When you allow sufficient time to plan, you can usually find the venue you want, the perfect wedding dress, and give your bridal party the time they need to save money for their attire for the day.

When it comes to planning, remember to discuss the details together as a couple, so one doesn’t feel left out.

2. Bridal Party

When choosing your bridal party, be aware that not everyone can afford to be in a wedding. Items like the dress or suit, shoes, accessories, etc., can be costly.  It is important to be mindful of that when you ask.  You will also want to choose those who will be reliable.  There is no rule about who you have to ask to be in your wedding. However, it is an honour and a duty that should be taken seriously. Once you have chosen your bridal party, remember to ask them for help. Create little “To Do” lists for them; that is why they are in your wedding, to HELP! If you think you can do it all yourself, you are going to be stressed out and you won’t enjoy your wedding day.

3. Ceremony & Reception Venue

When booking your ceremony and reception venue, take time and location into consideration. Consider a venue that is within 20-25 minutes of the ceremony. Having your guests (especially if they are from out of town), driving all over the place can be frustrating.  Try to book your reception within 2 hours of the ceremony.  If they are too far apart, some guests tend not to come to the ceremony and only show up for the reception. If you have waited for this day your whole life, you will probably want everyone to see you walk down the aisle. I know it’s not always possible to get it close together, but consider it as a priority. I have known couples that have changed the date of their wedding, just so they can accommodate having them close together.  One more thing to consider is the season you choose; weather can be a factor as well.

If you are not an organized person or have no idea how to start planning your wedding, then consider hiring a wedding planner. You can hire someone just for a one or two hour consult to get you started, someone to work with you from start to finish or someone just for your wedding day. More information on reasons to hire a wedding planner can be found by clicking here.

I’d love your feedback. Feel free to share your stories with me. Also, consider taking advantage of the commentluv you get here on my blog by leaving a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment!

Until next time,

Kathy

As a wedding/event planner, brides tell me that their wedding is the most important day of their lives. And, one of the most exciting steps of planning your dream wedding is choosing your dress.  Here are 5 tips on ensuring that you say “YES” to the right dress!

Tip # 1 – Prepare your budget

• Who is paying for the dress? This is key.  If you are paying for your own dress you need to be realistic about setting a budget that you can afford. It’s tempting to go above that number but you need to consider potential alterations, shoes, accessories, veil, undergarments and for some dresses, a crinoline. You will be surprised how quickly the amount adds up.

• If someone else is paying for it, then there are a number of other variables. They will likely want a say in the dress, they will want you to respect their opinion and they will want to come along. You have to respect their opinion, however, at the end of the day, you still have to love the dress.  Remember, it’s your day!

Tip #2 – Getting started

• Before you decide on the dress you want, here are some things to think about:
• The date of your wedding lets you know how much time you have to look.
• The time of year you are getting married. If you are considering a summer wedding, then you probably don’t want to wear a long sleeve, heavy dress with a train. You want to be comfortable and enjoy your day.

• Look through bridal magazines, attend bridal shows, look on-line and talk to your friends who can share their experiences.

Tip# 3 What’s your style?

• Before you go shopping, think about one of the five wedding dress styles:
• A-line,
• Ball gown,
• Mermaid,
• Sheath (straight form-fitted, and
• Empire (raised waist line, sits below the bust-line).

How do you envision yourself on your wedding day? Remember different dress styles suit different body shapes. Know your body and what looks good are you and what you are comfortable in.

• What looks good on the model may not look the same on you. Everyone’s body type is different but remember,  we are all beautifully shaped in our own way!
• Think about fabric, necklines, strapless, and long or short dresses. I am seeing a lot more summer brides choosing new length dresses. Depending on what style dress you choose, you have to find, shoes, veil/tiara, jewellery etc., that will compliment your dress.

 Tip #4 Visiting Bridal Shops/Boutiques/Outlets

• Ask your friends what they recommend. Call bridal shops to ask what their prices ranges are and remember your budget.  If you have some specific dresses in mind and know which stores carry them, visit those locations.
• Tell the sales consultant your budget.  Show him/her some of the pictures you found so they have an idea of what you are looking for.
• When trying on dresses, think about comfort.  You will likely be wearing the dress for at least 14 hours so consider the weight of the fabric. Also keep in mind, you will be going up and down stairs, sitting, dancing, standing for periods of time and posing for pictures.
• Bring a trusted friend, parent, sister or relative. Also bring appropriate undergarments, shoes or similar shoes to the height of what you plan on wearing. If the store permits, bring a camera or use your cell phone to take pictures of the dress.
• Lastly, bring a notebook and take notes.  If you find a dress, write down:
•  the style number,
• designer,
• size and measurements,
• the date your dress will be ready, and,
•  the amount you paid.

Be sure to read the contract (if there is one). With all the excitement going on, you don’t want to forget these important details.

Tip #5 Saving money on your dress

• When you have done all your research on wedding dresses, remember, you can always find a dress within your budget. You just need to do your homework. Keep in perspective that you are only wearing this dress once, so stay on budget, I can’t stress this enough – so many brides get caught up in the moment and over spend.
• Contact local bridal shops and boutiques and ask if they have samples sales – they’re usually held in the ‘off season’.
• If you can’t afford the dream designer dress, find an excellent seamstress, take her/him  your picture and get a quote. No one has to know you didn’t buy it in a bridal salon.
• You will pay much more to alter a dress that is more than 1 size up from where you are.
• Get everything in writing, so there are no hidden costs.
• There is always room to negotiate the stated price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Being smart and doing your homework on your wedding dress, will help create the atmosphere for your dream wedding. Many brides have told me they got caught up in the moment and some regret over spending…

So, did you do your homework?  Is this your dress? I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own blog too!

Until next time,

Kathy

As an Organizer, I am often asked for help on de-cluttering people’s homes. The most common clutter that people face is the amount of paper, clothing and ‘kid stuff’ that comes in the door. I always suggest beginning with the area that causes you the most stress. Here are my 7 ways to tackle the job.

1. Incoming Paper

Designate a spot for all incoming paper, flyers, mail, receipts and school stuff. Paper often accounts for overwhelming clutter. Find an easy system that will work for you and your space. Try a colour file folder system or baskets or boxes labelled with the following:

• bills to be paid,
• receipts to be filed,
• kid stuff/important stuff

Flyers and newspapers, once read, should be put in the recycle – do not stack them on the table or the chair!

2. Kitchen

De-clutter the kitchen area by clearing off the countertops. Only keep the necessary day-to-day items, like;

• coffee makers,
• toaster and
• kitchen tools (which should be in a basket/container).

Everything else should be in an organized space in the cupboard.  Also, don’t clutter the top of the fridge with cook books and nick-knacks. Put them away. If you’re not using them, they should NOT be out.

3. Hallway Area

Hang your keys on a wall key rack. This way you are guaranteed never to lose your keys again. If you have a small table or unit in this space, have three small baskets on it:

• One for cell phones, wallets and sunglasses
• Second one for a purse/book and
• Third one for small miscellaneous items ie; change for a delivery man, pen to sign, paper to write a quick note to leave for someone.

Your shoes/boots should be on a mat in closet and coats should be hung up in closet.

4. Living Room/Family Room

If this room is cluttered with books, toys, movies, magazines, games and photos, it’s time to de-clutter. If you have a book shelf, great! Get some decorative boxes/containers or small baskets (label them all) put books in one, magazines in another, movies etc. in yet another.  If you have toys, get some fun containers or baskets to put them in.

Chances are if you have the containers/baskets right there, your children will be more likely to put them away. Teach them that if they have to do it at school, it should be the same at home.  Also, you don’t need to go buy all kinds of containers. Be creative and use what you have at home. Consider decorating them with wrapping paper.

5. Home Office 

If you work from home or run your own business, this should be a simple, clean, organized space. You should have a bookcase or cabinet that you can keep files in or on, books can stand on the shelf (for easy access), your accreditations and photos should be hung on the walls.  Most home offices are small, so you need to utilize and de-clutter as much as possible. Your desk should only have your computer, phone and note pad. Pencils and accessories should be in the drawers and paper should be underneath the printer or on the bookshelf, in a basket. Having a de-cluttered and organized office is key to productivity and your success!

6. Bedroom

Your bedroom should be clutter free and a space of calm and relaxation! However, sometimes space is limited because we have so many clothes and other personal items in that space. Consider

• Organizing your clothes closet by seasons, this helps keep everything in its place.
• Shoes can be kept in the boxes they came in. This way you can label and stack them underneath your hanging cloths.
• Purses can be placed on the top shelf.

For other items, use small decorative boxes to store them. Don’t forget to label them and again, put them up on the shelf above the clothes or store them underneath the hanging clothes. Clear your closet and drawers of things you no longer fit or wear!

7. Bathroom

De-clutter the counter-tops by only keeping three things on top;

• Soap
• A cup and
• Your toothbrush.

The rest can go under the counter in baskets. Shaving kit, make-up bag, hairbrush/combs and toothpaste do not need to be on the counter. If you have a medicine cabinet, clear out everything you are not using or that is outdated.  I bet if you looked right now, you would find something!

Finally, here are a few things to remember when de-cluttering:

• Start small – take baby steps and keep it simple
• Create new habits – I know you can do it!
• Finish what you start – start with 15 minutes a day and in no time, you will be clutter FREE
• Teach children to put things away – set a good example for them
• Remove things entirely from your space after deciding to part with it. Do not put it in the garage. Instead, put it right in the car – Great Job!
• Stay positive – don’t get discouraged. This is a process. It takes time and you will get there as long as you stay focused and positive. NO NEGATIVE THINKING allowed.

Remember, de-cluttering is a constant process. You have to do it every day but just think how good you will feel when there is nothing left to DE-CLUTTER!  I am so proud of you for taking this first step, by reading these tips.

GOOD LUCK! Let me know how it goes! I love getting feedback. And, here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy

Congratulations, you’re getting married!  For most of you, this will be the first time you are planning an event as important as this one. There are so many details to think about and weddings can be quite expensive and stressful.  Getting professional help will be one of the smartest decisions you make. Here are 5 great reasons to hire a Wedding Planner.

1.       Save You Time

Your time is valuable! Did you know that the average wedding takes well over 225 hours to plan? Wedding Planners know how much time is involved and what needs to be done from a year prior to the day of the wedding.  And, while the final decisions are always the bride and grooms, the Wedding Planner is responsible for all the leg work (which is what takes the most time).

2.       Save You Money

Yes! At the end of the day, a Wedding Planner can actually save you money. Many people assume hiring a Wedding Planner is an additional cost.  The fact is, Wedding Planners deal with vendors and suppliers all the time and are aware of all the hidden costs.  They are better equipped, experienced and in most cases, can negotiate a better deal for you because of the relationships they have developed.

Most Wedding Planners today have all types of packages that are affordable. There are all inclusive packages and then there a smaller packages for ‘just the day of’ wedding planning help. A good Wedding planner will not only do their best to create a package that works within your budget but will work with you to keep you on track.  This is the special day you have dreamed of your whole life, so you don’t want to start off in debt!

3.       Experience

There are a lot of wedding books out there to help you – however they can only help with ideas.  What they don’t give you, is real live experience that Planners can share from their own experience.  This is key.  There is no substitute for a professional Wedding Planner who has had the experience of organizing many weddings, has the necessary contacts and is committed to your vision. When hiring a planner, make sure they are certified, have done weddings in the past, have client testimonials and/or references you can check and are insured.

4.       Details

There are so many details involved in planning a wedding. A good Wedding Planner will keep you on track and on a monthly basis, guide you on what needs to be decided upon at that stage of the planning. It could be from announcing your new engagement, discussing a date, deciding on the church (or no church), choosing your reception venue – these are just a few key elements of the start of the planning process. Wedding Planners are also able to assist with the design, budget details, wedding etiquette, family issues and all other issues that may arise pertaining to the wedding. A wedding planner will also evaluate vendor contracts to ensure you are covered, before you go ahead and sign them.  And in all this planning, something unexpected always happens. The number one job of the Wedding Planner is to be prepared to handle the unexpected and deal with it without you having to knowing or get stressed out about it.

5.       Stress

How can you enjoy the most important day of your life if you are stressed from all the pre-planning and then trying to look after all the details on the day of your wedding?! Hiring a Certified, Professional Wedding Planner, who will look after all aspects of your wedding, including the day of, will allow you to enjoy this special day with each other and your guests.  Relax! Someone else is looking after everything and will be able to deal with the unexpected. Having the experience and support of an outside resource like a Wedding Planner, is your “peace of mind”.

The important thing to remember is that it is still 100% YOUR wedding.  Wedding Planners are there to ensure the wedding is a reflection of you – the bride and groom. It’s your special day, not anyone else’s. My job is to help your vision become a reality.

Let’s get planning!

I would love your feedback! Share your stories with me.  Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy