my first wedding planning certification seminar!

I am so excited to be apart of the Bridal Society's certification program coming to Greensboro in February! This is my first of hopefully many certification classes and I can't help but share the exciting things we are going to learn about. You have no idea how excited I am :) What a great opportunity! The Bridal Society.

• Wedding Statistics
• Learn what types of events you can plan
• Your role as a wedding planner
• Understanding your personality
• Maximizing your strengths
• Overview of the wedding planning process
• Typical week in the life of a planner
• Real Stores - Real Situations
• Wedding etiquette
• Wedding trends
• Customs and traditions
• Wedding Decor 
•     Linens (Style & sizes)
•     Center pieces
•     Lighting
•     Draping
•     Tablescapes
•     Room layout
•     Party favors
•     Place settings
• Terminology
• Wedding dreams vs. Wedding reality
• Effective communication
• Tracking RSVPs
• Educating your clients
• Gown styles
• Veils
• Blushers
• How to bustle
• Dress designers
• Understanding and working with vendors:
•     Florists
•     Venues
•     Photographers
•     Videographers
•     Transportation provider
•     Bakers
•     Designers
•     Rental companies
•     Entertainment
•     and more...
• Creating packages
• Advertising
• Develop business relationships
• Communication strategies
• Where the jobs are
• Building a portfolio
• Market place evaluation
• Business start up costs
• Preparing for your career
• Website design
• Creating contracts
• Reviewing vendor contracts
• Closing deals
• Competition
• The art of "tact"
• Helping your client create her vision
• Site visits
• Dealing with challenging clients
• Initial consultations
• Client meetings
• Vendor meetings
• Budget management
• Business license requirements
• Itinerary Construction
• Rehearsal Coordination
• Wedding Day Coordination

precious paper flower centerpieces

 

Another great alternative to pricey centerpieces are these beautiful DIY Magnolia Blossoms! Add style for less to your reception by using recycled materials such as paper. The petals don't even have to be plain white, get creative with it and make your own personalized flowers. It's true, Martha does know best lol!  

alternative centerpieces

Bigger is not always better. When it comes to your reception centerpieces, large arrangements take up a lot of your reception budget and can also block your guest's views. Everyone wants to save money wherever you can so consider alternating tables with real flowers and candles. The Knot always has tons of inspirational ideas for unique centerpieces!! Another idea for those who plan on using real flowers, be eco-friendly and donate them to a local nursing home or hospital after your event! Everyone loves flowers <3

stylish gifts for your bridesmaids!

I recently stumbled upon this amazing website, Emma Gordon London, that offers custom, hand-made accessories. Check out her adorable clutches, hand bags, coin purses & much more!

*why you DESERVE an event planner*

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you deserve to enjoy it! The best way to do that is to leave all the details to a professional and just relax. Most people begin working on their wedding on their own under the assumption they are cutting costs this way. Realistically event planners are the number one way to cut your expenses, and here's why!

• Event planners are experienced with working with different vendors that will fit in your budget
• Event planners are especially knowledgeable about local venues, which in turn helps you narrow down by style and cost 
• Time is money! Event planners make your appointments with the right vendors & save you tons of researching time
• Event planners help you stay focused on completing tasks on time and staying under your budget 

small touches make thoughtful thank yous

Looking for something new, well here is a stylish way to send your love. Even though it might take a little longer to put these together, start early and make these the best personalized messages to friends and family ever. Check out the full instructions, supplies and more creative ideas for invitations and thank yous at Style Me Pretty and My DIY Wedding Day!

 

 

mix it up!

Here is a fun way to label different items like your candy bar, chocolate fountain, drink station or even table numbers! Check out more inspirational ideas at Every Last Detail!

vintage hair pins

Who says everything has to have bling? These pastel flower hair pins from  handle & spout are absolutely adorable and guess what!? you can DIY! Visit The Wedding Chick's blog to see the materials needed and instructions. :) Isn't fun being creative!

 

sneak peek with Bella

Come out to The Wedding Galleria by Bella this Saturday, January 15, 2011, for a FREE "sneak peek" at everything they offer! I will be helping Sue & Kelly with their FREE DIY classes, where we will be making paper pom poms and cute favor boxes for you to take home! The "sneak peek" will be held from 12pm-4pm and the DIY classes will be held from 12pm-2pm. Let me know if you have any questions, hope to see you there!

paper pom poms :: casasugar.com

personalized favor boxes :: stylemepretty.com

nifty gifts

Everyone wants something a little different for the best girls. How about a DIY bridal party survival kit! These adorable bridesmaid's gifts are pretty and practical, so check them out at 100 Layer Cake!

The Wedding Galleria by Bella

This summer I will be interning with one of the premier event planning companies in Greensboro, NC, Bella Wedding & Event Planning!  Co-owners Sue McCain and Kelly Parker are hosting a Grand Opening Celebration for their new store location, The Wedding Galleria by Bella, on Saturday February 26, 2011 from 12pm - 4pm. Please come out and enjoy live music, food, cake tasting, gown previews and free DIY classes, all sponsored by The Knot Magazine!

The Wedding Galleria by Bella is located at 2925-C Battleground Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408! This event is going to be fabulous!

*let there be light*

If you're wanting a romantic atmosphere for your event, on a budget, this is definitely for you! This sweet southern idea of mason jars and tea light candles twinkling in the sky is timeless. Look at what all you can do with a little light on this amazing website, Green Bride Guide :)

Save the Date with Forget-Me-Nots :)

My mom's friend at work is getting remarried and had such cute Save the Dates that I had to share! She gave out personalized packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds! I adore this creative idea and can honestly say flowers are my favorite thing in the world! You can order these seed packets for a very affordable price at MOOKS! Check it out!

let the fun begin!

Over the past few months I have really gotten into looking at different wedding and design related websites and blogs so I figured I would try my own! I am really excited to share innovative ideas with you, hope you enjoy!