Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Your Wedding - The "B" word


Creating your budget is one of the most crucial parts of planning your wedding. Make sure you have the MUST NEEDS first on the list then work down for the less necessary items. Here are some basic tips to set your budget and save your wallet.

1. Write everything down: To stay on top of your budget it is very important that you write EVERY PENNY you spend down.  A few pennies here and there add up over time.

2. Plan ahead:  A spreadsheet listing categories will be very helpful in establishing and maintaining your budget.  Make a chart with estimated costs and the actul cost once the bill is paid.

3. Make a payment schedule:  When you sign vendor contracts, payment schedules should be listed. Be sure to follow them as to not find yourself behind the eight ball as the wedding gets closer.

4. Wiggle Room:  Once your budget is planned, highlight areas that may not be as important as other areas.
 
5. The Breakdown:  Reception, Flowers, Photography/Videography, Music, Planner/Coordinator, Invitation, Miscellaneous, CUSHION... dont forget sales tax in your calculations

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

And the WINNER is...

We had many issues with the 12 days of Christmas BUT here is the winner of the BEIJO PURSE.  We used RANDOM.ORG to generate the winner to keep it all "fair"

Congratulatons ADRIENNE TRENT #5... you'll be contacted soon


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Monday, December 27, 2010

The Journey Continues "Your Wedding Needs"

(TLD PHOTOGRAPHY)
You've told your parents, decided whether or not you want a planner; now let the planning begin.

1. Wedding Style or Theme - do you want a formal or informal ceremony? Indoor or outdoor? Daytime or Evening?  Which season do you prefer? Local or Destination?

2.  Set a Budget  - THE driving force in wedding planning.  If you're not paying for the wedding yourself, sit down with both sets of parents to determine who will pay for what.  This will be instrumental in determining and finalizing #1.

3.  Venue Research - With your desired theme in mind and budget determined, now is the time to start researching venues.

4.  Wedding PartySelection  - You're happily engaged and now is the time to communicate this with your close friends and family.  Be sure to ONLY select those that will celebrate with you and are happy for you.

5. Guest Count - Always one of the more stressful conversations in wedding planning.  However, one way to keep the stress level down is by using a spreadsheet for you, your fiancee and both sets of parents to log names, addresses and phone numbers of their potential guest.  This will help you to consolidate at a later date.

TIP:  This is a wonderful and memorable time - enjoy the process!
 ~Peaceful Planning

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Friday, December 17, 2010

12 Days of Christmas Day #4 - Meet the BOSS!!!

Ok, so my blog was acting crazy yesterday so I missed posting day 4 of the Christmas giveaways.  Not to fret, we'll knock out two today!! So,  you've sent an E-card courtesty of Designs by Shay, have beautiful flowers by August Bloom and a lovely Beijo bag from Torri Crosby-Martin; now let's get you OR your man a fresh cut..

First up? You've heard of the Cake Boss, well meet the Master Barber Boss ~ Mr. Brian Ewing.  In Chicago, you can find him at Crowning Glory Barber and Beauty Salon OR schedule your personal mobile cut where he comes to you.  Kids! Men! Women! Fades! Designs or razors; you name it, he can do it!  Click here to view some of his cuts.

For our 12 days of Christmas he is offering a FREE in house cut. (certain restrictions apply).  This will come in handy when sending the kids back to school after the holiday OR you, the adult getting fresh before stepping out on the town.  Whatever the occasion, the Master Barber Boss can you ready!!






How to Win (Required):

1. Leave a comment telling me your haircut stories OR a story of someone you know...

Extra entries (Optional):
2. LIKE us on Facebook
3. LIKE our EVENTS page on Facebook.
4. Follow this blog
5. Tweet This...

PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EVERY ACTION THAT YOU TAKE.


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day #3 - Beijo Bags!!



To continue with our giveaway, today we are featuring TORRI CROSBY MARTIN and her Beijo Bags!  These bags are HOT and make a fabulous gift.  Torri is offering a FREE bag (valued between $85-$105) on this third day!  Take a sneak peak at some of her bags.  *You don't have to live in Chicago for this giveaway...


Visit her page, Like the many bags she has featured and look forward to possibly owning one.





How to Win (Required):
1. Leave a comment telling me your amazing purse stories.. :)
2. Visit Torri Crosby-Martin on Facebook, LIKE her Beijo bags 

Extra entries (Optional):
3. LIKE us on Facebook
4. LIKE our EVENTS page on  Facebook.
5. Follow this blog

6. Tweet This...
PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EVERY ACTION THAT YOU TAKE.

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day #2 - August Bloom Floral Arrangement!!!

Flowers....... what better way to say "I love you", "I'm sorry", "........... thinking of you" and the list goes on.  AUGUST BLOOM, specializes in high-styled floral event design...but can also create all things floral... with just a few days notice,  they can fulfill any and all of your floral needs...from a get well bouquet to a bridal bouquet...




Located in Chicago is offering $25 towards any floral arrangement of your choosing.  Christmas, New Years, Anniversaries, Birthday's and..... remember, Valentine's Day isn't that far away....


How to Win (Required):
1. Leave a comment telling me what's your favorite flower and why
2.  Visit August Bloom Florals and Facebook, LIKE their page 

Extra entries (Optional):
3. LIKE us on Facebook
4. LIKE our EVENTS page on  Facebook.
5. Follow this blog

6. Tweet This...
PLEASE LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EVERY ACTION THAT YOU TAKE.


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Right Necktie for your Holiday Events and Gift Giving...

Website Review for Ties-Necktie.com


Christmas is less than 3 weeks away and should you still be looking for some gift ideas for the men in your family, then we found a perfect site for you. Ties-Necktie is a specialty store for formal mens fashion accessories such as neckties, bow ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, and silk scarves. What we liked most about this site is the large selection of trendy designs as well as the amazing price point. A handmade designer tie for example ranges from $14.95 to $49.90 – less than half of what you would spend at Saks Fifth, Bloomingdales, or any other high end retail store.

We also found a promotion code that will get you free shipping. Simply add the code: ShipFree during checkout and the standard 3-5 day shipping option will be free of charge. For all the last minute shoppers Ties-Necktie also offers a next day rush shipping for a flat rate of $19.20 – far less than what most other retailers charge for a similar service.

Finally we were impressed with the site’s resource section that will teach you anything from tying a tie to educating you on the latest trends and fads in men’s fashion.
_________________________________________

Sharon Patrice is a Chicago area mom of three, aficionada of all things weddings and events, blogger, owner of Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc and Designs by Shay who has worked in Project and Event Management for over 15 years.

Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Peaceful Vendor Spotlight - TIPSY CAKE!

“The Cake Aussie” Naomi Levine brings a new accent to Chicago Custom Cake Designing and she is our Featured Vendor! 

I LOVE cake!!! So having the opportunity to attend a tasting at Tipsy Cake in Chicago was right up my alley :)  In addition to creating amazing specialty cakes, wedding cakes are also a big business for TipsyCake. owner, Naomi Levine speaks with each bride individually to create the perfect cake for the most important day of their lives. From the elegant wedding cake to the quirkiness of a groom’s cake, Levine can do it.  
“My wonderfully talented cake artists and I recently designed a four foot long groom’s cake in the shape of the Texas Longhorn’s stadium. We even had LED lights on the scoreboard. A local sportscaster just order a replica of Wrigley Field to surprise her husband-to-be. Groom’s cakes are becoming just as popular as wedding cakes nowadays and we love it,” Levine says.

When asked what ONE piece of advice she'd give to Brides, Levin stated. "Think drama with your wedding cake, it will stand out more if you veer away from the banquet hall variety. Its never to early to order your cake either!"

"I have never seen such spectacular cakes then those of TipsyCake. Naomi not only is extremely talented and creative, she is a joy to work with at weddings. I get excited when I find out that I will be photographing one of Naomi’s cakes, because I know it will be make for a fantastic centerpiece. Furthermore, I love and respect Naomi for her thoughtfulness and generosity to other women entrepreneurs. She formed a monthly networking event so we can all get together and exchange ideas. She is truly one-of-a-kind,” says Jai Girard, a well-respected and sought after wedding photographer in Chicago.

Levine was recently tapped to design the cake for the Sex & the City 2 movie premiere in Chicago. She also provided cupcakes and pastries for the event. “Incredible,” “amazing,” and “delicious” are just some of the words to describe Naomi’s handiwork that evening.

At any given time, Levine will have 6 -12 young cake artists and sculptors working in the bakery.  Levine takes on the role of sales, creator and boss and the artists assist her in seeing the jobs through with her expertise and direction. All of the recipes used are Levine’s own. Levine’s extensive menu of specialties that are available daily at TipsyCake include red velvet, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, turtle brownies, cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting and Australian pastries. Located at 1034 N. California, orders can be placed by calling 773-384-4418 or by email at orders@tipsycakechicago.com. Tastings and free consultations are by appointment only.






 To read more about Tipsy Cake, check out my Examiner Article
~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Monday, December 6, 2010

The road to "completion" ~ after the engagement!

He asked - You said YES..  you've told your parents.. now what???

Weddings are supposed to be one of the happiest moments in the lives of couples, but with all the pressure that is being put on couples to make everyone happy, and everything perfect, it only makes sense for them to turn to a professional to make sure that the months of planning come off without a hitch.  My good friend Kris always says "they have people for that"..

A wedding coordinator is a necessity not a luxury in wedding planning. I interviewed a bride that decided NOT to hire a coordinator when she got engaged but after speaking with her mother, saw the value in it.  Her mom explained that one of the things that she regrets about her wedding is that she didn’t remember much of it because she was too stressed out making things happen. She wasn’t able to enjoy the party because of that stress and she wasn’t about to let that happen to her daughter.

This particular bride planned special events for her corporate job so having a simple church wedding with a nice luncheon to follow and party afterwards. Simple right? NOT!!!

You've heard how many hours it takes to plan a wedding - with a wedding coordinator, a lot of the leg work will be done for you in finding the right band or DJ, the perfect location, or that flower that you just can’t live without.

  • Make sure that the coordinator is offering the level of service you need and can afford. Know exactly what you need help with and what you can take care of yourself. Most will offer flat-fee packages, while some will base their fee on the guest count or total budget.
  • Ask coordinators if they are offered referral fees by other vendors. Those who take such fees are not as likely to refer you to the best vendor within your budget, but are more likely to send you to a vendor who will make it worth their while.
  • Make sure your personalities mesh. This is a person that both you and your fiancé will be working with for the next few months to produce the wedding of your dreams. Make sure you like them!
  • Make sure you have a contract drawn up and read it carefully. Make sure there is a clause for you to get any fees paid back if the vendor bows out. Double check the dates and times. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Beyond helping you find your perfect wedding vendors, a coordinator is responsible for making your day run smoothly. They will be the ones confirming all your vendors in the days prior to your wedding, creating a timeline for your wedding party to follow and making sure that each flower and musician is in place prior to your first steps down the aisle.  

Now some sites, DJs or florists offer coordination services as an added bonus to their services – these are not the coordinators you need during your wedding day. Your florist’s job is to make sure that the flowers are in place and fresh-looking, your DJ needs to keep the party going and the site coordinator should be doing just that – making sure the wait staff is keeping your guests as happy for you as they were when they left the ceremony. These should not be the people helping you bustle your dress or making sure that the best man is in his seat when it’s time for his toast – they have their own jobs to worry about.

The top-rated hotels and wedding sites in the United States now require their wedding couples to hire a personal wedding coordinator when holding their event on their grounds. This ensures that the bride and groom have their personal needs taken care of, while the hotel can concentrate on what they do best. It enhances the overall satisfaction of their customers, both newly married couples and their guests.
(Photo Credit: Bella Brides courtesy of PW, Louis Palos, Photos from the Knot. Source:Project Wedding)

Your wedding will go off seamlessly – from the bright red cake that your coordinator can brilliantly suggest to the honorary first dance by your parents. Your coordinator will check in the caterer, ensure the set up of your decorations is exactly how you want them and make sure you actually have some of the food that you paid for! You'll remember every moment of that day and will have three people to thank – your husband, your mother and you wedding coordinator.

   
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Simply Put......Let It Snow, let it snow!

Winter wedding themes are fun to work with, despite the limitations in terms of design and color scheme. However, it is easy to take your silver, blue and white theme and spin it into something extra wonderful as your winter wedding decorations.


The limitations should not discourage you from coming up with a great wedding theme – in fact, it should challenge you all the more because it can actually be quite fun! As always, dont be afraid of COLOR...
(photos: The Knot, Websphere) 

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me  for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Conception...

Brides and Grooms envision the moment they get to say "I Do". However, getting down the aisle is a PROCESS!!!  A very long process filled with many hours/months of planning and before you get there, you must go here ~ the conception (beginning)

You're walking through the grocery store and you see HER... you check out her cart and she has a pint of milk, carton of eggs, bananas, five apples and turkey sausage.  Looks promising right?? Well, some time later whether it's a day, a month, or a few years.. you KNOW you've found your good thing and favor is not far behind (Proverbs 18:22) SOOOOOoooo the next step is to "conceive".. slow down fellas, not in baby making but making the move "towards" the aisle! 

How in the world can you propose to a person that knows your every move? The one that has gotten you off the road to nowhere (lol) and ready to chill on the sofa laughing for hours at nothing...
  • How about when she's going for the usual grocery run to your favorite store, ask her to pick up something special from the deli.  However, this time when she's getting your hog head cheese; instead of them asking how thin she wants it sliced YOU ask her if she'll have your hand in marriage.  Kinda corny right? YEP, she'll love it!!!
  • You're a sports fan, so is she - Have it displayed on the scoreboard at a game. This is a really cool way to propose especially if she sees it!
  • Go out for a night of dancing, and ask the DJ or band leader to pass you the mic so that you can dedicate a song and propose on the dance floor.
  • After you make sure she has on her glasses, turn off all the lights in your apartment and make a trail of candles that leads to a circle of votives positioned around a ring.
If the above is a bit too much, simply meet for a drink at a nice hotel bar. When it's time to go, casually mention that you've already reserved a room for the night. When you open the hotel room door, have roses, candles, and champagne all set up -- everything for a perfect surprise proposal. 

Wait, slow down.....before you run out into the streets doing back flips, first order of business:  TELL YOUR PARENTS! If you can't wait for a nice dinner or lunch, simply pick up the phone and let them be the first to know the wonderful news.

Up next? Simply More Steps to the "Completion"

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails