Inspired Occasions is in the press!

It has been over a year since I came up with the idea to create a Bride Education branch of my business. I came to realize that no matter how flexible and accessible Inspired Occasions' services are, there are going to be brides that will ultimately choose to plan their wedding solo. However, with a long standing value of bringing valuable information, support and advice to all brides, I decided there must be a way that I can serve these brides as well.

Finally, my idea has taken shape and will come to life on this Sunday, August 29, 2010 when we launch our very first bridal seminar "How-to Tie the Knot: Planning Strategies for Today's D.I.Y. Bride." With an agenda that covers planning basics, do-it-yourself design, stress management and much more, I am thrilled to bring such valuable information to the brides and their families in attendance. It is a day designed to support and empower each and every one of them to create the wedding of their dreams and enjoy the process of doing it.

What I didn't anticipate when I started this venture is that there would be media interest in such a concept. Imagine my excitement when I was invited to appear on YNN (Capital News 9) in a live in-studio interview with their afternoon anchor. I had a blast and it was so thrilling to be able to spread the word to everyone in the area about what Inspired Occasions is up to. The good news doesn't stop there. This week, my interview with Saratoga.com's Dave Bigler is being featured on http://www.saratoga.com/. To check it out, click on "featured video". And the interest keeps coming . . . A TimesUnion reporter will be joining us for the seminar on Sunday and writing a feature about it.

I am amazed at the attention this event is receiving. I can only hope that it is because it is satisfying a need among local brides and that this will be the first of many successful bride education seminars.

There are still some spots available for anyone still interested in attending. Registration is required and must be received no later than Friday, August 27th. Any registered bride is invited to bring one guest for free. For more details, go to our website http://www.inspired-occasions.com/ and click on "bride education" or call us at (518) 487-8128.

How-to Tie the Knot
Sunday, 8/29/10
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pat's Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and all materials

How-to Tie the Knot - AGENDA

It's almost here! Inspired Occasions' very first bride education seminar, "How-to Tie the Knot: Planning Strategies for Today's D.I.Y. Bride", is happening on Sunday, August 29th at Pat's Barn at Rensselaer Tech Park. Time is running out to take advantage of great savings. Register before Friday, August 20th and receive $40 off your registration. Take advantage of this offer by registering by phone (518) 487-8128 or email @ info@inspired-occasions.com by Friday.

What an amazing day we have planned for our "do-it-yourself" brides. Here are the topics that will be covered in this fun and informative day:

Planning Basics

• Determining the priorities
• Developing a planning timeline
• Creating and tracking your budget
• How to select the best vendors for you
• Wedding day coordination
  

Floral Design: Do's/don'ts and insider tips (by Michele Peters, Ambiance Florals & Events)

Photography: What you need to know (by Yvette Wilson, Yvette Wilson Photography In Design)

Wedding Design

• D.I.Y. or NOT to D.I.Y.
• D.I.Y. Details Demo
• From Tired to Inspired: Creating a magical and affordable tablescape

Be a Stress-Free Bride (by Diane Albano, LEAD Consulting & Coaching)

Registration of $109 (after coupon) includes all planning materials, breakfast and lunch. And . . .
DON'T COME ALONE! BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE!

Can't wait to see you all there!

Natalie & Brian (Lake George) - Mary 29, 2010

The wedding of Natalie and Brian on May 29, 2010 has to be one of my favorites. Natalie is proof positive that you can plan a beautiful, detailed and chic wedding on a budget.

Natalie contacted me a year in advance of her wedding date with major concerns about the venue she had selected for her Adirondack destination wedding. Her recent site visit had raised some major red flags and her intention was to hire a planner to manage venue issues on her wedding day. After further discussion, I helped Natalie come to the decision that there was still time to avoid disaster and change her wedding venue.

Once the venue disaster had been averted and a new location was selected, it was time to help Natalie create a chic wedding with a modern color palette and a few rustic Adirondack touches. I’m proud to say that we accomplished just that!

The ceremony location selected was Shepard Park right on the shores of Lake George. The natural stone amphitheatre was an economical choice and offered a Celtic feel in tribute to the couple’s heritage. Floral Designer Martin Dodge of Drops of Jupiter transformed the simple alter area into something extraordinary with a handmade ceremony structure of birch, vines and clusters of hydrangea and cream roses. Personalized seat cushions doubled as a comfortable seat for guests on the stone benches and a take-home wedding favor.

Natalie arrived in style in an antique car and walked down the aisle arm in arm with her brother to the magical sound of a bagpiper hidden up on the bluff behind the ceremony. Gave me the chills! After the “I-do’s” the bagpiper led the parade of the bride and groom to the shore for formal photographs.

The magical tent reception for her 85 guests was decked out with the colors of pewter, white, pale blue with modern pops of lime green. The groom’s love of fishing was incorporated into the design of the escort cards and table names. Martin Dodge worked his magic again with tall and romantic centerpieces of birch, hydrangea and hanging Amaranthus. Plain poles of the tent were turned into birch trees with glowing hanging lanterns. The overall effect . . . enchanted Adirondacks! The star of the reception was the elegant display of the couple’s favorite dessert, mini cheesecakes, which took the place of a traditional wedding cake. Yummy!!!

Although Natalie’s planning process was rocky at times, I’m proud to say that I helped her pull off an elegant event representative of her style and who she and Brian are as a couple. It was an absolute pleasure working with them and I wish them all the happiness in the world!

Thanks as always to my team; Katelyn, Leah, Morgan and Julie. Also to the many amazing vendors who made Natalie and Brian’s wedding possible; Martin Dodge with Drops of Jupiter (floral design), James Bass (photography), Dale Himelrick of Memories in the Making Video Productions (videography) and Jessica Volkamer of Chocolate Mill (desserts).

How-to Tie the Knot

Over 13 years ago, I planned my own wedding . . . amazingly enough I spent under $8,000 for a 125 guest affair. I was the definition of a budget bride. That's why it is important to me that brides have access to planning services regardless of budget. During my years in the industry, I have had the opportunity to work with brides of all types, all budgets in all different ways. However, it is clear to me that there are still brides out there that feel like they just can't afford to hire a wedding planner. Not wanting them to go unassisted, I've designed an amazing one-day seminar just for these brides.

"How-to Tie the Knot" is a one-day seminar filled with information and planning tips to help the do-it-yourself bride get started and create a unique and memorable event for their guests. I will be joined by professionals of photography and floral design who will share their secrets for getting the most for your money. There will even be a bonus segment on strategies for managing the "planning stress." Brides will walk away with all the tips, tools and advice they need to make their vision of the perfect wedding day come to life!

Join us for this fun and informative day at a gorgeous wedding venue and receive a comprehensive planning binder, planning tools, morning refreshments and a delicious lunch.

Here are the details:


WHEN: Sunday, August 29, 2010

WHERE: Pat’s Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park

HOW: Register online at http://www.inspired-occasions.com/ (Click on "Bride Education") or call (518) 487-8128 to register by phone.


REGISTRATION FEE: $159.00
***Early Bird Registration Fee (Before Aug 1): $149.00
Cancellation of Registration: For any cancellation made after August 15, 2010, the registration fee is non-refundable

Michele & David - May 8, 2010

The nuptials of Michele and David took place on Saturday, May 8th at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. The Stockade Inn was the venue selected for their chic vintage flea market-inspired reception.

When Michele hired me in early 2009 to be her day-of wedding coordinator, I was intrigued by the vision of her day. Michele was the definition of a D.I.Y. bride with plans to create everything for her wedding right down to the ceremony flowers. Being a part of so many weddings, I knew what an undertaking that was. She had her hands full.

I’m thrilled to say that Michele didn’t disappoint. Her attention to detail and subtle interpretation of her overall theme were impressive. She chose a subdued color palate of cream and blush pink and touches of gold. Instead of live flowers, centerpieces were antique birdcages filled with metallic glass spheres surrounded by candles and shabby-chic accent pieces. With the candles aglow, the room was warm and romantic. Guest favors doubled as escort cards with hand-tied personalized tags on each one with the guest name and table number. The fashion of the night even tied into the theme. Michele glided down the aisle in a beautiful ball gown for her ceremony, but slipped into a vintage inspired party dress for her reception.

Day-of coordination is not always the easiest job to do. Our experience as planners depends on the decisions made by the couple when planning the event. Michele was an absolute dream to work with. Although executing a do-it-yourself décor design can often be more physical labor, our bride was so organized that it almost felt easy. All of the vendors she selected were great fun to work with and did a fantastic job. So thank you to my team and to the Stockade Inn (Reception Venue), Heather Bolm-Tallman (Photography), Villa Italia (Cake), Peter from What’s Happening Productions (Videography) and Fernando from Piano Man (DJ).

Last but certainly not least . . . thanks to Michele and David for trusting us with your special day. Best wishes for a long and happy life together!

Meet the Planner

I am proud to debut my brand new “Meet the Planner” video. Thanks to the talented Cheryl Lighthall of CASL Productions, I’m able to introduce myself, my Company and the advantages of hiring an event planner to the masses.

One of the most important factors in choosing a planner is the personal connection you have with him or her. Therefore, knowing the personality, professional ethics and values of the planner are critical to making a good selection. It is who I am that makes me love what I do and plan thoughtful events. In this day and age when most people find their vendors online, its important for all vendors to have a strong web presence. However, since starting my Company two years ago, I’ve struggled with how to convey who I am to potential clients doing casual online research. A bio and two dimensional photographs just didn’t seem to do the trick.

So I’m thrilled to give everyone out there a glimpse of who they’re hiring when they choose Inspired Occasions for their special day. Take a look, share the word and spread the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPMHImxhmg

YOUR SURVIVAL STRATEGY: Enjoy the Journey from Engagement to the Alter

Now that the holidays are over and Valentine’s Day is almost here, many lucky ladies out there will find themselves engaged! Tempting for all you new brides to be to run out and buy every wedding magazine you can find . . . purchase your four-inch thick planning notebook . . . and shop for the most exciting stuff . . . dresses, those cute ring bearer pillows, bubbles, favors, etc.

My best advice? Slow down. First savor the celebration of your engagement. What a huge milestone in your life; don’t pass over it so quickly to get to the wedding faster. Shout it from the rooftops, polish your ring everyday and show off your fiancé with pride.

When it’s time to start planning try to resist the temptation to just do the fun stuff first. Go ahead and get the magazines and start clipping pictures of things you love, but before you start buying everything that strikes you, make sure you have definite answers to TWO very important questions:

1. What is your budget and where are the funds coming from? The answer to this question will dictate almost every other decision you make along the way. Be sure you know for sure what you have to spend and that you have commitments from those spending it.

2. What is most important to you? Make sure that you know what your wedding priorities are. Early on make a list of everything your budget needs to cover; i.e. flowers, rings, venue, etc. Literally rank the items beginning with what’s most important to you and ending with what is least important.

Knowing how much you have to spend and what your priorities are will give you the blueprint for your planning process. Begin making decisions and purchases in the order of your priority list. This will ensure that you make the best use of your money and any necessary compromises or sacrifices are on the things you care the least about.

And all those pictures you clipped from the magazines? Use these as your inspiration to pull all the details together. Bring them to vendors such as cake and floral designers so that they get a true sense of what shapes, sizes, colors and styles appeal to you.

Follow these steps and you have a practical strategy for not only surviving the planning process . . . but enjoying it.

Happy planning everybody!

"Reality" vs. Reality

Okay, I admit it! I am a wedding planner and all those reality television shows that chronicle those in this profession . . . ? I watch them all. Yup! From My Fair Wedding to Platinum Weddings, and when I’m in the mood for a chuckle, even Bridezillas. I must admit that even though I am immersed in this industry on a daily basis, I find it validating to see others take on similar challenges, struggle through the stressful “oh crap” moments and, of course, experience the rush of a completed and successful event.

However, I also must admit that I’m beginning to lose my love affair with wedding reality shows. Quite frankly the reality on these shows doesn’t seem to mimic the reality I see each day. More and more of these programs seem to show weddings only through diamond encrusted glasses . . . as if all brides and grooms have a bottomless bucket of wedding money. And the wedding planners seem to be playing the role of Fairy Godmothers (or fathers) rather than practical and organized professionals whose role is to work with the constraints that they’re given.

Case in point. I happened upon a new show the other day. I won’t name names. Here’s the jist . . Three wedding planners competed for a booking. When I heard the concept I was thrilled. Now here is a show that will display what really goes on, right? The couple gave the planners their preferences and their very modest budget. I couldn’t wait to see these three seasoned planners pitch their individual proposals of how they were going to give this couple the wedding they envisioned without breaking their budget. This is my challenge everyday. What happened in the end? The couple picks the “celebrity” planner who clearly called in every favor he could to give them a wedding that, from what I could tell, cost at least triple their budget. Now I don’t fault a couple for getting a bunch of freebies to make their dream wedding a reality. Who wouldn’t? But for once, I’d like to see a reality show tell the story of a couple and their planner working together to bring their vision to life under realistic circumstances.

Reality is that “real” couples have “real” budgets and “real” constraints. A planner’s role isn’t just to wave their magic wand and find a way to get people things that cannot otherwise afford. Unless there is a television studio behind it, this does not happen. But planners can make magic with real couples by getting to know them and calling upon their own creativity and extensive knowledge of the industry. Our relationships with local vendors, negotiating skills and creative ideas of how to do more with less can provide couples with significant savings and fantastic events. I make it my goal to bring savings to my clients at least equivalent to my own fee.

What I want every bride out there to know is that you don’t have to have a bottomless bucket of wedding money and a “fairy godmother” to have a fabulous wedding. Wedding planners are accessible to all kinds of brides. Most have flexible services and are accustomed to working within the guidelines given by the clients. And most importantly, they can help you create a fantastic wedding that is uniquely you!

SPECTACULAR WINTER SEASON SAVINGS

Book the Sterling Package for any available date in the months of January, February or March, 2010 and receive full "day of" wedding plus rehearsal coordination for a discounted flat rate of $750. Upgrade your package to Gold, receive full "month of" planning and coordination for only $250 more. All packages include unlimited phone and e-mail consultations throughout your planning process, a minimum of two staff members on your wedding day and a luxuriously decorated honeymoon suite on your wedding night.

Download complete package descriptions at http://www.inspired-occasions.com/

and contact us to schedule your complimentary initial consultation at (518) 487-8128 or inspiredoccasions@yahoo.com.

Negotiate (Tip #5: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

This tip is a biggie that can result in big savings! Negotiating terms with wedding vendors can take on many forms. It is not always as simple as asking for a lower price for any given service.

The first step to negotiation is doing your homework. Know what the going rate is for services in your area and make sure that you talk with more than one vendor so that you can make valid comparisons between them. Once you do this, you’ll have a better idea of who you are in a position to negotiate with.

Next is determining who has more “chips” in any given negotiation. If you choose to have your wedding during an off-peak season or day, your negotiating power can be pretty high. The vendor may really need your sale and with the pool of customers smaller for your date, they may be more willing to accommodate you. However, make sure to use great tact and diplomacy when negotiating. Demanding a lower price may not get you far. Instead, a great way to begin this discussion with a vendor would be . . . “we chose to have an off-season wedding because we have a limited budget. This is what we had in mind to spend. Is there any way that we can get the price closer to this number?” This respectful request provides the vendor the opportunity to make a proposal to you that may be more enticing.

In the contrary situation, having your wedding on a Saturday during the peak season, your negotiation power can be limited. After all, it is likely that the vendor could have their pick of brides and grooms for that date. However, if you aren’t able to negotiate a lower price for a service, try requesting modifications to their package/service in a way that works for your budget. For example, if you’re wanting to have an extra hour of open bar at your venue but cannot afford the extra expense, try to find an opportunity to exchange some other part of the package such as the champagne toast or the dessert and have guests toast with what is in their hand and enjoy the wedding cake as dessert. For photographers and videographers, try shortening the coverage period or cutting down on the number of DVD’s or prints. This form of negotiation may not lower your bottom line, but makes sure that you’re getting what is most important to you for the money that you spend.

The most important thing to remember about negotiating is not making demands but instead inviting a vendor into a mutual discussion of how to structure services to meet your particular needs and budget. If you find a vendor completely unwilling to accommodate you, don’t be afraid to keep looking for someone else who will.

So . . . get out there and negotiate!

Retail, Recycle and Recoup (Tip #4: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

It takes a special kind of bride to really capitalize on this tip. If you love to shop and find bargains, this tip is for you. Use it wisely and save big bucks!

With elaborate craft and party stores in almost every neighborhood and endless online resources for wedding and party supplies, purchasing items directly instead of renting or purchasing them through a vendor can add up to huge savings. The basic idea is this, figure out what items you can buy directly at a lower price than what you would pay a vendor. After the wedding, sell those items to another bride looking to do the same thing, recouping a portion of your funds.

For example, glassware for floral arrangements can be a significant line item in your floral bill. Instead of renting them or purchasing them from your florist, buy them yourself at your local craft store. To really capitalize on your savings, make sure you use the handful of coupons that are in the weekly newspapers. Usually you can get 40-50% off of one item and most stores accept competitors’ coupons. Go a few times a week taking a new coupon each time or take a few friends to the store, giving them each a coupon to use, and walk away with your glassware at half the price. Better still . . . when your wedding is over, list the glassware for sale on a website such as Craigslist, Ebay or Weddingbee and get some or ALL of your money back!

You can use the same strategy with online shopping for items such as linens, lanterns, candy bar supplies, etc. However, there are a couple of things you should be aware of when ordering such items online. Be sure to review the return policy. Since you are not able to inspect the quality of items until they arrive at your door, make sure there won’t be a large expense for returning those items if they are not up to snuff. Also, don’t forget that a significant portion of online pricing is in the shipping and handling cost. When trying to determine your savings, make sure you account for those expenses.

Not all items you can purchase are appropriate for resale, but don’t let that stop you. Purchasing items directly such as favor boxes and fillings, candles, placecards, etc., rather than obtaining them through a vendor, will allow you the opportunity to get them on sale or with a coupon and without an upcharge often affixed by a vendor. Bear in mind that those same classified websites you can use to sell your items can also be a great place to purchase them.

Being a savvy shopper and giving yourself plenty of time to collect the items you need, will definitely help you stick to your budget. If you have the time and the bargain shopping skills, you’ll be amazed at what you can have and how much you can save!

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize (Tip #3: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking. Sometimes the greatest challenge is knowing where and how to begin. This tip really should be number one because it’s a simple way to get started planning a beautiful yet affordable wedding. All you’ll need is a piece of paper, a pencil and your fiancé (IF you value his or her opinion!).

FIRST, make a list of all the major elements of your wedding. Here is a basic list to get you started:

· Wedding Date/Season
· Location
· Food
· Bar Arrangements
· Flowers & Décor
· Attire
· Music/Entertainment
· Stationary (invitations, menus, programs, etc.)
· Favors
· Transportation
· Cake
· Photography
· Videography

NEXT, rank the items in the order of importance to YOU by re-writing the list in that order. For example, if you absolutely must have your wedding on a specific date or in a specific season, “Wedding Date/Season” would rank #1. If you then have your heart set on a specific band for your reception, that would rank #2 and so on.

FINALLY, start planning your wedding in order of your priority rankings. In the above example, you’d start by choosing a few “doable” dates, finding out which of those dates the band is available, and then finding a location that is also available on those final dates. In contrast, if location ranks higher than date, you’ll find your location and then choose an available date for that specific location. Continue booking your vendors and making your selections in the order of your list.

By using this basic guideline, you’ll ensure that you get first choice for most of the items that are most important to you. In addition, the majority of the money will be spent on those items. As you make your way toward the bottom of the list, you may find that money is starting to get tight or your choices are limited. But lucky for you, any compromises that must be made will be ones that matter the least to you.

In the end, you get what you want . . . a wedding that is uniquely you and peace of mind knowing that the money was well spent. Happy prioritizing everybody!

Kill two birds with one stone! (Tip #2: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

Finding dual purposes for elements of a wedding is one of my favorite ways to reduce spending.

For example, perso

nalized favor boxes filled with an edible treat can double as escort cards when you simply add the table number. Guests will find their box on the escort "card" table, use it to find their seat and then enjoy it as their favor.

A huge money saver is finding a way incorporate elements of your ceremony décor into your reception. Alter arrangements can double as centerpieces at reception buffet tables and smaller hanging arrangements from the pews can be the perfect adornment for bars and restrooms. You can even make use of your beautiful wedding party bouquets. Simply pop your bouquets into vases and instantly decorate the head table.

So put on your thinking cap, get creative, see "double" . . . and save, save, save!

D.I.Y. (Tip #1: Champagne Wedding . . . Boxed Wine Budget)

DIY! That’s right . . . “do it yourself.” Let me preface this by saying, please do not make the mistake of doing it ALL yourself. There are so many great resources for DIY brides these days, but no matter how simple each project seems unto itself, try to do too many and you’ll soon find yourself buried in tedious projects, late night trips to the craft store and days of set up prior to your event.

That being said, there is a place in every wedding for one or two great DIY projects. For example, instead of hiring a stationer or printer to create all of your stationary elements, choose one to do yourself. If you are computer savvy and have a good quality printer, try using one of the high quality invitation kits out there. Add a few of your own embellishments like crystal appliqués or specialty ribbon to pump it up and make it unique while dramatically cutting your stationary cost.

Or try this DIY cost-cutter . . . instead of having menu cards at each place setting, order or create three per table, display them in frames you already have or on small inexpensive easels that coordinate with your décor and place them on the tables to add another visually interesting element to your tablescape. Displaying three of them on a round table will ensure that each guest can view it while cutting your menu card order by at least half.

When choosing which DIY project(s) to take on, carefully consider the amount of time, skill, tools and manpower you have available to you. Pick one or two that you can reasonably execute and, most importantly, will effect the bottom line. Happy crafting everyone!

Think small to save BIG

In today's economy, I meet with more and more couples who are struggling to plan their dream weddings and not break the bank. Although I am always full of tips on how to multipurpose items or create inexpensive "DIY" decor, the bottom line is that the best way to lower your cost is to downsize your guest list. One great rule of thumb . . . This will be the best party you've ever been to in your life. If you're not prepared or wanting to take at least five minutes out of your evening to have a conversation with the person, you may want to leave them off the list.
The best way to conceptualize the "cost of people" is to actually figure out your per person cost for the wedding and multiply that number by the number of people that you might be on the fence about. How much could that amount buy you in additional special elements of the wedding such as upgrades in food or decor or better yet how many cocktails could it afford you on your honeymoon? The most important thing is that on your wedding day you are surrounded by those people who love you, have influenced you the most and will be a part of your new life as a married couple. Some of the best weddings I've ever been to are the ones that are relatively small yet elaborate in the details. With a smaller guest list, you can afford more of the extras that really make a wedding "WOW". The bonus is that with a scaled back guest list you have much greater flexibility in selecting a unique venue and the event itself takes on a cozier and more intimate feel that guests appreciate and remember. The bottom line . . . Think small and you'll save BIG!!!