Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I received such a lovely handwritten thank you note from a former Bride this past weekend.

Now, that may not seem like Big News to share.
But, there are times when as a planner, you hear nothing!

You receive praise the day of, but many a bride simply forgets to thank the Vendors that were essentially the glue of her big day.

That's why receiving this note was oh so sweet.

You see, Megan & James were married May 3, 2008.
I truly appreciate her taking the time to remember Go2Girl Events - 3 months later.

Here's an excerpt....

Dear Sandra,

Thank you for the beautiful decoration set-up. Everything was exactly how I imagined it! Thank you for making it possible. It was so important to have your help. We really appreciated it.

You really pulled it off, even with some of our guests arriving sooner than expected! (our ceremony went faster than we thought!). Thanks again for your hard work.

Love, Megan

Here's a few pictures of their Wedding Reception @ Tibbetts Creek Manor in Issaquah, WA

Feeling stumped over proper Thank You note etiquette?

Here's a great resource to get you started.

Wedding Websites & Blogs

Here's the deal-

Your family is spread all over the continent, your best friend is sailing around the world - and fielding question after question about dress choices, dates, times, locations & travel accommodations is making you pull the covers over your head.

Allow your guests the ultimate in One Stop Information Gathering.....

The Wedding Website

There are many options to choose from that include - free trials, beautifully created templates, online guests books, RSVP options, etc.

Surely, one will fit the bill:

http://www.wedsimple.com/

http://www.nearlyweds.com

This one is a personal fave - you can have incredible invitations made to match your website! Talk about effortless presentation! So many great invitation designers to choose from, but I have a soft spot for Izzy Girl!

http://www.ewedding.com/

http://www.weddingwindow.com/

Or, set-up an ongoing dialogue - a Blog.

www.blogger.com

The great thing about this?

The storybook romance will last way past your big day.
You can upload & share photographs with those that were in attendance, and distant relatives or friends. Complete strangers too!
A blog will not expire, and it can morph into the story of your lives together.

Giving Thanks to Parents & Family

Honestly, the nicest & simplest way is something heartfelt.

Give yourself a few minutes, several days before all the hoopla begins.
Write a little note inside a blank card. Don't overthink it, but let the emotion spill a bit.

On the day of your wedding (preferable BEFORE make-up application begins), distribute the cards - to your mom, future mil, stepmom, grandfather. You get the idea.

Jotting down a few words filled with meaning, and giving it to them personally, is the ultimate gift. You'll be satisfied knowing the moment didn't pass without the recognition so duly earned.

The glow of pride & love on their individual faces as you walk down the aisle will say it all...

Mission Accomplished

Photo Sessions - Post Wedding Day

Your Wedding Day will fly by - with such a flood of emotion & happiness, it's easy to forget about certain photographs you really wanted to capture!

Maybe the ceremony went a little long, and those Cocktail Hour pictures felt really rushed?

Possibly your hair & make-up prep time when down to the wire? Instead of some relaxed, glowing temperature-controlled Bridal Portraits in the hotel room, you & the girls were dashing for the Town Car.

When booking a photographer, ask that one of the hours be used during the week, following your big day.
You & your groom will be so relaxed, no longer under the spotlight of family & friends, and not feeling obligated to say hello to everyone around you.

Get back into your duds, but forget about the fancy hair or make-up. Take advantage of a different locale; dance on the beach, play in a park, walk in your favorite neighborhood.
Maybe even bring your pets?

Intimate pictures such as these are just as essential. You can never have too many great memories.

The 'All in One' Wedding Registry

Talk about a reduction in frustration & driving!

Now you can create an online registry, that allows you to pick-out items from stores all across the web, and share with your guests.

Anyone can order from the Registry, and gifts will be delivered directly to you!

http://www.wishpot.com

Oh, and did I mention...It's free.

Island Style : Coronado

I had the pleasure of spending 5 blissful days on this Escape from San Diego in early July.
We attended a reunion (my husband is a native), and had a chance to really soak in the breathtaking scenery & colors.

I'd almost forgotten the abundance of natural beauty, and all the other positives to Coronado Island, especially for planning a wedding from near or far...

Perfect Weather year round

Hotel Room Availability - B & B's , Timeshare Rentals, Four Star Hotels
Clean, Safe & Family Friendly

Walk & Bike Friendly City

Easy access from Downtown San Diego Airport

North Beach

There's always the tried & true staples to visit:

Hotel Del Coronado
Moo Time

Coronado Florist

Miguel's Cocina
Coronado Brewing Co.
The Brigantine
McP's

I was pleasantly surprised to see a few darling new offerings too:

Seaside Papery

Offering custom design invitations; including two North County designers: elum & Delphine

Several new restaurants, including Village Pizzeria & the Beach-n-Diner, both on Orange Ave.

Hotel Del Coronado has also expanded, with new rental homes on their property.

Pretty pricey at $20k per week, for a 3 bedroom 2 bath, but this is your evening view...

Coronado is a little piece of heaven, whether planning a once in a lifetime event, or just looking to get away from it all.

Go Islanders!

Hotel Del Coronado http://www.hoteldel.com/

Seaside Papery http://www.seasidepapery.com/

Coronado Wedding Planner http://www.crownweddings.com/

Time to get Inspired

So, you've been buying up every Bridal Magazine you can get your hands on...

Still feeling at a loss?
It's time to create your Vision. Tear out the photographs that make your heart sing, even if they don't mesh well together. There is no 'wrong' color combination, cake flavor, or dress length.
Get a piece of Foam Board (available at any Crafty store); a 16" by 16" piece should be good.
Start cutting & pasting - adding ribbon, textures, fabric. Whatever speaks to you.

Here's a great example of a Casual Beach Day Wedding: Bright Colors, Short Dress, Finger Food.

Your wedding day is all about your personality as a couple.

Now is the time to play with what appeals to you, and create Inspiration Boards to share.

You'll be surprised at what comes together - a theme or destination may very well appear before your eyes!

Favors - Make Them Edible!

This seems to be a major hurdle that couples overthink.

They're desperately seeking a creative trinket that has meaning.
In reality, guests will keep a program, a monogrammed napkin, or even a place card as a personal momento.

So, stop the order for the customized Glass Coasters.

Spend your money on your favorite treats, and they will be a huge, personal hit with your guests!

Don't be THAT bride

Planning a wedding should be joyous, creative & exciting!
Not another 'job', filled with excess stress & loathing.

As a Bride, you must invest positive energy into the relationships you are building, whether with Family, Friends or Vendors.
Approach each interaction with the outcome in mind, infusing it with a 'happy' chip on your shoulder.

But, even with the best intentions, some level of stress will creep in.
Here are a few tips to reign it in......

Keep it in Perspective
There are many details & decisions to make surrounding your Big Day. Focus on the Big Picture.
Perfection is not realistic, and actually creates more panic, stress and moodiness.
Does it really matter if the napkins aren't the exact shade of pink you want? Do you have to serve a Signature Cocktail, and increase your bar bill by $500?

Focus on the atmosphere and feelings you want to share with your guests, not the itty bitty details that can drive you mad!

Humor Me
You've got to remember to laugh, and roll with the changes. There is no point in getting all huffy like a 3 year old, and throwing a tantrum.
Remember, your energy & verbage sets the tone for everyone. Do you want to have an enjoyable planning & actual day of wedding experience?
Then seek to enjoy each moment - it goes by so fast. Upon reflection, you'll laugh at all of the little things that happened, and wonder why you worried to begin with.

Control Freak
You cannot take on all the Wedding Day tasks. If you even try, I can guarantee you'll be crying in your champagne, or pouting in the ladies room.
Your wedding day will not be perfect. Didn't it feel good to hear that?
Seek out a few trusted friends or family members, and assign them a small list of tasks.

Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator. This will be the best money you ever spend! Why you ask? Well, because wedding details are like a second language to us. We can see the holes before they even appear. Troubleshooting is what we do, to make your experience seamless.

Honor Yourself
Schedule time to relax, and allow some alone time. Pampering appointments are always great - facials, massage - or maybe a Cocktail Hour with the girls?
Be sure to spend time NOT chatting about wedding planning - but keeping up with what is happening in others lives.
You want to nurture the relationship with self & friends.


Here's to Stylish Sanity!