I have a new found love!  Paper!  Most of you know I am a recycling diva wanna-be.    For the most part, any paper that I toss gets recycled (I am not so kind to plastic but I am working on that).  While I love flowers probably more than most girls, I am always trying to save my clients some hard earned cash and all of the beautiful flowers can be expensive. So, while in search for some cheaper centerpiece alternatives to flowers, I came across these amazing centerpiece ideas done with paper.  I am completely envisioning an entire reception site done in these beautiful centerpieces.  The paper lanterns for a more romantic feel and the large flower centerpieces for the modern trendy gal.

I plan to play around with some paper when I find some free time.  I will definitely post some pictures of my finished projects.  In the mean time check out these stunning designs! 

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Living in Kentucky sometimes makes you feel as if your fairytale ending is out of reach.   Well look out all you princess wanna-be’s – the infamous Kentucky Castle (Castlepost) is about to open and you can have your fairytale wedding on the grounds, for a fee of course.  I can imagine that every little girl (young and old) has dreamed of being a princess.

Wait no more- according to their website the castle will be up and running by late fall 2008.  The price tag?  A mere $25,000 for a 24hr rental and $50,000 for a 3 day weekend, for the first floor which includes ballroom, great hall and dining room.  Private guest rooms are available for $1,000 per room, per night.   The castle will be limited to one party or charitable event per month and musical entertainment must be kept inside the residence.  There are 16 guest rooms and 21 bathrooms.

Be sure to contact us before you start planning, something this grand would need the best in the business!

Imagine your next event in the middle of Bluegrass Country at a stunning vineyard and winery.  Talon Winery is the perfect location for any event – from corporate galas to intimate dinners as well as outdoor weddings and fabulous receptions.

No restrictions on caterers and fantastic wines make Talon the place for your event.  There are several options for your venue.  The large 4500 sq. ft. Barrel Barn is great for large groups up to 250, and includes tables and chairs for 136, a small kitchen for prep-work, dressing area, beautiful pond area and twinkle-lit dance floor add to the atmosphere.  The Moondance Gazebo overlooks the lush acres of the bluegrass and is close to the tasting room.

Talon has hosted many events and even have several of their own.  Their Summer Concert Series has become the hit of the town.  On Sunday September 28, 2008 visit them for Jazz on the Back Porch, featuring the smooth jazz sounds of Mark Gardner.  This free event is perfect for a romantic picnic with your favorite bottle of Talon Wine (my personal fav is the Bluegrass Blush).

Summer travel season is over and the holiday travel season will be here before you know it.  For your next long weekend, family vacation, girl trip or even your honeymoon, travel in style with this hot luggage set.  Pottery Barn has some fun and unique things for your home and entertaining, not to mention this rockin luggage.

If you order it- why not order two… I know a certain event/wedding planner who would just love this! 

Choosing your reception site isn’t as easy as you might think.  Most couples have never previously rented a commercial facility.  With that in mind, here are some of the questions the staff at Smart Wedding Planning recommend you ask when planning and ultimately choosing a wedding reception site.

• How much will it cost to use the site?
• What are the deposit requirements?
• What are the conditions of cancellation?
• Is there a payment schedule or plan?
• Is there a reception package?
• If there is, how much does it cost?
• What is included and what is not included?
• What “extras” cost how much?
• How long can I have the site?
• Is there a minimum?
• Is there an overtime fee?
• What is the overtime fee?
• Is your party the only party? Or is there one before or after?
• If there is, will there be sufficient time to clean, prepare, and redecorate the site?
• Does the site provide liability insurance and what does it cover?
• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of approved or preferred caterers?
• Can you choose your own caterer?
• Do they recommend a caterer, one caterer over another? Why?
• Are tables and chairs included in the rental of the facility?
• Are plates, glasses, and other set-ups included or available when you rent the site?
• Are there on-site kitchen facilities available?
• What are the decoration guidelines and/or restrictions?
• When can you have access to the site to start decorations?
• Will someone from the facility be on-site at all times?
• Does the site have a liquor license and a bar?
• Can you hire your own beverage services, if not?
• Is additional “liquor liability” insurance required?
• Do they have any recommended or preferred insurance carriers?
• Are there any restrictions on when the bar is open (when liquor must stop being served)?
• What are the restroom facilities?
• Is there a coatroom available and is it attended or can you setup your own?
• Are there any restrictions on entertainment or music?
• When must the entertainment or music end? Are there any restrictions?
• Is there parking available? Is it free?
• Are valets available and at what cost?
• Do you have onsite security and is it included in the cost?
• Will you have to hire your own onsite security?

Rarely does Michael’s craft stores have an additional discount on top of sale prices.  This is a great find!  But hurry- coupon expires at closing tomorrow.  Don’t forget to think about all of your invitation, flower, centerpiece, aisle runner, cake topper, veil, rose petal, bouquet, and wedding favor needs!

Here it is!  25% Off coupon

I am sure most of you already know about Vistaprint.com. I found it a couple of years ago and have been an avid follower ever since.

Andrew and I recently moved into our new house and I wanted to send some nice, inexpensive note-cards to inform people of our new address. Vistaprint to the rescue! They are almost always having a sale and have a ton of great new designs. I have used them for business cards, custom pocket folders and various sizes of postcards. For the most part I have been impressed. I have started using a difference print company for my business cards and brochures – but for an inexpensive price and decent quality you too can use Vistaprint.com.

I found some cute save-the-date cards and party invites. There ever-expanding list of product offerings is impressive; check them out for marketing materials, stationary, magnets, sticky-notes, pens, flyers, signs and more. They also let you send in your custom designs.

Photo Credits: The Knot

At Always Planned we cater to the bride who wants to stand out – in a stylish, sophisticated and sexy way while still keeping that romantic edge.  We all know that the wedding gown sets the tone for the entire event.  A simple elegant sheath dress can be is a great gown for several styles, a full skirted ballgown if you are looking for your Cinderella slipper and a short modern mini for the hip, modern and trendy affair.

Every event is different. Meaning what you may wear to your cousin’s black tie affair, would not be the same thing you would wear to your friend’s relaxed outdoor BBQ reception. Here is a handy guide to help you out when the wedding invites become overwhelming. Keep this handy throughout the year and use it for any type of invitation you may receive. Holiday parties and corporate functions have the same guidelines.

“White Tie” This is the most formal of dress codes – think Oscars!

• Your Man should wear a tuxedo with tails, vest and a bow-tie, of course dress shoes are expected.

• This is the time for you to break out the floor length ball gown, glamorous makeup, hair and dramatic jewelry.

“Black Tie” Usually an evening affair.

• He should wear a tuxedo, black bow-tie, cummerbund and patent leather shoes are suggested.
• A chic cocktail dress or long evening gown, and you will fit right in.

“Formal” or “Black Tie Optional” Slightly less formal than black tie.

• A tuxedo is not required, but he should wear a dark suit.
• A cocktail length dress or dressy suit is suggested, find those adorable new heels you just bought;).

“Semi-Formal” or “Dressy Casual” Depends on time of event.

• For him- a suit and tie, color depending on season and time of day.
• A cocktail dress or dressy skirt and top for her.

“Beach Formal” Elegant beach wedding. (Ok, even though we live in KY you may still get invited to a beach wedding.)

• A summer suit, linen suit, khakis and sandals are all ok.
• A formal summer sundress at tea or knee length with flat sandals work best for the ladies.

“Casual” Anything Goes!

• We suggest, dress pants with a button-down short or polo for him.
• Summer sundress or a skirt and nice top with flats for her.

If the invite you receive does not specify a dress code, then go by the style of invitation. If you receive a formal ivory and foil invitation you can assume semi-formal, if you receive a fun colorful invite to an afternoon event then assume casual. In any case, if you are unsure- just ask the host or hostess. I am sure they would not mind informing you of the preferred attire, and you will not fell uncomfortable if under-dressed.

My general rule? Wear a simple solid dress with fun shoes and jewelry. If you feel “over the top”, then switch to cute bright flats (hidden in your car/purse/etc.) and all of a sudden you are not so dressed up. In any case have fun and look fabulous at your next event!

I love anniversary celebrations! This one is extra-special to me — it is the celebration of my parents! The joy and emotion that a family share from the many memories throughout the years can be overwhelming. I feel very privileged to be a part of a family with such a unique bond, especially after 30 years of marriage. I cannot tell you both enough how much I appreciate you! Thank you for your inspiration, dedication and never-ending love. I hope Andrew and I are as happy as you are in 30+ years.

Now about the party!

Andrew and I, along with my brother Nick and sister-in-law Dana, hosted the event. We wanted something elegant, romantic and simple. Nick did a beautiful slideshow that was the hit of the party and I added simple touches such as the guest book filled with original wedding pictures and elegant floral arrangements. We promised not to get emotional during our speeches, but both of us had tears in our eyes before we said one word. Everyone danced to the music, laughed at the slideshow and smiled at the memories. The nights theme: A Salute to the Past and A Toast to the Future. May you have another 50 years of happiness!

Congrats Mom and Dad!

Vendors

• Venue – Thomas Hunt Morgan House
• Florist – Always Planned
• Cake – Tinker’s Cakes
• Photographer – Shaun Ring Photography
• Caterer – Self-catered
• Event Coordinator – Always Planned

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