Ok, so not the entire Always Planned team but the majority of us are headed to Chicago! Rayna, Mallory and Amber are going to the National Bridal Market and what a fab time we are going to have! We leave Friday March 27 and will return Tuesday March 31. Sorry in advance for any delay in communication. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
This year is my year to travel. In February, Andrew and I went to Orlando and had such a great time! Now in the midst of wedding season we are headed to Mexico. Our 4 year anniversary is May 22 and we have a fabulous wedding on May 23 then we leave on May 24. Wow! We are going to be exhausted! No worries, we will be in Peurto Vallarta by 1pm and be relaxing on the beautiful beach.
There are some amazing deals on vacations right now – maybe a trip before your wedding with the girls, with your honey or by yourself… Hey I would also love a honeymoon to Mexico!
So we are going to the all-inclusive resort of Dream Peurto Vallarta. This will be the nicest trip since our honeymoon (we went to Belize!!!) as far as drenched in sun and fabulous service. I do adore amazing service. 
Now I just have to get my passport updated…
Spring is finally here!! I am sitting in my office with the windows open (ahhhh!) and the scent of spring in the air. I just adore spring for oh so many reasons. One reason is that Dogwoods are in bloom! One of the ever so present signs of SPRING! Kentucky weather in the spring can be a hit or miss and for today it was a total hit!
Dogwood in the spring can be an inexpensive choice for your wedding decor. I just love using one flower/tree for all of your decor. Here are some fabulous examples. You can carry this through starting with your invitations and on to your cake.. and so on. Adding this to my Love-it!! File!
When planning a wedding on a budget you must be a little more creative. Not a problem. Other than food your music and photography can really take up a big portion of your budget. So here it goes.
You will never hear me say that photography is something you can skimp on. I am a huge photography snob! haha (ok, so I think every vendor is incredibly important!) For our budget wedding we are using Mary Lashbrook. While Mary has more expensive packages her package #2 for $1,600 is perfect for this budget bride. I have been impressed with Mary Lashbrook for a long time and any bride should be thrilled to use her!!
Photography ; $1,600
Next on the list is music. This one is fairly easy. Since our bride is doing a non-traditional reception she can forgo some of the formalities and since our ceremony and reception are in the same location we are able to use one vendor for both. Something light, romantic and elegant. String Trio. (We have several that we suggest- give us a call for contact info).
String Trio – $650
Remaining Budget: $2,125
This week we are discussing invitations for our $10,000 budget wedding. I know it has been a little while since our last budget wedding post so in case you forgot our Remaining Budget is: $5,539
We have covered the bride and groom’s attire, the linens, tables, chairs and food. We still have some big ticket items left. So lets get moving.
Invitations – your wedding invitations can be as elaborate as you want or as simple. The key is that they dictate the overall style of your event. Since our wedding is simple garden elegance and a brunch at that we need nothing more than a simply elegant invitation.
To continue with our garden theme and the colors we have chosen the Climbing Sunflowers invitation from Anne’s Bridal Bargins.
100 invites, with lined envelopes and rsvp cards all printed with return addresses – $164
Decor:
Flowers are the most often used centerpieces, however non-floral centerpieces are becoming incredibly popular. Since we are going with a summer garden theme in KY it is only fitting that we use flowers. So here are our centerpieces. A collection of roses, delphinium, sweat pea and greenery. 8 guest tables and 1 larger arrangement in a similar style for the buffet.
Floral arrangements done by Always Planned!
Total cost of reception decor: $750
Ceremony decor to consist of rose petal aisle and two large arrangements – total cost $250
Remaining Budget: $4,375
My darling husband and I go to brunch almost every Sunday morning. It has become a wonderful tradition that I adore. Most of the time we meet up with friends at Cracker Barrel – who can resist their french toast?? Other times we look for new places or at least someplace new to us. Yesterday Andrew and I headed off to the Holly Hill Inn. While this fabulous place is not so new, we had never been there and had to give it a try. WOW! The atmosphere was so relaxing and romantic the staff very attentive and the food totally delish. Here are the details of our meal:
Brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday 11:00am-2:00pm and reservations are suggested. Brunch consists of 3 yummy courses! The menu is listed on their site, but had changed just a bit for our visit.
1st course: Andrew had Orange Brulee and I had the Pineapple Brulee. Super-yum! A small serving (but satisfying) of each while I enjoyed a cup of coffee.
2nd course: Andrew decided on the Waterwork Omlet with local eggs, KY sausage, peppers onions and white chedder cheese. He raved and raved!! I had one of the specials – an omlet with fresh tomatoes, basil and cheese. It tasted so healthy and nutritious. Our sides were their hasbrown casserole and grilled veggie medley. Everything was so very tastey.
3rd course: My favorite course of any meal! Dessert!! Andrew ordered the apple crisp and I choose the bread pudding. Both were fantastic!! I have to admit that I recently became a bread pudding fan after my deluxe tasting with Shaun’s Custom Catering and now I am addicted….
We were so excited to be there that we did not think to take pictures of this fabulous meal… guess we have to go back. What a shame.
On a side note- Holly Hill Inn is also a venue! YEAH! Perfect for company gatherings, intimate dinners, weddings, rehearsal dinners and event wedding and baby showers. I think I see the 2009 AP holiday event happening in one of their lovely rooms.
They also host a wide variety of events throughout the year. Wine tastings and holiday brunches fill up fast so make reservations early. Just another reason to add it to our Love-it! file.
Have I mentioned that I love to play dress up? Like every girly girl, I adore getting all dolled up – and The Wedding Center, Tres Chic Boutique and Salon Plaza is the perfect place to play dress up! They have something for every budget and every kind of party you can imagine, you can even get your hair and makeup done on site!
Here are some details about the selections they offer:
Pageant -Gowns and Pageant Coaching, Wardrobe Consultation, Hair and Cosmetic Analysis, Youth/ Teen Pageant Couture, On Site Hair and Cosmetics, as well as Finishing Classes.
PROM – I will not go into my prom fiasco (way back in the day), but the stunning gown selection will be sure to WOW your date and pretty much anyone that will see you.
Bonus info: “Tres Chic Trade-In Program”
Beginning March 14th , prom girls can bring in one gently worn Prom gown no older than 2 years and receive $100.00 off their new purchase of a 2009 Prom Gown!
Derby/Special Occasion -FUN, FUN, FUN!
Bonus Info: You can seriously wear the same designers that the stars are wearing on Dancing With The Stars, America’s Next Top Model, The Emmy’s, Oscar’s and more! Check out such names as Dalia, Mac Dougal Couture, Envi Designs and the new woman’s line Fabulouss!!
Bridal – For the most fabulous day of your life you should wear the most fabulous gown and accessories. That is why you MUST go to The Wedding Center. They have something for every bride, it doesn’t matter what your budget it, your size is or your style is. They also have tuxes, bridesmaids and mothers gowns.
Bonus Info: No time to place a special order? No worries, you can even purchase a gown off the rack.
I honestly could go on and on…. but I think you should just check them out for yourself. This weekend is the perfect time!
Available starting tomorrow Thursday March 12th through Sunday March 15th Justin Alexander Couture Bridal Trunk Show – including the lavish fabrics and unique designs of the 2009 spring collection.
Important Info:
- 258 Plaza Drive, at the intersection of Southland Drive & Regency Road
- Hours are Monday to Thursday 12 to 7
- Friday and Saturday 10 to 5
- Sunday 1 to 5
- Please call for an appointment. 859.278.3765
- www.theweddingcenterinc.com
If your event is coming up soon you may want to go ahead and send out your invites. Postage will be increased from .42 cents to .44 cents on May 11, 2009. I know it is not a huge increase but in this economy every dollar counts.
OK, I try not to do a big ol’ sales pitch on my blog, that’s not why I have one. BUT- I am just oh so excited about my new advertisements in Ace Weekly! Designed by Alberto Gomez with Smudge Graphic Design.
We LOVE Ace Weekly and think you should definitely check it out if you don’t already. This ad is in their latest issue and features three fabulous weddings from 2008.
From left to right- Lyndsay and Eric (photo by Mary Lashbrook), Mary and Billy (photo by Clay Jackson), Mary and Billy (photo by Clay Jackson), Lyndsay and Eric (photo by Mary Lashbrook) and last but not least from the wedding of Melanie and Omar – the fun groom and his groomsmen (photo by Zoombug Photos).
Our second advertisement will be in the next issue of Ace Weekly and features a few fun photos from various events in 2008.
Top Left: Rayna Ortwein (photo by Shaun Ring)
Bottom Right: Photos by Clay Jackson, Rebecca Ruth and Zoombug
So if you’re planning a corporate event, fundraiser, private celebration or a fabulous wedding – be sure to give us a call. We take your event and make it an experience!