03

Jul

The Wedding of Erin and Greg!

Uncategorized // No Comments

What a fantastic year for Always Planned!  Two wedding where we get to work with the amazingly talented ladies at Angela Anderson Photography!

Erin and Greg were married at the beautiful Barn at  Talon Winery in Lexington, KY on Thursday June 17, 2010 and it was hot!  Hot as in temperature and in style. :) Her florist Jeanie Gorrell did an amazing job with the flowers and Lundy’s Special Events did all of her linens and catering.  The food was amazing!

Erin was such a fun and relaxed bride who was ready to have a great time and get married. The pictures are beautiful!!  See for yourself!   Check out the full blog post over at www.Angela-Blog.com

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17

Mar

Budget Weddings, Invitations and decor- $10,000

weddings // No Comments

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

centerpiece

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11

Mar

The Wedding Center – Vendor Spotlight!

vendors // No Comments

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!

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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
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11

Jan

What a fantastic bridal show!

vendors, weddings // No Comments

We wanted to say “HI” to all of the fabulous brides we met today at the Bridal Potpourri Bridal Show at Embassy Suites in Lexington, KY.  It was a very busy day and we are super-excited about the upcoming consults we have scheduled.  If you were unable to book a free consultation today while at the bridal show, then be sure to call or email us soon.  Our 2009 and 2010 calendars are filling up fast!  While we would love to work with all of you fabulous brides out there – however, we do limit the number of weddings we do annually.

If you did not catch us at this show, then be sure to stop by our booth on Feb. 22 at the Culumas Bridal Fair downtown Lexington.

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28

Dec

Happy Holidays!

Corporate, General, vendors, weddings // No Comments

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday and are looking forward to the new year.  Here at Always Planned we are very excited about 2009 and the many fabulous events we already have planned.  Here is a list of our upcoming events and for the new year.

2009 Central KY Bridal Shows to see Always Planned.  (Stop by and check out our fabulous booth!)

  • January 11, 2009 –  Bridal Potpourri Bridal Show, Embassy Suites Lexington, KY
  • February 22, 2009 –  Cumulus Bridal Show, The Lexington Center Lexington, KY
  • August 9, 2009 –  The Diamond Event; Sponsored by Always Planned, CastlePost Versailles KY

2009 WEDDINGS!

  • February 7
  • April 18
  • May 16
  • May 23
  • July 25
  • September 1
  • October 17

Other 2009 Events!

  • March 28-31  –  Chicago Bridal Market
  • April 6,7,8 — Eventology Conference
  • July 4  –  30th Birthday Celebration
  • July 11  –  Annual Reunion Celebration
  • October 31  –  Annual Halloween Costume Party
  • November 6-9  –  Annual Hen Party Celebration

As you can see our calendar is full of exciting events, and we look forward to working with you on your next corporate event, celebration, reunion or the most fabulous wedding. Call today to schedule your free consultation!

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12

Dec

Vendor Etiquette

Corporate, vendors, weddings // No Comments

Your fabulous wedding would not be as fabulous if your caterer showed up late, your photographer was hungry and grumpy or your band showed up unprepared.  You have worked very hard to make sure you selected the perfect vendors for your style and budget.  The most important thing you can do for your vendors is treat them with respect.  Here are some simple guidelines we live by when it comes to vendors.  If you do not have a bridal consultant or wedding planner then delegate someone to handle all of the needs your vendor may have.

  • Feed your vendors.  While it is not necessary to feed them the $60pp filet or salmon it is standard to provide food for your vendors. Also, be sure to provide drinks for your vendors (no alcohol necessary, but water, tea or soda is nice).
  • Talk with your vendors.  Your wedding takes months to plan, and sometimes years.  Having the right vendors makes all of the difference, but you still have to inform your vendors.  Make a list of songs to play, photos to capture and serving rules.  You get the idea.
  • Gift your vendors.  This may sound like a crazy idea- but why not include your vendor in the festivities.  Wedding vendors sometimes have 40-50 weddings a year, make yours standout by giving your vendor the same favor given to your guests or if there is a vendor you have make a connection with be sure to show it.  As a vendor I can say that even the smallest gifts mean so much.  One of my favorite brides gave me a beautiful broach that matched her dress- I will always treasure it.
  • Thank your vendors.  Be sure to send a Thank You note to your vendors.  I know that as a new bride you have so many people to thank, but everyone raved about the cake, the DJ, the organization of your bridal consultant, etc it is only standard to send a handwritten thank you note.

There you have it.  Seriously it takes so little to say “Thank You” to your vendors and trust me- they appreciate it and it will show during your event.

Of course the best compliment is a referral.  Wedding and event vendors thrive on word of mouth advertising and sometimes it is the only form of advertising they have. That’s why I am adding this to my Love-It!! folder.

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25

Nov

Why hire a wedding planner?

General, vendors // No Comments

Brides seem to come in two catagories.  Those who “know” they need a wedding coordinator/planner/consultant and those who think they don’t.

Of course it is my opinion that every bride needs a consultant, at the very least a month-of-coordinator.  Why?  Well, let’s go over a few different scenarios.

1.)  Your location (venue) provides a “free” coordinator?  This is the most common misconception.  The “free” or “included in your room fee” coordinator is great to have, and as a bridal consultant they can be a huge help.  BUT, you need to understand that this person is usually just responsible for getting you and your bridal party down the aisle.

He/She will probably not sit out your favors, centerpieces, candles, etc. nor will this person fix your hair if it falls, get out the red lipstick that fell onto your dress, they will not steam your flowergirls dress or make sure you have something to eat/drink before get sick from nerves.  This person is probably not going to “fix” the groom’s tux when the sleeves are too short/long or make sure he has a hankerchif for when a tear comes to your eye.  There are several things that a location provided coordinator is not responsible for.  Consider this when you are making arrangements for your beautiful wedding day.

2.)  Your Mom/Sister/friend said she would LOVE to help you out that day!  This is the worst scenario.  While it is incredibly nice of this person to offer to assist, it is definitly not fair to them.  Your Mother/Sister/Friend should be able to relax and enjoy the event like any other guest.  If you really want to show appreciation for someone- do not give them a list of things to do before/after the wedding and reception.  I promise they will feel appreciated if you have hired someone to take care of everything.

3.)  Your budget does not allow for the luxury of a bridal consultant.  There is often a misconception that a wedding planner or bridal consultant will cost way too much.  While there are many different ranges of pricing out there, a professional bridal consultant will actually save you money.  I know, it is hard to believe, but it is true.  Some ways they are able to save are through discounts from preferred vendors, crafty ideas and creativity, understanding the market and making suggestions to help you choose the right menu, flowers and venue as well as by providing various decor items.

Your wedding should be an enjoyable experience.  From the inital engagement to the first dance, an excellent bridal consultant or wedding planner will make those moments and memories an amazing experience to remember.

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17

Nov

Your Honeymoon

General // 1 Comment

For as much as we love weddings – we absolutely adore honeymoons!

Your honeymoon should be a relaxing time to reconnect with your new spouse.  Weddings become stressful very fast and the rush of emotions can be draining of your energy.  Of course this does not hit you until after your fabulous wedding and reception is over.  So be sure to plan ahead.  Most couples choose a relaxing and exotic beach honeymoon destination while others choose a romantic retreat in the mountains.  Whatever location you choose make sure you allow for some down time.  Lazy days in with room service is what a honeymoon is all about, and be sure to schedule some special treats at a local spa.

You will take many vacations together after your wedding but you really only get one honeymoon. ;)   Make the memories count and splurge on some of the things you really want to do.

Here are some items you need to have in your luggage for a perfect honeymoon.

  • Extra Cash – Small bills for tips
  • Sunblock and Aloe Vera
  • Photocopies of important documents (passport, license, ID, medical records)
  • Contact list of important numbers
  • A small first-aid kit that contains:
    * Insect repellent (and anti-itch cream for the bugs that break through)
    * Band-Aids
    * Aspirin, Advil
    * Antacid
    * Antihistamine
    * Diarrhea medicine
    * Motion sickness medicine
    * Tampons/pads (besides the expense, they can be hard to find outside the US)
  • Lingerie, massage oils, candles and matches
  • Comfortable clothes and shoes
  • Bikini, Trunks, Beach towels, flip-flops and sunglasses
  • Personal Hygiene Items

Oh and leave some room in your luggage for souvenirs!

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