04

Nov

Fabulous Escort Cards

General, weddings // No Comments

Well Hello All!

I have seriously been lacking in my blogging skills in the last few weeks and I am SO SORRY! We have had quite a few busy weeks here at Always Planned, meeting with fabulous brides, planning for so many more and of course a gorgeous Style Shoot thrown in there as well! I can’t complain though, this has been the best few months of my life and I can’t wait to be a part of the beautiful weddings we have already for next year!

On to more fabulous business, my topic of the day: ESCORT CARDS!!

Last week, I sat down to put the finishing touches on the place cards for our upcoming wedding and I just fell in love with the creativity that is our Scrabble place cards!! Escort cards, an escort card display and place cards are a fun way to create a cute party favor, add a little bit of your “couple style” in the details or tell a cute story!

If you have considered having a seating chart for your wedding, think about the things that mean the most to you and your man! For instance, one of our wonderful grooms proposed using Scrabble tiles! Rayna worked her creative magic and now, 115(ish) place cards later, we have a fabulous Escort Card Scrabble board and a place setting, personalized for each guest that they can keep as a momento of that special day! For another one of our beautiful brides, travel and planes in particular hold a special meaning in her heart and we are going to have fabulous vintage 3D planes for her escort card table!

The sky is (literally) the limit! I can’t stress enough that your wedding day is meant to be a glimpse into the love that you two share, a way for you to show your family what your lives together will be forevermore! While traditions and the “norm” can sometimes cloud our decisions, it can be so meaningful and special to come up with some fun ways to incorporate yourselves into your day, even in the smallest details! It’s all about you all!

Happy Planning!

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Are you or someone you know interested in our Fall Intern Program?  This could be the opportunity you have been waiting for.  By joining our dynamic team you could advance your career, earn college credit or gain experience in an industry with amazing advantages, even more amazing people and be involved in some of the areas most stylish and unique events.  It’s not all fun and games.  We work, we work hard, and as a intern you will have to do the not so fun stuff like organizing, filing, making calls and shopping.  Somehow we always seem to work in the shopping angle!

As a current intern, I can tell you that there is no better job out there! Don’t be fooled though, all of the fun that we have is only met with working five times as hard! We play hard but work HARDER! Rayna and Mallory are absolutely amazing to work for and it is the most incredible job! Be prepared to have lots of fun but also expect the unexpected and be willing to put in the effort it takes to create such fabulous events!

If you apply, here are some important details:

  • Do not call or send an inquiry via our website.  Clients and vendors call me and potential clients submit an inquiry on the site.  If you want to be associated with Always Planned you must MAIL OR EMAIL Rayna your cover letter and your resume. No exception.
  • This is a NON-Paid position.  It is best suited for someone working towards a college degree and who will receive credit for the hours or for someone wanting to break into the wedding/event field.
  • You MUST be fun, energetic, organized, detail oriented, creative and patient.  If this is not you- please look into other intern opportunities.

Please send your resume and a short note to Rayna at rayna@alwaysplanned.com.  Always Planned is a great company to work for and we look forward to meeting you soon!

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11

Sep

My First!!!

General, weddings // No Comments

It’s official! The “interns” have officially passed the first milestone, Our First Wedding!!! Thank you so much to Angela and Logan for letting us be a part of their beautiful day!

I was so excited to get up early and go visit with the girls while they got their hair done by Sarah at The Color Room. The girls each got to pick their own looks and they all looked so beautiful!! Getting to know the girls through inside jokes and sweet stories in the morning was the perfect way to start the day.

We were all ready to rock when we arrived at Headley Whitney for the ceremony and reception. I have never felt such a beautiful, crazy rush as when the clouds started to sprinkle on us right before the ceremony and we found out we had a few extra guests come then planned. But leave it to the “A(P) Team” to seamlessly glide through each little hiccup as if it never happened. Umbrellas were on hand until the clouds parted just as the grandparents took their seats and the extra tables and place settings were added with flawless execution! What else would you expect when you put two teams like Always Planned and South Van Events together! Sam and his crew are always exceptional and yesterday was no different!

I am so blessed to get to work with these Crazy, Amazingly Wonderful ladies: Rayna, Mallory and Shelby! This had to have been the best “first wedding” I could have ever imagined!

Thank you so much to Angela and Logan again and to everyone who participated and contributed to such a beautiful wedding!

Happy Planning! Love Always!

 

 

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Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Just wanted to update you all about Simply Love Studio’s Bridal Benchmark Series that is beginning NEXT WEEK, Wednesday, September 14th!!! Many of you already may know, but Simply Love Studio is an incredible complimentary resource for any bride who may need help finding a vendor, venue or just about anything else to make your wedding fabulous! Bridal Benchmark Series is a 6-Week Complimentary Educational Series for Brides! Each event will prep you for your upcoming day and give you a chance to meet vendors and find new resources for your big day! Many of our highly recommended, talented vendors will be here to answer questions for you and show you what they are made of!

Oh and did I mention there are PRIZES involved?!?

There will be weekly prizes at each individual event but for Brides who attend all 6 evenings, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $1250 floral credit for your wedding from A Perfect Posy! How much better can it get?!

The girls here at Simply Love Studio and Always Planned would LOVE to invite you to come out, enjoy yourselves and hopefully find some great resources for your wedding!

Click on the Picture Above and it will take you straight to the Facebook Event Page where you can RSVP and contact us about the event!

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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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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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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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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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