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

Read full post

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

Read full post

It is so nice to hear of someone doing a good thing.  It is especially nice to hear of a company doing a good thing, even when our economy is in a recession.   I had already been impressed with The Ritz-Carlton family of Hotels and Resorts, but when I recently heard of their generous donation I just had to spead the word.  The Ritz-Carlton’s “Vow to Help Others” program enables couples hosting their wedding reception at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Resort to donate five percent (5%) of the total food revenue from their wedding to a charity of their choice AND to The Ritz-Carlton’s Community Footprints Fund (For wedding events booked prior to December 31, 2009 – taking place prior to December 31, 2010).

The Ritz-Carlton has long been supporting the communities around them with their Community Footprints Fund.  The money they donate focuses on Hunger and Poverty Relief, Well-being of Disadantaged Children and Environmental Conservation.   Last year alone they donated over $7.4 million in products and services to charitable organizations as well as over 40,000 hours of volunteer work.

I hope you are considering The Ritz-Carton for your wedding celebration, next vacation or business trip.  Their extraordinary service, gold standards and community envolvement is reason enough – but now that you know the Ritz-Carlton is doing more for the communities around them I know they will become the first choice for all of your travel and celebration needs.

The Ritz-Carlton has many locations throughout the US, Cananda, Mexico, Carribbean, Asia, South America, Europe and in the Middle East. (Wouldn’t it be great to visit each one — with over 80 different locations it could take a while!)  Just another reason to add it to my LOVE-IT folder!

Side-note:  Andrew did mention Hawaii last week… ;)

Read full post

30

Dec

COLOR! Love-it!

General // No Comments

Most of you may already know that I love color!  Lately I have been into neutrals, but these fabulous blogs bring me out of my state of boredom and into a color overload.  My all-time favorite color is Turqouise (and most other shades of blue).  You may be redecorating, re-arranging, planning an event or wedding or just simply looking for something in a certain color.  Whatever reason you may have – you simply must check out these colorific blogs!  Already added to my Love-it folder!

Read full post

You already know that Always Planned can design and plan the wedding and reception of your dreams- why stop there?  We can now assist you with your fabulous All-inclusive Sandals or Beaches Resort Wedding or Honeymoon!

How does an entire week surrounded by lush landscape, breathtaking ocean views, your very own private pool and a personal butler to take care of your every desire sound?  Add to that unlimited meals at fine restaurants, all the alcoholic drinks you can handle , unlimited golf, scuba and so much more.  Another perk is being able to leave your wallet in the room, all of your gratuities and taxes are already included.

It’s easy to book your fabulous honeymoon.  Either click on one of the many links on our website, email us your details or call us and we can make all of the arrangements.  Even if you are not using our consulting services for your event, we are delighted to help you plan your amazing honeymoon.

So click, call or email us today!

Read full post

At the most recent KY Meeting of the Association of Bridal Consultants I had the pleasure of visiting the 21C Museum Hotel in Louisville, KY.

This boutique property is part of the 9,000-square-foot 21c Museum, which showcases modern works from established and emerging artists. The lobby alone doubles as a 5,000 sq. ft. gallery, and one of the hotel’s signature features is a group of 40 giant red penguins the staff moves around the property. And these aren’t just any old penguins—they are part of a collection commissioned for the 2005 Venice Biennial. The penguins were everywhere, in the guest rooms, event space and even the bathroom.  Oh did I even mention the stylish bathrooms – ranked 2nd best in the nation!  This amazing place was even ranked 16th in Conde Nast Traveler in the Reader’s Choice Awards.  You really MUST see this place for yourself, with the everchanging art gallery, the yummy food and unique atmosphere it is hard to believe you are in Louisville, KY.

Here are some additional details from their website.

For sales inquiries related to Group Room Booking, please call us at (502) 217-6300. To inquire about space or your next event contact Banquets/Catering Department at 502-217-6312.

Facilities

  • More than 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space
  • 7 meeting rooms
  • Board Room with 42″ flat screen for presentations
  • Contemporary art museum galleries available with agreement from 21c Museum Foundation
  • Catering by Proof on Main

Business Services

  • Full service 24-hour business center
  • State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment
  • Hard-wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, complimentary
  • Professional catering & meeting services
  • Mail and package services
Read full post