5 Stress-Free Tips for Planning a Wedding or Event!!!

 Planning a Wedding or Event is so much fun! There are so many fun details. You have food, music, attire, stationery, transportation, decor, guests and so, so, so much more. However, thinking about all the many fun details can give anyone a big stressed out headache.

When planing a beautiful beyond dreams Wedding or Event you want to be sure you follow these 5 stress-free planning tips. These tips are simple to remember and will save you a lifetime of headaches throughout the process!! 

(Don't look like this on Wedding or Event Day! lol)

5 Stress-Free Tips for Planning a Wedding or Event!

#1: Remember Why!

#2: Make it Personal!

#3: Honesty is Healthy!

#4: Don't Invite the Country!

#5: Let It Go and Enjoy!

#1 Remember Why: Remember why you chose to have the Wedding or Event in the first place. Don't get so caught up in the "fancy" of planning that you forget why you are truly celebrating. This always brings you back down and allows you to enjoy and create fun planning memories.

#2 Make It Personal: Making it personal means adding YOU into your Wedding or Event. Allow guests to see your personality shine through. This is one definite way to make your special occasion unique and original. Whether it is customized stickers, drink or a special video, etc. Insert a part of you into your Wedding or Event that your guests can connect with!! **Customization does not always mean expensive, shop around!**

#3 Honesty Is Healthy: Be honest with yourself. If you cannot afford it, if you don't like him/her, if you know in your heart it is not right....DO NOT buy it, include him/her..don't do it! This is simple..happiness comes with honesty. Be honest about your budget and feelings when planning. Don't hold back, but don't be rude and obnoxious either. Just be honest with yourself and others and I guarantee you will feel calm throughout the process.

#4 Don't Invite the Country: Only invite who you actually want to invite. The more people you invite = the more money you will spend. Weddings are more money because that's their nature. However, the same goes for a great event. It costs money and it costs to have 100, 200, 300+ guests. Invite people you love. Take into consideration others feelings when inviting people. Take everything into consideration, don't invite the country and treat others how you want to be treated!

#5 Let It Go and Enjoy: Just let it go and truly enjoy the process! Hire a Wedding Planner or Event Planner if you know you don't handle organization well and really allow yourself to enjoy. On Wedding Day..just simply let it go. The day goes by too fast to breakdown about what wasn't. Same for Event Day..allow yourself to be the guest of honor and not the host/hostess! Dance, Eat, Laugh, Cry (tears of joy), jump in all the pics you can and just have a good time!!! 

--- BONUS TIP ---

**LAUGH**

Laughter is the best way to turn any stressful situation into a good memory!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

So there you go! I hope today's 5 Stress-Free Tips to follow when planning your Wedding or Event will help you to make your planning process stress-free!

Talk To Me:

Have you implemented any of these tips when planning a special occasion? Was this helpful in any way? Are you planning a Wedding or Event and want to share some stress-free planning tips that have worked for you? Leave a comment below for our readers!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and others!! :-D

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Book us at www.BeautifulBeyondDreams.com

Sincerely,

Are You "Networking!!" or "Netwatching??"

Photo taken by: Photographer Unknown

 Me at ABC's Southern New Jersey networking event taken place at DFX Sound Vision!

(I'm wearing the big yellow bag and orange skirt :-D)

I love networking! I love to network! But for those that don't and maybe those that do you may or may not know what it actually is. Networking in my book can be defined as stepping out of your comfort zone to get to know another person with the goal of doing business in the future. Again this is just my definition...if you would like a more defined one, Please Click Here! This post is related to networking events vs one-on-one networking meetings.

Now when attending a networking event for the first time it can be scary! (I know from experience) It is recommend that you bring someone with you (well my recommendation) so that you are more comfortable maneuvering around the room. (if you don't know how to "maneuver the room" I will provide some tips on a later post!) Whether in a pair or alone it is crucially important that you attempt to say hello to everyone. This hello can be a simple wave & big smile from across the room, it can be a hand shake & big smile making it more personal, or it can mean sitting down at a table and passing out a business card after a few minutes of conversation all while wearing a big smile! As you can see, smiling is important...why?? "Well because you look more charming when you smile and people remember and rather engage with a smiling person who looks friendly then a serious person"

If you are completing this task solo it may take you a little longer, like attending 2 or 3 more networking events longer, but that's okay! Bravery comes in steps so take baby steps if need be. Once you've attended you a few you begin to make friends and that's where the fun begins!! 

Photo taken by: Mogul Photography

My wedding planner colleagues enjoying some cocktails at the I Do Brunch, a relaxing networking event for Wedding Planners! (Amani, Deidre, Sharnell, Me, Stephanie & LaTonya.)

(I had a virgin cocktail..the bartender said I looked like a baby..lol)

Networking is powerful and can lead to many open doors later down the road. However, some people attend networking events and "netwatch". Well what is "netwatching" you ask?? Netwatching is when you watch others network! (it's that simple) Like said before attending these type of events can be scary but you will get nowhere if you come in: go to the bar to grab a drink, find a table and hope that someone will come say hi (which some"one" more than likely will) as you watch the others attending laugh and putting on their brave faces while walking around the room. As a netwatcher you've handed out 0-3 business cards when there is a room full of people and you leave more scared of networking then when you arrived! 

When netwatching you are not stepping out of your comfort zone, instead your more than likely hoping noone comes over to the big empty table (seated for 8 ppl, but it's just you and a large centerpiece) to say hello. Netwatching means that you probably haven't practiced what you would say if someone came over and I am probably sure many networkers don't do this either. None the less, practice makes perfect and makes you more confident! So practice what you want others to know about you and it will make you 100% more confident as you walk into a room full of newbies & professionals who are coming together to network. Mustard up the courage to go from table to table and simply start by introducing yourself and then smile! Smiling makes everyone more relaxed, so always remember to smile and give out your business card!

"As a netwatcher, your watching others get ahead. Don't be a netwatcher..be a networker!"

So I don't overwhelm you this will be broken down into a three part series of "Netwatching", "Networking", & "Tips on being a confident networker". This three part series will give you more insight on how to network and not netwatch.

This series starts Friday!! So make sure you check back in so you don't miss anything!! 

Until then ask yourself this question... 

"Am I Networking or Netwatching"??
Share your story below, it just may help someone!

Sincerely,

Intern Kelsi Share's: Pros & Cons of Having A Planner!

Definite Pros

Planning an event can easily become a full-time job when you’re doing it by yourself. It takes someone who is highly organized and has an arsenal full of plans A-Z and 1 through infinity for when things go wrong because any experienced planner knows that anything that can go wrong will. Helping their clients avoid disasters and the stresses of them is an event planner’s specialty.

• Most planners have great personalities, which is why they are able to connect well with their clients and actualize their clients’ visions. They can become friends and confidants for the duration of the planning process as well as during and after the event.

• When it comes to budget most planners are very meticulous when it comes to staying within the range of a desired budget.  A planner can also help to save their clients money because often times they know vendors that do great work and are reasonably-priced and they are usually good negotiators and can receive discounts. 

• Hiring a planner can be more affordable than most people believe that it is. Most planners will even tailor their prices to their clients’ budgets as not to go over their clients’ budget. Without a planner you can drive yourself crazy as an event approaches but planners help alleviate the stress on their clients. The results are: a stress free day, a successful event, and memories that will last a very long time. The benefits of having a planner are well worth the cost of hiring one. 

 Do your research and make sure that the planner you choose is a good fit for you and your event!

 .............................................................................................................

Possible Cons

There are a few possible negatives potential clients can run into when dealing with some event planners. 

•  The most obvious would be working with a planner who is very hard to reach. The success of any event depends highly on how readily available an event organizer can make themselves to: the needs of their clients, conflict resolution, touching base with vendors regularly, and being proactive. Without these things the success of an event can suffer irreparably.

• Design and style differences can also cause a rift in the client planner relationship. Planning events is already stressful enough but added tension like opposing concepts between the client and the planner can make it worse. Most planners will just go with the age old saying, “The customer is always right.” Making sure client suggestions can be met and will be aesthetically and logistically favorable to the event as a whole. Some headstrong planners may, with or without realizing what they’re doing; ignore a client’s desires completely. Regardless of whether the event turns flawless if a client comes out of it feeling like their expectations for the event were not met, then ultimately the event was not successful.

• When a planner receives benefits for using specific vendors it is called a kick back or an incentive. Receiving an incentive from a vendor is not a crime but may be a disservice to the planner’s clients. In any situation the planner should choose the vendor that best fits the client’s needs.

Great job Kelsi on sharing the Pros & Cons! Readers, share your experience with a planner! What were the pros & cons of having one? Do Tell!! 

Sincerely,

Intern Aimee Share's: What Do Planner's Do?

"What Do Planners Do" PowerPoint is a presentation that portrays the basic idea behind the responsibilities an event planner takes part in.   

The first slide, above, is a simple look at the goal of a wedding planner.  The goal of a wedding planner always is the same; the planner’s job is to help the client, host or hostess with the planning process.  Even though the goal of a wedding planner is always the same, the planner’s job is ever changing from event to event, wedding to wedding!!  This is what makes planning exciting and rewarding. :-)

  

The second slide that is shown above gives a sneak peak at a few of the key components to planning.  Budget is the most important component to the planning process.  A sounding board is a close second behind budget!  If the planner is not going to be supportive and listen to the clients wants and needs, than forget it, find another planner!!  Organization is third as one of the most important key components and knowing the trends as a planner is the fourth most important component.  The following slide goes into more detail with each key component that is listed above.  

• The first and foremost important key component is the budget. Without a budget the client, as well as the planner, will not know which vendors to choose or what options the client will have.  

• The second most important key component is the sounding board.  The planner needs to listen to the client’s budget, wants, needs, vision and ideas of their special day.  This is such an important component and goes hand in hand with the budget.  Knowing and listening to the budget is the first step to begin planning this special occasion.  

• The third key component is organization.  Organization goes a long way in the planning industry.  The planner must know and coordinate multiple schedules and appointments with themselves, clients and vendors.  This will assure a smooth process in decision making as well as the day of the event. 

•  The fourth crucial key components are trends.  Knowing trends within the industry will help the planner and client create a tasteful, up to date, color coordinated event.  It always helps if the planner is up to date with the most current trends in the wedding and event industry.  This can assist the client with a vision and/or ideas!

All four key components are so crucial throughout the entire planning process.  They go hand in hand with one another through each step and help all the ends meet to create a beautiful event and memories!  

Great job Aimee, very well said. Readers what else do Planner's do? Give your input as well!! :-D 

Sincerely,

The Blogging Mission!!

Hello my fellow bloggers, I am on a mission to become a semi-daily blogger! Which means, I will blog (to start) three days out of the week! Due to my new business office hours, I will blog on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday! 

The blog posts will consist of business related information, wedding & event related information, and just-because related information!  I am excited about this new tasks and have even put in place several ways I will successfully accomplish this task! I would love for your support in reading my blog and as you comment, leave your blog link so I can be sure to read yours too!!

This is the mission so I hope you enjoy!! 

Check back tomorrow for the first of many blogs!!

It Cost How Much! Part 1

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC focuses on the details and wants to create a look that will amaze your guests! No one will ever no how much you saved, because it will look like to spent a million bucks!

To give you an idea of what we can do, and this is just the top of the creative bag; keep reading below to see the first of two different looks and how much we spent! Each look has items that were brought and items that we already owned or found around the house. We like to think out of the box!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The first look we created was the Party Decor Look!

The thought process behind this look was bold colors but blending colors. As a planner I am always pulling from inspiration. This look was inspired by the plates! 

We brought 4 yellow designed plates, a set of silverware, & the linens; everything else we own & found around the house. 

The total cost of the Party Decor Look equaled: $13.50

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Photographer:

Shoot Me Chic Photography

Linens:

Table Top Fashions

Designer:

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC

Hope you enjoyed!! = )

It's a Trunk Show!

Hosted by: Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC
Featuring: Jamie’s Handmade Treasures & Patty Cakes Bake Shop

It’s an Open Invitation, all can attend

Grab your girls and come out on July 31st 2010!

You can dress casual from 6:00-8:00 in the evening

Free admission, food, & fun, there’s no better reason!

The Location, you will soon learn about

Save this Date, so you do not miss out!

:::::Participating Vendors:::::

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC
Creating Your Dream Event
w:www.beautifulbeyonddreams.com
Brittany Allen-Owner, Executive Planner
Camden, NJ


Jamie’s Handmade Treasures
Custom Gifts & Event Planning Services
w:www.jamieshandmadetreasures.com
Jamie Gilman-Owner, Designer
Franklinville, NJ


PattyCakes Bake Shop
Cakes-Cupcakes-Sweet Treats
w:www.pattycakesbakeshop.com
Patty DeGeorge- Owner
Haddonfield, NJ


:::::More Details:::::

**Jewelry Show by Jamie's Handmade Treasures
**Sweet Treats by PattyCakes Bake Shop
**Gift Certificate Giveaways by Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC

Light Appetizers, Candy Buffet, Raffle Tickets & More!!!


Stay tuned for the location! Mark your Calendars!!

Any questions, email Brittany Allen at BeautifulBeyondDreams@gmail.com
Subject: Trunk Show

Thank you,
Brittany Allen,
Executive Planner

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC
Creating Your Dream Event

D.I.Y Balloon Weights & Photo Shoot!

Hello Bloggers!

I had the opportunity to do the decor for a Black & White 40th Birthday Party this past Saturday (June 19, 2010). I wanted to add a little spice to it so I added Red to the Color Combo!

Below you will find the D.I.Y Balloon Weights I made and the D.I.Y Photo Shoot I created! Enjoy!

D.I.Y Balloon Weights

Materials: 1 bag of sand $5.00, 

100 3"x4" resealable clear bags $1.50

Total Price for 100 Balloon Weights $7.00

D.I.Y Photo Shoot

Materials: Red Fabric 13' x 9' $20.00, 

Black & White Leopard Print Fabric 15' x 5' $30.00, 

Clear Tape $2.00

Total for Photo Shoot Area $52.00

To view more pictures of the event, click here!

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed & were inspired to D.I.Y!

A Planner for Everyone!

Good Morning, My name is Brittany Allen and I am the owner of Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC!! I started this business so that couples who wanted to get married, but didn't have a lot to spend, could still have a stress free wedding day with the help of a Professional Wedding Planner! Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC as a company is new to the Wedding and Event Planning world, but Brittany Allen, is not! I have been apart of this industry for two years now and have truly learned and gain a lot of experience with weddings and events!!

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC caters to the client who has a small budget, but a big dream! SO you say..What's considered a small budget? When planning a Wedding I feel that a small budget is $10,000 or less. However no budget is too small!!

I am a very huge D.I.Y lover! I love to do D.I.Y because it's not only fun for me but it saves the client money!!! Planning a wedding and having a budget of $3000 is reasonable, especially in today's economic standing. Couples who are in love want to be married and who should stop them! Allow Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC show you how to spend your $3000 Wedding Budget Wisely!

Planning a successful wedding is a lot of work and that's why this world has thousands of Wedding and Event Planners! Having a wedding planner is crucial to a successful Wedding. Family and friends are helpful, but should not be running the wedding on the day of! Allow Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC to provide you with a stress free wedding day! When the client is happy we're happy!

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC is original because we truly cater to the client with a small budget. The Mission of Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC is to service those clients with a small budget who feel that they can not afford a Wedding Planner to help plan one of the biggest days of their life!
Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC also offers affordable packages for Celebrations, Events, just D.I.Y Service, Decor and Design Only...and more!!

Well, look no further! Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC works with all budgets and wants to work with you!! Call Brittany Allen today, 267-255-7392 to schedule your Free Initial Consultation!!

To learn more about the services offered please visit the other tabs on the website!

Sincerely,
Brittany Allen, CEO

Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC
Creating Your Dream Event!
w: www.BeautifulBeyondDreams.com
e: info@BeautifulBeyondDreams.com
p: 267-255-7392