ShareThis

Showing posts with label UrDreamPlanners Wednesday Knowledge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UrDreamPlanners Wednesday Knowledge. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Personalize your Wedding or Event!

Personalization is what makes a Wedding & Event stand out and be different! When I think of the ways to personalize a special occasion, so many ideas come to mind. However, there is 1 simple way to personalize your Wedding or Event. 

Put Your Name On It!


Adding your name on any aspect of your Wedding or Event will automatically personalize it and make it unique to your special occasion. 



Use a special font that fits in with your theme and to help set the tone! 
 

Make It Personal!

 
Talk To Me:
Do you like personalization? In what ways did you/will you personalize your Wedding or Event? Do you prefer custom personalized items vs. traditional? Share your experience of working with personalizing your Wedding or Event in the comment zone below! :-)


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Custom Stationery!

When planning any type of celebration (Wedding, Event, Milestone, etc.), the stationery that is sent out will sent the tone for your upcoming celebration. Your stationery is the first impression of what your guests can expect for your wedding, event or milestone celebration. Through research you will discover that there are many different ways you can have your stationery created. Let's focus on "Custom Stationery"!  

Custom Stationery, is stationery that is more than often created from scratch, it will reflect the color or theme of your wedding, event or milestone, but more importantly; it will be a one of a kind design specifically made for you and your upcoming celebration!

I love anything custom, but truly love custom stationery!! Check out two of my favorite stationery designers both based in New York and both specializing in bringing you a one of a kind custom look!! 

{{{ Jacfred Creations }}}

In business since 2009, Jacinta Frederick's mission is to provide the best! Jacfred Creations make beautiful Handcrafted custom Greeting cards and Invitations.

 Learn more about Jacfred Creations by visiting their website, liking them on Facebook & following them on Twitter


{{{ Sage & Time Designs }}}

Sage & Time Designs creates handcrafted and custom stationery; designed by M. Shannon Hernandez. Products are created in Brooklyn, NY, and can be shipped directly to you. 


Learn more about Sage & Time Designs by visiting their website, liking them on Facebook, and following them on Twitter!


Both of these New Yorkers are amazingly talented and will be able to customize your upcoming wedding, event or milestone celebration. Stationery speaks for itself, don't allow it to say bad things about what you are planning! 

Be You, through Custom Stationery!


Talk To Me:
Do you like custom stationery? Have you used it before for a wedding or event? Do you agree that stationery sets the tone for your upcoming celebration? Why or Why not? How so? Share your experience of using custom stationery. Leave your thoughts in the comment zone below...let's chat! 


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: 3 "Must-Have Meals" on Wedding Day!

3 "Must-Have Meals" on Wedding Day!

It's Wedding Day and your excitement it so great or your nerves are so strong, that eating is not at the forefront of your mind. However, it is still important that you eat three meals on Wedding Day.


Meal #1: A Relaxed Breakfast!
(Hit all the food groups in this meal. Don't eat a heavy breakfast, but make sure you eat a complete meal. During this time, you are the most relaxed in the sense you are just waking up and no prep has begun. Enjoy this down time and enjoy a nice breakfast, alone or with your girls!)

Meal #2: Snack To Go!
(By this time, you are in full blown Wedding Prep! None the less, your next "real" meal is not until the sun is setting and therefore you need a snack. Eat some graham crackers, cheese crackers, gold fish, pretzels, etc. Eat a snack with a little substance but something that is still light. It is important to feed your body through out the course of the day. Be sure to drink water with this snack. Staying hydrated is very important on wedding day.)

Meal #3: Sit Down Dinner!
(At this point you are married!! Congratulations!!! Now, sit down and eat dinner! I promise, although it may not seem like it, your guest want you to eat as well! If you eat when they eat, you will have time to eat. The night does go by quickly, none the less, you paid $100 (more or less) each for your plates, so my dear Bride & Groom, enjoy it!)

Bonus Meal #4: The Midnight Feast!
(If for some reason, you didn't or did eat, you can still ask your venue if there are any extra meals left over. Majority of venues do have something left over, because all your guests didn't attend. Ask to take these extra meal portions with you and enjoy a midnight feast! Again, you did pay for all these meals, so why not enjoy them!!)

Wedding day happens quickly...don't get so lost in all the excitement that, you don't eat. Be healthy and have a memorable wedding day!


Happy Meal Time!

 
Talk To Me:
What is your wedding day meal plan? Do you have one? Married already!? Did you eat on your wedding day? Most couples eat breakfast, but did you eat at your reception? Share your wedding day eating experience and any advice that you feel would benefit the readers!! Leave your comments below in the comment zone. :-)


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Inspiration Board Book!

As you may or may not know, the Owner of Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC, Brittany Allen {ME}, has written a book! The topic is, Inspiration Boards! I have created a five step method, a how-to guide for using four Inspiration Board methods. The book provides you with great insight, step by step instructions, a lot of tips, many laughs and will allow you to walk away inspired to create, create, create!!!


Since, "Five Step Method to Creating A Successful Inspiration Board! {Weddings & Events}" will soon be published and readily available to the world, I wanted to share with you a little of what to expect; starting with, who the book is for.

Who Is It For?
This Inspiration Board book was written for the Wedding Planner, Event Planner, and Designer just starting out that doesn't know how to create an Inspiration Board. This book can be applied to the veteran planner or designer that has never used an Inspiration Board before. This book can help the Planner's who create Inspiration Boards already, but would like to have a good read on a topic that is very present in today's Wedding & Event Planning Industry! 

Not only is this book for the Wedding Professionals, but Brides can benefit from reading it as well. A Bride that is more hands-on and would like to gather her thoughts and ideas to portray her vision clearly to her Wedding Planner, Designer, and/or other vendors; this book will give her the skills to do so! 

Stay tuned for more Inspiration Board book insight, sneak peaks & book signing save the dates! You can like us on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/InspirationBoardBook and follow us on twitter @InspBoardBook! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at inspirationboardbook@beautifulbeyonddreams.com

Thank you for your support!!
xoxo

Be Inspired!


Talk To Me:
Do you use Inspiration Boards? Have you wanted to learn how to create one? Do you know how, but still want to learn more? Share your Inspiration Board experiences below in the comment zone!!



Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Wedding Dress Stats!

Happy #WeddingWednesday to you all!

Today is all about Wedding Dresses and how you, the Bride thinks and shops. The following statistics were found via {The Wedding Report}. As you read, think about your shopping process and if any of these describe how you thought/think while you were/are wedding dress shopping.

Wedding Dress Shopping Statistics
  • 96% of couples that marry in the US purchase a wedding dress
  • Of the 96%; couples purchase 1.1 wedding dresses each
  • Of the 96%; 90% purchase at least one (1) dress
  •  In 2011, the average amount spent on wedding dresses including alterations was $1,166
  • In 2011, couples spent $2.3 billion on wedding dresses
  • In 2011, couples spent $3.3 billion on attire & accessories (including the wedding dress)
  • In 2011, spending by couples combine with bridesmaid and groomsmen reached $6.2 billion
  • The US wedding dress market is very fragmented with many designers and brands
  • David’s Bridal dominates the US wedding dress market with 33-35%
  • The top 10 Designers/Brands own 56.7% of the US wedding dress market
  • Custom or handmade makes up 3% of the US wedding dress market
  • Classic – Traditional and Elegant – Luxurious make up more than 50% of the wedding dress style demand
  • A-line makes up 26.9% of the silhouette & shape demand
  • Lace and Satin dominate the fabric demand
  • Sweetheart and Strapless make up 68.8% of the neck-line demand
  • Floor length makes up 88.5% of  the length demand
  • Natural waste-line makes up 43.3% of the waste-line demand
  • Chapel and Short/Sweep make up 57.7% of  the train demand
  • Zipper and Corset make up 75.1% of the back-line demand
  • Beading, lace, and embroidery make up the majority of the details demand
  • Ivory and White make up 80.1% of the dress color demand
  • “How I felt when I saw it” and “the fit” make up the majority of the reasons couples purchased their dress

Wedding Dress shopping is often one of the highlights of the wedding planning process. There are many factors that play a part in the decision making, from designer to dress style & material. Do your research prior to making a dress appointment at your favorite shop so you do not become overwhelmed with the many choices available to you!


Happy Wedding Dress Shopping!


Talk To Me:
How was your wedding dress shopping experience? Would you say you agree or disagree with most of these stats? Did you know what style of dress you wanted or was it hard to narrow it down? Share any wedding dress shopping advice below in the comment zone for our readers!! 



Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Selecting Wedding Colors!

Let's talk colors combinations! One of my favorite things about planning a wedding is learning the colors a couple has chosen. Is it going to be "Fuschia, Brown & White" or "Candy Apple Green, Teal & Red", etc? Whichever color combo they share, I always say, "That's great!" My "that's great", comes from the heart. I truly believe that every color combo can work, especially if you add a great accent color to the mix. As a Wedding Planner, I enjoy the challenge of showing just how great and unique the couple's color combo is!

Bride wanted two colors the Mothers could wear...so I suggested, light & dark grey. 
This board is displaying on the color choices not an attire suggestion. 

When selecting your wedding colors...
  1. Select at least 3 and no more than 4.
  2. Include an accent color (An accent color is a color that is used to break up or highlight the combination of the others you have chosen. It makes a HUGE subtle difference!!)
  3. Find colors that represent you & your Fiance.
  4. Do research on the different shades of the color you desire. (There are many shades of every color..including white and black!)
  5. Use online inspiration to find color combos displayed in art, food, clothing, jewelry, etc. 
  6. Don't be afraid of color!
  7.  When you find your exact colors, find a tangible swatch of each. (This allows you to get the exact colors you want for your wedding. Every company does not use the same color grid. Swatches are essential, when it comes to color & design!)
Having a great color combo makes a wedding that more exciting. Color, when used correctly, can make a drastic statement at the wedding. 

 This Bride wanted an "accent" color to the Cherry Red & Sage Green. I suggested she use Eggplant to highlight the colors she had already chosen. This was for a Destination Wedding, so I added this boarder too!

Color Suggestion:
When working with dark bold colors...choose a light, softer accent color.
When working with light soft colors...choose a dark, bold accent color.
"Blending is great for applying makeup, not choosing wedding colors. You want to make sure all the colors you select are seen!"

The key to making a great color combo is selecting colors that make sense to you. It's almost like you should have that "ah-ha" moment. Don't pick colors for everyone else...pick colors for you! Be true to yourself.



Talk To Me:
What made you pick the colors you did? Did you love the colors you picked or did you want to change them constantly? Was finding the perfect colors easy or hard? Share any "color selecting" tips you may have with our readers. Share your experiences below in the comment zone! :-)


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Friday, July 6, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Friday Fun: 4th of July Recipes!

All week our posts have been related to the 4th of July holiday! Today, we are going to finish the week off with some fun 4th of July family oriented recipes, that you can try this weekend!! Let's start with a festive drink!!

When creating fun food items, presentation plays a big part. Your food display, although in this case will already be colorful, should be displayed nicely! Use pretty platters and use levels to make your food display appealing to the eye!

Patriotic Drink


 This kid friendly drink will be sure to capture the essence of your 4th of July Party! Click here to learn how to make this drink for yourself, family & friends!!

Guests love having a fun drink to try! If planning a dinner party this weekend or in the near future, consider serving this. Have your drinks already made and ready to be served. Find a swanky glass, add a festive straw, place a strawberry or watermelon on the side of the glass and cheers to a good time!!


American Flag Marshmallow Pops

(Found via LivingLocurto.com)

Click here for "how-to" picture instructions and all the tools needed to create this fun treat. 

Although 4th of July is over...if you are getting married on this holiday next year, consider a "fun food station" for your guests to enjoy. Having the items set up nicely during cocktail hour would be a great way to give your guests something to do...that would be a teaser of the fun to be expected at the Wedding Reception! You can create 1 or 2 fun food stations to compliment the other h' orderves being served!

This is also great for a kids party. Edible markers come in all colors. Make this treat color coordinate and use it as a "Thank You Favor" for kids to take home when they leave the party. Place 3 or 4 marshmallow pops in each package with a thank you note!


Patriotic Hot Dog Station

(Found via PartyCity.com)

Click here to see how you can create this look too!

My favorite thing about this spread are the details. From the stationery to the flags, the bows and colored plates. This hands-on food station captures your eye and more importantly does not overwhelm you. When doing a buffet presentation such as the one above you want to be sure your details flow together! The details are what elevates an event. Have fun assembling together your masterpiece and get creative, but don't go overboard!

 Enjoy these fun 4th of July recipes. Try these, add your own twist and most importantly..have fun!!

Check out this weeks 4th of July post:


Talk To Me:
Did you incorporate any fun food items into this 4th of July holiday? What fun family traditions did you share? Any fun recipes that you tried and loved? Will you try any of the ones above?! Leave your comments below in the comment zone!!


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July! 

Today, we celebrate our independence in the United States of America. On July 4, 1776 we became independent from Great Britain and our democracy began. Today we use the flag and the colors of the flag, red, white, and blue to represent the meaning of this holiday. Many Americans celebrate this holiday with family picnics, barbecues and watching fireworks. It's the USA's "birthday"! 






The Pledge Of Allegiance
 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The Star Spangled Banner 
 Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?


We've been celebrating Independence Day all week; check out UrDreamPlanner's Monday Inspiration: Independence!

As you celebrate with your families on today, remember the meaning behind the red, white, and blue flag that is showcased everywhere! Click here --> Independence Day and The Declaration of Independence, to learn more about the history behind Independence Day. 


Have a safe and happy Holiday!


Talk To Me:
How are you celebrating Independence Day? What family traditions do you share on this day? What does 4th of July mean to you? Share below in the comment zone! :-)


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: {Dear Wedding Guests...}

 Today's UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge is dedicated to the wedding guests. I hope you receive this letter well as it is written with your best interest in mind! :-)

 UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: {Dear Wedding Guests...}

Dear Wedding Guests,

          You have been invited to celebrate a Wedding of a dear loved one. The couple that you are so happy for, is also happy that you attended. The Bride & Groom are so excited you attended the ceremony on time. For those that are slightly a few minutes late or more, the Bride & Groom do send their apologies in advance, due to the fact that you will have to view the beginning of the wedding through whatever type of doors/windows the ceremony site has, since their "on-point" Wedding Planner has made sure the wedding started on time, and no-one will be able to walk in prior to the Bridal Party entering, and especially not prior to the Brides entrance. Understand that professional pictures are being taking during this time (which is why the door closes behind the Bride...it is not an insult to you, I promise!) and therefore you will have to wait approximately another 4-6 minutes until the guests have been asked to be seated. At this very moment, we will allow you the tip-toe in quietly.

          It is now time to head to the Reception! Only head that way if you actually RSVP'd. Do understand that approaching in a hostile situation (if you did not RSVP) is bound to leave you sitting outside the ballroom, outdoor tent area, etc., until the entire Bridal Party have been introduced and the Bride & Groom have been seated. We will do our best to accommodate you and find extra seating if any is available, without asking the Bride & Groom, as we have already constructed a well formatted seating chart for all the rsvp'd guest to follow! Not only did we construct a seating chart and have an escort card for each guest, (individually or by couple) on the table displayed nicely, we also have a master guest list in our hands. If you cannot find your name on the table, please see us and we will assist you. If your name is not on the master guest list, this means you did not RSVP and you should then reread this paragraph to know the following steps that will be occurring.

         Once you have been seated and the reception has begun, feel free to come to us with any bothering questions or concerns. We are there for you also, not just the Bride & Groom. Assuring you have a great time is what we do best as Wedding Planners! As the special moments take place, feel free to take all the pictures your heart desire, BUT..and this "but" is a HUGE one! As a guest, please understand that the Bride & Groom hired a set of wedding professionals. One of them being the Photographer. During the "cake cutting" specifically...back up 10 FEET!!! Seriously, allow the Photographer to take all the pictures needed (that the couple paid $$$$) and then you can get your snapshots. When we ask you politely to back up and you decide to roll your eyes and tell us you can be there, rather than saying okay, be prepared when we stand in front of you, like it's a raging concert and politely back you up anyway. As stated this is for the Bride & Groom's best interest, as we want their wedding pictures to be beautiful!

         As the night ends, please ask if you are allowed to take any item off the table besides your favor. Sneaking off with a centerpiece, napkin, table number/name etc., will cost the Bride & Groom that you love so dearly and came to support. 90% of the time the centerpiece "vases" are not the Bride & Grooms, they are rented. The linens will most definitely always be rented or provided by the venue and they do get counted at the end of the night, which is how we know items are missing. The "frames or cute stand" that the table numbers/names are placed in belong to the venue or Wedding Planner; either way they do not belong in your bag. Do not get upset when we remove these items from your hand, for those of you that are bold enough to just walk out the door with a 3 ft Eiffel Tower Vase, as if we can't see you. We are so happy that you love the decor items, and know the perfect spot in your home to place this specific item, however, this is a sure way for the Bride & Groom to receive a hefty bill for all missing items. Ask before you take!

          We are so happy you had such a grand time at the wedding you attended. Weddings are meant to be fun, exciting and an all around happy occasion. Let's work together, Wedding Planner to Guest, to assure you leave happy. Again, we are here for you also and only want to make sure you leave with the best memory of this special union. The Bride & Groom appreciates your gifts and love tokens, and know that they have made it safely to the appropriate car and the couple will read and open them shortly!

I wish you safe travels on your way home. 

Sincerely,
The Wedding Planner

If you have any questions please call, 267-702-3037, as I'd be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

P.S.  It was great providing service to you and do not feel any kind of way if we see each other a few months later and I do not remember who you are. Most weddings have approximately 150 guests and since I've seen you at that particular wedding, I've probably done at least two others and so now the amount of guests I've seen have tripled. Simply remind me of the couple (this will bring an aha moment to my face with a smile) or a special moment we shared (this may bring a puzzling moment to my face..depending on the moment). I will tell you it's great to see you again and we will depart and I will eventually figure out which guests you were (later that night or the next day or possibly never). Just don't be offended, charge it to my head..not my heart! ;-)


Knowledge is Power!


Talk To Me:
Have you been a wedding guest before? How was your experience? Was there a Wedding Planner? Did this change your experience? Share your stories below of your wedding experience as a guest below in the comment zone!! :-)


Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Sage & Time Designs!

Today, on the UrDreamPlanner blog, we bring you some knowledge from the amazing Mary Shannon Hernandez of Sage & Time Designs. Enjoy! :-D

Set the Tone of Your Event with Stylized Stationery

It’s time to ditch drab stationery, once and for all!  Event stationery should be eye-catching, unique to YOUR event, and set the tone for your guests.


Consider this custom-made blinged out baby carriage invitation.  Upon opening this piece of mail, what message is conveyed automatically, to you as a guest?  If you are thinking, the person who sent this to you loves sparkle, and bling, is proud to announce their baby girl to the world, and might be a little obsessed with all shades purple, you are right!


Not all custom stationery has to be sealed in the confines of an envelope.  This is one of the great aspects of working with a custom designer.  If you would like to be a little more edgy and non-traditional, or make a bold statement, how about using a box mailer?  This invitation was designed with one purpose in mind--it’s party time!  For this design, we used pink and green polka dots to convey the festive atmosphere for this newly engaged couples’ outdoor BBQ party. Coordinating polka-dot ribbon and pink raffia shreds covered the invite so it really felt like guests were opening a present when they received their invitation in a box.


This wedding invitations oozes elegance, royal, and sophistication.  Sage & Time Designs worked closely with this client to incorporate precise detail into the design.  From the single feather, to the rich hues of gold, deep purple, and teal, right up to the hand-lined envelopes, this invitation suite conveyed the wedding tone from the very beginning.


M. Shannon Hernandez, owner and designer of Sage & Time Designs, is a stationery designer in Brooklyn, New York.  She works closely with clients and event planners across the world to design handcrafted and custom stationery for their personal and social lives.  All products are handcrafted and designed specifically for each client, ensuring truly unique and customized products which help set the tone for the important events in our lives.  You can learn more about Shannon on the Sage & Time Designs blog, on Facebook at Sage & Time Designs, and Twitter @SageTimeDesigns.




Thank you Shannon for being a guest blogger today!  
 

Talk To Me: 
Are you planning or have you planned a special event? Did/Is your stationery set/setting the tone for your event? How important is stationery to you? What's your favorite stationery item?? Share your thoughts below in the comment zone! :-)

 
Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge!

Happy Wednesday to you and #WeddingWednesday to the wedding planning community! The UrDreamPlanner Blog is the blog of Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC and I (Me, Brittany(UrDreamPlanner) the Owner) am implementing new things to get new results. I want you to be inspired, get knowledge and have fun! So that's what this blog will be all about. 

Today is UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge!

 (Found via: Shambhala Times)

Yesterday, I wrote a tip on our FB Business Page: "Making business connections are made to be a benefit..if you don't utilize them, then why even make them! #bizknowledge #BBDllc". This tip was meant for myself and any other business owner that needed to hear it. 

How many times have you went to a networking event, met awesome people, collected their business card and other information and did NOTHING!?! Raise your hand...I know I am not alone. Well, yesterday I decided to make a drastic change. 

I made a phone call!

This follow up phone call has turned into a business opportunity, that if done right can be largely beneficial to my business and the other business involved. I am super excited about this new business venture and know that I can be very successful at doing it.

Believe in yourself, practice what you tell others and know that you reap what you sow! 

Learn and Grow!


Talk To Me:
Did you have to raise your hand? Do you follow up with business connects that you make? Do you enjoy this process or is it scary to you? Any tips on how to follow up with new business connects? Share your thoughts below in the comment zone! :-D

Follow us on Twitter @UrDreamPlanner
Like us on Facebook BeautifulBeyondDreamsLLC
Sincerely,