Tip Day - A day late!

With wedding season in full swing, my blog has been neglected.  But if you follow me on Twitter, @EccellenzaEvent, you'll see I still share a few stories! 

For this week's tip, I'm turning to what I've been at lately....outdoor weddings!  Your wedding will likely happen rain or shine, so how can you plan for perfection when you didn't invite Mother Nature to the festivities?  Rainboots anyone?

*Find blue ones for your something blue

Of course have your planner, your mom, your bridesmaids....anyone....leave a few umbrellas handy.  Most limo companies always have a big golf umbrella in the trunk for such emergencies.  But if you're getting married at a time of year that is particulary rainy maybe find some umbrellas that match your day ahead of time.  They'll look cute in pictures and you'll all stay dry. 

Make sure to plan an indoor back-up ahead of time.  Having an outdoor ceremony in the summer.....not if it rains.  Make sure your venue has space for your ceremony somewhere else.  This may mean that having it in tent where you're planning your reception and then flipping it quickly....the staff can do it!  And if you're having your reception in a tent, make sure that it has sides that come down and has windows.  You'll need those sides to come down during the rain, but those tents get warm once all of your guests start dancing, so you'll want the staff to leave a little air flowing in! 

Most importantly, don't let the rain dampen your day  - figuratively or literally!  There's an old saying for such an ocassion, "A wet knot is harder to untie."  Rain on the day you're "tying the knot" is supposedly good luck!  And just think of the amazing late night pictures you'll get in the rain!  Like these:



  So don't let summer showers rain on your parade...or wedding! 

Happy Planning! 

Tip Day Thursday! Bridal Style Inspiration

Happy Thursday everyone!  I was browsing online earlier today and saw a few things that got me thinking about today's tip.  I'm keeping it simple today.  Here are some Old Hollywood Glam style wedding looks to inspiring your planning today!   

This style type is one of my favs!  What's yours?  Leave your comments. 

Happy Planning!

Tip Day Thursday! Invitation Tip

Today's a quick one because I just have too much to do!  Today's tip is thanks to my friend Cristina and Pinterest!  Such a good one!  Here you go. 

Number your RSVP cards!  Make a list of names, addresses and the numbers before you send out your invites (I like Excel - and it will make getting your counts to the venue easier too).  Some people write a cute note where they should put their name and you have no idea who it is!  Once you get them back in the mail, go into your Excel spreadsheet and mark them coming or not coming. and what they're having for dinner if needed. Then you also don't have to worry about losing the cards and you can easily tell who still owes one.  Trust me this one step will save a lot of time in those last few weeks before the big day! 

Tip Day Thursday: Don't believe everything you read!

Another crazy week for me so just a quick tip today!  This week's tip is to not believe everything you read!  Boston.com is a great source of news, current events, things to do, etc.  This week they posted an article "10 Tips to Cut Wedding Costs".  

Well whoever compiled this list has lost their damn mind!  Take a read for yourself here.  Now, I do agree that there are ways that people can keep down their wedding costs and still have their dream day, but getting married on a Wednesday and using your iphone as your DJ are not the ways to do it!  There are other great sources out here on the internet, so just choose your source carefully!  And don't forget, feel free to email me anytime!


Happy Planning!    

Tip Day Thursday: Baby Fever!

First comes marriage....then comes baby!  Two of my closest friends are both pregnant right now and it has gotten me to thinking a lot about baby showers!  I have baby shower fever!  Today has been jammed with work, so I'm just going to share a few of my favorite ideas I've found on Pinterest for baby showers!  I hope you enjoy!  I'll be back next week for more tips, or email me for your free initial consultation!  


Happy Planning!

Bouquet of onesies for the mom-to-be

So cute!

Every shower needs a diaper cake!

A few DIY projects, like onesie invitations or baby shoe cake!  

Have guests share their wishes for the baby and parents-to-be

Tip Day Thursday - Who's Hungry?!

When you think back at a great event you attended, there are only a few things that stick out.  Good music and good food!  So this week, let's talk about food!  Whether it's a wedding or business event, if the food isn't good, it's the first thing people will talk about.  So for today's tip, check out the Top 5 Food/Drink Trends for events.  Maybe you can recreate a recipe for your next party....I know I will!  Buon Appetito!

1.  Everything's better with bacon!  The cupcake trend has been reworked for this wedding season.  Try a savory version for your cocktail hour.  Mini meatloaf topped with mashed potato "frosting", mini lasagna cups, corn cake cupcakes with pulled pork....tempting!  

2.  Give the dishwasher a break!  Try an all edible item for your next event.  Edible serving spoons, lettuce cups, cucumber shot glasses....think outside the plate!

3.  New influences.  Be inspired by global or local street food.  Try Mexican street tacos, Thai chicken satay sticks.  Want to be really creative and impress your guests?  Bring the food truck to your next event!  Outdoor summer wedding?  Perfect for an ice cream truck or a Boston sausage cart for your late night snack!  

4.  Themes.  Take it a step further and go with a whole themed food experience.  A classic New England Clambake (like above) or a Southern BBQ......easy menu planning and something more fun and creative that can be casual or upscale.  Casual - pick country looking linens or upscale - use smaller portions.  

5.  Last but not least - the DRINKS!  Signature drinks are here to stay.  Maybe you want something to coordinate with your colors or maybe you want something seasonal.  Serve your favorite in a fun glass during cocktail hour to wow your guests.  Need ideas for picking the right signature drink - well this planner is also a bartender and has a whole file on just that!  Email me to set up a free consultation!  

Happy Planning!  

Tip Day Thursday: Bridal Style

Wedding season is quickly approaching and love is definitely in the air!  So much so, two of my friends got engaged this past weekend!  Congratulations to Joanna & Mikey and Chrissy & Justin!  This will be such an exciting time you all of you....enjoy it! 

Weddings are mostly about the bride right?  So today's blog is all about bridal style!  I've been reading up on new trends for weddings for this season.  Today I'm sharing my research with you! 

Color anyone?  Bridal gown designers have been adding color to bridal gowns these days.  It's not for everyone, but if it's for you there are some great options....like this one by Maggie Soterro:

Sexy Back?  No, not the song by JT.....do you want a sexy back in your bridal gown?  Think of it....during your ceremony your back is to all of your guests, let them look at something amazing...maybe like this one:

Interesting Silhouettes.   Taking the lead from the red carpet, bridal gown designers are introducing some new styles this year.  Again -not for everyone.  This planner isn't a fan.  These may look too trendy in a few years....think 80's shoulder pad gowns!  But hey who knows...maybe this style is here to stay.  What do you think?

Lacey details.  Lace is one trend that seems to be here to stay.  From all lace dresses to lace details at the reception.  This is a trend that many brides are embracing.  Lace is a magical little fabric that can look luxe or country, vintage or haute couture.  Will use your lace in your big day?

So what do you think?  Will you use any of these trends for your day?  I'd love you hear how!  Add your comments or email me! 

Happy Planning! 



Tip Day Thursday: Wedding Trends and Costs

Did you know Boston is the 8th most expensive place to get married in the US?  Rhode Island is 5th!  Hello....gorgeous and grand Newport weddings! 

Surprisingly in these tough economic times....people are still spending their money on their version of a fairytale wedding!  What's that saying....if you've got it flaunt it right? 

For more tips and trends read this great article I found! 

Happy Planning! 

Tip Day Thursday: Invitation Etiquette

On this rainy Thursday (April showers bring May flowers hopefully) I'm going to answer a question from Facebook (Thanks Dee).  What is the proper etiquette for sending out invitations?  Well let's see if we can figure that out!  This advice can be applied to any event, but I'll focus on weddings. 

Size Does Matter

First things first - how many guests should you invite?  So many things determine how many guests to invite to your event.  What does your venue accommodate?  What works with your budget?  But believe it or not, there is a formula to figure out the number of guests that should fit in a space.  For each guest, there should be 3 square feet of dance floor and/or 10 square feet of tent space (for outdoor venues).

What's in a Name?

  So now you've figured out how many people to invite, you've booked space, hired me, picked out beautiful invitations...now.....time to get them addressed!  A general rule here is that a couple living in the same household, whether married or not, gets 1 invitation.  So Joe Leccese and Melissa Gregorio live together and are both invited.  Send them 1 invitation and put Melissa's name first - always go with alphabetical when addressing in this case.  Letting your single friend bring a date or their significant other that you haven't met yet?  Send 1 invite to your friend, but include an inner envelope that says & Guest.  And the last rule for addressing your invitations:  adults in the same house that aren't a couple each get their own invitation.  I know, your invites were expensive and no one cares.  If they're important enough to share in your special day, they're important enough to get their own invitation.  So if Aunt Sue and Uncle Steve has 2 daughters that both still live at home, are both invited to the wedding and are both over 18, that house should get......drum roll.....3 invitations...sorry kids.  And speaking of kids, they don't need their own invitation.  Address the outer envelope as The Smith Family or Mr. and Mrs. Smith and then take the time to list each invited guest on the inner envelope, kids and all.  

You've Got Mail

Ok, so now you're all addressed and ready to go....when do you send them?  At minimum, you want to give yourself 2 weeks to get invitations back, call anyone that didn't send an invitation to you, make your seating chart, make place cards or board and get final numbers to your venue.  Sounds like a lot right?  Hello....hire a planner!  So to make sure you have enough time, make the RSVP date about 3 weeks prior to the big day.  So the rule here is to send your invitations out 6 weeks before your event. 

Need more tips on invitation wording or have a specific question?  Contact me here for a free consultation.  

Have an idea for a blog tip?  Visit my Facebook page and tell it to me!  

Happy Planning!   

Tip Day Thursday: A touching story today!

I wanted to take a break from the usual fun tips and style inspiration and share a touching local story from this week's news. A Boston bride changed her wedding plans this week to be able to have her father share in her special day. 

Get the tissues ready because this is a tear-jerker!  Click here for the full story.  Or here for a video.

I hope this reminds us all of the true meaning behind all the glitz and glam of a wedding.  Join me in wishing the best to Diana and her family.  

Tip Day Thursday - Inspiration is Everywhere

I finally saw The Help this weekend and the season premiere of my favorite show Mad Men was on, needless to say it was a fun filled and relaxing Sunday of TV! 

My lazy day got me thinking that style inspiration for your event can be found everywhere and anywhere!  The Help and Mad Men are set in the late 50s and early 60s, this planner's favorite style decades.  Their vintage looks can set the stage for a fun and romantic wedding, or retro cocktail party.  Here are some of my favorite looks to get your inspirational juices working!  Where did you find inspiration for you big day?  I'd love to hear from you....leave your comments!  

Love the guys' hats and the lines of the girls' dresses for this wedding party! 

Some antique dinnerware to brighten up your tables?

Classic cocktails and apps....sounds good to me!

A little vintage fun for your photobooth?

I had a little vintage inspiration in my own wedding - Frank Sinatra anyone? 

I hope these ideas give you a little something to think about for your next event.  You don't need to just look in bridal magazines to find your wedding style.  Your wedding should be about the things you love....even if that may be a little TV!  Want to bounce your style ideas off someone?  I'd love to hear from you!  

Happy Planning! 

   

Tip Day Thursday: Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hi everyone!  This week's tip is some inspiration for some events you may have coming up this weekend for St. Patrick's Day.  I love planning parties, maybe even more than weddings!  So here are a few pieces of inspiration to make your St. Paddy's party a little extra special.  You don't just have to put green food coloring in everything or make corned beef and cabbage!  Here's are some ideas to add to the usual traditions! 

Mix shades of green and gold with traditional shamrocks

A festive centerpiece or a way to decorate a buffet table

Baked Potato Soup as a first course for your corned beef and cabbage?  Yum! 

                                  

 

Don't forget a festive dessert!  Chocolate & Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey's Frosting and Green Velvet Cake Pops!  Sounds great with green beer! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Planning!  

Tip Day Thursday: Getting a designer dress for less!

Happy Thursday everyone!  So this week's tip comes from my friend Dee.  She heard about this and I wanted to share it with all of you.  So if you're getting married, want a great dress and might want to be on TV....keep reading! 

From the Producers of TLC’s Say Yes To The Dress comes…

Ultimate Dress Quest

Go hunting for a killer wedding dress at half the price

 Wedding dress blues got you down? Can’t find “the one” that doesn’t break the bank? Or did something tragic happen to the gown you already own and you are desperate for a last minute fix right before your big day? If you’re a bride with a HUGE personality and smaller budget, then Ultimate Dress Quest could be your answer to scoring a designer dress for less!

If you or someone you know is on the hunt for a discounted designer wedding dress, our experts at Vows bridal outlet in Boston can find you your very own dream gown. Whether you’re a fashionista on a budget, someone who loves the art of the deal or a bride-to-be running out of shopping time, Half Yard Production’s Ultimate Dress Quest can solve your dress dilemma.

                Here’s how you get started!

If you live in the Boston area, or are willing to come here to shop for your wedding dress, and would LOVE to be on camera, then email us your contact info (full name, phone number, age, where you live, etc.), your wedding date and some photos ASAP to UltimateDressQuest@gmail.com. We’ll be in touch!

Best of luck ladies!    If you hear from them, let me know!

Happy Planning! 

Tip Day Thursday: Today's Tip is Tipping

By request, this week's tip is on tipping.  You may not realize that your vendors at an event might be in need of a tip.  And I know, you're already probably blowing your budget or your (or your parents') savings on your event (i.e. your wedding),  so paying vendors more than contracted for sounds...well....frustrating.  Now, I'm not saying that you have to tip or that every vendor expects one, but it's something to plan for and consider.

So here are my general rules for tipping to get your through! 

1.  Don't need to tip the vendor if they own their business, you can and maybe should tip their employees. 

2.  Tip vendors (even if they are the owner) if they went above and beyond for you!  

3.  A tip can be monetary, a nice gift, or great thank you note.  Notes that they can use as a testimonial on their website or referrals to future clients is always appreciated and often better than a tip alone.  

4.  Assign the responsibility of tipping to a trusted person  such as your wedding planner or a parent. 

5. 

For specifics on how to tip a certain vendor, contact me here.  And now that you know about tipping you can work these amounts into your budget as you plan so you won't feel so overwhelmed with them a few days before your wedding. 

For an extra tip this week.  Take a look at this chart to help you breakdown your wedding budget. 

Don't be overwhelmed....just call or email me for more advice!

Happy Planning! 

PS:  Check out the latest issue of the Improper Bostonian....page 56!  

Tip Day Thursday: Finding "The One"

Finding the elusive "One" is a topic this event planner doesn't have many tips for.  I will say from my experience, he was out there.  I'm lucky enough to have an amazing husband and I think he is pretty perfect!  And today happens to be his birthday, so happy birthday Joe!  I'm feeling a little extra sentimental today I suppose.  So I do think there is someone perfect for everyone, I am sure of that actually.  If Joe found me and loves me for the true person I am, then you'll find yours too!  How exactly to find him or her?  Who knows....when it's right it will just happen, like everything else in life.  I love to plan, thus my choice of career, but there are some things that can't be planned.  So be patient and have courage.  Maybe there are some tips for finding The One from these clever kids....

    Helpful?  I love it!  I can't even pick a favorite. 

Happy Planning....or leaving it up to a higher power! 

Tip Day Thursday: Remember What's Really Important

Happy Valentine's!  I hope you all had wonderfully romantic days...and maybe even some of you got engaged!  To celebrate this romantic week, this week's blog is WEDDING related. 

So this week's tip is remember what's really important.  The beauty of a wedding isn't just in the gown, the flowers, the decor, etc.  Those are all of course amazing and so much fun to plan!  But it should be about the marriage and love the couple has for each other. 

So today I'm going to take time to share this touching story I read about this couple's special day. 

  This is their story.  And it's a tear-jerker so get the tissues ready! 

  So when planning gets overwhelming, think of how many more obstacles you could have to overcome.  And don't forget this planner is here to help with all the other details! 

Happy Planning! 

Tip Day: A day late and a dollar short...

So I've been traveling for work this week, doing a lovely and scenic tour of Massachusetts (read:  sarcasm) so my Tip Day Thursday is now today Friday.  So I was inspired by my own lateness and general hectic schedule to write about timing. 



Event planning comes down to two things essentially:  organization and timing.  Without organization no event will run smoothly.  Planning ahead for problems, keeping track of your to-do lists and having an accurate list of all vendors, their contact information and a copy of their contract are the best ways to stay organized when planning your event.  Starting a file for each event is my first step after meeting with a client, even if they haven't fully booked my services yet. 

Timing is equally as important as staying organized.  Timing will keep you on track and most importantly, save you money.  Booking vendors early, in the off season, or during off hours,  are all great tips to save money when planning an event and are all influenced by timing.  Having an event timeline to go with your to do list is essential.  Knowing what needs to be done when is the first place to start!   

Looking for some wedding specific organization and timing tips?  Email me directly here and I will send you a budget worksheet and timeline to get you started if you say you read it here.   

Thanks for reading and happy planning! 

Tip Day Thursday: Put yourself out there

Putting yourself out there is important part of any event.  Whether it's a wedding or business event, you need to let people know you're there and what is happening.  Invitations, save-the-dates, Facebook, how else do you let people know you're there?  


But this week, I'm taking a little break from tips to tell you that I have put myself out there!  Eccellenza Events has placed our first print ad.  Check it out!  

Page 28 of the current issue of the Improper Bostonian!  

Please help me spread the word about my new business!  Like our Facebook page (to the right), follow this blog, follow me on Twitter!  Tell your friends!  Any referrals I get will be much appreciated!  

Back with more tips next week....thanks for reading and of course Happy Planning!  

Tip Day Thursday! Event Inspiration

It's Thursday and it's time for Eccellenza's tip of the week!  This week is about inspiration.  Most events and especially weddings often have a theme.  An event theme is meant to tie different aspects of your event together.  Your theme might be the royal wedding, like last week's post.  Or maybe you're inspired by an era and you really want an 80's themed wedding...who knows!  Find your inspiration and run with it.  The key to a theme is not to go too far with it.  Being subtle is the key. 

This planner finds that most brides pick a color as their "theme" and run with that.  Look for inspiration not just in bridal magazines.  When I planned my own wedding, my inspiration all started with a necktie.  I spotted this gray and yellow tie at a store and turned it all into our wedding. 

So keep your eyes open!  Think your idea will never work for your wedding?  Call me and we'll design it into your perfect day!  And here is just a bit of inspiration to get you going...

Happy Planning!