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!