Rosemary Beach Wedding

Last weekend I had the pleasure of planning an amazing event out in Rosemary Beach with one of the funnest couples! Check out these preview photos:

Saying "i do" to a wedding planner

With the economy in a slump I'm noticing alot of brides are opting to plan their own wedding in lieu of a planner. I have a personal friend who just phoned me the other day explaining that she always wanted to put her wedding together herself and wondered if I thought she was crazy. Saying "i do" to a wedding planner is a wise investment! A planner can help pull your vision together. They're able to meet with and hire vendors, deal with all contract negotiations, and they'll see to everything else from the Save the Dates to the end of the night party favors. If you can fit it in your budget it will be worth cutting something else out, especially for a destination wedding! Try to think about what you want to be doing on your wedding day.......setting up tables and confirming vendor arrivals OR drinking champagne and getting your hair done???? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Sweet Bay Prints "Twice As Nice" Special

Sweet Bay Prints is having an amazing Fall special right now that you need to know about. The owner, Sheri Scruggs, has labeled it the "Twice As Nice" special. Any order over 25 will automatically be doubled at no charge on bookmarks, bag tags, enclosures and note cards. As always, their quality is outstanding and they have they best selections around so check them out at http://www.sweetbayprints.com/.

A Perfectly Paced Party

Wondering how to start a timeline for your event? How much time should you allow for everything? Here's your guide to a perfectly paced party:
5:30 Ceremony Start Time
6:00 - 7:00 HD's/Cocktail Hour
7:00 Bride & Groom introduced
7:05 Bride & Groom first dance
7:15 Dinner announced
7:20 Salad Course
7:30 Salad cleared as toasts begin (typically MOH and Best Man)
7:40 Dinner is served
8:00 Bride & father dance
8:05 Groom & mother dance
8:10 Open dancing
8:45 Cake Cutting
9:15 Optional passed desserts begin
9:20 Bridal Bouquet Toss
9:30 Garter Toss
10:00 Last Dance announced
10:10 Bride & Groom Exit
10:30 Guests have all departed

This is a sample timeline, but should give all you DIYers a basic outline for your reception. The most important thing you should keep in mind that isn't necessarily on your timeline, take a few minutes at some point to make out with your husband (who says you have to wait until you leave......boring!)

Facebook Page

OK, OK, Ok ....so I know I'm a little behind with the whole Facebook craziness, but I finally set up a business page! Better late than never. Check it out, join the page (The Eventful Planner) & check back often for new pictures and promotions.

Destin Magazine Feature

Check out our featured wedding including a "behind the scenes" look at area vendors....which, of course, includes yours truly! Enjoy............
http://www.destinmagazine-digital.com/papillon/destinmag2009autumn/?u1=texterity
Pages 64 - 67

Friends who don't make the cut!

I always get asked this question from my clients......How do I tell my friends they are not invited? It can be a sticky situation and you can be put on the spot when friends start to inquire about your wedding. Here's a couple ways to break the bad news in a very PC way when you are faced with the question, "Can I come?"
~If you are having a small wedding, then that's an easy one. Just explain that you really wish you could include all your friends, but the venue is very space restricted so it's turning out to be more of an intimate, family affair. Blaming your venue is a "no brainer".
~Play the economy card: Explain that since you and your fiance are covering the costs of the wedding yourselves, you've had to scale way back on the size of the guest list. Your friends will understand that you still have to pay your mortgage during the wedding planning.
~If you're parents are footing the bill, blame them: This one never fails. Simply explain that since youre parents are paying the tab, you have to stick within their budget and head count; therefore, you won't be able to invite everyone you want to. Blaming your parents for stuff never grows old:)
Ultimately there is never an easy way to let friends know they aren't invited! If they are your real friends then they'll suck it up and throw you a fabulous party when you get home....hint hint!