Engaged, Excited, STRESSED!

You got Engaged! You are Excited!

 

PC: Leahana Byrd Photography

NOW DON'T GET STRESSED!

It is Bridal Show Season and you will probably be attending a lot of shows.  These can be overwhelming and stressful, but there are lots of ways to NOT let it get to you.  See Below for our survival tips in the next few months. 

1. Create an email address for all wedding related things.

2. Before you attend any show make a list of what you are wanting to look for. 

3. Create and PRINT labels with your information on them to take to shows. Include

     a. Both your name and your future spouses name

     b. Your email address (see step 1 above)

     c. Your Wedding Date (if you don't have one yet put TBD)

     d. Your Venue (again put TBD if you haven't signed a contract)

     e. Your Wedding Colors

     f. Your PHONE number

4. Research online which shows fit your style and personality. Trust me not all shows cater to the same style or couple.

5. Make sure you have a budget in place (feel free to put your budget range for items beside them in step 2)

6. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes

7. Try not to bring a big purse or bags. At most shows at least 1 exhibit will have a bag for you to take and fill.

8. Check the schedule of the show you want to attend so you don't miss anything like the fashion show.

9. Make notes on your sheet (see step 2) of things and booths you liked. It is hard to remember them when you get back home later. Bring stickers to mark the vendors cards that you really like. It is hard to remember them all.

10. DO NOT feel obligated to take everything everyone hands you. Yes exhibitors want you to see their material, but if it's not what your looking for, or need, don't take it - YOU will stay less stressed if you take only what you need (again see step 2) :)

Get it done - Wedding Planning Tips!

Hey Couples, Yep you too Grooms,

You know that to do list, the one that every wedding planning website tells you, you need to complete.  The list can be long and overwhelming.  But below we will give you some great tips to getting it DONE!

1. Please do not think that EVERYTHING on those list need to be done.  They are meant to be a guide and most times lots of those details will not ever pertain to you. So do not stress out if your list says you have 213 things still to complete on your list.

2. Schedule a time into your week to work on your list or planning.  Maybe its every Tuesday night from 7-8 pm.  It doesn't have to be a lot of time but keep it consistent.  Make time to work on things together, so that you are both on the same page and both involved. Additionally, work on one category at a time.  Trust me it will be more fun than you think.

3. Once a month go thru your list and mark off things you KNOW you will not need to do or pertain to you. These may be things like schedule sitter, renew passports or start making favors. No need to keep things on your list, even if they are on your list for these to do as it gets closer, if you aren't planning to do them. Just cross them off and relieve some of the stress.

4. Twice a week don't do any wedding planning. I know sounds funny right? But think about how often you say "I should work on xyz" then you don't.  Take 2 days a week that are No Planning Days.  Those are strict days off.  It will make you more productive and you will enjoy the process more.

5. Recruit your friends.  Have a once a month planning party when you can get together with your friends and chat about your plans.  Maybe you want to have a program assembling party, or invitation stuffing party. Either way try to get together with your friends for some fun planning. It may even be a night of tasting cupcakes for cake flavors or wine tasting to determine what you want to serve. Just make it fun.

And of course our best advise is to hire a wedding planner to help keep you on track. Not only do they know the tips and tricks but they can help manage your to do list, keep your grounded with things you do not need to do and most importantly make sure you enjoy the process.

Schedule a consult today!

Lisa Marie & Team!

Hip, Fun, Sassy & Stylish 

Wedding & Event Planning

503-830-7779

And don't forget to follow us on social media.

He Asked, You Said Yes, Now What?

Congratulations! The love of your life asked you to spend the rest of your life with him. The excitement is real, The bling is amazing & the families are excited. But now what do you do? Below are some of our tips to starting the planning process.

1. Make sure you spend a few days together enjoying your special time. This is a moment that will be just for the two of you. Enjoy it, Reveal in it!

2. After you have taken some time begin to tell family and friends but do not allow yourself to get too wrapped up in the excitement and start to make commitments to anyone. Additionally make sure all family and close friends know that you want to tell people so to please NOT post things on social media till you get a chance to. The last thing you want is someone finding out before you get a chance to tell them yourself.

3. Work on a budget (stay tuned for a post next week about some simple steps to starting one). By creating a budget before you start planning will help shape the types of wedding professionals you meet with. You do not want to book a venue or professional that will throw your entire budget out of whack.

4. Consult with a wedding planner (we offer a 1 hour complimentary consultation). Professional Wedding Planners can save you money, time and stress.  We do not need to sort thru 20 pages of google results to find the right bakery, photographer or florist for you. We know many professionals that we have worked with and trust that we can recommend. Additionally, many will give you discounts.

5. Enjoy the process.  Spend at least 2 nights a week with your fiance where you DO NOT talk about the planning process. Where you just have a date night out. Enjoying your time with each other.

Happy Wedding Planning

Lisa Marie & Team

Portland Oregon, Wedding Planners

eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

info@eventsbylisamarie.com

The Rehearsal Dinner!!

So you have been planning your wedding, picking decor, music, flowers and more.  Now you need to settle on a rehearsal dinner.  There is the time, the location, if you want a specific decor or items for your guest/bridal party.  Here are a few tips.

1. Pick a place close to your actual rehearsal. This will cut down on wasted time and people getting lost.
2. Pick something that is a little bit casual without being too casual.  You want your bridal party and guests to relax a bit before the big day.
3. You are not required to spend an outrageous amount of money on the food and drinks.  It is ok to have a buffet dinner and no alcohol for drinks.  If it is at a restaurant you can have non alcoholic drinks and they can go to the bar for the rest if they want it.  (after all do you really want your wedding party drinking a ton the night before your wedding?)
4. Make sure you are in a private or semi private room.  You will want to enjoy yourself and not feel like you are interrupting others.
5. Pick a place you enjoy the food.
6. Take into consideration who is paying for the wedding and their food tastes.
7. Hand out wedding party/parent gifts before dinner begins.
8. Say a short (3-5 min) thank you to all who are there.
9. If you are not inviting all out of town family host a separate Meet & Greet for them.  
10. Grandparents should be included in the rehearsal guest list.

Finally DO NOT plan to stay out late but DO plan to enjoy yourself. This is a great time to just relax and enjoy your friends and close family before the busy wedding day. Enjoy it! Remember it!

Happy Planning

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

Save or Spluge

So you are engaged and now planning the wedding.  You are looking at dates and venues and wondering how much it will all cost.  Well there is GOOD NEWS.  As you plan your budget we have a few tips for you. 

1. First thing is to pick the one or two items you want to splurge on.
2. Make a list of all the things you will need.  (we can help you create this list as it will differ for each couple)
3. Put these items in order of importance.
4. Decide which things you can cut back on. (Maybe you don't need 3 signature drinks)
5. Decide which areas you can do yourself and which you need to hire out to the professionals.
6. Start researching and watch for deals.
7. While the idea of a large wedding might entice you it can quickly add up. Think about it this way. Per person food alone for a good buffet can run you between $30-60 per person.  Plus there are appetizers, drinks and desserts.  Then there is the added cost of tables, chairs, linens, plateware & decorations.  Some of these may be added into your venue or catering packages, Others may not. So that 200 person wedding can cost a lot more than that 125 person wedding and may make it so that you are unable to splurge on the items you really want.

There are also additional tips that can help you with deciding on what to save on and what to splurge on.

1. When picking the items you want to splurge on pick the things that mean the most to you.  If you really HAVE to have a specific dress then use that as your splurge.  If it is an amazing cake and great food pick that.  Just keep in mind that you can not splurge on everything.

2. Make a list of things that you really want for your wedding.  Remembering that you do not need everything that everyone else has had.  You may not want a photo booth or tons of flowers on your table.  You may instead want candles and other decor on your tables and want to spend a little more on videography instead of a photo booth.

3. Create your importance list.  You may have things you put at the very bottom that you are ok not doing in case you run out of money.  But at least this way you have a list to work from and helps to make sure that you spend your money on the things you really want.

4. What can you cut back on?  Do you really NEED 3 passed appetizers?  Can you get away with 2?  Do you need a full bar or instead can you do 2 signature drinks with beer and wine?  Talk to your florist, they can usually suggest a flower that can be supplemented to help cut back on some of the cost or help recommend ways you can use your ceremony flowers for your reception as well.

5. What can you do yourself?  What needs to be done by professionals.  Favors - You can usually do on the more budget friendly side and can be done by yourself.  You can also do some of your decor by yourself and sometimes you can do your programs.  Biggest thing to remember is that some things you think you can do yourself may not be a cost savings.  If you are inexperienced or do not know what things cost from different vendors you may not be saving yourself time.  With Favors our biggest cost saver is this - Make the favor something consumable.  These are the most popular ones and the ones we very rarely have left over.  And unless you want them at each persons seat you do not need to have one for every person who RSVP'd to your wedding.  Someone may not attend at the last minute, Couples may only take 1, Parents may not want their children to have one, and so on.  It is ok to only make 75 for a guest count of 100, otherwise at the end of the night you may end up looking at 25-30 extras that you spent good money on.

Most importantly, Even if you don't think it is in your budget sit down and chat with a wedding planner.  An experienced knowledgable planner can help guide you thru the process and direct you towards the right vendors and ideas that will be within your budget.

Thanks for reading today's blog article.

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

Eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram

Want to schedule a consultation with us? Give us a call and we can set up a time that works best for you.

10 Things to do 4 - 6 weeks before your wedding

This is an exciting time.  Many of you are planning a summer wedding.  Below is a list of 10 things we want you to think about doing 4 -6 weeks before your wedding. Trust me all of them are easy, not stressful and very beneficial.  :)

1. Sunscreen/Chapstick - With the sun, comes the burn.  The last thing you want for your wedding is peeling skin or rough lips.  Remember to start wearing your sunscreen (if you aren't already) and a chapstick with an SPF of at least 15 in it daily.  Event Cosmetics has a great SPF chapstick.

2. Spray tan - Many brides want to have a little color on their wedding day.  Our tip is to not lay out in the sun as it is bad for your skin and instead try an all natural spray tan or bronzer.  Doing this 6 weeks before your wedding gives you a chance to try a color/darkness and if it doesn't work you have time to buff it off.

3. BUFF - make sure that you use either a sugar scrub or buff in the shower weekly.  Keep dead, dry skin all buffed off so that you have soft, touchable, glowing skin on your wedding day.  (plus it is a healthy routine to have)

4. Lotion - Find a lotion that makes you feel good.  Something that doesn't make you feel sticky, greasy or sweaty.  Personally, we like Aveeno and it is something that can be found at most major stores.

5. Lift Weights - If you aren't already start a workout for your arms.  You want sexy arms in your dress right?  Check out our Fitness board on Pinterest.  However, do not start any MAJOR new workout routines.  Last minute alterations can be really difficult if you lose too much weight.  Just firm and tone up those muscles. :)

6. WATER, WATER & more WATER - Hydrated Skin is Glowing Skin.  If you are having a summer wedding it will be hot, so make sure you increase your water intake weeks before the wedding day.  This will allow you to have beautiful hydrated skin.  It will also help you not overeat, help flushout your system, increase metabolism and best of all help your skin look nice and healthy.

7. Facial - We all know that some days you go to bed with makeup on.  So at the 6 week mark go get a facial.  This will allow you to really get clean glowing skin and not have breakouts on your wedding day.  (ps some people will break out about 2 weeks after a facial but doing this 6 weeks before the wedding will allow time for it all)

8. Final Dress Fitting - If you are needing alterations, your final dress fitting could come anywhere from 4-8 weeks before your wedding.  Make sure you schedule this time in to your weeks.  Still looking for someone to do those alterations?  Call Custom Fit to You.

9. Hair cut (and color) - 4 weeks is about the closest you want to do this.  Regardless of if you are getting it cut or trimmed, 4 weeks gives you enough time to have it still looking fresh but not so close to the big day that it doesn't work with your dream hairstyle (see below)  Check out one of our favorites Urban Colorz Salon

10. Final Hair/Trial Run - Some people like doing this as far as 12 weeks before the wedding.  However depending on your hairstyle you may want to do it as close as 4 weeks.  This allows time for it to grow out if you want it longer.  If you have your final cut and color at 4-6 weeks this will give your stylist an opportunity to do your final trial run with your new cut and color. :)

Ok there you have it, 10 things we think you should do at the 4-6 week mark of your wedding. 

Thanks for reading

Events by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie, Meranda, Summer, Cortney & Emily

eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Art of Weddings!

We are so excited and have been finalizing the last few details for our display at this years Art of Wedding Bridal Show.  It is a swankier kind of affair with lots of amazing wedding professionals for you to meet and chat with. 

If you are engaged and planning your wedding you don't want to miss this event.  There will be a fashion show featuring Michelle DeCourcy and it will all take place at the beautiful Gerding Theater at the Armory, Portland Center Stage

This amazingly fun show has been around for 10 years and celebrating big this year. Below is a picture from last year showing some of the amazing wedding professionals all set up.

Get your tickets now for only $8 when you use code PCS. :)  And come see the Events by Lisa Marie table, let us know you read our blog and get a special gift.

Looking forward to seeing you This Wednesday!  :)

Events by Lisa Marie

eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Real Wedding - Jason & Carrie February 2013

It has been a while since we did a real wedding post. So here it goes.  The first wedding of 2013 for the Events by Lisa Marie Team.

We were first contacted by Carrie to do only their set up and clean up for their wedding.  But after our initial meeting it became more than just that.  Both Jason and Carrie are a super sweet couple and we were so honored to be a part of their special day.

 Jason and Carrie chose to get married at Jenkins Estates out in Hillsboro Oregon.  A day that started with beautiful blue sky quickly turned to rain and hail and then back to blue sky.  All creating a feel of romance, craziness, mystery and more.

They chose to have the wedding in the upper portion of the old stable building with the reception mainly in the lower section.  They were having a smaller wedding so it made for the perfect setting.

The bride picked out cherry blossom branches to have us string along 3 beams with lights to create a romantic glow, a cream colored aisle runner with gorgeous bright flowers hanging off the chairs.  (these flowers would later be used as centerpieces)

The flower girls sprinkled rose pedals up the aisle to add the one final touch of romance. The Bride wore a very simple but beautiful dress that fit her personality and body style perfectly.  Due to the time of year she also had a wrap shall and gorgeous head piece.




After the ceremony ended the guests headed down stairs for Cocktail hour where Carrie's brother played music, the guests munched on lite appetizers and the Bar opened.

  Guest picked up their place cards that were hand made by Carrie and placed out on the table by the guest book.  Which had custom blown glass pen to sign with that were made by Jason.  Jason who also has a business creating beautiful Glass Blown items made from recycled glass. For additional decor items Jason made glass votive holders that where hung from fishing line and strung between beams.  He also made the couples toasting glasses and some glass plates that were placed on shelves around the venue. You can check out more of his work here

 

Carrie and Jason choose to go with a Gluten Free cake from Crave Bake Shop that had the cutest characters on it and beautiful flowers.

 Photo's courtesy of Robert Crum Photography who was excellent to work with.

All in all this was such a fun wedding filled with things that really meant a lot to the couple.  Decor ideas that they created themselves, beautiful florals done by City Flowers, great food and drink by It's Party Time Catering and so much more.

Thank you Jason and Carrie for allowing us to be a part of your special day.

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

Eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Cyber Week Specials Wednesday/Thursday!

Happy Thursday!

This week we are running cyber week specials that are available all the way thru till Friday December 7th.  Just call to schedule your complimentary consultation with us, let us know which special you are interested in then when we write up your contract we will note the special on it. :) It is as easy as that and you get special deals just for booking!

If you missed the first two specials you can see them here!

Events by Lisa Marie Specials

Wednesday - Book the White Diamond Package by December 7th & get 2 additional hours to use however you would like. Either 1 additional consultation, 2 extra hours on your wedding day or use them to have us manage your rehearsal dinner! You pick how they get used. But must be booked by December 7th! (and as an added bonus you get a $25 Gift Certificate to Henry's Tavern!)

Thursday - Book the Yellow Diamond Special By Friday December 7th & Receive a certificate for an additional 3 hours of consultation help towards managing the Rehearsal Dinner, Day after Brunch or Bridal Shower. Call to schedule your complimentary consultations soon so that you can book and take advantage of this offer by December 7th! (and as an added bonus you get a $25 Gift Certificate to Henry's Tavern!)

Bridal Bootcamp

All Week - We are still running the 30% off the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. This is an amazing program that will cleanse/detox your system, jump start your weight loss, help you feel less sluggish, allow your body to absorb the good nutrients and vitamins your body needs.  The first 10 days allows you to remove all the "bad" things our system is holding onto and the second 14 days allows your system to start absorbing the good. So why not order now and start right away or save it to start right after Christmas.  Either way a 30% savings is a great deal!

Don't forget we also offer gift certificates.  So if you know someone who would like a wedding planner but is not sure if it fits into their budget, get them a gift certificate towards any package! Great for Christmas gifts. :)

Happy Cyber Week from all of us at Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

info@eventsbylisamarie.com

Taking you from vision to reality!

You are almost engaged! Happy Day!

With Engagement Season just around the corner, many couples are starting to get excited.  Bridal shows are starting up, you are seeing more and more ideas you like and some of you may not even be engaged yet. As soon as you are engaged time begins to fly by so it is important for you to remember that you need to take some time to enjoy your engagement together.

Once you have spent some time soaking in the glow of your engagement it is time to start the planning.  There are lots of things to take care of and lots of Bridal Shows to attend, before attending them go with a focused mind and list of things you want to look at, as this will help you stay on track and not become overwhelmed.  It is normal to be overwhelmed with all the information you get while attending, so take a deep breathe and remember to take things one step at a time.

First, call and work with a professional wedding planner or specialist.  We can help you sort through all the ideas, vendors and tasks and help you make your vision become a reality for your big day.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation.  2013 dates are filling up fast and 2014 inquiries are coming in.  Don't forget we can start with your engagement party.

Event by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie, Jessica and Meranda

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Who will marry you?

So a few weeks ago we had lunch with Steve from A Beautiful Ceremony NW and got a chance to chat about weddings.  It was lots of fun and I was really impressed with his pure love for what he does. 

What started as a favor for a friend turned into something he loved to do and became a whole new business adventure for Steve. He found a true love in helping brides and grooms come together to celebrate their love for each other.  He can customize a ceremony that truly represents the personalities for both the bride and groom. 

Steve has worked at numerous venues around town and as his business is growing he has added his wife as another option. Now you have the option of hiring a male or female to marry you.  Additionally they can create a ceremony that fits your language and cultural/tradition needs. 

So if you are looking, stop looking and start scheduling.  :)  Give Steve a call 503-808-9889 or call us to help plan your wedding and we will set up an appointment for you.  It is never to early to start planning.  Brides are already booking 2012 dates and the best of the best will book up fast!

Lisa Marie

Owner/Specialist

Events by Lisa Marie

http://www.eventsbylisamarie.com/

info@EventsByLisaMarie.com

503-830-7779

What oh What to Register for (and how)??

You are engaged, planning a wedding, planning a life together.  You have made it thru many steps in the planning process and now it's time to register for wedding gifts.  This can be both fun and stressful and we hope that the below information will help guide you thru the process with ease.

1.  Prior to visiting stores sit down and talk about the items you NEED not just the ones you WANT.  Once you have your list you can attack all the registries in one day, yes grooms you should do this with your bride.

2.  Decide what type of stores you want to register at and it's okay to have a few registries, but keep in mind some people will buy you a gift that is not on your registries.  That's okay, just keep in mind they have purchased the gift because it reminds them of you or they think it is something you will enjoy.

3. It's ok to register at a high dollar store and an everyday store just make sure they are available to your guests.  Don't register at a store where your guests can only buy online as many want to go and see in person what you have registered for.  However, do make sure you have a range of items on your registries.  Do not register for only expensive things. 

4. Research. Check with your friends, ask what products they got and loved and what did they register for and NEVER use.  Read the reviews on items you like, if lots of people have problems with them maybe it's not the product/brand you want.  You don't have to do this for everything, but the larger high dollar items you will.  People will spend big money on those items, why replace them a year later because it doesn't work?

5. Do Not Register for EVERYTHING on the must have list the stores will give you.  Most of those you don't need, have never heard of or won't use.  In fact don't even look at the list till after your intitial registration visit.

6. DO register for at least 12 place setting in everyday and fine china, silverware and glassware.  At some point you will have a family gathering at your house and will need at least 12.  Most china patterns get discontinued after a few years and you may not be able to find it.

7. Print copies so you can review your registries.  Make sure you haven't registered for the same thing at 2 or more locations.  You will get multiple items and will need to return them.  This is when you can compare your want/need list, the must have list and your registries.  But don't overdo it.

8. Make sure you understand the registry completion program.  Some give you 10% off after your wedding on everything LEFT on your registry you buy.  Some give you points based on what your guest buy.  Make sure you read thru and get the most out of your completion.  Also check for free items.  Some china sets go on sale and when you buy certain pieces you get another piece free or discounted.

Below are links to some of our favorite places to register.
Amazing Registry
Bed, Bath and Beyond
Crate and Barrel
Macy's
Marriott Registry
Our Wishing Well
Target

Remember this is a fun part of the process and Yes it is OK to ask for Gift Cards and to ask an associate to help.  :)  Check back later for another post about registries including what to do with those cards, when to open gifts and for the guests when and what to send. 

For additional questions call or email.

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

Website, Facebook, Email

503-830-7779