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) :)

We Moved!!!

So super stinking excited to announce that we have MOVED!

We now have an office in downtown Beaverton with a small event center connected to it. Our office is located inside fUSe Studios PDX. fUSe Studios PDX is a small event space that is available to book for Meetings, Trainings, Classes, Parties & Events.  The lobby is also available for creative individuals or small business owners for 1-1 meetings or just to have a quiet place outside your house to work.

The event studio side can hold up to 40 people at tables and chairs or 60 as a standing reception.

We are super excited to be a part of this and hope it helps bring lots of benefit to other small businesses in the Beaverton area. 

So you can now find us at 3841 SW Hall Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005

If you are interested in seeing the space for your business meeting, to utilize the lobby to meet clients or just to come check out our new digs let us know. We would be happy to show you around. 

 

Thanks for reading

Lisa Marie

Events by Lisa Marie

3841 SW Hall Blvd

503-830-7779

 

Where can you find us? Wanna Follow us?

Have you ever wondered where you can go to keep up with some of your favorite businesses? Or wanted to just check in and see if they are legit or still busy doing things?  Well other than here on our blog below are few other links to places you can follow us.  Feel free to join in our family as a follower, commenter or liker. :)

Check out our Facebook page here

You can follow us on twitter.

Check out some behind the scenes activities on our Instagram account

We are even on Pinterest with lots of pins and boards and ideas.

If you would like to find some of our wonderful reviews left by past clients you can check those out on our Wedding Wire page and even a few on Yelp.

Additionally we have a few other families of businesses.  Looking for a way to stay on track with your health goals, maybe cleanse some toxins from your system or lose a little weight? Maybe you just don't want to gain weight during the Holiday Season.  Check out what the Advocare Line has and our Fitness Facebook Page.

And finally, when your big day arrives and your are all stunning in your makeup wondering "how and where do I buy products to look this awesome all the time? Well we have just the products for you.  Tyra Beauty.  Highlight and Sculpt in a stick, Big Fat Daddy Lashes, Awesome eye shadows & so much more.

Of course we love having you all read our blog, follow our Facebook and even meet up with us at events.  We appreciate all the support we have gotten over the last 8 years of being in business.

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.

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

What to do for your Holiday Party?

Recently, we asked Kristina with Team Casino to guest blog for us.  We thought with the Holiday's just around the corner it would be great to have her give some tips on great company parties.  Below is what she has to say. :)

It’s time to start thinking about your company holiday party! Boring parties where you serve dinner and give away some awards are out! A great holiday party shows your employees you appreciate them, and while most people do appreciate free food, they want something more to do than just talk to the co-workers they see every day. They want a REASON to come party. There are a few ways to make your employees more excited to come to your holiday party:

1. Great prizes. No matter how you give them out, your staff will be super excited to know that they have a chance to win an iPad, TV, etc. Even if you only have the budget for one great prize, that’s a great way to get your employees excited about your party!

2. Bring in a little booze! There are many different options for all types of budgets
                  a. Have a Hosted Bar
                  b. Host drinks during Cocktail Hour
                  c. Give each attendee 2 drink tickets (on the company)
                  d. Or have a No Host bar

3. Try to provide childcare. Many of your guests would love to have a night away from their kids, but might not be able to afford the babysitter, or might not be able to find one on a busy holiday weekends. Perhaps your facility has an additional room you can use to bring in a few caregivers and your staff can bring their children, and pick them up on the way out!

4. The ability to network with the higher-ups. The annual holiday party may be the only place where all your employees will mix and mingle. During old school parties people sit with the co-workers they talk to every day, leaving little room to introduce themselves to the people that make the big decisions, without seeming pushy or intrusive. Here are a few tips:
                  a. Assign seats to the managers – have each one sit at a different table, so employees have to sit with them.
                  b. Facilitate a networking activity – try something easy and silly like taping names of celebrities and famous people on each person’s back and having them guess using yes or no questions. When you HAVE to talk to other people as part of a game, approaching others is much easier.

                   c. Bring in some entertainment that promotes networking and conversation. (Shameless plug time!) Interactive entertainment like casino nights, Hold’em tournaments, Wii bowling tournaments, etc. allow people to interact with those they may not know in a fun environment. With a band or other stage-based entertainment, they may just end up at the same tables talking with the same co-workers again!

So get to work revving up your holiday party! AND DON’T WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER. Now is the time to start planning! If you’re already doing many of these things, Awesome!

The holiday party is an important way to show your employees how much you appreciate them. Make sure it’s a great time for everyone!

So we say give us a call to schedule your consultation today and we can get you all hooked up with a Team Casino party.

Kristina Griffith

Fundraising Bookie | Team Casino Parties & Music Portland

503.726.2121  

Lisa Marie & Jessica

Events by Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

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Saving for the Future

OK, lets face it, weddings can be expensive! However, there are lots of ways you can save for the wedding and lots of things you can do to help with the cost.

First step is to remember that it is your wedding and you should pick a theme, style or look that really represents the two of you.  There are a million images of amazing weddings out there and lots of things to fall in love with.  Many of which can make you over spend.  Make sure you take a step back and think if it is really something you WANT or just something you think is pretty.

Below are a few things you can do to save some extra money for your wedding, honeymoon or first house.  (or whatever you want to use it for)

1. When you use cash, drop all your change into a jar. If you spend $7.65 at lunch, leave a $2 tip and pay with a $20 bill you have $10.35 left.  Put the $10 back in your wallet and drop the $.35 in the jar.  Do this for a full month and see how much money you spend.

2. Eat out one less time a week.  Either lunch or dinner.  If it is lunch make a little extra dinner the night before so that you have some leftovers.  This can save you on average $7 a week.  If you typically eat out 3 or 4 times a week for lunch you can save yourself about $20 a month.

3. Drink more water.  It is free.  If you go for an afternoon coffee or pop or even just order a drink like Ice Tea or Lemonade with your meals you can save anywhere from $2-6 per drink.  Imagine if you went for 10 lunches a month and didn't order a drink and instead just ordered water you could save on the low end $20 a month.

4. Evaluate how you spend money at the grocery store. Use coupons! Even if it is just for one or two items.  The money you can save is amazing.  There are a lot of programs you can use to help like coupons.com.  Additionally, check into the stores you shop at the most for their rewards cards.  Safeway has a mobile App and Fred Meyer has a rewards card where you can add manufacture coupons to your card and do not have to clip them.  This saves you extra time in trying to remember to take them with you.

5. Use CASH! I know this may sound funny but set up a budget for all your non essential monthly expenses.  put together 4 envelopes and if your budget is $400 for the month put five (5) $20 bills in each envelope.  At the end of the week whatever is left put in the money jar! Don't roll it to the next month and Don't steal for the next month.  If you run out on Thursday make due.  Eat at home, don't buy that Starbucks, Dutch Brothers or other coffee drink.  Remember the above post about water? :) 

6. Walk!!  It is amazing how much time we spend driving around.  Walk to lunch if there is a place close by, walk to the store or instead of driving somewhere like a movie theater go for a walk with your sweetheart. It will save you some time, money and gives you a workout. :)

7. Errands - Stop on the way home from work to pick up groceries and plan out your day so that you can run all your errands at the same time.  Instead of doing 1 day try to schedule a full day on the weekend and get them all done at once.

Most importantly really look at what you are buying.  Do you NEED that item?  Can you pay for it out of your monthly budget or will it take 2 or 3?  Money doesn't grow on trees so it is good to sleep on bigger purchases.  If a day or two later you still want it and can afford it without hurting your budget then go for it.  :)

Need additional help creating a budget for your wedding?  Schedule a consultation with us and we can go over some tips and tricks.  There are lots of ways out there to save your budget during your wedding planning process as well as ways to save money and get a few more of the items you would like.  So lets chat. :)  

Life is about enjoying but not about going into debt.  So enjoy the beauty in life.

Lisa Marie

Eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Find us on Facebook and Twitter 

Portland Oregon Event and Wedding Planner. 

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