Valentines Day

Yep that is right it is today.  Did you know that there are an expected 4 million people getting engaged today alone?  That means a LOT of diamonds, chocolates, flowers, bubbly and gold.   Are you one of those couples who will start tomorrow engaged?  Maybe you do not even know it yet. :) 

Well from all of us to all of you.  Congrats. 

Maybe you are one of those fabulous couples who is celebrating your anniversary today?  Happy Anniversary, each year is a true blessing.  Celebrate them to the fullest as you never know what is around the corner.  Enjoy each day of your lives together and always give hugs and kisses. :)  Or maybe on a day like today try something a little more sexy and seductive.

Check out this amazing Cookie that Le Cookie Monkey did for us.  And they can always create and deliver belated ones.  (PS this doesn't have to just be a Valentines Cookie.  You can have them make it for any Anniversary or even Birthday)

Single?  No Worries.  We Love You Too.  Don't ever forget that someone, somewhere LOVES you.  They may not know it yet and you may not know it yet, or maybe you have just forgotten.  But they do LOVE you. 

So, while we should always make sure we are telling our friends, family and loved ones each and every day how much we love them take a few moments today to also smile at someone, give an extra hug or say and extra I Love You.  You will never know exactly how much it will make someones day!

Bridal Boot Camp

The Wedding will be here SOON!!  :)

So you are a bride, bridesmaid, groom, groomsmen and you just realized that you ate a few too many goodies during the holiday's?  Well there is no reason to worry about looking your best because registration is open for Bridal Boot Camp.  Bridal Boot Camp is here to help you lose weight or tone up to look your best. 

So here is it.  Sign up to come and workout with a Certified Personal Trainer in a fabulous gym.  Classes will be a bit of everything from cardio workouts to muscle toning.   Register as a VIP client and receive the added bonus of 15, 30 and 60 minute easy to follow at home workouts and meal planning from a Registered Dietician. 

You want to be as healthy as possible for the wedding and that includes having enough energy to go all day and dance all night.  So start your training now. 

Each session is scheduled for 6 classes. 
1 hr per day from 10:30-11:30
Session one starts on March 24th
$20 per class ($120 per session) to train with a Certified Personal Trainer

We will contact you after we receive your registration to schedule a time to meet up and see what your goals are.  We will work with those goals to help you feel and look your best for the wedding. 

Ask us about how to get your entire session for free at the goal setting appointment. 

It is not about PLANNING you wedding, it is about planning FOR you wedding.  Please note we will not talk about your wedding as this is a time for you to work off any stress, focus on your health and fitness and just have some "you" time for 1 hr a week.

But don't forget to register at www.bridalbootcamp.eventsbylisamarie.com and schedule your goal setting appointment prior to the first class. ;)

Bridal Boot Camp Team

Lisa Marie, Lisa Richards and Kristen Herron

503-830-7779

eventsbylisamarie.com

facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

twitter @eventsbylmh

Part of the Events by Lisa Marie Professional Event & Wedding Planning Team

Postage Rates

Did you know that on January 22 the cost of a stamp for a standard envelope will be once again increasing from $.44 to $.45?  Are you one of the many couples who will be mailing out Save the Dates or Invitations in the next few months?  Maybe you are hosting an Anniversary Party, Birthday Party or even a shower of some kind.  If so it is important to know what your postage fees will be.  Check out our tips below.

1. Yes we all love the wedding stamp but it is not a FOREVER stamp.  Buying the FOREVER stamps now saves you money, it can be used FOREVER at the current postage rate.  Example - If you are getting married in August you will be mailing out your invitations in June.  If you buy the FOREVER stamp now at $.44 you are saving $.01 per stamp versus buying the stamps in June at $.45 a stamp.  Think that $.01 is not much? Multiple it by your number of Invites, Reply Cards and Thank You Cards. Adds up doesn't it.

2. Did you know the size (shape) of your invitation can change your postage cost?  Remember to check into what it will cost when working on your invitations.  Some square and over sized envelopes cost more to mail.  Ask your consultant if yours fall into the "normal sized" rates or if they will require additional postage.  If additional is needed you may want to check into your budget to see if it is possible.  The added cost to some may add an extra $10 - $40 just to mail (total budget increase not individual invite increase).

3. Did you know the weight of the materials used may make it cost more to mail?  Make sure that you take a sample in to the Post Office (or ask your invitations/stationary consultant) and check the weight and cost to mail them.  Many couples forget that their invitation will be heavier then standard mail.  Thus resulting in higher postage fees (often times not even realized till after they were sent out).

In general be prepared.  Work with a Wedding Planner or an Invitations/Stationary Specialist who knows what your invitations will cost to mail.  And PLEASE save yourself a little money and go get those FOREVER stamps now.  You know now that this is an area where your wedding costs will increase.  So why not be proactive and not let it increase. :)

Happy Wedding Planning.

Lisa Marie, Alycia, Summer and Taylor

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Professional Event & Wedding Planning Specialists, Portland Oregon

News and Upcoming Events!!

We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row we have received the Wedding Wire Brides Choice Award.  :)  We really appreciate all the love and support our clients have given us as it really means a lot to our entire team.

Haven't met us yet?  Then come on down and see us at the Art of Wedding Show this Thursday.  Hurry over to the website to get your tickets before the show.  Once there make sure you stop on in and see us at our booth to chat about your upcoming wedding and all the great ideas you have.  We always love chatting to couples and hearing what they have planned.

See you soon. 

Lisa Marie and Team

Professional Event and Wedding Planning

Portland Oregon

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

Twitter @eventsbylmh

Facebook facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

Your Engagement

With Engagement Season almost over we wanted to say congratulations to all the newly engaged couples.  This is a super exciting time for you and there are lots of details for you to start working on.  It is important for you to remember that you also 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.  Once you have gone to all these shows you may be a bit overwhelmed.  That is normal and ok, just take a deep breathe and remember to take things one step at a time.

First, call and work with a professional coordinator or specialist.  We can help you sort thru all the tasks and help you get done what needs to be done working with your budget, ideas and theme.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation.  2012 dates are filling up fast and 2013 inquiries are coming in.  And don't forget we can start with your engagement party.

Event by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

The Proposal

Hey Guys, This one is for you.  The Engagement Season is here, and so are we to help you out with any questions you may have.

Recently we had a consultation with a soon to be groom who is planning a special proposal for his girlfriend.  We gave him lots of things to think about during his planning.  Below are a few of our tips. 

Things to think about
1. Is it important to her to have her parents approval?  Remember to ask mom, dad or whomever. 
2. Remember that it doesn't have to be over the top, just special and personal.
3. If the ring doesn't fit it is ok, the surprise will be enough for her.
4. Do you know what type of ring she wants?  Here are a few tips, Does she wear a lot of yellow gold or Silver?  Chances are, whichever she wears, is what she will want her engagement/wedding ring to be.
5. Is there a location that is special to the two of you?  A first date?  Favorite Memory?  These are great places to propose.
6. Have a friend or professional photographer hide to capture the joy and emotions.  Just make sure she doesn't see them.
7. Think about something sweet to tell her.  Maybe tell her how you knew she was the one, or how just how much you love her.  Write it down for her to have forever but know if you can't get out anything other than "Marry Me?"  It is ok.

Things not to do.
1. Putting the ring in her food or drink.  No one wants to swallow the ring, have it in their mouth or try to put on a sticky ring.
2. Do not over do it.  Keep it to your personalities.  It does not need to be a big huge over the top proposal.
3. Do not do it at a restaurant or in front of a huge amount of people if your girlfriend is shy and it would embarrass her.
4. Do not make it seem casual or like an obligation.  This is something that should be special for her.

Enjoy this moment.  It will only happen once and you will want this to be a special memory.

What to do after she says yes?
1. Enjoy the moment, Say I love you (if you haven't already)
2. Keep it a secret for at least a few hours.  Something only the two of you know.  (if you can that is)
3. When you are ready to talk wedding plans, give us a call for a complimentary consultation about what to do first in your wedding planning.

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Lisa Marie and Team :)

Hip, Fun, Sassy and Stylish Event and Wedding Planning

Who pays for what?

You have dreamed about your wedding and now it is time to plan and enjoy your special day. Setting a budget is difficult and stressful. Where is the money going to come from and who is going to pay for what? Traditionally, the bride’s family would pay for the wedding, however with the cost of a wedding skyrocketing, and more couples getting married later in life, these traditional roles are not as common.

Traditional Responsibilities

§ The bride’s family pays for:  
- Reception costs, including food, music, decorations, rental fees, entertainment, & favors
- Ceremony Costs including rental fees, decorations 
- Flowers for Ceremony and Reception 
- The bride’s wedding dress and accessories 
- Invitations, announcements, programs, and mailing costs 
– Photography/Videography 
- Transportation 
- Their own attire and travel expenses

§ The groom’s family pays for: 
 - The rehearsal dinner, including food, invitations, decorations and entertainment 
- Their own attire and travel expenses 
- A wedding present

§ The bride pays for:  
- The groom’s wedding ring 
- A wedding gift for the groom 
- Her hair, makeup, beauty treatments 
- Gifts for her attendants 
- Sometimes accommodation for any out-of-town bridesmaids

§ The groom pays for: 
 - The marriage license 
- The bride’s engagement ring and wedding ring 
- The honeymoon 
- A wedding gift for the bride and his attendants 
- The bride’s bouquet 
- Corsages for the mothers and grandmothers, Boutonnieres for men in wedding party 
- Sometimes accommodation for any out-of-town groomsmen 
- Fee for the officiant

When the bride and groom are older, or whose parents don’t have resources

The bride and groom pay for all wedding costs themselves and can choose if they want to split the expense between the two or pay for them out of one account. If this is the case it is good to decide how much money can be spent right away and put that money into a wedding account either all at once or monthly deposits. Checks can now be written from one account which makes it easy to track all expenses. By having a separate account couples make sure that 1. They stick to their budget and 2. They don’t spend money they need to live on.

A modern take on who pays for what at a wedding

After announcing the engagement, the bride and groom sit down and estimate what they’ll spend on the wedding.  They then approach their parents, let them know some of their thoughts and, gently ask, “We were wondering if you would be able to contribute to any of the expenses.”  The parents may look at the budget and offer to pay for specific cost like catering or flowers. They may also offer a set amount they are able to contribute. If their parents say they can’t afford to contribute, or only offer a small amount, the bride and groom say, “We appreciate you being able to help in any way.” After meeting with the parents the Bride and Groom may need to reevaluate their vision and budget.

Split the budget three ways

The bride’s family, groom’s family, and the couple themselves each pay for one third of the budget. Typically, this means they will each invite one third of the guests and with any help from parents they may have input into how they would like things done or often the type of food and drinks served.

Most importantly research, couples will splurge on one or two things.  That is ok as long as you don’t get carried away and start splurging on everything.  Spend your budget wisely and remember you can never recreate you special day.  Need more help creating a budget and figuring out how much to spend on what?  Give us a call and we can help guide you thru the process.

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

www.facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

Twitter eventsbylmh

503-830-7779

Real Wedding July 30th 2011

Each wedding we are honored to be a part of is fun and exciting and gives us all new butterflies as we watch a new couple pledge their love to one another.  This particular wedding was a great couple, young, happy and so in love.  We are so excited to be sharing it with you.

We absolutely LOVED this wedding.  It was so down to earth, family filled and fun.  The wedding took place on a private residence in the countryside just outside of Beaverton.  It was a 50 acre property with a beautiful house and patio for the reception. 

The Bride was walked down the aisle by her daddy which was lined with hanging Mason Jars filled with Wildflowers.  They were married under a white arch with a beautiful background of established trees and distant old red barn.

The couple wanted a country chic wedding and while the Bride did not have a lot of "wants" for her wedding she did have a few.  She knew she wanted wildflowers in mason jars with burlap squares on the table.

The wedding cake was made by the Grooms Aunt and decorated with some of the extra wildflowers from the centerpieces.  The cake fit the wedding and couple perfectly and was a special touch to the wedding.

At the reception guests were treated to a Tuscan Picnic style food with an anti-pasta platter, veggie trays, meat and cheese platters, gorgeous fruit bowl and a delicious pasta salad   Additionally, they had only a champagne toast with an Italian Soda station for their guests. 

During the father daughter dance the guests were treated to a very special surprise as the bride and her dad danced to a recording of her dad singing.  Such a special moment for them and for their guests (hard to hold back the tears).

The wedding party was a mix of family and super close friends.  The flower girl was the daughter of the Maid of Honor and was just as adorable as can be.  The ring bearer was related to the groom an just as cute.

From start to finish this was a real celebration of a lifetime of love to come surrounded by family and friends.  This really was a honor to be a part of and a wedding to remember.

Events by Lisa Marie

Lisa Marie

503-830-7779

Event and Wedding Planning

Portland Oregon

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

www.facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie

Twitter eventsbylmh

Terminology

Since 2009 we have been using the term "Wedding Specialist" and "Event Specialist" instead of coordinator or planner.  Sometimes people ask us why we use the word Specialist.  So I thought I would write a post about it and explain why we have chosen to use one word over another.

Specialist - Per the Websters Dictionary means - One who specializes in a particular occupation, practice or branch of learning.

Our Specialists are just that.  We specialize in knowing how to plan and organize your wedding or event, how to work with your budget so that you have a realistic view of what is important and where to splurge, we KNOW the professionals in the industry that will mesh well with you and your personality as well as fit within your budget, we can take your vision and know without much research how to make it happen.  We keep up to date on trends, finds, ideas and styles so that you can rest assured that your wedding or event will be all you want it to be.

We Specialize in knowing where to go to find the unique items you want to help make your vision come true.  We are true Professionals who have committed time and energy into learning the things we need to know so that we can be a Specialist in our field.  We are NOT photographers, florist, caters, filmmaker, we are your wedding Specialist or event Specialist. You work with the above professionals as they are the specialists in THEIR field.

Yes we do Plan your wedding or event and YES we do Coordinate your wedding or event however, we Specialize in doing this in the absolute best possible way, as well as, making your vision become a reality.  Do we plan or coordinate a wedding or event we see?  No we plan and coordinate a wedding or event YOU see.

While the term Specialist is not widely used in the industry it is one we have been using.  And yes on our marketing material we also use wedding coordinators/planner and event coordinator/planner.  But we prefer Specialist.

Upcoming Bridal Shows

The wedding season here in Oregon is almost at an end.  Which means it is time to move into both the Bridal Show Season and Engagement Season.  We have compiled a list of Bridal Shows in the area for you to review.  Dates, Times and Locations as well as linked them to the actual show website.

One tip that we do suggest is that you make sure you buy your tickets early.  Some shows can only accept a certain number of Brides at a time.  If you buy your tickets ahead for the time you want, you won't have to wait in long lines.

Send us an email at info@eventsbylisamarie.com or call us at 503-830-7779 for additional tips on handling the overwhelming amount of information you will receive while checking out all the shows.

Shows are listed in date order

September 25th 2011 11am-4pm
Very Engaging Bridal Event Presented by Portland Bride and Groom
Location: Bridgeport Village
Cost: Free
VIP Brunch: $20 Purchase tickets in advance space is limited Saks Fifth Avenue OFF Fifth

October 8th & 9th 10am-5pm
Rose City Bridal Showcase Presented by Lora Heil-Frone
Location: Oregon Convention Center
Cost: $7

October 15th & 16th  15th 10am - 5pm &16th 11am -4:30pm
Oregon Wedding Showcase Presented by Oregon Wedding Showcase
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost: Advanced Tickets $7
At the Door with Coupon $8
At the Door without Coupon $9

October 21st 5pm - 9pm
COMMITTED! Portland's Alternative Bridal Event Presented by Luxe
Location: Ambridge Event Center
Cost: $12

October 22nd &23rd 22nd 10am - 5pm & 23rd 11am - 4:30pm
Oregon Wedding Showcase Presented by Oregon Wedding Showcase
Location: Lane Events Center
Cost: Advanced Tickets $7
At the Door with Coupon $8
At the Door without Coupon $9

October 29th 10am - 4pm
The Wedding Event Presented by The Association of Bridal Consultants
Locations: The Benson Hotel Lobby & The Crystal Ballroom
Cost: Free

November 6th 11am-4pm
Bravo! Wedding Affair Presented by Bravo!
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel - Downtown
Cost: $15.

January 7th & 8th 7th 10:30am - 8:30pm & 8th 10:30am - 6:30pm
The Portland Bridal Show Presented by Expositions West
Location: Oregon Convention Center
Cost: $10 ($1 off coupon can be used either at the door or online, not available for Saturday morning entrance)

January 22nd  11am-4pm
Bravo! Wedding Affair Presented by Bravo!
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel - Downtown
Cost: $15.

January 14th & 15th  14th 10am - 5pm & 15th 11am - 4:30pm
Oregon Wedding Showcase Presented by Oregon Wedding Showcase
Location: Lane Events Center
Cost: Advanced Tickets $7
At the Door with Coupon $8
At the Door without Coupon $9

January 19th 6pm - 9:30pm
The Art of Weddings Presented by Jasmine Photography
Location: Pure Space
Cost: $12

January 28th & 29th  28th 10am - 5pm &  29th 11am -4:30pm
Oregon Wedding Showcase Presented by Oregon Wedding Showcase
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost: Advanced Tickets $7
At the Door with Coupon $8
At the Door without Coupon $9

January 29th  10am - 2pm
Greater Vancouver Bridal Show Presented by Luxe
Location: Hilton Vancouver
Cost: Pre-registration $5
Cost: At the door $10

February 23rd 5pm - 9pm
VIP Tickets 5pm General Admission 6pmLuxe Bridal Event - Eugene - Presented by Luxe
Location: Hult Center for Performing Arts
Cost: General Admission $12
Cost: VIP Admission $35

March 8th  5pm - 9pm
VIP Tickets 5pm General Admission 6pm
Luxe Bridal Event - Portland - Presented by Luxe
Location: The Historic Tiffany Center
Cost: General Admission $12
Cost: VIP Admission $35

March 10th & 11th  10am - 3pm
NW Wedding Scoop - Presented by Muse
Location: The Governor Hotel
Cost: Registration coming soon
Be one of the first 100 to register and get a swag bag.

Need tips on how to survive a Bridal Show?  Email or call us and we will get you a survival guide.  Filled with lots of goodies to help you navigate thru you day.  info@eventsbylisamarie.com 503-830-7779

Events by Lisa Marie

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Lisa Marie, Summer, Taylor and Alycia

info@eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779