Gartner Studios Invitations (Philadelphia, Bucks County Event Planner)

Over the weekend my parents had my fiance’s parents over for dinner.  During the evening the topic of an engagement party came up.  They discussed everybody’s schedules, and since we have already been engaged for about six months, they wanted to make it soon.  The only date that could work is less then a month away, and of course on a week we have three other events occurring. . . so here’s to the fourth

I am very excited for the party, as it will be our first “wedding activity”; however I am also feeling a little panicked.  Ever since I began planning events nine years ago, the simple celebratory party became non-existent among my family members.  Every party we have has a theme with matching decor, drinks, etc. down to the smallest detail.  So now we have less then a month to pull this all together, don’t worry. . . I work best under pressure.

First thing’s first – invitations.  The date was picked on Sunday evening, so we need to have the invitations out by tomorrow at the latest.  My first concern was how we were going to create/find eye appealing invitations, get our guest list together, gather all our guests addresses, and send them out, all before Friday.

Target and Gartner Studios to the rescue!  We stopped at Target in desperation, hoping to find something that would meet my standards (I’m pretty picky).  We headed over to the stationary section and there it was,  an invitation kit that does a great job of imitating professionally crafted invitations.  It even comes with cards that can be used to print response cards on (which I will no doubt be using for my thank you notes .  Inside the box are easy step by step instructions on how to find the template online to type your wording in, as well as directions on how to set your page margins on your printer.  They came out looking fabulous!  I am beyond pleased with them.

If you would like to get these for your next party, they can only be purchased at Target or on Target’s website, as well as on Gartner Studio’s website.  On their site you will also find gifts, favors, and some great decor ideas.

P.S. – Although these invitations are beautiful, and I would suggest them for any party, unless your budget simply doesn’t allow it, stick with the pros for your wedding invites.  There is no substitution for the hand crafted work of an artist.

The Ultimate Surprise Party ~ Day One (Philadelphia Event Planner)

For those of you who may not have read the previous blogs about the planning of this trip, here are the links to part one http://www.eventsbymonroe.com/main/?p=470 and part two http://www.eventsbymonroe.com/main/?p=478 .  As promised . . here are the details of how the trip went.

I arrived at my parents house to meet them before leaving for the airport.  At this point my mother still had no idea that we were going to Rome, and thought that we were heading to Longwood Gardens and then out to dinner.  During the hour leading up to the car ride we all began to get a little anxious.  We had been planning this trip for a year, and couldn’t wait to tell her about all that we had been working on.

We got into the car, and pulled out of the driveway.  After about five minutes in the car we asked her to put the directions into the GPS for the restaurant we were going to (which we would give her the zip code to Rome to enter).  Of course, the GPS was in the other car.  Go figure, so we went to our default plan of giving her the present we had for her, which also had her plane ticket in it.  She was so shocked, she didn’t know what to say.  She even cried!  She was so excited, it took the rest of the ride to the airport for it all to process.  (Video Footage will be coming soon!)

We arrived at the Philadelphia Airport and met up with my fiance, Tim, who was waiting for us there with the bags.  We checked our luggage, got our boarding passes, and headed for the terminal, where surprise number two was waiting for her.  As we walked into the terminal she found five of her friends awaiting our arrival who would be joining us on our trip.  She was speechless.

While waiting for our flight we stopped into Chickie & Pete’s to have our last taste of American Cuisine for a few days.

The flight was on time.  Everybody took a nice little nap on the plane.  Everybody except for me that is.  Somehow I always see to get stuck next to an armrest elbower.  Not only was I elbowed the entire trip, but the large man sitting to my right was wearing a puffy winter coat the whole flight, which took up even more room. . . ugh.  Lucky for me I brought a great book for reading, and was equally excited about the new technology for watching movies on the plane.  Now each seat has a personalized screen on the back.  It is a touchscreen that allows you to choose from various movies, TV shows, news, games and more.  Everything is free except the games, and of course the $5.00 for a headset.

Our flight landed at 7:30am (Rome’s time).  Everyone else seemed pretty refreshed from their nap, I however was a little groggy but happy to be out of that seat!  I was less then thrilled to have to go to baggage claim and then wait in the long line to get through customs.  To my surprise, there wasn’t a long line at all for customs.  The agents actually couldn’t even be bothered to look up from what they were reading to look at our passports, let alone stamp them.  I have done a good amount of traveling in my life, and have never experienced this.  They didn’t even look at my picture, they just waved us all through.  It’s amazing how security differs from country to country.

Our ride to our apartment is another adventure all together, so I will use that to begin Day Two.  Ciao!

Think Big ~ EventQuip (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Donald Trump has been a public icon that I have followed closely since the beginning of my college career, when I really became interested in Business.  I many times find myself mesmorized by his ability to make deals, run effective organizations, and strive for excellence in every aspect of his brand.  In my career, if I can master half of his magnificence and business sense I will retire feeling successful.  One of my favorite books by Mr. Trump is Think Big.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit EventQuip in Lansdale.  During the tour of their facility, I couldn’t help but think of “The Donald”.  Everything EventQuip does is BIG.  Their organizational skills are incredible.  I have never seen such a multitude of equipment so neatly arranged, and efficiently categorized.  EVERYTHING was in place.  There was not so much as a single bolt lying on the floor.  As the tour continued I began to feel as though I was going through Willy Wonka’s Choclate Factory.  I was beyond impressed.  My favorite part of the tour was seeing the washing machine they use for the tents.  It looked just like the one I have at home, except about 65 times bigger and made of what appeared to be a steel-like material.

As Michael Sardanopoli, my gracious tour guide, explained the procedures they follow it became clear to me why EventQuip is known as “thee” tenting company in the Philadelphia area and surrounding counties.  Every  precaution imaginable is taken to insure the saftey of their clients and their guests/customers.  There is never a detail overlooked.  If Mr. Trump where looking to buy into the tenting industry, I would be sure to let him know where to start

Hats off to Ed Knight, Michael Sardonopoli, and the entire staff of EventQuip for creating and maintaining such a cohesively and efficiently run organization!

www.EventQuip.com

GREEN ~ It’s Not Just For St. Patrick’s Day (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Since everybody will be eating, drinking, and wearing green today, I thought this would be a great time to mention and upcoming event that will be green.  On April 28th, 2010 the GreenChic Living event will be hosted at the Crystal Tea Room beginning at 5:00pm.  All proceeds will benefit the Sustainable Business Network & Schuylkill Banks.

This event will be a showcase of all the finest in green housing, products, food, fashion and services in the Philadelphia region. Sponsored by MAINLINE & BUCKS Life magazines there will be a vast assortment of eco-chic products for the home and body, all things that compliment your lifestyle without compromising style, function or comfort.   Philadelphia’s sustainable czar Katherine Gajewski will be speaking about the cities plans for the future.  Models will showcase bamboo and organic clothing.  Recycled jewelry will be made on site.  Peco will explain the changing energy laws.  GreenandSave will let you know the latest innovations.  Other highlights include solar innovations, a beauty bar, local beer, liquor distillers and restaurants plus much more! For more information about the event, you can follow this link http://www.luxephila.com/greenchic.html.

Romance in New Hope (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Last month the associated press published an article noting the 10 MostRomantic Places to Visit in America. http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle272347510_most_romantic_places_to_visit_in.html?cat=16.  I was excited to see New Hope, PA included in the list.  It is one of my favorite places to spend a sunny day, and also is where I will be marrying my fiance next April

When we began looking at venues we first went to Font Hill Castle in Doylestown, which is an absolutely gorgeous venue.  I was sold from the moment we pulled down the classic tree lined driveway.  Jack Skudris, owner of memorable affairs, took us on a thorough tour of the facility, and spent a great amount of time discussing the many options they offer.  We left the meeting ready to go home and sign the contract.

I am extremely organized and always on the ball with planning my clients weddings and events.  Lucky for me, I am a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to my own.  After thinking about it for a few weeks we came to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t work with our budget (Yes. . . even event planners have a wedding budget ).  I came across the reception site we would book completely by accident.  In fact, I was working on a client’s wedding when I found it.  I had not been to the venue yet, but had seen it on Memorable Affairs website, when I decided it would be a good option for my clients.  I scheduled a meeting with Pat Kor to check it out before taking my clients.

The venue is Occasions, and is located right in New Hope in Union Square.  I fell in love with the rich colors, extensive decor, and chic modern vibe.  I couldn’t believe the pricing, and how much they included in their package.  I can honestly say you will not get more for your money anywhere else in the Philadelphia or surrounding areas, and I have a lot of experience to base this comparison on.  They even include linens and napkins of any color you want for no additional charge.  This is virtually unheard of!  I regretted that I hadn’t been out to see this location sooner.  The pictures they have, although beautiful, do not do the location justice.  You really need to see if for yourself, and feel the energy of the building.  In addition to my love for the location, working with the staff of memorable affairs has been just as amazing of an experience.  They are always available, and will schedule their meetings at your convenience, not theirs.

Needless to say, this is where my reception is booked.  I can’t wait to start planning all the details.  The fact that it is in New Hope makes it all that much better.  I love the uniqueness of New Hope, the shops, bed and breakfasts, art, etc.  I am also excited to be able to make our wedding a destination weekend without our guests having to travel far.  I will be blogging about the whole planning process as I mentioned in a blog a while back, and would love feedback.  Although I have been to New Hope many times, I would love some advice on good spots for photos.  So.. to all my readers and photographers out there, what are your favorite spots in New Hope for pictures??  Help me out

Photos : Provided by Memorable Affairs

Great New Ad Thanks to Opaque White Design (Philadelphia Event Planner)

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Stephanie Wells for doing such an amazing job on our new ad that will be featured in Mainline & Bucks Life Magazine starting in May

I have known for 20 years.  Watching her grow as an artist and explore new areas has been an amazing journey.  She is extremely talented in graphic design as you can see, in addition to photography and many other creative forms of design.  Her photography is one of my favorite aspects of her art.  She has a great way of finding and portraying the beauty of the forgotten.  Her work is extremely intriguing.  If you have the time please take a look at some of the work she has done.  Her site is still in the works of being put together, but it shows a small sample of what she could do for you or your company.   You can also contact her through Facebook.   Thanks Steph!

http://web.mac.com/opaquewhitedesign

Congratulations Mike & Erica! (Philadelphia Event Planner)

I have been meaning to get this post (and several others) up all week, our office has just been very busy!  Last Friday great friends of my fiance and myself got engaged and we couldn’t be more happy for them!  Mike and Erica began dating last spring, and have been inseparable ever since.  Erica has a very fun loving spirit, and Mike is ecstatic to have found her.  It wasn’t long before he knew that he had met the girl he just had to spend the rest of his life with.  They are an amazing couple, and incredible friends.  They are also parents to two adorable pugs, Donovan & Kali, who love to play with our adorable pug   We wish them great happiness, and can’t wait to see how the wedding plans come along.  Feel free to congratulate them in our comment section!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You can hear all the details from Erica in the comment section…

Let’s Keep Wallstreet Out Of Weddings (Philadelphia Event Planner

I came across an article on Monday during my blogging and Internet surfing that caught my attention.  There was a link titled “ROI: What a Wedding Really Costs”.  I was immediately interested, not only by the title, but by the fact that it was written in the Wall Street Journal.  The idea that The WSJ had expanded it’s interest into the field of events excited me. . . until I read it.

After clicking the link it took me to an article titled “A Lavish Wedding Costs More Than You Think”.  Here is the link to the article http://bit.ly/bNK65j.  If you have the chance please read through it to fully understand my aggravation.  If you do not have the time I will summarize it.  The article begins by discussing a sale that was held over the weekend for brides to attend where they could get dresses between $249.00 and $649.00 as opposed to the normal prices of $900.00 to $9000.00.  This point was their transition to stating that people are looking to find ways to save money on their wedding.  Brett Arends (the author) then states that “the true cost of these things is more than most people realize.” AND that “if they did the math, they’d probably get married in flip-flops” “:twisted:” !  Arends’ argument is that the cost of every dollar is not what we take out of our wallets but what it could have been if we had allowed it to accrue with years of interest for retirement.  He claims that each dollar we spend today if it was able to be in the bank to gain 4% – 6% interest over 40 years, would be $5.00 – $11.00 at retirement; hence spending $18,000.00 on a wedding could really end up costing you between $90,000.00 and $200,000.00.  He then states that “people who spend more aren’t more married at the end of it”.

Just describing the contents of this article has my blood boiling to the point where I am struggling to keep my poise to write this blog post.  Where do I begin?

First, if you are not an expert in the field, please seek the advice of someone who is.  Brett states “The bride’s parents are back on the hook again”.  This is not necessarily true.  Although with the economy bride’s parents are again helping, they are not the only ones.  I deal with brides on a regular basis, and what I experience is a collective effort of the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, the couple themselves, and sometimes grandparents or older siblings.

What angers me most about this article is it is downplaying one of the most important days of peoples’ lives.  To insinuate that people would probably rather “get married in flip flops” is an insult to the event planning industry, and all the hard work couples put into making their day special.  It is a one-time event that will be remembered forever.  If every time we pulled a dollar out of our wallet we thought this could cost me five to eleven dollars, we would never spend money on anything.  Who would be content evaluating a $1.50 pack of gum to really be costing them between $7.50 and $16.50?  Watch out Orbitz!

What I am struggling to figure out is why Mr. Arends chose the wedding industry to discuss?  To play devils advocate I have done some research of my own on dining out and going to the movies.  According to a National Restaurant Report the average American 8 years of age and older eats out 4.2 times per week.  At least one of these times are at a restaurant rather then fast food.  A recent Zagat survey found that in a big city like Philadelphia the average cost of dinner is $35.96 per person.  With these numbers, and following the argument  of Brett Arends, dining out with your spouse just cost you $359.60 – $791.12 for one visit, or between $18,699.20 – $41,138.24 per year!  Also, the six movies the average American goes to per year is costing them $285.00 – $627.00 annually or $47.50 – $104.50 per ticket.

What the calculations for “the actual cost” of your wedding, dining out, and going to the movies do not consider are the experiences and memories they create.  We are all aware that we are in a recession.  This does not mean we need to stop celebrating and experiencing life, we may just need to alter the way we do it.  This is why wedding professionals like myself spend so much time researching ways we can allow our clients to have a beautiful wedding within their budget.  A marriage is something to be celebrated, enjoyed, and shared with you and your loved ones, not seen as retirement money that has been wasted.

Creative Custom Card Box Contest (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Say that title five times fast   Creative Custom Card Boxes creates handcrafted card boxes to accompany the decor of any event, and will add a little extra pizazz!  If you have never seen their work, you need to check it out!  They are running a contest until February 24th to give away a $225.00 gift certificate.  Enter today to win and have one of these great card boxes showcased at your next event!

Here is the link to the site for more information:

http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/19/creative-custom-card-boxes-giveaway/

Good Luck!!

Real Weddings 2009 Survey Results (Philadelphia, New Jersey Event Planner)

Real Weddings conducted a nationwide survey which included over 21,000 couples that were married in the US in 2009.  The results along with the interpretation are very interesting and informative.  If you are a former bride who was married in Philadelphia and you are reading this blog DON’T PANIC when you see the numbers mentioned in this report.  Keep in mind these are national averages.  It’s ok if you paid $1200.00 for your Wedding DJ and the report states the 2009 price as $892.00.  We are in a highly populated city, where costs of living are higher then in some other areas of the country like Arkansas or Idaho.

Here is the link to the article discussing the results.  It touches on many areas including budgets, number of attendees, music, the use of planners, cakes, etc.  Enjoy!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/The-Knot-Unveils-2009-Real-bw-2004126660.html?x=0&.v=1