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What to cut when your budget is not cutting it

7/10/2015

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Favors
     Our momma's and momma's friends all had them. We fondly remember opening the sweet little treats, as if they were our own personal gifts. The trend seems to be making a comeback in the form of homemade and organic.  This translates into costly.  "Gifting" your guests, is not just an added expense, it is an added chore. Don't get us wrong, we ADORE favors, done tastefully and of course if the budget allows.

Unnecessary Decor
       How many candles and little trinkets do you really need on the tables to  make it really pretty and uniquely yours? Surprisingly not as much as you're told... or should I say...up sold? 

RSVP Cards
       Include a phone number, email or evite. Designate someone from your bridal party or your planner to receive the electronic rsvps and calls. The paper trail is not necessarily worth the additional cost. Especially since we have all this technology at our fingertips.

Save The Dates
       Ditto on the evites for this one.

Menus
       A nice touch in lieu, would be to have the chef give you a quick table side presentation on his wonderful meal. It's interactive and may cost you a lot less than the printed pretties. 
       If you DO have the means to add this to your wedding collection

Programs
        Let it flow! Personally, I don't like programs. Your guests could become anxious with with expectation if something is out of order or not on time. You could become a slave to a script that almost never goes off without a hitch. 

Rehearsal Lunch/Dinner
         Sure you need practice, we understand. A big hoopla is not the way to go. Spend the money on your big day. Your wedding party and compulsory staff need be present. 
          Keep it informal. Hit a trendy sandwich shop and go Dutch. Even if you want to pay for everyone, it still won't cost you as much as another event. 

Venue
        Get the right size space. Don't go big and then struggle to make it intimate. Sure you LOVE that one location and have always dreamed of having your wedding there, but with a smaller guest list it will put a strain on the budget and force you to add decor items and details you wouldn't need with the right size venue

Signature Drinks
        His and Her special cocktails are the rage. A good chocolate martini is not only expensive but doesn't go a long way. I'm salivating just thinking about it! If I were at your wedding, you could pay me over $200 to drink up all that Godiva chocolate, multiply that by 50-60 people. Ouch. 

Small Cake-Big Dessert Table
         Not so new idea, great savings. With a smaller cake you can opt for a prettier design without the price tag. Your caterer usually has a dessert selection your guests will love. Cupcakes are also a nice alternative to cake slices.

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Ah...Perfection!

6/8/2015

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Perfectionist or Control Freak?

If you are planning your own wedding, you just might be a perfectionist. Striving for perfection is a commendable virtue, but, when does your quest for perfection cross the line into a control issue?

The down side of being a perfectionist, while planning your wedding:
  • It will never be perfect, no matter who plans it. You'll come up with a list of  ... I should haves... I wish Is ...Why did Is...This is not necessarily a bad thing, unless you let it set the tone for the rest of the planning process.
  • You keep such a close eye on the details, you miss the moments.
  • You set yourself up for a roller coaster ride. One detail could send you on a tail spin. Not saying you're a bridezilla, just saying your emotions could be up and down the whole night. 
  • You are compelled to straighten out the little imperfections rather than tending to your guests and having a good time.
  • It takes a lot of time and dedication to plan a wedding. You might be up for it starting out but be assured it is demanding and will keep you up at night.
  • What starts out as planning quickly becomes a control issue and before you know it you have alienated everyone involved.
The up side of being a perfectionist, while planning your wedding:
  • No one can truly see what you see, who better than you, to execute it?
  • Planning your own wedding gives you a sense of accomplishment and adds to the joy of that moment, when all is revealed.
  • It could save you money. The perfectionist usually knows where and who to hire before they enter the planning arena.  
  • The perfectionist is great with time lines and checklist. Chances are that you will not overlook a deadline or little details.


That being said, hiring a planner who is also a perfectionist, might just be your saving grace! Call us for our insiders recommendations for planners that we think is your perfect fit. 



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Do I really NEED a planner?

11/10/2014

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    The short answer is YES!
    Not everyone can afford a really good one. So make a list of what you have the capacity to do yourself and what you need help with. Next, make some calls.
    You should check the reputation of your planner. Read posts about them, check their Facebook and Pinterest pages. See what education they have or years in the biz. The Better Business Bureau can give you insight as well. Look at photos of actual weddings.
I attended a planning session with a bride and her family a while back, and overheard the bride say (as she walked away), "they just don't get it".
    Can't say no? A strong planner will help you smooth ruffled feathers and step in to tactfully deny or accept "help".  Unfortunately there was no planner and the wedding night ended with a lot of regret.
    Today's planners offer a whole lot more than they used to. Chances are you can tailor a package to fit your needs.
Enough said.
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Family Matters

11/4/2014

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You can spend tons on your wedding and still walk away with emptiness. Huge lavish affaires with the latest wedding trends a plenty is on every girls wedding wish list. But long after the day has ended, you'll want to look back on the smiling faces of the people you care for. Consider your guest list the pre-nup of memories. Ensure that it consists of only the important parts of your life.
You don't have to invite the whole office if you have only one friend in it.
Start early. Create your list and edit it over time. Don't let a tradition of big weddings surpass your desire for a beautiful, memorable celebration.
Be clear on your invitation about plus ones and children.

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Fake!

9/13/2014

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No...that's not the word I was looking for, ARTIFICIAL ...there you go.
How can you design elaborate flower stories with blooms that are out of season?
Silks and other artificials, that's how!
This also helps with sensitive sniffers. I have family members who are fragrance intolerant. They shy away from events, where there would most likely be an abundance of flowers or heavy scents just because of their allergies. If you have that same issue, or have guests who suffer from allergies, consider artificial flowers or even just LED candles and other decor
elements to compliment your design.
The professionals at Hawaii Island Events are waiting to liven up your event with Silks!
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We're EXCLUSIVE...

9/4/2014

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If a vendor tells you they are THE exclusive provider of their service at a venue...RUN!  
It speaks volumes when you have NO choices.
There IS a difference between exclusive and preferred.

Just two pieces of advice-

  • Do your homework, or better yet, have your planner do his/her homework.
  • Ask to see samples or photos of their products and/or services

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Seen below: Beautiful solid wood constructed benches. Designed, built and exclusively...(ha ha ha just checking to see if you are paying attention)...offered by Hawaii Island Events. No really, only we have em.
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Top Ten Must Haves in a Planner

6/4/2014

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Hiring a professional

    We've rounded up the top 10 MUST haves in a planner,
according to our awesome clients
and top ten checklists everywhere.

What you should expect from your planner

  1. Prompt responses TOP the list. When calls and emails are returned in a timely manner it alleviates a lot of anxiety.
  2. Experience. Does she KNOW the venue and expectations of the vendors? THIS is vital. What is okay...what is not.
  3. Location, Location, Location. What if you planned it all in our head, based on that white strip of beach where you met, only to find out right before the wedding you cant put up a structure because it's not permitted?...What's the alternative?
  4. The Budget...dun dun dun....perhaps this should be number one? Realistically we care what "it" costs.  So having someone who knows your limit and is prepared to get what you want, within those limits, is not just a want but a NEED.
  5. Vision. Is it your vision...or theirs? Who cares if it's NOT fashionable. Is it what YOU want?
  6. Compassionate. This did not make the list but it was noted in nearly every response...so we decided it should be on OUR list..."she was like part of the family, or we became my friends". Having someone to lean on and even vent to (in a good way), can keep the stack from blowing.
  7. Focus. Sometimes the sought after, busy ones don't have quality time for you.
  8. A List Keeper. You want to be able to call your planner to see if you paid for this or that, so make sure you got all the candles or even if the permit arrived. How well organized is your planner?
  9. Driven. I know, I know...why else would she be a planner, right? What this means is how passionate is she about what she does? Is this just a Jay Oh Bee?
  10. A Listener.  Sure they all hear what you said and even took notes. someone who listens will notice the subtleties or nuances.
   
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  • PORTFOLIO
    • RENTAL LOOKBOOK
    • DESIGN GALLERIE >
      • COLOR OF THE YEAR >
        • PANTONE 2020
        • PANTONE 2019
  • WHO WE ARE
  • WHAT WE DO
    • F.A.Q.
    • L♡VE LETTERS
  • CONTACT
    • WEDDING OR EVENT
    • STYLED SHOOT
    • DONATION REQUEST
  • BLOG
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