Following trends or following your vision

I read a lot about what is “in” and “out”, what is current and what is out of style. All of these opinions got me thinking, if you are planning your wedding should you follow trends or your vision?

A prime example of something that seem to be considered “out” are candy buffets. I have read many blogs written by wedding planners who say this is an over used trend that need to be retired. My question is why? Sure, a lot of brides may have used these ideas, but you haven’t. I doubt your guests will crowd around your beautiful candy bar and be saying, “what was she thinking, this is so 2008!” No, they will enjoy the treats and the thought you put into the favor.

So, as you make your way through the wedding process do not be discouraged if you feel like some of your ideas might have been popular with other brides as well. If you love it then it is special to you and your day!

Cheers!

FREE Wedding Planning

Are you getting married in 2010? Would you like to have a wedding coordinator but is simply does not fit into your budget? Well, this is a unique opportunity that will only be offered to 3 lucky couples. FREE FULL SERVICE EVENT PLANNING!!

 I am a new wedding planner in the Seattle/Eastside area and I want to offer 3 couples who are getting married in 2010 my services for FREE! The only stipulation is that I am able to use some of your wedding pictures in my portfolio.

This is what is included in my offer:

Budget: We will help you set a budget that you are comfortable with and keep track of your expenses.

Vendors: We will research vendors and gather proposals from at least three vendors in every category. We will only bring you proposals that fall into your budget requirements, and come from reputable vendors. Once you choose your vendors all you do is sign contracts and arrange for payment, after this is complete leave the rest to us. We will confirm with your vendors about all details two weeks before your wedding.

Site Selection: Having trouble deciding on a ceremony or reception location? We will discuss your vision and research locations that compliment what you have in mind. We will bring you a list of locations that fit into your budget and your vision and once you have narrowed it down we can make appointments to visit the sites.

Wedding Meetings: We can attend any and all wedding related meetings. We are happy to visit any of your vendors with you including dress and tux fittings. We will take notes, ask questions and make sure that all of your needs are being met.

Site design: We will visit your ceremony and/or reception site and work with you to create a design that will fit with the venue and your wedding theme/vision. We work with you on the floor plan, traffic flow and decor just to name a few.

Stationery: Cheers can design all of your stationery from save the dates to wedding programs and everything in between. If you are looking for something that we do not offer no biggie! We can recommend stationary companies that fall within your budget. (Stationary design is included in the free services, but you will be responsible for paper and printing costs.)

Out of Town Guest Arrangements: Have a lot of guest from out of town? Let us research lodging options that will be convenient and affordable for your guests. We can reserve room blocks and negotiate rates with hotels.

Wedding Rehearsal: Cheers will be at your rehearsal to line up your wedding party and make sure that they all know their places. We direct your rehearsal from start to finish so you can relax and enjoy!

Rehearsal Dinner: The rehearsal dinner is a great night to relax with close friends and family. We will help you with location selection, invitations, decor and any other details that come up.

Wedding Day Schedule: Let us create an itinerary for your wedding-day events! This itinerary includes contact information, rehearsal directions, rehearsal dinner specifics, ceremony details, and a reception timeline. It lets your entire wedding party know when & where they have to be to get them to the ceremony & reception on time! These special people may include your bridesmaids & groomsmen, ushers, readers, flower girls, ring bearers, parents, grandparents, and any other people who are involved in your wedding ceremony.

Ceremony set-up: Cheers will arrive at your ceremony location as early as possible to decorate, set out programs, meet vendors and make sure that everything is in place.

Reception set-up: We will turn your reception site into your dream! This includes decorating, arranging seating cards, placing favors, placing linens, putting out table numbers and ANYTHING else that is needed. Event management: On your wedding day our job is to prevent and manage any and all problems that arise and to make sure everything goes according to plan. We keep things on track and in order so you don’t have to worry. Your job is to enjoy your new husband and the fun and excitement that is your wedding day. While you enjoy all of your friends and family we will remain close by to attend to anything you need. Cheers is the first to arrive and the last to leave, so you do not have to worry for one minute.

Presents: We coordinate with the people who will be transporting your gifts to make sure that everything ends up in the right car at the end of the night. We will also make sure that all of your ceremony and reception decor is packed appropriately and given to the person who will bring it home to you. You can leave at the end of the night assured that nothing will be forgotten.

Etiquette: We can answer any and all questions regarding wedding etiquette, just ask! Status meetings & correspondence: In our first few meetings we will determine a schedule of regular progress meetings. Some couples like to meet once a month, some like to meet every other week it is completely up to you. The progress meeting can be held over lunch, dinner, coffee or even via Skype! We know you are busy and we want to make things as easy as possible for you. In addition to our progress meetings we are available to you by phone and email. All questions and concerns can be sent to us at any time and we will get back to you ASAP.

Right now you might be thinking, this sounds great, but she is a NEW planner. What if she messes up my wedding??? Let me assure you that although I am new to owning my own business I am not new to wedding and event planning. I have planned a number of weddings and events for friends and acquaintances. I just am finally making the leap into owning my own business.

So, if you are at all interested in this free offer lets set up a meeting and see if I can meet your needs! No pressure, no strings, just a time to get to know each other.

You can view my website at www.cheersweddings.com or email me at info@cheersweddings.com

What comes next?

If you have come across this blog you might be newly engaged, in the midst of planning your big day or maybe your wedding is right around the corner! In any case, we want to be a resource for any and all of your planning needs. The Cheers Inspiration Studio Blog will offer practical and useful information to help you along in the planing process.

There will be a minimum of three posts per week full of helpful information! Check back often and feel free to contact us with specific topics you would like covered.

Welcome!

Welcome to the first of many blog entries for Cheers Wedding & Event Planning.
 
Let me introduce myself, my name is Amber and I am the founder/owner/head planner of Cheers Wedding & Event Planning. I have a great team of planners and assistants who are all dedicated to throwing beautiful and unique weddings for our clients.
 
A little background on my journey to become a wedding planner…………..
 
Back in 2000 I became engaged at the ripe age of 19. When I became engaged I was a sophomore in college and had no plans of actually getting married until I graduated. So, for the next three years I planned my dream wedding. I poured over every detail, debated all of the possibilities, collaborated with amazing vendors and ultimately ended up putting on a spectacular wedding. During the planning process I never had a moment of stress nor did I ever feel burnt out. Friends and family joked that I should think of becoming a planner professionally. I brushed it off, figuring that I was having such a good time because it was my wedding and I would never have as much fun with someone else’s big day.
 
After I was married I settled into married life, I still was drawn to wedding websites and magazines and I read all about etiquette, traditions and all things wedding related. Being a planner crossed my mind but I dismissed it. Eventually, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Marketing in Chicago. During grad school we were assigned a number of projects that involved making up a company, 99% of mine were wedding related.
 
I am now almost two years out of graduate school, I have been working as a marketing manager while planning weddings for friends, family and acquaintances. I have finally decided that weddings truly are my passion and I want to build a business around that passion.
 
This blog will be a place to discuss helpful tips, trends, amazing weddings, traditions and everything wedding related. Whether Cheers is hired to plan your wedding or not we hope that you will find the information posted here helpful.
 
Amber