What's so SPECIAL about Special Invite Event Planning

This is a question that I ponder on very often to ensure my goals are aligned with those of what are being displayed from day to day throughout the world of Special Invite. In an every changing industry, I find myself re-evaluating the business as a whole and making sure we keep our clients' needs at the forefront. The things that are SPECIAL about Special Invite Event Planning is visible in our everyday encounters with our clients.

So here's insight into "What's so SPECIAL about Special Invite Event Planning":

1. Special Invite's #1 goal is to be an advocate for our clients! This means that we're putting the needs of our clients as the #1 priority. I know without them--Special Invite is nonexistent. We are making sure our clients are taken care of every step of the way through the planning process.
2. Special Invite assist each client with planning and executing every detail to ensure their day goes as the client envisioned it to go. This simply means, we are here to advise our clients of current trends within the industry and offer our professional opinion(s) when needed. I like to think of this as the "Special Collaboration" between the professionals of Special Invite and our clients. This ensures the vision of the client stays true throughout the planning of the wedding or event.
3. Limited....Special Invite values each of their clients and only accepts a limited number of weddings each year to ensure we're giving each client the utmost level of attention and dedication. I incorporated this thought early on as I did not want to spread the resources of Special Invite thin AND each of our clients are valuable to us.
4. Knowledge is Power -- We (myself, associate coordinators, interns, etc.) are constantly increasing our knowledge by attending training workshops, industry seminars, and professional associations' (ABC, ISES, NACE, and AFWPI) meetings. I know, in order to grow on both a personal and business level, we must strive to be the best in the industry and educate ourselves in the process.

These are just a few things that stuck out to me as to what makes Special Invite so Special. So to sum it all up....we're SPECIAL because our client has been and will always be our #1 focus!

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Teresa B.

Special Invite Event Planning

Exclusive Deal on iDo Daily Deal

Today is the day!!!! Check out Special Invite Event Planning's EXCLUSIVE deal on iDo Daily Deal from July 28 - 30, 2011. Perfect for the "Do-it-Yourself" bride and groom who may need a little assistance along the way. For additional details, visit iDo Daily Deal and sign up for great offers from local wedding vendors to help you plan your PERFECT day!

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Teresa B.

Special Invite Event Planning

Wedding Wednesday: Knowing Your Role (Part 4)

I apologize for being a day late with the final installment of this month's Wedding Wednesday series. As promised last week, I will go into greater detail (as written by my dear friend and personal cheerleader Debbie Tobias) of what an usher does on your wedding day.

Ushers are typically responsible for

• Arriving early to the wedding ceremony. They can help you with any last-minute details like lighting candles, checking the audio system, etc.
• Greeting wedding guests as they arrive to the wedding ceremony
• Escorting female guests down the aisle and to their seats; her male guest follows behind them. Traditionally, an usher offers his right arm so that he may escort the ladies. But if that seems too formal for your client's wedding, a simple greeting and a "please, follow me" is completely acceptable.
• Distributing any programs to guests at the wedding ceremony
• Right before the processional, rolling out the aisle runner

Make sure that each usher knows the seating guidelines for the wedding ceremony. For a Christian ceremony, looking from the back of the room, guests of the bride sit on the left-hand side of the aisle/altar, while the groom's guests sit on the right. This is reversed for Jewish ceremonies.

If the divvying up of wedding guests is unbalanced--say, the groom has 100+ guests and the bride has 20--instruct the ushers to direct guests, as they arrive, to the best available seats.

The role of usher is ideal for teenage boys and/or adults whom your clients want to include on their big day. Ushers should be comfortable talking to people. Most ushers will have to rent (or buy) formalwear unless, of course, you are comfortable with them wearing their own suit.

Hope this information has been of some assistance to you in determining the role of the persons selected to be a part of your wedding party.

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Special Invite Event Planning

Have a question regarding wedding etiquette? Email your question(s) to info{at}thespecialinvite{dot}com and we will be sure to post the answer to your wedding planning questions!

I L-O-V-E a GREAT Deal!

Who doesn't LOVE a deal?!?!?! iDo Daily Deal is a Houston based company which is modeled after the websites of GroupOn and Living Social. You're probably thinking "Not another one of those sites!" But wait....it strictly caters to the wedding industry professionals. So, if you're in the market of needing talented wedding professionals at a discounted price...iDo Daily Deal is a great place to start. Check out their recent appearance on Fox 26 Morning News.

Wedding-Based 'Daily Deal'? 'I Do!': MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Special Invite Event Planning will have a "SPECIAL" deal for brides and grooms-to-be on iDo Daily Deal this Thursday (July 28, 2011). Be sure to sign up to receive information on how you can cash in on hefty discounts from wedding vendors servicing the Houston area.

Stay tuned for more great tips and discounts Special Invite Event Planning has to offer.

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Teresa B.

Special Invite Event Planning

www{dot}thespecialinvite{dot}com

A Few Kind Words....

(An example of a beautifully blended family--The Frazier Family)

In January of 2011, I was given the opportunity to plan and coordinate a wedding for the lovely couple, Robert Frazier & Melanie Shannon, who recently tied the knot on June 18, 2011 in the Greater Houston area. There was plenty of blood (figuratively speaking), sweat, and tears that went into planning this wedding. I enjoyed working with this family and wish them many years of marital bliss!

(Found this kind gesture in the mailbox)

It's nice and refreshing to the soul knowing you've made a difference in someone's life OR put a smile on someone's face. It is my goal to provide this type of feeling to each client each and every time Special Invite Event Planning is hired.

Again, Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Frazier!

--

Teresa B.

Special Invite Event Planning

Wedding Wednesday: Knowing Your Role (Part 3)

Previously, I briefly explained the wedding party roles of the Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen/Ushers, and the Bride’s parents. This week I will dive into the basic roles of the Groom’s parents. Please keep in mind this is a very basic description of what each member of the wedding party is responsible for and can vary from wedding to wedding.

Groom’s Parents (Collectively)

· Helps prepare the guest list for the bride and her family

· Selects attire that compliments the Mother of the Bride

· Plans and pays for the rehearsal dinner

· Can witness the signing of the marriage license

Groom’s Mother

· Arranges accommodations for out-of-town guests

· Dance with the groom during the mother/son dance

Groom’s Father

· Selects attire that compliments the groom’s attire

· Offers a toast at the rehearsal dinner

This information is brief and should be used as a starting point on what to expect from the groom’s parents. Next week, I will go into greater detail of the Ushers' role.

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Special Invite Event Planning

Have a question regarding wedding etiquette? Email your question(s) to info{at}thespecialinvite{dot}com and we will be sure to post the answer to your wedding planning questions!

Thursday Thought from Guest Blogger Natalie Reed: Sending Thank You Letters

So you just had the wedding of your dreams and you get home from your FABULOUS honeymoon only to be greeted by an overabundance of gifts. Without a doubt, anxiety begins to set in at the thought of writing thank you cards. Do not stall any longer, I am here to help! Sure, this task seems like a huge undertaking, but if you follow the simple steps listed below you’ll be done in no time.

Step One: Start the note with a proper greeting such as, ‘Dear So and So…’, ‘Hello…’ It seems very silly to include this in the steps to writing a proper thank you note, but you’ll be surprised by the number of people that forget to include this simple step.

Step Two: Express your gratitude for the gift. It’s very important to include the item purchased. If a guest purchased a personalized picture frame, you should write something like, ‘Thank you for the personalized picture frame.’

Step Three: Write about how you plan on using the item. ‘I already have plans of putting a picture of us on our honeymoon in the frame.’

Step Four: Discuss a past event or refer to the future. Write something like, ‘ I was so glad to see you last summer at the family reunion and even more glad to see you at our wedding a few months later’ or you can write something like, ‘I was so happy to share our wedding day with you and look forward to seeing you soon.’

Step Five: Say thank you for the gift again. Write something like, ‘Again, thanks for the gift. We really appreciate it.’

Step Six: Wrap it up! Use words or phrases such as, ‘Love’, ‘Thanks Again’, ‘Yours Truly’, or whatever suits your style.

Step Seven: Finally, review the note for spelling errors and prepare for mailing.

Good Luck!

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Special Invite Event Planning

Have a question regarding wedding etiquette? Email your question(s) to info{at}thespecialinvite{dot}com and we will be sure to post the answer to your wedding planning questions!

Wedding Wednesday: Knowing Your Role (Part 2)

Last week I briefly explained the wedding party roles of the Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen/Ushers. This week I will dive into the basic roles of the bride’s parents. Please keep in mind that this is just a basic description of what each member of the wedding party is responsible for and can vary from wedding to wedding.

Bride’s Parents (Collectively)

· Traditionally pays for the wedding and reception

· Helps prepare the guest list for the bride and her family

· Can witness the signing of the marriage ceremony

· Acts as hostess at the reception

Bride’s Mother

· Assist with planning the wedding ceremony and reception

· Assist (along with the Maid of Honor) the bride in selecting her bridal gown

· Arranges accommodations for out-of-town guests

· Is the last person to be seated before the processional begins

· Sits in the left front row to the left of the bride’s father during the ceremony

· Dances with the groom after the first dance

Bride’s Father

· Rides to the ceremony in the limousine with the bride

· “Gives the bride away” when the officiant ask

· After “giving the bride away” at the ceremony, sits in the left front row to the right of the bride’s mother

· If divorced, sits in the second or third row unless financing the wedding

Hope this information is helpful as a starting point on what to expect from the bride’s parents. Next week, we will cover the basic roles of the groom’s parents.

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Special Invite Event Planning

Have a question regarding wedding etiquette? Email your question(s) to info{at}thespecialinvite{dot}com and we will be sure to post the answer to your wedding planning questions!

Tuesday Tip: Not Your Ordinary Cake -- Top 3 Gourmet Cupcake Shops

(Southern Belle available at The Cupcakery)

Cupcakes are a current trend at weddings and events that are a HUGE hit. I like to think of them as a great alternative to having traditional cakes. I fell in love with gourmet cupcakes a few years ago on a weekend getaway to Vegas. While out shopping with a few friends we came across a little bakery where the sweet aromas left your mouth watering. We had to go inside to see what was baking. To our surprise, it was a bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes – The Cupcakery! I felt like a little kid in a candy store. Between the 3 of us, we indulged in the Julius, Southern Belle (red velvet), Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry Shortcake, and Lemonberry. They were ALL just as good as they smelled. I now love incorporating cupcakes into events as they are always fun and fabulous. Although I haven’t been to Vegas in a few years, I was able to have a few cupcakes here and there while visiting friends and family in Dallas, TX.

(The Cupcakery -- Las Vegas)

Here’s my top 3 Cupcake Shops:

The Cupcakery

2222 McKinney Ave. Suite 230

Dallas, TX 75201

Phone: 214-855-0003

AND their newest location in the Houston area is located at

9595 Six Pines Drive, #960

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Phone: 281-298-2889

I’m excited about their latest location being opened in the Houston area! Be sure to visit them if you’re ever out in The Woodlands area. You won’t be disappointed!

Ducked off in a little shopping center on Peachtree Road in Buckhead is Cami Cakes. I recently found out about Cami Cakes while vacationing in Atlanta, GA. I must say, I will definitely make a pit stop there on my next visit to Atlanta!

Cami Cakes

2221 Peachtree Road, Suite B

Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone: 404-748-4288

Located a few blocks from the Galleria in Uptown Park is Crave Cupcakes. I heard about Crave through a few friends’ Facebook post ranting and raving about how good this new little cupcake shop was. I had to try them out myself. I was NOT disappointed as the reviews of their tasty treats were absolutely correct. I enjoy having their Red Velvet and Strawberry Cupcakes.

Crave Cupcakes

1151-06 Uptown Park Boulevard

Houston, TX 77056

Phone: 713-62-CRAVE

Incorporate cupcakes into your next event and I’m sure they will be a huge hit!

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Wedding Wednesday: Knowing Your Role (Part 1)

While searching for a topic to write about for this month’s (July) Wedding Wednesday series, it dawned on me to clarify a question that has been asked on several occasions from brides and grooms to be – What is the role of my wedding party? So I would like to take the time out and dedicate each Wednesday in the month of July to explain (and hopefully shed some light) on the daunting question. Please keep in mind that this is just a basic description of what each member of the wedding party is responsible for and can vary from wedding to wedding. So let’s begin with the roles of the Matron of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, and Groomsmen/Ushers.

Maid of Honor

• Helps the bride select wedding attire
• Assist the bride with addressing invitations
• Plans bridal shower, bachelorette party, and bridal luncheon if there is one
• Arrives at the dressing site two hours before the ceremony to assist the bride with getting prepared
• Arranges your veil and train before the processional and recessional
• Holds the bride’s bouquet and groom’s ring (if no ring bearer) during the ceremony
• Witnesses the signing of the marriage license

Best Man

• Responsible for organizing the groomsmen’s and ushers’ activities
• Organizes the bachelor party
• Drives groom to ceremony site and sees that he is properly dressed before the wedding
• Brings marriage license to the wedding
• Ensures that the grooms wedding related payments are delivered to the appropriate vendors
• Witnesses the signing of the marriage license
• Drives the newlyweds to the reception if there is not a hired driver
• Offers the first toast at the reception
• Oversees the return of tuxedo rentals for the groom

Bridesmaid

• Attends the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaid luncheon if there is one
• Supervises children in the wedding party if asked
• Assist the bride at the reception as requested
• Participates in the receiving line and bouquet toss

Groomsmen/Ushers

• Assist best man with planning the bachelor party
• Attends the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and bachelor party
• Know the seating order; reviewing special seating arrangements prior to the ceremony
• Greeting guests and escorting them to their seats
• Handing each guest a program
• Laying the aisle runner (if one is used)
• Collecting any programs or items left behind by guests
• Helping guests who need directions to the reception site

Hope this information is helpful as you prepare to select the key individuals who will help make your dream wedding come true. Next week, we will cover the basic roles of the bride’s parents.

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Special Invite Event Planning

Have a question regarding wedding etiquette? Email your question(s) to info{at}thespecialinvite{dot}com and we will be sure to post the answer to your wedding planning questions!

We're Re-Launching Today!!!!

Today's Our Re-Launch! Check out the Details!!!

Tuesday Tip: First thing First -- Creating A Wedding Budget

Most brides dredge at the thought but it is one of the single most important aspects of a wedding – the BUDGET! Creating a budget to follow is the first step in the wedding planning process.

Typically the wedding expenses will break down as follows:

Ceremony & Reception	40%
Attire & Beauty	10%
Photography	9%
Flowers	6%
Videography	5%
Music	5%
Parties	4%
Stationery	4%
Miscellaneous	4%
Decorations	3%
Rental Equipment	3%
Gifts	3%
Bakery	2%
Transportation	2%

(Click on image to enlarge)

This will vary from couple to couple according to what they deem most important to them and their wedding day.

Here are a few key factors to keep in mind while constructing a wedding budget:

· Decide on the total wedding budget. What is the MAXIMUM amount of money you would spend on bringing all of your visions alive on this day?

· Guest: The total cost of your wedding is determined by the number of guest you invite.

· Determine who will be responsible for paying! It is common for family to “gift” a certain service as a wedding gift to the bride and groom. This can be factored up-front if it is known to the bride and groom. (For example, A sister may want to pay for the floral design aspect of the wedding as a GIFT to the bride and groom)

I sincerely suggest if you’re in the process of planning your wedding and have not yet created a budget that you STOP immediately and begin. This will definitely save you money in the long run!

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Tuesday Tips: Bridal Hair Trends 2011, Part One of 2011 Bridal Beauty Blog Post

Today is officially the start of Summer, the most popular season for weddings. Since Summer is the season of wedding belles we are going to post on this weeks blogs the 2011 Bridal Beauty trends of hair and make-up. Along with all the other many elements of your memorable nuptial day, the styling of your hair for your bridal pictures and your actual wedding day is a top priority and so the question comes to mind, how do I style my hair. We have composed a few pictures of the 2011 latest bridal hair trends to give you a great start in finding the perfect bridal hairstyle. In addition we suggest having a few consultations with several salons to get a good idea of the look you want and the services available. Here's to looking beautiful:

2011 Hair Trends

• Updo's are making major waves in the 2011 bridal hair trends. Chignons have been the most popular. The updo is a classic elegant timeless style that makes any bride Grace Kelly Beautiful
• We've seen several gorgeous versions of hair hanging down with a section of the hair pulled back and up in the middle. This particular style gives the look and feel of beautiful flowing hair while still highlighting the brides face. We see this gaining more and more popularity and continuing in the Fall.
• Bridal hair accessories were seen all over the wedding runways this season. Flowers, headbands and birdcage hair pieces are all the rage. Pretty bridal hair accessories add depth and sophisticated embellishment to your look without being over-the -top or too dramatic .

Specially Yours,
The Special Invite

Tuesday Tip -- Short & Sweet: Altar Your Thinking

“Refreshing” and “different” weddings are always a great idea. Look no further if you're searching for an elegant yet fun venue to host your wedding events. An art gallery is an eclectic place that is out of the ordinary and appropriate for gatherings both small and large.

(Barbara Davis Gallery)

Little décor is needed due to the fabulous pieces of artwork that is already on display. Couples who host their engagement party or wedding at an art gallery will definitely give their guest things to talk about for weeks to come. So consider thinking outside of the box when choosing your wedding venue.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Tuesday Tip -- The Light is Right: Lighting as Event Decor

Every event needs great lighting. Lighting is a crucial element in event decor. The right lighting can take an ordinary event to extraordinary and the wrong lighting can take a beautiful event to mediocre. Lighting is also a relatively inexpensive use of event decor. Since we know that lighting can make or break an event, we decided to share a few tips on lighting as event decor with you so that your next event is brilliantly, and beautifully lit.

Tips For Great Event Lighting:

• Turn down the ambient lighting in your event space by 30% of it's normal luminosity. The dim lighting of the main lights allows a pallet for a lighting designer and it has a greater impact on the areas you want highlighted. The darker room also brings out the intensity in the colors in your event space.
• LED lights are currently the preferred event lighting because they are energy efficient, affordable and very versatile.
• Consult with a lighting professional. Lighting professionals can help assist in choosing the right types of lights that fit your event theme. Lighting planners will also help in spacing and placement of the lights and have insight on the cost of lighting for your event.
• Get creative with your choice of lights. There are many light options such as pin spotlights for table center pieces, tree lighting if it's an outdoor event, LED light cubes, wall and floor lighting.
  

Once again, remember lights have a huge impact on your event and can make all the difference in creating a wonderful event. We hope these tips help you as you select the right lighting decor for your event.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Remembering the Fallen Soliders

Special Invite Event Planning & Management would like to take a moment to remember all of the troops who have fallen in the line of duty. We sincerely want to say "Thank You!" Thank you for being selfless and putting your lives in danger to protect our freedom.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Casting Opportunity for Engaged Couples

Calling all Engaged Couples.... Here's your chance to be featured on a reality show all while having your wedding paid for. Sounds too good to be true?!?!?! Well, Oprah and her people are looking for engaged couples to have on a show coming to the United States called "Don't Tell The Bride!"

Here's an excerpt from ShedMedia US' website:

“Don’t Tell the Bride” is casting engaged couples who have big dreams and small budgets when it comes to the wedding.

The hit UK show “Don’t Tell the Bride” is coming to America and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. We are casting dynamic couples who are currently engaged, but lack the funds to have a dream wedding. Each episode of “Don’t Tell the Bride” focuses on one couple’s big day and what it took to make the wedding happen. The bride and groom agree to avoid all communication with each other for three weeks before the ceremony. In exchange, the groom is given $25,000 to plan the entire wedding without the bride’s input. Have no fear; each groom ultimately creates a unique wedding to celebrate his true love!

Casting Requirements:

· Must be over 18 years of age

· Currently engaged

· Willing and able to get legally married between July 2011 – September 2011

· Have a few groomsmen and bridesmaids with big personalities willing to be on the show with you

· No long distance or destination weddings. You must be willing to marry within driving distance of couple’s residence(s)

Please email Shed Media US with the following information:

· Bride’s name and Groom’s name

· Bride’s phone number

· Bride’s email

· Bride’s resident city

· Groom’s phone number

· Groom’s email

· Groom’s resident city

· A few sentences about you and why you are an ideal couple for the show

· Wedding status – where you are in the process

· Current photo of bride and groom (make sure we can clearly see you both)

Click here to visit ShedMedia US for additional information and requirements.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Tuesday’s Wedding Tip – Give your Bridesmaids Options!

Let’s face it, not every woman selected to be in a wedding has the same body type. Traditionally, brides would select a dress of the same color and design for her bridesmaids to wear—which did not leave much room for comfort with the bridesmaids. A current wedding trend that has a lot of bridesmaids delighted is the ability to choose the style of the dress in which she will wear during the wedding ceremony. The bride would choose the color, material, and possibly a few styles that she likes; however it is up to the bridesmaids to choose the dress in which they will actually wear.

Here are a few dress styles that are the same color and fabric; however it allows the bridesmaids to wear something that will flatter their figures.

Silk Chiffon Taryn long dress from J. Crew

Silk Chiffon Arabelle dress from J. Crew

Silk Chiffon Evie dress from J. Crew

Silk Chiffon Juliet dress from J. Crew

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning