Special Invite Event Planning

What's so SPECIAL about Special Invite Event Planning

2011-08-07T11:25:00.003-05:00

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":

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.
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.
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.
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

2011-07-28T08:18:00.003-05:00

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)

2011-07-28T07:46:00.007-05:00

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!

2011-07-26T07:43:00.003-05:00

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....

2011-07-23T09:10:00.003-05:00

(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)

2011-07-20T08:35:00.002-05:00

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

2011-07-14T10:54:00.005-05:00

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)

2011-07-13T15:52:00.004-05:00

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

2011-07-12T09:48:00.002-05:00

(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)

2011-07-06T15:58:00.005-05:00

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!!!!

2011-06-28T11:14:00.002-05:00

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

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

2011-06-28T10:21:00.007-05:00

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

2011-06-21T13:59:00.015-05:00

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

2011-06-14T21:09:00.005-05:00

“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

2011-06-07T14:28:00.010-05:00

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

2011-05-30T12:18:00.004-05:00

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

2011-05-25T10:23:00.008-05:00

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!

2011-05-24T21:06:00.008-05:00

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

The Out Of Towner's Perfect Gift Bag

2011-05-16T15:55:00.010-05:00

Getting married is such a joyous occasion and if you’re like most couples getting married today, you probably have friends and family coming in from out of town, sometimes from international cities to help you celebrate this special moment in your life. While your entire wedding guest is special, your out-of-town attendees are super special because they’ve made the extra effort and cost of traveling to participate in your nuptials. Creating really nice gift bags for these out of town guest really lets them know that you appreciate the extra mile they took to attend your wedding. Now don’t break into a sweat thinking how much this will add to your already growing nuptial budget, Special Invite has some cool ideas and tips to share with you that will make these gift bags fabulous without breaking the budget.

The Special Invite tips & tools for gift bags for out of town guest:

· The number of out of town guest for your wedding is usually smaller than your overall number of guest so you can splurge on these gift bags a little more than the others. The areas to splurge in are the gifts bags themselves and at least one signature item.

· Linen or jute totes with the couple’s initials or some symbol from the wedding theme stitched into the bag makes a great bag. These tote bags can also be re-used by the recipients at others times and they will always remember your event. Stick with a color such as natural and then have stitching in the colors of the wedding to save on cost.

· Handwritten note cards saying welcome and thank you for attending always make a beautiful presentation. Places like Paper Source have a wide variety of really nice note cards and envelopes at very affordable prices.

· Add a standard city map and a personalized city guide of favorite places to see to the gift bag. Your out of town guest will appreciate your suggestions and the thoughtfulness of creating their custom city guide. Most cities convention & tourist bureaus will give you maps free of charge or for a small nominal fee.

· Make sure you have one signature item in the bag. A great idea that’s also economical is hand poured soy candles or a nice soap/lotion set. Soy candles last longer and contain no paraffin or petroleum which makes them also eco-friendly. These items are unisex and again can be used while they are in the city for event or later when they return home. Places like L’occataine and Lush Cosmetics carry travel size of soap/lotion sets at great prices. Check the local natural beauty boutiques and spas in your area also for these sets and the hand poured candles.

We hope these tips gave you a little inspiration on the perfect out of town gift bag for your guest.

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Your Special Passport to Travel: 4 Top Exclusive US Honeymoon Destinations

2011-05-09T22:30:00.030-05:00

One of the most exciting parts of the nuptial ceremony is the post nuptial ceremony better known as the honeymoon. Often when we think of honeymoons we think of exotic faraway places such as Europe, the Greek Isles, or the ever romantic cities of Italy and France. While these places are beautiful and can make for a great honeymoon, we wanted to introduce you to a few hidden treasures right here in the U.S. that makes for great honeymoon destinations. We've picked our four favorite U.S destinations based on location, lodging accommodations, exclusivity, and ambiance. So take a view of our list and let your visual travels begin!

Special Invite's Top 4 U.S. Honeymoon Destinations

Fisher Island Miami: We'll we must admit, this place is so magnificent we wanted to keep it to ourselves but what fun would that be. Almost a 100 years ago during the creation of Miami Beach, real estate developer Carl Fisher set sites on a beautiful piece of land nestled between palm trees and the beautiful Biscayne Bay, and decided to also purchase this piece of land which we have now come to know as Fisher Island, which bears Carl Fisher name. Fisher Island is an exclusive world class private island that screams this is the good life. While the island is home to actual private residences, the island also boasts a beautiful hotel with a private beach and championship golf and tennis areas. Amenities range from a five star spa and fitness center, marina and yachting facilities, and some of the best restaurants in Miami. With the beautiful weather, perfect beach and private island environment Fisher Island is our top pick and #1 honeymoon get-away.

(Fisher Island Hotel and Resort -- Photos courtesy of Five Star Alliance)

Garden District New Orleans: A romantic historic city with beautiful landmarks that have stood the test of time, New Orleans is our 2nd pick for U.S. honeymoon destinations. Having survived Hurricane Katrina, this city is still a gorgeous treasure to explore that will always leave you with treasured memories with diamond rated hotels such as the W, Ritz Carlton and Hotel Montelone throughout the city. There is never a minute to waste in New Orleans, with activities such as a street car ride through the historic Garden District, a romantic paddle boat ride down the Mississippi, or strolling down the ever popular Magazine street. Hosting a food pedigree that even Jame Beard would envy, dining in some of the world class restaurants such as Commanders Palace, Bayona and Restaurant August just to name a few is a adventure in itself. Last but not least, the night life of New Orleans is an exotic travel that you must try, boosting the world famous French Quarter and the enviable music scene. With its colorful history, beautiful architecture, scrumptious food and zest for life we would definitely mark New Orleans as a top U.S. honeymoon destination.

(The W Hotel New Orleans -- Photo courtesy of Five Star Alliance)

The Mansion at Forsyth Park, Savannah,GA: Lush landscape and beautiful lodging is what makes Savannah, GA a wonderful step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The peaceful tranquility and relaxed ease of Savannah puts it at the third spot for our top U.S. Honeymoon destinations. One of the most romantic cities in the nation, you feel as though your being whisked away to another place and time when visiting Savannah. Sitting in the remarkable Historic District of Savannah Georgia is the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a beautiful restored Victorian Mansion. Intimate yet luxurious, with a onyx marble lobby, over 400 pieces of original artwork, the Mansion on Forsyth Park is true Southern Decadence. Once you check into this beautiful boutique hotel, leaving the perimeter becomes an option not chosen by many. A quaint, romantic excursion set against a beautiful backdrop makes Savannah a mainstay on our top U.S. honeymoon destinations.

(The Mansion at Forsyth Park -- Photo courtesy of Five Star Alliance)

The Carneros Inn, Napa Valley,CA: What better way to start life as Mr. & Mrs. than over a glass of exceptional wine. Well this is why the sensational Carneros Inn is our 4th pick for top U.S. honeymoon destinations. Home to the Plump Jack Winery and Cade Winery, this is the perfect honeymoon for the couple that enjoys great wine, true spa rituals and the beautiful California landscape. The Carneros Inn is a stylish combination of cottages with phenomenal accommodations nestled between Napa and Sonoma Valley. The spa services are opulent and decadent to the touch, with the best of California's wines to taste complimented with a variety of scrumptious food pairings. The sophisticated couple mixed with a little bit of foodie syndrome and lots of spa dreams should book now for The Carneros Inn because they have found their honeymoon haven. Great wine, beautiful views and the best spas to relax at make this a top pick for U.S. honeymoon destinations.

(The Carneros Inn -- Photo courtesy of Five Star Alliance)

Specially Yours,

Special Invite Event Planning

Sincerely, Specially Invited: The Newsletter of Special Invite Event Planning & Management

2011-05-03T09:29:00.009-05:00

As Special Invite continues on the road to our re-launch, we thought it would be fitting to have a monthly newsletter to compliment our weekly blog postings. So of course we rang up our PR ladies and said let's make this happen. Well if you know us and you know our PR team, you already know that this newsletter will be far from ordinary. "Sincerely, Specially Invited" will be filled with fun, informative yet exciting topics about trends in the events industry, the hot happening Houston social scene and all updates with our company, vendors and colleagues. Connect to our newsletter now at http://eepurl.com/dEHCo

Sincerely,
The Special Invite

Invitation Lovely: 2011 Wedding Invitation Trends

2011-04-26T16:01:00.021-05:00

Everyone knows that the wedding invitation sets the tone for your wedding, so picking the right color scheme is super important in making your wedding day a memorable event. As we've done some research on own and some very helpful tips from color trend guru Michelle Mospens, we have selected a few of our favorite choice color trends:

Gray: Gray is still a major player in the neutral colors for wedding invites in particular brown-grays and pink-grays. Although a neutral color, grey is the epitome of chic modern minimalist, great for the bride who wants simple clean luxury as her wedding theme.

Artistic Vintage: Black on vanilla creams, Kelly greens and refreshing teals are just a few of the colors that are part of the vintage color theme. The vintage colors work extremely well with themed weddings and weddings at avant garde venues such as museums and art galleries.

Metallics: Metallics are the go to comfort zone for glamour girls worldwide and in 2011 we will see beautiful coppers, gold, and silvers in a big way for wedding invitations and we love it! The beauty of these metallics is that we will see them in classic and modern weddings, but incorporated in a sophisticated soft way.

So now you're armed with some of the 2011Wedding invitation trends, let's get ready to plan!

Specially Yours,
Special Invite Event Planning

The Special Invite Re-Launch is Official!

2011-04-20T10:46:00.006-05:00

So we have been re-vamping, had a baby, hired new PR and gearing up for the Summer 2011!!! With this being said, WE'RE BACK!!! Special Invite Event Planning will be officially re-launching in June 2011, with several pre-events prior to this. Stay connected with us for upcoming events by following our blog, following us on Twitter and becoming a fan on FaceBook. We are glad to be back and would like to give you a huge THANK YOU for your support and patience!

Specially Yours,
Special Invite Event Planning

Giving Back to Our Community

2009-11-06T18:32:00.003-06:00

We've been on a bit of a hiatus regrouping and rearranging a few things as the end of the year is rapidly approaching. We've consumed ourselves with planning many events over the past few months; however it's been our pleasure to give back to our community by partnering up with My I.N.C. - the Kisha Beard Foundation.

My I.N.C. (My Innocence Never Compromise) -- the Kisha Beard Foundation promotes self-esteem and health awareness to young ladies ranging in ages 8-18. The foundation was inspired by Ms. Beard’s past hardships and created to inform young ladies of their value and worth in today’s society, and to let them know that they, too, have a place where they can become an intricate part of our society.

In October, Special Invite Event Planning & Management planned the Inaugural Endless PossibiliTEAS Luncheon for My I.N.C. - the Kisha Beard Foundation. The Luncheon was not your typical run of the mill luncheon. The event was fit for a queen, the delectable food, along with the tasty cupcakes from Crave Cupcakes (1151 Uptown Park Blvd) were amazing, but what stood out the most were women getting together to empower one another. Author Celia Anderson (Love, Ocean) stole the show with her words of inspiration titled “Queen.” She highlighted the plight of a woman from being average to being a QUEEN and she was welcomed by a standing ovation. Kisha Beard sat back and took in her vision, but when it was her time to talk about the foundation that she was inspired to establish, the shy woman stepped up and you could see the glow and the passion for the foundation that means so much to her.

The Q&A section was suppose to be quick and to the point but the event attendees kept Ms. Beard on her toes as they rattled off questions from, “What is the age range”, to “What inspired you to establish this foundation?” The event was concluded with some networking and a silent auction that included: "Houston Texan Experience", Rockets' Game Package, Massage Envy Package, "Eating Health -- Fit Foods" Package, and a gift card to Serenity Hair Studio.

This foundation is going to change the world, and its transformation will begin in Houston, Texas. For more information on My I.N.C. or to make a donation, please visit www.kishabeard-myinc.org. All donations will be used solely to enhance the lives of the foundation’s participants. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

Special Invite Event Planning & Management
www . thespecialinvite . com

R.S.V.P. Management

2009-07-06T20:33:00.003-05:00

(R.S.V.P. Card courtesy of McKenzie Design Studio. Click on image to be redirected to online store)

The key to maintaining an organized guest list is to begin as soon as the R.S.V.P. cards arrive. As a client of Special Invite Event Planning & Management your guest can R.S.V.P. with us via email or United States Postal Service. We give you the option to add this feature to any of our packages.

Let us receive and organize your guest list as they start rolling in! On a weekly basis, we will electronically provide you with the listing of your guests that have delightfully accepted or regretfully declined to attend your special event.

Favors Galore

2009-06-28T02:17:00.008-05:00

When it comes to favors, I advise clients to choose something edible or usable. These mini monogrammed jars are the perfect way to package a sweet treat for your guest. They come in a variety of themes and bring back wonderful childhood memories of grandmother’s cookie jar.

(Click on picture to go directly to Chic Encounters Boutique)

Chic Encounters Boutique is a preferred vendor for Special Invite Event Planning & Management

Invitations...Favors...Gifts

2009-06-18T12:03:00.005-05:00

Visit Chic Encounters Online Boutique for invitations, favors, and gifts. Whether it's a birthday party, bridal shower, or baby shower...Chic Encounters is your source for quality designer invitations, favors, and gifts. They are dedicated to providing you with unique invitations, favors, gifts, and service! Their products cater to ALL life's events.

Contact Chic Encounters by visiting their site (www . chicencounters . com)
Blog: www.chicencounters.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chicencounters

Giving Back to the Community

2009-06-09T20:51:00.007-05:00

We're proud to announce that Special Invite Event Planning & Management has recently been granted the privilege of being the exclusive event planner for Texas Southern University Alumni Association (Atlanta Chapter) AND Girl Scouts of America Troop #3024. We look forward to assisting both organizations in planning meaningful events to uplift the members and organizations as a whole. Although we are based out of Houston, we have close ties to the Atlanta market. Stay tuned for additional information on events to be planned throughout the year. Thanks to both organizations for allowing us to be of assistance to you! We guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Complimentary Consultations

2009-06-05T11:06:00.001-05:00

Planning an event and not sure where to start?!?

Call and request a FREE 1 hour consultation to start planning today!

Whether you seek a traditional affair or something a bit more chic. Special Invite Event Planning & Management will turn your vision into reality.

We look forward to creating your next event!

Sit Back and Relax!
Special Invite Event Planning & Management is at Your Service!

Chic Weddings on a Budget

2009-06-05T01:25:00.005-05:00

Planning a wedding is an exciting experience but it is very much a daunting task. The couple must consider all the elements of the wedding – those that lie within the church arrangements and the reception – and on top of that they must concern themselves with the cost. The going rate of a decent wedding today can range from $15,000 to $20,000, and that’s not including the plush ones at some fancy resort. With the economy doing a double backslide, many couples simply do not have that much money to pull off a wedding with all the bells and whistles. Furthermore, when they stop a moment and think about it…Do they really need a “royal” wedding? Hmmm…the answer is no. The old line of money can’t buy you love is very true. As long as the couple can agree on a wedding that meets their needs, who really cares if they don’t arrive at the wedding with a horse and carriage? After all, LOVE conquers all!

Here are a few components of a couple’s wedding day and how they can save money without sacrificing the true meaning of “their” special occasion.

Invitations/Announcements
The days of having to hire a printer to publish all of the wedding materials (Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Announcements, Place Cards, etc.) are long gone. Computer software programs have made printing the invitations and announcements an easy to do job that can be done at home. The software also lends a professional and elegant look to the invitations. The couple can also purchase invitation kits from retailers such as Kinko’s, Wal-Mart, or Target. These kits come with easy to use instructions and produce a quality invitation that’s fit for a Queen!

Favors
Do-it-yourself favors are becoming more of the norm. Chic Encounters Online Boutique offers a variety of wedding favor ideas that are very trendy, chic, and unique. Depending on the size of the reception, the cost for putting together favors for the tables should be less than $100.

Transportation
Limousines are unnecessary. Allow family members and friends to decorate your vehicle with “Just Married” fanfare. That is a more original thought anyway than stepping in and out of an overpriced vehicle.
Remember…if you’re getting married, this is your wedding day. You shouldn’t be paying for a wedding long after you say “I Do”. Step outside of the box and re-write the rules as to how your wedding will be.

Contact Special Invite Event Planning & Management for more information on planning your next social event. Be sure to visit Chic Encounters Online Boutique today and let them know Special Invite sent you.