Milestone birthday parties are what you make them. And we made these birthday parties a ton of fun!
Check out photos from two 30th birthday parties we helped host this year.
Two things to keep in mind — one party’s budget tripled the others — can you tell the splurge versus the steal?
Just remember, you can have a divalicious party, even when you have a small budget!
Need help making it happen? Contact us.
The Perfect Plan had a fantastic summer. One particular reason — the Remigio-Ervin Wedding! Indeed, this couple was amazing.
More importantly, they had fun planning their wedding! They both left their “bridezilla” and “groomacula” thoughts out of sight and had a blast putting their vision into action.
So here are a few tips to help curb your wedding planning woes early!
1. Remember why you’re having a wedding
It is extremely easy to get lost in the planning of your special day. But, please remember that in the end you and your mate are the center of attention. This day should be a celebration of blending families, lives, traditions and cultures. This should be a time of fellowship, fun and romance. Don’t allow yourself (or anyone else) to take away the sanctity and timelessness of not only weddings, but more importantly YOUR wedding.
2. Everything IS important, but stressing doesn’t help
Listen… I do understand perfect. I know everything should be exactly how you want it. But hair loss, insomnia and complete loss of sanity will not make things perfect. Calm thoughts, clear minds, kind speech and decisiveness will ALWAYS help in your planning. Enjoy this time! Keep a bridal journal of your experience, review it often. Find other ways to reduce stress — yoga…kick boxing… ice cream (in moderation).
3. Find one (or two) things to which you will obsess
Now, if you cannot fathom suggestion number two — then maybe this will work for you. In this section, you are welcome to substitute the word “stress” whenever you see “obsess”. Find a few particulars to obsess. Whether it’s the flowers or band, deliberately set your sights on your goal and (politely) obsess until your vision is complete.
4. Don’t be afraid to say no (politely)
No is a pejorative word. It doesn’t matter how you say it, someone hearing it usually does not want to hear it. But, it’s a word that can be tolerated, appreciated and understood — when said politely. Screaming, ranting or tantrum-driven action using the word “no” usually does not get much accomplished. Your vendors, family and even your planner want your day to be perfect — but be mindful that your perfection can only happen when you deploy your best behavior. Additionally, if you disagree with something — you have to speak up (politely). Find your virtuous balance in order to get things done your way.
5. Kiss often
Let’s keep this one simple. Planning a wedding (or ANYTHING) shouldn’t negate the love for your partner. Kiss often, hug often, say the “l” word often… Make this time of planning a fun, loving and perfect plan.
In the end, wedding planning should be FUN. It should be… a bit of bliss.
If you need help creating your special moment, don’t hesitate to contact us at The Perfect Plan.
Last weekend, we hosted a wonderful “Newlywed Party” for a recently married couple. The request was an easy one, “Make this party work for 50 people, in our home”. No problem! Using only two rooms in their home and the backyard, it was a success.
So, how did we make it work? Well, you have to use space creatively! Here are a few tips:
Keep Moving – No one wants to feel like a sardine, keep people entertained and moving throughout the space. Instead of having a stand alone buffet — pass hors d’oeuvres; people really do follow food. Take advantage of this, as well as your space.
Clean out the Clutter – If it’s in your way now — it will definitely be in your way then! Move things around to open up space; unless this is a formal dinner (and if we’re calling it a party we know it’s not) move the table closer to the wall! Take advantage of corners and place chairs there for those who need to sit. More importantly remember where people tend to congregate in your home — if your family does it, i’d bet your friends and guests will mosey to the same space — keep it open and clutter free.
Remember Your Role — I believe this is a fundamental rule for ANY event; remember your role! As a host, you should host! People tend to follow YOU because you indeed are the most important person in the room. Put your social butterfly wings on and move! The more you move, the more space you create as the group is ALWAYS drawn to what you’re doing. If you feel one area is too crowded, take the path of least resistance and get to any empty space — then count to 20, look around and viola — the crowd is with you again.
Check out all of our photos from our Newlywed Party! One of our favorite photographers, Jed Gammon, graciously took these photos.
Still need help creating perfect space — well, call The Perfect Plan!
I had the pleasure to work with a wonderful bride and groom to help put together their reception. But, this was no easy task. With a growing guest list of more than 300 folks — we definitely needed extra hands to make sure the perfect look was achieved. From the “divas” with the amazing cake to the wonderful videographer and photographers — the synergy in the room was evident.
The most important part? The bride and groom never had to lift a finger. And that should be the goal! A coordinator helps to reduce the stress for all parties; don’t be afraid to check out local planners to see how they can make your day go smoothly.
Below are some photos from the special occasion.
Want to see more photos? Here you go!
Ready to see how we can help? Contact me at tia[at]theperfectplan[dot]com.
We recently invited a few brides out to our preferred florist for a session on the perfect flowers for a wedding. Here are a few photos of the event!
We had a great time at Fallon’s Florist, and all received wonderful tips in creating the perfect look with a limited budget.
Want to know more — send me a note at tia [at] theperfectplannc [dot] com.
When thinking about choosing vendors, the first image that comes to mind is Goldilocks.
Yes, Goldilocks and the Three Bears — well, just snippets of the tale. The theme that resonates is — Goldilocks did not settle! You remember the story — she tried many things, but ultimately she chose one that was “just right”.
Well, choosing a vendor of any sort for your special event should be the same way. When I seek out caterers, florists, venues, entertainment or any other vendors for a special event, I create a list of things that are “just right” for the event and for working with me.
Here’s a short list of things to consider when choosing a vendor:
- Seek and Find (a few)…
Here’s where you become the vendor sleuth. Don’t be afraid to compare services. Call three to five services before considering any.
- Impossible is just a negotiation…
Being afraid of the word “no” is not allowed when getting to “just right”. If your budget allows for daisies and you want roses, ask the florist where the compromise may lie — you might be pleasantly surprised.
- Relationships Matter…
It’s YOUR vendor — they should strive to make YOU feel comfortable! Trust your instincts; if you do not feel comfortable with them now – you’ll probably stress it later. Choose vendors that fit your work style and maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism. Ask for references as well as examples of the work.
In the end, “just right” is determined by those who help to create your perfect plan. Take your time in choosing vendors who are the right fit for you and provide you with a level of service that you deserve.
Event Concierge Services… Yes, I know it sounds a bit strange, but please let me explain.
Have you ever been in the middle of cooking dinner and realized you were missing an ingredient? It throws your entire kitchen mojo off! Having to turn off the stove, run to the grocery store and make the trek back just for paprika is certainly not an exciting way to get a meal–that should have already been done–going.
Concierge is defined as, “… a staff member who… makes reservations and arrangements on other matters for guests or visitors”. Well, event concierge services can be your errand runner or even your paprika. Event concierge service is more than consulting or party planning; it’s being the other hand, set of eyes or even smile when you need to get things done.
Riding solo to plan an event of any sort can be a task, I know. That’s why it’s always important to consciously choose to not go at it alone.Find a friend, family member or co-worker that will review your perfect plan with you, analyze your details and even stay by your side while you pull it all together
It’s your plan, why not make it perfect?
In my opinion, EVERY event has its “make or break” point in its details. Big or small, social or corporate — one way to create or maintain the “ahh” effect is through detail. I recently read an article by Gary Ryan Blair where he stated, When every detail is lovingly attended to, and each step in the process is given complete and careful attention, the end result inevitably will be of the highest quality. Consistent attention to the small details produces excellence—that’s why we must all sweat the small stuff!”
With this is mind, I stay true to three rules when planning any event:
1. Work backwards.
Determine and envision your expected result and work from there. Map out what should happen once the last guest leaves to the first guest’s arrival. Once you have your “event road map” you can begin to make sure all of the details are covered.
2. Make it special.
Find something (or things) that will make you and your guest remember the moment. From lighting to table decor, the details can truly determine your outcome.
3. Check, check and recheck… and check one more time.
Remember to go over EVERYTHING multiple times. Do you have matches or a lighter available for the candles? Have you confirmed the reservations at the restaurant? It’s okay to check again, better safe than spastic.
Details do matter. So, don’t be afraid to sweat the small stuff.
Still need assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact The Perfect Plan — we’re here to help!
“When the time is right, you just got to do it.” –J.R. Simplot
Mr. Simplot – you are absolutely right…
That’s how “it” feels when you splash into the pool for the first time in May.
Or how “it” feels when the L word is used to exchange pleasantries with one who makes your heart flutter.
And that’s how I felt about starting The Perfect Plan Concierge + Event Services. Simply, the timing was right to offer my experience to others through a blog for “non-planners” and by providing one of a kind event services for the Triangle area.
Visit www.theperfectplannc.com or email me at tia [at] theperfectplan [dot] com.
Feel free to ask questions or suggest topics, because it is truly my pleasure to help you create The Perfect Plan.
Tia
Passion. Skill. Creativity. The Perfect Plan.
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