Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Three Tips for a Hosted Bar for your Wedding Reception!


Hosted Bar from Bleu & Fig
Every couple wants to save money planning their wedding. Even couples with an unlimited budget still search for that one thing where they can absolutely say....."I'm not paying that much".

Let me give you 3 little tips to save on money while budgeting for your wedding day when planning the Bar.

 Three Tips for a Hosted Bar:

Hosting the Bar at your reception is always a big chunk of change. Instead of doing a "Full Hosted Bar",

Think about just offering a few selections such as Beer, Wine and a Signature Drink. Guest will love that you are not making them pay for their beverages at your wedding that you invited them to. 

I get that some couples have a Cash Bar using excuses such as...."we can't afford to buy everyone drinks"

Seriously, if your inviting them, then you should not be making them pay. If you need to cut down on the number of guest then do it! Trust me, as a wedding planner I hear guest talk and when guest are having to buy their own drinks guest blurt out some really harsh words. So budget in for at least a few beverages that guest will not have to pay for and if they want something different then by all means let them pay. 

Have an amount in mind that you do not want to go over during your reception. Have the Captain inform your Wedding Coordinator or someone you have asked to be informed when it is getting close to your limit. You then can decide to do away with beer or wine or tell them to keep it going. 

Here is a strategy that I suggest to my brides:

1: Consider only having Cocktail Hour for 30 to 45 minutes. This is where you will be offering Beer, Wine and your Signature Drink

2: Close the bar during announcements and dinner, guest will carry whatever drink they have into the reception room where also water, coffee or tea can be found on the reception tables.

3: After dinner open the bar back up offering Beer and Wine. 
    If guest want something more they will be more than happy to pay for it. 

 
Leave it to your Bartender to inform guest and have cute little signs on the bar letting them know what is offered.

Hope this helps with making your planning just a little easier!

Nora, PPP

 
Three Tips to a Hosted Bar for Your WeddingNora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Friday, October 26, 2012

2013 Annual Bride's Seminar: Registration is going on now!


Nora McCoyWedding/Event PlannerWedding Officianthttp://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.comhttp://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplusIf you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Theme? What theme? WHY THEY'RE FUN AND HOW TO INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR CEREMONY by Celia Milton, Celebrant

That sounds like it might be fun, but it also sounds like......
it's going to be a lot of work.  Well, actually, not!  By establishing your personality as a couple, it  can actually save you time by making your choices very focused.  Your theme will weave it's way through every aspect of your day, from the "save the dates" to the ceremony, decorations, flowers, reception style, to the last bite of wedding cake.  Once you find the theme that expresses you, every other detail will fall into place. Think "Old Hollywood" or "Weekend in Las Vegas" and you think of two entirely different atmospheres.  "Bling Bling" gives you different details than "Winter Winery".  Even a color can be a theme; colors carry different emotions and symbolisms.  Yello and Hyacinth speak differently than black and white.  If you close your eyes and think of any one of those themes, you'll get very clear visions of what you might pick to portray them.

Search for photos that define your theme and start a file of different elements you might include to carry it out. When you meet with your professionals, it will give them a clear idea of the vision you have. Different people imagine themes in different ways; your florist may think of "Elegant country" in an entirely different way than you do. Your DJ may have a different suggestion for a "funky recessional" than you had in mind.

Once you have a theme in place, you'll find that it's so much easier to make decisions; if you're creating " A Night in New York City", you're probably going to immediately rule out wildflowers on the tables and pastel colored invitations.  "Haute Rustique" might mean all kinds of things, but probably not purple uplights and crystal laden centerpieces.

While you certainly want to base your day on your theme, balance is good thing. You'll want to include it as part of your save the dates, your invitations (maybe as a quote) but not necessarily everywhere.  It should be present as a character, but not overwhelming.  It's like a really good party guest that shows up all over the place but doesn't monopolize the conversation!








But how does this fit into my ceremony?

I thought you'd never ask.  The easiest way to add your theme to your wedding is through readings and music.  Your readings can be anything from an excerpt from your favorite author, a poem, a selection from a sacred text, or even some lyrics from a favorite song.  (One of my weddings last summer had "Find a lucky penny" as their theme; the bride had collected them since she was a child.  She  used, "The Luckiest" from Ben Folds as both a guest reading and their first dance; it was lovely.) Obviously, you can pick your favorite music for the processional and recessional, but maybe a snippet can be played as you light the unity candle, pour the sand, or share chocolate and wine.

Your ceremony can also reflect your theme in the ceremony text. It would be hard to do a beach theme wedding without mentioning 'shifting sands' or 'tides of change'.  A wedding in a forest or a park is the perfect time to talk about the exploration that is part of building a relationship. (Curiously, this works beautifully for my Brooklyn weddings too; I talk about the new settlers bringing art and culture to areas that were formally industrial or abandoned.)  Your ceremony should tell your story, and that story is what  your theme will underscore.

So close your eyes and go on a daydream; what do you love? Where did you meet?  Where was your first kiss? Why did you pick your ceremony spot?  All these questions can lead you to the perfect theme and a simpler, more personal wedding day.


Vow to be Different!  

160 5 star reviews at http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/celia-milton-celebrant-north-haledon/25ebd20dcf22a932.html  Lead officiant for Colin Cowie's 1st gay wedding at the Empire State Building

Featured on TLC's "Four Weddings", Fox 5's "Good Day Street Talk", in "Contemporary Bride", "NJ Bride",and "201 Magazine" and "Four Aces.com

 "Wedding Wire Brides' Choice 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012", and "Best of the Knot 2011, 2012".  Profiled on Sage Wedding Pros, Natalie Bradley's "Bride Attraction" and  Small BusinessOpportunities.com and So You're EnGAYged.com 


www.celiamilton.com with our great blog of ne











* Copyright (C) *|2011|* *|Celia Milton Celebrant|* All rights reserved.









Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

William & Lacey's Beautiful Wedding Day Plus beautiful photos by Azar Photography

All the beautiful Fall Colors along with a beautiful bride and very handsome groom
I could not have asked for such a great couple! Enjoy the colors of orange, brown, silvers, deep reds and greens....all the colors of fall.






















Wedding Planner: Party Planners Plus
Photographer: Azar Photography
Florist: An Ocassional Florist
Stationary/Invitations: How Inviting LTD
Caterer: Perfect Plate Catering
Venue: The Lincoln Theater, Downtown Columbus Ohio


http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com


Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Jason & Sarah....a Beautiful Lake Wedding





When I first spoke with Sarah on the phone I could tell right away what a fun bride she was going to be. When Sarah and Jason hired me to be their Wedding Planner I was thrilled.. This couple was so much in love and it just made me feel excited that Party Planners Plus would be a part of their wedding day.



Party Planners Plus was hired as Sarah and Jason's Day of Coordinator
for their May 12, 2012 wedding. I knew right away right away I wanted to put more

Madison House Designs/Florist
time in with this bride.

Her personality and her laughter

made me smile and who
doesn't like to smile.
Jason was just so charming
that the two of them
together made you feel
calm and comfortable,
We clicked right away.
They were a couple that were


very DIY with most of their wedding, but also knew when they needed a Professional Wedding Planner and Day of Coordinator!
They were very hands on, very organized and very sure of what they both wanted their

guest to take away from their wedding... a wonderful feeling of happiness and I believe

everyone that attended did just that.

It was a beautiful ceremony on the lake. Officiant Russ Hiett performed the ceremony.

Sarah did a fantastic job of making sure her guest knew where they would be seated. Her homemade seating chart was so cute!

Sarah (the bride) wore a simple wedding gown that matched the day perfectly. Her bridesmaids were all dressed in a beautiful shade of pink.

Columbus Musicians, LLC played during the ceremony.

Wedding colors of Pink and Gray. The bride made her own table runners and designed her napkins.

Buckeye Lake Yacht Club

Buckeye lake Yacht Club

Getting the final touches on the Pink and Gray decor that was set on the back of the club.

The bride wore white pearls and a sweet little birdcage veil. She carried a beautiful mixture of pink flowers in her bouquet.

Sporting a gray suit with pink shirt and mixed pink and gray tie, the groom looked fantastic.

White and pink lanterns were hung along with Flower puffs throughout the venue.

Romance on the lake.

Guest at the Wedding enjoyed the beautiful setting

Sarah and Jason had the centerpiece containers made by a very special friend.

Sarah and Jason were a very special couple of Party Planners Plus 
Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator: Party Planners Plus
Musicians: Columbus Musicians, LLC
Florist: MadisonHouse Designs
Photography by: Pipers Photography (pictures listed are our own on this blog)
Makeup by: State Of Face, Joy Macke
Hair by: Kenneth's Hair Salon, Jacala Hardy
Venue: Buckeye Lake Yacht Club

Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Friday, August 17, 2012

2013 Bride's Seminar


Photography by Summerlight Photography
The date for the 2013 Bride's Seminar has been announced!
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Heritage golf Club in Hilliard Ohio.

Visit www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com for more information and to register.


This year will be better than ever!
Radio Personality & Dj Justin Luvv will be our Emcee for the 2013 Bride's Seminar




Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Picking Out Your Ceremony Site....


Amy and Sean at the Historical Park in Hilliard Ohio
Brides and Grooms today have a wide choice of ceremony sites available to them. Let's face it...gone are the days where you have to be married in a church or runaway to a far off place to elope. (click on here to go to www.elopecolumbus.com )

Reception venues such as hotels, restaurants and golf clubs are offering the bride and groom options for having their ceremony at their venue. By offering a package that includes dressing rooms for the bridal party, a grooms area for getting dressed and outside areas for the ceremony.

Be creative with your ceremony choice as far as where and when....a park area is the most popular, but today brides and grooms are discovering the convenience of their own backyard.
Have fun in making your decisions about a location and remember to always check if you will need to pay a rental fee or obtain a permit.

Always remember that you will need to hire your own Officiant most of the time. Visit us at www.elopecolumbus.com for information or for a larger event over 20 guest visit us at www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Friday, May 18, 2012

Remembering to Blog

Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time in the day to Blog? That is how I have been feeling lately. I feel bad because I know I should, but it can be time consuming and I really want the articals, tips and tricks to be of interest to everyone. I have decided if I can ever figure out how to get my photos on my blog from my iPad, It may be easier for me to remember to blog. I will keep trying to figure this out....after all I am determined! Until next time, Happy Planning Everyone! Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Friday, March 30, 2012

What the Pros want you to know, by Guest Blogger Pink CupCake Weddings

Guest Blogger Pink Cupcake Weddings

Hello lovely readers!  Today I am starting a new feature called "What the Pros Want You to Know."  Originally this was only going to be one blog post, but I got such a great response from my wedding vendor pals that I am going to make this one a series!  Hopefully these tips from experienced wedding pros will help brides who are planning their celebrations be a little more prepared for the vendor hunt.  Finding the right vendors for your big day is super important--they are the ones that make everything happen!

For our first installment, I wanted to share some info that came back from almost every vendor, no matter what their service.  This one is easy: Pros want you to be honest!  Be honest about what you want, be honest about your budget, be honest about your expectations, your worries, your concerns, your hopes, your vision, everything!  No vendor can give you the best service if you do not fully disclose everything you want or need from him or her.  Wedding vendors really want to give you everything you have ever dreamed of for your wedding, but we aren't mind readers.  If you let us know exactly what you want, chances are we can make it happen (and if we can't, we'll politely tell you exactly why).

The second thing all vendors want you to know is that there is no extra special "wedding" charge.  There is this myth that brides and grooms put the word "wedding" out there to vendors and automatically the charges double.  So not the case!  Wedding vendors charge what they do because that is the price it takes to give you the best possible service.  From my experience, photographers seem to bear the brunt of this "all-wedding-vendors-are-overpriced" theory.  On the surface, it makes sense: $3000 for an eight hour day!?!?  However, the work does not stop after your wedding day.  Photographers spend HOURS editing your pictures to get them ready for you.  Plus, all wedding vendors have expenses like advertising, website maintenance, insurance, rent, and equipment--just like any other business.  I promise, vendors are not trying to overcharge you just because it's your wedding day!  Try to keep that in mind as you begin your vendor search.

I hope these tips are helpful and give you brides some insight into the minds of your wedding vendors!  I will be back next week with some specific tips from wedding photographers!


Visit Pink Cupcake Weddings at: http://www.pinkcupcakeweddings.blogspot.com

Photo credit: bakeryfantacy.com









Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com

Saturday, March 10, 2012

2012 Bride's Seminar was so much fun!

2012 Bride's Seminar


The Heritage Golf Club Hosted the 2012 Bride's Seminar

Every table there was done in a different design
Centerpieces by An Ocassional Florist
Specialty Cakes by Meri show cased Cupcakes this year

Hair by Alicia made sure all the Models looked good as
well as doing all the Brides hair there that day, she
is awesome!
Hair by Alicia keeps up on all the newest trends and Braids are in ladies
ShutterBooth was there and the brides and guest had
a blast with them.
The Wedding Plantation put on a Style Show and all the dresses were Beautiful
I think the models had such a great time, who doesn't like to get dressed up!

Artistic Captures by Selena

Columbus Harpist Miriam Brown

An Ocassional Florist

HowInviting, Ltd supplied all the table numbers and escort cards

 
Nora McCoy Wedding/Event Planner Wedding Officiant http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com http://www.facebook.com/partyplannersplus If you should choose to copy any of my blog feel free as long as you give credit and link back to my website at http://www.partyplannersplus.vpweb.com