Bridal Gown Discount Show 11/08/2009

Bridal Gown Discount Show
November 8, 2009
Doors open at 12pm / Doorbuster specials before 1pm
Over 100 gowns – Prices starting at $300.00

Marriott Burr Ridge
1200 Burr Ridge Parkway
Burr Ridge, IL.

Hosted by Bridal Sampler

~N’vious Events is not a sponsor and/or participant in this event…if we find something good, we love to pass the information along~

~Happy Planning~

M.I.A. (Missing in action)

Good morning and happy Wednesday!!!

I have received several messages regarding my whereabouts the past couple of months. First I would like to thank my dedicated readers who have kept up with my posts and ramblings (smile), secondly….I am back!!!!

I have been missing in action for several reasons…I had to undergo several medical procedures and was out of commission for a while, I have also been immersing myself in the industry in an effort to keep up with the ever evolving landscape of wedding and event planning. In addition to all that I have been finishing up my Master’s degree as well.

With all that said….I am rejuvenated….motivated….and ready to jump into the holiday season and all the events that await.

~Happy Planning~

New Top 10 Wedding Songs

“Lucky” by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
Who will like it: The bride and groom and the rest of the lovebirds.
When to play it: The first dance.

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
Who will like it: Everyone.
When to play it: During the cocktail hour or between dinner courses.

“Good Time” by Alan Jackson
Who will like it: The country-music lovers.
When to play it: Right after dinner.

“The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
Who will like it: The romantics and nostalgics.
When to play it: The cake cutting.

“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyonce
Who will like it: All the single ladies.
When to play it: The bouquet toss.

“Beautiful” by Akon
Who will like it: Couples and hip-hop enthusiasts.
When to play it: As one of the first slow songs after dinner.

“So What” by P!nk
Who will like it: All the single guests.
When to play it: Following a slow song to get everyone back out on the dance floor.

“Just Dance” by Lady GaGa
Who will like it: Your guests who like to dance.
When to play it: Once the elderly guests have left and it’s time to get the party started.

“Green Light” by John Legend
Who will like it: Couples and any singles who may have paired up at the end of the night.
When to play it: Toward the end of the evening.

“When the Night Comes” by Dan Auerbach
Who will like it: All the couples.
When to play it: As the last slow song at the end of the night.

(c) 2009 TheKnot.com

1st Tip of 2009

In my journeys as a wedding professional I have often come accross a reluctant bride who doesn’t see the need for a wedding professional on her team. As I always say, “it’s not my focus to convince you (the couple) that you need me…it’s my focus to show you how I can enhance your event.”

In approaching any event I believe in being realistic in every aspect of pulling the couple’s vision together. In doing so, I always have a checklist with every possible question that needs to be asked (even the ones most people don’t think about).

Below, is my questionaire for finding a suitable venue for a client. I usually call or visit the venue (questionaire in hand) to get the required information. Most times I contact anywhere from 5-10 venues, compile the information, weed out locales that don’t suit my client’s needs and then present the final information to my client for review.

Facility Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Contact Person:

1. What is the rental cost for the facility?

Monday – Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

1b. What is the deposit amount required to hold the date?

1c. What us the payment schedule once booked?

2. What does the rental cost include (tables, chairs, linens, etc)?

3. Is there a bridal suite (changing room) available?

4. How many hours does the rental cost cover?

4b. What is the cost for additional hours (if applicable)?

5. Are there any decor` restrictions (ex. no ceiling attachments, enclosed flames only, etc)?

6. Is security required and/or available?

7. Is there an alcohol policy?

8. Is there a cake cutting fee (if an outside cake is brought in)?

9. Is there a corking fee (if outside champagne is brought in)?

10. Is there an area desginated for photos?

Hope this sheds some light on what to ask when looking for a venue for your event.

~ Happy Planning ~

Happy 2009

Happy New Year from the family & staff of N’vious Events!!!!

Be on the lookout for big things this coming year.

~ Happy Planning ~

It’s the little things

In my busy duties as an event coordinator, I have come realize that it’s the little things that can make your event memorable.

Color: If you have a signature color scheme in mind for your event there are alot of different ways to intergrate your desired hues into your event without oversaturating in color or breaking the bank.

1. Linens – Most venues offer plain white linens as part of their “basic” package, for an additional charge you can rent accent linens (napkins, chair ties, table runners, centerpieces, candles, etc) to bring you color “vision” to life.

2. Drinks – Your signature cocktail (if applicable) can reflect your desired color scheme and is also a great way to personalize your event.

3. Menu Items – In addition to a cocktail, your wedding menu can reflect your color scheme. Appetizers are a great way to achieve balance between color and overall flow of your event.

4. The Cake – Often referred to as the “center” of your event is often times used as a focal point for color & patterns reflective of your vision.

5. Favors & such – Your wedding favors should be utilized as a way to thank your guests for sharing your big day as well as a way to bring color into the room. You can also purchase other “add-ons” to enhance your event.

I hope these tips will be helpful on your journey into planning an event to remember.

~ Happy Planning ~

25 Easy Ways 2 Jump Start a Diet

Okay, so you’ve accepted his proposal….picked out your ring….found your wedding coordinator…..and designed the dress of your dreams. Now you’ve just got to figure out a way to get into that dress…..ARRGGHH!!!!

1. Ask a friend to join a gym with you (it’s harder to slack off when a pal is onboard).

2. Stuff your sandwiches with extra veggies – fiber equals full.

3. Trade your daily triple shot mocha for a soy latte.

4. Make it a rule to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

5. Limit alcohol intake to an occasional glass of wine at dinner.

6. Make your veggie portion bigger than your meat portion.

7. Have an apple a day – portable, fat free and filling.

8. Eat a bag of air-popped popcorn instead of greasy chips.

9. Buy workout clothes you love (even if you don’t love your shape) to motivate you.

10. Increase your workouts by five minute intervals.

11. Steer clear of the vending machines by keeping a bag of safe foods on hand (almonds, fruit, etc).

12. Look over restaurant menus online and plan your meal outings ahead of time.

13. Park in the far end of lots or a few blocks from your destination, so that your forced to walk.

14. Hire a personal trainer for two weeks to develop a customized workout for you.

15. Include a lean protein with every meal – it’ll up your metabolism and help build muscle mass.

16. Hop on the scale each morning; studies have shown that daily weigh-ins help keep you in check.

17. Keep a photo of your wedding gown in your wallet for inspiration.

18. Consume low-fat, vegetable based soups; they fill you up with minimal calories.

19. Swap baby carrots and salsa for a candy bar when you need that 3pm energy boost.

20. Start the day with high fiber, low sugar cereal with fat free milk and fresh fruit.

21. Reach for hard candies or gum when you need a sugar fix.

22. Ask for dressing and condiments on the side when dining out.

23. Trade white foods (pasta, rice, bread) for their brown high fiber counterparts.

24. Bring your lunch to work to avoid fast food purchases.

25. Always consult your physician or nutritionist before beginning any weight lost regimen.

~Happy Planning~

Common Fees (Real vs. Rip-Off)

Whew!!

 

 

You’ve been planning for months and your big day is just around the corner….then all of a sudden, just when you think you’ve stayed within budget, along comes those dreaded “additional fees”. Due to the fact that hidden costs can throw even the most organized bride for a loop, I’ll detail here a few of the most common “hidden” charges that are legitimate and which you should question.

1. Dress Alterations – Are they included in the gown’s price?

What’s Real 

- There usually an additional charge determined at the first fitting, when the seamstress sees exactly what work needs to be done. To avoid a big shock, ask for an alterations estimate in writing at the time of the purchase. A major change, like remaking a dress, should you lose 30 pounds, will cost you big bucks.

What’s a Rip-Off 

- Being charged per fitting rather than for the actual work, or paying fees that are based on the price of the gown.

2. Floral Transport – Should moving the ceremony flowers to the reception site cost extra?

What’s Real

- That depends. If there’s a considerable amount of time involved, some florists will charge a fee. A crew has to stay at the first location, clean up after the ceremony, travel to the secondary location, and reinstall the flowers. If the arrangements are elaborate, this can take hours.

What’s a Rip-Off 

- If a florist wants to charge you for moving a couple of simple baskets from one site to the next, ask a family member or friend (with ample transportation) to do the transportation instead.

3. Church Fees – If the wedding is in a church shouldn’t it be free?

What’s Real 

- It’s standard to pay for an organist, a soloist, and a facility fee that could include items like custodial service, candles, and use of an aisle runner; nonmembers of the congregation may pay addition fees.

What’s a Rip-Off 

- Being required to utilize (and pay for) services that are not typical, such as paying for the on-site coordinator, usage of the sound system and a clergy fee. These are typically fees that are included within the facility usage fee.

4. Corkage & Cake Cutting – Should a caterer charge you for serving wine or wedding cake that you provide?

What’s Real 

- In some states, caterers are required by law to have additional insurance for serving alcohol; a corkage fee (usually about $3 per guest) can help offset that expense. A cake cutting fee (typically $1-$2 per guest) is pretty standard when your caterer can provide a cake but you choose to purchase your frosted tiers elsewhere.

What’s a Rip-Off 

- Paying a steep fee ($15 per bottle in some venues!). Don’t be afraid to question such charges and try to negotiate.

5. Parking Surcharges – You’ve rented the hall; should you pay for parking, too?

What’s Real 

- Generally, sites that own their parking lots free and clear don’t charge for self-parking. Valet parking, however, will cost you extra, unless it’s already included in your contract. If a venue doesn’t have it’s own on-site parking, it may have an arrangement with a nearby garage where you and your guests will receive a discounted rate.

What’s a Rip-Off 

- Being charged for self -parking if your reception facility owns it’s own lot. Honk if that makes you mad – then look into other venues.

~Happy Planning~

 

Summertime = Party time!!!!

You all know I love to throw a great party, and the being in the midst of my busiest season just makes me a little more festive. Some like to plan on a grand scale ((I must admit…..my intimate gatherings tend to get a little larger than planned)) but others prefer something a little smaller. In my years of planning & coordinating I have found that no matter the size of your party, what your guests remember most is the food .

With that being said, I am always looking for party menu & theme ideas. During my most recent search I came across the book At Home Entertaining by Jorj Morgan. This book is the best!!!! It gives menu planning and decorating tips for all types of parties.

Here is just a small sampling of what you’ll find there. Enjoy.

Just the Two of Us
(parties for 2 very close friends)

Two Cooks in the Kitchen

*Stuffed Artichokes with Warm Balsamic Sauce
*Creamy Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto
*Grilled Herb Flatbread
*Steamed Mussels in Ginger Broth
*Individual Chocolate Soufflés

Supper by the Fire

*Tossed Green Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
*Grilled Pork Chops with Port Wine Reduction
*Braised Fennel and Leeks
*Scottish Style Shortbread

Intimate Valentine’s Day Dinner

*Roasted Portabella Mushrooms Stuffed with Sautéed Spinach and Fontina Cheese
*Nut Crusted Rack of Lamb
*Braised Carrots with Tarragon
*Soft Center Chocolate Cake

Everyday Celebrations
(weekday parties for 4 pals)

Fondue for Four on the Floor

*Swiss Cheese Fondue with Pesto Swirl
*Beef Fondue with Three Dipping Sauces
*Lightly Battered Veggie Fondue
*Warm Chocolate Fondue

Supper Italian Style

*Garlic Infused Caesar Salad
*Stuffed Flank Steak in Tomato Basil Sauce
*Sautéed Polenta
*Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti

A Lunch Bunch Party
*Easy Broccoli and Cheese Soup
*Quick Chili with Lentils and Black Beans
*Spicy Grilled Chicken Salad with Roasted Asparagus, Yellow Peppers and Creamy Basil Vinaigrette
*Cobb Salad Wrap-a-rounds
*Roasted Tomato and Ricotta Tart
*Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Laid Back Gatherings for a Few Good Friends
(weekend parties 6 to 8 friends)

Brunch with a Punch

*Brunch Rum Punch
*Spinach and Caramelized Onion Frittata
*Sticky Bubble Bread
*Chicken Livers with Sage and Sherry on Toast Points
*Cheesy Baked Grits
*Butterscotch Pudding with Toasted Almonds

Alfresco Lunch at the Beach

*Minted Lemonade
*Chilled Gazpacho Soup
*Dilled Chicken Salad Sandwiches
*Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches
*Tuna and White Bean Pitas
*Raspberry Orange Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

Informal Get Together
(easy parties for 8 or more guests)

Continuous Quesadilla

*Frozen Strawberry Cocktail
*Yellow Rice and Black Bean Salad in Individual Radicchio Cups
*Flank Steak, Black Bean and Toasted Corn Quesadilla
*Oven Roasted Zucchini, Tomato and White Cheddar Quesadilla
*Butternut Squash Quesadilla
*Lime Grilled Chicken Breast, Asparagus and Brie Cheese Quesadilla
*Not Your Mama’s Guacamole
*Super Fresh Salsa
*Cream de Menthe Cheesecake

Backyard Barbecue with all the Fixins’
*Bourbon Minted Tea
*Butterflied Chicken on the Grill
*Spicy Baked Bean Casserole
*Potato Salad with Sour Cream and Garbanzo Beans
*Crisp Coleslaw with Mustard Dressing
*Deep Dish Apple Pie

Bashes That are Best with a Bunch
(buffet parties for 8 or more)

It’s Tapas Time

*Individual Tequila Martinis
*Warm Olives with Fennel and Orange
*Quick Crab and Goat Cheese Empanadas
*A Trio of Tapenades
*Tuna and Caper Stuffed Hard Boiled Eggs with Almond Garnish
*Roasted Peppers, Roasted Garlic and Grilled Endive with Blue Cheese
*Sautéed Chicken Wings in Garlicky Broth
*Garlic Shrimp with Lime
*Cinnamon Vanilla Flan with Toasted Coconut

Milk Shake and Cookie Bar

*Thick and Creamy Milkshakes
*Lemony Squares
*Chocolate Toffee Bars
*Our Favorite Peanut Butter Squares
*Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars with Plum Filling
*Chocolate Lovers Turtle Brownies 

For more tips and the recipes for the menu selections listed here please visit the website.

 © 2008 www.Jorj.com

 

 

 

Invitation Wording

On my never ending quest to keep you informed on current wedding & event trends, I often come across helpful hints explained in a such a way I just have to share…..here is my newest find.

There are a million different way that you can word your invitations, but the most important thing to remember is that your wording should reflect you personal style.

Here are the six most common wording formats for wedding invitations……

 

			TIP: Groom’s folks are the hosts? Adapt accordingly. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Stone (or Mary and Steven Stone) request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Melissa Grace to Robert Seth Greene Saturday, the fifteenth of October at five o’clock (“in the morning/afternoon/evening” is optional) two thousand and five First Presbyterian Church Rye, New York
			TIP: While it used to be standard for the bride’s family to host, it’s now perfectly acceptable for both families to get in on the action. Mr. and Mrs. Steven Stone and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Greene request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children Melissa Grace and Robert Seth Saturday, the fifteenth of October etc.
			TIP: The use of “request the honor of your presence” is used formally and “request the pleasure of your company” is more familiar. TIP: Reception details can go in the lower right or lower left corner of the invitation, or you can enclose separate reception cards. If the reception is in the same place as the ceremony, put “Reception immediately afterward” on the invite. Ms. Melissa Grace Stone and Mr. Robert Seth Greene request the pleasure of your company at their marriage Saturday, the fifteenth of October etc. Reception afterward at Tappan Hill 81 Highland Avenue Tarrytown, New York
			TIP: If a divorced father hosts the wedding, the invitation should carry his full name. Mr. Steven Michael Stone requests the honor of your presence at the marriage of his daughter Melissa Grace to Robert Seth Greene son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Greene Saturday, the fifteenth of October etc.
			TIP: If the wedding is hosted by the bride’s parent(s), the groom’s parents are traditionally left off the invite, but we like adding the “son of” line to acknowledge his parents. Jeffrey and Mary Katz request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of Mrs. Katz’s daughter Melissa Grace Stone to Robert Seth Greene son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Greene Saturday, the fifteenth of October etc.
			TIP: Stepparents can be included on the same line as their spouses if that’s okay with everyone. But don’t put divorced parents on the same line in an invite, because it can make their relationship confusing to guests. Mr. Steven Stone and Mrs. Mary Katz request the honor of your company at the marriage of their daughter Melissa Grace Stone to Robert Seth Greene son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Greene Saturday, the fifteenth of October etc.

(c) 2008 TheKnot