One of a Kind Events

Wedding Planning? or Wedding Dreading?

2011-10-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today, I overscheduled myself. I have a longer list than what I take grocery shopping, and I’m feeling a bit frazzled. It was a day that reminded me that I am not super woman just because I have a planner, a couple highlighters in different colors, and an optimistic mindset. I forget things, and remember them at the absolute worst time, and making sure everything goes smoothly is the first thought of my day. It inspired me to think about how intricate wedding planning is. Not only the planning, but also being organized. Even if you do have a wedding planner, there are still things that can get a little hectic. Wedding planning is meant to a blissful and awesome experience! It’s sort of like planning a vacation. Finding the perfect destination, booking it, and then counting down the days are half the fun. So why do so many brides engulf themselves in a negative perspective towards all of the planning? Is it the money? Is it the lack of time? Is it just not knowing what you want? Maybe it’s a difference of opinions. In any situation there is a remedy. Be realistic. If there are things that you just have to have at your wedding, realize there will need to be sacrifices and compromises in other aspects of your wedding. If there is a lack of time, looking into a professional, experienced wedding coordinator is probably a great idea. If you can’t make a decision, sleep on it. If you still can’t, look for other sources of inspiration. Staying organized with a positive attitude is always a plus, but realizing that all of this takes time is the key. Brides take months to plan for their wedding for a reason. Don’t overload yourself. Take time to do it, and just have fun bonding with your groom!

Wedding Planning Goes Positive!

2011-10-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I want to introduce you to the newest member of our One of a Kind Team. Her name is Polly Polka Dot. Polly has come on board to remind us that in wedding planning and in every day life, it is all about your attitude. She wants us to play her “positive game” with her. In all of her relationships and in daily circumstances, she tries to look on the positive side and find something to be grateful for. Wedding planning can bring out the best and the worst in family/friend relationships. From the time you get engaged well meaning friends and family give you their opinions of what you should do for wedding color scheme, wedding flowers, wedding traditions, food, entertainment and on and on and on. Do you ever get the feeling that you wish you hadn’t told them you were getting married?!? Anyway, they do mean well but all that “advice” can sometimes bring on more stress in your wedding planning instead of helping. So in all that advice try to find something to positive or grateful for. When your dad is complaining AGAIN about how much all this is costing, remember that there are many brides and grooms that are paying for all of their own wedding expenses and be thankful that he is helping with a portion of your costs. When you mom is giving you more of her “advice” than you think you can take, remember that there are some brides whose mother is no longer with them to share in this experience and be thankful for her health and love for you. When your fiancé is complaining that you are working on wedding details again tonight, remember why you fell in love with him in the first place and schedule a night out for just the two of you (very soon.) Make it a wedding free zone and spend the evening just enjoying each other with no mention of the upcoming wedding. So over the next few months, Polly will stop by the blog to share some of her favorite quotes and will be turning up in all kinds of places to remind us to be positive. Keep checking out our website http://www.oneofakindevents.org/ and look for Polly’s page to play the positive game with her and be entered to win "one of a kind" prizes!!

Today’s quotes-
“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights.” Maya Angelou

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

http://www.oneofakindevents.org/meet-the-designer/meet-polly-polka-dot/

Wedding Receptions Can be Fun!

2011-09-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Your wedding reception is the first and probably the largest party you will ever host as husband and wife. So think about what is important when you plan a great party – great guests (that is a given, after all they are your friends and family!), great food and tons of fun! So wow your guests with beautiful décor when they walk in and then feed them the best dinner that you can afford but don’t forget about what happens the rest of the night. Wedding receptions are much more than just cutting the cake and throwing the bouquet and garter. The best receptions that I have been to this year are those that gave the guests lots of activities in which to participate during the evening. Make sure you have a qualified professional DJ or band to get the mood set with music and to get the party guests up and dancing but don’t forget that everyone needs a break now and then and also not everyone is a dancer. So some of my favorite guest activities of this year have been:

Photo booths – Get a photo booth that fits more people than one of two so that your guests can take multiple pictures with each other. Find out if your photobooth company provides props ( hats, wigs, boas, masks, - get creative). Some of the professionals I have worked with set up an entire table and hat rack full of creative possibilities to help your wedding guests in the mood for fun. Obviously it worked for me and a couple of other crazy One of a Kind staff members at Holly and Dave's wedding this summer! Then choose the option of having a scrapbook where the guests take one photo strip with them and place the other in the scrapbook for you, even adding a line or two of best wished beside their pictures. These photo strips can also serve as your favors and are a lot more fun for your guests than a votive candle with your names on it!

If you want more edible wedding favors then you may opt for the interactive candy bar. Wedding guests LOVE these as they get to choose their favorite goodies to take home with them or eat while they enjoy the evening. This is another place that you can personalize your wedding theme and décor. Below are three very different candy bars that have been featured at our Indiana weddings. From the cool soft ivory and white shades with a touch of blue and very ornate cookies and pops, to the bold orange and hot pink and chocolate, to a table full of all their favorite candies, each of these reflects the bride and groom’s personalities and give a “sweet treat” in celebration of their love.

Hot pink and orange "Love is Sweet" with gerbera daisy trim featuring pink and orange carmel corn, orange covered malted milk balls, raspberry and orange filled South Bend Chocolates and other decadent favorites

All the fun favorite from Tootsie Rolls, Skittles, M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers, Orange Slices, Spiral Suckers, and more (fill in with your favorites!!)- all set to be placed in small chinese take out containers to go!

An elegant all white/ivory and blue candy bar featuring white M&Ms, yogurt covered raisins, white chocolate covered Oreos, Salt Water Taffy,
white chocolate covered pretzels, Jordan Almonds, cake pops, and intricately decorated pretzel sticks and cookies! See the detail shots below!! A great feast for all the guests - they LOVED it!!!!

Make sure you think about your guests at your party and plan some FUN for you and them. They will remember this party for years to come!!!

Wedding Flowers and Color Trends for 2012

2011-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

I am often asked by brides what I see for colors in wedding flowers and décor for the coming couple of years. This year was a year of shades of purple – from lavender to lapis in bridesmaids dresses as well as flowers and decorations. While I believe that we will still see many purple accents for 2012, next year will be the year of shades of blue. We have had some beautiful Fort Wayne weddings ahead of the blue trend this summer and fall. Our bridesmaids have looked gorgeous in gowns of deep navy, royal and horizon. Or mix in a touch of green and you will get great shades of teal, turquoise and pool. These blue gowns have been accented with wedding bouquets in great color combinations of navy, yellow and white and navy and pink. The turquoise and teal gowns have been accented in their favorite purple flowers with a touch of green or very natural green and white bouquets for great wedding photographs. For a softer look, choose simple gowns for bridesmaids in shades of tan, ivory, or taupe and have them carry bouquets of soft blue hydrangea.

Blue is a cool color and psycholocially makes us feel relaxed and comfortable. In the midst of crazy wedding planning, how great would it be to be able to relax and take some of the stress off! Also, blue is a color that goes well with all skin tones. Navy is becoming the new black, where brides don’t want to go all the way to black gowns, but navy dresses can be worn again and are very slimming on many figures. So as you are planning your wedding flowers and color scheme, think blue!

The other trend we see coming from the celebrity weddings of 2011 – the Royal Wedding and the Kardashian’s opulent affair is the luxury of all white. You need to be a little bit more daring to follow this trend all the way by putting your entire wedding party in white but it can be the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Think of how great Kate’s sister Pippa looked in her white gown with all the little flower girls walking down the aisle of Westminster Abbey. The formality of black tie affairs are definitely back and there is nothing classier than all black and white. But if you are a little leery of having everyone in white gowns, then choose a dark tone in dresses and tuxes (black, navy or chocolate) or tans and ivory in attire and then do all of your wedding flowers and décor in shades of white and ivory. There are a wide variety of white blossoms available in all shapes and sizes and in all seasons . Whenever you choose to go all in one color make sure that you include different textures and materials to give you interest and style. So if a elegant, luxurious wedding is what you are looking for, think white and those classic photographs will be as elegant on your 50th anniversary as they are on your wedding day.

The Total Package!

2011-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

What awesome weddings we have had the past few weekends!! One that particularly stood out was a four day event focused on the guests. Weddings are thought of as a day that is all about the bride and groom. But if you really think about it, isn't it just as much for the loved ones that are witnesses to the two people committing themselves to one another? This bride did an amazing job at making those guests, and especially the out of town guests feel welcome and comfortable for a weekend that was just as sweet as the couple.

Each guest from out of town received a bag full of all the goodies you see in the picture. It included snacks, DeBrand's chocolate, water, a map of Fort Wayne, things to do in Fort Wayne (along with some fun facts about the city), and a map that gave directions to and from each hotel, reception, rehearsal dinner, and other various locations for the events they had planned. It was truly a weekend for the guests. Thursday included a welcome dinner for all guests from out of town. Bridesmaids and groomsmen luncheons followed on Friday, along with the rehearsal dinner. Saturday was of course the big day! They provided childcare for anyone interested as well. Sunday followed with a brunch that everyone was invited to.

Personalizing, making care packages, planning extra events, or just keeping your guests in mind when organizing your wedding weekend, are just a few things that can make your big day really shine through. It is a small gesture that will make a big impact when your loved ones realized you kept them in mind, on a day focused on you and your future hubby.

You could tell all the guests had a wonderful time, and it was just simply a pleasant weekend. So if you're looking for creative ideas to make your special day one to remember, think about the guests, and it will be a day they won't forget!

the entry. plan b.

2011-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

I used to think I had the absolute perfect wedding day pictured out. I didn’t know all of the details, but I had a general atmosphere I wanted to share with my guests. I think most brides feel this way. It’s just what we do as little girls…we dream. As I was helping coordinate a wedding, I saw a bride’s dream. It was overlooking the lake on a quiet evening. Lanterns were strung across the ceiling of a grand tent, hovering over numerous tables that were adorned with lush flowers and lights. A short while later, I saw it flying across the field, and toppling onto the saturated ground. The wind and rain in just a few short minutes, created a demolition site. In a panic, I looked to my boss. Guests were about to arrive, and we were back at square one. As the rainstorm died, my hope came to life. It was our job to make it the best and most beautiful day of her life. As guests arrived, the true essence of what family is showed through. Bridesmaids replaced linens, guests helped place centerpieces, groomsmen hung soggy lanterns and wiped off chairs. It was her day. We had to reinforce plan b. It wasn’t her dream, nor what she wanted. However, she was marrying her best friend, and that’s all that mattered. As I walked away from that tent that night with wet hair, I realized there was a lesson involved. Maybe our “plan” doesn’t really matter. Maybe obsessing over every detail isn’t as efficient as we think. Maybe we need to step back, and appreciate the important things in life a little more often. Isn’t that what really matters? A marriage is bond between a man and woman in good times and bad. We love every aspect of our partner, even when times are down. When that tent was down, we had each other to be thankful, and a couple ready to show they were in it for the sunshine, as well as the stormy weather.

the entry. caitlin.

2011-09-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

This is the entry. Who am I? I am merely a broke, stressed college student doing what I love. I take on a little more than I can handle. I have high standards, and have learned to have low expectations. I believe, trust, and love in a higher power that is bigger and more amazing than anything I could ever dream of. I think that any negative experience is a blessing. Not only is it a lesson learned, but an opportunity to create something positive. I believe that if you want great things and you want to do great things, there needs to be great risk involved. I know everything happens for a reason. I want to be a loving wife and very involved mother someday. I aspire to be an event planner that exhibits my best qualities and sets me apart. I don’t mind that I do things differently. I prefer it actually. I think a temper is necessary sometimes. I suppose that smiling and saying, “thank you” needs to be done more often. I am still growing and learning. Please teach me something? An entry of my life. An entry to my life. This is me, Caitlin R. Turner.

Hey! I am Caitlin, One of a Kind Events' intern! I am a Junior at Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne studying Hospitality Management. My area of interest is event planning. However, a better word would be area of obsession or passion. I will be guest-blogging on the One of a Kind Events' page talking about my experiences as a busy college student while also getting to do what I love-working with brides and coordinating weddings! I juggle my time between classes, my internship, and also another job at Charlotte Russe. I love every second of it. I called my blog, "the entry" as it not only serves as a blog entry, but also the entryway to my perspective. More importantly, I aspire to inspire and help create the perfect day you envisioned.

2012 Wedding Trends - Part 2

2011-07-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

The secound big trend we saw for 2012 was the use of dramatic color and design in weddings. Have you ever been called a "drama queen"? Then your wedding is a great time to let that drama come out! I don't mean turning into a bridezilla and making it to that crazy TV show! I mean you are wearing a gown that is larger than any other piece of clothing that you will ever wear - this is the time to add dramatic flourishes to the rest of the wedding plans. We are seeing a huge use of the color red in weddings in the next couple of years. Red has long been considered the color of love and passion and makes a very dramatic statement in wedding design. It can be used as the primary color or as an accent color with black, white, plum, pink or with other vibrant colors such as orange, yellow and turquoise. Red does catch the eye so if you love it, use it in bold groupings of color such as the entry piece shown here.

When choosing red flowers as with other colors, consider the shape and texure of different flowers and how you are going to use each of the individual varieties. Will they be in bouquets, on the men's lapels, or in fantastic decor for your reception? There are many different shades of red so don't be afraid to mix deep rich black magic roses with anthurium and ginger from the tropics and add in textures with hypericum berries, dianthus and anemones.

Drama doesn't have to be achieved by just color choices. When planning your decor for your wedding and reception, think about making a couple of dramatic statements. Many of my brides and grooms opt for what we call the "WOW" factor. This means that when your guests walk into your reception, they gasp and say "WOW". Even if you are on a limited budget, consider creating a couple of areas that will make the guests' eyes pop when they walk in. Many times this can be achieved by placing a grouping design at the entrance to your reception area. This also makes a great place for guests to have family pictures taken or stop and sign notes to the bride and groom or pick up their escort cards.

Sometimes adding larger designs in a couple of places in the room make much more of an impact than dividing your budget with medium sized centerpieces on all the guest tables. Think of what you want the guests look at and do during your celebration. Is it a time for them to sit and watch the bridal party - then consider a beautiful backdrop and setting with a sweetheart table for you and your groom or for the entire bridal party. Do you want your guests to roam around the room and have pictures taken, visit the candy or ice cream sundae bar, or gather to talk with friends and family they haven't seen for a while? Then set up small vignettes to draw them to these activities and away from just sitting at their tables. Remember this is the first party that you and your new husband have thrown and you want your guests to enjoy themselves.
So if you want to create an unforgettable experience for your wedding guests - don't forget to include some dramatic touches to your decor and events with color, design and activities that will make them say "WOW, this is the best wedding I have ever been to!"

2012 Wedding Trends - Part 1

2011-07-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

There are several trends coming to the forefront for 2012 wedding planning and decor. So if you don't find yourself comfortable in today's topic, check back for the next couple of posts and see which of the trends is most like you. The first trend we saw in design for next year is the return to nature and natural products. With the number of our One of a Kind brides opting for outdoor weddings this year, I think this trend is already in full force.

But if the thought of bad weather, back up plans or heat stroke makes you nauseous, then use natural elements to create the outdoors inside. The use of branches, mosses, river rock and many unique types of greenery and foliages give this style a very rich set of textures. Succulents such as hens and chicks as well as large leaves and grasses can give your wedding a very organic feel. This style of bride wants more style than a ball of colored roses to carry and is weaving natural elements into bouquets, boutonnieres and decor.

photo courtesy of Marah Grant Photography

Weddings we have designed in this style in 2011 have included pods, berries and even log and bark slabs on table tops in a wide variety of color combinations to achieve that natural look. From a fresh white, ivory and green to a bold orange, red and yellow combination the foliages, branches and elements from nature will incorporate your love of the outdoors into a comfortable air conditioned setting in the summer and a heated venue for a winter wedding. So if a love of nature is a love that you and your fiance share, then give your wedding that natural feel in decor, designs and personal touches that mean the most to you!

San Francisco Inspiration

2011-07-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

What an inspiring week at AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) Annual Symposium. Once a year in July our membership from all over the world gets together somewhere in the United States to share ideas, industry trends and of course FANTASTIC floral art. Since my induction into this prestigious organization in New York City in 2004, it is an inspirational highlight of my summer each year. This year we met in sunny San Francisco where the temperatures were in the cool 70's and the city gave us an incredibly diverse culture to explore. From little Italy to Chinatown, Nob Hill to Fisherman's Wharf and the historic cable cars to Union Square with its upscale shopping, San Francisco has something for everyone.

This would make a great honeymoon destination!! But over the next few posts, I want to share with you some of the outstanding design and trends for the coming year that we experiecned at AIFD Symposium! Stay tuned!!

Honeymoon Heaven

2011-01-12T04:45:00.000-08:00

I hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!! After spending time with my loving husband on a romantic vacation to sunny and warm St. Lucia and then coming back and spending time with family and friends, I feel very blessed. I have been married for almost 4 years now and Greg and I plan on having a honeymoon every year so today's topic is: honeymoons!! When planning your honeymoon, the first thing I suggest is to not over plan it with activites. The weeks and days leading up to your wedding will be filled with activites and stress and you need some time on your honeymoon to just enjoy each other and relax. Maybe warm tropical beaches is not your idea of paradise but let me share with you my thougths and you can translate them to your destination, wherever that might be.

I am a huge fan of "all inclusive resorts". You have just planned the biggest event of your life and hosted a party for many of your friends and family. Now it is time to let someone take care of you! The top of my list is the Sandals resort experience. Their all inclusive packages include all the food AND drink for your stay (note that most cruise ships include food but not drinks and your bar bill when you get set to get off the ship can be mind-blowing!) I loved that fact that none of the restaurants had prices on the menus. You could order anything you wanted because it was already all paid for. The tips are also included with the Sandals packages so when you are done eating there is no reason to wait for the waiter or waitress, you just get up and leave! There are also many activities poolside and beachside to participate in during the day or in the evening so you can be as active - partying and meeting people as you want to be. Or you can choose to lay by the pool and occasionally swim over to the bar in the pool to quench your thirst and relax the day away! The staff at Sandals is incredible and there to serve you. They truly understand and are the epitome of customer service!

Another hint for a great honeymoon - use a great honeymoom specialist/travel agent. It is easy to look at a travel brochure or look on line and get excited about the incredible pictures. But to book a honeymoon takes more knowledge than pictures. A good honeymoon specialist has been to the various properties and can tell you where the best rooms are at that resort. Which ones have a "view" of the ocean through the trees and over the highway and which rooms are actually on the beach. She can share which resorts best fit what you are looking for in a honeymoon. Let me share with you my honeymoon booking story - When we had been married a year, I decided to take Greg on a second honeymoon and wanted to take him to a tropical island to get warm and away from the Indiana winter. I got in touch with a local honeymoon specialist and told her my plans. Kim asked " What do you like to do - scuba, deep sea fishing, or what?" I told her that I don't swim so the watersports were not my thing but my husband and I love to golf. She immediately said, "Then you need to go to the Grande in St. Lucia because it has a golf course included in the resort property." There is no way we would have known that without Kim's help but with her expertise we arrived and were taken care of in style by our own butler who made our dinner reservations, brought us drinks and food (at all hours of the day and night!) and took incredible care of us. It was a vacation to remember and we will be taking many more in the future thanks to Kim's knowledge and expertise.

Many couples think that travel agents are expensive and they can find better deals on line but travel agents can many times find you better deals on flights, accomodations and excursions than you can find, and without you having to spend hours looking. You also will know what you are getting for your money and will not be disappointed showing up to a place that doesn't "look like the picture". Another tip is that you don't need to have all the money up front to book a honeymoon. For a nominal deposit you can reserve your trip and then pay it over time up until a couple of month before the wedding. So book early for the best deals!!!

So here is my bonus to my readers today. If you are looking for a fantastic Sandals honeymoon specifically chosen for the two of you and what you like to do, I am sharing my incredible honeymoon specialist with you. You can contact her at: kim4honeymoons@aol.com and tell her Linda sent you. She is loads of fun and you will have a new friend for life. Have a fun, relaxing time and drink a Margarita for me!!!

P.S. Send me pictures and tell my about your honeymoon experiences!!!

Accessorize your wedding party

2011-01-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

Today I want to talk about my NEW favorite store!! Charmng Charlie opened just before Christmas at Jefferson Point in Fort Wayne, IN. With all of the holiday and wedding activities, today was the first time I had a chance to go check it out and WOW!! I walked in and told the sales associate "I have died and gone to heaven!" There were jewelry, purses, belts, scarves, and gifts as far as the eye could see. The selection is HUGE and set up by color so if you are looking for purple (which is what I went for today, as you can see in the picture!) you see it together, animal print inspired in another section, brown, copper, green, blue, red, etc. You get the idea. Just phenomenal displays. And wait - here is the best part - the prices are very reasonable!!!

So what does my wonderful shopping day have to do with your wedding? Today's weddings are all about accenting with your personality and style and what better way to personalize your bridesmaid's gowns than with a truly unique necklace and earrings. No longer do you just have to choose a simple silver, gold or pearl accent to the gowns. Add a splash of color, a bold beadwork or a funky headband. Get matching jewelry for all the girls to wear or personalize each attendant with her own unique style in accessories. There are so many here to choose from that would be great to mix and match with different girls. Or if silver and sparkle is more your elegant taste - they have a special occasion section that rivals any bridal salon at GREAT prices!! One word of warning, however - they get new shipments in every day and what you see there today may not be there next week. So if you see something you fall in love with like I did - buy it now. A lot of women have been disappointed during the holiday season when they found something they wanted and then came back the next week to get it and it was gone!

And don't forget the bridesmaids, mom's and helpers gifts - what woman wouldn't love a great new purse (check out the unique style in ALL different colors displayed here) filled with fun accessories - from key chains to sunglasses, note pad to jeweled pens, Charming Charlie has the best selection I have seen anywhere. They even have a kid's section where you can find unique gifts for your flower girls.

I was so impressed with this store that I have special gift for you!!! Any bride who books her 2011 or 2012 wedding with One of a Kind Events during January or February of this year will receive a Charming Charlie gift card from me to start your shopping! So check out this amazing store and then if you have a wedding coming in the next 2 years, give me a call, email or text to schedule a free consultation and talk about your wedding style and dreams. You could be shopping on me!!!

Say Thank You with Favors

2010-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

Favors are basically to thank your guests for coming to be with you for your wedding. They have taken time to get ready and spend several hours of their time as well as the cost of the gift. Some may have even incurred major travel costs to join you. Favors come in many shapes and sizes from edible snacks to parts of the centerpiece décor. Some of my favorites in the edible category have been beautifully decorated cookies, small bags of goldfish crackers, and individual cakes on each table. Presentation is the key as you share edible gifts – use beautiful packaging with sheer organza bags, printed cellophane or small boxes tied with gorgeous ribbon to add elegance to these types of gifts. Many couples want a gift that guests can take home and remember the event after the reception rather than eat while they are there. Make these gifts fit with the theme of your wedding so that they add to the décor of the tables. Carry out your color scheme (black toile decorated candles), an activity that you both enjoy (a bag of personalized golf balls and tees), small ice cream scoops (to use at your create your own sundae bar), or small antique bottles (filled with individual flowers to match your centerpieces).

Add a personalized tag with a short thank you note from you and your groom. Think of a creative and clever tag line to carry out your theme to add – “love is sweet” for candy, “the light of love” for a candle, “clearly in love” for glass coasters, or “cut out for each other” for heart shaped cookie cutters. For more beautiful favor ideas visit our special favor website at http://oneofakindevents.theaspenshops.com .

Other ideas for favors can include gifts not put on the tables. They are more interactive favors that get the guests involved in the evening’s activities such as a photo to take home from a photo booth or a bag of candy to take home from a candy bar. Another idea that is appealing to some couples is providing a donation to their favorite charity in lieu of favors. Let your guests know what charity is close to your heart by printing cards to place on the table. Or even provide them with a small “program” for the reception that includes a short version of your love story (how you met, how he proposed and where you are going from here), an outline of the schedule for the evening, a description of your favorite charity and a thank you message from the two of you. These can be placed at each place setting and will give guests something to read and enjoy as they wait for the grand announcement of the bridal party.

Whatever you decide to do for favors, remember that your guests are very special people in your lives and since they took the time and money to be with you, make sure your thank you is sincere and unique.

As a special for our Blog readers, enter the code 5239TEN to receive 10% off of all Kate Aspen favors on our website! And one lucky bride who orders her favors from our website will have her name drawn to be reimbursed and get her favors for FREE!

Luxurious Linens

2010-12-14T05:15:00.000-08:00

When looking at the décor for your reception, a major decision will be what to do about linens. Linens are fabric treatments including tablecloths and table overlays, napkins, chair covers, wall and backdrop draping. Look at the overall feel you want for your reception. A fun-filled family reception might be best served with paper tablecloths and crayons for doodling. A more elegant affair would be best served with linen tablecloths and napkins. Chair treatments can make a huge difference in the overall look of your reception. Look at the attached pictures for before and after looks with fabric covers. Many reception venues and caterers include basic white linens and sometime colored napkins in the packages with food. When looking at specialty fabrics, overlays or chair covers, make sure to check pricing with local décor specialists to get the best value for your money. On-line “deals” on linens may sound great but when they come with permanent wrinkles or stains, you have more of a nightmare than a dream come true.

Another budget saver can be using specialty fabrics and tablecloths on cake table, head table and gift table. This can give your event an upscale look without breaking the bank. Wall and backdrop draping can also cover up undesirable parts of the reception hall and give you a clean look for pictures. Again hiring a wedding planner/décor specialist can help you coordinate the overall look and your reception can be a “one of a kind” event.

The package deal with no chair covers

Lighting can make a huge difference

2010-12-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

When you see some of the fantastic weddings on television, one of the major elements that they all have in common is great lighting packages. From washes of light to bring your wedding color to the walls of your reception to spotlights on specific areas such as the cake, head table or dance floor – lighting can really bring a glamorous look to any celebration. The use of light can be very simple as adding candlelights or small pinspots or uplights to guest tables. Or it can be as extensive as a complete package to transform the room and space into a fairyland or a dance club. Talk to your wedding planner or décor specialist to see what level of lighting will fit into your budget and give your guests that platinum experience when they enter your reception.

Wedding Day Beauty Tips

2010-12-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

Make up and Hair

A lot of brides don’t give make up and hair much of a thought since they do their own hair and make up on a daily basis. But you are not wearing clothes that you wear everyday and you normally don’t have over 500 photographs taken of you everyday, So everyday hair and make up needs to be stepped up a notch! Choosing the right hairstyle for you and your gown is the first requirement. Look through magazines for styles that you connect with and also have a picture of your gown to take to the salon when you go for a “trial run.” Some brides even try to find a top that has a similar neckline to their gown to wear that day so they can see the updo or style they choose with the gown neckline to see if it is flattering to their face. Let your stylist know if you will be wearing a veil or any kind of hair jewelry. Then after you have your hair done, have a make up session and then have someone take pictures. What you see in the mirror is not the same as what the camera sees and good photographers will tell you that you need to wear a little bit more color than usual for the camera to pick it up. Don’t be afraid to experiment in the months before the wedding with different colors and looks to get the one that is best for you. Having your make-up professionally done during the engagement time is a great way to get in on new skincare products as well as products that will give you the best color and look on your day, Talk to friends or attend bridal shows to find great Mary Kay consultants to give you a makeover. Some of these consultants are even willing to come to the church on your wedding day and do make-up for you and your attendants. Or if you prefer, go to your favorite department store for a make up session and let those experts give you a more dramatic look to try.

The other suggestion for ultimate beauty on your wedding day is to take care of yourself. Although this will be one of the busiest times of your life leading up to your wedding, eating right and getting enough sleep can make all the difference between enjoying your day and having great memories and just trying to “get through it.” Then, drink lots of water. Eight to ten glasses of water a day will give you more energy (most of us walk around every day dehydrated), help you lose those last few pounds before wedding day and give you a healthy glow. Finally, remember that beauty starts from the inside out. Be thankful and enjoy this time with your family and friends and your inner beauty will shine through.

Finding a Wedding Florist

2010-12-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

When looking for flowers for your wedding, ask yourself some overall questions – What are my favorite flowers? Are there flowers I intensely dislike for some reason? Then look for pictures of bouquets that you just like the overall look and style of the arrangement of the flowers Are you drawn to soft, full, lush blooms? Are you excited by modern bold colors and line like modern art forms? Do you like different textures and flowers together or do you like monobotanical (all the same flower grouped together) bouquets? It used to be that you had to choose flowers that were “in season” – tulips in spring, roses in summer, chrysanthemums in fall and carnations in winter. But today with flowers being grown in all climates of the world and shipped overnight to use, choices are much more readily available.

Find a florist first of all that understands (or helps you develop) your individual style and secondly has the personality and design skills to make your wedding day beautiful. Your floral designer needs to be someone who you trust to create your personality in your flowers. Set up an appointment to get to know the florist and take along ideas and pictures that you have found, then listen for creative ideas that they have. Give a professional florist an overall look and color combination and then be open to their creativity and artistic style to make your bouquets and décor more than you could ever imagine.

There are no do-overs on your wedding day so make sure you find someone who will make your wedding day – your way. I have had clients ask me what my favorite style is and I tell them that it doesn’t matter what I like. My goal is to understand each bride and groom’s style and create your look. That is why every one of our weddings are truly a “one of a kind event”!

You ought to be in pictures!

2010-12-10T05:15:00.000-08:00

For many couples, photography is one of the most important elements of their day since pictures will be their lasting reminder of all that went on that day. Choosing the right photographer for you is crucial. Too many couples have tried to save money here by letting a family member or friend document the day only to have out of focus, badly shot pictures or no pictures at all. Professionalism is the key here and an experienced photographer will not only document your memories to last a lifetime but also be very instrumental in keeping the wedding day running on schedule.

First of all, look for styles and photos that you like. Most photographers have some of their best work up on websites and blogs and you can get a feel for how they like to shoot – indoors or outdoors, traditional or unconventional backgrounds, posed or candid shots, etc,. When you find photos that you like, set up an interview with the photographer to sit down and talk to them. There needs to be a connection between the couple and the person shooting the record of their wedding. They need to have a personality that meshes with yours. They need to have an excitement and passion not only for photography as a medium but a passion for capturing your distinct personalities in their shot selection and creative composition. Sometimes this takes several interviews with potential photographers to find the right one. But don’t feel that you have to interview a lot of candidates. Once you find a person who “fits” with you, get that deposit in ASAP and book them for that day. Photographers can only do one wedding per day and the good ones book up many months in advance. So get the deposit in so you don’t lose out. Then schedule an engagement session. You will get great memories of your engagement time together and also get more comfortable in front of the camera and interacting with your photographers so that your wedding pictures will be even more personal and intimate. Finally, when it is all over make sure you send me your favorite photos since I love to see the creative genius of a great photographer/artist capturing the most romantic day of your lives!

What's in a package?

2010-12-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

One of the first items on the list of wedding planning activities is to choose the venues for your ceremony and reception. There are many things involved in choosing a location for your reception. Do you have a vision for the look for your reception – historic building or modern hotel; adult or family oriented; outside or inside; buffet, family style or plated served dinner? The choices seem a little bit overwhelming sometimes. But it is essential that you think through all the details before signing contracts. There is nothing more disheartening than to fall in love with a venue only to find out it is too small for your guest list. Once you find a place with the look and size that you like, meet with them to talk about specifics. Do they have a caterer that you must use or can your bring in your own choice of caterer? Can you bring in your own decorations and flowers? Do they have packages that you just buy into or can you customize your wedding experience? Different venues have specialties that they provide. Use their expertise in the catering process but don’t be afraid to ask questions: Why do they do it that way? Can I change the package to make my celebration more personal to our situation?

Talk through pricing and options for food and bar and any other services that they offer. Before you sign for any packages, make sure that you are not paying for things that you don’t need. Some couples find that running contracts by their wedding planner helps save costs. A good professional wedding planner who has worked in many different venues can help you discover strengths and weaknesses before you sign any contracts. The reception venue, food and drink will take up the major portion of your wedding budget so make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed before you make a deposit. You are hiring them to work for you and make your day perfect in every way.

Color, Color Everywhere

2010-12-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

When I ask most brides what colors they are using for their wedding , they usually respond with the color of their bridesmaids gowns, the color of their gown (either white or ivory), and occasionally one accent color. But the trend for 2011 is using a lot more color in wedding décor and by using multiple colors in accents and flowers you can make much more of a statement with your wedding style. Talk to your wedding stylist or planner about colors that will accent and enhance your overall style. Use your favorite color and then look at a color wheel and select colors that are across from your favorite color. These are called complimentary and split complimentary colors and they bring out the best in both colors. For example, do you know why the Christmas colors make us happy? Red and green are complimentary colors on the color wheel, so they bring out the best of each other. And pink is just red with white added to it so pink and green are magical wedding colors. For a fun and happy wedding, choose bright colors such as saturated pink, green, orange and purple.

The other color combination on the color wheel that works beautifully for weddings is the analogous color scheme. Analogous means similar or related so analogous colors are beside each other on the color wheel. Examples are red, orange and yellow or blue, purple and green. Analogous colors are more soothing and calming and can give you a very coordinated look. So again choose your favorite color and then accent with the colors on both sides of it on the color wheel.

The last combination is to use tints and tones of the same color which means colors that add white or black to the base color for the most elegant of color schemes. Examples of this are different shades of red from pink to red to dark burgundy or lavender to purple to deep violet. One of the favorite current combinations of this color combination is varying shades of ivory to champagne and latte and chocolate brown. Choose gowns and tuxes in this shade family and then add lush flowers in shades of ivory and you will have a truly traditional and elegant look for an incredible wedding.

Some ideas for adding touches of color in your wedding palette – choose bridesmaids gowns that are flattering to all your attendants and then add your favorite color in a sash, jewelry or shoes. Add a fun pair of bright blue shoes under your wedding gown. Add color in flowers or table linens to bring a splash of excitement to your reception. Don’t be afraid to have fun with color at your reception to give your guests a surprise and boost of fun for the party.

Choosing an Officiate

2010-12-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

In years past the choice of officiate was not a decision made by the bride and groom. You chose the church to marry in (usually the one that you or your parents attended) and the pastor/priest of that congregation married you. Today couples have many more choices. They may decide to marry in a church or synagogue or they may choose to marry in a variety of other beautiful venues – outside at a home or park, in a historic building, in a location that is sentimentally special to the couple or even in a section of the reception venue so their guests can immediately proceed to the reception celebration. As you choose a unique place for your ceremony, you will also need to select someone to officiate your ceremony. First of all, make sure they have all the credentials necessary to make your union legal. Secondly, but just as importantly, make sure that he or she is someone who understands what you want for your marriage ceremony. A good officiate will meet with you and discuss your beliefs, your style and the tone you want for the actual day. They can help you choose or write vows, readings, scriptures or other meaningful parts of your marriage celebration. They should be a professional who you trust and want to be an intimate part of your ceremony. As you meet with ministers/officiates ask about any pre marriage counseling that may be required or time needed to get acquainted with the person who will perform the service and lead you through a very intimate part of your wedding day.

Ready, Action..... Party!

2010-12-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

Your wedding reception will be the first and probably the biggest party that you will throw as a couple. Think of it as a theatrical production complete with producer, director, players and supporting cast, staging, props, and script. Selecting the right location is the first piece of the puzzle. Decide on the tone and overall feel you want for your reception - intimate family atmosphere or jumping dance party; elegant country club feel or edgy nightclub; rustic, country with antiques, modern with lots of glass and mirrors, or traditional, historic feel with stone columns. Choose a venue that will be the backdrop to tell your story, then choose the players to make the celebration happen. That cast of characters will include not only your bridal party but also all of the vendors who will be a part of your party. The more that you share your overall vision with all the vendors, the more cohesive your production will be. Choose vendors who work well together. Ask each vendor who they like to work with. Having a team who has worked together before will make your day run smoother and your planning will be easier. As you think about the staging of your party, think of what guests will see when they first enter the party. Create a WOW for their initial reaction and they have a great attitude to party and celebrate with you.

Couples today are personalizing their receptions like never before. This can be done with a theme and décor, with logo and personal messages for guests or by creating a “script” for the evening that is special to them. The script will dictate the schedule for the evening as well as the activities that are included. Are there certain traditions that you want to have a part of the evening – throwing the bouquet; garter toss; special dances for father/daughter, mother/son, bridal party; dollar or anniversary dances? Many brides and grooms are also planning activities that guests can participate in like photo booths, caricature artists, make your own sundae, cupcake, or candy bar, games or other activities that bring your guests into the fun and spirit of the party. Remember that not all guests can or like to dance so give them something else to do and they will stay longer and celebrate with you. Come up with ideas to incorporate you and your groom’s personalities and favorite pastimes into the evening. Couples who enjoy golfing might have golf balls and tees as their favors and set up a small putting green in a corner of the venue with prizes like drink coupons or treats for anyone who holes their putt.

Finally when planning your reception make sure that you have the right producer and director for the event. The producer is the one who brings all of the parts of the production together – the photographer, DJ and entertainment, the décor, the food and drink, and the movement and activities of the guests. This is something that a well organized bride can sometimes take care of herself or with the help of family or a close friend. This takes a lot of time and research to make sure that all of the bases are covered and all the details are taken care of. But it is a job that is done ahead of time so you can still enjoy the wedding. The director on the other hand is the person who will make the weekend run on schedule, make sure that all last minute details are done and who takes care of all the small crises which invariably happen on the wedding day. This is not a job for the bride, mother of the bride or maid of honor. Having a good director is crucial to having your wedding day run smoothly and stress-free. This is one area where hiring an experienced wedding coordinator or wedding event entertainment director can be the best investment of your wedding. I can’t tell you how many brides and their mothers I have talked to after their wedding who said “Everything was beautiful but I wish we would have hired one of your coordinators to take care of the details. We would have enjoyed the day so much more!” On the other hand, one of my greatest comments came from mothers of the bride who say “The day was perfect. Everything went so smoothly!” Which means they have no idea all the “fires” we put out behind the scenes and little problems that we solved so that the bridal party and family could just enjoy the day!

So here’s hoping that your wedding reception gets rave reviews and a standing ovation!

Wedding Theme and Style

2010-12-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

A theme or style will give your wedding continuity and give your guests a more memorable experience. When choosing an overall theme and style for your wedding and reception, make a list of personality traits and interests of both you and your groom. Are you fun loving and adventurous or do you like spending quiet evenings at home cooking and watching movies? Do you enjoy travel or certain sports? Is your passion spending time with close family members or going out on the town partying and dancing? The first party you host as husband and wife needs to reflect who you are as individuals and as a couple. You want your guests to walk into your reception and say “Oh, this just looks like ______ and ______!”

Be creative with how you incorporate your interests into your event. Your “save the date” cards and/or invitations can set the style and tone of the event. Do you enjoy or have you always wanted to get away to a tropical island but didn’t want or couldn’t afford a destination wedding? Bring the tropics to your guests with a destination style wedding using palm tree and tropical motifs on printed products and orchids and tropical flowers and greenery in flowers. Bright colors can also give a tropical feel. Or if you are a sit around the fireplace couple, choose a more intimate, personal venue and give it warmth with lots of candles and more muted, comfortable colors. If you like to travel, consider using a map motif on invitations and favors and let guests know that you are “taking the next step in your journey together” and you would love to” take them along for the ride”. Instead of table numbers, give tables names of places you have been together and set up a station where guests can give you ideas of their favorite destinations and suggest places that you might like to visit as husband and wife.

Look for subtle ways to incorporate your theme and don’t hit them over the head with it. Too much of a good thing can start looking “cheesy”. A romantic atmosphere in red, black and white can be achieved without putting a red heart on everything! Again a professional wedding stylist can help suggest creative ideas and pull together a cohesive, personal vibe that has your guests going “WOW!” from the time they open your invitation to looking at the pictures and remembering “an awesome event that had the bride and groom written all over it!”

How much does a wedding cost?

2010-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

Budget and Priorities

One of the most frequently asked questions from brides and grooms is “How much does the average wedding cost?” and “How do we go about setting a wedding budget?” The national average wedding last year was $26,658 but no one wants an average wedding! Every wedding is a unique, one of a kind event and so is every wedding budget. First of all, brainstorm on where your wedding money will come from – family resources (parents and grandparents), bride and groom resources (savings, upcoming work bonuses, taken from monthly budget in the coming planning months), credit cards and loans. Once you have amounts from all of your income avenues, then you can come up with a plan for how to maximize that budget. The biggest factor in determining what your wedding will cost is your guest list. Remember that for each guest you will not only have costs associated with food and drink but also the size of the venue needed, how many chairs and tables, décor and favors, etc. So the larger the guest list the more money you will need to pull it off. So decide if you will have an intimate celebration with under 50 guests who are the most special to each of you or will you invite all the neighbors and acquaintances and have a big party blowout. Talk to both sets of parents about your goals for the guest lists. If their ideas are larger than yours, talk to them about footing more of the bills. But make sure that everyone is on the same page for the guest list so that no one feels left out.

After the guest list size is set, then list all parts of putting on a wedding and set priorities.. Every couple has parts of the wedding that are the most important to them. Decide on three or four categories that mean the most. Maybe the décor and the look of the wedding is something you have always dreamed of. Other couples want a party atmosphere and the entertainment will be paramount. Still others want food and drink that guests will drool over or a photographer that is edgy and unique. So list the top 3 or 4 categories that mean the most and use more budget on those important elements and then look how you can save money in other places. This is a step where a good wedding planner/producer can be very helpful and actually save you enough money to pay for their fee. In finding quality vendors while maximizing your wedding dollar, experience is very important so talk to other brides, look at reviews on line and/or get an experienced wedding planner to help you.

Do it yourself (DIY) projects are another way to stretch your budget. But be careful not to overbook yourself as there will be stress and details involved in planning that you can’t even imagine right now. If there are projects that you can take care of ahead of time – personalized favors, decorations, save the date or handmade invitations – you can enjoy the process and save money. As the wedding gets closer you will have less time, energy and resources so plan to have professionals take over the last minute details so you can enjoy your wedding weekend and not be overwhelmed. Try to free up your schedule the week of the wedding so you have time for relaxation and time to spend time with family and friends.

Another way to stretch budget is to have friends and family help with parts of your wedding. Again, a word of caution – make sure that your priority elements are covered by professionals – music, photography, décor, etc. Remember that if Aunt Susie offers to do your flowers and you don’t like the bridal bouquet that she makes for you, you either have to carry something that you hate and will be in all your pictures or hurt Aunt Susie’s feelings by telling her that you don’t like it. So maybe give her a part of the décor that is not as important to you - like altar flowers or pew decorations. That way she can feel good about helping and you can carry the perfect bouquet for your gown and personality.

30 Days to Plan Your Wedding

2010-12-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hi, Brides-to-Be!

Wedding planning can be a ton of fun as well as a ton of headaches. I started One of a Kind Events because I think that every bride should have a beautiful wedding no matter what her budget and that your wedding day should be a happy and joyful one. So I am here to help you manage and plan for that incredible day by sharing some of the knowledge that I have gained from over 25 years in the wedding industry. We will be sharing inspirations, wedding planning tips, details you might not have thought of and of course great pictures! So for the next 30 days, tune in and get ideas to make your wedding the best one your guests have ever attended and an experience that you and your groom will remember the rest of your lives!

So tell your friends and keep posted for an incredble contest coming up where you can win a free wedding event director/coordinator coming January 1st. Details to follow!

2009-03-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we all need a little encouragement so Wednesdays will be encouragement day on the One of a Kind Events blog. I am starting a little tradition that will be called "Wednesday One of a Kind Wisdom". I love to read and I have quite a few quotes from people far more learned than I that I will be passing along to you every Wednesday. Hopefully, they will encourage and inspire you not only in your wedding planning but in your daily activities. So here goes with week #1.

"You only live once - but if you work it right, once is enough." Joe Lewis

The same can be said of weddings - if you plan it right, hire the right vendors to help your dream come true - once is enough.

Color Me Beautiful

2009-03-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

If I had to describe one trend in weddings it would be color. Yet many brides are afraid of color. Here is a way to make sure you don't "overdo it". Choose a main color - probably one of your favorite colors. Some brides choose a color that they think their bridesmaids will look good in for their main color. But your bridesmaids don't have to be in your main color. For example, you may want your bridesmaids to be in very classic black tea length dresses. But your favorite color is pink. Go with different shades of of pink in all the decor, flowers and accents.

My biggest hint to making a fabulous looking wedding? Don't be afraid of accent colors. They can make a ho-hum wedding take on a WOW factor! One saavy bride I had a consultation with this week chose wisteria and plum (shades of purple and lavender) for her bridesmaids gowns. She was wondering if it was okay to go with a soft blush pink, green and creamy yellow for her flowers. Absolutely!! What great accent colors! That way in pictures her bouquets won't fade into the dresses and the green, blush and cream will make the lavender and purple tones in the dresses shine even more.

The other hint I have for you today is use color intensity to impress your guests. Using the same colors, you can keep the shades softer and more formal at the ceremony by using lighter shades of the color and mixing in white or ivory. Then at the reception, step it up a notch - add another hot accent color and use brighter shades of the color for the PARTY! Your guests will think they know the color scheme for the wedding when they enter the church but when they get to the reception, there will be no doubt - we are here to CELEBRATE!

If you are still unsure of colors and accent colors, get with a professional planner, decorator or florist to bounce ideas off of us. We have been in the color combining business for a long time and can tell you what works and what doesn't. More about color in future posts but for now - be creative and have fun!!

Spring flowers are here!

2009-03-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here today!! And what could say spring more than beautiful tulips, freesia and hyacinths. After a long hard winter it is one of my favorite things to see the first buds of my daffodil and hyacinth plants peeking up through the dirt in my flower beds. But, I have good news for you this morning - tulips and freesia , once thought to be only spring time flowers are now available for your wedding throughout the year! With the advancements in growing, harvesting and shipping, you can now have these beautiful flowers whenever you get married. I designed a gorgeous all white tulip wedding for a bride who married in September!!

As you are looking at blooms for your big day also remember fragrance. Freesia give a soft wonderful frangrance and come in a variety of colors - white, bright pink, lavendar, and yellow to name a few. Other very fragrant flowers include lilies, hyacinth, stock, roses and carnations. Mix a few of these sweet smelling fresh flowers with non fragrant ones and you will have a wedding that uses all the senses - sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. Think through all of these five senses as you plan your entire day so your guests will be wowed by the experience.

I would love to talk to you and see what your favorite flowers and colors are and see how we could incorporate them into your wedding flowers.

The Perfect Day... Your Wedding - Your Way

2009-03-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful time of year it is as planning for spring and summer weddings is in full swing. My days are filled with meetings with brides who are in love, excited and dreaming of their incredible day. But those same brides sometimes feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and ready to have the whole event over! Does that sound like you? Here are some tips to keep your sanity:

1) Decide which parts of the wedding are the most important to you and oversee only those items. Delegate whatever else you can to others as early in the process as you can.

2) Choose who you delegate to carefully. As you plan your wedding you will have MANY people who want to give you advice and help. Although they all mean well, it is still YOUR day and needs to be done your way. People who help need to understand your vision and be willing to take on tasks the way you want them done.

3) See if your budget will allow you to hire professional planning help. Most of our brides are amazed at how much smoother and happier they are with a professional at their side. A good wedding planner knows what needs to be done and takes the stress off of you. She will also run interference for you when others become overbearing and the time pressures become overwhelming. I become the best friend of most of my brides during the planning process because, I make sure all the details are covered while still making sure your day is your own special "one of a kind' event.

At One of a Kind Events, we help each of our unique brides get the most for their money AND keep their sanity. You need to sit back and enjoy your day instead of worrying about everything getting done. After all, you are the BRIDE!

Brides from Fort Wayne and all over northern Indiana have benefitted from each of our planning packages - from a full service planner (for that busy bride who wants a dream wedding but doesn't have time in her own busy schedule to make it happen) to our "panic packages" (for the brides who have most of the planning done but need help pulling the final details together.) We can also help the bride who just wants the rehearsal and wedding day coordinated so she can enjoy her guests. We offer FREE no obligation first consultations so visit our website http://www.oneofakindevents.org/ and contact me to see if we can give you "The Perfect Day... Your Wedding - Your Way"