No Money

Sometimes, I'll have couples sit in my office during that first consultation and say quite succinctly - "we don't have any money". Now, everyone's version of "no money" is different, but for the sake of argument here...we'll say that "no money" equals serious zero dollars.

If that's the case - my suggestion is always simple and pure. Don't do something you can't afford. If you know that your budget is $5000 or less, do not try and have 300 guests, a 25 person wedding party and your mom firing it up in the kitchen. And before you tell me that there isn't anything wrong with that scenario - allow me to tell you that it's not a matter of "right" versus "wrong. It's just plain common sense.

I haven't quite figured out why people think this CAN happen - just because they want it to. The harsh reality is that weddings cost money. I'm not saying that to be mean - it is what it is. HOWEVER, that's not to say you can't still celebrate becoming Mr. & Mrs. - oh, but you can. It's about defining what that checkbook looks like and what you can really do for your big day. If it means that you have a small, intimate ceremony with just immediate family in the chapel of your church, then head out to lunch at a local restaurant...that's fine. And if it's getting married in your parent's backyard under the oak tree that you used to climb every day without fail...then having a relaxed barbeque with Uncle Bob manning the grill...that works too.

My bottom line of advice on this topic is this - at the end of the day, you need to be extraordinarily comfortable with the decision you make. Life as a newlywed couple starts the moment you say "I do" and in my 16 years as a planner, I've seen brides and grooms who make the unwise decision of going into debt to finance a nuptial shindig. That's one of the worst ways to start your new life...since money issues are the number one reason folks get a divorce..

A wedding is a ritual and as such - you have the unique ability to craft it as you see fit. This is not about showing off for others, it's really about the "joining" of hearts, minds and souls. Let me be the first to say that it's okay if you don't have a ton of money to spend on your wedding. There is no such thing as the "wedding police" who are going to cite you for that...so relax. Sit down with your fiance(e) and honestly talk about what funds are available - then decide what is most important to you in the grand scheme of things. Whatever those important "items" are - that's where you concentrate the funds you have. And when it's all over - you will have said "I Do" in a way that fits your lifestyle AND your wallet..

Tagged......

Fellow wedding planner and just plain ole' nice girl Isis Petrie of POSH Events, LLC has decided to play "tag" with me.....this time around, the subject matter is music! I'm supposed to tell y'all 5 songs that I like - but wouldn't normally 'fess up about!!

1) "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones
I remember him from waaaaay, waaay back in the day when he would have crazy women tossing their undies at him onstage. Then the lovable (and prissy!) Carlton Banks (from The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air) danced to it on the show and everytime it came on, my little feet started to tap...

2) Elvis Presley - anything
Liked the songs and LOVED his movies. Go figure!!!

3) Macarena
I thought this was a catchy little tune - and the dance was interesting too! I still hum it under my breath every once in a while....Ayyyy :)

4) "Damaged" by Danity Kane
I'm with Isis on this one - why did Diddy have to actually do a good job with these girls? For as much as I profess to not liking all of those "making the band" shows..this little joint is actually catchy. As of late, I've been singing to myself "Fix it, fix it, fix it , how you gonna fix it, fix it?"....

5) "When's The Last Time" by Clipse
Okay, so this is a little old...but it has all the right "hooks". This is when I started noticing Pharell Williams ....he's an excellent producer. I loved the intro and the first line, "Top down, chrome spinnin'.....when ever I hear this, I turn the bass ALL THE WAY UP!

So..now I'm passing the torch! I'm tagging fellow planners Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, Daisy Pagan of Perfect Settings, Christina Hagan of Elizabeth Bailey Weddings and Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen Of Hearts Wedding Consultants . Let's see what they come up with!!!

In The News

One of the reasons I've been in "absentia" is because of all the stuff I have going on in the media. It's busy - but I love every minute of it! One of my passions is sharing through television, print and other forms of media - exactly what it is I do and why it's important. Being a wedding planner - and a professional one at that is so much a part of who I am...it is indeed what I "do".

So with that in mind - here's where you can "see" me and my work in the next few months:

Monday, May 5th
"Your Morning"
CN8 (The Comcast Network)

Topic: "The New Wedding Etiquette"
I'll be leading a roundtable discussion on how etiquette protocols have changed and "morphed" in today's society. Additionally, I'll be giving all of those DIVA "do's and dont's" when it comes to proper protocol, gift giving (and receiving), attire, etc. at weddings.

"Your Morning" is hosted by Connie Colla & Grey Coy and seen in 10 million homes from Maine to Virginia on Comcast Cable. This lively, informative show features news, health, business, lifestyle segments and so much more.

If you have any questions you'd like to see on the show - leave a comment here and I'll do my best to address it on-air!


Sister 2 Sister Magazine
"Office With A View"
On Newstands July 2008

I was honored to have been interviewed for this popular magazine - the topic was my road to being a successful business owner and television personality. It was good to relive how I got to where I am as well as offer some salient advice to those who want to realize and live their dream of business ownership.


My Day Magazine
Summer 2008
"My Day Style Event"
I was one of the featured stylists for a local wedding show - and the fruits of my labor will be highlighted in the Summer 2008 edition of this magazine. I was tasked with taking a bare environment and creating a wonderful place to host a wedding and reception. My theme? "The New Orient". Wait until you see the results!!!!

I Do Magazine
Summer 2008
"The Wedding"
I am pleased that one of the weddings we produced last summer will be featured in this publication. Sarah & Rob had one of the most amazing celebrations I've ever had the pleasure of creating - and you'll be able to see the end results in the Summer 2008 issue of "I Do"

Trust me - there is more to come, and I'll make sure to keep you in the loop about it all!!!!!

Back In The Saddle!!!

Hello all!
I know - I've been a bad DIVA, not blogging and keeping everyone up to date on all the happenings! But to my own defense - things have been a smidge hectic around here!

I have some great pics, great stories, great wedding ideas and advice to share - give me a minute, and I promise to have them all up and running in no time!

Happy Spring to everyone!!!!