Jenira's Event Planning

2011-06-22T17:54:00.003-04:00

Jenira's would like to thank Meredith Meyer our guest blogger for her great post!

The Top 4 Reasons to Use a Wedding Planner

Truth: Wedding planners often have a bad reputation.

You probably think this sounds crazy – but it’s not! While the initial reaction to a wedding planner is “Oh, that’s so fabulous! You’re going to make this wedding just PERFECT!”…it’s quickly followed by criticisms like “Ooohf, how much is that really going to cost the bride?” and “What makes her so special? I could put together a wedding without a planner, no problem! It can’t be that hard!”

It’s this sort of conflict that makes brides uneasy about hiring a wedding planner. They know it could help them and save them some stress – but is it really worth it? One of the biggest misconceptions about wedding planners is the amount of money it takes to hire one and if the value for that amount of money is truly there. Well, dear brides, it’s totally worth it.
And here’s why:

1. Wedding Planners Save You from Breakdowns.
What’s the number one thing you hear from brides while in the thick of wedding planning? “It’s soooo stressful!” Yes, it sure can be. But brides with wedding planners on their side are definitely less likely to agree. Wedding planners save you from stress, feeling overwhelmed and breakdowns. Wedding planners’ main goal is to make sure everything is taken care of. This means that we proactively bring things up, make sure things are being handled, remind brides of their to-do list items and ensure that all details are covered. With that sort of insurance – there’s no need to freak out and breakdown! Brides who are lost, confused and not sure what they’re forgetting or what to do next are the ones who are breaking down. Wedding planners save brides from that happening.
2. Wedding Planners Save You Money.
Wedding budgets are blown every day by purchase after purchase. There are tons of items and services that go into a wedding and it certainly costs a lot of money. But it doesn’t have to! Wedding planners have years of experience, plenty of ideas and inspiration and have seen so many ways that weddings have been done. Plus – they have other wedding vendors and services in their back pocket…they know who to call for what and at the right price. Wedding planners can save brides money by offering up the best ideas and vendors for what the bride is looking for.
3. Wedding Planners Save You Time and Energy.
Planning a wedding is like having another full-time job in addition to the one brides already work. A lot of time and effort goes into planning one – why not have some help? Wedding planners save brides time and energy by being the one who is keeping the bride on track. We know when you need to be checking certain things off your list, we know which details should be paid attention to and we know how to be efficient about it all. Brides who are going it alone often get caught up in tangles of planning that could be avoided with the expert advice and guidance of a wedding planner. Having a planner at your side who can answer quick questions whenever, give advice to save you the research, etc. helps save brides plenty of time and energy.
4. Wedding Planners Save You from Being a “Clipboard Bride.”
Nobody wants to be a “clipboard bride.” You know who I’m talking about – the bride who runs around all morning on the day of her wedding with a clipboard in one hand, cell phone in the other. She’s barking out orders, stressing while answering yet another phone call and frantically trying to find the spot on her note pad that explains who is dropping the cake off and when. Not a pretty picture, huh? Brides with wedding planners get to pass that clipboard off to their planner and sit back and enjoy the day. Our goal for our brides is to make sure they have a beautiful, perfect day – without worrying or stressing the bride for even one moment.

Hiring a wedding planner isn’t always as glamorous as being whisked away by David Tutera and having your entire wedding reconstructed. It does, however, help save you in many ways and is truly a beneficial way to make sure your wedding day is everything you want it to be in order to reflect you as a couple. Whether you need a planner to help you every step of the way, just with a few things or as a day-of coordinator – they’re well worth the effort to hire one.

Meredith Meyer is the owner of Bride Support and author of Bride Support’s Wedding Planning Blog. Bride Support offers virtual wedding planning services for brides across the US in addition to full-service planning and day-of coordination for the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.

2011-06-22T17:43:00.007-04:00

Jenira's Event Planning is now featuring a guest blog from different vendors each month. For the month July Kerri Brennan from Frozen Moments Portraits is our guest blogger and Jenira's would like to thank her for her great contribution.

It may seem cliché by now, but choosing your photographer really is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make for your wedding. Why does everyone always say that, though? It really can't be that hard to find someone that can point a camera and click.

Wedding photography is an entirely different world in comparison to portraits or even other events. It is incredibly fast-paced and unforgiving. Each moment is just that: a moment - a mere second, never to be had again. The ring exchange, kisses, and choked up words only happen once. With even so much as a half-second delay, any one of those moments can be missed. As a professional, I have discouraged future brides from choosing someone inexperienced for their day. And contrary to what many might think, it's not because I'm fighting to receive their business. I am scared. Scared that someone out there is taking the risk of taking on something so important without knowing what they are getting into and having no backup plan in the event of a photography related emergency such as equipment failure or unexpected lighting scenarios. I'm scared that whoever is in charge at the ceremony location will say no flash is allowed and the inexperienced photographer will look in horror, panicking about what to do.

Some people forget that while the bride and the groom are the main focus of the day, there is so much more to it than that. There are the details and the guests that add to the experience and truly make the day memorable. A true photographer lives to capture the emotion; nervousness, laughter, tears to truly capture ambiance of the day. When meeting someone, you can tell right off the bat if they actually care or if they are just about making money. There are so many photographers out there that take your deposit and then disappear until just before the wedding. When your day comes, there is a stranger photographing you. It is important that a photographer gets to know the couple and keeps in contact from the initial meeting. The comfort level is amazing because it feels like a friend is behind the camera.

It is always a good idea to put together a list of questions to ask your photographer prior to meeting with them. The answers you receive will allow you to decide whether or not you will be a good match for each other. Remember, any true professional will welcome your questions and offer as much input as possible.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
1) How many weddings have you done?

2) What specifically is included in the cost?

3) What happens if I cancel? What happens if you cancel?

4) Do you use a contract?

5) Do you carry liability insurance?

6) What is the photographer's style -- traditional, photojournalistic, etc.?

7) Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and black and white versions of the same picture?

8) What will the photographer and assistant wear?

9) Can I look at a complete wedding album you have shot?

10) Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures?

11) Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?

12) Do you have backup equipment?

13) What time will you arrive at the site?

14) Is my wedding the only one he or she will be shooting that day?

15) What is the ordering process?

16) Are any of the images edited and/or retouched?

17) Have you been to this location? If not, will you visit beforehand?

18) Why did you choose to be a wedding photographer? (this question will allow you to determine whether your photographer is truly passionate or just cares about a paycheck)

19) Will you stay additional time if the wedding runs behind?

20) How long do you estimate the formals will take?

21) Do you have any samples of church weddings? (very important if you are having a church ceremony with a no flash policy)

22) Has every picture in your portfolio been taken by you (or the photographer which will be covering our wedding)?

23) What are your payment terms?

24) Am I able to add or subtract once the contract is signed?

Kerri Brennan
Servicing: PA, NJ, MD, DE, NY, WV
www.frozenmomentsportraits.com
Phone: 570-872-6401
Email: info@frozenmomentsportraits.com

Enter to win!!!!

2010-10-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

Are you trying to plan a beautiful event in these tough economic times? Are you finding it difficult to do all the planning yourself? Would you like to kick back on the day of your event and know that your plans will be carried out as you would like?

Jenira's would like to help tell us your story and why you should be one of our winner's. In order to win clients must sign a contract within one week of initial meeting. Events must take place within fifteen miles of planners location to receive full discount. The event cannot have more than 100 guests. Submit your story by January 1, 2011. Offer can be withdrawn at anytime without notice. Please inquire for full details. Please submit your entry to info@jeniras.com.

Two clients will receive $150 off one of our three planning packages (month of, partial, full planning).

Two clients will win $300 off one of our three packages (month of, partial or full planning).

One client will win $500 off my full service package.

Five clients will receive $75 off our deluxe or standard party packages or $50 off our kids party package.

2010-01-02T14:44:00.004-05:00

Let me help you!!!

It is 2010 and couples are getting engaged and getting married. Here are some of the things you will be seeing this year. Weddings are smaller and more personal and less about the show. The colors are more vibrant and themes are more unique its about fun. The budgets are smaller but because your budget is smaller doesn't mean your event can't be beautiful.

As a planner my job is more about taking away the stress and the long hours that comes along with planning your celebration. It is important to understand that know matter what you are celebrating it is about spending time with the ones that you love and who are close to you not just about having a big party for everyone you know.

Whatever you are celebrating needs to represent you and your unique style and personality and as a planner it is our job to help you bring that fruition.

2009-09-27T16:44:00.003-04:00

Planning any event can be time consuming so don't try and do it alone an event planner can be a great investment. All milestones are events not just weddings (birthday's, anniversary, shower's, house warming, etc.). A good planner can work with most budgets and can be a wealth of information so if you get one to plan your entire event or one just on an hourly basis it will absolutely be worth it. An event can take from 20 to 100hrs or more to plan and with today's busy schedule what one person or couple has that kind of time. Below you will find some of the must do items when planning your event among others.

1. You must create a budget (know how much you can afford to spend realistically)
2. How many guest will you have
3. What will be the formality of your event
4. When and where would you like your event to take place

Remember your event should be about you and celebrated with the ones you love small and intimate can be just as nice as large and extravagant.

When thinking about colors and location for your event a few suggestions

2009-09-06T07:04:00.006-04:00

A few ways to think about using color for your event and there are plenty of ways to add color throughout your entire event without going overboard. Also a few suggestions on adding some spice to your reception.

When choosing your colors think about your location or try to pick a location that doesn't have a lot of color already.

Think of colors that you are drawn to and like.

Collect swatches because remember when you say pink there are a lot shades in that family.

If you want more than one color that's fine because mismatched bridesmaid's dresses are always a way to show your style while letting the girls be themselves.

When choosing a color know the mood you are trying to set, is it romantic or is it fun and exciting.

A good invitation designer can mix colors to match your theme and let your guest know the mood you are trying to set.

Flowers are generally available in most colors but remember when choosing the flower try to use what is in season that will save you money. If you can't find the flowers in the color you want white is always an option and dress it up with other decorations (i.e. ribbons, crystal, fabric).

Don't have a huge budget? That's ok lighting is a great way to set the mood for any event (i.e. candles, colored gels). The lighting should be used in areas that you really want to stand out.

Draping is another way to cover up things that don't really match your mood or theme.

If it is an outdoor garden a lot of the decorating is already done you just need to add the finishing touches.

Think outside the box everything doesn't have to be expensive yard sales or vintage stores can have great finds. You can purchase candles, mason jars, ribbon and create your own centerpieces.

Dress up those plan chairs with chair covers or sashes and mix up the tables using a combination of square and round.

The reception site may only give you a neutral colored linen at no charge and that's great dress it up with colored napkins or unique folds and/or napkin rings. http://www.wholesale-table-linens.com/napkin-folding.html

If you are having the ceremony and the reception at the same location make sure the flow is smooth you don't want your guest getting lost in the shuffle.

Bathrooms sometimes can be a little unattended so add a nice scent with some cute candles and maybe a little arrangement.

Just a reminder know your site when considering the decorations and the theme sometimes less is more.