Testimonial

I have to admit - with a smaller budget I wasn't initially planning to hire a planner. However after meeting Lori for our initial consultation I was SOLD! Lori and her team at Elegant Affairs was the best investment we could have made for our big day. I knew I could do most of the planning myself - but gosh was it handy to have her non-biased and honest opinion just a quick email away. I also wanted to ensure that both my mother and mother in-law could enjoy our wedding WITH us rather than everyone being stressed out and overwhelmed. 

Lori did a fantastic job throughout the entire process. She has flexible packages to accommodate your needs and budget.  As an A-type personality and project coordinator myself I thought I had covered all the bases, but quickly learned how little I knew of the wedding industry despite having Pinterest in my back pocket. With Lori’s knowledge of the area and referral vendors we were able to budget appropriately and think critically about which parts of our day were most important to us. This included advice on invitations, flowers, linens, theme, and any DIY projects my creative mind could conjure. Which ultimately allowed us to maximize our budget and get the best value for our investment. Outside of the advice she provided as we made our major decisions, I felt that Lori was truly invested in making our day unforgettable and never felt that I was competing with any of her other weddings in terms of her capacity to respond in a timely manner. She became my friend – that was ALWAYS there. 

Lori handled all the logistics and politics that go along with planning any major family event – pushed her sleeves up with confidence and got in there to tackle my woes. Her responsiveness and professionalism were top notch even when dealing with some of our more challenging vendors. Her genuine personality blended well with our entire bridal party including ‘the moms’ and was a joy to be a part of our wedding day. The wedding day itself was absolutely perfect and went off without a hitch, mostly impart due to my confidence that Lori would handle anything that arose and we could truly enjoy our incredible day. She went out of her way to assist in day of pickups and last minute arrangements, made sure we had cocktails and that we ate but at the same time was discrete so guests would hardly have noticed she and her team were there. My now husband was very impressed – and said at the end of the night she was worth every penny and more.

 

Final verdict: Even with a small budget and not needing a planner – you absolutely NEED Lori!!!

~Megan & Brandon, September 14, 2013

We Won!!!

We are thrilled to announce that we were voted Best Wedding Planner in Western Washington in King 5's Evening Magazine contest. We want to thank everyone for your support and your vote! What a great way to end 2013.

DIY: Fall Guest Book Tree

DIY: Fall Guest Book Tree

Fall is upon us! The leaves are turning and the weather has become cool and crisp. Autumn is becoming a popular time to tie the knot. Brides and grooms have started to incorporate fall aspects into their wedding day. One quick and simple way to add some fall flavor to your special day is to glam up your guest book by creating a unique, fall themed, guest book tree.

This project is a quick and inexpensive! It can be done in less than an hour. All you need is a trip to your nearest craft store and a dollar store.  These are the items in which you will need to purchase:

-          Clear glass vase (or colored depending on preference) –Michael’s Craft Store

o   We will use the clear vase for the base of the tree

-          River rocks or pebbles – Dollar Store

o   You will need to buy enough rocks to fill the vase

-          Branches

o   You can utilize nature and collect branches outside!

o   You can also order branches off of Etsy, Ebay, or Craigslist

-          Die Cut Leaves (In the colors you choose) Michael’s Craft Store of JoAnn Fabrics

-          String

-          Hole puncher

First, you will take the base of your tree and fill it with rocks. Once the rocks are half way full, add branches to your vase. You will want to arrange your branches so the tree is symmetrical and won’t tip over. Once the branches are in place, you may fill the rest of the vase with rocks. Once the base of the tree is ready, grab your hole punch and punch a hole in the top of each leaf. Cut string or ribbon to desired length, and make a look for guests to hang the leaves on the tree.

Once you set the tree out for display, create a sample leaf so guests know what to put on the leaf. You can buy fun colored fall pens, gold, silver, orange, or red for guests to write with. Let your imagine soar. This simple, easy, and creative guest book tree is sure to be a hit and can last a lifetime!

Vendor Spotlight: Poplin

www.poplinstyle.com

“Feeling good about how you look isn’t an indulgence. It’s a must have.”

Why not look fabulous on your wedding day too? It’s affordable, stress free, and will make your dream Pinterest boards come to life.

Styling the wedding party and yourself is an essential part of your wedding day. I know, I’ve been dreaming about my wedding day since I was a little girl. I find myself searching for pictures through Pinterest out of sheer habit. Of course all the pictures I have pinned are lovely gowns and my “dream Pinterest” wedding party is dressed to perfection, but one question remains, “Now, what?”

We’ve done the research, we’ve printed and pinned the pictures, now how do we obtain our dream dresses? Who will set up appointments for the men to find the exact gray suit you desire, or work to find those hot and sexy honeymoon clothes you’ve been dying to purchase? Poplin is here to make your styling dreams a reality. The founder and owner of Poplin, Mellicia Marx, is the fairy godmother to make all of your wedding styling dreams come true. She is the woman that can help you, not only by researching your design style, but she will design a particular look for you and your groom. She will execute that look for your wedding day, wedding party, and even your honey moon. Poplin Style does the hard work for you and you will be able to rest knowing that your wedding party will look classic, timeless, put together, and feel good. 

Think of Poplin as your own personal wedding fairy. Who doesn’t want that? For more information please visit www.poplinstyle.com.

Rachel

Wedding Planner 

Wedding Interns Wanted for 2014!

As an Elegant Affairs in intern, you will learn the ins and outs of wedding and event planning beginning with meeting with potential clients through the planning process until the completion of the event. Interns will research and prep for client meetings, put together inspiration boards, meet with new and existing vendors to create and strengthen relationships and prep for weddings and events. Another facet of the internship includes promoting Elegant Affairs to new and potential clients and vendors utilizing social networks.

This is an UNPAID internship. This internship is located in Washington state (we are located in Puyallup, 45 minutes south of Seattle) and you must provide your own transportation as we drive A LOT to and from meetings and events. You must be available Friday-Sundays for our events throughout our wedding season(s) and also have to be at least 18 years of age.

We are looking for interns to work our spring, summer and fall wedding season.

What the internship is:
... An invaluable look at the hard work that really goes into an event
... A great opportunity to learn from an award winning wedding planner
... Climbing, hanging, folding, arranging, setting up, fixing, running, rearranging anything and everything


What the internship isn't:
... like anything you've seen in the movies (ie. The Wedding Planner)
... Paid
... Permanent (internship will span early spring + summer/fall)
... Full-time (about 10-20 hours per week when we have events)

We definitely have more to chat about if you are:
... calm in the face of adversity
... fun, funny (we like to laugh...a lot)
... a good negotiator
... pumped to do physical labor (in heels or super cute flats)
... comfortable getting dirty (yes, we often find ourselves crawling on the floor)
... willing to learn lots of new skills (sewing anyone?)
... knowledgeable about colors, flowers
... have a good fashion sense (of course we have to look good)
... able to visualize and be creative without being directed
... keep up with the latest trends
... well organized

Here's what we want:
... No more than 50 word explanation why you want this internship.

... A list of 10 random facts that will help me get to know you. Be creative, quirky, silly, whatever, just don't bore me. Personality is key people.

... A WEDDING Inspiration Board (must be in the form or a jpeg or PDF file). Make it fun, interesting and not something I've seen a thousand times. The only rule? Your inspiration board needs to include a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, color swatch, bouquet and centerpiece.

Here's what we don't want:
Your resume. Your job experience. Unsolicited requests for paid positions. Phone calls.

Please e-mail to: intern@elegantaffairswa.com. Deadline for submission is Monday, December 2, 2013.

Help us win for a THIRD year in a row!

It's that time of year, my company Elegant Affairs is competing in the annual Best of Western Washington contest. We would love your support as we go for third year in a row as Best Wedding Planner!!

Please vote for us:
http://best.king5.com/elegant-affairs/biz/570839

Tip of the Day #30: Hotel block

Tip of the Day

As soon as you have picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any unbooked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no -- you don't want to be responsible for rooms you can't fill.

Tip of the Day #29: Kids vs. Adult Only Affair

Tip of the Day

You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an "adults only" wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room, or in a family member's home. To prevent hurt feelings, it's wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

Tip of the Day #28: Be ready when RSVPs come in!

Tip of the Day

Know that as a rule, about 30 percent of the people you invite won't attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday or summer plans). On the other hand, everyone could accept -- knowing your wedding will be the can't-miss party of the year!

Tip of the Day #27: Last minute planning!

Tip of the Day

Sometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding sites at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

Tip of the Day #26: Make sure to ask questions!

Tip of the Day

Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want -- maybe it's serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can't make work given your wedding budget.

Review from Bride & Groom

She was AMAZING!!! Best investment/money spent on the entire wedding! She took 100% of the pressure off of the groom and I. She totally took charge and made things happen. She was so nice and helpful with everything. Her team took care of everything for us and our guests. They were so on top of everything. I never thought I would have spent money on a planner and at the last minute we added it to our budget. I am so thankful we did as I was not stressed at all. SO WORTH IT! Best part of all she totally managed my difficult MOTB! It was the best!

~Nicole & Derek, The Olson Mansion, June 22, 2013

Tip of the Day #25: Vendor Meals

Tip of the Day

Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.
.

Tip of the Day #24: Guest count vs. venue selection

Tip of the Day

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it's not if you count the space you'll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band, and the dance floor.

Tip of the Day #23: Contracts

Tip of the Day

Courtesy of theknot.com: When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.

Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Tip of the day #22: Wedding Planning Date Night

Tip of the Day

Courtesy of theknot.com: Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

Tip of the Day #21: Floral preview

Tip of the Day

To ensure that you are getting the flowers you want for you wedding, ask your florist to do a mock-up of your bridal bouquet and centerpiece.

Tip of the Day #20: Bridesmaid dresses

Tip of the Day

Consider your bridesmaid’s budgets and body types when picking out their dresses. 

Tip of the Day #19: To-Do Lists

Tip of the Day

Prioritize and create to-do list. The sooner you can get done with small things, the better, because the big day only gets closer! 

Tip of the Day #18:Out of town guests

Tip of the Day

If a lot of your guests are traveling far and wide to attend your wedding why not make it a weekend rather than a day! Give your guest a full weekend of activities to really enjoy themselves and give you enough time to spend with them. 

Tip of the Day #17: Take a day or two before leaving for Honeymoon

Tip of the Day

Take a day or two to decompress after the wedding before your honeymoon to just enjoy each other and get used to being husband and wife!

Tip of the Day #16: Give the groom a job!

Tip of the Day

Don’t forget about the groom, delegate some planning to him as well or better yet do it together!

Tip of the Day #15 DIY can be fun, make a party out of it!

Tip of the Day

Recruit your crafty and creative friends to help with DIY projects, and make it fun! 

Tip of the Day #14: Thank you notes!

Tip of the Day

When writing thank you notes, make sure you personalize them by referring to the item they gave you. Also, start writing thank you's the moment you receive the gift. It lets the recipient know that you received it. 

Tip of the Day #13: Final Dress Fitting

Tip of the Day

Schedule your final dress fitting for at least a week before your wedding day, that way there is time for any last minute alterations. Make sure to bring your wedding shoes, jewelry and undergarments.

Tip of the Day #12:Snacks for wedding day!

Tip of the Day

Make sure the wedding party and the bride and groom have some healthy snacks and water while getting ready. 

Tip of the Day #11: Black & White Photographs

Tip of the Day

Black and white wedding photos are forever timeless, and display beautifully throughout the newlywed home, so ask your photographer to print out a handful of your favorite shots in black and white. 

Tip of the Day #10: Honoring Family!

Tip of the Day

Incorporating heritage into the wedding gives it more meaning.

Tip of the Day #9: To glue or not to glue!

Tip of the Day

DIY projects requiring hot glue may not  be the way to go, no matter what your budget is. For less sticker options try rubber cement or Elmer’s glue!  

Tip of the Day #8: Changing of Seasons!

Tip of the Day

Plan accordingly to the season of your wedding. The colors and atmosphere of the weather outside can set the same ambiance for your wedding. Decorating is easier and less expensive when you use seasonal items too!

Tip of the Day #7: Keeping Bridal Party on Time!

Tip of the Day

Tell the wedding party to arrive 15 minutes earlier then you need them, someone is always late. 

Tip of the Day #6

Tip of the Day

Don’t forget to pack your comfy, dancing shoes for the reception.

Tip of the Day #5: Hair & Make-up

Tip of the Day

Make sure you do a practice run of your hair and makeup! You want to know you’ll love how you look before the big day. If you have a professional doing one or both services, you want to make sure that that you face doesn't react to any of their products.

Tip of the Day #4: Get Organized!

Tip of the Day

To help make the planning process easier and to keep you organized, set realistic goals on when tasks need to be done.

For example, if you get engaged on May 25, 2013 and want an August 3, 2014 wedding:

• Select your ceremony/reception venue by August 1, 2013 (if not sooner)
• Purchase wedding gown by September 1 (most companies need up to 6 months to order a dress)
• Wedding Invitations to go out no later than June 8, 2014 (RSVPs should be due on July 3, 2014)
• Purchase your marriage license by July 15, 2014 (in the state of Washington a marriage license is good for 60 days and there is a 3-day waiting period before a wedding can take place)

Tip of the Day#3: Setting the Date

Tip of the Day
Before settling on a wedding date, think about where you would like to have a ceremony and/or reception (inside, outside, destination, resort, church, hotel, banquet facility, community center, etc.).

Tip of the Day #2: Budget Creation

Tip of the Day

The first thing after getting engaged is to set a budget and determine who will be paying for what. The national average wedding cost is $28,427 (2011: The average was $27,021) according to The Knot. They key is not to go into debt for your wedding. Open up a separate account and put away money every week/month to pay for wedding expenses. The biggest piece of advice is to pay by check/Debit card and not by credit card. By using a credit card in the end you will be pay more for that service with the accrued interest.

Here is a helpful chart on where to allocate your money for your big day.

First Official Day of Summer

Today marks the unofficial start to the 2013 Wedding Season. As with any beginnings a place to start is always very beneficial so we are going to post one wedding tip per day during the season to help with the planning process.

Tip #1

Hire a wedding planner. This will not only save you time and money but most importantly a lot of stress leading up to your wedding day and on your actual big day. You will be able to enjoy your day with your guests and not have to worry about anything.

Consider Elegant Affairs; we offer full planning to day of coordinating. We handle everything from set-up to clean-up to everything in between.

For a free no-obligation consultation, please call us at 253.279.6485 or e-mail at info@elegantaffairswa.com.

Gig Harbor Photography feature Erik & Muriah's April Wedding

Thanks to Pat from Gig Harbor Photography for capturing these gorgeous images from Erik & Muriah's April Wedding at Steilacoom Town Hall and posting it on his blog. Below are a few of our favorite images from the day.

http://gigharborphotographyblog.com/2013/05/26/erik-muriah/

Football Party featured on Hostess with the Mostess

We were honored when one of our parties were featured on Hostess with the Mostess just in time for the Super Bowl.

We want to thank Kelly Rodriguez Photography for taking these amazing photos!

When it came time to plan for my son’s 8^th Birthday, there was no other choice than a Football Party. This past summer, Grant started playing football for the Puyallup Roughriders which was the inspiration for the party. We used the colors of cardinal and gold and white. We wanted to recreate the same football stadium that my son played his home football games so created a Scoreboard sign that reflects that only changing the name of the stadium to my son. We were lucky enough to have several jerseys and helmets we were able to borrow to enhance our dessert table. For the actual table décor, we got a piece of Astro Turf from Lowe’s and then my trusty husband constructed goal posts as the finishing touches for the table. We also constructed bleachers to really set the turf off and to add depth to the table and we added cupcakes, popcorn and football cake pops as the “fans.” For the other treats on the table, I baked football shaped sugar cookies and hot dogs, the perfect football snack.

Fun Keepsake: Wedding Mad Libs

Last year, one of my brides came up with the idea of a fabulous keepsake from their wedding and for their love of Mad Libs. This is a fun interactive activity for your guests. Here are a few examples of Mad Libs.

Here is a great tutorial on how to make your own Mad Libs.

Inspiration: Vintage Luggage as Card holder

I am a huge fan of vintage decor pieces for weddings & events. They are a great way to dress up your gift table. Be creative, add your own flair to your piece by adding fresh flowers or other decor pieces. You can find these great pieces from the past from local thrift shops, garage sales or Craigslist. You just have to keep your eyes peeled for just the right piece that fits your theme.