Commitment Ceremonies - Celebrations of Love

Are you planning a commitment ceremony and have no idea where to begin?

Distinctively Yours Event Management can take away all your worries and make your celebration a wonderful expression of love. Although a lot of the same elements that are in traditional wedding ceremonies are present in commitment ceremonies – Greetings, vows, reading/musical selections, exchange of rings, pronouncement of marriage, and the reception – commitment ceremonies in most states are not legally binding but are rather public affirmation of the couples love and respect for one another.


The couple should include key elements that represent their love and style to make the ceremony uniquely theirs. We would love to help you customize for celebration.


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Free Day of Coordination Contest Entry - Abigail and Darrell

Darrell and I met in High School when we ran on the same Cross Country team.  I had a crush on him, but if you ask him how he remembers me he would say "all knees and elbows." 

About 13 years passed and the end of a bad marriage brought me back to the area while he came home to help his mother who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  One night I recognized his profile on MySpace and sent him a message.  We were soon our first date.  I waited five months and when I knew I wanted to be with him forever I introduced him to the most important people in my life, my son and daughter. 

 For the last four years he has been by my side.  It hasn't been easy.  We were separated for months when I helped my grandmother who broke her hip.  I've also underwent four surgeries to deal with chronic pain.  Then in 2010 my car was struck on two separate occasions by another car through no fault of my own.  I can't tell you how frustrating it has been dealing with even more pain while trying to plan a wedding.  Physical Therapy has greatly helped, but going three times a week is a huge time commitment. 

Our budget is less than $5,000.00 so almost all the details are DIY and I would be sad if any were forgotten on our wedding day and that is why I desperately need a day of coordinator.  We have a few friends who have offered to help and it would be great to have a professional to pull it all together on June 4, 2011 in Marietta, PA.  Thanks so much for the opportunity!  Winning this would make me feel less stressed and incredibly blessed!!!

Wedding Stationery

Stationery is a recurring theme during your wedding planning thus requires a great deal of attention. When the guests receive the save the date and then the formal invitation it gives them an idea of what to expect for your wedding. This is why it is important to choose the right stationery to announce your wedding.

There are many different options when deciding on stationery. Some couples create their stationery themselves with kits purchased online or in retail stores. While others work with a stationer or graphic artist to create custom stationery for their wedding. If working with a wedding planner, they can introduce you to qualified stationer.

If you decide to DIY your stationery please make sure that the stationery is properly assembled, neat, has the correct postage. One of the benefits of using a professional stationer and/or graphic designer is that they would be designing a one of a kind stationery package for you and that they are responsible for constructing all the pieces for you.

When designing your own stationery be sure to include the proper wording on all pieces. Your wedding planner is a great resource for assisting with stationery wording.

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your stationery. It should be as memorable as your wedding celebration.
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Wedding day Transportation

To help you with wedding transportation we reached out to Michael Thompson from our favorite transportation company, ZBest Limousines for help.


“There are many, many transportation companies out there that's for sure!!! It's the details that make the difference! At ZBest Executive and ZBest Limousines we pay extra attention to the details that make or break an event. We are also available to the brides and the families of the brides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our office never closes. This sets us apart from the competition, who end up having an employee carry around an "emergency" phone after 5pm and on the weekends. It makes such a difference having a "live" person who is in the "work" state of mind and is positioned in front of a computer. Our experience in handling weddings, as well as so many other social events, has allowed us to develop standards and to teach those standards to all of our new hires. This helps in creating a consistency which has served us well.

Our ideal client is a bride who is about 6 months away from her wedding day .... also brides who have unique venues and might offer shuttle services for their guests. A bride could end up ordering a limo for the groom and the groomsmen, a limo for the bride and bridesmaids, shuttle services for their guests, and then an after reception transfer for the bride and groom . There are so many unique scenarios and circumstances that present themselves nowadays that brides in the past had never considered. We work with brides in all price categories. One really neat fact about ZBest is that all of our brides are important. Whether you are spending $400.00 or $4,000.00 our service standards are consistent. We have a high level of consistently excellent service. Everyone is made to feel like they are the most important person of the day. "

Michael offers the following helpful hints when planning your wedding day transportation:

1. Be specific in communicating your expectations to us so that we can help you. Make sure you indicate what's important to you and don't assume that we know --- what style do you prefer, color preference, anything inside the Limo that you might like us to have ready for you?

2. Make sure you visit us and check out our cars. You might see something you like and for a nominal fee we could possibly upgrade you into another vehicle style.

3. Review our history, ask about our Insurance Coverage's and experience in the Industry. Ask about what Professional Associations and Memberships we belong to.

4. Do you have a favorite chauffer? Maybe the guy or gal who drove you for your Bachelor or Bachelorette party? Ask for that person to drive for your wedding --- they will be much more invested in making your wedding a success if they were specifically requested in advance.

Happy planning!!

Reception Cuisine

Do you want to keep your guests talking about your wedding reception? Serve them great food. The meal served at your wedding celebration should amaze your guests. From the cocktail reception to the wedding cake, your guests should ohh and ahh. This type of reaction can be achieved by hiring the right caterer for your special day. There are many caterers all with different cuisines. Finding the one that takes the taste of your guests into consideration as well as your style is an important task.

One of the caterers that we work with is Atlantic Caterers, Inc. Raoul Frevel, Jr. he indicates what set’s Atlantic Caterers apart from other caterers is the sense of family. “Since we are family owned and operated, you as a client get the feeling that you are working with someone that you have known your entire life. We always have a family member working each event and our staff has been working for us for 10, 20 & some 30 years. It is a testament to that family based atmosphere.” Atlantic Caterers’ ideal client is one who knows what they want and allows Atlantic to take that vision and bring it to reality. Raoul says the best compliment is when a client or guest says, “This is the best Wedding Food we have ever had!

Happy Planning!!

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Finding the ideal venue for your wedding reception

One of the first decisions that must be made when planning your wedding is deciding on the venue. The venue should represent your taste and style, be large enough to hold the number of guests that you are anticipating, and fit within your wedding budget. 35% of your wedding budget typically goes to the reception so it is important to find the right venue to celebrate your wedding. When wanting to impress your guests and have a memorable wedding celebration, think the Tremont Plaza Hotel and Grand.

Danielle Baird, Assistant Director of Catering tells us that “The Tremont Plaza Hotel offers spacious and luxurious guest rooms with all of the desired amenities. Our suites include a kitchenette complete with a microwave, refrigerator and china as well as a sitting area in every suite making it the most comfortable and relaxing home away from home. Upon arrival and departure you will be donned with a smile and no request will go unanswered.”

The Tremont’s ideal client prefers an independent family-owned all-suite hotel in a great location where “Hospitality meets Personality.” The Tremont is conveniently located 5 blocks from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor so that your guests are a short distance from the culture and excitement that the harbor ensues yet not right in the congestion.

The Tremonts boosts 19 different spaces that can be used for all parts of your wedding celebration.

Danielle reminds us that staying at The Tremont in the historical district gives you access to the Charm City Circulator – Purple Route which is convenient, efficient and free transportation around downtown.

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Hey Mr. DJ put a record on I want to dance with my baby!!

One of the most memorable events at a wedding, after the wedding ceremony, is the entertainment at the reception. Entertainment can be in the form a DJ or a band, depending on your music preference or the theme of the wedding. It is important to meet with the DJ or band that you are interested in hiring to be sure that their personality and style in is in synch with your needs and style. Some things to consider when making a decision are amount of time needed for reception, space requirements, repertoire, and costs.

It is important to decide whether the DJ or band will play for both the cocktail hour and the wedding reception or just the reception. Also, it is important to know how much time is needed for the DJ or band to set-up and break down as this must be taken into consideration for schedule planning. Make sure that you know how much space the DJ or band will need as this imperative when planning your floor diagram for your reception. Make a list of music that should not be played during your reception and stress to the DJ or band leader the importance of respecting your request. And last but not, cost is important. Remember you get what you pay for so just because the price is low it does not mean you are getting a bargain especially if you are disappointed at your reception.

While speaking with the Vice President and Director of Operations, John Paul “JP” Berry of Absolute Entertainment I asked what he thought made Absolute Entertainment different from other entertainment companies. “I think the one "physical" thing that sets us apart from the competition is that we offer the option of an in-house "live" music demonstration in our sound studio with one of our salespersons/dj's ... and in this way we can work with the client "creating" the event that the client desires. The competition will more than likely meet you in a coffee shop or book store ... which, in our eye, is really not a comforting way to meet a performer and see their skills. Our ideal client is one that loves and has a passion for music as we would. We believe that the events we create are indicative of the clients "soul" ... and while we are injecting our professional expertise, the event is NOT about us. The music does the talking. Overall, the performer you select is the individual that will be entrusted with running your event. It's imperative that you meet the performer and see what they can do if you are shopping from scratch.” We love working with Absolute Entertainment and believe you will too.

Deciding on right entertainment for your reception can be a difficult task but hopefully the above tips will help make the decision an easier one.

Absolute Entertainment
http://www.absoluteentertainment.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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A different kind of venue - La Banque de Fleuve

I had an opportunity this week to check out a new venue in Havre de Grace that would be ideal for a gathering for 125 guests and was wowed and amazed by La Banque de Fleuve. This quaint but soo totally interesting venue is perfect for a small wedding, business meeting, cocktail hour, holiday gathering, and more.

La Banque de Fleuve is Harford County's newest event facility overlooking the Susquehanna River featuring beautiful marble and woodwork. This one of a kind historic building was originally constructed for First National Bank in 1904. My favorite thing about the venue is the bank vault that is still on premise and serving as a wine bar. The owners have preserved many of the original features to maintain the historic feel but have updated others for a more modern appeal. If you are a looking for a unique venue that will keep your talking, check out La Banque de Fleuve.

La Banque de Fleuve
http://www.labanquedefleuve.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Hair and Make-up for YOUR special day!

All brides want to look radiant on their wedding day. Most would agree that eating right and exercise are the best ways to prepare but having a great hair stylist and make-up artist to pull it all together is a must. Even if you have skills in hair styling and make-up application, it is YOUR day so you should be relaxing and enjoying getting pampered – so hire professionals!

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with the stylist that you are interested in so that you can get an idea of what your wedding hair and makeup will look like. This is an opportunity for the artist to try different hair and make-up styles. You do not want any surprises on your wedding day. It is important to be honest with the stylist. If you don’t like something, say it! Any professional would want you to be happy on YOUR special day so they will work with you to find the hair style and make-up look that you love.


I absolutely love my hair stylist and makeup artist, Carla Williams of So Serene Salon. I recommend her to all of my clients. Carla has been in the industry for many years and has done work for celebrities, political officials, and athletes, working in print, television, and film.

When asked what sets her part from other hair and make-up artist, Carla says "I sincerely and genuinely care about my client’s outer beauty as well as their inner beauty. When that person sits in my chair to have their hair or makeup service, I ask a lot of questions about their beauty goals, their lifestyle, their nutrition & diet, even their medical history. This allows me to truly understand who they are and ultimately design a look that is best suited for them, not necessarily the latest fad. Their time is exclusively their time. My goal for each client is to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually uplifted upon the completion of their service. God has blessed me with the gift of service and the talent to use my creative mind and hands to bring out the beauty in others. He gave me the vision for So Serene Salon, a place where beauty meets serenity."


Carla says she has two types of clients - In-salon and Outside of salon.


“My in-salon client is anyone who appreciates quality hair care & makeup services in a cozy classy serene atmosphere where the conversations are of substance. My ideal client is someone who does not mind being pampered, educated, and loves the sound of a gently flowing water fountain accompanied by soul soothing music.  They are the stay-at-home moms, account executives, event planners, teachers, students, brides, paramedics, doctors, attorneys, waitresses, correctional officers, first ladies, engineers, retirees, business owners, models,..anyone!


My ideal outside client varies. Any event with a wedding party, production company, photographer, television studio, beauty pageant, or cosmetic company that allows me to showcase my makeup and hair skills and talent is bliss!”


Carla offers some helpful hints for dealing with the winter and the effects it has on the hair and skin - “Brrrrrr! It’s that time of year when the temperature is going down and coat collars are being turned up. With that being said, a lot of people begin to experience hair breakage and dryness in the nape area. Wool coat collars, knit hats, and textured scarves can cause hair breakage, so here are a few things we do and advise at So Serene Salon to help “winterize” your hair:



1. At So Serene Salon, we specialize in “Winterizing” our clients’ hair by providing additional treatments like the Brazilian Keratin Treatment for strength and protection, or the Hot Oil and Hydration Treatment for added moisture.


2. Using a silk or satin scarf to cover your coat collars and under hats your hair will prevent unwanted friction and trauma to your hair. You can go to the fabric store to find a variety of silk or satin fabrics.

Our skin also needs to be pampered and protected during these cold days. I recommend moisture, moisture, and more moisture. I carry a line of skincare products by Soul Purpose. They are infused with wild-crafted shea butter, acai berry, aloe vera, Vitamin D, and oils such as jojoba and grapeseed to name a few. These can be used from head to toe. I love using them in my clients’ hair for moisture, shine, and a wonderful scent."

I highly recommend Carla and So Serene Salon for all your hair and make-up needs!


So Serene Salon
1330-A Reisterstown Road
(Located in the Alley Shops)
Pikesville, Maryland 21208
(443) 919-2800
http://www.soserenesalon.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Finding a Wedding Officiant

If you belong and regularly attend services at a church, synagogue, or other religious house of worship, then your search for an officiant is complete. But if you don’t fall into that category finding the right officiant for your celebration of love takes some research.


All states have laws that govern who is authorized to officiate a wedding ceremony so be sure to check your state laws before proceeding. You want to work with an officiant that has experience officiate a variety of ceremonies, that makes you feel comfortable, and who is willing to work with you to create the ceremony that you desire. Each officiant has different services that they offer so you must be confident that the officiant that you choose has what you are looking for.

When looking for a wedding officiant, talk with your wedding planner. Wedding planners have relationships with officiants so discuss your need early on in your planning. Second, take to friends and family members. And last but not least check wedding blogs, websites, etc to find the names of officiants in your area. When interviewing officiants, ask whether pre-marital counseling is required, if so, find out how many sessions are necessary and find out of the officiant will attend the rehearsal, if so, inquire if there is an additional cost for this service.

One officiant that we work with is Wedding by Sandy. What sets Wedding by Sandy apart from other officiants is that she and her associates are officiants with a back-up plan. If one of them is not available, there are seven others ready to assist you. They can cover the needs of almost any couple no matter the size of the weddings. Sandy’s ideal client is someone who contacts her early and is not stuck on tradition. Weddings by Sandy prides themselves on being flexible and creative. It is so much fun to help the creative bride! A couple of tips that Weddings by Sandy offers are not to wait until the last minute to contact them and always have a wedding rehearsal.

You can reach Weddings by Sandy at info@weddingsbysandy.com or (410) 340-3224.

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Signature Drinks for your wedding

Creation of signature drinks for wedding receptions continues to be popular. Many couples create a signature drink as an extension of their wedding celebration style. There are several things to consider prior to deciding on a signature drink:

• • The signature drink could be the couples favorite drink with a twist on the name
• • It is not uncommon for the drink to represent a color that is part of the
• • If the wedding is designed around a theme this can be used to decide on a drink

Having a few signature drinks served only during the cocktail hour and beer and wine during the actual reception can help save the cost associated with the wedding celebration. In addition, most signature drinks can be mixed prior to the cocktail hour or reception making them an easy solution for the bartenders.

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Children at the wedding – yes or no?

Having children attend the reception is a very personal decision that must be agreed upon by the bride and groom. Some couples include children as they have a large number of friends or family members that have small children and think their friends may not attend if they cannot bring their children.

Some reasons not to include children are the time and length of the reception, how formal the wedding celebration will be, and cost. If the wedding reception starts later in the day or runs until after midnight, children may get restless and may not behave during the reception causing their parents and other guests to be uncomfortable. Not allowing children would allow parents to have “date night” thus allowing all guests to have a good time. If the celebration is formal, parents may have difficulty finding proper attire for their children to attend. Since most children do not have a defined palate or large appetites they need up not eating all of the food that they are served for dinner thus money for their meals is wasted.

Once a decision is made, stick to it. It becomes tricky when some children are allowed to attend and not others. If you decide that you want children to attend considering hiring a babysitting service. If the reception venue is large enough there may be a separate space that can be set up as location to entertain the children. Providing a sitter, crayons, toys, etc might be a win-win situation for everyone.

Hope you find these tips helpful and I wish you happy planning!



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You must RSVP!!

All of us have at some point been invited to an event and were asked to RSVP. For some of us this is a no-brainer for others the RSVP is largely ignored. RSVP stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît", a French phrase that translates to "please respond" or "respond if you'd please".

You must RSVP whether or not you are planning to attend the event. This helps the host ensure that there is enough food, drinks, seating, favors, etc. It is also to reassure the host that you actually received the invitation.

There is etiquette involved in responding to an invitation. First RSVP by the requested date. It is just common courtesy. Second, follow the RSVP instructions. If the invitation is emailed or sent via Evite.com respond through this particular channel. If the invitation includes a response card with a self addressed envelope – mail the RSVP. Do not call to RSVP unless it is requested by the host. Third, please only RSVP for the number of guests indicated on the invitation. That means do not write the names of additional people on the RSVP or don’t bring your best friend if your spouse or partner are invited but can’t attend. Last but not not least, don’t bring children if children are not mentioned on the invitation.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you are invited to an event. Your host will thank you for it!

Happy Planning!!

Baltimore NACE UNCORKED - March 16, 2009

This year I got the opportunity to not only be participate in the Baltimore Uncorked Fundraising event as a planning member but also as a designer. The theme for the 2009 Baltimore Uncorked was “A Night at the Movies”. I, along with about 30 other designers, created tablescapes that represented a variety of movies.

Held on March 16, 2009, I designed a table representing The Color Purple and 101 Dalmatians. I am a great time creating the designs and appreciate all those that helped this all come together.

Interested in attending on the next Baltimore Uncorked please check out http://baltimoreuncorked.com/about.php to see the date for the next event.

Planning an outdoor event

Having an outdoor event – wedding, company picnic, or party – is a great idea but there are some things you should consider during the planning process.

Weather – Rain, snow, wind and heat are all elements that can make your event not go as well as planned. It is a good idea to rent a tent. The tent should be large enough to keep guests, tables, and dance floors away from the elements. It is also important to consider having the sides of the tent closed in. This prevents the wind from directing rain and snow under the tent covering. If it is a very hot and humid day consider having the tent air conditioned. Many tent companies can provide this service. These are just a few ways to keep your guest comfortable and enjoying your event.

Catering – Make sure the caterer is aware that the event will be held outside. This can make a difference in the type of food served and how it is presented. This also goes for the bakery if a cake is being delivered.

Bathrooms – Depending on the location of your event you may want to consider portable restrooms. I know the portable bathrooms at parks and ballgames come to mind. It does not have to be like that. There are portable restroom companies that specialize in more formal restroom options giving your guest the feeling that they are in an actual restroom.

Have something for the kids – If children are invited you may want to have an area set up especially for little ones. Renting a moon bounce or having a small wading pool available will give tikes something fun to do. What about face painting and carnival games? The kids will have wonderful memories of your event too.

Centerpieces and place settings – Always consider the items that will be placed on the table during outside events. Make sure they can withstand the weather. Glass centerpieces may not be ideal during very windy days. The wind may also blow away paper napkins, menu cards and other light items. Find a creative way to keep these items where they should be.

Parking – There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find parking or having to park three miles from an event. Keep this in mind when deciding upon a location or consider having valet parking.

Hopefully these few suggestions will make your outside event weather proof and memorable.

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/