Showing posts with label party planner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party planner. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Planning a Child's Birthday Party

Planning a Child's Birthday Party

The excitement of a child's birthday party builds to a feverish pitch as
the big event approaches, but sometimes chaos and budget overruns
do as well. Keep things happy and peaceful by making your game plan
well ahead of time and sticking to it.

1.) Set a party budget to cover the entire affair from food, decor and party bags to room rental or hiring an entertainer. Estimate the number of guests by using a cost-per-guest figure to help determine your venue, entertainment and food options.

2.) Remember that your child doesn't need an over-the-top party to have fun. Depending on his or her age, a picnic in the park can be just as much fun as an expensive party at a climbing gym.

3.) Depending on his or her age, give your child several party options and themes to choose from. Describe what comes with each so he or she will know the benefits and drawbacks before choosing. Keep it simple.

4.) Set a party time to best suit your child. Work around nap times for the four-and-under set; weekend mornings or afternoons for school kids; Friday or Saturday night for preteens or teens.

5.) Confirm the time, date and place (with a deposit if necessary). Ask what you'll need to supply, what the venue will provide, how early you can arrive to set up and when you're required to leave.

6.) Come up with ways to incorporate games and activities with party favors. Small, wrapped gifts discovered in a treasure hunt or piñata, become real memories of the party instead of an expected payoff. Test-drive all activities with your child and plan extras in case something doesn't pan out.

7.) When creating invitations include an ending time and an RSVP date, and, for kids under three, specify whether you'd like parents to stay.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Planning an Anniversary Party

Planning an Anniversary Party

Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people who have been together for a number of years. The most common anniversary parties are for 25 years and 50 years. There are many things you can do to make this day special for not only the couple, but all of their family and friends as well. Planning an anniversary party is a huge undertaking, sometimes almost as big as a wedding.

1.) Theme

A party theme is fairly simple to determine. Plan a fairly traditional party unless the couple or their immediate family has requested a particular theme. A 25th wedding anniversary is traditionally silver, while a 50th anniversary is gold.

2.) Who to Invite

An anniversary party can be as big as a wedding. While many people opt for a small get together consisting of family and close friends only, others look forward to a huge celebration with everyone who has touched their lives in past years. If you’re planning a huge bash, it may take quite a bit of time to come up with a guest list. If the happy couple knows about the party the easiest thing to do is ask them who should be invited. Family members and close friends are fairly obvious, but in addition you may want to invite old coworkers, church members, old neighbors, and the list can go on. If you are planning a surprise party for the couple, this can be a little tricky. Rather than getting the input of just one family member, send a tentative guest list to several family members and ask each for additions and deletions. This will help make sure no one gets missed.

3.) Invitations

If you’re throwing a huge anniversary party, sending out invitations can be quite the task. If the party budget allows for it, get them custom made. You can order the invitations online and get everything shipped to you and ready to go. This will save an enormous amount of time. If the party budget is tight and that money would better go to use elsewhere, making your own invitations can actually be quite simple. All you need is a computer and a printer. You can download some great invitations templates that are simple enough to put together. All you need to do is add all the party information and perhaps a beautiful quote on the front and your invitations are ready to go.

4.) Decor

Decorations for the party don’t have to be hugely excessive, but by adding some special touches you will help make the night even more special for the happy couple. Some ways to use either silver or gold are:
- Use gold or silver pen or ink for place cards, menu, and any other written items
- Gold or silver balloons make a beautiful yet inexpensive decoration
- Add gold or silver chargers at each place setting
- Gold or silver candles and or candle holders make a great centerpiece
- Dinnerware and bar-ware should have gold or silver accents

There are many other ways in which you can incorporate these colors into the party. Just be sure not to overdo it. Add plenty of white to balance it out.

5.) Party Favors

Many couples will want to send their guests away with a little something to remember the night by and as a thank you for attending. One of the best favors ideas is a small picture frame of the couple. You can use pictures from their wedding day or a more recent photo. If you can find picture frames that hold two photos a nice idea is to add both a picture of their wedding day and a recent one. Another great idea is a CD of songs form the era that the couple met and was married. This will bring back great memories for many of their family and friends and is probably one of the most useful favor possibilities.

6.) A Night of Reminiscence

A great idea for any anniversary party, big or small, is a slide show. Start the show of with pictures of the couple when they first met and progress through the years of children and grandchildren. Add some memorable quotes throughout the show, and play some touching music that reminds them of certain times in their lives. If you want the slide show to be a surprise, you can ask family and friends for their favorite pictures to add to the show.

Planning an anniversary party can take a lot of time, so starting a year in advance isn’t too soon. This will be a night for everyone to cherish and remember, and the happy anniversary couple will be on cloud nine after a night of celebrating with family and friends.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Planning a party on a budget?

Planning a party on a budget?

Begin by jotting down everything you'll need -- food, decorations and flowers, invitations, music, any rentals (such as chairs or tables), even the baby-sitters fee. Don't forget to set aside some money for unexpected expenses.

If your dream party turns out to be too expensive, look for simple ways to revise your plans. You can scale back the number of guests, substitute chicken for those expensive shrimp, or plan a simpler type of party -- perhaps serving appetizers or dessert rather than a whole meal.

No matter what your party, it is always best to set a budget prior to purchasing anything. It is a good idea to have a small notebook.

1) Start with a rough estimate for your budget. How much are you willing to spend?

2) Make a list of things you will need. (food, decorations and flowers, invitations, music, etc. )

3) ALWAYS, ALWAYS make room for unexpected expenses. They will come up.

4) If time permits, shop around. With a little work you can find some really great stuff.

5) As you purchase things, write down their cost in your notebook or at least keep the receipts together. This will be a constant reminder of how much you have spent.

6) A good motto to have is "THINK TWICE, BUY ONCE". Always think prior to purchasing an item.

By following these simple guidelines, you can have a terrific party without going into debt!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

15 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

15 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding

A wedding exemplifies a connection between two people that is unlike any other. Injecting your big day with a little creativity to personalize your wedding can be one of the most rewarding activities you undertake throughout the planning stages. Here are some creative, romantic, loving, and fun ways to make it all about the two of you.

1. Put table numbers in snow globes or different types of picture frames.

2. Decorate the couples' chairs with real flowers and vines embroidered with the couple's initials.

3. Play up a garden setting by interspersing urn planters and a fountain among chairs.

4. Instead of assigning seating, surround the dance floor with a lounge-like mix of banquettes and sofas to encourage lively conversation.

5. For a beach wedding, opt for centerpieces that incorporate driftwood and seashells and, at each place setting, a bottle containing a copy of a romantic poem.

6. Cocktail hour is a great time to serve food inspired by your heritage. Guests, especially those unfamiliar with your traditions, have the opportunity to sample cuisines they may never have tried before.

7. Have fun with your food. Consider serving fun finger foods.

8. Seek out meaningful favors, like small bags of your favorite house blend if you two met at a coffeehouse.

9. Instead of combining traditions, party twice with celebrations honoring both cultures.

10. If you or your groom already has children, honor your blended family by inviting the kids to join in lighting the unity candle.

11. Instead of having the wedding guests throw rice, there are many creative ways to send off the bride and groom such as: dove release, butterfly release, balloon release, or theme related items.

12. Traditionally a bride and groom will leave the wedding location in a limousine. There are many other options for you two to ride off into the sunset such as: horse drawn carriage, red convertible, motorcycle, or hot-air balloon.

13. Use a wish tree, rather than a guest book - bring in an actual small tree. Friends write loving wishes on cards and hang them on the tree. The bride and groom keep the wishes and plant the tree wherever they would like to always have a special reminder of the wedding day.

14. Use creative bridesmaids’ bouquets for your day. Each bridesmaid carries a bouquet made of only one type of flower. The bride’s bouquet is made of a combination of all the types of flowers. This symbolizes how the special people in the bride’s life have affected her and made her the person she is on her wedding day.

15. The toast need not be just for the best man and maid of honor. Allow everyone to participate. Open the mic up to the floor and allow any guests who want to speak the chance to make a special comment about the couple. The toasts are many people’s most memorable and favorite part of weddings, so don’t cut the fun short.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Quick & Easy Party Planning Checklist

Quick & Easy Party Planning Checklist


Three weeks prior to party:

*Select occasion for party
*Select theme and staging
*Create guest list
*Send invitations
*Date of party
*Time
*Place
*Plan and select decorations
*Begin collecting materials and creating props
*Prepare menu and grocery list
*Select and hire caterer/serving help (if needed)
*Select and hire party planner (if needed)

A few days before the party:

*Call any guests who have not responded
*Buy groceries and beverages
*Prepare and freeze/refrigerate food items that can be made in advance

One day before:

*Clean party facility
*Set up and arrange party room
*Get out serving pieces
*Decorate party room

Day of party:

*Set up appetizers
*Set up food

Charity Designer Events
Events That Exceed Your Expectations, Every time!!
1-877-SOW-IN-2-U
1-877-769-4628
www.cdevents.biz
Email: info@cdevents.biz

Thursday, July 23, 2009

10 Hidden Wedding Costs

1. Band Equipment
Why it's hidden The cost of the band includes fees for the musicians' time and the minimum amount of equipment needed. If your reception space is extra-large, then additional speakers and microphones could possibly be required to project the best sound quality.
The cost Anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars
How to avoid it Before booking your band or DJ, you need to clearly explain the layout of the space (or have them check it out, if they're willing) so the vendors know exactly what they're working with. If they want to add in extra equipment, you should have them explain why it's necessary before you sign a contract or agree to pay for anything else.

2. Postage Stamps
Why it's hidden Stationers don't advertise the shipping costs; if they did, you might decide to go with simpler (read: cheaper) invites.
The cost Oversized, awkwardly shaped and bulky invitations will most often run you as much as $2 each to mail.
How to avoid it Skip the fancy boxed invitations and multilayer cards, which can bulk up quickly and cost a lot more than you bargained for.

3. Gown Alterations
Why it's hidden Dresses are pretty pricey and stores don't want to scare away clients by listing alterations as part of the total cost.
The cost A simple hem can be less than $100, but completely rebuilding a bodice or moving zippers can send the price soaring.
How to avoid it Ask about what the store charges for every alteration you may need before you purchase the gown. If it's too much, don't be afraid to take your dress to a less expensive seamstress to have alterations done.

4. Photo/Video Overtime
Why it's hidden Your photo and video pros are booked for just a certain amount of time, so if your wedding runs a little longer than you expected, they'll charge per hour.
The cost Starting at $250 per hour
How to avoid it When planning the day, factor in extra time for getting dressed and taking photos. You'll get a realistic sense of how long everything should take. Refer to this itinerary when booking your photo/video vendors.

5. Welcome-Bag Delivery
Why it's hidden Most hotels don't factor in a welcome-bag delivery fee when you block rooms. And they may fail to mention the rate unless you ask -- they'll just add it to your final bill. Inquire within; they may even charge you a fee for holding the welcome bags if you drop them off before the guests arrive!
The cost Up to $7 per bag
How to avoid it During the booking process, ask about the hotel's policy on receiving and delivering welcome bags to guests' rooms. It may be free or cheaper if they hand the bags out at the counter as guests check in. If you don't want the extra charge, you can distribute them at the rehearsal dinner.

6. Rental Transport
Why it's hidden You'd assume that the rental companies would include these extra fees in the per-item costs (do they honestly think you're going to fit 150 chiavari chairs in your own car?), but surprisingly, they don't.
The cost From $50 up to more than $500
How to avoid it Ask the rental company what their shipping and packaging fees are up front -- if the cost is too high for your budget, shop around a bit. You just might find that you'll actually save some money by renting items from a more expensive company that includes delivery costs at no extra charge.

7. Taxes
Why it's hidden Even though these aren't exactly hidden -- we all know that there are taxes on almost everything -- most couples don't think about how much they'll end up owing during the planning process.
The cost This will depend on the total amount of money you're spending as well as the location of the event (taxes vary in different areas).
How to avoid it There's no getting around paying taxes, but paying the entire bill in one lump sum can help lower the overall price, especially in the winter when vendors have fewer weddings to cover their bills.

8. Cake-Cutting Fee
Why it's hidden If you use the cake provided by your reception site, the charge is typically wrapped into the cost. Going with an outside baker can jack up the price. Why? Because your venue's workers are responsible for slicing and serving each piece, then cleaning the dishes. This means more work for their staff!
The cost From $2 to $5 per guest
How to avoid it Go with the site's cake baker. Don't worry: They'll likely be able to work with your vision. If you're set on a particular cake baker, then call your venue and find out what the fee is before you sign a contract.

9. Coat Check
Why it's hidden When you book your venue in the summer, it's easy to forget just how cold it'll be in winter months like December.
The cost The damage starts at around $200.
How to avoid it Union rules may dictate the number of people who are required to work the coat check (and the amount they get paid). Have a good approximation of your total guest count when you book the coat checkers.

10. Gratuities
Why it's hidden Many couples often think that the "service charge" is a tip for the event staff when it's actually an additional fee that the catering halls charge. For what? To cover their own cost for hiring servers.
The cost Typically 15 to 20 percent of the event's total food and drink fee
How to avoid it Once you get the proposed fee, add the service charge percentage so it's already accounted for before the event. The last thing you want is to get hit with an unexpectedly huge bill that just about breaks the bank.


Charity Designer Events
Events That Exceed Your Expectations, Every time!!
1-877-SOW-IN-2-U
1-877-769-4628 ext. 200
www.cdevents.biz
Email: info@cdevents.biz

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Why Hire A Wedding Coordinator?

Why Hire A Wedding Coordinator?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused as to how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. These worries often mount as quickly as the cost of the wedding. After the euphoria wears off and the reality settles in, it's shocking to discover of how much preparation is involved. Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon. Couples often find they want experienced professional help.

Not long ago, a wedding coordinator was thought of as a luxury, only used by the wealthy. Now a coordinator is essential to the well planned affair. It is no longer "trendy" to engage a coordinator. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the coordinator saves valuable time and money. The coordinator can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

The average wedding can take more than two hundred fifty hours just to plan. With today's hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and make sure all the details are in place.

Wedding coordinators are not here to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Their training, knowledge, and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. They want you to host a beautiful and distinctive event which you can enjoy.

A wedding coordinator will save you time and enable you to get the most for your money! A wedding coordinator can serve in many other capacities. They can act as the family counselor for apprehensive brides and the mothers, a wedding coordinator can become as close as your best friend.

How do you know you're hiring the right coordinator?
Trust is important in any relationship. You should feel completely comfortable with the coordinator and feel assured that he or she completely understands what your needs are. Your personalities should match. It's important to find out how long the coordinator has been in business. Be careful of coordinators who are not members of any professional organization. These organizations have a code of ethics that the consultant must follow in order to be a member, some also require some sort of continuing education each year to stay a member.

Do You Need a Coordinator?
We're not going to tell you the answer to that because we can't. Only you know if you need one or not. Will you be getting help from others around you, your mother, bridesmaids, fiancé, friends or will you have to do it all by yourself. Can you do it by yourself? Do you want to plan your wedding by yourself? Only you know.

What Can a Wedding Coordinator Do For Me?
The list is long but here are a few of the duties you can expect:
* Help you to create the type of wedding you want. With that knowledge you'll be able to pick your venue, vendors, color scheme, theme, music, etc.
* Help you create a budget sheet and keep track of where your money is going and how much is still owing.
* Help keep you on your budget and not go over...too much!!
* Suggest vendors that fit your budget and ideas.
* Make a wedding planning schedule so that you know what you've done and what still needs to be done.
* In most cases a coordinator can save you money because of their connection in the industry.
* Take care of any emergencies that arise.
* Create a wedding day schedule.

Charity Designer Events Events That Exceed Your Expectations, Every time!! 1-877-SOW-IN-2-U 1-877-769-4628 Email: info@cdevents.biz