Business Planning

Fear

0 · Aug 6, 2013 ·

I let fear hold me back. That’s an honest and open, bold and truthful statement. I get scared and am unsure of what my next step in life should be.

Two years ago (summer 2011), I received a promotion to Dining Room Manager at the restaurant where I was currently employed. It was a decent job with good pay, the hours were not exactly what I’d like in a perfect world, but I could go shopping, we could continue remodeling our house and life was pretty comfortable. I continued to work here and there on weddings, although there just wasn’t too much time for that.

It was not where I was supposed to be and I knew it, but I continued on with my comfortable life. That fall my grandma, who I was VERY close to was diagnosed with cancer and she began failing fast. As the holidays approached work got busier, life got busier and the question arose as to whether or not Grandma would make it to Christmas.

During one of the most joyous times of the year my heart was so heavy. I remember being bitter towards all the people celebrating with their loved ones as I served food, greeted guests and tried to stay somewhat upbeat. I have over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, so customer service has become second nature to me. But not during this time. All I wanted to do was scream “My Grandma is dying, and you’re upset that your steak is slightly overcooked!!”

A time like this really has a way of putting things into perspective. We find meaning in life’s dark times and are able to focus on what’s really important. For me, that was family. I felt like I needed to be with them and I needed to make a difference and give my life more purpose than just overseeing a dining room of overindulgent seafood lovers.

Three days before Christmas I approached my boss and told him I would not be into work for the next few days. I had to go see Grandma and focus on what mattered most.

We had the best Christmas EVER. I cannot even begin to describe it more than that… it was just an amazing time being surrounded with family and love. Period.

January 9, 2012 Jesus called Grandma home. On one extremely snowy and blusterous day we all gathered around to celebrate her life. She was an absolutely amazing God filled woman who I was so proud to also call my friend. She always pushed me to do my best and was filled with simple words of wisdom and comfort.

More than ever, I knew it was time to leave my restaurant home of six years. It was time for something new, but what? I accepted a new position as an event coordinator at a private club in downtown Grand Rapids, leaving my old job on a whim. I was there for a few months but nudge, nudge…

So why is this post titled “Fear”? This is just the beginning, the story doesn’t end here, part 2 will soon follow.

Little Sister Getting Married!! {Weekend Update}

0 · Aug 5, 2013 ·

Oh hello Monday… so glad you’re here for another busy week! But before I start on the busy week ahead, I just must share how much fun this past weekend was.

While my sister and I have been collaborating and doing much of her wedding planning from afar (she lives on the east side of the state), it was so nice to have her visit and put so many of our plans into action! We scratched countless items off the planning list this weekend and I am unbelievable excited about how this whole celebration is coming together. A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about how long it takes to plan a wedding and in her case, she could get married next month no problem (In case you don’t remember, she was engaged mid-June so that’d be 3 month engagement!).

Her dress is breathtaking, her venue filled with classic architecture and natural light and the design plan just fits together so perfectly. Linens have been selected, invitations created and floral needs have been decided. And the cake (or should I say cakes), I am so excited about, but maybe that’s just my sweet tooth talking!

Upon leaving, I could see the disappointment in her face as most of the fun details have been found and put into place, so now what? No worries, there’s still plenty to do and the holidays will be here before you know it!

Have a great week!

And this cake picture? It’s just a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind her gorgeous cake table. We found it on Pinterest (where else??), but I believe the original was created by Connie Cupcake.

Little Sister Getting Married!! {The Venue Search}

0 · Jul 3, 2013 ·

When you’re not the one getting married, it’s often very easy to judge how you would do things differently or how you might think a couple is going about the planning process all wrong. First off, let me just say that no two weddings are exactly alike. There are so many more feelings and emotions that go into a wedding, beyond venue choices, timelines and entrees.

My little sister is getting married (yay!) and as a good older sister who just happens to be a wedding planner, I’m helping her plan her wedding. So here’s the truth, I have a hundred thousand gorgeous ideas swimming around in my head just based on the very few descriptive words she’s provided me with about her dream day. From those hundred thousand gorgeous ideas, I have to narrow it down (with her help of course) to the ones that truly represent her and her relationship, and will also fit within her budget without having the sacrifice the sanity of those around her and without stepping on toes and tell Mom to back off (sorry Mom if you’re reading this!) That’s a lot to handle. She truly might be one of my most difficult clients because there is so much extra emotion there. My sister deserves the absolute very best.

As we’ve began this journey together, a mere 3 ½ weeks since he proposed, my sister is finding herself shoulders deep in venue research and trying to secure the perfect location, time and date. So going back to judging other people’s process, that’s exactly what I’m trying not to do. It’s easy for me to say “if I were getting married I’d do this…” or pick out the most gorgeous venue ever, when in fact I’m not the one footing the bill. So as a wedding planner, I have to put myself into my client’s shoes, and remember to treat her as a client, and not just as my little sister that I can boss around.

So here’s what you should really ask as you’re trying to settle on a wedding location:

What is the overall feel or mood I’d like to set for my wedding?
Do I want the ceremony and reception in the same location?
What is the most important thing about venue to me? Aesthetics? Price? Functionality?
How will this venue affect my décor budget? A really awesome space can sometime eliminate the need for lots of extra flowers and fluff, whereas a less attractive area may need some extra design help.
Who provides the catering? Am I limited to certain caterers or is in-house catering the only option? Then consider their prices.
What is the lighting like, especially during the time of day you are planning your event? Will it lend to the type of pictures and mood you’d like to have in these keepsakes?

Choosing a venue can be a lot like buying a home. I was house shopping with my parents recently and the realtor said when you find the right house, it will speak to you. Does the space speak to you? Are you going to want pictures of this space years from now?

And in case you don’t follow along on Instagram, here is one of the fabulous spaces that we’ve had the opportunity to tour!!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

A Couple Truths about Wedding Planners

0 · Jun 14, 2013 ·

Photo by Hetler Photography

Many people hear the words “wedding planner” (or coordinator, etc) and immediately get this vision of someone who is going to come in and take over your wedding day, dictating every decision from venues to colors to day-of timelines – creating an event that is not even close to representing you as a couple. So we shy away from this concept, ask friends and family to help out and thinking that as brides, we can just do everything ourselves.

The second myth we hear is how expensive wedding planning services are and this is only a luxury that high end, big budget brides can afford.

Here’s the truth. Wedding coordinators only take over the entire planning process if you want them to. On average, it’s said that a wedding takes about 200 hours to plan. I personally have not taken the time to do the exact math, but I think the actual number might be higher. This is a ton of time for someone working a full time job to commit to. Rather than having 20 separate vendors to research, meet with and keep informed you can hire a planner to articulate your vision to each and every one of them, keep all communications with them and you only have to email (call, text or whatever) ONE person to make sure EVERYTHING gets done. Now sit down and take a load off!!

Secondly, your budget might be more planner friendly than you think. Many planners have a variety of options on how involved they actually get with your wedding day. You can use them as a consultant basis just to make sure you have everything covered, because let’s face it, you’ve probably never planned a wedding before! Not sure how to construct your itinerary? Can’t decide which linen colors will give you the best impact? Or just need someone to make sure that the reception is set up beautifully while you’re off getting married? I’m so glad you asked!! Let me help you!

Packages can be tailored specifically to meet your wedding day needs, meaning you can help control the costs without losing control of your wedding day!

PS – I have limited dates still available in 2013 and would love to chat about your 2014 wedding!

Vintage IS Modern

0 · Jun 5, 2013 ·

Vintage weddings have been all the rage for the past few years now. There’s something oh-so-charming and nostalgic about incorporating items from the past into your décor. I do it in my personal décor, as well as with events. But what defines the event as “vintage”?

More and more vendors seem to be popping up claiming that they cater to vintage weddings. They provide vintage furniture rentals, vintage attire or maybe even vintage photographs or event design.

This raises a couple questions.

What makes your wedding vintage?
Do you need to choose vendors that are specifically tailored to vintage weddings?

Let’s try to answer the first question. You’re wedding does NOT have to be completely vintage to incorporated vintage components, all while pulling off a super romantic event. Brides have used the word vintage to describe their weddings, when I might rather use turns like rustic, whimsical or lacey.

The term vintage can merely mean an item is old, but no quite antique or maybe it’s used or heavily used or worn out. It could be a more primitive object. Or perhaps you really are describing an antique!! There is not a clear definition of vintage (other than it being used in wine making!) So when deciding upon a vintage theme for your wedding, make sure you are specific. Is there a particular decade you’d like to replicate? Would you prefer mid-century modern or 1920’s Gatsby inspired affair?

Secondly, your vendors do not need to cater specifically to this type of an event. However, if they have something similar in their portfolio that you really like, it can be very helpful. Showing pictures and being very specific with your vendors in any event will help with the overall communication process. Ask lots of questions, and do not be afraid to ask if they think they can achieve your desired effect. Most vendors will be honest with you – if they don’t think they fit well with your vision, they’ll let you know!

I myself visit flea markets and thrift stores whenever possible. I love collecting garage sale treasures. And I’m the first person to slam on my breaks when I see a store advertising antiques. However, I would not label myself as a vintage vendor just because I like this eclectic style décor. I would say I’m thrifty and creative, and I know how to pull off this look seamlessly, even incorporating a few TJ Maxx finds that might fit the bill even better than the true vintage pieces. I was decorating with cottage finds, shabby chic trinkets and rustic details before vintage was the “cool” thing to do!

So please, continue planning your vintage inspired events. Incorporate wooden crates and dresses from the 1950s, but be able to describe your event beyond it being just “vintage”. Do not be afraid to add teacups to a “modern” event or add sleeker décor to a 1900s historic estate. With this ongoing trend, I would even venture to say that vintage is modern!!

Bradley James Photography captured the beautiful bride above wearing a 1950s tulle dress in my vintage tea party shoot last fall.

The Day’s Business: Rest & Relaxation

0 · Apr 22, 2013 ·

A little rest and relaxation is good for the soul. This past weekend I did just that, I took a little step away from my Grand Rapids world and headed Up North.

I had planned on using this time to get some work done that I’ve been putting off. I thought I could spend some quiet time in front of my computer (yuck) but away from my phone/email (yay!), because phone service is lacking and my internet rarely loads. I aimed to slip away from social media and reconnect with my own ideas.

However, life keeps moving forward and in the name of progress, my internet actually worked on this visit! And it wasn’t even snail speed, loading times were actually semi decent. Bummer!

While this may benefit the residents of the area, it meant I had to be more disciplined about my relaxation methods. I actually like taking an old fashioned approach to getting things done. While technology has its place, I really prefer doing some things in a less technological way. I visited with family, had real live face-to-face conversations, channeling back on the texting. I read a home décor magazine, not a blog. Then I wrote some ideas down on paper, in my own handwriting on a notebook that I shared with my niece – complete with scribbles of red crayon.

I did not make anything pretty this weekend. I did not craft or create. I did not type anything, worrying about fancy fonts and lovely pictures. I did not even make sure that my hand writing looked nice… I just scrawled my ideas down in semi illegible penmanship!

Well this is all great… but what does it have to do with The Day’s Design, or wedding planning or love and why are you writing about this on your business blog??? (It’s okay, I know that’s what you’re thinking!) Here’s how it relates:

To Business:

I’m back to business. I was able to clear my head and stop thinking about what everyone else is doing via Facebook, Twitter and wedding blogs, and truly just focus on my own business model and what I want to achieve. I focused on what makes me special. Stop comparing yourself to others and do your own thing. Forget the “industry standards” and just go for it!

To Brides (and her hansom Groom):

Feeling a little overwhelmed in the planning process? We’ve all been there. I’ve said this before, but here it goes again – step back for a bit. Regroup. Remember why you’re planning a wedding day. Stop looking at the Pinterest boards and focusing on wedding trends and what your friends say and doing. Put the wedding day back into perspective and focus on your love for one another. Instead of looking for uber creative ideas on place card displays, focus on details that really make you happy. What truly represents you as a couple? Remember that your love is what make the wedding day unique. There will always be other brides using the same ideas as you, dreaming up the same details (you just were not aware of it before all of this technology and the lovely World Wide Web). Your bond as husband and wife is truly the most unique part of the wedding day.

To All Others:

Because not everyone reading this is getting married. Maybe you are already married. Reconnect with your husband. Have dinner together. Dedicate one night a week to be phone/internet free and just enjoy each other’s company. Spend some quiet time accessing your life goals and creating your own vision. It is amazing where your own imagination can take you. Read a good book. Listen to the birds chirp. Sit outside and close your eyes for a moment. Just. Pause.

I think there’s a reason we like incorporated vintage items into our décor so much. And it’s not just high style. But it reminds us of a much simpler time. I look at an old piece of furniture and think of the stories it could tell. When we share memories and look at sentimental photos of smiling faces, usually they’re full of simple pleasures. Simple moments when we stepped back and let go.

PS – I stumbled across this aqua typewriter at an estate sale and just had to have it! It’s it super cute?! The case is even printed with daisies on it… sigh…

The Simple Plan

0 · Apr 17, 2013 ·

Last week I had the opportunity to attend The Simple Plan, an amazing little workshop designed for wedding professionals and put on by Sage Wedding Pros. I was able to travel to the great city of Chicago, meet some amazing people from all over the Midwest (and even Maine!), I ate some unbelievable Greek food (which I never knew I was a fan of, but yum!) but most of all, I focused on my business, The Day’s Design.

The truth of it all is every day is an adventure. I love waking up not knowing what new client inquiries might be waiting in my inbox, or what crafty little projects I might be inspired to create. The tricky part is finding balance – and I’m not talking about balancing my baby girl in one hand and my laptop in the other! I am searching for balance in both my working and personal life, and The Simple Plan helped. I am pursuing my business (during business hours!), and I am done just sitting around waiting for something great to happen. I have got to make it happen!

So that it what I am doing. The Simple Plan was basically a way for me to get all my little duckies in a row. I now have my goals in order so I can help you achieve yours. I am not just in this business for myself, I am in it for love. If I somehow can inspire and enrich the life of just one person, then I can feel fulfilled. We have tough times and bad experiences not only to learn from them and strengthen ourselves, but also so we can help others too.

And I’d like to give just a little shout out to my table mates. I found inspiration from everyone at the workshop, however these are the ladies that I was closest to:

Elysia Root Cakes

These cakes are exquisite! Unfortunately I didn’t actually get to eat them… but this is a seriously stunning cake! Elysia’s specialty is artisan sugar flower décor and creates cakes that are always couture, always custom and always uniquely you. If you need a cake in Chicago, she’s you’re girl!

Emmy-Ray

Oh hello gorgeous! Talk about a girl after my own heart! This Kansas girl has an exceptional eye for floral design. Emily is truly a creative genius with a Fine Arts degree, who started in the jewelry making business and is now creating these floral gems. I love how business can take just a little turn… just goes to show you that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away! The best might be yet to come…

L. Brook Events

Planning a New England celebration? Lindsey is your girl! This lovely lady does both wedding planning and event design and I would love to collaborate with her sometime if I ever my travels ever lead me to Maine (which I really hope they do!)

{Picture via Ruffled Blog}

Styled Accordingly

On just the other side of Lake Michigan, Samantha is creating stylish events for the modern sophisticate. Her firm focuses on event planning, as well as design, and its pure Milwaukee magic! Not getting married yet? She also assists in corporate events, downtown galas and can even help you pop the question – that’s right, she will actually help you plan your proposal! How great is that!!!

Have a great Wednesday… I’m off to do some searching for a few vintage props for a project later this month. Happy shopping to me!

Love this Contest: Emergency Kit 101

0 · Mar 4, 2013 ·

One day last summer I was helping a bridal party get ready and suddenly there was a need for some ribbon. We were at the bride’s parent’s home, a gorgeous home that seemed to have everything… everything that is, except ribbon. The girls all started brainstorming, trying to think of a place they could get some ribbon. They couldn’t even come up with the name of one person who would have ribbon at their house who would be joining them at the wedding. I stood there is absolute shock! How do you not know anyone who would have ribbon in their home? Is this common? My basement is stashed with more ribbon than Hobby Lobby and they can’t even come up with one twelve inch strand between all of these girls! Amazing.

I was not there to set up for the wedding or do any coordinating of any sort; therefore I was not required to have ribbon with me. (Although I would absolutely own up to it if I had dropped the ball on that one.) Surprisingly, I didn’t have a spool in my giant purse either (only because I had just cleaned it out the previous day!)

And now to the point of this story… have you thought about what you might unexpectedly need on your wedding day? This may not qualify as an emergency to you and this was a very minor detail, however, plan on something unexpected happening on your wedding day.

Remember that box from last week? This is what’s inside!

Have an Emergency Kit with you. While this is not an all-inclusive list, here’s a really good start for you:

Band Aids
Bobby pins
Breath mints
A compact with a mirror
Contact information for all your vendors (if you don’t have a wedding coordinator)
Crazy glue
Dental floss
Deodorant
Granola bar – or some sort of snack. Make sure you eat! I know there’s stress and excitement and food may be the last thing on your mind, but don’t let this haunt you later.
Hairspray
Lipstick
Lotion
Nail File
Nail polish (the colors I chose, Happily Ever After and It’s a Shore Thing)
Perfume
Ribbon – something that matches your wedding colors
Safety pins
Scissors
Scotch tape – or even better, Glue Dots! Those little guys are amazing!
Sewing kit
Stain remover – chalk also helps mask any dribbles you may have on your white dress.
Static Guard
Straws – you don’t want to ruin your lipstick
Tissues –for those tears of joy J
Tweezers

Tailor your emergency kit to your wedding day. If you are wearing nylons, throw an extra pair in your bag just in case. If you don’t have a wedding coordinator, have your bridesmaids help you out with this, its ok to ask them to take charge of a couple things on your wedding day, they are there to support you.

And here’s a little something to get you started! Send me a good love story, (email, Facebook, snail mail… however you want to send it is fine), and my favorite one gets this starter emergency kit, because I know you haven’t planned it, but you might just have a small emergency on your wedding day!

Business Planning

Footer

Instagram