Events by Jenni

Prepping for your big event!

2011-04-28T20:47:00.001-07:00

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by wedding plans? Take some of the focus off those details and put it on yourself. Yes, planning weddings and other events gets a bit crazy and we feel neglected- so change that. Putting that focus back on you is a great way to tame those bridezilla flare ups! We make charts and to do lists for our events but let’s make one for us! Take some time and sit down and figure out how you want to look on your wedding day! Do you want to be more tone? Put it on your list! Would you like more jewelry? Put it on your list! Then for every item you take off your master to do list- treat yourself to something off of your To Me List!

Let’s talk about your hair first! It is important to know the condition of your hair at all times, but when it comes to your special day you want to be able to look your best. Talk to your stylist about deep conditioning, highlights, trims and all of that. Start this process at least 60 days before your wedding. Do not make any drastic changes to your look during those 60 days. It is important not to get buyer’s remorse during this time. Just maintain the look you have. You want to make sure you do a trial run so that you know what you are getting the day of your wedding. Also let’s not neglect those grooms- get the guys in for haircuts! We want them looking fabulous as well.

Skin Care is essential during this time too. Make sure you are following your skin care regimen. I also want to insert in here that if you are tanning make sure you speak with your salon about the overall look you are trying to achieve- nothing is worse than showing up to your wedding looking like a Dorito! You want to make sure you have no tan lines visible, that your skin looks great and that YOU GLOW!

Ladies, where does that ring go? You know everyone is going to be asking to see the set now that it is complete. Set up a time for a nice manicure and pedicure. You can bring your bridal party with you or just have some me time. You will feel great afterwards and be ready to face anything. Some places will even allow you to have a nice glass of wine while you get this done! Feel polished and refreshed!

Need to get tone? There are some great programs out there for brides and grooms who want to look fierce and fit for their weddings. You can check out a local Bridal Boot Camp program or even check out ZUMBA! These classes not only get you in shape but also give you a great way to release some stress. If you are looking for just a stress buster try out yoga or Pilates for a low impact workout. The key here is not busting butt in the last two months before your wedding to lose 80 lbs its to make you feel good. So do not stress out about goal weights. Also make sure that you speak with your seamstress about any alterations that need to be done due to your toning!

The last two months before a wedding can be stressful so make sure to take time for you too. It’s not going to do you any good to have planned a beautiful wedding and then show up frazzled. So, take some time and make your YOU list. Do things for you and take time to enjoy this process. If you need a list of local businesses that I recommend for these services please let me know!

My FAVORite things!

2011-03-02T14:26:00.001-08:00

This month I want to talk to you about favors. This is a great way to give guests a momento from your big day. I want to give you some ideas of things you could do and some local places you can get them. Some of these things may suprise you!

First let's talk sweets!
Candy bars are all the rage right now and a great way to keep all your guests happy (even the little ones). The idea is that you and your groom pick out candies that you really like. Then you set them up (nicely) on a table. I like to use fishbowls or other glass pieces (might be a good time to showcase some antique or hierloom pieces) and then at the end of the table you have favor bags with your wedding date information on it- or a cute saying.
Sometimes you get lucky and the person making your cake can also make other items. Cookies? Yes Mam! Lollipops? You betcha! Locally (Presque Isle, Maine) you can contact Tori at Creative Occasions! She does great work and is a pleasure to work with!
Recently, I found a little gem in the area. Robin's Chocolate sauce. This is a great product, fair trade, and certified organic! Not to mention it is made right in Limestone! Now, I have tried this chocolate and I am telling you it is yummy! Also Robin's offers cellophane bags and ribbons (in your wedding colors) to make the favors look a bit more finished. For more information find Robin's Chocolate Sauce on facebook!

Now let's talk about some eco friendly options!
Seed paper- this stuff is super cool. It is paper that has seeds in it. Your guests can plant these pieces of paper and lovely flowers will grow!
Glasses- you can have your name put onto the glasses and then they can use it for the toast! Then, they take it home and can use it!

Finally I want to mention something that I think is amazing to do...
Donations. Instead of having favors for people- set envelopes out for people to make a donation to a cause that is near and dear to you both.

I hope this helps you out! Feel free to comment with some of your FAVORite things!

What Happens right before Happily Ever After?!

2011-02-22T15:39:00.001-08:00

Some of my brides are calling me and saying- why didn't the wedding magazines tell me that it was ok for me to freak out?! Why do I feel like an emotional train wreck? Why do I need to carry a foam bat with me whenever I talk to my in-laws to be about my wedding?

Well let me tell you, before Cinderella and Prince Charming got into the carriage and rode off into the sunset, Cinderella had bald spots from planning the wedding. I am going to let you in on a little secret- it's going to be ok. You are not being a bride-zilla and its fine to have a bit of a freak out- because let's face it- this day is important to you.

I am here with you- at one point all of us married women were brides and we all had our little moments. Here are a few tips to get you through this time.

1) Stop feeling like you are not being normal. Allow yourself to say "I am freaking the freak out and it is ok." You are not the only bride to be overwhelmed or to feel like you do not know what to do next. So just go with it!
2) When you realize that you are freaking out- walk away. You do NOT need to make this decision RIGHT NOW. Chances are if you make the decision during a panic- you will regret it. I do not want you to do that. I want you to LOVE all aspects of your wedding- not just settle.
3) Get moving! Dance to the hits of your childhood- it will make you feel better. Turn on your Wii and put in Wii Sports and beat the crap out of something. Do anything to get your blood flowing and to get your mind off of the stress.
4) TURN OFF YOUR PHONE. Chances are the people who were with your during your little episode will want to check on you. This is nice but you need time to get your act together. Call them back- they will understand.
5) Scream. Just go somewhere private and let it out. Stomp and throw a fit- its fine... then walk away composed- leave it behind and move on.

So how do we keep from getting to this point? You need to be realistic and know that not everything is going to go as planned- unless you are planning in cupcakeville. Life happens and things will not go amazingly every day. Surround yourself with people who can calm you down and just remember its ok to be a bit of a spaz sometimes. This is a big day and you want it to be perfect- Don't worry, it will be!

Exciting News

2010-11-29T18:13:00.000-08:00

Well- I am starting New Year new you a bit early this year. Tomorrow morning I am moving out of my home office into a small space in a local salon. This is a big move for me but really its just a part of a bigger move that will come mid January. Let's just say that I am looking forward to a more free schedule and more time to dedicate to my Events Planning Passion.

Also I am still selling Pampered Chef- which allows me to not just plan a great Bridal shower for you but to also get you some great products and throw a great show. This is a service I would love to extend to all of my clients- if you book a pampered chef show with me- whatever event you are celebrating it for is free. Meaning that if you want a Bridal Shower- I will plan it and Pamper Chef Consult for you- free of charge.

I am currently working with the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee on First Night. Which is a great opportunity for me and my business. If you are a local PI business that would be interested in Advertising in the First Night Brochure please get in touch with me ASAP!

Some other exciting things that Events By Jenni will be offering will be a "Party in a box" service. I realize that not every event needs a planner- but I also know the amount of running around that you have to do to plan a great party. Let's make that easier for you- just tell me the age, theme, guest count and I will handle the rest. I will do my best to find you a local baker to get a great cake if you decide not to bake one yourself. These "parties" can be shipped anywhere in the US! I will post some themes and ideas for you in a note shortly!

Also brides to be- do not forget about the upcoming Bridal Expo! Happening February 20th, 2011! Stick around for more information on that as well.

I also want to take this moment to thank you all for your support and Friendship over this past year. It has meant a lot to me. As soon as I get settled in my new office I will post the address and the days that I will be there!

Much Love and Remember to Dream big!

Jenni

April Newsletter

2010-04-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Happy April... if you are getting married in the summer you have close to three or four months till your wedding! Make sure to make your final checklist and start hacking away at it! I hope you are ready and if you have any last minute concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with me I will do all I can to make sure your big day is perfect for you!
I want all of my brides to love all aspects of their wedding. I want to make sure they love all of the elements as much as they love their dress. Its easy to chose something to please everyone but I think its important that it pleases you. This is your day and you need to make the most of it.
Are you tastes a bit expensive? Make sure you sit down with your vendors and really talk about what you want and be clear with the budget constraints- they may surprise you with some low budget ideas that will give you an arrangement you love. Also make sure to hit the BIG BRIDAL events (ie shows, discount events) and make the most of the connections you have available to you. Enter contests and register at places (sometimes there are special offers when you register).
I think that inspiration boards are a great way for brides to show what they want to everyone involved in the wedding- the smaller version of this is the bridal binder. Put in it things you LOVE and bring it with you to all of your meetings. Talk to your bridal dress shop about the dream dress and see what they can get you in your price range. Bring your decor ideas to the venue and talk to them about how to get a similar look. The key to getting what you want on what you can afford is to let everyone know what you want and how much you can pay. Communicate with your vendors and see what they are able to do- you may be surprised. Make a list of the items you really want and are willing to pay more for and a list of things that are more flexible.
Join a bridal forum such as offbeat bridal tribe or The Knot and talk to other brides about how they did their weddings on a budget without costing the wow factor. If you have hired a planner make sure that you are clear with them about what you are looking for and have them make suggestions for what you can do.
I hope this has been helpful! If you have any questions or want to submit a question for next month please drop me a line!

Best Wishes-
Events by Jenni!

March News Letter!

2010-03-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that just one month ago we were all crammed into the
Northeastland Hotel. The excitement I felt from all of the potential brides
(you gals) was amazing! This newsletter is to help you plan your wedding-
and I hope you ask me questions and I will respond to them!
The first topic I want to hit on is making sure that your wedding day is
everything you want it to be regardless of your budget. Everyone thinks that
the big B-Word is a deal breaker for a lot of your plans but it really
isn't. We have all seen the shows "Rich Bride/Poor Bride" and "Platinum
Wedding" and they give us a great idea of what could happen if things got
out of hand. I am here to tell you that you can have your dream wedding on
whatever budget you have by doing some very simple things.
1) Keep it local. With local vendors you do not have to worry so much about
delivery fees. You can either ask people to pick up items or have the items
brought to your venue. However, the cost will not be as much as shipping
items from Portland or Boston.
2) Keep it in season. Flowers are a big chunk of budget the biggest thing is
to keep your flowers in season. Make sure to sit down with your florist and
make them aware of your budget.
3) DIY options. If you are crafty and have tons of time take on some
projects. Get the girls together and make place cards or garland. Most of
the time you can find cheaper options if you do the work yourself.
4) Keep the budget in check. Have an idea of what items on your budget are
flexible and do a bit of give and take. If you know that one item means more
than the other make sure you allocate your budget accordingly.

There are so great tips for the budget end. For the next issue I would love
to be able to answer some of your questions! Please keep in contact with me.
If anyone would like to set up a consultation please contact me via email or
give me a call on my cell phone. (207)540-5499.

Best Wishes!

Jenni LaChance

--
If you can dream it, you can do it.

Table Scape Idea for Valentines Day!

2010-01-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

Vendor Selection Part one!

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today's topic is a very important one for any bride. Even as a coordinator I know the importance of picking the right vendor because I have to work with these people every day. The reason why you want to make sure you have the right vendor for you is that you are trusting this company or person with an element of your very special day. You want to make sure and interview each vendor and get quotes as well. I will give you some sample questions for each vendor and hopefully that will shed some light onto this for you.

Reception Site:
1) What is the charge? What is included in that rate? How Many Hours will that cover?
2) What is the seating Capacity?
3)How is the parking situation? Is there Valet Parking?
4) Is Catering provided and if not can you provide your own?
5) Is Alcohol provided and if we have to provide our own is there a charge?
6) If we would like to have a band or a DJ is there a place to set them up?
7) Is there a cleanup fee or is that included in the rental?
8) Can we rent other necessities? What are the fees associated with this?

Cake Vendors:
1) Do you have pictures of cakes you have made for other weddings?
2) If we want something different, can you do a customized cake for us?
3) If we need a cake for a certain amount of guests can you do that? How much will that cost?
4) Will you deliver the cake to our reception site? Is there a delivery charge?
5) How far in advance do we need to order the cake?

Catering Vendors:
1) What can you offer us within our budget?
2) What about substitutions for special dietary needs?
3) Will we need to provide our own dishes, silverware, napkins and so on? If you provide them can we see samples?
4) How many servers will there be, and will there be cleanup?
5) Is there a charge to cut and serve the cake?
6) What is the deposit schedule?
7) When Do you need the final count?

These three things are a lot to think about. Tomorrow we will focus just on flowers and music.

Above anything the importance of great selection is that this is YOUR day. You want everything to be perfect and you need to find a vendor who will supply you with what you need. Do not get discouraged right off the bat. If you live in a small area and you think there is only one way to go you may be surprised to find out more by going to bridal expos or just joining forums.

As always the importance of having a coordinator is that they can go with you to these consultations and make sure that the vendor is a reliable one. Coordinators also have a suggested list of vendors they have worked with before.

Good luck!

Time to dust off this blog

2010-01-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Was it me or did that holiday season just wipe us all out?! Between working what I call my big girl job and trying to keep my coordinating going- I was beat. Now here I am refreshed and ready for whatever life throws my way!

I have joined forces with some other local small business owners to put together a co-op, we refer to ourselves as the Co-Op of DOOM! We are currently planning a Bridal Expo for our area. Its not as easy as it might sound to some. At this point we have the vendors pretty well on the way to being secured- now we get to advertise. Which brings me to today's topic... advertising. I know up until now I have focused on Weddings but indulge me a moment here.

What makes an event an event? It is not the mere planning of it no- we must have attendance! I have done BIG advertisement with radio and television! But nothing proved better to me than an old fashioned grass roots scheme with a bit of the big advertisement mixed in.

Lets say you are hosting a benefit. On one side of the benefit you may be asking select investors to attend. For this is suggest an intimate cocktail party with a very nice invitation sent out to those you wish to have in attendance. You have to have a gimmick in place to make them want to come. If you live in a rural area people love to have a chance to do something out of the norm. Throw a traditional cocktail party and send out beautiful invitations. If you live in the city you can do the same thing. Just make sure they want to be there. Put the cause on the invitation.

Lets look at the other side on a benefit. THE BIG EVENT. First step is to secure your setting, time and what is going on. Then pick an advertising chair for the event. This person will be in charge of creation and delegation. This is the face of your event. Your advertising chair will speak to local television and radio professionals, they will also approach stores with posters to hang. Yes, you have to do BOTH forms of media. They may hear it on the radio but a 60 second spot can only do so much for you. People are bound to only hear part of your message in any kind of media but if you cover all bases they are bond to hear it all!

Important information you want on ANY type of advertisement.
1) WHAT? What the heck is going on?
2) WHERE? Where in heck is it happening?
3) WHEN? When in heck do you want us there?
4) WHO? Who the heck are you?
5) WHY? Why the heck are you doing this?

Follow that up with a nice image that displays what you are doing. If you are hosting a Halloween benefit make sure the image goes with the theme. Do not confuse people by placing a Christmas tree on it.

Make sure you proof read your advertisement. Send it to a friend and have them read it. Read it backwards (it works try it). Whatever you do DON'T Send it to print with typos (I learned this the hard way). Typos mean you have to redo the whole process and not only is that expensive but it is also not earth friendly.

So once you have all the ads made- its LIST MAKING TIME! List all of the business' you want to approach to hang posters. Check them off as you go... this way you will not keep sending people to them to ask to hang posters.

Once you advertise make sure you follow through with all of the things it says on your advert. Don't change your mind about something you promise- that is false advertising and people tend to not like that. Just make sure that whatever you say you will do you do. Enjoy your well attended event!

Thank you for entertaining my off wedding tangent!

Time Management

2009-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

I was told I had to get more personal if I expect people to keep reading my blog. So here it is! I used to be terrible at time management. I would be showering 20 minutes before work or a meeting. Then I woke up and realized something- people rely on me. I have meetings to attend and work to do. So I started making lists and keeping a schedule... and now I am a time management Diva. Granted at some points I slip into a bit of a "oops moment" but some how I pull it together (mostly sacrificing my hair do).

Why am I sharing this? Because in my field of work- I rely on others to have awesome time management skills. Whether it be a client or a vendor... never underestimate the power of being a bit early! My mother always told me to show up 15 minutes early to anything. This has not proved me wrong.

So today my advice is that you manage your time well. Brides don't book too much in one day because you really want to take your time with some decisions. Vendors you know how long set up will take but there are always those things we cannot control therefore we have to give ourselves a great gift the gift of time.

On a business note- today I met with a wonderful group of ladies. What started off as an idea became a reality and I find myself along with these lovely ladies planning a Wedding Expo right here in Northern Maine. February 2010 the face of a county wedding will change!

Keeping it Local

2009-12-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon everyone! Today I want to touch base on something that I believe in with every fiber of my being. Keeping things local.
In my experience I find that local business appreciate business and are very willing to work with brides or any kind of event. They know that those attending your event will more than likely ask where you got certain items and that will in return bring more business for them.
Local Florists are able to take the time to sit down with you and really give you many options. I suggest making an initial appointment and talking to the florists. Do not be afraid to shop around. This is your day and you need to make sure you are getting the most out of ALL of your bookings. Different florists offer different
Locations! Check in with MANY local locations. Get the venue that you want for your wedding. Make sure it meets all of your requirements. Do you want in house catering? Do you need a place to get ready? Do you have anyone attending your wedding who may need a ramp to get in? Make a list of all of the things you want from a location and make sure you get it. Price a concern? Talk to other brides or what have you and see what they got it for- that way you know if you are being taken advantage of. Also ask why the price difference maybe something is going on at that time that we do not know about.
Hair salons are important too. The best advice I can give you is try to use your own stylist. If you do not have one I would look for a salon that offers the one stop shop. The place that offers tanning, nails and hair! That way you make all of your appointments in one area. Go somewhere that you feel comfortable. Make sure that you make trial appointments with your hair stylist.
Cakes?! You know when it comes to birthdays or weddings you have to have a wonderful cake that is the expression of yourself. The down side to this is that in some areas it is a who knows who deal. You have to really talk to people who have had weddings done by bakers find out who they used and contact that person. In bigger areas you may have more options and the best bet is to do a tasting!
Photography is key- this is how you and others will see your wedding. Most photographers will have portfolios. When you make an appointment with a potential photographer make sure that you ask for them to bring the portfolio. When you interview any one but especially the photographer- make sure they are easy going and able to blend in with your guests. This will make candids easier.
Videography is an amazing tool for some of us to use to bring the wedding to those who cannot attend. The same rules for hiring that apply to the photographer should apply for the videographer.
Entertainment for the wedding is also a big thing to think about. Do you want a live band or a DJ? The best bet is to decide the mood you want to set for your event and then follow through with it. Want to rock out at your wedding? Go with a local band! Most DJ companies come with Emcees which is a big help. They can keep the flow of your event going- so it is best to make sure you interview all options.
Invitations are how you will communicate with all that you want to have at your wedding. There are two ways to go with these. You can have them handmade by a local artist or go to a vendor for them. Make sure that your plans are solidified before you print. You really want to order these only ONCE. Make sure the invitations match your theme and colors. Place RSVP cards in them as well.
Jewelry and accessories are also very important. If you chose to do something custom check in with local arts organizations to see if there is anyone out there who does custom work. These are pieces that you can pass on to others and something that will be unique to you.
Dresses are the hardest thing to find local. Some seamstresses will do custom dresses but buyer beware this will be expensive. My suggestion would be to go to a bridal outlet and then use local seamstress' to do the alterations!
No matter what local vendor you choose to use make sure you meet with them early enough to book so that you have your event in their calendar!
If you live in the Presque Isle area and would like some information about the local companies I use please let me know!

Keeping Calm

2009-12-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

When you plan ANY event at all the biggest thing is to keep calm. Being organized will take most of the pressure off but there will always be those last minute changes or things that have been forgotten. There is no such thing as perfect but we aim to get as close as we can!
So ways to keep calm as your big day approaches. Brides you will love this one!
1) Pamper nights- when the pressure of the event gets too much- light some candles take a bath and just try to relax!
2) Take a nap- when things seem overwhelming the best thing to do is to sleep. 30 minutes makes a big difference. Just take a few minutes and let your body recharge.
3) Recite a Mantra. For some people its Shakespeare for others its a prayer. Just take the time to repeat yours to yourself until you feel better.
4) Counting. Some people recommend counting to ten- I am of the thought that you should count until you feel better.
5) Pass the buck- hey its what you hired me for. If your plans are solid and you do not want to waver from them- let people go to your planner with questions and explanations.

So when things get too much- just take a step back and realize that your day will be perfect when all is said and done. It may seem like things are chaotic but in reality if you have hired a coordinator- underneath all the chaos is organization!

Today's Tip: Be Organized

2009-12-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hello! Every day or so I will be posting some tips on here about how to organize events. Not to discourage you from getting a planner but to show you the importance of picking the right one (which of course is me haha).
Today's tip is to be organized. When I first meet with a potential client I start a list. What kind of event is this? What color scheme are they looking for? yadda yadda yadda! Once that list is done and the person/s decide to book with me- I make a list of what I need to do and what they need to do. We sit down and discuss what is going on and we start cracking at the list taking care of things as we can.
Decorations? Place them in boxes that are clearly labelled. For any event you will have tables so make sure that you have all of your table stuff together. Doing your own food? Make sure you have your plates and cups and serving untensils together. This way when you get to your venue all you have to do is hand someone a box and they know what supplies they need and have!
When dealing with fund raisers all I can tell you is that I have seen too many of them fail due to lack of organization. So make sure you have that check list and make sure if you are working with others that they are on the same page as you. If you are soliticing items for an auction keep a detailed list of where you went, what they gave you and a point of contact. THEN send out thank you cards for each item.
Speaking of thank you cards, it is important for any event you throw to thank people. Whether it be through goody bags or cards. When you get your RSVP for events also make your thank you card list. This way you know who is at the event and you can thank them for being part of your special day!
So whether you are organizing your own event or helping with someone elses- always be organized. Have a folder for the event on your desk and make copies for those who are helping you!

Thanks for reading and Best of Luck!

Why do you need a coordinator?

2009-11-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start off my introducing myself- My name is Jenni (hence the name) and I coordinate events. I cover all sorts of events ranging from weddings to fund-raisers. I have 3 years experience and a great portfolio! I am open to any event and will NEVER charge for a consultation! I am located in Northern Maine but am willing to travel to meet with any potential clientele.

So now that you know about me- why do you need my services? Its really simple- it allows you to enjoy your event. You can still be involved with the process but it frees you up to stop worrying about the details. Getting Married? I want to make your day everything you want it to be- and for an added bonus it is stress free! Want to throw a great Birthday Party for your kiddos? You help plan it and I make it work- you get to see all of the event without worrying about last minute details! Anyone who has planned a fund-raiser knows how hard it is to balance making money with having a good time... I got that covered too! There are tons of ways to make money with parties!

So basically, I want to help you make any of your events the best they can be. I have tons of great connections in the Northern Maine area and am willing to make even more no matter the location! So please drop me a line and stay tuned on this blogspot for many more tips!