Merry Christmas

You'd think a wedding planner would have the holidays prepared for weeks, maybe months in advance.  It takes all of 5 minutes for Hallowe'en to end for retail stores to start begin remindin you with stocked shelves with the latest thing you must have this season, so how is it, on December 23, no prepared list in sight, that I'm trying to imagine what it is I've forgotten and will be at Wal-Mart for to pick up around midmight tonight. Not that I forgot anyone special but there is always something. I know you understand.  I'm not even sure if I have enough wrapping paper.

If you were contemplating a wedding planner and now not so sure, let me comfort you.  Christmas isn't my passion, weddings are and to find out more about me all you have to do it is ask.  Email me at info@youreinvitedcconsulting.com and ask away.  I'm not taking much of a break over Christmas, it's just more time for me to spend on weddings so feel free to ask questions.

All my best to you and your family this holiday season.

Bethanie

Wedding Flowers

I love flowers and since my green thumb is more 'not green' than green I look to my favourite florists for help.  I thought I've seen all the beautiful flowers there are but I am pleasantly surprised at every wedding.

I'd like to share with you some flowers from my previous clients weddings that you can use for inspiration.

Flowers by The Flower Shed, Talita Jolene and Vaillant

Enjoy!

Surprise Party Planner

Going from wedding planning to 30th surprise party planning isn't the most obvious transition so I am only too happy to go back to weddings.  It was a great night and I would do it again just to see the shock in his wide eyes.

Yup, that's his face added to the shirt.  Too funny.

I do happen to have two 50th surprise parties under my belt thanks to mom and dad and I'm sure you'll agree it is no easy feat to keep quiet when the guest of honour is around all the time.  I just can't figure out why I like planning surprise parties so much but I can't stand to be surprised? Gifts, test marks, waiting for the end of a suspense movie, I need to know it all right now.

Flash back to my 5th birthday.  My mom brought a friend to pick me up from gymnastics (can barely touch my toes now) and I thought that was great. Not so great, was the part when I got home and my friends jumped around the corner and yelled surprise.  Blubbering tears everywhere and recovery was slow, I'm guessing, since a couple decades later I'm still thinking about it.

I'm working on it but for now I can be sure this party was a success.

Good luck with yours.

Welcome Melany and Kyle

The end of July is the perfect time to host a Mid Summer Nights Dream themed wedding and this is the perfect couple to do it.  In the time we've spent together and I am increasingly excited to see this wedding come together.  They have done an amazing job getting everything started before I became part of the planning process so we are now keeping up the momentum. 

The ceremony and reception are booked at Stepstone Centre and will surly be the perfect setting for a Mid Summer Nights Dream under a canpoy of stars highlighting a charming cabin and flowing river.  I planned another event at this location in August of this year to rave reviews for the site, catering, decor and general ambience.  I expect nothing less for this unique and truly personal celebration. 

Melany and Kyle deserve to enjoy their wedding day so I am only too happy to be a part of the process to make this a day that they and their guests will remember as the perfect Mid Summer Nights Dream.

Watch for updates on this celebration!

Hugs for everyone.
Bethanie

Bridal Headbands

I am a huge fan of headbands as an alternative to a headpiece and veil.  Click on the title above to find a great DIY project to design your own.  Get creative by using beads, silk/satin/lace, ribbon, broaches, heirloom jewelry even feathers to custom design your one-of-a-kind fashion bridal accessory.

This photo was found on oncewed.com a fabulous source for wedding inspiration.

DIY: Wintergreen Boutonnieres - Project Wedding

DIY: Wintergreen Boutonnieres - Project Wedding

Testimonial

A very generous note I received from a wedding that took place last month.

Jeff and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our wedding day so spectacular. Not just because it was the day we pictured but more because you made us both feel very special and took all the stress out of our "special day." In this day in age, it's almost impossible to find people who really care about their customers, but you really put your heart into it. Jeff and I could never put into words just how grateful we are that you were very much a part of making our wedding PERFECT. You are truly a beautiful person. Jeff and I will be sure to recommend everybody we know who look forward to getting married to do it with “You're Invited” Wedding and Event Consulting.

Thank you again Bethanie Foster

Tracey and Jeff

Research

This is a lesson I have learned over and over. 
DO YOUR RESEARCH

The more questions (with informed answers) the better your results will be.  When planning your wedding it can be easy to take the advice of a friend who knew someone, that met this guy and they may make the best cakes, invitations or diamond rings ever but... ask questions.
For example, Invitations:
-can we get a hard copy proof?
-how long does it take once the order is placed?
-what if your business makes a mistake with the invite?
-do you provide additional printing/design services?
-do you have examples of past work?
There are more specific question to ask for your unique event but this is an idea.

I've learned a hard lesson in the past few weeks but fortunately clients do not have to directly resolve the issue and can anticipate I will make the situation better.  Now that I've said that, I've got some work to do!

All my best,

Bethanie

Wedding Wishes Formal Affair

Join You're Invited at the Annual Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Wedding Wishes Formal Affair this Sunday, November 8, 2009.  Taking place at the Valhalla Inn from 11:30am to 4:30pm the event is full of  local vendors who can help you to create a unique and special occasion.
Click on the title above to link to the event site.

Be prepared:
-Have a vision is mind so you are not overwhelmed by the variety.
-Find out how long a vendor has been in the business to show their experience, if can they supply references and do they have price points that can work within your budget.
-Take pictures if you see something you like and want to consider it later.
-Bring a friend, not the whole wedding party.  There will be over 300 brides and their friends trying to see the same things. 
-Bring a bottle of water.  The room will get quite warm as you visit each of the vendor booths.
-Collect all the information you can.  It might be helpful or inspirational later on.
-Take your time.  This is a great event to fully envision your celebration.

I look forward to seeing you there.  I will be in the Scandia Room connected to the Ballroom.  Enjoy the show.

Bethanie

Introducing Tracey and Jeff Jones

Tracey took my breath away and quite literally brought me to tears.  I told her not to make me cry but she did it anyway.  A beautiful bride, a stunning vision and a pefect match to her groom.

We only had a quick moment to hug and do a few touch ups before I headed to St. Andrew's Church to review the music with 2 Tone, check on Father Luigi, the groom and groomsmen and pin flowers.  Guests began to arrive and with the assistance of the ushers slowly filled the beautiful church. 

Jeff (the groom), although shaken he didn't panic when Father Luigi questioned what he would do if Tracey didn't show up.  He knew he had nothing to worry about.  At that same moment, at the other end of the church, Tracey waited patiently for the final guests to be seated before meeting her groom at the alter.

The ceremony couldn't have gone more perfectly on this cool and grey Saturday afternoon.  The awe of everyone as the bride entered the church on her father's arm at the exact moment the melodic cymbals crashed was only the beginning. When the time came to recite their vows to each other their voices carried beautifully throughout the vastness of the church to guests seated in the back rows.  The calm tears and shaky legs we saw at the rehearsal were now gone. 

It wouldn't have been Tracey and Jeff's wedding without a few laughs but it wasn't long before I wasn't the only one without a dry eye that day.

(Tracey's side of the family.)

Following family photos the wedding party, Charlie their 1 year old puppy and the Cinemotion photographers and videographers and myself took to the highway for a spectacular outdoor visual experience.  Not your typical traditional photos by any means.  An old house in the middle of a Hymers field was the perfect backdrop for these photos.  I had to take a few photos myself but the professional version of these will be 100 times better.

Cinemotion did a fabulous job and I can't wait to see the actual photos.

Having braved the cold October afternoon the wedding party arrived at the Valhalla Inn with enough time to warm up before introductions into the soft glow of the reception hall.  Though before guests arrived I continued the morning's projects or weaving table numbers onto ribbon, moving place settings for last minute seating changes, making adjustments to the flowers or decorations, carrying boxes of favours, setting out place cards (thank you Jenn and Shannon), lighting candles, reviewing dinner schedules with the catering manager... (fingers are getting tired)  But I have to say it was all worth it in the end.

Decorations were provided by Maggie's Magical Occasions and the Flower Shed provided flowers and centerpieces.  Following a collaboration of our ideas the bride and groom were very happy with the results.  Let me know waht you think.

It was truly a stunning celebration to which guests concurred. Following a tasty and filling dinner provided by the Valhalla Inn we were entertain by the popular band Ti Amo who kept the dance floor bouncing throughout the evening. The occasional moon walk to get the couple to kiss was met with surprising enthusiasm. I have yet to learn this. With dancing underway there was little more to do but enjoy. After having brought wedding gifts to their room and leaving one of my own I settled at my table with friends to look back and remember why I love weddings so much.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Now let's see if anyone else can keep up with you.

With love,

Bethanie

And Baby Makes Three!

Let me clarify... it's not me!
I wish to congratulate Cheryl and Dean who enjoyed their honeymoon enough to add to their new family.  Their March 2009 wedding was a classic and timeless celebration among friends and family who were only too happy to dance the night away.

Cheryl was a very organized yet nervous bride, so much so that I wanted to pinch her cheeks she was so cute and giggly.
I can only imagine how she is preparing for her December baby.  Dean pleasantly supported all of her needs and wants (sure to be good practice) For those of you who are counting, yup that's 9 months from the wedding day to the expected birth day.


Please enjoy some photos from their stunning event.
Although I took a few pics during the day, the pro creds belong to Murray Metcalf.

This is one of my photos.  I seem to like the ring in the bouquet pic.

I had a lot of fun at this wedding.  It was also the introduction of Samantha as a You're Invited assistant.  I think she gained an appreciation for the behind the scene craziness that I go through.  It's all for the love of weddings and finding that special one.

1 week to Tracey and Jeff's wedding!

The countdown is on, actually it has been on for about a year because I have been so excited to help my friend Tracey plan her wedding.  Has a year really gone by this quickly? My calendar eagerly argues with me full well knowing I have only one week to complete the last minute details ie: photography lists, checklists, wedding party and family timelines, delivery and service reviews with their vendors...

This will be a refreshing wedding when I get to dress up and dance the night away with many of my friends with me, after a long day of keeping everyone on schedule and taking care of little challenges that always come up.  After most weddings I find myself packing up my emergency kit too early to really celebrate with the couple I've gotten to know for several months for an early night in my cozy apartment.  October 24, 2009 will be the exception.

Tracey and Jeff, I'm looking forward to your wedding and hope it is everything you had imagined and more!

Hugs,

Bethanie

Happy Thanksgiving

Summer has come to a close, we've had our first snowfall and this weekend neslted in our warm homes we celebrate Thanksgiving.  What are you thankful for this year?
I am thankful for the friends and family I have surrounded myself with who support me and my passion for wedding planning and the many hours that are devoted to creating a seamless event. 

Are you planning your wedding on a long weekend?
Here are some items to think about when booking your celebration.

Pros:
-If your hall is busy on Saturday you can have a reception on Sunday and your guests will still have a day off to relax before the work week or traveling home.
-Guests from out of town can make it a mini vacation and enjoy what your hometown has to offer.
-You can celebrate the holiday with a theme ie: labour day end of summer party.
-Families often get together on long weekends and this is a great way to enjoy each others company.
-Guests do not have to take a day off of work to travel if you celebrate on a Sunday.
-You can follow up the reception with a day after bbq and tour of the sites before going home.  Make it a long weekend to remember with an informal celebration as well.
-Your anniversary is celebrated nationally! 


Cons:
-Vendors may charge more for booking on a long weekend because they have pay their staff extra.
-Vendors may not book on long weekends so they can vacation with their families.
-If not given enough notice or other vacation plans are made you are likely to have a smaller guest list than your average weekend. "This can also be a pro if you need to keep your numbers down"
-Public areas for photos may be filled with even more people enjoying the atmosphere and numerous tourists may cause traffic delays between ceremony, photography and reception destinations.
-Airlines and hotels often charge more during long weekends.
-You may be expected to host your out of town guests for more than the reception when they otherwise wold have celebrated the long weekend differently.

Your family and friends are the reason you aren't eloping so keep them in mind when booking your wedding. 

A warm and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made each of my days better than the one before.

Bethanie

DIY projects

When planning your wedding it can be fun to make your celebration uniquely yours by incorporating do-it-yourself projects.  In August of this year I was happy to work with Beverley to engage many of her ideas with a few of my own.
You'll see here a few ideas that made this wedding one of a kind.

Beverley painted chalkboard frames and easels to show menu items placed at stations in the reception tent.

Mason jars stored in family members basements provided great ambiance with split peas used as a base to hold a votive candles.  We placed these on each table, along the path to the parking lot and throughout the landscaped gardens.

I put bulk ordered flowers into tea tins and antique tea cups the bride collected for over the past year.

Experiment with household items that you can use to create a beautiful arrangement of colour and texture into a style you love.  What can you do with a pencil, mason jar or pile of stones?  Share your ideas.

Friend and Client

You're Invited came to life when my mother and step father finally married after 20 years together.  My brilliant idea had him propose around their 18th anniversary so I could help my mom plan the wedding for the next 2 years. Although planning a wedding (yours or hers) with you mother may not be the easiest project but it was satisfying knowing that she had her perfect day and I could be a part of it.  One month later You're Invited was born.  Thank you mom, you are my friend and inspiration.

For the past year I have been helping another friend plan her wedding to take place this October, the 24 to be exact. It was only fitting seeing as though I had a little help moving the engagement along (that's not in my service package ladies).

I am truly thrilled to be a part of this celebration and even more thrilled with her trust in me.  I was able to create a vision that she loved (or maybe I convinced her) because she was pretty agreeable to my suggestions.  I only want the best for her wedding to her groom.

I will have more details as the last few weeks come together because right now I still have a lot of work to do.  Congratulations Tracey and Jeff.

Welcome to Crystal and Shane

You're Invited is pleased to welcome bride and groom Crystal and Shane to the You're Invited family. Although it's a January 2010 wedding do not expect a chilly reception. They are a fantastic couple and their guests will be welcomed with warm hearts and open arms. The ceremony will be held at a new venue for me so I am looking forward to the results.  I will keep you up to date on the progress and anticipated success of this new selection.
I will also be sure to pack my boots and warm mittens.  Some photos are planned for outside and if January has anything to say about it, it's going to be a little cold that day but since all my weddings have beautiful days (negotiations with Mother Nature) I'm positive this day will be the pefect combination of warm sun and fluffy snow.
Congratulations Crystal and Shane, may all of your days be filled with the love you share today.

DIY - Decor 8

I found an adorable blog today with inspiring diy ideas. Take a look this link leading to Decor 8 and enjoy!

Wedding Friday, September 18

On Friday I had the pleasure of assisting Koral and Kevin in celebrating their wedding ceremony and reception. We enjoyed a beautifully sunny and warm mid-September afternoon, the opposite of many of our recent summer days. The ceremony began under a canopy of orange and bronze fabric swaying to the soft melody of the cellist. The continuous squirrel's chirp would have received the annoyed side of a pine cone if it hadn't stopped just in time to hear the vows. 

The reception was the result of great effort designing the atmosphere and developing a timeline to coordinate each detail for over 80 guests to enjoy.  With all the planning that takes place prior to the wedding day there are often a number of events that require attention and my wish is to redirect any issues  from the couple so they can enjoy the day and not work through it.

continue for more of the story


For example on Friday:

• 
  
  The tent was decorated the night before and the condensation that rose during the night then warmed the next morning ran down causing the orange fabric leaves to run into the white fabric.  I arranged to fix this without bothering the bride and groom.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Maple leaves were ordered to place on the aisle but came still attached to the stems.  I was happy to prepare this then move them to the tent for maximum use.
  
  
  
• 
  
  The MC fell under the weather so I took over the duties.
  
  
  
• 
  
   The groom and groomsmen accepted some help on last minute touches to their tux presentation.
  
  
  
• 
  
   All details were prepared for two wedding party members who were held up at the salon and had only 10 minutes to dress.
  
  
  
• 
  
   The favours needed to be placed alphabetically, flowers put in the centerpieces, corsages pinned, wedding party members in placed...It was another wedding full of experience for an experienced wedding consultant.
  
  
  

Lessons for the bride.

• 
  
  Make sure your stylist can accommodate all wedding party members at once or start earlier.  It will take about 1.5 hours for the bride's hair depending on style and accessories. 
  
  
  
• Do not decorate with fabric in a tent until the morning of the wedding
• Heat lamps are needed, even in August
• Consider all aspects of your wedding before you order invitations.  You may need more time after the ceremony for photos but if your symposium starts you need to be there.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your beautiful celebration.  It was truly a special day.

Much love, Bethanie

another happy client

Thanks for the great words and this photo on your facebook KC!
"Best Wedding Planner Ever"
It was my absolute pleasure to assist you with your wedding!

Hello world-This is me in action, I like to take a few photos during the day. The photographer Alvis Plavins, got us into the CLE for some amazing photos. See my Inspiration links to find Bliss Pictures for more details.

Friday weddings

In just over 24 hours another happy couple will be married under my watchful eye.  I have worked with this bride and groom since late 2007 to bring together their vision of a perfect wedding.  I am excited to see each detail come together on their wedding day because it has been such a long time since we first met.  Although fall colours are being held off by the beautiful weather we're having the decor including colours orange, bronze, brown and cream will work beautifully in the outdoor surroundings of the White Fox.

Friday weddings are becoming more popular because of the short summer seasons and availability of the perfect venue.  Here are a few items to consider when planning a Friday wedding.

September 18th wedding

Second post, so far so good!
I'm so excited to share my experiences here with you but still working hard on a few more upcoming weddings for 2009 and even more for 2010.
This Friday, September 18 I will be helping Koral and Kevin celebrate their wedding at the White Fox Inn.  (I will have photos for you soon.)  As we iron out a few details during the rehearsal I am looking forward to the end result on a day that promises to have nice weather.  Welcome back summer of 2009 that never was.
Don't get me started on weather and outdoor weddings.  I will leave that for another day, which could actually fill several posts (and will).  I'm looking for your good or bad outdoor wedding stories!  I know there are many out there so spill it.

Til next time,
Bethanie

First Day of Many

Welcome to my blog and welcome to the first of many posts to come. After celebrating 5 wonderful years of wedding consulting services in Thunder Bay I thought it was only appropriate to share my experiences with my home town and even the world.

Visit often for regular conversations about planning, features on past and upcoming weddings, ideas that I have fallen in love with and want you to enjoy and the day to day wonders of wedding planning in Thunder Bay. This town knows how to throw a party and You're Invited to join me on my adventures.

Much love.
Bethanie