TWO FREE Bridal Tour Tickets up for Grabs!

We have TWO FREE tickets for the upcoming A Bride's Day Out Tour (an $80 value!).

To win the ticket -

1. Become a fan of Events Refined on Facebook.
2. Write on our fan page Facebook wall with your name (first name only) and wedding date.
3. Tell us why you said "yes" when you're fiance proposed.
4. You will be entered into a drawing to win TWO free tickets.
We will be accepting emails until Friday, February 5th 2010. On Saturday we will randomly select the winner and the winner will be announced via the blog. So, stay tuned and good luck! We can't wait to hear from you!

-Sara

Why You Should Have a Wedding Planner

Every couple wants the day of their wedding to be perfect; the centerpieces in place, the DJ ready to play and the limo to be on time. However, there is always a chance that something can go wrong. This is where a handy dandy planner can come into action! A wedding planner is there to help the bride on her special day and make sure everything goes according to plan.

Here are just a couple examples of what a wedding planner can help prevent or fix on the day of your wedding:

1. It's 7:00pm the night before, and your centerpieces have not arrived at the reception hall.

2. The DJ is late.

3. A rather intoxicated relative decides to make a speech at the reception.

4. The minister is stuck in traffic.

5. You go to use the restroom and there is no toilet paper.

6. You forgot your bouquet somewhere.

7. The Groom faints (probably because you look so stunning on your wedding day).

8. The tuxes don’t fit correctly.

9. The bar runs dry at 9:30 pm.

10. You reception venue is understaffed.

11. Your EX shows up…uninvited.

12. A fire alarm goes off.

13. Your bartender doesn’t show up.

14. Your bartender runs out of ice.

15. You misplace your shoes, earrings, necklace, anything.

16. A relative gets stage fright and simply WONT get up and do the reading in the ceremony.

17. Someone has misplaced the guest book and pen.

18. Your heel breaks.

19. No back up plan for outdoor photos-it starts to rain.

20. Uninvited guests crash the wedding!

We only listed 20 scenarios, but sadly, the list goes on. When you hired Events Refined we can assure you that we will do our best to take care of all of these crazy catastrophes and more! Having a wedding planner can help cut these potential mishaps from happening. The solution is simple- hire a wedding planner! It will be the best money you spend on your whole wedding.

Wedding Day Survival Kit

On your wedding day you may spend the day fearing that everything that CAN go wrong WILL go wrong. If you think this will be you, you had better start the day prepared and make a “Wedding Day Survival Kit.” Ask your maid of honor or one of your bridesmaids to help you put this kit together and be responsible for its whereabouts that day. When constructing your survival kit, make sure you include some of the necessary items:

-Tampons

-Lipstick/lip gloss: It's always nice to touch up

-Bobby pins: for those loose hairs

-Safety pins

-Pain Killers: Advil, Tylenol, whatever your preference, but stressful days can cause bad headaches and NO BRIDE (or groom) wants a headache on THEIR day!

-Camera: for those impromptu candid moments

-Deodorant/Perfume: If being nervous or excited makes you sweat; pack your deodorant so that you don't leave stains on your (expensive) dress. You will also spend the day hugging and talking with people, so you will want to freshen up every so often.

-Deodorant Stain Removers: Check out Gal-Pal! I used it at my sister’s wedding and it was amazing! (www.gal-pal.com)

-Hairspray

-Clear Nail Polish: to help prevent chips

-Tissues: there will always be someone who cries at the wedding!

For the bag in which you will pack your Survival Kit, choose something fun and cute! The bag doesn’t have to be expensive either. Check out Target to see if they have fun bags or check out Vera Bradley for their cute totes! For example, if your dresses are red, pink, or even gold, this might be the tote for you!

Of course you can modify this kit as you see fit, but this should give you a good start. One of the perks of hiring Events Refined to plan and/or coordinate your wedding is that your planner will have a Wedding Day Survival Kit with them so you don't have to worry about anything! If you let us know your favorite shade of lipstick, we will be sure to include that in there as well!

Happy Planning!

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Allison Garrett From Allison Garrett Photography!

Your name (and title/position): Allison Garrett, Owner/Photographer

Business Name: Allison Garrett/Photographer

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Service or Product Offered: Wedding and Engagement Photography

How long in business: 5 years

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding?

I have been set on being

a photographer since high school, but I really never put much thought into wedding photography. I had never seen really good wedding photography...just lots of boring posed formals and couldn’t imagine how that could possibly be fun or require much creativity.

In college I became a lot more serious about photography and invested in some decent equipment and took all of the classes that were offered. During my junior year my best friend asked if I would photograph her brother’s wedding. Looking back I should have been terrified (I’m still absolutely horrified by how unprepared I was), but it went shockingly well. Somehow word spread and I continued to shoot weddings part-time un

til the end of 2007 when I left my job as a graphic designer to be a full-time photographer. I could not be happier with my decision and absolutely love the opportunity to work with such amazing couples and to create images that far exceed what I initially saw as “wedding photography.”

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on?

Photography, of course! (yes, I am biased). Actually, ceremony and reception sites can be a little challenging. It seems like there are endless possibilities in the area, but I know they book really fast. As fun and flattering as it is to have a couple base their date on my availability it doesn’t work very well when they don’t have anywhere to get married or have a reception!

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day?

I’m incredibly relaxed, easygoing and flexible and very much a “make it work” kind of person. I also try to make the whole photo experience as fun and painless as possible (with more emphasis on the fun part!).

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen?

Just relax and enjoy the day along with all of your friends and family and your WIFE! Also, don’t forget the black socks.

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how?

I’m probably a little biased again, but I feel like more couples are taking the decision of choosing a photographer very seriously. It makes it extra special when they pick you!

Are there any changes for your business in the near f

uture you would like to share?

Just plan on lots more fabulous images for 2010. I have a year full of amazing couples...can’t wait!

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer?

It sounds really simple and a little cliche, but just enjoy the day. You’ve put a lot of time, energy (and dollars) into the event so allow yourselves to soak up every bit of it.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”?

Lotion, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Medication, Safety Pins, Sewing Kit/Thread, Contact Info for all Vendors, Snacks, Water, Breath Mints/Gum, Extra pair of shoes.

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why?

The rings...we’re both long-lasting reminders of an awesome day! :)

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings?

If it’s a popular wedding song, I’m probably tired of it! However, my musical preferences are pretty unimportant so feel free to play them all!

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus)

A lot of people think I only work on the actual wedding days. The photos don’t edit themselves! I spend a lot of time on post-production work as well as client communication, accounting, marketing, etc. I also have portrait and engagement sessions during the week. It can get a little chaotic at times and sometimes my to-do list spans multiple pages, but I love it.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information:

Wedding and Engagement Photography

www.allisongarrett.com

allison@allisongarrett.com

402.641.1728

NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) Montly Meeting

Hello!
We had our monthly NACE meeting this past Tuesday night. The meeting last month was cancelled due to this crazy weather. So when the forecast called for freezing drizzle we were determined to not let that stop us! Cali from A Sound Impression and Misty from Sweet Art Wedding Cakes  rode up with Lindsey and I.

Anyways, these meetings are always fun. They are always held at really cool locations (November was at The Magnolia in Omaha and this past one was held at Arbor Hall in Omaha) and always have really great drink specials and serve delicious food.  This meeting at Arbor Hall was no different. We started the night off with a drink composed of Champagne and X-Rated and various appetizers such as crab cakes, assorted cheeses, and a delectable baked brie. After the welcome and introductions it was time for dinner! They had a pasta station that consisted of your choice of tortellini or fusilli pasta mixed with a red or cream sauce and had various mix-ins – chicken, sausage, shrimp, cheese, onions, etc. They had another station that had a mixed salad and steamed broccoli, then your choice of beef or stuffed pork. Everything was heavenly. I cannot believe how well they fed us. To top it off, they had a dessert buffet consisting of a chocolate fountain, strawberries, brownies, cookies, marshmallows…the list goes on!
It was then time to listen to the Bridal Panel. There is always an education aspect of these meetings, and this month it happened to be wedding related. There were two brides that had already gotten married and a bride and a bride and groom that were still in the planning stages. They were so kind to answer everyone’s questions. It is always helpful to get some unbiased insight into a bride and groom’s mind. This was Lindsey’s first time attending one of these meetings, and she had the opportunity to ask a few questions. I think she enjoyed herself! The night was cut a little short because of the nasty weather forecast, so we were sent on our way home. However, before we left we were sent home with our very own cake. Not just a slice of cake, a whole cake. It was fabulous! Joni (the owner of Arbor Hall) was so inviting and hospitable to everyone. The reception facility was beautifully decorated and the staff was very helpful. I would definitely recommend this to any bride looking for a reception facility. Here is the link again to their website: Arbor Hall. Thanks again Joni for having us!

I am already looking forward to the next meeting. They are always full of great networking opportunities, the chance to learn something new, and I get fed better at these than anywhere else!

Give your Traditional Cake a Twist!

In most weddings the cake is cut by the Bride and Groom, after which, the happy newly weds stuff a piece of the fluffy frosting into each other’s mouths, smiling. It’s at this time that the banquet staff takes the cake in the back to feverishly cut the cake, trying to get it out to the dessert hungry guests in a timely manner.


Instead of having your guests wait for a server to bring them their piece of cake, why not try something new? One alternative for a huge cake is to have smaller cakes on each of the reception tables. This will help take care of the decorations for the tables as well as the cake itself. With these smaller cakes in mind, have the longest married couple at each table cut the cake. This can be a conversation starter for everyone at the table and it’s a fun friendly contest.


Now, if you really want to give your guests a surprise, at each table have a different flavor of cake. If you have 30 plus tables you can have cakes that are vanilla, chocolate, red velvet and strawberry. A variety of cake flavors allow guests to mingle to the next table and swap cakes if they want. Also, just because there will be smaller cakes on each of the tables, doesn’t mean the Bride and Groom shouldn’t cut a cake; they can simply downsize too. Instead of cutting a cake to feed 200, the couple cuts a cake for the wedding party.  That way the couple still gets their “cake cutting” moment, and the guests get a pleasant surprise when asked to cut the cakes at their tables. 

Photos courtesy of: Ashley Duncan

A Bride's Day Out - a tour of Lincoln's Premier Wedding Vendors

Just got engaged? Have burning questions that need answered? Don’t know who to hire? Looking for a fun way to celebrate being a bride?

Here is your chance to talk with industry experts while they spoil you with knowledge and attention. We have hand selected Lincoln’s premier wedding vendors to participate in this one-of-a-kind day! These business owners are ready to show you some behind-the scenes tricks of the trade and answer all your questions. Come spend a Sunday afternoon with us and be sure to invite your best friend, mother, or better yet, your other half as we sip champagne and help you celebrate being a bride!

The next tour is scheduled for Sunday, February 21st, 2010. Here is the itinerary*:

10:00am Reception Facility/Rentals

11:00 Florist

11:45 Videographer/Dessert

12:30pm Photographer

1:00 Dress Shop/Personal Trainer

1:45 Stationer

2:30 Hair Studio/Cakes

3:00 Back to reception facility

*Subject to change

Early Bird Discount - $30/ticket or 2 for $55

Deadline to purchase tickets is February 12th, 2010. Cost per ticket is $40 or 2 tickets for $70. Brunch, champagne, transportation and a swag bag worth hundreds of dollars in discounts is included.

Purchase tickets on our website at: http://www.eventsrefined.com/

Questions? Call Events Refined at 402.486.3793 or email events@eventsrefined.com

Dual Purpose Wedding Favors

With today economic state, it’s clear that everyone is trying to save a buck or two, even when it comes to weddings. One way to help save a little money and incorporate some fun into the wedding reception is picking a wedding favor that can serve two purposes. Couples who are looking to stretch their wedding dollar a little further should opt for wedding favors that serve a practical dual purpose.

For example, burn candles at the reception that the guests can later take with them. Go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby and buy simple, plain, white candles. Get the bridesmaids together, and have a "decorating" party. Decorate these with whatever you choose - ribbons, buttons, etc. This way, the guests can take the candles after the reception to use in their homes.

Another fun idea is having lottery tickets on the tables at the reception. Put the lottery tickets in an envelope with a note inside saying something cute like “we get half” or “thanks for the donation!” This will be sure to get guests talking - trying to find out if anyone got a "big winner"! Hopefully all your guests will be willing to share if they win big!

Another cute and easy wedding favor is to put your favorite candy in a bag with ribbons that match the wedding party. You could also color cordinate the candy to match!! For instance, have red Laffy Taffy, red Skittles and red M&M's in a cute little bag at each place setting. Just be sure whatever candy you are mixing together won't start to share flavors with each other. If you put those cinnamon red hots with M&Ms, you may find your M&M's taste like cinnamon! To make this cost-effective, purchase the candy in bulk on-line or check your local candy shop, such as Incredible Bulk Candies in Lincoln.

Take some time to sit down with your significant other to decide what cute and creative wedding favor works best with your budget. Trust me, your guests and wallet will thank you later!

-Lindsey

Introducing Lindsey!

Hello everyone! I’m Lindsey and I am a proud and happy employee of Events Refined! I am originally from Omaha and currently am a Junior at UNL earning a degree in Hospitality Restaurant Tourism Management with an emphasis in Event Planning and Lodging; I plan on graduating May 2011. I decided to get a degree in Event Planning because I love organizing and coordinating. My dream is to one day help plan weddings because I absolutely love weddings! Everything about the day is so amazing to me-seeing the bride in her dress, hearing the speeches and the dancing at the reception. The whole day is incredible and I cannot wait to help make that day even more magical when I help plan the wedding.

On top of being a full time student, I love to scrap book and watch Husker Football (but then again, who in the state of Nebraska doesn't?) I’m exciting to get started on all the wonderful events Sara has come up with and I can’t wait to meet everyone and possibly work with you!

-Lindsey

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Char Rohl with Charlene’s Bridal and Event Rentals

Your name (and title/position): Char Rohl, Owner & Manager

Business Name: Charlene’s Bridal and Event Rentals

Location: 5508 S 56^th Street, Suite 3, Lincoln, NE 68516 (Edgewood Shopping Center)

Service or Product Offered: Complete line of rental items for weddings, receptions, events, parties, etc.

How long in business: 2 years

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? My husband and I, along with our nine year old son, live near Lincoln, Nebraska. I had been a stay-at-home mom for eight years. Prior to that, I worked in the healthcare industry, rimarily at BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. When my youngest son started school about f our years ago, I began exploring possible options regarding my future career outside the home. While helping my daughter plan her wedding, I realized I had found what I'd been looking for over the last few years! As I was shopping for wedding and reception items, contemplating buying vs renting, I visited some wonderful and unique rental stores in Lincoln. I became very excited and passionate about this whole concept.

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? Most couples should have their rentals reserved at least 6 months prior to their wedding.

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? We have a diverse staff, very helpful, friendly, (most of which are family) and so excited to help couples plan their wedding.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? I say stick with the stereotype day. This is the bride’s…and your day will be much better if you don’t ever forget that!!!

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? No, I wouldn’t say they’ve changed. I do see a whole spectrum of couples, though – some who come in with an open ended budget as parents are paying for everything. Others come in with their parents and are somewhat cost conscience. And then, of course, we have the couples who are struggling financially and are paying for the wedding themselves.

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? None

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Only to the mothers of brides and grooms – have a personal attendant PLEASE! If mothers are so involved and coordinating and taking care of everything..they miss the most important day of their children’s lives. I know this first hand! And it’s an awful feeling to not have experienced the emotion of giving your children away because you were to caught up in the planning/coordination. Relax, sit back, and enjoy!! J

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Kleenex, pins, favorite alcoholic beverage!

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? I would say we’re the “chairs”. We can provide the support you need from the rehearsal dinner all the way through to the reception.

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? I will be here by Steven Curtis Chapman OR You are the love of my life by Jim Brickman J Love them both!!

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) I would say the most common is the cost of rentals. Often times, couples buy their vases, décor, etc and do not realize how much cheaper it is to rent these items or even that renting is an option!

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information:

402-421-1291

e-mail: charsrentals@windstream.net

website: www.charsrentals.com

Introducing...

Lindsey P! She is a new member to the Events Refined team. She currently is a student at UNL and is majoring in Hospitality Restaurant and Tourism Management with an emphasis in Event Planning and Lodging. She is passionate about creating and managing events and cannot wait to help bride and grooms plan their perfect day! Lindsey is also going to be managing the blog and sharing all her fabulous ideas with couples. Without further ado... I will let Lindsey introduce herself and share some fun facts with you.

Bridal Bootcamps by Body OverHALL

My friend Heather who is a personal trainer is offering Bridal Bootcamps to brides wanting to get into shape before their wedding day.

Well, I am already married so attending a BRIDAL bootcamp is a little after the fact. However, I am attending her regular bootcamps and OH MY GAH, she kicks butt. MY butt. Her bootcamps are taking place right around 8th and Pioneers and meet a couple different times a week. After the first week of her bootcamp, I already felt stronger!

Check out her website: Body OverHALL and feel free to give her a call at 402.440.1546. She also is really good with email: heather@bodyoverhall.com

To follow my progress as I go through Heather's bootcamp, check out my health blog: Wealth for my Health. You're probably thinking that's a strange name... but there is a story behind it that I can't share until late next week. So, add the blog to your Google Reader (or better yet, become a follower!) and stay tuned!