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!

Happy 2010! What the future holds...

First, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

It's nice to be able to hit the "refresh" button every 365 days.

2009 brought a lot of changes in my life, both personally and professionally. I am truly greatful for my little Isabella that I welcomed in April. She and Emma are the reason I put one foot in front of the other.

I am also grateful for the friendships I have formed in the business community this past year. These people are inspiring, and I truly appreciate their willingness to listen and give advice. I hope I can pay it forward in the years to come.

Lastly, I want to thank all my clients I had the pleasure of getting to know and work for in 2009. I work so closely with my couples, that they truly do become my friends after the wedding. In fact, I have plans to meet up with my former clients this summer on my trip to Chicago.

Looking ahead to 2010:

I am making a commitment to myself to meet more fantastic people in the community this year. Through networking and attending community events, I can't wait to meet more inspirational, forward thinking individuals.

2010 is going to bring additional staff members to Events Refined. I brought on Lindsey at the tail end of wedding season this year, and she is going to be my "right hand woman" beginning the first of the year. She is going to be a wonderful additional to the Events Refined family, and I can't wait for the opportunity to work with her.

I am also looking forward to all the things I can't predict or plan for in 2010. Sometimes the best things in life are the things you never saw coming.

Here's to 2010! Stay tuned for upcoming events announced in January!

Third times the charm, right?

When I started my own business, I offerred errand running services, personal assitant services, dog/home services, etc. The name, My Girl Friday was a great name that reflected all the services I offerred.

A year later, I decided to focus solely on event planning. My Girl Friday didn't really fit the bill anyone, so I brainstormed a new name and decided to re-brand my company. I am all about creating an event that reflects the person it's for, so "Signature Events" was a great choice. Bella means beautiful in French, and I had just had my second daughter and named her Isabella. So, Bella Signature Events was born. Just as every person who is brainstorming ideas for their business should, I checked with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) website. I checked their database for the business name I was interested in, and as luck would have it, nobody had trademarked Bella Signature Events. Score! Bella Signature Events was my new business name, and the rest was history.

Wel, the rest was history until a month ago. I was contacted by a company out on the westcoast called Bella Signature Design. They have been doing business as that name for over a decade and have service marked that name. They explained to me that Bella Signature Events is close enough to Bella Signature Design, and since they own the rights to that name, I need to cease and desist. Too bad the USPTO website didn't explain that to me. Hence the reason one should ALWAYS hire a lawyer when setting up a business. Another lesson learned the hard way. Not my first and it probably won't be my last. Incredibly frustrating, but I will move on!

So, time to think of a THIRD name for my business. There were quite a few business names I was throwing around when I was brainstorming Bella Signature Events. Events Refined had been in the running, but it took second place. I liked the idea of incorporating a family name into my business name, hence the reason Bella Signature Events took first. However, after being reminded by MANY people how my Emma might be angry that I didn't name the business after her, I decided the third time around it would be best to leave family member's names out of the business name. So, Events Refined it is. I hope you enjoy the new business name. There are also some new (and very exciting I must say) events that I will get to announce right after the New Year. Stay tuned!

Last Chance!

Today is your LAST CHANCE to puchase tickets to the 5 Course Beer Tasting Dinner. For more information scroll down the page - and to purchase tickets visit www.bellasignatureevents.com/events.html

Better than a fresh pack of Crayola Crayons....

Margo and Zack's Wedding

Margo wanted to have a beautiful fall "themed" wedding, without it looking like there was going to be a hayrack ride after dinner. I think we accomplished that.

Margo and Zack both spent the afternoon keeping themselves calm (each in their own way).

They had the ceremony and reception at the Country Club of Lincoln. I loved working with Julie and her team. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon!.

Heidi Beran provided the ceremony music on her harp! It sounded awesome, she is incredibly talented.

The uber talented Conrad from Stem Gallery created the centerpieces, aisle decor, and altar arrangements, and Char from Charlene's Bridal and Event Rentals provided the chair covers and linens.

A couple days before the wedding, it was realized that the escort cards were not going to work as we had originally intended them to. So, three days before the wedding I got my hands on 175 wine corks and constructed escort card holders out of them. They blended in well with the rest of the decor. Christopher and his team from Porridge Papers created all the paper (and printing) for the wedding. The invitations rocked - they were made out of plantable paper. Instead of tossing the invitation after the wedding, guests could plant their invitation and wildflowers would sprout! How eco-friendly and awesome is that!?

Zack had a slightly untraditional wedding party - instead of a Best Man he had a Best Woman. Let me tell you, I think EVERY groom should have a Best Woman in his bridal party. We loved Kate!

Immediately following the ceremony, David Dale (thanks David (and Chris!)for the photos!!) stole Zack and Margo for a private photo session. Margo and Zack wanted to have some time alone to let the fact that they just had gotten MARRIED settle in. This was the perfect way to get that alone time, and get some rad photos taken. Apparently David had taken some time off from shooting weddings - but you couldn't tell from all his awesome photos he took! He definitely has an artistic eye when taking shots.

After they were done shooting photos, it was time for dinner and dessert. Zack is a horseshoer so it made sense to have an anvil for the grooms cake. Linda Hudson (Butterfly Bakery) created this masterpiece.

The rest pf the night consisted of Kala and Ryan keeping the dance floor rocking all night long, and a vodka and red bull hour (free vodka and red bulls for an hour) that really kicked the party up a notch! Kala and Ryan are two of the most personable emcees/deejays I have EVER met. I can't wait to work with them again.

The night ended with Zack and Margo being whisked away to the Magnolia Hotel in a sedan from Luxury Limousine.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day - and I wish you two the best of luck in the future!

Client Insight: Heidi McLaughlin

1. Why did you hire a wedding planner to assist you in planning your wedding?
We live out of state and needed someone to organize and coordinate vendors and to help the day run smoothly. Also because I needed to maintain my sanity ;)

2. What was something that surprised you about the planning process?

How nice it was to have someone taking care of the details and keeping me on task throughout the year. It was nice to know that someone else was helping to make sure everything got accomplished.

3. What percentage of the decisions regarding the wedding was made by you? Your husband? Jointly?
By me...30%, by Festy...20, Both...50%

4. Is there anything you would have done differently? Shifted any of your priorities?

No...it was PERFECT!!! (happy sigh!!)

5. When you think back on your wedding day, what is your favorite memory?
Looking at everyone having a fun time; being relaxed and celebrating with our family and friends.

6. Anything else you would like to add?
Having Sara as our planner was amazing. She became more of a friend than a helper/planner and we could tell she had our best interests in mind and listened. She really took time with us and made us feel comfortable and we loved having her there. She ROCKS!!!! and we hope to keep in touch with her in the future.

Client Insight: Margo Hamilton

1. Why did you hire a wedding planner to assist you in planning your wedding?

Zack and I have never planned a wedding, so we thought, who better to help us through the myriad of appointments, choices, and expectations than a professional. We knew we would never make it through the process without help mediating families, and keeping us on track.

2. What was something that surprised you about the planning process.
That a wedding is an intricate creature. No matter how casual, or fancy, detailed, or personalized your wedding may be, everyone wants to know every detail down to the smallest thing. Most times, the bride has to decide, which is at times, more irritating than one imagined possible, but none the less, necessary.

3. What percentage of the decisions regarding the wedding was made by you? Your husband? Jointly?
Our wedding was about 95% jointly planned between Zack and I.

4. Is there anything you would have done differently? Shifted any of your priorities?
I would have really hounded people for their guest lists earlier than I did, perhaps been more pushy than I was with our parents.

5. When you think back on your wedding day, what is your favorite memory?
Seeing Zack at the altar in his kilt.

6. Anything else you would like to add?
It takes more than a bride and a groom to make a wedding happen. Be kind to your providers, and try to realize they are human beings too, with opinions which are at times more educated than your own. Its a wedding, not a nuclear missile launch, don't stress over details, or forget your manners just b/c you are at wits end.