Happy New Year to all of you! Thank you all for such amazing year, without your support we would not have made it this far. We have gathered some images of some of the events we catered to in 2013 … Continue reading
A Reflection of 2013
Tag Archives: Wedding planning
Work it Out Wednesdays – “30 Minutes to a Sexier you!”
Today I want to introduce a 30 Minute workout that can be done anywhere and everywhere. The best thing is that you don’t need any equipment! All you will need is your own body weight for resistance, and 30 seconds … Continue reading
Work it out Wednesdays – Get in Shape for your Big Day!
It’s so common that as women we become overwhelmed with all of our daily tasks that we tend to forgot some of the important things that need to be done. For instance, for all our Brides-to-be, if you are the midst of planning your wedding, odds are that as you’re stressing over centerpieces, looking for a photographer, dealing with your bridesmaids and everything in between. The last thing on your mind is considering what you’ll look like to your nearest and dearest as they stare at your backside on your way down the aisle. Can you feel me on this one?
According to a Brides.com 2006 American Wedding Study, out of 2.3 million American Weddings, only 80% of the brides and over half of the wedding party & family members will take steps to change their eating or exercise habits for the big day. And hopefully if you are reading this you will be one of them! If not, let’s work on getting that percentage up…not only for your wedding day, but for your future and that of your children and future generations.
I’m not saying that if you are not a fitness model for your wedding day, that you won’t be a beautiful bride. I think ALL women are beautiful no matter their weight, or shape! Everyone is entitled to make the decision about whether or not to work out and/or eat right on their own. No one wants to witness a Carb-free wife-to-be lose her mind over place settings at the rehearsal dinner, because from experience I know that this can be an ugly sight!! One of the main reasons I believe eating right and working out are important is because this is an ultimate CONFIDENCE BOOSTER…oh and it would feel so cool to have people stare at a HOT back side walking down that aisle! ;o)
Your engagement time should be an amazing time in your relationship transition. Both your mind and your body are going to be running on overdrive from the moment you said Yes to the ring until you’ve said good-bye to your last guest after your reception. So get your heart rate up, work those muscles to the max, and eat healthy to kick your brain into the “I’m a HOT Bride!” mode. Just remember that making time for regular workouts can keep you focused and feeling great about yourself. So what’s better way to start your new life?
I am sure you have a ton of other things that you are worried about in the process of wedding planning, so you are probably wondering why/how or when you will be able to focus on staying fit!
Ask yourself – IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN??? Start today by visiting our recent Work it out Wednesday Bootcamp postings:
https://favorsandmore.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/work-it-out-wednesdays-lets-trim-the-fat/
https://favorsandmore.wordpress.com/2013/09/04/work-it-out-wednesdays-aint-nobody-got-time-for-back-fat/
https://favorsandmore.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/work-it-out-wednesdays-legs-for-days/
https://favorsandmore.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/work-it-out-wednesdays-hush-up-squat/
Thank you for reading..Happy Training!
~Yosie
#Yourbootcampdiva
Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget… 8 ways to help you pick your venue!
You’re probably wondering how you can afford a high-end venue when you may be working with a not-so-high-end budget. We have come across an increasing number of newly engaged couples that have a hard time finding the venue that’s falls within their budget (and their vision). And since the venue will be the largest expense on the wedding planning list, many Brides-to-be are looking to reduce the cost of their reception venue, while making sure it’s everything they’ve always dreamed of.
We have gathered some ideas that might help ease the process of finding the right venue that will cater to you and your needs.
- When you call the venue to set up an appointment, do not mention that you are interested in hosting your wedding there. In the beginning, just say you are interested in setting up an appointment to visit the location for an upcoming event. The word “wedding” automatically marks up the price! Once you get a feel for the pricing for regular events, then you can start talking about the pricing for a wedding and see how you can leverage the initial conversation.
- Look for a venue that allows you to use your own vendors. Usually, when the venue has preferred vendors, they have set rates so they can make more money, leaving you at a standstill financially in other areas of your wedding planning. Oh and feel free to contact @Favors_and_More to discuss pricing for floral arrangements, favors and much more! ;o)
- Although there are specific wedding seasons throughout the year, try to host your wedding on an off-season. This is true in other areas of your life as well…such as Halloween Costumes being super expensive just before Halloween, but 50%+ off the day AFTER Halloween. If you have an off-wedding-season wedding, you may be able to save a little.
- Try to pick a date other than Saturday Night; Saturday is such a huge party night, so the rates are more expensive at almost every venue.
- Think outside the box! Look for a location where people wouldn’t normally think to host a wedding, such as a Golf Course, a Winery or even a Museum/Aquarium. Those places would be an interesting site for your guests and the cost may be less than a venue that typically hosts weddings. Some non-traditional places such as a museum may have historical significance and a great amount of design elements that can be worked into your wedding theme/decor. When you find a venue that suits your personal style, look around to see if you can use anything in the space that you’ll be able to tie into your floral arrangements, table decor, etc.
- See if hosting your event during the day is less expensive. Brunch style weddings are a lot more common lately and can save you some money in the long run.
- Consolidate! Consider choosing a single venue for both your ceremony and reception. That way, you can cut down on travel costs, and you won’t have to pay fees for two separate locations.
- Last but not Least don’t be afraid to ask for a discount if you are paying in full/cash when you book the location.
We hope these tips help you on your journey to finding the right venue for your wedding day!
Thank you for reading!
~Yosie~
#Yourdecoratingdiva
The Ultimate Emergency Kit for Wedding Planners
As Wedding and Event planners we highly recommend carrying an Emergency Kit with you….At all times! A good wedding planner will always have a stock of emergency wedding supplies, including items that the bride and her attendants wouldn’t think to have on hand! While we hope you don’t have emergencies on the big day, it is always better to be safe than sorry. We created our own Emergency Kit and we each carry one in our cars at all times “just in case”!
The cool thing is that we have used it for a wedding or two. We had to sew the buttons back onto the suit of one of our grooms one day and we’re glad we had our handy little sewing kit available ;o)
The Favors & More Emergency Kit
Pharmacy
- Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit (band aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes) – $0.99
- Acetaminphen-Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever – $1.99
- 4 Alka Seltzer packages $0.99
- Eye Drops – $1.99
- Kleenex – $0.99
- Q-tips – $0.99
Hair Products
- Bobby Pins & Hair Clips – $2.99
- Brush & Comb – $3.69
- Hair Elastics – $2.99
- Mini Hairspray & Mouse – $2.00
Beauty Products
- Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder – $0.99
- Chapstick – $2.99
- Secret Antiperspirant – $1.19
- Mini Nail Kit – $2.99
- Sally Hansen: Clear Nail Polish – $2.00
Dental/Food
- Wisp disposable toothbrush – $0.99
- Orbit Gum – $0.97
- Mini Scope Mouth Wash – $.99
- Chewy Granola Bar – $0.89
- Nutrigrain Bar – $0.99
Tools:
- Sewing Kit – $1.99
- Downy Wrinkle Releaser – $1.50
- 4 packs of Wet Ones – $0.99
- Travel Lint Roller – $0.99
- Cabooble Bag – From Target $19.99
Total Estimated Cost for Emergency Kit: $68.31
So think about it … with just about $70 you can possibly save the day. Before you restock your emergency Kit for your next event, be sure to contact your bride & make sure she has no allergies to any specific medications you may have or any snacks you pack in your kit.
Here are Some other Wedding Day Emergency Kit Essentials we found on http://eventplanning.about.com/od/eventplanningbasics/ss/Wedding-Planners-Emergency-Kit-Supplies-To-Prevent-Wedding-Day-Emergencies.htm:
- Facial blotting papers for reducing shine on both women and men
- Cotton swabs for fixing makeup mishaps
- Tweezers for errant eyebrow hairs (or unexpected splinters!)
- Green floral tape and pins in case a boutonniere needs to be improvised
- Moleskin bandages to prevent or ease the pain of blisters caused by new shoes
- White chalk for masking stains on a white wedding gown
- Hem tape, double-sided fashion tape and safety pins in white and black to repair attire as needed
- Anti-static spray
- Hard candy in case of dry mouth, sudden low blood sugar, or jitters
- Acetominophen, chewable antacids, and anti-diarrheal medication in case of illness
- A spare pen, preferably an elegant one, in case one is needed for the guest book
- Long-handled candle lighter for votive candles
FEEL FREE TO LET US KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR EMERGENCY KIT!
Introducing “Work-it-out Wednesdays” – Bridal Bootcamp
We have noticed that a good number of brides want to lose weight or tone up before their wedding day. If you are one of those Brides, and you’re not sure where to start, you are at the right place!! We’ve got a lot of interactive weight loss tools & wedding diet tips to help you stay on track. If your goal is getting in shape for your wedding, there are 5 important things you should consider incorporating into your daily routine starting NOW!
1. DRINK UP: I’m not referring to happy hour, I mean water and LOTS of it. Here are 6 Reason why you should drink water. Source: www.webmd.com
i. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
ii. Water Can Help Control Calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn’t have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.
iii. Water Helps Energize Muscles. Cells that don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. “When muscle cells don’t have adequate fluids, they don’t work as well and performance can suffer,” says Guest.
iv. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don’t expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines, says Atlanta dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, MD.
v. Water Helps Your Kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine, explains Guest. “Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate,” he says.
vi. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don’t get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration — and the result is constipation.
2. EAT SMALLER MEALS: There is no reason to starve yourself! You definitely don’t have to go hungry, but when you eat a few meals throughout the day you find yourself eating less and still fulfilled.
3. EAT YOUR FRUITS & VEGGIES: Create a daily log and keep track of your snacks, the more healthy snacks you eat, the less you’ll crave more unhealthy options. Always have your veggies & fruits pre-cut and ready in little zip lock bags for your convenience.
4. CUT BACK ON THE HAPPY HOUR: The empty calories in wine, beer and other liquors can cost you 150 calories per drink or more.
5. EXERCISE: Find a plan that works with your lifestyle and stick to it. There is no need to become stir crazy about going to the gym. Start walking more, do some gardening, go out dancing (just don’t have any drinks)
Workout of the day: Every Bride wants sexy lean arms on their wedding day:
Tricep dip: THESE ARE MY FAVORITE!
- While sitting on a chair, grip the edge of the seat with your hands and stretch your legs out in front of you.
- Move your body forward so that your feet are flat, your arms are bent behind you holding you up and your body is extended above the ground.
- Slowly raise and lower your body using your triceps.
- Do three sets of 15.
Targeted Muscles
The great part is that you can do these anywhere…even on your office chair!!
Stay tuned for more work-out tips next Wednesday!!
Favors & More is Excited to announce that we give 2 complimentary bridal bootcamp sessions for our brides to be used before her wedding day. ;o) Contact us for more info!!
Happy #WorkitoutWednesday
~Yosie~
Is Pinterst Right for you?
It’s a proven fact that we spend most of our day perusing the Internet. So of course, when it’s your turn to be the Bride-to-be, it’s completely normal that you look to the Internet for some inspiration. It’s very rare that we find an actual Wedding Planning book in the hands of our brides these days. We often have brides approach us with emails filled with ideas they have found all over the web or in magazines. And lately the biggest trend is Pinterest. THEY ALL LOVE PINTEREST & SO DO WE
So what is Pinterest?
“Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. Users can browse other pinboards for images, “re-pin” images to their own pinboards, or “like” photos.” Wikipedia 😉 “Pinterest is a tool for collecting and organizing things you love.”
How to use it?
First things first request an invite from their homepage. Once you get one, log in and they will direct you to a “Pin it” link that you can drag into your bookmarks or favorites bar.
Pin it: A pin starts with an image or video you add to Pinterest. You can add a pin from a website using the Pin It bookmarklet or upload an image right from your computer. Any pin on Pinterest can be repinned, and all pins link back to their source.
Creata Board: A board is where you organize your pins by topic. You could pin ideas for remodeling your bathroom to your House Projects board, for example. Boards can be secret or public, and you can invite other people to pin with you on any of your boards.- – So, for example, if you find a DIY tutorial on wedding Card Boxes, you can add it to your “Wedding board” and it will always be available for viewing at a later date.
Follow: When you follow someone, their pins show up in your Pinterest home feed. You can follow all of someone’s boards or just the ones you like best
Is there other ways to Use Pinterest??
But of Course! Now you don’t have to print anything or email a bunch of attachments. Pinterest is a great way to share your inspirations & Ideas with other people including your Wedding planner, photographer, Invitation Specialist & your cake Baker and any other vendor. There is also a free app on the Iphone or Ipad available to download so you can pin at any given time. If you feel a bit overwhelmed with looking up attachments and old emails/ printout this website will work wonders for you! Download it today
Check out our Pinterest and brose our Boards for some neat ideas that we have uploaded & Repined for your next event!
Dear Groom…
Dear Groom,
Congratulations on your recent engagement!! We know you are super excited about choosing the theme, colors, flowers and favors for your wedding. Or not! And that’s completely fine. 🙂
Although the wedding planning process may seem like it’s loaded with things women “should” be doing, there are plenty of goodies you can help out with. You may even enjoy it! Your level of involvement will determine whether or not you feel like a guest at your own wedding and it will help keep your fiancé sane throughout the process.
“How could I possibly be involved?” you ask? You can most likely help in a couple (or all) of these areas:
- Putting together the Guest List and Seating Arrangement
- Designing and printing your engagement announcement and/or save-the-date
- Working on your wedding website (if you choose to have one)
- Writing your own wedding vows
- Managing your wedding budget (assuming you’re good at math and/or using Microsoft Excel…lol). Keep in mind that whatever budget you decide on, you’ll exceed it by about 15-20%. Sad, but usually very true.
- Helping negotiate contracts with vendors (this will help with the bullet point above)
- Selecting a couple of Venues, DJs/Bands, Photographers/Videographers, Day-Of Coordinators, etc. to choose from and setting up meetings. We suggest you meet with all of the vendors together. This will help keep you and your fiancé on the same page (especially when it comes to the budget)
- Selecting Songs / Playlists / “do-not-play” list
- Looking for a dance company you feel comfortable taking lessons with (especially necessary if you have two left feet)
- Selecting Food and Drink menu
- Choosing the Limo / Car Service
- Tipping the Vendors – Gratuities are a big part of wedding etiquette. Research how much to tip vendors such as florists, photographers and entertainers.
If that is not enough to work on…here is one more thing for the list. Above all, and most importantly, remember your number 1 duty is to be supportive! The love of your life needs you to be there for her when things seem to be falling apart (even though everything is probably going really well). ;o)
Thanks in advance for all of your help during the planning process!!
Sincerely,
Every Bride in the World
~YJM~
Hiring a Wedding Planner and Day-Of Coordinator
What are the key benefits to hiring a Wedding Planner?
Wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners require an overwhelming amount of leg work, scheduling and attention to detail. Favors and More’s professional/certified wedding planners will take care of every aspect of your wedding according to your specifications from the perfect venue, cake, flowers, decorations, menu, and photographer, to coordinating with all the wedding vendors to keep you within your budget. We help create a signature experience for our clients and their guests and we will make sure every facet of your wedding day goes smoothly.
What are the key benefits to hiring a Wedding Day-Of Coordinator?
The greatest benefit would be to have the peace of mind that all the details will come together as you planned. The amount of resources budgeted toward a wedding can be substantial, and with just 5-10% of the cost (depending on the overall budget) going to coordination for the day, couples can ensure that countless hours of planning time will be made easier and that they get the most for their money. Think about it: In addition to being the center of attention, you two are also the hosts of the celebration, unlike the days when parents took charge of wedding day festivities. If a last-minute snafu crops up, having a coordinator on board allows you to be charming, gracious hosts, rather than frazzled, last-minute problem solvers. You’ll be able to truly enjoy every moment of the day.
We have the experience, knowledge, guidance, and creativity to make your wedding day as wonderful as you always hoped it would be.
Favors & More’s Wedding Planning Services include:
A la carte services include:
~YJM~
