Happy Valentine's Day and a Vendor Profile!

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone out there!  I know there will be a plethora of new brides-to-be after today!  In fact, one of my friends just proposed today!  According to families.com and The Diamond Information Center approx. 10% of marriage proposals happen today.  So congratulations to all you newly engaged couples, and to those of you who tied the knot today!

Anyone wanting to share their plans for Valentine's Day?  I know my husband and I like to do a more low-key, at-home type celebration.  We've made fondue or other special dinners in years past.  This one we are following that tradition, and we are making lobster tails, crab cakes, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, and eclairs for dessert.  Getting hungry just thinking about it!

And speaking of food, February's Vendor Highlight is on a wonderful bakery by the name of Dolce Baking Company in Prairie Village.  They are a boutique scratch bakery, and have been in business since fall 2007.  Several brides that I've worked with have gone with them to do their wedding cakes, and from personal experience their cakes deserve rave reviews!  Not only are the beautifully decadent, but supremely delicious.  So if you are looking for a good bakery to make your cake, groom's cake, dessert bar, cupcake creation, etc. I think you should consider going with Dolce!

Website: http://dolcebakingcompany.com
Contact: 913-236-4411

Sample Work:

Photo credits: Dolce Baking Co.

Splash of Color!

So right now I am loving this color trend for weddings: red and aqua!  Gorgeous.  The great thing about it, is it works for a wedding any season of the year.  You can do a spring bash with emphasis on the aqua, a summer beach theme using red coral, or a fall/winter fete with heavy reds and a splash of the blue.  It is so versatile!

Check out these pictures for some great ideas on how to do these colors with your wedding.

Photo credit: Michael Norwood Photography and Wed Loft

Photo credit: Project Wedding

Photo credit: The Knot

Photo credit: It CAN be Arranged

Photo credit: Nikki B's Paper Boutique

Check out each of the photo links for additional aqua and red wedding ideas!

Dance!

I found myself in Bath and Body Works yesterday when the song "Marry You" by Bruno Mars came on.  I found myself fighting the urge to start dancing in the store.  So catchy and of course I love all things "wedding" related.  Glee performed this song last season for a wedding on the show, as you can see here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhDMryjmPUg&feature=related



I think when you listen to it, you might find yourself fighting the urge to dance as well.  And what a cute idea for a wedding party to do for the entrance!  Although, I will say I think this episode (as well as The Office with Jim and Pam's wedding) stole their idea from this couple's wedding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0



They made it cool to do an entrance that is slightly more memorable!  With 72 million hits, I'd say those shows were wise to steal the idea!

Vendor Update

Earlier this month I posted two vendors to take a closer look at: j. hamil photography and Life: by the Frenchs.  Right now both are running a special.  If you mention that you saw this ad, j. hamil photography will take 5% off any package you would like, and Life: by the Frenchs is running a contest to win a free mini photo shoot!  Both are excellent deals, that you can't afford to miss out on!  Make sure you check them out!

Great Websites!

I love finding new ideas and inspirations for weddings (or events involving the wedding).  Here are some recent great finds:

For the Maid of Honor (planning ideas):
http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/the-budget-guru/fun-bachelorette-party-ideas

Sometimes inspiration about what to do for the bachelorette party can fall flat.  These ideas listed here are awesome and creative!  Like this mug shot idea:

Photo credit: LB Photography

It documents the night with the "Maid of Dishonor" and the bridesmaids, as well.  Makes for a nice memory, even if you don't share it with anyone else! ; )

I also love the custom button-down shirts here:

Photo credit: Katie Day Photography

It could be a DIY project at the bridal shower, and then you have a shirt to get ready in on the day-of!  Plus, as a tip it's a great idea to wear a button-down shirt while getting ready, so you don't mess your hair up while trying to shimmy out of a non-button-down shirt!

Real Wedding Inspirations:

http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings.aspx

I love looking at other people's weddings to get ideas, and to just see what different personalities would pick for different themes.  

Like big city weddings, I just love!

Photo credit: Kristen Taylor Photography

Or a more Southwestern flair...love the blue door!

Photo credit: Jennifer McMenamin Photography

The Dress:

http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/wedding-dresses/fall-2012-collection/

Of course the dress!  Usually one of the first things a bride decides on, and helps set the tone of the event.  If you select a princess gown you are probably having a more upscale affair!  Like the mermaid chiffon gown?  Maybe planning a beach wedding?  

On this site you can check out the Fall 2012 trends.  This one is a particular favorite of mine!

Amsale

The small detailing at the waist, the stiffness of the fabric, and the silhouette are favs of mine! 

However if I was doing a vow renewal, I might choose something a bit more classic, like this, except in a lighter fabric for beach wear:

Amsale

These are just a couple of sites that I like to browse over.  If you have some favorites that you would love to share, please leave me a comment!

Don't Forget...

...if you book my services THIS MONTH for your wedding sometime in this year and mention this post, I will give you a discounted rate of 12% off the package you order. That could equal a savings of up to $276 if you book the complete wedding coordinator package! For more information of packages and pricing, visit my website at: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com.

Wedding Vendors Spotlight

   If you are a bride, one of the primary things on your mind (at any given time) is wedding vendors.  Who is the best?  Who should I avoid?  How much will this cost me?  Will I be happy with the end result?  It can be overwhelming, and at times you wish someone would just swoop in and tell you who to hire, who to avoid, and sign the contracts for you. 

   To make your job slightly easier, for 2012 I will be highlighting certain wedding vedors each month that I give my stamp of approval on, and suggest you consider them when hiring.  These vendors run the gamut from photographers, videographers, and hair stylists to event spaces, caterers, and bakers.  Of course if you are looking for a wedding planner to do the work for you, I can always offer my services (wink, wink), but here are some other vendors I think you should take a look at!

This month I am highlighting two creative photographers~  j. hamil photography and Life: by the Frenchs Photography.

j. hamil photography

Contact information: Get In Touch
Website: http://jhamilphotography.weebly.com/
Current Special: Mention that you saw this ad and get 5% off any package!
Style: Modern, Journalistic

Sample Work:

Life: by the Frenchs Photography

This husband and wife team provide creative, dynamic photography to capture life's most beautiful moments.  They cover everything from blossoming engagements and weddings to the blooms of children and families.  Chris and Allison's photography captures the candid joy, contagious laughter, and overall color of life's essence. 

Contact information: allisoncorrin@gmail.com
Website: http://www.lifebythefrenchs.com
Style: Photojournalistic

Sample Work:

Happy New Year!

Hope all of you 2012 brides have a wonderful new year!  If you are looking for any help planning your event, just contact me at alleneventdesigns@gmail.com.  I would be more than happy to help you create your ideal wedding, give you ideas, and make sure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. 

As a 2012 special running this month, if you book your wedding for sometime in this year and mention this post, I will give you a discounted rate of 12% off the package you order.  That could equal a savings of up to $276 if you book the complete wedding coordinator package! For more information of packages and pricing, visit my website at: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com. 

Happy New Year!

Proposal Stories

Have a wonderful proposal story? Share it here! I love hearing about how people got engaged.


I've seen this proposal several times on youtube, and I think it is so sweet.  A very elaborate proposal as well, with over 3 million views so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQVoAWSP7k4

 

December Special!

A Christmas gift to all brides-to-be! For anyone who books my event planning services this month, for their event in 2012, get a 10% discount on your planning package! For package pricing, go to the website here: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/packages.html, and find one that works for your wedding day needs!

Merry Christmas!

Back from Maternity Leave!

So we have had a long hiatus, since the newest addition! However, we are back in the swing of things again, and ready to make your event wonderful!

Thought I would let my KC brides know about a couple of exciting things that are going on right now!

If you know a bride in need of a wedding dress, and to support our local Harvesters, visit this website: http://altarbridal.com/food-drive-for-a-dress

Also, mark your calendars for January 29, 2012 for the Perfect Wedding Guide's "Engaged at Union Station"! It's from 11am to 4pm, and the first 100 brides get a Swag Bag! For those just at the beginning of the planning process all the way to those needing to tie up last minute details, plan to attend and see over 90 of KC's wedding vendors!

For additional information or a BOGO ticket visit this website:

http://kansas-city.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/

~Winter Wonderland~

I am partial to winter weddings myself, since I was married in Decemeber almost five years ago now. I think they are whimsical and romantic, especially when it snows. (We had an ice storm, but everyone came that RSVP'd and we had a great time!) They are also much easier to decorate for, as most everything is already donning "winter wear". For instance: ground is covered in snow, churches hang their wreaths/garland, reception sites hang their lights, candles are in the windows, and Christmas trees are dotted around town. All of this making your job significantly easier and cheaper for decoration. Another benefit to winter weddings is the cost. Less decorating costs, but also prices for all things wedding aren't jacked up like they are in spring/summer! Usually vendors and location costs are much more affordable in the winter months, because fewer brides are tying the knot then. Just stay clear of holidays, because costs go back up then (Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day). To help you finish out those last minute details and ideas here are some pictures of some gorgeous winter wonderland affairs!

Table Number that doubles as a take-home ornament favor!

Notice the sparklers in the top right corner, great for a winter send-off!

If you are looking for a color option other than the traditional red and green, ice blue and silver go very well together!

Snow can make for great photo opportunities! (Although, that last one could give you a chill!)

I love those mittens for the "something blue!"

Cakes have a creative edge for the winter months.

Love when weddings add lit up trees or other foliage for decoration. Easy and cheaper decorating idea!

Silver is very popular for these upcoming months!

Special for Previous Bride's of Allen Event Designs

Special announcement!

If you had your wedding coordinated by Allen Event Designs, than you can take advantage of our new referral program. If you refer any bride-to-be (or groom-to-be) to Allen Event Designs and they end up booking, you will be sent a check for 5% of their entire package price at the conclusion of their wedding. That means you can earn anywhere from $30 to $115 just for recommending a friend use this service. If you have questions about this, email me at alleneventdesigns@gmail.com.

Start taking advantage of this program now, so you can have cash in hand in the near future!

Color Trends for 2010!

For those at the beginning stages of their planning process, the first few steps you take are always:

~ Determine the Budget

~ Pick a Date

~ Number of Guests

and...

~ Color Coordination

What are this years colors trends?

We are looking at bright colors popping all over the place:

~Mango
~Fuchsia / Hot Pink
~Magenta
~Turquoise

**Mango paired with a turquoise and other bright color pairings below


All purple hues are in right now:

~Eggplant
~Lilac
~Bright Purple
~Violet

**Varying shades of purple paired with a splash of silver

Some colors that are making a comeback after a brief (or not so brief) hiatus:

~Mauve
~Coral
~Light Yellow / Warm Buttercream
~Soft Blue
~Navy

**Here is a classic navy paired with a more modern trend of pink (Below this you can see mauve isn't just for your grandmother's blush anymore!)


Good pairing colors for this year:

~Silver
~Cobalt
~Gray shades

**For instance pale yellow with gray and black


As always, happy wedding planning, and if you need anything I am here to help! Don't forget to check the website out too...updates are always being made! Visit it here: http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/index.html

Back from Chicago

My sister-in-law's wedding was absolutely beautiful, and I had so much fun coordinating the event! We've also had the Kansas City reception, which was equally wonderful. I have updated pictures on my website. To check them out go here:

http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/allen-rickard-wedding.html

Here is a sneak preview...

Been awhile...

Just wanted to drop a note to those who follow the blog that I am not lost! Just gearing up for another wedding next weekend, and have been talking with a few other brides-to-be.

I love those last few days before a wedding, although most consider those the most stressful. It's just nice seeing all the work come together for this one, beautiful event. This one is especially near and dear to my heart as it is my sister-in-laws nuptials. She is flying in from India, getting married in Chicago, honeymooning in Kansas...and Thailand, and then heading back to India. A whirlwind of a December, but much looking forward to it. The planning has been challenging from out of state for all parties involved, but in the end all details have fit together perfectly. Looking forward to coordinating your big day, Gabe. Much love to you both.

Wordle!

This is a wordle photo over my website. It takes the words used on the page and makes a word cloud. The most used words then become larger than the others. Just another fun website to check out. www.wordle.net.

Chicago Skylines, A-line Skirts, and Silk Draperies

So this past weekend was spent jetting around Chicago with my husband on a wedding weekend extraordinaire! I was running various errands for the beautiful bride in whatever she needed.

The Weekend Of:

Thursday was spent making table numbers and seating cards for the guests. Friday we were there when the couple got their marriage license, documenting the momentous occasion with numerous pictures for them. Saturday commenced the countdown to the big event with the rehearsal. Things ran very smoothly at the rehearsal; everyone fell right into line where they were supposed to be and what they were to be doing. Things really started to come together at that moment. As the chair cover company starting decorating each chair, with what could be considered art rather than just a chair cover, you could envision the beauty of the day to follow. The rehearsal came to a smooth conclusion, and the bridal party and out-of-town guests boarded a super bus for the rehearsal dinner at Maggiano's. It was delicious food, intimate setting, and good laughs amongst all of the guests. You could see just how much everyone loved the bride and groom in every story that was shared that night.

The Day Of:

Sunday morning began with helping the bride get ready at The Embassy Suites Downtown Lakefront. Once the bride and groom we're dressed, prepped, and ready they had their "first look" down in the lobby next to a beautiful, cascading fountain. Then the bride, groom, bride's mother, photographer, videographer, and myself proceeded to run about downtown Chicago getting all of the best pictures that we could of the soon to be newlyweds. I would hop out of the car, carefully carry the bride's train so no dirt would harm the gorgeous gown, and then the bride and groom would pose with Michigan Avenue, "the bean", Trump Tower, etc. I have to say I have never seen a more skilled photographer or videographer. Their skills with their individual talents are not to be rivaled. When we returned to the hotel it was time for a quick makeup/hair touch up, and then down to the ballroom for last minute bridal party pictures. There were new traditions that I experienced in this wedding, that I hadn't seen before since it was a Jewish ceremony. For instance, they sign a Ketubah (Jewish marriage license) prior to the ceremony in a ceremony all of it's own. They also stand under the Chuppah with the bridal party surrounding the Chuppah, instead of standing in a diagonal to the bride and groom as in most ceremonies. The room itself was beyond gorgeous! Beautiful eggplant and gold colors everywhere, silk drapes leading down the aisle from one pillar to the next. On each pillar was a tall, slender vase with Calla lilies and other white blossoms in each. The vases were each lit with it's own blue LED light, so the room just popped with elegance. The same ballroom where the ceremony was held was transformed into the reception site as well, while the guests were enjoying a beautiful cocktail hour in the foyer. Everywhere you looked: tuxes, silk dresses, white and purple flowers, gold tones, and of course their signature pomegranate martinis being passed by waiters with sushi rolls and petite Chicago-style hot dogs. The menu at the reception was just as nice with to die for dishes that included glazed salmon, two wedding cake options, and a salad that was just as pretty as it was delicious. The best part of the reception was probably when the bride and groom were held up on chairs and paraded about the dance floor in true Jewish tradition. The warmth, love, and beauty of this event was top-notch. Here's to the bride and groom! Mazel Tov!

Check out pictures of the event at:

http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com
Look under "Snapshots".

Busy Busy

Just got back on Monday from Chicago, where I coordinated and was in a very elegant wedding. It's been so crazy lately with wedding preparations for this and other brides that I hadn't had a chance to write in over a month! I'm almost too busy to be writing now! I wanted to let you all know that the website has had some updates and pictures from the latest wedding added to it! Check it out at:

http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/

If you are one who checks this site regularly (or irregularly), drop me a line or leave a comment! I'd love to see who gets on here!

One last thing, for any brides out there currently in the planning process email me at alleneventdesigns@gmail.com if you would like a complimentary consultation. We can see where you are in the planning process, what services I could offer you, and see if a wedding planner would be a good fit for your needs.

A Black Tie Affair to Remember

So last night I coordinated a wedding that in itself was dressed to the nines. People dressed in their best, white flowers waterfalling over every surface, and even the chairs were dressed in their best! It was an absolutely gorgeous event, and I am so glad I had the chance to coordinate this event! You could almost feel a warm glow emanating from all those in attendance: so happy to be there, the couple so in love, and everyone smiling every way you turn. The colors were black, white, and pale green with the theme of "A Perfect Pear (Pair)". Pears were floating in each of the three vases on the tables, hydrangea bunches everywhere, white roses, pearls in stephanotis, and floor length gowns followed by tuxedos everywhere. The church was in Kansas City, Kansas following with a reception at The Hilton President downtown. The bride's dress was a gorgeous mermaid cut with a detachable train from Ida's. Check out my website in the next couple of days for pictures of the beautiful event. http://alleneventdesigns.weebly.com/snapshots.html The pictures I took could not do the event justice though, but the videographer has offered to give me a copy of the wedding as he shot it. Hopefully I will be able to upload part of that to the website as well. Looking forward to the next wedding oer Labor Day Weekend!