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Showing posts with label day-of-coordinator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day-of-coordinator. Show all posts

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Happy Anniversary Emily + Kevin

Happy tenth anniversary to Emily & Kevin! I still remember this wedding so vividly! The color palette in shades of purple was absolutely gorgeous (purple is always my personal fave!), the scent of lilacs wafted through the air as you entered the reception, and Emily's iris bouquet is still one of my favorites by far! It was such a wonderful evening, and such a fun and gracious group to work with! Happy anniversary y'all! Cheers to many, many more!



Emily + Kevin
May 16
Ten Years!!


  








Photographer: Lisa Jurca




Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Planning Tips :: 5 Ways a Wedding Planner Can Save You Money $$$

I'm on a mission these days to let everyone know what a wedding planner actually does. It's not really like the movies portray, and it's not something you can do in a couple hours over the weekend. It's a lot of moving parts, a lot of vendors to coordinate, a lot of different expenses and payment schedules...it's one of the biggest events of your entire life, so why not hire the assistance of a professional? When you're selling home, you should hire in a realtor. When you need legal advice, you should hire a lawyer. When you're getting married, you should hire a planner.

While yes, there are surely brides out there who are capable in more ways than one of planning their own wedding. It's not a matter of if you're able to or not....it's a matter of having connections and experience in the industry. A planner doesn't make the decisions for you and call the shots. We simply research and present you the options that fit with your budget and needs...then you make the decision. We're not here to take over, we're here to help make the experience more pleasurable! 


Table Settings :: Borrowed Treasures and Michéll Events
Planning + Coordination :: Michéll Events
 
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1. Contracts & Hidden Fees

All venues and vendors will have you sign a contract. That's just good business. Most couples will just pay a deposit and sign on the dotted line because they love what they see. Be sure to read the fine print in each contract. I've seen sticker shock at several small details included in the contract that weren't questioned until it was too late. Here are a couple examples of things you can avoid by hiring a planner and having them oversee the details in your vendor contracts: 

~Some venues/vendors charge a cake cutting fee. I've cut a cake before for a bride who found out it would cost $150 to have it cut at the last minute. She thought it was included in what she paid, but it wasn't and they didn't add it. It was all right there in her contract, but she didn't completely read through the end and was taken by surprise when it came time to cut the cake.

~Some vendors require that you provide a meal for them while they provide services for you throughout the day/evening. Make sure you know who requires meals and who doesn't, it should all be noted in their contracts. It's never fun to scramble at the last minute to cover extra meals with the caterer and endure the extra last minute expense and stress.


Photo :: The Mamones

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2. Wholesale Accounts

I'm licensed with the state of Texas to re-sale, which means I'm eligible to shop at wholesalers and not pay sales tax. Not to mention, when you buy from a wholesaler and buy in bulk, the price is generally significantly less. Take advantage of the fact that your planner should have these accounts available to help with wedding purchases you need to make. Michéll Events can offer many products by using our accounts to help out! 


Flowers & Petals by Michéll Events

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3. Discounts With Vendors

As someone who's been in business for ten years, I've developed relationships with vendors through working with them. When we see a bride in need of each other's services, we recommend and refer them to each other. We trust the working relationship we have with each other and we appreciate working with each other. In many of these cases, vendors will offer discounts when recommending and referring clients back and forth. Take advantage of the knowledge your planner has from working with so many local vendors on a regular basis.



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4. Discounted Flowers, Linens & Décor

I know some planners offer this, but not all. At Michéll Events we include event design in our menu of services, which includes floral design and a large inventory of décor rental items. We have accounts with floral wholesalers and can buy in small amounts or in bulk for wholesale prices. This works out perfectly for the bride who's on a restricted floral budget, or for the bride who wants to DIY the flowers herself and needs a market to buy them. The same thing applies to other décor needed for a wedding. If you want linens, lanterns, candles, table cards, table numbers, favors, edible treats, backdrops, lighting....let us use our network to save you money across the board!


Centerpieces, Chargers, Candles, Linens
& Chair Sashes from Michéll Events


5. Overtime

Overtime will destroy the budget with every vendor involved. Make sure things are planned and double checked in advance so you don't have to run late on wedding day and endure additional expenses. What happens in the event of overtime should be listed in the contract for every vendor it applies to. Make a schedule for the day and have your planner/coordinator ensure things stay on schedule and avoid overtime charges.


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Keep these things in mind when debating on whether a planner is for you or not. The #1 important thing to look for when hiring a planner is how you mesh with them. We offer a free consult with every bride/couple to chat about what you want, what we can offer, and discuss your wedding details. This will give the couple a chance to see if we're on the same level. If your personalities don't vibe, it will be a difficult process after you book with them. Planning a wedding is a very personal experience, and we always like how our clients feel like family while we're working with them. A close relationship is important! Conversation should be easy, visions should be shared easily, and a planner should be able to answer your questions without hesitation.

Because we know there are so many brides planning their own weddings these days, we created this planning package just for them. The "DIY Bride's Planning Package" includes everything needed to plan your wedding from checklists, budget worksheets and tips, vendor recommendations and booking tips, sample schedules and itineraries, along with a meeting with a planner to ask questions and go over all the details beginning to end. This is our way of helping the DIY brides avoid the costly mistakes that sneak up when planning a wedding! The DIY package is currently on special for $299 (Regular $399) - click here to see the DIY package details!

Happy planning, y'all!




Sunday, April 22, 2018

About Me & What I Do ~ Event Planning, Coordination & Design

Hi y'all! It's the wee hours of the morning and of course I'm awake. As an entrepreneur and business owner, when I can't sleep....I work. I plan. I have uninterrupted quiet time to process all the ideas and projects I have swirling around in my head. The creative brain never sleeps!

One of the things that's been on my mind a lot lately is how to let folks know exactly what I do. When you say "event planner" or "event designer", most don't know all of the different aspects that entails. Over my 10 years in business my services have expanded greatly, but how do you get the word out? While I've always been an avid blogger, I'm hitting social media extra hard these days in an effort to share what I do!

I post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and participate in groups and discussions.....I'm on Honeybook to collaborate with clients and vendors. Follow me for updates on what's going on and what we currently have available! You can always drop me an email to receive our full menu of services and current list of products.

Honeybook :: www.honeybook.com




So, let's break it down....what does Michéll Events do? 


:: Event Planning ::

Our event planning packages cover everything needed to plan an event from beginning to end. Budget worksheets, checklists, vendor recommendations, contract reviews, venue tours, planning meetings and more. For those who have already partially planned their event but need help tying the loose ends, we have partial planning packages available as well.

I have of course planned a large amount of weddings, but my experience doesn't stop there. I've done weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, vow renewals, business open houses, huge bridal shows (planned and coordinated them, not just marketing at a vendor table), Baptism receptions, charity fundraisers, auctions, expos and tradeshows, baby showers, bridal showers, engagement parties....anything with a guest list, we can plan it for you! 

I want to clear up the myth about planners being "an added expense that we can't afford". In all honesty, if you select the correct planner they will save you money you wouldn't have saved otherwise. Vendors we work with regularly will pass on discounts, wholesalers we have accounts with enable us to purchase items for less than the general public, we'll help you avoid costly mistakes with bookings and contracts, and we'll have tips for keeping your budget under control throughout the whole process. Hiring a planner is an investment, not an added expense, and in our case it can definitely pay for itself! We offer a free consultation to sit and discuss the details with you, see if we mesh well, and let you know what we can offer for your needs and budget. Give me a call at (469)-475-7089 to schedule your free consult!




:: Event Coordination ::

Once your event is all planned, you'll need to make sure those plans are carried out. For larger events, there are a lot of moving parts that need to be kept on top of. It's difficult to enjoy the fabulous party you're hosting while you're on your feet back and forth making sure everything is the way it's supposed to be or handling issues that arise. That's where we come in. You enjoy the party or event, and we do whatever behind the scenes work is necessary so you can.

I've seen a lot of coordinators who say "we don't do ______" or "______ is not included". Our packages aren't that way. In my experience, the job of the coordinator is to fill in wherever it's needed. Sometimes that's cutting the wedding cake when the venue won't, which I've done before. Sometimes that's taking the trash to the dumpster at the end of the night because the venue staff didn't, which I've done before. Sometimes it's arranging last minute shuttle service because the limo broke down and there isn't a backup, which I've done before. Sometimes it's going to buy Granny some pantyhose because she got a runner, which I've done before. Our job is to pull off the perfect event for our client, whatever it takes!




:: Event Design ::

Event design covers all the details that go into making your event look the way you envision it in your mind. Some clients have their theme and ideas all laid out for us and we can replicate that..."I want a circus theme with a petting zoo and cotton candy and a live band". No problem! Some just say "I really like pink and yellow" and we take it from there. We can work with you to create your vision, or we can design the vision for you based on what you want.

Flowers, linens, lighting, lounge areas, candles, archways, signs & frames, fabrics, vases, displays, and so many other small décor details go into designing an event. We have you covered on all of them to make it look spectacular!




:: Floral Design ::

Flowers are my passion! Floral design is part of our event design service, but we do more with flowers than large events! We're like your local florist. We have accounts with floral wholesalers to buy in bulk and at a discount, only we don't have the overhead or upkeep of a storefront...which is how we're able to offer discounted prices on floral orders.

Obviously we do flowers for large events and weddings, but think of us for your smaller floral needs as well! All holidays such as Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Easter.....Birthdays, Anniversaries, Congratulations, Get Well, Graduation, Memorials, Recital or Pageant Bouquets, School Dance Boutonnieres & Corsages.....or Just Because!

Our "Just Because" Single Rose deliveries have become very popular! A rose every week for a month, just because......very romantic! (suggested by a gentleman customer of ours, and it's catching on!). Cost is $60 which includes 4 weekly deliveries of single roses, and the delivery fee included!

We have plans for floral workshops and parties in the planning stages....details coming soon!!!!

Weekly and monthly business deliveries are also available! Salons, restaurants, hotels, realtors with open houses, shops and retailers, or any other business setting that needs a floral boost! You can specify the colors and style you want, or you can leave it to us to create a new design every time. Our weekly and monthly deliveries start at $45. Contact us at (469) 475-7089 to schedule one-time, weekly or monthly floral deliveries!




:: Products Available ::

If you're throwing any type of party, gathering or get-together, we have products you'll need available for rental and purchase. Whether it's linens, flower petals, gift wrapping, setting up a photo area, candy and dessert stations, flower arrangements, dinner party setups, ambiance party lighting, prop rental for a photo shoot, and so much more... If you're throwing any sort of soiree, we have everything you need! We do have a complete rental catalog available by email, drop us a line if you'd like to receive it!

Our new line we're marketing is our PICK~A~PARTY boxes! We have options for baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, kids parties....everything you need for your party delivered in a box ready to go! Plates, glasses, plasticware, napkins, favor bags or boxes, straws, signs, banners, ...all planned out in a beautiful theme for each box! Boxes start at $89 and go up from there! Next time you have a party of function to put together, call us for a PICK~A~PARTY box to cover all the details!






There you have it! We offer a ton of different products and services for any type of event or gathering you're planning whether social, corporate, or charity....

If you have questions or want to know more, I'm always here to talk! (469) 475-7089 or info@michellevents.com.





Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Happy Anniversary :: LeeAnn & Jay

LeeAnn & Jay
February 22


Happy Anniversary LeeAnn & Jay! They had a lovely winter wedding, and colors of red and purple added a dramatic touch to the reception. The bride requested tulips to be included in her flowers. This was such a fun couple to work with! They're both musically inclined, and everyone got to witness it at the reception when they gave a performance, as well as a beautiful guitar playing for the ceremony. Sending hugs and best wishes!












Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Planning Tips :: 7 Signs You Might Need A Wedding Planner

Engagement season is in full swing, and there are a lot of newly engaged brides-to-be who are beginning that wonderful journey of planning a wedding. Some of you will soon find out - - it's a big task and it's just not for everyone! It's one of the largest events you'll organize and host in your life, there are a ton of details that can't be overlooked and take a lot of time to manage, and things cost more than you had imagined so a lot of research is involved. Things can stack up and stress you out quicker than you realize!





If you feel that stress monster coming on, look for a planner! Hire a professional that you mesh well with, one who gets your vision, and one who can carry out the details to ensure you won't worry or stress about your big day! Here are a few clues that you may need to look into hiring a planner:

1. You and your fiancé work full time jobs and you don't have the time or the resources to devote to planning the wedding.

2. Obviously you know what you like in general, but it takes time to research, read blogs, find inspiration, email vendors with questions, look for samples, and find what you want. Doing this for twelve different vendors may take time that you don't have.

3. You're planning a destination wedding or a wedding away from your home and family and need the assistance.

4. You're relying on other vendors to handle planning details and recommendations. They are not a planner and this is not in their list of duties!

5. You've found the perfect place and you've picked your date, but your planning has come to a halt after that.

6. You realize you need to set a budget but have no idea how to go about establishing it, sticking to it, or what you should be paying for things.

7. You need to devote as much time as possible to your fiancé and enjoy the engagement process. If you feel yourself stressing out and not enjoying the process, it's time for a planner!


We have several levels of planning and coordination packages available for brides who find themselves in these positions. Don't let the details of planning the wedding cause unneeded stress! Hire a professional so all you have to do is enjoy the process and have fun on your special day!






Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Ten Year Anniversary!!

This month marks ten years since I began my journey in the event planning business. I began my first business from the ground up in 2007 and I haven't looked back since! I've been so blessed to do so many things and go so many places throughout this career, and I look forward to what I'll get to do in the next ten years! As I've started to write a short history of my 10 years, I realized it's not short! :) I've done 124 weddings and events to date, and I've experienced so much along this journey, it's tough to pick only a few moments to share!


2008

2012

2017


I've gotten to work on so many different types of weddings - - Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish, Non-Denominational, Greek Orthodox, Italian, Filipino, Mexican, Japanese, Brazilian, Pakistani, Puerto Rican.....all of the different traditions are amazing to take in, and I've learned so much participating in weddings for all of these different cultures and religions!


Buddhist Wedding Ceremony :: Photo by Digital504

Greek Baptism Reception Dancing

Filipino Wedding Veil Tradition

Puerto Rican Mini-Bride Tradition :: Photo by Tony Palmieri


In addition to weddings, I've had the opportunity to plan and work on so many other types of events and offer products as well! Bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary parties, holiday parties, bridal shows and expos, fundraisers and charity events, memorial events, networking events, open houses and grand openings, even a Greek baptism reception. On top of special events, I deliver individual floral arrangements for people's personal celebrations and milestones just like a local florist, and I have launched Pick~A~Party boxes available for home parties of any kind. Things have really grown and grown with my event services over the years!


Lukemia Lymphoma Benefit :: Photo by Becky's Photography

Holiday Open House :: Photo by Susan Jennings Photography

Bridal Show at Cleveland Browns Stadium :: Photo by Crystal Nowak


I've been incredibly lucky to work with 14 interns throughout this ten year career, and while I teach them the ropes about the event industry, I always learn from them as well! I've had the opportunity to work with an amazing event staff over the years, and I wouldn't have had the experiences I've had without them to help along the way! I appreciate every person who has ever worked with me on planning, coordinating and designing for weddings and events!


Photo by Terra Sol Studio

Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by Sabrina McQuade


I've had the good fortune to learn from some amazing industry professionals on this journey. I take every chance I get to meet and listen to others in the industry! I have listened to people speak such as David Tutera, Linnyette Richardson-Hall, Michael Cerbelli....these folks have a lot to offer about the event planning and design business, and I've soaked up every ounce of knowledge from every source I could get!


University of Bridal with David Tutera

University of Bridal with David Tutera

I Do Brunch with Linnyette Richardson-Hall from "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?"

I Do Brunch with Linnyette Richardson-Hall from "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?"


There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile on someone's face when you help them with one of the most important days of their life. It's a day they'll always remember, and I'm blessed to be able to be a part of that for so many people! Thank you to every client who has trusted us with their event details! We appreciate your business!


Photo by EM Event Photography

Photo by Terra Sol Studio