3 Fab ideas of how to host a Engagement Party

Photo Source

Love is in the air!  Engagement season is here, it starts the month of November and runs through February! This is the time when guys drop down on one knee to ask the BIG QUESTION; "Marry me"! 

Such, a exciting time in Bride.2.Be's life (The moment she has dreamed of, all her

Life). So, now that it's here, she's got to make it special!

Immediately following the engagement, you want to start planning a ......."Engagement" Party!  I know you need some FAB tips to get all the elements planned! 

#1) Establishing a date for the event- if you don't have a "Location" the rule is..... you don't officially have a "date" secured for your event! Don't announce to your guests the when, where, what... until you have officially "locked" in your venue!  

Think of a date ( be flexible on your dates)! You don't want to have your heart set on a particular date.  Later, only to find out that "date" is unavailable!  Start early a lot of places "book" 6-12 months in advance. 

#2 Location! Location! Location! - you have so many choices. Be creative, and unique. You don't have to be traditional! The options are endless, don't limit yourself to where you host your engagement party!  

Here's a few ideas:

 Rooftop of a Hotel, here in Atlanta, Georgia there is a boutique hotel called The "The Glenn Hotel" that has a venue called "Sky lounge" located on the roof of the hotel. Heated & A/C available, full bar, cute contemporary seating/couches, and more ( The view of the city "Breathtaking)! 

Museums, Aquarium, Movie Theater (yes, I said "movie theater") I know of movie theater that offer private rooms to host parties!  Private room at a restaurant my favorite is "Two Urban Licks" the room

is amazing ( the room sun roof that opens up into the sky, Awesome)! 

#3) Guests - plan your guests list with "love" and invite close family, and loved ones. You want to think about the most important people (Parents, Godparents, Grandparents). Focus on the most important first when making out your guest list. Remember this is the "engagement party" NOT THE WEDDING! You don't have to invite a HUGE crowd of guests. It's ok to have a small intimate group of people for the event. 

Bonus Tip: Relax, have fun and make your engagement party your own. This is a special time for you and your fiancée. Furthermore, this event is a opportunity to formally announce the engagement; among your close family and loved ones. 

If you can think of more tips on planning a Engagement Party, please leave a comment below. 

Click here and contact me if you need a planner to pull this FAB event together! 

Have a Sweet day,

Clarissa ❤

3 Fun activities Before "I Do"

 You have been busy thinking, dreaming, and planning the wedding! But, now you need to take sometime to plan a few activities "Before" the BIG Day! These are special little outings that will make being engaged a "joy"!  

Photo Credit

1) Plan a "Engagement Party" - this is a opportunity to gather your close friends and family to celebrate your engagement! Perhaps, opt for a "Cocktail Party", or "Dinner Party".  Don't forget to Hire a planner so all the fine details come together smoothly. 

2) Plan a "Date Night" at least twice a month - Plan two dates a month ( not to discuss the wedding) and just enjoy that "two" of you. Here's a few ideas: dinner & dancing, dinner and a movie, or a private candle light dinner at home ( You will need a break away from the wedding planning)!

3) Plan a Photo "Engagement" Session together - Hire a Professional Photographer to shoot your session. Maybe a outdoor/indoor photoshoot; consider 1-2 dress changes, and for added fun include some props! 

Bonus TIP: Hire a Wedding Planner if you have not already to plan and coordinate your wedding the "Day of"!

Please leave a COMMENT below if you have more sweet ideas of activities you can think of. 

Thank you, 

Clarissa ❤

DIY Brides: You can benefit from hiring a wedding planner!

            ( Do-it-Yourself- Bride)

DIY Bride can mean many things in the wedding world. It's such a broad term, I don't want to put all DIY brides or DIY weddings in one "box".  Some DIY Weddings have professional wedding planners evolved, some don't. Every -DIY Wedding and or Bride is different. 

Example:

DIY bride may opt to only hand make her hair Embellishments. Should weddings be 100% DIY? In my opinion I say NO, a professional wedding planner should always be hired. 

     (Source: www.borrowedandbleu.com) 

However, this post is focussing on the DIY Bride that is planning her entire wedding, and making a lot of her decor by hand, and is relying on friends and family to assist her in executing the wedding. This DIY Bride is not hiring Professional vendors, and will take on this HUGE task of planning the entire wedding. 

How can a Bride enjoy the actual wedding day when she has to worry about the set-up and break down, last minute mis-haps, and a wedding day is 12-15 hours long on average ( very long detailed day!).

Some brides opt to be a DIY Bride and create, hand make all the elements needed for their wedding (That is totally fine).  These Brides are crafty, and can master tutorials, and create their own inspiration boards. 

       (Source: www.bridalmusings.com) 

Weddings involve so many fine details, that a DIY Bride will still need to HIGHLY consider hiring a wedding planner. 

Below are few reasons why you NEED a wedding planner:

*Day of " Services 

You plan your wedding from the moment you are engaged, leading up to the wedding day. However, who will professionally execute on the "Day of"? A Professional Wedding Planner!  The planner along with her staff will pull all the elements together, confirm with all your vendors, and apply his/her expertise, skills, training, experience, so you can focus on being a beautiful blushing bride! 

"Pre-Wedding Activities"

A wedding planner can plan your "Engagement" Celebration. Relax, and allow a professional planner to pull all the details together, and hire professional vendors so your celebration can go off without a hitch!  What about your planner putting together a swanky Bridal Shower! Perhaps, planning a beautiful Bridal Luncheon, or a amazing Rehearsal dinner? 

"Wedding Insurance"

You may not think about wedding insurance. However, as a Bride you want to protect yourself, and have coverage. Also, some venues may even require you to have wedding insurance. A professional wedding planner can educate you on insurance, and recommend what policies work best for you. 

"Current Trends & Ideas"

I know you can use the internet to check out the new trends, and what's popular.  However,  Professional wedding planners are learning about new trends on a daily basis, attending conferences, workshops, webinars, seminars, social media organizations, joining professional organizations, and some planners are developing and creating their own new trends! 

"DIY Workshops"

I know what you are thinking! Why would I need a wedding planner to teach me DIY projects? Yes, you NEED professional guidance!  Some planners offer a DIY Workshop. It's a day of DIY Brides and Professional vendors. These workshops will teach brides hands-on skills of how to properly make anything from bridal bouquets, to fancy centerpieces, and more! Vendors will provide professional advice, and tips on wedding planning. Plus DIY workshops are a lot of fun! Tastings, swag bags, networking, and most important professional guidance! 

"Preferred Vendors List"

Don't cut corners, and hire your uncle that's good with a camera to shoot your wedding photography!.... Or hire your girlfriend that is good at cooking to cater or the next door neighbor that is learning to design invitations (PLEASE DO NOT) ...Please, hire professional vendors, that are educated, experienced, and trained (Do not just Goggle someone and pick them)! Hire a professional vendor and inquire about his/her Preferred Vendor's List. A planner has developed professional relationships, and this list has the best the industry has to offer, and experience, education, and skills. 

I can name more reasons that a DIY bride can truly benefit from hiring a wedding planner ( Honeymoon planning, Out-of-Town guest services, Wedding/Honeymoon Registry, Budget Planning, .... Production Day Schedule, and more).

Please leave in the comment section below how you feel about DIY weddings and or DIY Brides? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Thank you,

Have a Sweet Day ❤ 

Clarissa

Plan a Romantic Getaway to the Mountains

             

Keep the SPARK in your relationship!

Couple's should always plan special getaways together, this provides a incredible time for the both of you. Quality time, fun, and romance!

Check out a 5 tips on booking a romantic trip to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. 

Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee & Gatlingburg, Tennessee 

                      

1) ANYTIME- you may book a trip to the mountains year-round.  However, the Fall/Autumn indeed is the best time of year.  The trees have turned (beautiful reds, orange, yellow, ect). The mountain air is so chilled, fresh and crisp. Also, you can snuggle up with your mate in front of the fireplace!

2) WHERE - Pigeon Forge, TN & Gatlinburg,TN.  The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennesee is located 3-4 hours away from Atlanta, Georgia. The mountains are filled with attractions, restaurants, historic trails, hiking, resorts, and the main attraction the amazingly beautiful luxury cabins. 

3) STAY - there are resorts, hotels, motels, private cottages, cabins, and more offered to accommodate your stay while in the breathtaking mountains.  

4) ROMANCE - the romantic options in the mountains are endless.  Enjoy a couple's massage, order a candlelight steak dinner to be set-up in your cabin. Perhaps, have a special wine and cheese basket to be delivered . How about turn-down service with tons of rose petals all over your bedroom suite! Most cabins include a indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and jacuzzi (home theatre rooms, and more!). 

5) COUPLE ACTIVITIES - Enjoy the Wineries, complimentary "Wine Tastings", and also the wine is available for purchase ( the Wine Tour is free, and comes with perks; inquire within). Great restaurants with private nooks to dine in (perfect for couples). Maybe your in the mood for fun and want to take some "old fashion" photos ( Costumes included)! 

There are many, many couple activities in the Mountains!

If you are interested in learning more info on romantic getaway to the Smoky Mountains contact me! 

Click here for more information on booking your romantic getaway!

Have a Sweet Day!❤

Clarissa

How to Create a Romantic Breakfast

Never stop dating your mate, always continue to plan special dates; even something as simple as breakfast in bed!

3 Tips on creating a romantic breakfast for the special person in your life.

1) Choose their favorites  - rise and shine early and go prepare your mate's breakfast. Make sure to prepare items that our his/her favorites! Even, throw in something a little extra ( like carving the pancakes into heart shapes). 

2) The Set-up - Choose some nice china, glasses/cups, napkins,  and flatware to serve the breakfast on. Don't forget to pour up their favorite morning beverage ( Coffee, Juice, Tea, ect). Lastly, when setting up the breakfast; serve it on a nice tray. 

3) The delivery - wake your mate up, and sat their breakfast tray in front of them.  Hand them a pre-written note ( the note should tell them how much they mean to you).  Check on them half way through the meal; make sure you keep their beverage replenished. Spark up a sweet conversation, and enjoy! 

Have a Sweet Day!❤

Clarissa 

Quick Thanksgiving Holiday Tips!

 

Here are 3 Tips for hosting a Thanksgiving gathering! Enjoy!

1) Plan with love - as you make your guest list, keep your special loved ones in mind. Have a hot cocoa bar set-up with marshmallows, and mugs.  Also, have holiday music playing, candles burning (winter scents), and show a holiday movie. Lastly, set out small guest favors  your guests will appreciate you).

2) Create a beautiful table setting - choose plates that follow theme of the holiday season. I prefer China, however, if you go with paper plates, choose plates in warm rich colors. Have pretty napkins pre-folded,and carefully select beautiful stemware, flatware, chargers, and a stunning centerpiece. Lastly, for a special touch, place little thank you cards at each place setting . This let's your guest know how thankful you are for them. 

3) Cook from the soul - as you prepare your menu think about your guest that have special diets ( Raw, Vegan, Diabetes, ect) always make a few extra dishes for them ( don't leave them out). Don't be afraid to think out-of-the-box and prepare "non-traditional" thanksgiving foods! However, you plan your holiday celebration, just plan from the heart!

Picture Credit: 

http://www.digsdigs.com/33-beautiful-thanksgiving-table-decorations/ 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a sweet day ❤

Clarissa