Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Colorful Cakes!

This summer cakes with color are very in. Here are a few of our favorite colorful cakes!





  






Thursday, July 4, 2013

Wait a minute, I don't need a coordinator?!

Happy Independence Day! In honor of the 4th, check out these spectacular treats from 42nd street candy company!
Those look just delicious! 

So after wrapping up my series on why you might need a wedding coordinator I decided to give you some insight into the 3 instances when you would not need one, Yes that's right I'm about to tell you when it's OK NOT to hire a coordinator.  Example 1: if you're having a small and intimate afternoon reception where you are only providing sweet treats instead of a meal, this usually means that your guests will only stay for 1 to 2 hours after the ceremony. This type of simple and sweet reception is usually held in the fellowship hall at the church, where the church ladies can help with the few things that  you need . Example 2: an all inclusive wedding chapel. A chapel is actually different than a your typical church. A church normally has a staff that is there to oversee your event and help you get down the aisle. An all inclusive wedding chapel is a place that has a coordinator that will confirm all your wedding professionals (vendors) for you before the wedding. Most of the time they have a list of professionals for you to choose from and are there the entire night. Example 3: is an all inclusive destination wedding. If you're a 'budget bride' and think the destination wedding is your cheapest option, I encourage you to just have one meeting with a coordinator to help you compare a destination wedding vs. a traditional wedding. In each of these examples, All inclusive would be the key term. Make sure that you are getting everything you want and need and that all of your questions are being answered. 

So if you decide not to go with a coordinator or do not choose an all inclusive location, you'll need to start enlisting family and friends to help out on wedding day. Here is a short list of the big responsibilities that you will need to delegate out, so that you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Who will...
Set up your table decor? (Center pieces, napkins, place settings, chairs, linens, etc.)
  Run your rehearsal?
  Get your wedding party down the aisle? (Making sure the timing is right with the musicians or the DJ?)
  Keep in contact simultaneously with the DJ, catering staff, photographer and videographer while you're doing all the fun stuff like cutting your cake, dancing and visiting with your guests? 
  Stay late to clean up after the event and make sure all your personal items and borrowed items are returned properly?
  Serve your cake, food and keep your drinks refilled?

If you are going to an all inclusive venue and they can answer each one of these questions for you, fabulous!!!! But if you're thinking of asking friends and family to do these things, I would urge you to sit down and have a candid conversation with them and start delegating out the above list, which I'm sure only makes you think of more things that need to be done.  Before you grab a paper bag and begin your panic attack, just remember, you are marrying the man of your dreams and that everything will be beautiful and wonderful, but you WILL need a little help.

I hope this provided some helpful insight! We would love for you to share your past experiences good or bad, to give guidance to future brides. Visit us again on Tuesday for some fabulous wedding inspiration!

In the meantime, Happy Planning!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Do I really need a wedding coordinator?-Part4


Hello again! 
For my final blog in the “Should I have a coordinator?” series I want to talk to you about a common misconception and complaint: My venue has a coordinator already. While trying to tread carefully on the subject and be upfront and honest, I’m just going to tell you why an individual wedding coordinator can be more helpful than just having someone who works for the venue. 

Most venues have a quota of events that they need to fill. That being said, some venues will have 4-5 weddings per weekend. If that same coordinator has 4 events other than yours that same weekend, how could they possibly give you the attention that you need? In their defense, it is normal to have multiple weddings in one weekend. BUT, in my experience, if a coordinator has another wedding that overlaps with yours, they will make sure that another coordinator is there with you while they can’t be. 

As your coordinator we make it a priority to anticipate your needs and be there immediately. A coordinator who is attached to a venue may not be able to give you the same individualized attention that you want and deserve. 

It’s very popular right now to have your ceremony and reception in different locations. If your reception venue has a coordinator, then who runs your ceremony? Even if both venues have separate coordinators are you sure that they’ll be in communication with you, each other, each vendor, and know the separate venue policies? That’s a lot to keep up with and a lot to coordinate. So why not let one person/one company handle it all for you? In that case, your coordinator communicates with all vendors. They make sure the timeline is in order.

In summary, A good wedding planner is always there for you, a great coordinator knows what you need before you do and has already taken care of it. It’s what we love, and we do it well, so let us help! Finding the right coordinator is important so remember when you have your first meeting that it’s an interview for you both. Having good chemistry with your coordinator will translate positively on your wedding day.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what you loved about your coordinator and what you found most helpful.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Do I really need a wedding coordinator?-Part3


Welcome back again! In this blog I don’t so much have a complaint to refute, I more just plan to give you a little insight into the whole process. 
Simply put, it’s nice to have an outside opinion. 

Not only do we see several weddings per year in person but it’s our job (and passion) to stay updated on the latest trends, what works and what doesn’t, and to be creative in helping you create a unique wedding that’s personal to you and your sweetie. We want to make your vision work. We will make suggestions and inform you of why certain things work and some don’t. It may seem simple but a coordinator knows the difference between how gold tones would compliment a certain venue and silver tones would make it seem cold and uninviting.

Most coordinators are trained not only in the basics of wedding planning but also in the basics of handling awkward family dynamics or traditions that may be a little different. As that third party, we will be able to lend a hand in any issues that arise and make sure your day runs smoothly and exceeds your expectations. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about the memories you want to have of your special day. You want to remember being relaxed and enjoying your company instead of being stressed and worried. See my next blog about why a venue coordinator may not be sufficient for you.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Do I really need a wedding coordinator?- Part2


Welcome back to my series on why having a wedding coordinator can be a very valuable asset to you in your attempts to plan your wedding. Last blog I talked about how even though some people believe that having a wedding coordinator is too expensive, they are definitely worth every penny because of their insight and their loyalty to you. This blog I’ll be giving my rebuttal on the complaint: I can do it all myself!

As much fun as it looks to hand make all the details and favors for your wedding, it is a lot of work. Let’s be honest, most of us have very busy schedules. How in the world are you supposed to manage your own schedule and try to plan the biggest day of your life while remaining calm and taking care of yourself?! Having someone else coordinate your big day and all your appointments leading up to, helps take some of the stress off of you. In the absence of a coordinator, who runs your wedding? You, friends, family? It can be extremely overwhelming when you start looking at to-do lists and trying to find everything on your own. Let’s face it, sometimes family and friends can be extremely helpful and supportive but when you let someone who’s passion is making your big day more than what you dreamed it to be, you’re going to be satisfied. This allows you to enjoy your day and relax a little bit. 

A full coordinator normally would take care of everything from coordinating appointments beforehand, designing the wedding, cooperating with venders, and even making sure that you have something to eat and drink on your wedding day when you’re too excited to remember your basic needs. Even “Day Of” coordinators will help make sure your vendors are in the know and everything runs smoothly. When you don’t have to worry about where vendors will park or in what order your bridal party walks in, you can focus on taking mental pictures of the day that you marry your sweetheart. 

Food for thought: If you don’t have a coordinator, do you know who would cut your wedding cake? What about when you’re getting into your wedding dress and family is hopelessly lost, who would they call? Hopefully I’ve won you over by now but just in case you need a little more persuading, in my next blog I’ll be telling you why you would want a professional opinion. Until next time, happy planning!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Do I really need a wedding coordinator?


I thought it would be helpful to blog about one of the first questions every bride asks herself after the enthusiastic Yes! to the offer of a lifetime with her best friend and companion. Should I hire a wedding coordinator? In this blog series I plan to lay out a few points to help you answer this question for yourself and help give you some insight to how this all works. For more information about Planned 2 Perfection brides check out our reviews on Wedding Wire at: http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/planned-perfection-weddings-oklahoma-city/b0e2e5ed4726e32a.html

These are the most common reasons I’ve heard for not hiring a wedding coordinator from people who are beginning the wedding planning process: I’d rather spend the money elsewhere, I can just do it all myself, My friends and family will help me, and finally, My venue has a coordinator anyway. Check back over the next few blogs and I will inform you on why each of these reasons has its flaws. For today, I’m starting with the “I’d rather spend that money elsewhere” complaint.

First of all, A PROFESSIONAL coordinator will have the insider scoop. What I mean by this is that she/he knows the best vendors AND the best deals. Yes, hiring a coordinator could be expensive but she knows the difference between amateur vendors and ones who will be professional and help your wedding turn out flawless. Having great vendors through your coordinator will make sure you have a cohesive and flawless wedding. Weddings can be extremely expensive but a professional knows where to get the most bang for your buck which means she’ll help you determine where to spend your budget to make sure you’re getting the wedding you want and not breaking the bank. What matters at the end of the day is that you’re married and you were able to actually enjoy your big day without all the stress! This is YOUR day. It’s more than okay to splurge on a coordinator who will be there for you every step of the way and help keep your planning process stress free.

*Side note: If you’re not sold on full coordinating, try to find companies who offer “Day-of Coordinating.” It normally costs little less but they are generally only there for the wedding day to make sure all your vendors are on the same page and your timeline runs smoothly. If nothing else, at least meet with a couple coordinators and see what they have to offer and you might just be surprised.

Not sold on hiring a coordinator yet? Check out my next blog on how having a coordinator will help keep your day stress-free.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Pretty and Perfect in Purple






From the mood lighting in the ceremony to the purple bistro tables to the candy bar in the reception hall, Sacia and Adrian had a beautiful purple wedding in typical P2P style. The trace of purple accents from one room to another made for a perfect transition from the ceremony to the reception. Thanks to Amanda’s artistic eye and Sacia’s flare for bling, every detail was carefully orchestrated to ensure a fabulous wedding. Jenni Woods Photography did a great job of capturing the details that came together to create this gorgeous, sophisticated wedding.

Wedding Planning- Planned 2 Perfection Weddings
Mariannes Rentals
Makeup Artist- Elegantly Finished Faces DeAndrea Daniels Mua
Tony Foss Flowers
Mood Party Rentals
Chasen Shaw Entertainment
42nd Street Candy Co
Ideas In Ice
Cakes and More