Always Fabulous Events - Philadelphia Area Party & Wedding Planner

We've Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Guess what we did last night...

We moved! Now the blog and the website are under the same roof. We still have some decorating to do in our new home, so please forgive us if it looks a little untidy at times. We're just getting used to our new habitat.

Visit us anytime at www.alwaysfabulousevents.com

Have you met the experts?

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:59:00 +0000

We have an amazing lineup of talented wedding experts for our Fall 2012 Wedding Planning Bootcamp. They are so great that we have devoted an entire blog series to them. Check it out and then sign up for you and a guest to attend the LIVE event on November 3. (Early Bird discount ends 9/3/12)

Why should you attend the Wedding Planning Bootcamp?

You are newly engaged
You don't know where to start with your wedding plans
You are overwhelmed by all of the unsolicited opinions from friends & family
You have no idea how much you should be spending on your wedding
We will give you insider secrets
We will feed you, entertain you, and educate you.

Wish Upon a Wedding Bowling Party

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 22:40:00 +0000

LET'S GET THIS PARTY ROLLING!

Wish Upon a Wedding Philadelphia invites you to bowl with us to raise funds for our local chapter. Each ticket includes food, soft drinks, shoe rental, and as many pins as you can knock down. Parking is free and plentiful. Get your friends to come for a little friendly competition.

Wednesday 8/29/12 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Dave & Buster's @ Franklin Mills

1995 Franklin Mills Cir Philadelphia, PA 19154

This event is not limited to wedding pros. Everyone is welcome.

*** Tickets are nonrefundable but may be transferrable with printed ticket. ***

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

Stella & Dot

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:32:00 +0000

Wouldn't it feel great to be a part of Stella & Dot's growing team and earn over $75 an hour running your own fashion business? Well Stella & Dot allows you to do just that when you sign up as a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist. Stella & Dot creates flexible, work from home business opportunities for entrepreneurial women. To find out more information on becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist visit www.stelladot.com/stylist. Get started today!

Wedding Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:01:00 +0000

One of the most frequent questions brides ask me is:
Do we need wedding programs?

Photo from theknot.com

My answer is that the choice is yours. If your wedding ceremony includes special traditions, customs, or personalized elements, then you should use a wedding program to explain what they mean. If your ceremony is going to be very short, sweet, and basic, then you might not need a program.

For those of you who will have one, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you design your wedding program:

Ceremony traditions in the order they will occur. (Be sure to review this with the officiant before it goes to print.)
Title of readings and name of the reader (If there is room on the program, you may include the actual poem or scripture.)
Title of musical selections and name of singers/musicians
Names of members of the wedding party (Their relationship to the bride/groom may be added)
Memorial: Names or photos of important people who are now deceased.
Explanations of personalized elements, such as unity candle, unity sand, jumping the broom, etc.
Provide directions from ceremony to reception. CAUTION: Only do this if everyone at the ceremony will be invited to the reception.

Photo from theknot.com

Do not allow this to be a last minute decision. Plan what it will say and how it will look at least 2 months before your wedding day.

Happy Planning!

Vote for your Favorite Party Theme on Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:20:00 +0000

You love throwing the ultimate themed birthday party. You scour blogs for the best ideas and delight in crafting adorable favors by hand. You're the expert, and your opinion is wanted! Vote for your favorite party theme and get entered in the Beau-coup Facebook giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift voucher! Beau-coup is giving away three $100 gift vouchers to three lucky fans who will be chosen at random. Get your vote in order to qualify, and be sure to SHARE with friends! Voting is open till Monday, August 6th. Vote now!

Beau-coup believes in “celebrating life, one event at a time” and is a recognized leader in the party favor and party supplies industry. Since 2002 they have helped brides and grooms, family, friends and every type of event planner find the perfect party favors, supplies and decorations to create memorable and extraordinary celebrations. Visit their site and while you are there, check out their wide selection of wedding favors, birthday party favors and baby shower favors & gifts. And don't forget to enter the contest - good luck!

Wedding Hats - For the Bride

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:40:00 +0000

I recently saw this picture of a bride in a white pantsuit with a big straw hat and thought "The hat makes this look fabulous!"

Carolina Herrera

So I ask you: Would you forgo the usual wedding headpiece and veil to choose a stylish hat instead?

Photo credit

Bel Aire (Style 6248)

Photo Credit

Napkin Folds

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Fancily folded napkins make your tables look a little more dressed and a lot more fabulous. Click on the links below each picture for folding instructions.

Fleur-de-lis

Waterfall Pleat

Place Card Holder

For more examples and instructions, go to Delish.com

Stella & Dot's Sparkle Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:07:00 +0000

Are you ready to sparkle this Independence Day? Stella & Dot's Sparkle Sale is running now through 7/4 offering an EXTRA 20% off already-reduced sale items! Below are some of my favorite pieces . . .

The Threaded Turquoise Necklace is beautiful. It's entirely handmade with delicate turquoise teardrops balanced on silk and metallic thread. Wear while running errands or with that little black dress!

The Wishing Nugget Bracelet is gorgeous and has crystal pave balls, a turquoise nugget and wooden beads--making it a perfect accessory for your summer attire.

The 14kt gold Signature Leaf Charm is stunning on its own or paired with other charms. Wear this charm to a summer bbq or a girls night out.

Sparkle all summer long wearing these great accessories!

If you would like to work with an independent stylist, contact my friend Kate Winters. She'll be at our Wedding Planning Bootcamp in November to show off her fabulous bridal collection.

Planning a Wedding in 6 Months or Less?

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0000

CALL ME!

You need a wedding planner to help you get everything done in 1/2 the time it takes the average bride to plan a wedding.

I do a lot of networking with other wedding professionals, which gives me an advantage over the bride who is going it alone. I can make a few calls to get you a list of the professionals and venues who are still available for your date.

I can take it a step further to save you time and money by only connecting you to those professionals that are within your budget. You don't have time to waste having conversations with anyone you can't afford to hire... and quite frankly, they don't want you to waste their time either.

AND I can help you with all of the things you can't do while you are at work or in school.

Ready to talk? Meet me for coffee or a cocktail (my treat) to talk about everything you are trying to get done. Visit our website to set a date & time.

Philly Wedding Planning Bootcamp Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:30:00 +0000

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

In March 2012, Always Fabulous Events presented the very first Wedding Planning Bootcamp at The Brossman Center in Germantown. After it was over and the recap was posted on our blog, we were approached by more brides and wedding professionals asking when we would do it again.

THE WAIT IS OVER

We are hosting the next Wedding Planning Bootcamp this fall at Wyndham Garden Hotel near the Philadelphia Airport.

Learn the secrets to planning your dream wedding from establishing spending limits to choosing your wedding professionals. Get expert advice for hundreds of dollars LESS than you'd normally pay for individual consultations.

The cost to attend this workshop is $25 for the bride + 1 guest.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Take $5 off the admission price - Now thru Sept 3.

For complete details and registration, visit http://phillywpbootcamp.eventbrite.com

Destination Wedding Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 00:05:00 +0000

A destination wedding is one which takes place outside of the area where you live. It does not require international travel or passports. It could be as close as a 2 hours drive or as far as the other side of the world. The possibilities are plenty.

iStockphoto.com

But this post is not about where to travel for your wedding. We thought of, and researched, some of the things you probably never considered when planning a destination wedding.

Travel to your destination ahead of time to meet with your hired professionals so you know what you are getting OR
Have a local wedding planner handle the details and the planner can meet with the professionals on your behalf.
Take your photographer with you. This will make it easier for you to communicate with them after the wedding to select, order, and receive your photos.
Purchase items to personalize your wedding and ship them in advance.
Have a travel agent lock in the rates for you as far ahead of time as possible. This will allow you to inform your guests of the travel details and give them time to pay.
Pack an extra pair of wedding day shoes. One should be more comfortable than the other.
When you arrive at your destination, do some last minute shopping to fill welcome bags with local goodies. (This is something your wedding planner can do for you.)

BONUS: Write a welcome letter for your guests to thank them for traveling to celebrate your special day. Include a map of the area and an itinerary so they know when they need to be with you and when they have free time to explore.

Happy Travels & Muchos Smooches

For the Curly Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 02:28:00 +0000

The humid Philadelphia summers can be traumatic for those of us who don't have baby fine stick straight hair. If you have the slightest bit of curl to your hair, then you have grown up fighting the battle of the frizz. Now, imagine fighting your way to your bridal shower, bachelorette night out, or rehearsal dinner. YIKES!

(NOTE: I didn't say "wedding day" for 2 reasons. (1) I don't want to send you into instant panic mode and (2) I hope you are having a professional style your mane on your wedding day.)

The curl experts at Ouidad make the perfect products to keep you calm and your hair under control. And this cute little travel kit (shown above) is perfect to take on your honeymoon.

The Ouidad Love Your Curls Kit Includes:

Ouidad Clear & Gentle Shampoo (2.5 oz)

An extremely gentle shampoo for normal or chemically treated hair
An all purpose, low foaming, low pH cleanser that offers your hair the essential nourishment it needs
Hair is left looking clean, fresh, and healthy using a formula that is safe even for color treated hair

Ouidad Balancing Rinse Conditioner (2.5 oz)

A daily conditioner that detangles, fights frizz, and provides the proper protein balance to revive dull or damaged hair
Made for daily conditioning , it will not build up or weigh hair down
Special detanglers help prevent the hair shaft from overstretching, while a blend of wheat protein and vitamins smooth and soften strands for optimal manageability and silkiness

Ouidad Climate Control Gel (2.5 oz)

A must have styling aid that works with the humidity to be the ultimate frizz preventer.
Wheat Protein complex has a shielding effect on the hair that “breathes” with the humidity, protecting the hair shaft and helping to prevent hair from expanding
Amino acids and vitamin A nourish and hydrate hair leaving it touchable, manageable, and full of shine.

Ouidad Botanical Boost Spray Conditioner (2.5 oz)

A lightweight detangler and refresher that nourishes and revives curls
The blend of proteins and botanical extracts preserves moisture, prevents frizz and enhances shine giving your hair an instant “botanical boost” throughout the day or in the morning to refresh your curl pattern without rewashing
Free of oils and waxes so it won’t weigh hair down, it is infused with aloe vera to promote hydration and keep tresses tame and smooth

Ouidad Deep Treatment Conditioner (2.5 oz)

Effectively penetrates hair to bond with the cuticle, leaving hair revived and restructured for enhanced performance

The Ouidad Love Your Curls Starter Kit is available on Ouidad.com for $35.

I recently tried the set for myself, including the deep conditioning treatment, and my hair feels so soft and silky that I can't stop touching it... and neither can he. *wink*

DIY Wedding Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:14:00 +0000

As I'm digging myself out of email hell (you wouldn't believe how many unread emails I have - mostly junk), I came across an email that I normally wouldn't have opened. As a matter of fact, I opened it to find the "unsubscribe" link. Then, something told me to go to the website to see if they have anything new and, more importantly, improved.

Usually, when brides tell me they are ordering wedding items from Oriental Trading, the hair stands up on my arms. Not because they don't have any good stuff, but because buying too many items from their site will make your wedding look like a cheap birthday party instead of the "simple but elegant" wedding you had in mind.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this picture at Oriental Trading.

These are marble-look fluted pillars. They are made of cardboard and come in sets of 2 in the 3 sizes shown here. What I like about this picture, is that it shows you how to pull this off without looking cheesy. This is a pretty way to decorate the entrance to your reception... especially for your formal introductions. It could also serve as the backdrop for your ceremony if your venue doesn't already offer a picturesque setting.

As always, remember that DIY stands for "do it yourself" not "do it BY yourself". Find someone, other than your wedding party or parents, to deliver and assemble your projects on the day of the wedding.

Muchos Smooches

Announcing a New Venture with Beau-coup.com

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:06:00 +0000

We are truly pleased to announce that Always Fabulous Events was chosen to partner with Beau-coup.com who specializes in unique wedding favors, party favors and personalized gifts for all of lifes special occasions. We have selected our favorite products, the ones that we believe will make your next event memorable and we're excited to share them with you.

Just click here to check out our personal party favor picks we are sure you will find some of your own too!

If your wedding is coming up soon or you just want to say "thank you" to some very special people, here are some new and popular bridal party gifts trending now for you to consider:

And, be sure to use a coupon code when you purchase:

Free Shipping on orders over $59 @ Beau-coup.com (code:FREESHIP)
Save 15% NO MINIMUM ORDER @ Beau-coup.com (code:BEAU15) - valid 04/27/2012 thru 04/30/2012

Happy Shopping!

Graduation Announcements and Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Your little one is not so little anymore…in fact he or she is all grown up and graduating. Whether they are finishing high school or college, you can announce their graduation (and party too if you want) in style with Tiny Prints’ Graduation Announcements and Graduation Invitations.

Why should you choose Tiny Prints for your graduation cards?

Well first, every card is reviewed by their professional team of designers and etiquette experts.

Secondly, you can customize your cards front to back with photos and text…for FREE!

Third, no one has more selection than Tiny Prints with over 1,000 graduation designs. New for this year they even have designs including their Greek Collection for sororities.

These announcements and invitations are second-to-none. Classy, stylish, and eye-catching to say the least.

Need them fast? If you’re like me and doing this a little last minute, they can even get them to you in 2 days with Super Rush Delivery for not much more.

So share the excitement with custom college graduation announcements from Tiny Prints! Find the perfect design from their stylish selection of cards that feature the class year, school colors, with your own text and pictures.

Be prepared though—once everyone receives these cards the demand to display that new diploma is sure to skyrocket!

Shop Tiny Prints Graduation Announcements and Invitations

Field of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Photo from Real Simple

As a little girl, you ran through the field behind your grandmother's country home. You picked flowers there and chased bunnies. You may have even climbed a tree. As a teenager, you sat under that tree, read romantic novels, and daydreamed about falling in love and getting married in Grandmom's field.

Now that you are an adult and have found the love of your life, you want to make your dream a reality. But there are a lot of details that need to be considered in order to pull this off.

I'm pretty sure Grandmom's field doesn't come with tables, chairs, or even electricity. You have to rent EVERYTHING!

Start with a budget (How much money can you afford to spend for your wedding?)
Determine how many people you are going to invite
Then look for an off-premise caterer. You will need to know what they can provide and what they will need for you to provide. For example, they may need you to provide a separate tent to cook under. They may be able to provide all serveware, flatware, and glassware.
Contact a tent company to reserve all of the tents you need. They will want to know some of the details about your wedding like the number of guests, if you are having a dance floor, and if you are having a live band or DJ.
Contact a party rental company to get tables, chairs, linens, and any of the necessary items your caterer and tenting company may not provide.
You will also need electric power generators and restroom facilities.

And then you can plan all of the usual suspects: flowers, entertainment, invitations, transportation, etc.

Happy Planning & Muchos Smooches

Philly Wedding Planning Bootcamp 3.31.12

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

On March 31, 2012, Always Fabulous Events took over The Brossman Center @ Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia along with other local wedding industry experts to whip a few brides' MINDS into shape as they plan their weddings.

The event space welcomed spring with apple green & hot pink linens, flowers, and lighting. Each registered guest received a swag bag full of goodies and a personalized wedding resource guide.

As the hostess and event planner, I opened the event with information about planning the wedding budget. This included tips about having the initial conversations with everyone planning to make financial contributions to the wedding fund, how to set up a realistic budget, and the next steps to plan the wedding after the spending limits and priorities have been established. Then each wedding professional took a turn discussing their specific area of expertise.

We learned a lot, had a few laughs, and ate amazingly delicious cake.

We couldn't have done any of this without the support of our fabulous presenters and sponsors:

Venue: Rita Faison of The Brossman Center @ LTSP

Lighting: Gene Durbano of DJs Available Sound & Light

Cake: Rafael Logrono of Rafael Logrono Cake Design

Filmography: Darrell Aubert of Aubert Films

Photography: Sarah Wimberley of FlickFoto

Invitations: Christina Carnevale of Paper Rock Scissors

Dance: Lynn MacKerell of Siti Dance Studio

Honeymoon Planning: Mattie Johnson of C'est Chic Vacations

Music: DJ 007 of Untouchable Entertainment Group

Linens: Gala Cloths

Flowers: Kremp Florist

And special thanks to all of our registered guests for coming out and being a fun group to work with. We look forward to doing another event like this later in the year. If you are interested in participating as a bride/groom, presenter, or sponsor, please email us at info@alwaysfabulousevents.com.

Paragon by After Six

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:21:00 +0000

Before the bride walks down the aisle all eyes are on the groom. As he awaits his bride, he will feel confident and comfortable in Dessy's After Six Tuxedo.

The Paragon tuxedo is a modern classic, and is ideal for any formal occasion. Fabricated in extra fine merino wool, it features two-button styling, notch lapels, and unique piping with a signature bow tie motif. Retailing for $395, the Paragon is handsomely complemented by After Six's Formal Accessories including ties, pocket squares, vests and more. Accessories come in the bow tie pattern in tones of aubergine, platinum or sapphire, as well as a range of solid colors matching bridesmaid dresses by the Dessy Group.

Shop the entire tuxedo look [http://www.dessy.com/tuxedos/paragon-tuxedo-look-1] or browse through Dessy's complete collection of Men's formal wear.

Visit Dessy today!

Sweet 16 Party Contest Extended

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:34:00 +0000

Hey Girls! Do you want to win a fabulous celebration in your honor? We bet you do. So what would you do to get it?

Always Fabulous Events only wants you to write a short essay. That's it. Pretty simple, right?

We are extending the Sweet 16 Party contest for another month to give you more time to get your entry in to us. We must have your entry by April 15.

Get the details here. Be sure to follow all of the rules so there is no chance to be disqualified.

The winner will be announced on April 30.

FREE Wedding Websites

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Do you need a wedding website? Would you like one that matches your Save the Date cards, invitations, etc.? How about getting one for free?

Wedding Paper Divas has what you need! A free wedding website to go along with over 40 of their most popular wedding invitations. This means that you can now easily create an ad-free personal wedding website complete with online RSVP capabilities and more—and keep it FREE for one year!

Some of the features of the free wedding website include:

Match your site to over 40 of Wedding Paper Divas bestselling invitation designs.
Easy to design. You don’t need to be a programmer to do this! Just point and click at anything on the site to customize.
Custom Domains. You can truly customize your site with a domain that is just for you like ourwedding.com.
Unlimited Photos.
Guest comments
Music and Video
Online RSVP, Blog, Password protection, guest list manager, and much more.

Get started now to ensure that everything will be beautifully designed and perfectly coordinated as you prep for your big day.

Muchos Smooches!

Wedding Paper Divas SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:35:00 +0000

For one week only, starting today, Wedding Paper Divas is celebrating its 6^th anniversary with a HUGE Anniversary Sale!

Customers get 30% off all orders through March 13 using Promo Code 6YEARS. No minimum purchase required.

Wedding Paper Divas has never had a storewide sale this good!

Win A Fab Sweet 16 Party

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 +0000

ATTENTION ABINGTON, UPPER DUBLIN, UPPER MORELAND, AND HATBORO/HORSHAM PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Always Fabulous Events wants to throw you a Sweet 16 party!

One very lucky girl will win a fabulous party for up to 50 friends and have her story featured on our blog.

Here's what you have to do:

Write an essay explaining how your education will empower you to achieve your goals for the future.
Must be a minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 500 words long.
All entries must be emailed to info@alwaysfabulousevents.com between March 1 and March 31, 2012.
Please include your name, school name, home address, and date of birth with your entry.
This contest is open to girls who are or will be turning 16 years old in 2012 and attend high school in one of the above mentioned school districts.
The winner will be announced right here on our blog on or after April 15, 2012.
The date of the party may not correspond with the winner's actual birthday and will be based on mutual availability.

Music will be provided by Cutting Edge Entertainment.

LIKE Always Fabulous Events on Facebook

FOLLOW @alwaysfab on Twitter

Wedding Planning Bootcamp

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

MARCH 31, 2012

PHILADELPHIA

Ladies, I know you need some guidance. I also know wedding planning can drive you crazy if given enough time and opportunity. Don't let it happen to you!

Come to our Wedding Planning Bootcamp to get your questions answered by industry experts and learn how to make wedding planning stress free so you can enjoy the wedding of your dreams.

Each bride will take home a fabulous swag bag PLUS a resource guide full of valuable information that will save your time, money, and sanity!

You MUST pre-register for this event. Space is limited so sign up today!

Sponsors & Presenters:

PLUS: Aubert Films, Kremp Florist, and C'est Chic Vacations

Dessy: February Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:32:00 +0000

It's February and many brides-to-be are knee-deep in shopping for dresses, favors, invitations, and other wedding day accessories. Our friends over at Dessy want to help you with some of your shopping decisions with the following offers:

FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50 (Use code FREESHIP50 until 2/29/12)

FREE SHIPPING on all Swatch & Pantone orders over $15 (Use code DGSWATCH until 2/29/12)

FREE TOTE BAG with all orders over $25 (Until 2/29/12 - No code required)

Dessy offers guides to make planning your wedding more organized and less hectic. They also have a gallery of inspiration styleboards like this one below to help you find fabulous color combinations for your special day.

If you find really great items for your wedding while you are visiting Dessy, please come back and tell us.

Muchos Smooches!