Planning Essentials: You're Engaged... Now what?

Congratulations to all the lovely couples who became engaged over the Holidays or New Years Eve!! 

What an exciting time this is for you!  And what great timing.  January, with it's spirit of fresh renewal is the perfect time to start the Wedding Planning Process.  The fact that the majority of engagements (over 30%) occur during the Holiday Season doesn't hurt either.  So, where do you begin?  Here are 3 helpful steps to getting started:


Step 1: "...that day's gonna be a Good Day!"
Why is selecting a date sooo important?  Because it will help you start the process of researching and scheduling, checking Wedding Ceremony & Reception site (or Venues) and Vendor availability, and placing deposits to reserve that perfect location or desired vendor services.  Remember, some vendors (especially highly sought after ones) book quickly or only offer limited availability so it's important to start calling to check on specific dates.  Also, many Venues offer differing prices depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week.  Start selecting a date by picking a couple of potential dates or a timeframe (such as the last two weeks of May) for your wedding day.  Then look at your schedule, the schedule of some of the important guests (like parents, best friends, etc.), Holiday's or other special events that may conflict with your big day.  After all, you want your special day to stand out and you don't want to compete with Cousin Steve's Graduation.  Then... choose your date!  


TIP: Not sure if you can snag your dream Venue?  Ask about Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays availability and pricing which often book for less than the more popular Saturdays. 


Step 2: Does Size Matter?

Oh yes it does.  Not only will the size of your wedding effect the protocols, mood, tone, and feeling of the ceremony and celebration but it will also effect the cost and resources you'll need to create it. So close your eyes and ask yourself, will it be an intimate affair with 60 guests or do you envision a tremendous affair with 200, 300 or more?  


Of course, the number of Wedding Party Participates (or Attendants) and wedding guests will vary throughout the planning process but the number of guests will have a direct influence on everything from finding Venue(s) to accommodate the group, to cost of Bridal Party Flowers (Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages, etc.), to the catering cost per person, the number of reception and cocktail hour table linens and decorations, and so on.  Just keep it simple and ask yourself, would you like a Small Wedding (less than 100), Medium-size Wedding (about 100 - 200), or a Large Wedding (greater than 250) and go from there.



Step 3: Be at home with your range

Most "Brides and Grooms-to-be" are new to the wedding industry and are not familiar with the various product costs, service fees, and other expenses that eventually add up to the total cost of a wedding.  So, how much does the average wedding cost?  According to recent data the average wedding in the United States in 2011 costed approximately $26,500 (Some areas do vary, for example in Virginia the average is slightly higher with average at $29,000).  Yes, even in this economy... Surprised?  The resources, products, and service providers involved in the production of a wedding experience inflation just like any other industry.  


Sure, there will always be people out there who are willing to do a poorer job for a lower price and as a result take advantage of Brides & Grooms during there once in a lifetime event... that's the bad news.  Now, here's the good news!  Most reputable Wedding Professionals will be able to work with you to help you understand your budget, offer options, and assist you in creating a simply wonderful event.  


That's why it so extremely important to have a general but realistic budget range in mind.  I use the term "Budget Range" because as you enhance or scale back on different aspects of your wedding to focus on what is important to you and what you really don't want the budget itself will range.  Sit down and truly think about a "budget range" that features a low-end and a high-end number that you'll spend on your wedding.  Keep in mind, the budget will fluctuate as the type, size, style, and details of your wedding takes form.  Think about the aspects of your wedding that are important to you, what you are willing to be flexible on, and what you will not compromise on.  Remember, giving yourself a "budget range" to work with will be one of the most essential parts in the planning process.


TIP: Relay on your Pro!  When you hire Wedding Professionals you hire all of their knowledge, experience, and resources with special events.  Most Wedding Pros such as Planners/Consultants or Designers (learn the difference between Wedding Coordinator and Designer in our earlier posts "... and you do what?"  or "Why Wedding Flowers cost so much" here), Caterers, and so on will help you keep on track and work within your budget... trust them!



What's next?
Once you've established these very general guidelines for your wedding (The Date, The Budget Range, and The Size) you can start the basic research to begin the wedding planning process.  As I mentioned before, January is the ideal time to start planning our wedding, in fact, January through March is known in the wedding industry as "Bridal Shows and Booking Season".  


Take the next few days to visit:

1. Bridal Shows for great wedding ideas
2. Pick up established Bridal Magazines and visit reliable Wedding Websites (including local ones)
3. Look for and register to visit Venue and Vendor Open Houses
4. Make the time to Schedule Consultations to meet with Wedding Professionals.

Be prepared to have...

• your Binder or Notepad to keep your notes and pictures
• your Calendar to schedule appointments on the spot (Initial Consultations are usually free)
• your checkbook or credit card to hold your wedding date with a deposit (Vendors/Venues can book up fast)

Once again, congratulations and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask... Happy Planning!


Blessed wishes,
Janel and your friends at Vivid Expressions LLC

Opportunity for local Artists (Hampton, Virginia)

Creativity and the Arts are not only our passion but part of our mission and company's culture here at Vivid Expressions LLC.  So we're always delighted to share our support of Artists and present unique opportunity in our local creative community.  We received word of this exhibition and work exchange opportunity for Visual Artist and simply had to share it.  If you or anyone you know can take advantage of this please share this information.


Attention Visual Artists (Painters, Photographers, Sculptors, etc.): 


The "Gallery at Chapman" in Hampton, Virginia is offering an immediate special exhibition opportunity. In exchange for one day a week manning the Gallery you may receive wall space or a lowered sales commission. Immediate need (starting next week) please contact them as soon as possible 757-826-1838 or galleryatthechapman@hotmail.com

Happy New Years! How to have "a good, good Twenty-Twelve"

It is the last day of 2011... so really, how was it for you?  We are so grateful for each of our fantastic Brides & Grooms, Clients, Colleagues, Friends, Fans and Followers.  I can't express what an honor it's been to share our work, accomplishments, thoughts, and creative spirit with you throughout the year.  


Of course it hasn't always been perfect... then again, that's the excitement and challenge of an intriguing life.  Every year has it's share of disappointments and loss but it also has opportunities, success, blessings, and oh so much to be thankful for especially if you really take the time to look and realize that no mater who you are there is always someone who will look at you and admire what you have.  We often look at what others have, what we desire, and take for granted the things that mean so much to us.  Sure, I'd love to have multi-million (or billion) dollar Clients calling all the time but I know I help to bring beauty, joy, wonder, fulfillment, magic, and highlight the most remarkable times in my Client's lives.  I take tremendous pride in our hard work and (not to sound immodest) do it stunningly well.


With that said it's time for our yearly list exercise.  Take out your notebooks (the paper kind) or some sheet of paper... yes, paper!  These exercises work best when written by hand.  Now, prepare yourself for a wonderful New Year by following these 5 steps:


1. Make your "Release List": 

This is a list of things you will NOT carry with you in the new year.  That baggage that has brought you loss, disappointment, and pain.  These are things you truly have (had) no control over and can not change.  Sure you may learn lessons from them; a mistake, bad decision, bad relationship, missed opportunity, etc.  Sit down and write a list of each thing that is weighing on you from this past year (and beyond) and be honest.  Even the things you say are "no big deal" but you feel guilt, fear, insecurity, hurt, or loss from. This pain has served it's purpose, take what ever lesson you can learn or good from the loss and become stronger from it but do not let it define who you are, who you can be, and your future.

2. Make your "Gratitude List": 

This is the one that people should do but take for granted.  Set aside a good chunk of time to sit down and write a "Gratitude List".  Sometimes when people think of what they lost, what they don't or didn't have and all the "coulda, shouldas" of life they really become blind to what they do have.  For everyone who said, "Oh I wish I could have those cute new shoes" there is someone who is saying, "I wish I could afford new shoes", and someone else saying, "I wish I had shoes" and even someone with blisters on their feet or even lost their feel and legs.  Gratitude Lists are easy, take a least 2 to 3 sheets of paper and begin to write what you are thankful for but start simple, really simple and begin to list everything you are thankful to have and can do because of the life you have right now.  "I'm thankful I can breath under my own power". "I'm thankful I have a warm bed to sleep in".  "I'm thankful I can stand and feel the grass under my feet," (I learned that one when I broke both my ankles in an accident a few years ago).  "I'm thankful..." and so on. Move on to your true friends and loved ones, movie night with your sweetheart, time with Grandparents, and maybe those things like a job, insurance, car (although they may not be the latest and greatest) that are yours.  Soon you realized just how blessed you are.  

3. Make your "Decision List":

Ok, slight change.  Instead of Resolutions lets calls these Decisions...a "Decision" is just more empowering.      Besides, it's that what you are doing?  Resolutions also seem to focus on the end result - "loose weight, get a new house, take a trip to..." and so on.  Ok, but how are you going to do it?  Decisions focus on the tasks and steps you'll take to make to enhance your life and do the things you want to do.  Don't just make a Resolution to loose 30 lbs, Decide to cut out Fast Foods and cook more at home at least 5-6 days a week.  Decide to go for a walk with your friends (or even spend some peaceful "me time" walking) every morning.  Decide to skip that $8 Coffee Shop Latte & Muffin each day during the week and make your own for $8 a week (by the way that's $32 per week, $128 per month - savings you over $1,500 a year) for that cruse you want to take.  You have the ability to make these things happen, you just have to choose to do them.  The key is to keep them simple and inline with what you'd like to accomplish.  

4. Make your "Week One To Do" List:

This is just a way to get the ball rolling!  If you're not in the habit of writing and checking off "To Do" lists I highly recommend them.  It's certainly something you don't have to do all the time but for many professionals in a number of industry (events included) having a "To Do" list is vital to getting things done.  On another piece of paper (yes, another I'll share why a little later) write down the things you've "decided" to do this year.  Then select one of those goals you'd like to accomplish and make it the one for this week (or even this month) and create a detailed lists of tasks you will have to do to make it happen.  Research and reading, phone calls, shopping list, appointments... what ever you need to do put it on your "To Do" list. 

5. Send them on their way:This is my favorite part!  Unless it's actually being used on a daily basis lists and letters mean nothing and that is what most New Years Resolutions do... sit on a desk or posted on a refrigerator doing nothing.  They turn into just a sign laying away and soon you pay as much attention to it as picture on a wall... a little entertaining but easily missed.  So here's what you should do with each of these list:

• Release List - Burn it!  Don't just throw it way or shred it but in a safe manner burn it.  There's something catharsis about watching that negativity and baggage go up in embers and smoke. 
• Gratitude & Decision List - Mail it!  Please both lists into envelopes, stamp, and mail them to yourself.  When you receive it the next day put it up somewhere safe.  In about 3 to 6 months (when you need a little reminder, encouragement or a push) you'll open, read and revisit why you are grateful and what you're goals are.
• You will keep the "2nd Decisions & To Do" List because you should be interacting with it (checking off items) on a daily (or weekly) basis.

Well, that's it!  I wish you all the hope, joy and happiness your heart desires in 2012.  I'm excited about all the wonder it will bring and know fantastic things await us all.  Yes, indeed... 


"I've gotta feel'n (wooo hooo), that twenty-twelves gonna be a good year...  twenty-twelves gonna be a good year...  twenty-twelves gonna be a good, good year."


Blessed wishes and cheers!!


Janel & Vivid Expressions

Joy, Laughter, and Light of the Holiday Season

No mater what you are celebrating (Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.) I wanted to take a moment to wish you all (our lovely Readers, Followers, and Fans) joy, laughter, and light as we celebrate during this Holiday Season.  This year has been filled with such fantastic Clients, wonderful events, and exciting changes.  It's been a pleasure sharing it all with you.  I'm have to say, I'm utterly filled with so much creativity, hope and promise for a fantastic 2012... it's limited only be the imagination.


With all the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, cooking, eating, drinking, visiting, and so on it's so easy to forget to stop and simply cherish the blessings of the family, friends, and loved ones around us.  Relax.  Take a breath and really take a moment of quite reflection.  Stop and appreciate those who touch your life and the lives you touch.  Be thankful to have shared this past year with   them and make sweet memory to treasure.


We will be taking some time to spend with our own family and friends over few days so we will be reducing our hours of operations until January 6th.  Oh, we will still be available on a limited basis and if you have questions, comments or need to reach out to us please do!  Feel free to visit our website and contact us online or via email - we'll be sure to get back with you as soon as possible.  


For now I'd like to leave you with a few "Unofficial Pics" from this past Friday's wedding - our last event of 2011 (We'll share Professional Images soon).  Here's sharing more memorable events and creative celebrations with you in 2012... Cheers and Happy Holidays!!

Bridal Bouquet: 

Classic style with subtle beach theme. Rose, Hydrangea, Orchids, and Lisianthus in hues of blue, purple, plum, silver, & white.

Custom Floral Design: 

It's wonderful when we can offer creative solutions. The Ring Barer for this wedding was a little girl so instead of a pillow we created a shadow box featuring elements of the wedding theme and floral design.

Creative Changes - our 2nd Location!

During our Holiday Open House & Toys for Tots Donation Event we shared some very special news with all who attended.  News about a distinct change to Vivid Expressions that is... well... more than a little exciting and should offer a wonderful experience for our Clients, Colleagues, Partners, and Friends.

As you many know Vivid Expressions has been happily designing and providing wedding & event services for over 5 years but only opened our doors at our Virginia Beach Studio-gallery for just over a year and a half.  We have shared space and partner with our dear Friends at Copper Art Inc. to showcase   both of our Artwork and Designs as well as host Client meetings and do production work.

As of January 2012 we will have a new location for Design & Consulting!  We will scale back our space at the Virginia Beach location which will continue to have a primarily focus on "wedding & event production work" and we will still offer creative ideas and sales of Copper Art Inc. wedding & event products for our Clients.  The Virginia Beach location is now known as the Vivid Expressions LLC Production Workshop and all of our Design, Consulting, and Creative Services meetings and operations will take place at our chic and artsy Norfolk location as we have become members of the 757 Creative Space Office Community.  Our new Design & Consulting Site is located at 259 Granby Street in Downtown Norfolk on the 2nd floor.   Check out some images of our new digs below:

 As we approach the end of our Wedding & Holiday Event season we will be operating under reduced hours from December 26 - 29th, with limited Consultations available on December 28th (by appointment only). We will be closed from Dec 30th - Jan 2nd.  Would you like to visit and chat about your up-coming wedding or event?  Call today to schedule your consultation at 757-802-3199 or Toll Free 888-878-4843).  In the meanwhile, we hope you enjoy all the love, laughter and joy of the Holidays... Cheers!

Holiday Home Entertaining: Showcase Seasonal Scenes

Showcase Seasonal Scenes:

Oh, how we love this time of year.  Crisp cool air, warming smiles from friends and loved ones.  Best of all we welcome those who mean the most to us into our homes for celebration and sharing. 

This season is also known as the "Holiday of lights" and we looove candles. Well, I use any excuse to use candles but for the holidays it's a must.  Here's a quick home entertaining tip.  For your next home holiday party try nestling pillar candles in a bed of whole coffee beans, whole Cloves, whole Star Anise, broken cinnamon sticks, or any of your favorite other whole, dry spices. Light the candles and as they warm an your home will fill with the fragrance.  Cheers!!

Annual Holiday Open House - 2011

On Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 Vivid Expressions LLC was delighted to host our 2nd Annual Holiday Open House.  We're so grateful for the "Creative Celebrations" we've been a part of over 5 year and this event has become our way to celebrate our Clients (past, present, and future), colleagues, friends, and fans.  All were welcome to come out, see original designs and artwork, mingle, eat, drink, laugh, and be marry.  

We also added a couple of "Special twists" this year - the first was adding a "little purpose to our party".  This year's event became a donation spot for the charity "Toys For Tots".  Guests could opt to bring a new, unwrapped toy to give to that charity and a U.S. Marine was on-site to collect the donations.  

We also had a "Special Announce" and guests of the event would be the first to hear some exciting news we had to share (but more on that later).  Today, I'm sharing some images from the Holiday Open House and Donation Event.  Ok, now I do have a disclaimer, some of these are from my own camera but the most lovely images capturing the event, decor and details are courtesy of our friends at ONON Digitography... enjoy!

      

Special thank you to our wonderful Vendor Colleagues who help to make the night simply awesome: Copper Art Inc., DCGP Photography & Design, AFR Furniture, Cake Delights, Shockley Sweet Shoppe, Big Dreams Entertainment, Distinctive Event Rentals, MorLina Events, and Pike Media Resource.