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« December 2009 | Main | February 2010 »
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Last Sunday, while working at a bridal show, I heard numerous couples state a common challenge. They don't know what questions to ask wedding vendors during meetings/consultations.
And, as many of you know, asking the right questions is key to helping you make a sound decision for your wedding day vendors.
Over the years, I've found blog posts that feature some really good questions to ask professional vendors before you hire them. A few of them are below.
And, most important of all . . .
Do you have any lists to add? Please share.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
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We're still in the throes of the flu season, so keep up that healthy habit of washing your hands with antibacterial soap.
Instead of taking off your engagement ring before washing your hands, keep the ring on.
As we have learned this flu season, germs can live on just about anything, and that includes your gorgeous ring.
So, lather up while wearing your engagement ring, and dry off the ring with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Every six months, you should take your ring to a reputable jeweler to have it professionally cleaned, and checked for loose prongs or gems.
One more thing. Close the sink while you wash your hands, so your ring doesn't go down the drain by mistake. (ask me how I know! Oy!)
Love & Soul Always, Kay
(Photo: MorningStar Photography)
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So, what do you do when wedding planning stress has become entirely too much for you? Do you plow forward knowing that you will feel much better on your wedding day? It's okay to admit it. So many of us do the same thing.
Take it from me -- It's okay to cry "uncle" too. It's not a sign of weakness -- It's simply your notification that you need help. Hey, even the hottest wedding planners in town have assistants, so why should you take on this major task alone?
Here are some recommendations for managing your wedding planning projects --
* First and foremost, prioritize. Create a list of the most important tasks and a list of "nice to have" tasks to help you focus on what is important. Do what you need to do first. Then (if you have the time available), you can take care of some of the tasks on your "nice to have" list.
* Ask for help. Divvy up some of the tasks and ask for help from your groom, your reliable family members, reliable friends and the reliable members of your bridal party. (notice I said the word, "reliable") Exploit some of their talents. If your future mother in law is a supreme gardener, ask her for help with selecting your wedding flowers.
* Outsource. Hire a wedding planner. If your budget doesn't allow you to hire a planner, consider hiring a planner for your most challenging (or most time-consuming) wedding project only. And, you cannot go wrong with hiring a professional day of coordinator.
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Here are some recommendations for reducing your stress and anxiety --
* Take all of your wedding projects and break them down into monthly tasks. Breaking up your tasks by month won't seem so overwhelming. And, it allows you to bulk up the tasks on your life's slower months and slim down your tasks during your life's busy months.
* Get outside. A few years ago, I was overwhelmed with stress. I felt like I was "drowning in drama." I decided to put on my sneakers and take a walk around my neighborhood (without my blackberry or my iPod). This 30 minutes of quiet time helped me to gain perspective. Now, I can't live without my 30-minute walk.
* Take a mental break. Remind yourself that there is life outside of weddings. Take a weekend away from family, friends and work, and don't utter the word, "wedding." Don't look at a wedding magazine. Don't watch a wedding show. And don't read any wedding blogs. (gasp!)
* Eat healthy. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I am famous for enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, followed up by a box of ginger snaps and a root beer. Guess what? I feel better for about ten seconds. According to some studies, eating organic fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids help you to get clarity. And clarity is what you need when you feel anxious.
So, relax. Ask for help. And know that your loved ones will consider you wise for asking for help -- not for losing your mind over your wedding planning.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
(Photo: This is a photo I took from my back yard last summer. It was a rainbow after a wicked storm.)
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Check out Howerton+Wooten Events in the February issue of Essence Magazine!
The article titled, “From Fear to Freedom” gives a brief synopsis of my journey from working at a corporate gig to running my own meeting and event planning company.
The article starts on page 65, but you will find me on page 66. Below is the magazine issue's cover, featuring Reggie Bush (wow)
If you get a chance to read the article, let me know what you think. Sharing so much about my own personal journey made me a little nervous. But the feedback I have received from women all over the US made me realize that so many of us need to hear stories like this.
Oh by the way, the printed photo of me in this issue was taken by Bailey Orenia-Sessoms. I don’t think I have ever given her blog credit for my professional photo, but I owe her a great deal of gratitude.
Love and Soul Always, Kay
(Photo: Essence Magazine)
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Isn't this Maptote a great idea for your "out of town" wedding guests? The bags can hold all of your guests' wedding weekend items, and they would be a fun souvenir of your wedding city.
Maptotes offer numerous city options, and seven bag sizes. I especially like the grocery tote bag because it can be used long after your wedding day. Which, of course, is environmentally friendly.
If you don't see your wedding city as one of their options, you can have a bag customized with your wedding city.
I think the Mapnotes would be fun if you had your "save the dates" printed on the other side. Your guests will have all of your wedding information, along with a snapshot of your wedding city. The mapnotes are 4" x 9" flat cards. They come with brown envelope that is made of 100% recycled paper.
What do you think? Would Maptotes or Mapnotes be a fun addition for your wedding weekend?
Love & Soul Always, Kay
(Photos: Maptote)
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Are you coming to the Washington Bridal Showcase on Sunday, January 24th? You should. Every vendor you need to help you plan your wedding will be there.
We'll be there -- in Booth #103
When you arrive, please stop by our booth and say hi. We would love to meet you. Here are the details --
Washington Bridal Showcase
Sunday, January 24, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20852
You can purchase tickets here or you can leave us a comment for a complimentary pass to the bridal show. We will select two winners by noon (that’s lunch time for us) on Thursday, January 21, 2010.
If you are interested in tips and recommendations for maximizing your time at the bridal show, check out my post from last September.
My colleagues and I will be on hand to chat about our services, showcase a few weddings that have received the Howerton+Wooten Events love, and give you some cool ideas for your own special day.
We look forward to seeing you on January 24th!
Love & Soul Always, Kay
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In his honor . . .
Love with no strings. Listen with a compassionate ear. And provide generous service to those in need.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
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I’m happy to share that we were featured in The Knot’s current issue for Spring/Summer 2010.
When the folks at the Knot contacted me, they asked me for the inside scoop on a ton of wedding details in Washington DC, but they chose my thoughts about the W Hotel in DC and outdoor weddings in National Parks.
This is what the issue looks like in print – If you already have a copy, we are on page 34. **smile**
Oh, by the way – The magazine says that I have 17 years of experience. Well, that isn’t exactly right. I have 17 years of meeting and event planning experience, and four years of wedding planning experience.
Thanks!
Love & Soul Always, Kay
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Michelle is one of our many “long distance” brides. We helped her plan her Maryland wedding while she lived and worked in New Jersey.
We could tell from the minute we met Michelle that we were going to love her. She and her groom, Anthony, have such a beautiful spirit.
Our team helped Michelle and Anthony plan their wedding (from soup to nuts) in four months, but no one could tell! Their wedding was just as thoughtful and pretty as a wedding planned over a year.
And I must admit that I am a fan of their fall-themed reception.
The miniature white pumpkins, the leaf-shaped well wishes, the apple cider with cinnamon sticks, and the orange and cranberry flowers were ideal for a chilly November afternoon.
And, the wedding reception ended with all of the guests jamming in a soul train line. My kind of party!
Thank you so much Michelle and Anthony. We had a blast planning your day!
Love & Soul Always, Kay
Wedding Day Photos were taken by Jason Knauer Photography.
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