Nail Bling

Now, I’m not a fan (yet!) of the new nail craze with all of the big beads and things on the nails like I have been seeing on some of the hottest celebrities.  Maybe I’m a lame but sometimes there is a such thing as...too much!

Well, this piece of jewelry caught my eye and I really like it.  Probably because it is mixed with elegance and a tad bit of the unexpected.  What an original way to spruce up a simple wedding day manicure, huh?! Only if I could find out the original source for this photo will I be even more happy.  If you find or know it, please let me know. 

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Zipper Chic

When I ran across these gorgeous vintage jars wrapped in none other than zippers, I knew I had to share it with you.  I can already think of the things that I could do with them like fill them with fresh flowers for a swank little dinner party or display them on a book shelf or coffee table for a great conversation piece.  I just love this.  

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The Real Budget Breaker: Your Guest List

This post is looong overdue and I feel it very valuable to share it with you or anyone you know that is getting married.  Over the next few weeks, many wedding professionals will be consulting couples as they prepare for their upcoming Spring and Summer weddings.  I have had my share to come through my office and I how I like them, they have wonderful ideas for their upcoming nuptials.  I love to hear the unique ideas that come forth and how a couple met and why they need to do this and that to make their day extra special.  I love to see the many pictures cut and torn out of some of the most popular wedding glossies that brides keep tucked away in their new planning binders.  I also love to hear that they want their weddings to just be plain ol’ FABULOUS.  All of that is music to my ears.  So what’s the problem, you ask?!  There’s two problems actually, the budget and the guest list. 

Most surveys in 2010 found that the average wedding cost is $27,000. What?!?!  You’re probably thinking, “no way, I’ll never pay that for a wedding” But, wait.  You just may find yourself doing so when you are preparing to have an entire day of partying with close to 150-200 (or more) family and friends.  Let me make this clear, first of all, I’m not at all saying that in order to have the wedding of your dreams that $27,000 is what it will take.  I want to show you that the number of people that you are inviting will escalate the cost one way or another.

When you factor in the venue(s), attire (even if the groom’s tux is free), all stationery (DIY or custom), favors, catering (let’s face it food costs no matter how or who you conjure up to prepare it), decorations, transportation, cake, rings, photography, videographer, YOUR planner, and entertainment, you will be at around $80-130 per person.  It may sound good when you say out loud, “the food is only $16 per person”….well, when you do say it like that, it does sound wonderful.  But, that’s just for your guests to have a guaranteed plate for that particular price.  It doesn’t mention all of the other things that go into “wooing” your guests (and let’s not talk about taxes and staff fees, mmkay?!) And, if you are using flowers (real or faux), they cost, too.!  With more guests, the more tables and chairs you need, the more décor you will need, the more food and drink you will need, the more favors you will need, should I keep on?

So, before you look at your potential Planner’s fee (okaay?!) or your photographer’s quote (great quality photos will last a lot longer than the décor, food, and favors) and squawk with buck eyes, please note that these are the least of your worries.  It’s the ever-so-growing guest list that will cause you a headache at the end of the day.  You are paying so why not know the the truth and how to effectively save you money.

This I know all too well.  I’ve seen couples that took this advice and were pleased with the money saved by cutting their guests list in order to have what they wanted and I have witnessed couples that just wouldn’t budge and now are still paying the cost after the wedding is said and done because they wanted a LARGE wedding.  What’s the saying, more money more problems?  You better believe it.

So, if you are willing to take the advice from a professional, this is for you.  When working up that magical list, create an A-B-C list.  The As are the primary people that you know will be there like immediate family and close friends (even those that will certainly travel to be with you), the Bs are those that may possibly come but if they didn’t, you would understand (ie: ex-coworkers, co-workers), and the sweet Cs, these are the people that you have to dig deep to even remember.  The Cs are long lost school friends, friends of friends, old neighbors, facebook friends (even those that you haven’t even met in person), the entire church, your Greek letter organization, or people you just find on the street to come to your wedding (well maybe not the latter one) but you see where I’m going.

So let’s see what this can look like with a small budget (I hear this number a lot so I’m using it).  For a budget of $5000 and a guest list of 200 people, this is what the numbers will look like (I’m also including the average % for each category):

Reception (always the biggest chunk) (but actually close to 50%) 40%- $2000,

Attire-10%- $500

Photos/Video-12%- $600

Music-8%- $400

Flowers & Décor- 10%- $500

Stationery- 5%- $250

Rings- 2%- $100

Transportation- 2%- $100

Gifts (bridal party, wedding favors)- 3%- $150

Ceremony Site (donation and clergy fees)- 3%- $150

Other (tips, marriage license, taxes, hair/nails)- 5%- $250

You might be able to squeeze in a wedding cake for about $100.  And, with $10 per person allotted for the Reception, you will have to get very creative with your menu. *side note:  you and your bridal party have to be included in the 200 or else your budget is really shot*.  Not too realistic, is it?!

I urge you to take a look at your budget and your guest list.  These two bad boys can make you or break you.  Am I saying that you can’t have a really nice wedding on a budget, of course not!  Many of my couples are on a set budget and we make it realistically work and the style of their wedding is not compromised.  We just plan smart.  And, that’s what I want you to do.  Plan smart.

If you have to move your date down the road a little bit in order to save more or have more time to pay for the things that you want, by all means do it.  Many couples are now planning longer engagements so that they have the time and resources needed to plan their dream weddings. 

So, here’s to smart planning and beautiful weddings.  Just don’t let your guests compromise that for you.

Happy Planning!

Yaayy!!! We're in Arkansas Bride Magazine!

This past summer we had several beautiful weddings that we took part in.  One in particular was the wedding of Crystal and Vernon Trotter that was so unique, non-traditional, and fabulous that Arkansas Bride Magazine featured them.  How amazing is that?!  

The Trotter's uber talented photographer, Jamie Fender, captured the beauty of the day and submitted the photos.  The couple, needless to say, were very excited...I was  AM, too!

Crystal and Vernon enlisted the talent from some of Central Arkansas' best for her wedding. Catering was tastefully provided by Simply the Best Catering, the Arkansas Arts' Center was the gorgeous and contemporary venue, "drop your mouth to the floor" florals and decor were creatively designed by Distinctive Designs by Tanarah, the lounge furniture was provided by Trendstyle Events, wedding planning and pretty paper by Pink Tea Rose Events, vintage transportation was by Vintage Motor Cars, and sounds by DJ Klas'sik Mobile DJ Service.

Congratulations, Crystal and Vernon! 

I'm Lovin': Brooch Bouquets

I LOVE!!!

I am in love with the newest bouquet trend using brooches in place of flowers.  How stunning does this look?  And, not to mention what a creative way to incorporate priceless heirlooms passed down from grandparents and other family members.  The only thing I say is, you better not toss this beauty at the reception to the single ladies.

Floral designer, Amanda Heer, owner of Fantasy Floral Designs, creates these beautiful bouquets and can be found here or on Etsy.  Check them out for yourself and be amazed at how fabulous these stunning pieces are.

Inspiration Board: Houndstooth Bridal Shower

It's Winter time and I couldn't resist creating an inspiration board that includes Houndstooth.  This black and white checker-y pattern is seen mostly on wool coats, hats, scarves, and even shoes. And, it's quite classy might I add.  I believe that this would make for a classic and chic bridal shower, don't you? And, as you can see adding the simple and feminine flower, Anemone, sets the tone just right.  Enjoy browsing the board.

Images:  Poms, Pretty White Cake with Anemones, Favor boxes,  Invitation, Cookies, Clutch by Julia Sherry Designs

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

2011 is here and we pray that you have a fabulous year. 

We also welcome our 2011 clients...and look forward to your beautiful weddings and events. And, we are still booking...so, please join us this year!

Visit our website at www.thepinktearose.com.

Our 2010 Year in Review

Usually around this time of the year, I'm ready to push on fast to get to the new year.  But, this year was different.  Solely, because I stayed committed to thinking differently and responding to tough situations smarter.  There were some great things that I learned this year and some rough times that caught my attention on how strong I'd actually become through prayer and waiting on God to sort some things out (versus me trying to move Him faster).  Many of my goals that I set at the beginning of the year were achieved (some I'm still working on) but I feel good about leaving this year behind with good thoughts and a promising journey into 2011.  So, I'll share a bit of my 2010 Year in Review with you.

• I worked with some amazing couples this year.  They turned out to be great friends and have referred friends and family to me for 2011 events. (I THANK y'all so much)
• I had the opportunity to work with some passionate and talented event professionals this year that has turned into some good friendships.  I'm looking forward to what we create for 2011.
• I tapped into more of my creativity and gifts.  I have a love for pretty paper and designing coordinating pretties for events.  With the support of past and current clients, I've started to design more and hopefully offer more in 2011 (I will!)
• As a business owner who is a scaredy cat, I pushed myself to begin to face some of my fears.  This year, I challenged myself to work hard through the fear.  The end result?  Success!  Even during the times that I failed at some things.  
• I failed.  Yes!  At some attempts, I failed but welcomed the failure (instead of getting scared and pitiful).  I learned from the areas in which I failed in order to try new ways to getting something done. 
• I learned a little bit more about me.  (Way more to learn!)  Especially as an entrepreneur, I am striving to be better at my craft each and everyday.  My clients will appreciate that more.
• One of my weddings was featured in a wedding publication.  A major goal and success!  (This jazzy bride pushed me to do the unthinkable...and I am grateful!)
• I embraced social media a little bit more.  However, I need to commit to blogging more regularly and sticking to my blog calendar.  This I will work on better in 2011.  (Girl Scouts honor!) And, it is through social media that I have received many of my new 2011 clients, so why wouldn't I give it more attention?!. *THANK YOU*
• I realized that there is not too much that I can't do (Thanks, D Rich).  If I need a bit more information, training and education, it's right at my fingertips and all I have to do is learn. ...then I can do!  This is a biggie for me, y'all!
• I connected with like-minded individuals and follow (if not stalk) those that inspire me.  This does not necessarily mean that it is a celebrity designer or planner, either.  I desire to be around those who want a little bit more than me.  They continue to push me. And, their light shines to me that I can do all things through Christ through strengthens me.    
• I'm getting used to being an entry level tech geek.  With some great buddies who love technology, I'm upgrading myself and the gadgets I use. (this will benefit my clients)
• There were some "business" connections that were not healthy for me. And, it is so not my character to "cut" myself off from others but staying true to my goals, I've started to learn how to leave and learn. I'm working on loving from a distance but keeping the toxic away from me and my business (...and my clients)
• I added a new team member!!!  No, not really. I gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl shortly after my last wedding.  This was the biggest hit of the year!

These are just a few highlights of how my year molded me.  I am sincerely grateful for all of the good and (ugly) that has occurred this year.  I now know that I am stronger and I believe in my company a whole lot more than I did last year.  The growth is what inspires me and keeps me working each day.  I will certainly miss 2010 (and kind of sad to see it go) but 2011 holds many great things for my company, my family, and myself.  I have to let this year go in order to walk into a wonderful season of blessings.  I'm ready.

Thank you for reading our blog, liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, sending us sweet emails, and directing your friends and family our way.  You inspire us.  You are the reason that I am able to do what I love.

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Pretty!

The above tree (and space) is just pretty.  Tobi Fairly, an Arkansas top interior designer, designed this tree for her daughter's playroom.  On Tobi's blog she stated that she and her daughter loves to "monkey" around and the sock monkey was the inspiration for the Christmas tree.  I love it.  So whimsical and fun.  I'd love to hang out in this girly room.

So, if you are experiencing "decorator's block" this season, let Tobi inspire you.  Pull from something that you like or collect.  Do YOU and that my dear...exudes style!


Happy Holidays!

Holiday Sparkle...for You!

Holiday Sequin Bow Bib Necklace

The month of December holds a lot of holiday parties for co-workers, family, and friends.  And, I'm pretty sure you are on many of those invite lists.  

What to wear may be your question as it would be mine so I decided to add some festive sparkle by adding my own "ornaments" to a simple black dress or cardigan without having to purchase multiple outfits for this season's shindigs.  You'll save more by changing your jewelry and shoes versus entire "fits". 

 Just a few places to purchase affordable holiday sparkle, Etsy, Dillards, Zappos, and Emitations.

Jessica Simpson Holiday Swag Necklace

Pantone Color for 2011: Honeysuckle

Pantone has the fashion world buzzing about it's 2011 Color of the Year, Honeysuckle.  We likey, how about you?  So, brides now that you know that this hot color will show up in your wedding and fashion glossies while you're picking out dresses and decor, will you use it?  And, if you choose to use the sweet color of Honeysuckle, what color combos would you select.  I'm going to play around with a few combos myself and hopefully get my choices up by Monday.

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Enjoy your day!

Tish's Quick Holiday Decor Tips

You have probably started to deck your halls and make them all festive for the holidays, right?!  Well, if not, I have a few tips that can get you going.  

1.  Stick with a theme.  Or, go with your theme from last year and spruce it up.  Just make sure you have your colors or actual theme (i.e. snowflakes, penguins, ice) chosen.  If you have to do a little shopping, this will make it easier for you to go to the exact items you need.

2.  Recycle.  This will save you big.  Add to what you already have.  Need fillers or a few more ornaments?  Just buy these few items than purchasing a whole new "Christmas Decor Wardrobe".

3.  Try Mesh.  Deco Poly Mesh is wonderful and such a great filler.  You can purchase it from your local florist or decorator's store.  Use it on wreaths, trees, and garlands.  It is so easy to use but if you need a little help, ask the florist (or decorator) to show you a few tricks before you leave the store.

4.  Fragrances.  Fill your home or office with the fragrances of the Holidays.  Do this by adding potpourri or scented candles and oils to your space.  An immediate warmth will feel your space.

5.  Don't underestimate ornaments.  Fill glass jars or platters with ornaments of various sizes.  Place them on your coffee table, end tables, mantle, or bookshelves.  What a simple, chic, and beautiful way to decorate.  Be sure to check your local dollar stores before heading to your speciality shops.  We want to save, right?!

6. Shop your back yard.  Pine cones, acorns, branches, oh my!  I'm certain you have those near by.  And, not to mention tons of leaves...  Get a can of gold (or any color) spray paint and go to town on transforming these natural elements into chic decor items.  Place them in a bowl or platter and add some pillar candles and I think you have a masterpiece.

7.  Candle Clusters.  Use lots of them in clusters of various sizes.  If you are like me and have small children at home, I'd use LED battery operated candles.  Remember those items you're going to spraypaint?  Place these candles in the center and there you go.  

8.  Ribbon, Ribbon, and More Ribbon.  Christmas time is not a time where Less is More.  You can go BIG during this time.  Add fun ribbon of various sizes, colors, or patterns to your wreaths, tree, swags, and garlands.  

9.  Coordinated Gifts.  Keep your theme going when you begin to wrap your gifts.  Let your gift wrap also be a part of your theme.  Add that ribbon to it and what a great extra this will be to your holiday decor.

10.  Get Carried Away.  Carry your theme throughout your space by adding candles, swags, or smaller trees to other rooms.  You can bring smaller holiday doodads into other rooms such as your kitchen, bathroom, and home office.