Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

Just wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you have something special planned! :-)

Kisha

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Oh yeah, there's a difference - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

Hope everyone is having fun planning! I would like to explain the difference between hiring a Pure Ambiance Wedding/Event Planner and utilizing the services of a Bridal Attendant/Event Coordinator at a hotel or banquet facility. This is in no way to take anything away from what that they do; it is just to clarify the difference because many are not aware. Many brides believe they are one in the same and they truly are not. At a banquet facility/hotel, the Attendant/Coordinator is there to handle all details pertaining to the facility only. They are there to make sure you are comfortable. Provide drinks and snacks, assist with minor issues, and check up on the things you have arranged. The Attendant/Coordinator and/or various members of the catering staff will make sure things are going according to schedule and will oversee the set up. However, Pure Ambiance provides this and much more, which compliments these services already offered. Depending on which package you select, your services with Pure Ambiance could include budget management, finding vendors and negotiating contracts, complete event design, honeymoon planning assistance, and much more. Even with our day-of package, this still includes us creating a timeline/itinerary for your day, contacting your vendors to ensure everything will go according to plan, coming to your preparation location to check on you, run your rehearsal, and complete wedding day coverage. We will set up the ceremony and reception site and make sure that every detail is just as you want it. You are in constant contact with us, so we know exactly how you want things set up and we will be sure that everything is just as you envisioned. The Attendant/Coordinator does not handle 95% of these services listed. So, for those who choose to only utilize the banquet facility's Attendant/Coordinator and forego the services that a Wedding Planner can offer, just consider all of the additional services, discounts, other perks, and attention you will miss out on. Happy planning!

Kisha

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Green Weddings - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

We were recently asked by Contemporary Bride magazine for our expertise on suggestions for "Green Weddings." Many brides are now seeking several alternatives for having a beautiful wedding, while helping the environment. So, we offered a few tips on having a "Green Wedding." Take a look at the article below - click to enlarge. Or, if you have the new NJ or NY issue of Contemporary Bride, check out pages 90-91 (NJ issue) or pages 58-59 (NY issue). While you're at it, check out our ad on page 102! ;-) Happy planning.

Kisha


Thursday, January 10, 2008

Are you surprised?? - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

I have found that more and more couples are surprised that we can be hired solely for the purpose of handling rehearsal and wedding day activities. Many are under the impression that we only offer full planning services. Well, I'm here to tell you that we offer several packages and services to suit all planning needs. So, if you are having a ball planning all of your wedding details and you would have a full out Bridezilla moment if someone takes that away from you, that's fine! We completely understand how caught up and exhilarating it can be to plan such a monumental event. However, after all that hard work, planning, and dreaming, why not hire experts to execute your vision?! Why not completely enjoy being the Bride and Groom?

Our day-of package includes more services than the typical day-of package. We contact you once or twice a month from the point of hiring us, to check in and make sure everything is going well with your planning. Sometimes, couples underestimate the planning process and decide to then upgrade their service to a package that includes more assistance from us. Couples find this constant communication helpful because if they're having a slight issue or fear they are behind on a particular task, they have someone to turn to. Six weeks before your wedding, we will meet with you to review all of the details you have planned. We need to know everything, so that we can execute your event just as you've envisioned. We will do a final walk-through of your ceremony and reception sites. We also contact all vendors you have obtained for your wedding to introduce ourselves and confirm important details. We assist you with creating an itinerary for your vendors, the rehearsal, and your wedding day. You don't have to worry about talking to us a couple times and then we just show up! We are firm believers that by offering these additional services in our day-of package, it helps everything run more smoothly and it helps us to form a closer relationship.

Remember, no task is too big or small for the Pure Ambiance team. So, just tell us what you are looking for and we will make it happen, beyond your wildest dreams!

Happy planning!

Kisha

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

New great service! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

So, I want to share a wonderful, new, and unique service that is becoming very popular. It comes from a new, up and coming company, called I Thee Snap. Many couples nowadays are purchasing disposable cameras for their guests to capture additional candid moments. The usual process does not include the extra added benefits that I Thee Snap offers. Take a look at I Thee Snap's site, to learn more about this great service. Pure Ambiance clients will receive a special discount with I Thee Snap!

Happy Planning!
Kisha

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Recently engaged?! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner tips

Well, engagement season is upon us! Your significant others are probably frantically planning a special way to ask for your hand in marriage. So cute! If you're like many other newly engaged couples, you will probably start planning and researching right away...the excitement is almost impossible to contain!

Many couples come to us and they are completely confused on where they should begin or unsure if they have handled things right so far. See, you're not the only one! This is completely normal and expected. Afterall, you've never done this before! No worries... I'm going to share a few quick tips to help you with your beginning stages of planning.

The first important task you should tackle is to figure out your budget. Find out if relatives and/or friends will contribute financially, or if you two will hack the total cost on your own. Your budget lays the foundation for important decisions you will have to make for your wedding - guest count, venue selection, decor, vendor selection, flowers, and much more. When you know how much you have to spend, you are aware of your options. I know, I know, you may already be prepared to book your dream Photographer, but you don't want to commit to spending a certain amount on Photography, when you don't even know how much you really can afford to spend. You may blow some of your decor funds in the process! You also don't want to short change yourself. If your budget provides you with a great deal of freedom, you need to be aware of that! This way you can get whatever your heart desires and not have to worry about cutting corners.

In addition to your budget helping in those areas, it will also help with the next set of important things you will have to decide on: your date, your venue, and how many guests you will invite. Let's talk about how your budget relates. First, your date: Weddings that occur on Saturdays are more expensive than a wedding that occurs on a Friday or Sunday. Weddings that occur in peak months, such as May, are more expensive than weddings in, let's say, January. Catch my drift? On to venue selection...your budget will help you figure out the venues that you should look into. If you have a substantial budget and you want a grand celebration in a NYC loft, then that's not an issue...you can find a location that's perfect for you and the cost would not be a concern. On the other hand, if your budget is a bit more restricted, you should be aware of which venues you should not visit, as it is not a realistic option. Finally, your guest count: The more guests you have, the more you will spend on catering, flowers, favors, invitations, and much more. Knowing your overall budget will help you decide if you should invite your college friends that you haven't spoken to in years.

So, now do you see how important it is to figure out your overall budget? I'm sure you do, so please be sure sit down with your soon-to-be hubby and figure this all out. Keep in mind that whatever your budget is, your wedding can and will be as beautiful and as special as you make it! Oh, one more thing before I go... be sure to have your guest count in mind when it's time to select your venue. You need to be certain that your venue can handle your guest count, plus a few extras (just in case). Happy planning and remember Pure Ambiance is here for you. It's time to dream no more...

Kisha