A Wedding At The Mount

A Wedding At The Mount

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Hiring a Planner...Necessity vs. Luxury

If I had a dollar for every time I heard the question asked, I'd be rich. "Should I hire a planner?" The answer is YES!!! For one thing, by hiring a planner, you are immediately removing practically all of the stress and aggravation that's directly related to planning your own wedding. Most engaged couples today just simply do not have the time or the energy to properly seek, select, negotiate and enter into contrac


ts with their vendors. It's a painstaking task to make sure that you are choosing a vendor that is honest, dependable and professional, not to mention available for the date that you have chosen. A good planner will listen to your vision, calculate your budget and then choose suitable vendors for you to interview. A great planner will negotiate better prices and are in the position to save their clients alot of money by obtaining discounts on vendor services. Let's face it, you'll hopefully only need their services once,as you are planning to spend the rest of your life married to the same person. But, a planner will give a vendor repeat business, so the vendor is more apt to offer savings to us.

I know alot of vendors that offer planners a "finders fee" or commission. What Dreams Are Made Of... feels that this practice is unethical and will not accept "kick backs" from these vendors. Instead, I will pass on these "bonuses" to my clients, which could add up to between 25 and 50% (or even more) of our planning service fee.

Many venues offer an in-house coordinator, and that's great, but let's just remember who they are employed by. The bill for the venue, which usually includes the food and drink, is the biggest expense. So, who will be watching them??? I, on the other hand, am employed, or hired by YOU. I work for YOU, not the vendor.

A planner is by your side, through the entire planning process. On the day of your wedding, the only responsibilities that you will have will be to look gorgeous and enjoy the most romantic day of your life. We will do the rest, ensuring a day full of fun and LOVE!

So, while hiring a planner is certainly considered a luxury, I feel that it's more of a neccessity, as we will step in, obtain the best prices for you, keep all of your vendors "honest" and on time and be your support system on your wedding day, making sure that your day goes completely as planned, while removing all of the stress of the day. You will leave for your wedding night, relaxed, stress free and in love!

Martha Stewart Weddings -- Darcy's Weddings Idea of the Day

Martha Stewart Weddings -- Darcy's Weddings Idea of the Day

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

DIY Candy Buffets


This wedding season, we've seen lots of candy displays, many of them replacing the traditional wedding favor.  Many venues, planners and design companies are offering this service to clients.  I've done some number crunching and have realized that this is a great DIY project that will save lots of money! 




It takes a very minimal amount of time to set it up and the candy can be purchased in bulk, either online or at your local "warehouse" grocery store.  We checked out Sam's Club and BJ's.  A really spectacular display for around 100 guests will run you in the neighborhood of $150-, a far cry from the $3.50 to $5 per person that wedding vendors are charging.

 Basically, you only need different size and shape glass containers.  The candy is so colorful, it provides alot of the decor itself.  I have a huge collection of jars and vases, and offer them to my clients if needed.  I've accumulated them through yard sales, flea markets, and the wonderful sales at Hobby Lobby!  A great idea for height is to use old phonebooks and other sturdy items, under the linen.  Staggering each jars height gives the buffet a great look!



 As you can see, we didn't purchase expensive candy!  Jelly beans, gumballs, and all of those candies that you loved as a kid!!  And it looks so amazing!  Colorful cookies and mini cupcakes also work so well. 

Ceremony Markers

Ceremony Markers

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Truly a Dream Wedding!


The view from the rooftop of The Mount...Spectacular!

Imagine it's your wedding day.  Today, you will be a princess, being married in a castle like setting, at Mt. St. Alphonsus!  You arrive a few hours before.  You are getting your hair and make up done by LaV Beauty, and you feel so beautiful. 
Now, it's time to slip into your wedding dress, provided by
The Bridal Cottage.
 The photographer arrives to take pictures of you getting ready. You are so confident that Tamme from Tamme Stitt Photography will capture the most amazing memories of your wedding day. Shoes, tiara, veil.  You know that you'll bring a tear to his eye when he looks at you for the first time.  It's time to go.  Your maid of honor hands you your bouquet, a beautiful array of colors, designed especially for you by Flowers By Lucille.  Your dad kisses you on your cheek, just like he kissed you every night as he tucked you into bed.  I fluff your train, and...
The music begins, and you and your dad walk down the aisle, every eye is on you.  But your eyes are on him, your groom.  First glance!!  He looks amazing!    Before all of your friends and family, in them most amazing chapel, you are united in marriage.  
The officiant says "I Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife..."   and you kiss!!! 
Everyone is applauding.  You take his arm and walk down the aisle, happier than you have ever felt in your life...You're married!!!
You step outside, into the most amazing location.  The property overlooks the Hudson River.   Cocktails are being served on the lawn, as it's a beautiful autumn day.   In the middle of this beautiful lawn is a majestic white wedding tent, and all is provided by Sav on Party Rentals.  It's party time!!!   Great entertainment provided by one of our top area DJ's, Jimmy from Lutz Entertainment, Great decor... Fabulous food provided by one of the Hudson Valley's premiere caters,   Parties by Tomas!                                       

 Your wedding day dreams have all come true!


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

A Wedding At The Mount


This morning I had the incredible pleasure of working with some of the finest wedding and event vendors in our area.  We are so excited to begin the planning stages of what should be one of the Premiere Wedding Events in the Hudson Valley.  Details of this event will follow... I'm sure you are all curious!!!