The Cake Dive

On Sunday we participated in the "LOVE is in the Air" bridal show sponsored by Ace Party and Tent Rentals. My good friend, Kelly put this great show together. She wanted to do something FUN and creative, so she came up with the idea of the CAKE DIVE. 12 lucky brides were selected to literally DIVE into the 4 tier cake searching for charms only 10 charms were in the cake. The lucky winners won different prizes including a trip to Chicago in a private airplane, a romantic dinner for 2, and a champagne toast for the ride home. WOW! One of our clients Tiffany Bogue was selected to participate in the contest. She won!!!! You have got to see this video, it's great.



Wedding Love and Hugs, Tonya

I’m Engaged! Now What?

Over the last several weekends, we were able to visit with so many of you recently engaged. Congratulations! I’m so excited, but you stop and ask yourself “Where do I even begin?” I’ve listed 5 of my favorite tips on getting started off on the right foot when it comes to planning your wedding. Take my advice below and let the planning begin!


1. Hire a planner
This is my best tip of the week. Have you even thought about hiring a planner? Planners don’t have to run the show, they just guide you throughout the process to prevent mistakes. Can’t afford a planner? How do you know? Believe me, it’s worth the time to investigate whether a planner is right for you. Great planners can save you tons of money and time. Plus they can help you find the best vendors for your DREAM TEAM to make sure you have a flawless day PLUS keep your sanity!

2. Decide on a Budget
This is one of the most important steps when it comes to the planning. Find out how much money you want to invest in your big day. Be realistic! Once you decid on a budget, then you can go out and begin investigating reception sites, but know what you have to spend before calling around town.

3. Pick a date“When are you getting married?” is the most common question asked as soon as you announce to the world you are getting married. Couples often come into the office with a specific date in mind. This can become very frustrating if your favorite reception venue is booked. Be flexible with your date and you’ll find you have more options available to you. Having a time of year in mind is beneficial when you are calling around.

4. Set up a calendar
In order to keep yourself organized and not frazzled, I strongly suggest setting up a “to do list”. By tackling too much at the beginning, you will get yourself in a panic mode. Take one step at a time! The first month secure the church and reception venue. The next month go out and find your photographer, etc. This will make the planning process seemed more relaxed and organized.

5. 3 ring binder
Get yourself a 3 ring binder. There is no reason to buy a wedding binder, just a plain 3 ring binder where you can keep all of your contracts, inspirations, and business cards. Carry it with you everywhere you go. You never know when you are going to have that inspirational moment.

By all means, relax and enjoy your engagement. It’s time to celebrate! Taking it one step at time is the best advice any planner can give you. Happy Planning!

Wedding Love and Hugs,

Tonya

Does Your Florist Get...You?

There are loads of sources with tips on helping you with you with your vendor appointments. (Checklists, The Knot.com, bridal magazines and organizers.) These can be super helpful and I encourage you to read them and have a list handy when you meet with your florist.

However, there is always one question I am surprised to see missing from these lists, and I think you should consider it.

You will find that lots of florists are good designers, it’s our trade, and we should be good at it. You may find that specific florists seem to have the same taste as you. We are trained to know the trends in the industry. You may find that some florists have a great website, and we hire great companies to make those for us. These are all important. But, ask yourself after your meeting, “Does this florist have an agenda?”

Did you get the opportunity to show them YOUR ideas?
Were they nurtured and enhanced by the florist or did she seem to have her own ideas in mind?
Was your budget considered in the planning process? Or did the florist immediately start by selling you on expensive ideas?
Was she reluctant to change, omit or reduce items?
Do you feel that the things you selected for your flowers represent who YOU are as a bride, or are they just things from a magazine that will wow your guests?
Do you trust your florist?
Did you leave the meeting feeling like you could call this person with a concern or problem and she would listen, act and help you quickly?

Ultimately, a good florist understands that she is the vehicle for YOUR inspirations. She should place the importance on your day as high as you do. She should care more about how YOU feel about the end product than she cares about how they will look in her portfolio.

I think my job is one of “floral psychology,” getting to know both the bride and groom, and helping educate them about the options that best represent them and their budget. It’s my honor they have chosen me to represent them on the biggest day of their lives. I have no agenda other than to see a bride smile.


...adding fabulosity to your florals,


Tiffany Mullen
www.circlecitydesigners.com

Mark and Bren 7.24.10

A note from Tonya: As part of our blog, we thought we would share our couples we have the priviledge of working with here at Circle City Planners. I wanted you to read about how they met, their upcoming plans for the BIG day, and share a few cute pictures too. Enjoy! Here is Mark and Bren...our Darice is helping them prepare for their big day.

About The Bride and Groom

(Bren is) Just a small town girl……(okay how many of you sang and finished the verse?) I was born and raised in Winchester, Indiana. I attended Willard Elementary, Driver Middle School and Winchester Community High School. I then went to Indiana University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and a Minor in Telecommunications. From there I relocated to Indianapolis and began my working career in the retail management sector. I left retail to become a recruiter for a staffing company and from there I was lead to my passion in Real Estate. In Real Estate, I found something that complimented my work ethic while still obtaining a financial reward. Once I found my niche, I expanded my abilities by joining Meridian Title. Then, the most ironic thing happened-- I met someone on an appointment that I had a true compatibility with. And in time he became someone who I knew was my new passion. I never thought I would have the two things in life that I loved most and they would be right there together. I am lucky that I love what I do and have found someone who supports me professionally. I have the most amazing love for him. I have someone to share my life with and that is the best reward I could have. I can’t imagine any day without him and look forward to the day that we become one and he meets me at the end of the aisle.


Mark is the only son of John and Christine Forcum. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana but raised in Greenfield, Indiana. Attended Mt. Vernon High School in Fortville and participated in many extracurricular activities while in school. One of the highpoints of his life was the journey on the way to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout via the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America organization. After high school, Mark attended Indiana State University with a concentration in construction management and business. Making a life changing decision he came back home to Greenfield to find his calling and on the way he completed his real estate classes to receive his license to sell real estate. What he found was a unique opportunity to sell foreclosure real estate but also put in a position to meet the most amazing individual he had ever come across. Once he met her he knew he couldn't let this opportunity pass him by;)


To read their full story...check out Mark and Bren's site!

Another Bridal Show

So the Scottish Rite Bridal Show was a huge success! Thanks to Ryan and everyone at the Perfect Wedding Guide. Also a special THANK YOU to Scott Evans and his entire team. Our booth ROCKED!!!! You can see all our Plush and Pink photos here.

If you missed us, we will be at the "Love is in the Air" bridal show this Sunday. Presented by Ace Party Rental. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you mention this blog post you'll receive a special gift!!

Join us: January 17, 2010 Ace Party Rental, LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Indianapolis Executive Airport

Indianapolis, Indiana

2-5PM

http://www.acepartyandtents.com/BridalShows.html

How to Begin the Wedding Design Process

After you have booked your reception location, it’s time to begin the design process. By personalizing your décor, you are essentially sharing a piece of you as a couple with your guests. This makes your wedding unique and memorable.

But where will you even begin? Your classy and elegant wedding needs to have bits and pieces of YOU. Consider these resources when creating your design!

5 Tips on How to Begin The Design Process…

Design Binder



Before you begin deciding on colors, go out and buy a 3 ring binder just for your ideas. Keep
every inspirational idea in there. When you sit down with your designer/florist you will be ready to start the design process and give them an insight on your style.

Color Schemes



It’s time to sit down with your groom and discuss colors. You want to make sure to get his input, so he feels comfortable with the overall “feel” of the reception. Pink can scare off the groom (not all but some), so you might want to consider a neutral color that both of you love. Purple, for example, can be a warm, inviting color. Make sure you love all shades of the color. Picking
a very specific color can be difficult to match up when it comes to your stationary, linens, and
flowers. Be flexible and have an open mind.

Bridesmaids Dresses



After you agreed upon a color(s) for your wedding, it’s time to go out and find a bridesmaids dress you love. Be open to colors and styles, you might be surprised on what you discover.
Make sure the color of dress you select is not a hard color to match up with your other décor
items. It is important you are able to get fabric swatches from the designer for future
reference.

Paint swatches



Go to your local paint store and find paint swatches that represent your color palatte. Look
for complimentary colors that will be good to use for accents. Having an accent color can give you a dramatic look and feel. Pick up several swatches and play around with the colors. Have fun and don’t be afraid to be BOLD!

Magazines



Magazines are a great way to get the creative juices flowing when it comes to design. Just one element in a picture can trigger a great idea. Tear out all of those pages and put them into your designer binder. Bring those with you to the designer meeting. It doesn’t matter if your color scheme is a popular trend right now. What matters is you love it (and so does the groom). Go
onto our website for more inspirational design tips www.circlecityplanners.com/crowne-plaza.

PS. Did you know you we have a full service florist on staff? Call today to set up your complimentary appointment 317-770-4321.

Wedding Love and Hugs,
Tonya J. Shadoan

Here Come the Bridal Shows

“Here come the Bridal Shows, Here come the Bridal Shows, Right down Extravaganza Lane!” Shows are popping up all over the place, which is a great thing for you BUT let me give you some tips on how to survive and ENJOY yourself at these shows.





There are many vendors just waiting on YOU at these shows. They are ready to pounce on you like a fresh piece of prey. Don’t let anyone bully you around and talk you into to signing up for TODAY’S Special! Read on and create a game plan, so you can be prepared and ready to make the most of the next show you attend. Make sure to stop by and introduce yourself at the bridal shows, we would love to meet you!

Tips to Surviving and ENJOYING the Bridal Fairs!

1. Make a plan : Figure out which show you have to attend. Go on their website, review the vendor list and see if there are any vendors you want to check out. Plan on spending the day at the show. Take your time, go to lunch before hand, attend the show, and then go out for coffee to discuss the show!


2. Change your mindset : Look at the show as a great opportunity to gather information from vendors. It will be crowded, go in with that in mind already. Go late to the show, the busiest time is the beginning of the show and in the middle of the day. Going late to the show, will give you an opportunity to speak to the vendors one on one.


3. Take a friend : A sk yourself, "Does my fiance really want to attend the bridal shows?" It’s okay if he doesn't (remember the Colt’s game is usually on). Take your mom, maid of honor, sister, someone who will be really excited to join you on this special day.


4. Grab two bags : You will get so much information and cards, grab two bags. One for the information you want to review and one that doesn’t interest you. This will help you when you get home to decide who you want to interview. No one has to know which bag you LIKE.


5. Go with your GUT : If you like the vendors’ booth and presence then most likely they'll fit your style. Put them in your LIKE bag and go home to do your research online. Are they in your price range?


6. Contact the VENDOR : While it’s fresh in your mind, contact the vendor right away to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait until weeks go by, call early so you have the choice of times and days for your appointment.


7. Have FUN! : This is an exciting time for you. Go in with the right mind set, take your time, take people you enjoy, and HAVE FUN!




UPCOMING SHOWS:
January 9th & 10th 2010 Perfect Wedding Guide

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Indianapolis, Indiana

Admission: Free for Brides and Grooms (must register)

11-4PM

http://perfectweddingguide.media.officelive.com/default.aspx


January 17, 2010 Ace Party Rental, LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Indianapolis Executive Airport

Indianapolis, Indiana

2-5PM

http://www.acepartyandtents.com/BridalShows.html

Don't forget!: If you stop and mention our Chic Chat Blog, we have a special gift just for you!


Wedding Love and Hugs,

Tonya J. Shadoan