Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wedding Invitation Wording - Part 2 of 2

Traditionally, the bride's surname is not listed unless it is different from that of her parents.  Be consistent with the use of titles (Mr., Miss, Ms., Dr.) - particularly for parents.

Military titles are spelled out, with service designations on a separate line.  Those with rank captain and higher in the army, air force, and marines, and commander and higher in the navy, use their titles before their names, with their service designation listed on the next line.

The wedding date is written, Saturday, the sixth of July, with the year spelled out on the following line.  If the wedding will take place in the same calendar year that the invitations are being sent out, you may omit the year.  However, your invitation will be a more meaningful keepsake if the year is included.)

Indicate the correct time of the ceremony.  List it as four o'clock.  If the ceremony will start on the half hour, use the phrase half after (four o'clock).  The phrase in the afternoon or in the evening is optional.

Check the correct name of the ceremony site.  If there are churches with similar names in the same city, and most guests will be unfamiliar with the location, indicate the street address beneath the site.  Spell out Saint in church names, as well as numbers.  List the city or town; the state is optional depending on how familiar guests are with the area.

You may request a reply to the invitations with R.s.v.p., Please respond, Kindly respond or The favour of a reply is requested.  The most proper version of this ritual requires a handwritten response.  However, the more contemporary (and practical) approach is to request that the enclosed reply card be returned by a specific date, usually no less than three weeks prior to the wedding.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Wedding Invitation Wording - Part 1 of 2

I get asked this question a lot by brides, "What is the proper wording for wedding invitations". So listen up brides, I've decided to blog about it! The typical formal wedding invitation gives the following information. However, keep in mind that these are guidelines and may be changed to accommodate your family situation.


The hosts of the wedding--usually the bride's parents--issue the invitations and announcements, whether or not the bride still shares their home.  (The hosts do not necessarily pay for the wedding, so even if you and your fiance' are paying, the bride's parents can still be listed at the top of the invitation.)


If your parents are divorced, the person who raised you customarily issues the invitations and announcements.

If your parents are deceased, your guardian, closest relatives, or family friends may host the wedding and issue the invitations and announcements.

Spell out words in full.  This includes names (don't use nicknames) and numbers (ex.,the twelfth of May). Abbreviations are not used, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs., Doctor and junior can be spelled out if space permits, but are also commonly abbreviated.  If junior is spelled out, it always has a lowercase j and a comma before it.

Use the wording...request the honour of your presence for a religious service in a church or synagogue.  It is an honor to witness a religious service.  Use...request the pleasure of your company for civil ceremony or for the reception.  (Honour and favour ["the favour of a reply is requested"] are spelled with a u--the more formal British version.)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Here's What You Need To Know About Lok In The Moment Photography

One day I received a phone call from Mikal introducing himself and his business.  It was the first time a vendor invited me out to dinner and it was for barbecue.  Yum, yum, yum!  I love barbecue.  I knew then that Mikal and I were going to hit it off.  He was kind and very excited about his photography business.  We kept in touch and have built a wonderful working relationship.  Now I'll let Mikal tell you more about Lok In The Moment Photography. 



Q. Who are you and what makes you so Awesome to work with?


A.  My name is Mikal Lok with Lok In The Moment Photography. I am honored to work with different clients on their wedding day. I am a funny and positive person. I love bringing my positive attitude to all photo shoots.

Q. How long have you been in business?


A.  Lok In The Moment Photography has been in business for three years. We’ve been blessed to work with the best vendors in the industry. I’ve also been honored by many photography awards and feature in wedding magazines.


Q. What are some of your unique qualities?


A. Our style is catered to the modern bride and groom. Our style is fashion meets wedding. Our clients know how to rock the camera and that’s how we like it. We love to embrace our clients’ lifestyle.


Q. What is it like working a wedding WITHOUT a wedding coordinator?


A.  A coordinator is so important for any event. There time management and coordinating skills definitely go unnoticed. I recommend all brides get a coordinator to get them the best deals with vendors and keep the wedding smooth.


Q. Why should I hire you?


A. Lok In The Moment is all about creating the best experience for our clients. We want our clients to be excited about what we are able to offer. Every client that we’ve worked with will go away with an experience to last a lifetime. We are all about having fun and capturing life at its best.




Telephone: 562-673-5172

Friday, February 12, 2010

WHY DO YOU NEED AN EVENT PLANNER?

The three biggest fears people face are:
  •  Public speaking
  • Snakes
  • Throwing a successful corporate function
Okay we may be stretching it a little on the last one, but anyone who has had to organize a corporate party, meeting or sales conference knows just how stressful it can be. It's hard work making sure everyone has fun and a meaningful experience.


We know you’ve already got a full plate so why not let us take care of your next event?


Company functions are important and rare occasions where the entire team can get together in a non-work atmosphere to have fun. It should be a rewarding and a team-building experience. It has value and that’s why you should hire a professional to organize it.


Do you remember your last corporate party, meeting, retreat or sales conference? Probably not, right? You are an executive and you know how to run your business. But, you don't necessarily know how to throw a great party or organize an event for 50-1,000 people.


Here is a list of reasons why it's better to hire an event planner:


• An event planner is usually a local business entrepreneur. They would know all the hot spots in town, no matter what city, be it Reno, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, or Houston.


• An event planner has resources and contacts that they can draw upon. You need a DJ? No problem! You need a motivational speaker? We can do that. You need a caterer or chef? We’re on it!


• An event planner has experience. They know that entertainers sometimes cancel at the last minute. What if that magician you hired really disappears the night before the office Christmas party? An event planner will have a back-up that they can call. And, if no magician is available they would be able to find the next best thing, perhaps a clown or an eighties tribute band, you get the picture, right?

• An event planner frees your time. Event planning is time consuming. The “to-do” list is endless: scouting venues, sending invitations, arranging decorations, valet parking, hotel bookings, airline bookings, providing directions. The list goes on and on.


HIRING AN EVENT PLANNER FOR YOUR NEXT COMPANY FUNCTION IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Ask Beverly: Questions To Ask A Wedding Coordinator


What can you tell me about your business?

When Beverly Harris founded Beverly Harris Weddings & Events in 2006, her vision is to assist individuals, companies and non-profits in maximizing their events through strategic planning and creating fun, original and fabulous atmospheres for their guests. Beverly who holds a MBA has professionally coordinated corporate events for major Fortune 500 companies, planned parties and coordinated weddings for families and friends. She and her professional team are constantly evolving by staying on top of the market and enhancing their skills through their relationships with vendors, associations and the industry, at large.


Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is based in Los Angeles and doing business in surrounding areas such as, Beverly Hills, Orange County, Ventura County and the South Bay. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events was Nominated in the Top 5 Best Businesses in the Inland Empire, won the 2011 and 2010 Brides Choice Award, featured in the Los Angeles Times, Bodas USA Magazine and on numerous blogs. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events will take care of all your planning needs and be rest assured that all the details, large and small, will be taken care of so you can feel like a guest at your own event. Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is seeking the ultimate opportunity to build and establish a personal/professional relationship with clients and are committed and totally dedicated in assisting customers, in bringing their Vision to Life!


What is a Bridal Consultant, and do I need one?

Beverly Harris Weddings & Events is a professional service that has endless hours of training and experience. We use highly qualified vendors and will concentrate on making your day run perfectly stress free as you relax and enjoy. You can choose any or all of the roles we play such as coordinator, advocate/point person, mediator, supervisor, advisor, budget assistant and so on. We work behind the scene to make it all happen.

What will a consultant do for me?


Beverly Harris Weddings & Events objective is to assist in making your dream day a reality while helping you stay within the budget, save you precious time, and avoid any costly mistakes. We would handle as much of the details as you would like and be there to smooth all of those complex relationships that sometimes come about with family and friends. We will reduce your stress and help you enjoy your engagement and wedding.

Both Ceremony and reception sites have an on-site planner, why would I need a consultant?

This is a common question and quite justified. Some places do include their own "on-site" coordinator, when this happens Beverly Harris Weddings & Events does not infringe on their responsibilities. They do a wonderful job getting done what is contracted, but they are usually focused on the venue they work for; leaving the question of who will manage the details you have spent hours working on, such as flowers for readers, groomsmen, grandparents, assuring the musicians, limo, and photographer are on time, programs are handed out, candles are lit, bows on chairs are straight, DJ is on time, and much more. On site coordinators are frequently not prepared or else willing to take care of the little things or problems. We are your personal assistant for the entire day. Knowing what the big picture is and assuring that every detail is in its place, looking as beautiful as you have dreamed it would.

If you have more questions, please give us a call.


Beverly Harris Weddings & Events
(310) 487-9698