21 Suggestions for success

Came across this and thought that this would benefit everyone during this busy time of year. I believe these originally came from Mark Kingsdorf of the Queen of Hearts Wedding Coordinating. • Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

• Work at something that you enjoy and is worth of your time and talent.

• Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

• Be forgiving of yourself and others.

• Be generous.

• Have a grateful heart.

• Persistence, persistence, persistence.

• Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

• Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

• Commit yourself to constant improvement.

• Commit yourself to quality.

• Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

• Be loyal.

• Be honest.

• Be a self-starter.

• Be decisive, even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

• Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

• Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

• Take good care of those you love.

• Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

At a time when life is in such turmoil and you gauge your relationships by your current events... we need to stop and be mindful that there's more to life than planning, partying and celebrating. Stop and cherish those folks in your life for what and who they are. Daisy

Finally

The last 2 weeks have been super busy at Perfect Settings. I won't bore you with the details... I will however, inundate you with pictures as soon as they are available to me. Well... all the children have graduated. What a tremendous blessing. Anth did a dissertation while Whit had a portfolio review on display. My kids can't be farther than different from each other. Whit's portfolio was one of the nicest sets of prints that I saw - that's an unbiased opinion, too. These are the kind of pictures you get when you go to art school. How very cool is that? You've got to click on the picture to get the full effect of this shot!

Timeline

Being a wedding planner, I just automatically assume that I'll be handling the timeline and hence not having to have my brides stress about this (one tiny) detail. However, I'm now a venue owner. It occurred to me last week that most people don't know the timeline of a wedding reception. I'll outline it here for you.Hors D'oeuvres and your cocktail hour. MC announces wedding party Bride and Groom make entrance First dance (optional at this time) Blessing of food Toasts Dinner Cake is cut and served Bouquet and Garter Special Dances (father-daughter, etc) Dance!

For the most part, this is how a reception is run with the exception of the 1st dance. Sometimes the B&G want to have dinner first then dance. It's a personal preference. But in the end... it's your reception and you can do whatever the heck you please.

Tag

We bloggers play tag all the time. I've been tagged by the fabulous Kim Petyt from Parisian Events - in the middle of wedding season, no less. I think bloggers get a kick out of inundating other fellow bloggers because once you get tagged it's like the gnawing tooth ache that you need to address at some point.The tag is based on 5 corny songs that we love and why. I read others that have been tagged (to find available suckers) and now those dang songs are stuck in my head. OK... Song #1: Dancing Queen by Abba. Stop snickering. It's a cool song that takes you back to the 70's. Song #2: The Electric Slide by Neville O'Riley Livingston (you know I had to google that one. No one knows who that dude is.) I love this song b/c when you hear "It's electric!!" you can look in the sea of faces at a wedding or party and see everyone's eyes scanning the room and them thinking "are you in, am I in? Let's do it!" BTW... I was at the grocery store one time and this song came on the radio and my sister started to do the slide in the middle of the bread aisle. It was hilarious. Song #3: September by Earth Wind and Fire. I just LOVE this song!! Ok, ok! I'm old school... the secret is out. Earth, Wind and Fire, the Commodores, DeBarge and the Isley Brothers *sigh* those were the days... Song #4: My Everything by Barry White. I saw this on Isis' blog (YESTERDAY) and now I can't get that song off of my brain. So Barry White is pretty cool. I had an anesthesiologist tell me one time that Barry could say; "hey baby, you know I didn't mean to punch you in the nose and break that pretty little nose" and make it sound oh, so sexy. Yep. That's Barry. BTW... that doc has been sniffing too many gases. Song #5: You Make Me Feel Brand New by the Stylistics. Good Lawd, people... you have to love this dang song!!! Makes you melt... puts me right back in the 70's riding my purple bike with the banana seat that had bright yellow daisies on the seat and colorful stringys coming off the handle bars. All the while pumping up my calves to be the hideous things that they are today... but you gotta love it... God bless you! You make me feel brand new! For God blessed me with you! You make me feel brand new. I sing this song for you... make me feel brand new.... *sigh* I'll be singing this for the next week... and all the while wondering how does that man sing so freakin' high?? I'm off to tag another sucker... I think the only people not tagged yet are newbies or people that have 30 weddings this year. Let's start with Leslie - from Leslie - Manning Events she never blogs about anything unrelated to weddings - take a chance Leslie, it won't hurt your following... and Samantha - she's a newbie. I'll tag Shayna from Williamsburg Wedding Design and I'll tag Christina Wright from Simply Modern, too. Get to blogging guys... this was pretty tough.

Side note: How's life across the pond, Kim?? Now everyone knows just how cornball I am... hope you're happy.

Nuff said!

You're just going to have to click on the image! Disclaimer: Received this from a client... trust me, I believe in marriage!

Who's lovin' beer?

I can tell you who's lovin' beer. Cristy and Dave. That's who. They love beer so much that I suggested they center their wedding around beer.They like brewing their own beer and initially I suggested that they have a beer tasting station. They were loving that until they decided to brew and bottle three different kinds of beers. We gave them as favors. I'm sure the professional pics will be awesome but you have no professional photographer here so deal with this shot. Either way, you get the idea. They customized the labels and brewed 3 faves. When I get the professional shots I'll be sure to post them. Trust me when I tell you that you won't appreciate my shots. They're ok but have no punch. I'm waiting for the punches!

Another wedding for the heavens...

Cristy and Dave are getting married on Saturday so if you contact me via email this is the message you'll get - you're probably wondering why I'm telling you this if you're going to get the message anyway. ummm... I'm telling you just in case you don't get the message - I'm no tech guru and I'm not sure that I set up the away message correctly. I never do it right.... it either goes only to my Blackberry or only to my site... never both.... Thank you for contacting me and considering Perfect Settings, LLC. Please note; I will not be available on Friday, April 18th or Saturday, April 19th in preparation for Cristy and Dave's wedding. However, your message is very important to me! I will be checking my messages on Sunday morning, so please be patient. I will return all messages on Monday but should you need assistance today, please do not hesitate to contact me at 717.951.8541 If you are inquiring about our reception facilities, please note that all of the packages are outlined on our website. You may call the number above for specifics. Also, feel free to navigate my website and be sure to read the blog! - as our current events and happenings are always posted there. www.perfectsettings.net I'm off creating more Perfect Settings! Cheers! Daisy

Favors

A lot of folks ask me about favors and the relevance. I have to tell you, I personally love edible favors; candy bars, sweet endings bar, chocolate covered strawberries, mints ... you get the picture. What I'm really not feeling are nick-nacks - they are soooo passé, people! I hate to tell you... no one is really interested in having another votive candle. They were cool back in the 90's. I'm sure that you didn't know that. However, when people go to weddings - trust me they do - the last thing they want is to go home with yet another nick-nack that won't be finding a shelf at home. There are a lot of tasteful wedding favors these days that could be re purposed... seeds, letting folks go home with the toasting flutes - un-engraved! , wine stoppers, wine!, champagne... follow? What we don't want are pictures of the B&G left at every single placesetting - this is priceless to mom and dad - even your siblings may love it - but I hate to tell you, that coworker that you invited that is hoping you quit your job is not going to enjoy that picture of you and your boo on vacation. I love this site: Stupid Wedding Crap The very old archives are hilarious, but now that she's getting serious about planning everything doesn't seem stupid anymore. This happens to most brides...

Oprey

Oprah is having a show today about puppy mills. I'm embarrassed to say that it was filmed in Lancaster County - apparently, the Puppy Mill Capital of the World. This morning's paper talks about how the host got Oprah's attention for the show. He paid for a billboard outside her studio, with pictures of puppies being mistreated, and asked for Oprah's help. She called a week later. I'm a dog lover - so much so that I won't be watching this show. This stuff disturbs the crap out of me. So I'm asking you all to watch and support the effort to get rid of the puppy mills here. http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200804/tows_past_20080404.jhtml?promocode=HP21

Be advised... Lisa Ling cried for two days. I have enough drama in my life... thank you very much. I won't be there.

Soooo excited!

I have just been approved by the Borough of Columbia... I'm just too excited... we have FINALLY (after long hours of secrecy) gotten the approval to have our reception hall turned into 2 studio apartments. This is going to produce sooo much more income than running a ballroom. I can not wait. It's been a long time in the works... gotta love town hall.

April fool's, everyone. One of my favorite days of the year.

Marriage License

Back by popular demand... an old post.I get the question - a lot - of when a bride and groom should get their marriage license. I’m not sure where this source originally came from so I can’t give it proper credit but as far as I know, it’s correct info. Here’s the skinny: Where to apply: Office of the Clerk or Orphans Court, second floor, Lancaster County Courthouse. Hours are: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm M-F. Phone number: 717.295.3522 The marriage may take place anywhere in PA. When you apply: The couple must appear in person to complete the marriage application. Social Security numbers are required. Remarriages: Applicants who have been previously married must provide additional information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage. Call for complete information. Medical Exams: The state of PA no longer requires a blood test or medical exams. Who may not marry: Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry according to PA law. When to apply: In PA there is a three day waiting period before the license is available. Apply at least one week before the marriage date. The license is valid for 60 days after the license has been issued. Fee: The fee in Lancaster County is $40, cash only. - and they really do mean only.

What does a Wedding Coordinator do on the weekends?

Most of my colleagues either take a day off, do site tours or thank God for a weekend off. What do I do... I work on a 200 year old warehouse.When we were told that buying new flooring for our first floor was going to be close to $18,000.00 Tony and I decided that the sanding option wasn't too bad. So we took on the sanding. I was in charge of the edging. I'm told that I was in charge of this task because 1. the drum sander is over 100 lbs. and 2. apparently, I'm a good edger. - don't think I don't know when someone is patronizing me. Anyway, it took over 18 hours to do 3,000 square feet in May 2005. We didn't have AC and it was so hot those 2 days. If you've ever edged floors you know you have to stoop and squat for all of the edging. Do that for 18 hours. My behind didn't forgive me for months. We were so exhausted that at the end of the 2nd day of sanding we stopped at the threshold of our entrance doors. That means that the foyer outside my door and the first landing (2nd one too) were untouched. Of all the tours that we have had through our home I have told everyone that would listen to me that I'd never ever, as long as I lived, EVER sand again. Well, I lied. We decided to sand my office, the foyer and the first landing - I convinced Tony that no one is interested in the 2nd landing. We started early on Saturday morning and we were finally done by 4:30. Not too bad is what you're thinking... yeah, whatever, you weren't the one edging!! I never want to see that God-forsaken edger ever again. We emptied my office and put it in the kitchen and dining room and it sure seemed like everything grew 2x it's size! The stuff just kept pouring out of my office and I can't believe that I crammed it all in there. Here's what was done...

Am I happy with the results?... sure. I'd never do it again. Believe that one. I'm not even in the pictures to prove that I even was a part of the fiasco. How unfair. Next time there's even a thought of edging, I'm going to do what Anthony did, fall on my back with Strep Throat. Take that one to the bank!

Who says you can't have a Butler?

Good ol' Oprey had Jen Groover in her magazine with her Butler bag... what you ask is a Butler Bag... I'm so very happy you asked. A Butler Bag is what got Tony and me in a heated discussion (operative word there) because when I saw it I had to have it. I don't do this normally... not very materialistic... I just like nice things. Well the Butler is a very nice thing. Jen Groover had an AHA moment when she stuck her dishwasher utensil rack into her purse. That would be something I'd do but I didn't think of it first! Don't you just HATE that?? But how honkin' ingenious is that??? Anyway, she realized that life couldn't be any better with this organizer in her bag. I gotta tell you... I have to agree. The thing is making me crazy with joy. I don't know how I've gotten along without it before. Think I'm exaggerating? (I sometimes do) Buy one yourself. Seriously. I have never shown so many people the inside of my bag before. I tell total strangers at the grocery store "want to see the inside of my bag?" then I give them one of Karen's cards. Karen owns the Village Boutique and she's the only one in the county that has these bags - you could buy them on line but who wants to wait? (side note, Karen doesn't have a web site; her number is: 717.560.4477) She said she's having a hard time keeping them in stock - which is true because I really wanted a black or brown bag but settled on a Mustard colored one. I'm in heaven, people! Brown, black, mustard, green, orange or red... you are going to love it! Trust me on this one. LOVE IT!!!

I'm getting Pretty!

I've had the HUGE honor to coordinate the link to the e-mag for The Little Black Book. Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty has put together this book of wedding vendors that you just have to check out. I will be one among the elite vendors of Lancaster. How cool is that? I'm so honored to run next to these spectacular vendors. To quote Abby: The Little Black Book is a one stop source for the best wedding vendors in your city.Look for Lancaster's link on TLBB on March 15. The creme-de-la-creme has risen to the top... glad I wasn't just cafe-au lait! http://abbyjean.typepad.com/littleblackbook/

Love...

I bet you wonder where I’ve been… I’ve searched to find the love within… I came back to let you know… gotta thing for you and I can’t let it go… my friends wonder what is wrong with me… Oh, sorry, that’s the song that’s been stuck in my head from the Sweetheart Banquet music. I really just wanted to say the first part… I bet you’re wondering where I’ve been. Well, if you look back at Feb. 2007 you’ll see that I’m doing now what I was doing then… taxes. I’m not the nicest person to be around during tax season. I have no idea how my accountant does it. I know that she cringes when she hears the words Perfect Settings and The Pagans. She can’t possibly cringe more than me.I did, however, have the Sweetheart Banquet. We actually had two times the amount of people as we did last year. It was awesome. Great times to be had… in addition I finally received my chivari shipment… how you like me now? We are the only venue in our area with beautiful chivaris. They bring me such joy. I could tell you about the fiasco I had with the shipment company but that wouldn’t do it justice. Just know this… Perfect Settings does not have a loading dock, we’re in the downtown, it poured down rain that day, I’m letting my hair grow, I’m the ONLY employee at Perfect Settings and I once owned a beautiful winter white sweater that I got a lot of compliments on. *sigh* Anyway, this is what I started with:

Midway through… my favorite part; decorating! – isn’t he just the cutest?

Aaahhh…. the beauty of it all. I had interactive materials on all of the tables. They spurred some conversations – and heavy debates that weren’t intended! We also had love quotes between each of the lovers and the game with the famous couples on your shoulder was a huge success. The cupcake huggers that I learned from a wonderful colleague of mine in California was also a hit. The food was definitely FABU! And the service was impeccable. I will tell you who catered if you ask… We ended the evening with a Sweet Dreams bar and I even threw in some green M&Ms to make life interesting! I said it last year and I’ll say it again… if you missed this year’s Sweetheart Banquet you’re missing out on a great treat of food, laughs and precious time spent with your Sweetheart. We really did have a blast. Mark your 2009 calendar. This event is sure to sell out next year!

The Secret really does work!!

I recently read The Secret and as fate would have it Oprah (good ol’ Oprey, gotta love her) had a show on just last week about people who have lived The Secret and their success stories. Jim Carey was on telling the world that when he first got into show biz he wrote himself a one million dollar check. Shortly after that – well… you know the story... *sigh* he received a one million dollar check. So I say to my hubby; Hubby, I want a million dollars!! Then I tell like three people the story and I say “I’m going to have a million dollars – no kidding” … ok… fast forward 2 days. We are taking a neighborhood stroll last Saturday and we are coming up on some sort of dollar bill. Tony says, “Dase, pick that up!” I actually thought it was $100.00 of course I pick it up – or Tony would tell you I turned into a hawk and swooped down on it – either way, I got the bill. I take a look outside and my 40 year old eyes are playing tricks on me. It’s a million dollar bill. Tony and I look at each other…. *sigh*… long story short? The Secret works. Let’s clarify one thing to the Universe…. I WOULD LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS THAT I COULD ACTUALLY SPEND!!!

Things that make you say "hmmm"

As with Martha (we're on first name basis), I've been hearing lots of things that make me say "Hmmm" Last night - yes, night - I was working and I heard a lady calling in to the Dahlia show requesting a song. She said she had Diabetes and her little girl asked her if she was going to "Die from her betes" her mom told her "no, honey I will be here for a very long time" and the little girl responded "well, then why don't they call it "Alive-a-betes"" Touched my heart.Then I was reading my Martha book and Mark Burnett (the creator and producer of Survivor, The apprentice and many more) said that a calculated business risk is just that; calculated. You go into it surveying the land and path. A stupid business person would take the risk and keep along the same path not caring where that path leads. Hmmmmm....... Then my friend, Jeff, from First Financial Group - he's more than just a financing guru, folks - said "to change something, you need to change something". Hmmmm..... doesn't sound like a financing guy now does it? Sounds like he's more like a life coach - which he is. Lastly, my friend Martha's book ends with this last line: "Make it beautiful!" Hmmm.... now that is something that resonates very well with me and my line of work. I love anything that is absolutely beautiful. This is what separates the amateurs from the professionals. The amateurs will compromise their standards and integrity just to get the job done. I'm not going to do it unless it is absolutely beautiful. That's why I love Martha.... we're two peas in that comfy little pod and that's a very Good Thing.

Martha said...

I'm reading "Martha Rules" by Martha Stewart. I've had the book for probably 2 years but am only getting to it now. It's a very easy read and very thought provoking. So here's my thought of the day that Martha said:

When you are through changing, you're through!!

How you like them apples?

Poor B

How hilarious is that?

Will that be Paper or Plastic, Ma'am? - how about CHINA!!

I can't believe in this day and age that we are even going to discuss this. BUT I've been asked quite a bit for the last couple of months about the pricing. I should also add that this may be because I own a reception venue.*sigh*

Ok.... the difference between having paper products at your special event and having china is actually a world of difference. Notice I didn't say wedding. There really should be no reason at all that you should be entertaining with paper on one of the most crucial and important days of your life. You've invested thousands of dollars on invitations, your wedding gown, flowers, band, photographer and a slew of other vendors to turn around at your reception and greet your guests with Dixie plates. I totally understand that budget may be a concern. Hire a coordinator! - a professional one who's had at least 10 weddings under their belt. A coordinator knows how to steal from Peter to pay Paul - always. The first thing they (should) say is: Well, why do you have 200 people coming to your wedding if you can't afford china? Anyhoooooo, I got off topic... back to China... last season I did a price comparison from china to paper. To entertain 100 people (and this is assuming you are renting this) renting china would cost approximately between $585 - $608.00 (I rent my china and linens for a little less than that but to be fair the numbers here are very accurate) to buy paper products of the same pieces it would be approximately $292.00 Basically you are saving 1/2. In the grand scheme of things, in 10 years are you going to remember that $300 that you saved?? Probably not. When is paper appropriate: Paper products are appropriate when you're having the most casual of casual affairs.... say a BBQ. I recently had a client that did a Texas style BBQ for a rehearsal dinner and they used paper products and it looked very good. But the whole event was very informal down to her favors. It was really very charming. I should add that the groom was from Texas. At any rate, don't run to the local Giant and buy Dixie.... if you ABSOLUTELY must, must, must, must, must have paper at an event could you please at least hire Party Plum??

Do it for me.... at least have all of the products match and could you (while you're at it) upgrade to plastic??