Custom Maps

I am so loving these custom maps from Stephanie Barba. Her company, Couture Maps, is simply the cutest, and her maps are just what you need to set your wedding invitations apart from the rest. I received her beautiful package in the mail with a hand sewn map by Mira Aster, and it couldn't set the mood for a Hawaiian destination wedding more perfectly.

I'm so excited to share this with my clients and blog readers who are really looking for something different in their wedding stationery decisions, and so incredibly lucky that she is located here in San Francisco. She may need to be a stop on the next bridal tour!

Happy Planning!

Difference Between Day-of and Month-of

As January hit this year, so did a huge influx of new inquiries! It has been great to meet with so many new couples and learn all about their weddings and their stories. One thing we have been faced with though was the question of why we don't offer a package called "day-of." The answer to this question is that there is simply no such thing as day-of, and if someone is offering to just be at your wedding on the day with no pre-wedding coordination, meetings, planning, etc., then it would be something you might want to stay away from.

To put it plain and simple, every wedding, no matter how meticulously planned, has something go wrong. It might be small, or it might be a complete catastrophe. The way to make sure the latter doesn't happen is to have someone be your go-to all knowing coordinator for vendors, family and guests, as well as solve tricky problems that come up. This person should be meeting with you about month or so before the wedding to go over all your final details, at the final venue walk through and ultimately putting together the final vendor timeline and vendor lists. This is an extremely crucial part to making sure that all weddings go smoothly and that everyone is on the same page. The final venue walk through is one of the most important meetings surrounding a wedding, and I couldn't even imagine walking into a wedding not knowing the venue/vendors/family/couple and thinking that I could pull it all together without a hitch. I'm good, but not that good!

The key is to sit down as a couple and work out what your needs are for your wedding day and how much you want to be able to enjoy the day, as well as who will be taking care of your guests, bridal party and families. You could then meet with a few coordinators and look over all they offer with their packages. Find out if they charge you separately to call or email them. Find out how many hours will they be on site during the day; do they leave when the cake is cut, or stay until the very end? How many coordinators will be at your wedding, and who your lead coordinator will be. You will find that pricing for a month-of or basic package can range significantly. This usually is because of coordinator experience, staff, hours spent on the day and before the wedding, etc. It is important to look at all of those factors and not just the price. You want to be comfortable with the person you are hiring because they are your eyes and ears during your wedding day, and you need to have full trust in them and their services.

Hope this helps when considering a planner, as there are so many pros to having one! There are many stories out there regarding bride regrets for not having someone else in charge, and I feel it is a crucial part of the wedding. As always, leave a comment or drop me an email if you have any specific questions for me or need a referral to a planner in your area.

Happy Planning!

Get Your Tan On... Properly

So many brides (and women in general) like to have a nice tan to look better, but not suffer from any damaging rays from the sun or a tanning bed. The next best options became the Mystic Tan. This is nice, but tends to come out streaky or uneven. I have seen many a bride on their wedding day with bright orange feet, and a bright white neck. Another great thing is they over the option of tan line correcting, which is great for brides that have a strapless or thin strap dress with those tan lines still leftover from your bachelorette party in Vegas.

The better option? To have a custom spray tan in your own home. Yes, Brown Bunz Mobile Tanning will come to you, set up shop (while you get to sip champagne), and in the end you will look like you've been on the beaches in Costa Rica. They can even take last minute appointments, so check them out today at www.brownbunztan.com.

Happy Planning!


Here is a before and after:

Jin Wang Sample Sale - 11/11 - 11/28

One of my favorite local bridal dress designers and salon is having a blowout sample sale! It is taking place from Nov 11-28, and you need to make an appointment to get your spot to view the dresses priced between $590-$1990. They carry the in house designer gowns, as well as Angel Sanchez, Nicole Miller, Amy Michelson, Jenny Packham, Domo Adami, Junko Yoshioka, Enzoani, Model Novias, Youlin, Reva Mivasagar, and more. They also have some select veils, handbags and shoes available on sale.

Make your appointment today by calling (415) 397-9111

Jin Wang is located at 111 Maiden Lane, 3rd Floor, San Francisco.

Happy Planning (and saving!)

Out of Town Gift Baskets That Will Wow Your Guests

About a year ago I was introduced to Sarah Tarantino from Woods and Company by a mutual wedding industry friend, and I had to get more information about her unique and creative company. She creates custom out of town gift baskets and gifts that really take the stress off the couple that creating these gift baskets can sometimes cause.

I asked Sarah about the process, and she explained to me that she first likes to meet with the client and find out exactly what they are looking for. She wants to find out what makes this client unique and how they can welcome their guests in a way that will be personal. She thinks it's really important for an event to have meaning, and guests should feel that they are a part of that special meaning.

During that meeting, she also gets to understand what they are looking at for a budget, so she can then take the ideas from the brainstorming session and the budget information and begin to pull ideas and draw up a quote. After that is done, she likes to present a "mock up" to the client to get approval and make any necessary changes. Once it is approved, production on the final product begins!

She then makes all the gifts and either the client can pick them up, or she can deliver them to the client or hotels directly. She delivers for free in San Francisco, and can arrange to deliver to hotels outside that area for an additional charge. One thing that she also really likes to do is to personalize the gifts for the guests, include welcome notes and itineraries, and also provide any tags on the items in the bag. She can work directly with the client to decide on these details.

In case you wanted to know about pricing, generally, the bags range from around $8.00 per bag to $25.00 + per bag, if they have more elaborate contents such as wine or champagne. However, she can work with any budget to make something unique! Those prices include all the meetings, design, materials, production, and delivery within the area.

Check out her website, and let the designing begin!

Happy Planning!

Great return address option

I have fallen in love with Minted over the past year, and they just keep on getting better. Right now, they have the sweetest holiday cards and save the dates! The best thing they are offering is their new return address wrap labels, I absolutely want them for everything I send out. They can be customized based on the different styles that they offer, and they are very affordable. You have the longer side that would be on the envelope flap side, and the smaller address portion would be on the address side of the envelope. Very clever, and very cool!

Be sure to use code AFSHIP09 for free shipping on your invitation or holiday card orders.

Happy Planning!

Andrew Weeks Photography | Kids!

I am lucky enough to share an office space with the very talented Andrew Weeks of Andrew Weeks Photography. He takes care of so many of my wedding clients, and makes them super happy, which makes for a happy wedding planner!

Now, he's launched his kids photography website, and they couldn't be any cuter! This is such a great deal to get professional photos of your kids and not have to go sit in line at a mall for some very questionable photos. Check out the site and make an appointment with him today! He also just had his own little bundle of joy with his wife Genevieve, so he's extremely patient with even the squirmiest of kids.

Use the coupon below, and save on your package:

Happy Planning!

For The Fashionista Bride & Bridesmaids

Looking for something completely different for your bridesmaids, or maybe even your rehearsal dinner gown? Check out chloe and reese. This is a Manhattan based brand, and they have just released their Ardour Collection. These dresses aren't for everyone, but they are definitely for brides that has a fashion concept in mind.

The Ardour Collection was created for brides and bridal parties, in response to their request for modern and sophisticated party dresses that offer versatility in dressing for any wedding occasion. The thousands of customized dress selections can take the bride or her attendants from the engagement party or rehearsal dinner to the wedding.

The Ardour Collection features a range of party frocks, full-length dresses and high-waisted skirts. With a variety of stylish and chic silhouettes; from a flirty one-shoulder silk faille party frock, to elegant floor-length taffeta gowns, sweet silk dresses trimmed in feminine ruffles, to classic strapless sheaths, Ardour's customization will offer something special for every bride, and every budget. Produced in New York City's Garment District, Ardour is available through the company's Manhattan showroom at 888.317.1695.

Happy Planning!

Vintage Store Find for Classic Wedding Decor and Gifts

I stumbled upon this store with a client of mine when we attended the San Anselmo Bridal Walk a few weeks ago. I got so much inspiration and neat ideas when I was browsing the store, that I thought it would be a great find for anyone doing a vintage look, or even decorating a cupcake or dessert bar. There were so many great finds!

The owner let me know that she is starting a gift registry as well, for those of you who have a more refined taste. Even if you're not getting married, you should check this store out!

Contact: Rhonda Shipley at Studiolo
411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960. Phone 415-453-3080.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Paper Divas Sale

Wedding Paper Divas is definitely one of my favorite go to sites for great invitations, thank you cards and save the dates. You can find so many styles, and they make the ordering process such a breeze.

Right now they are running a sale through July 20th and you get free shipping by using both of these codes: Enter the coupon code SALE10 at checkout to save 10% off when you spend $25 or more on save the date cards, bridal shower invitations, party invitations or thank you cards. Merchandise must total at least $25 before taxes and other charges for the promotion code to apply. Offer excludes items from the William Arthur Letterpress and Thermography collections. This offer may be used in conjunction with the free ground shipping coupon code FREESHIP.

Happy Planning!

20% Sale at Paper Source

One of my favorite stores, Paper Source, is having a sale: 20% off EVERYTHING online! I have already started to fill my cart as I write this post.


Happy Planning!

Get Into the Waxing Habit

Summer and wedding season is finally here! It is exciting and also daunting for some to get back in their swimsuits, or getting ready to depart on their honeymoon in Bali. This time of year calls for a trip to the waxing wonderland that is Habit. I have been seeing Carrie since she opened in 2005, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on my brows. Carrie and her girls at Habit have the waxing world down to a science, and use many different waxes to work with every skin type and hair type.

Whether you are looking for a full leg, arm or bikini area wax, this is the place to go. You can relax with a glass of vino, sit back in the plush chair and listen to funky tunes while you gab with any of these talented ladies. One of best parts about the experience is that you can make your appointments online, even in the middle of the night when you finally have time to do something for yourself!

Check them out at Habit, 1905 Union Street Suite 1 (at Laguna), San Francisco, CA 94123. www.waxhabit.com

Happy Planning!
kathryn

Letterpress Invitations for a Bargain!

According to "The Knot," $538 is the average price couples are spending on wedding invitations. Letterpress invitations are typically two to three times higher. Through the end of this year, Painted Tongue Studios is offering an incredible deal: two ways to have the quality and beauty of letterpress printing for $538. One way, they do the design and printing, and the other way, they teach you how to do the design and printing. Here are their two descriptions:

WE DO IT:

• We make you a 5x7" invitation, invitation envelope, 3.5x5" response card and response card envelope.

• You select an image theme and ink color from our catalog

• You select fonts that interest you from our extensive library

• Our staff combines these elements to show you three to five dynamic design drafts

• You provide feedback and we revise, creating clean, elegant final designs

• We letterpress them onto 100% cotton Cranes paper, with printing as crisp as a fresh apple, texture as luxurious as a professional massage for your fingertips!

• Allow 3-6 weeks for completion of your project

• $528 covers up to 125 sets. Add $100 per additional 50 sets

• Custom add-ons available. Contact us for pricing.

YOU DO IT:

• Sign up for our Wedding Invitation Workshop on Sundays from 12:30-3:30 pm

• Make up to six invitation components, in any dimensions or quantity you wish

• Design using up to two ink colors

• Use any imagery you desire (following copyright law, of course)

• Learn to make layouts for letterpress using our software and computers

• Select any paper you'd like for printing. Use our samples for pricing and information.

• $538 covers the class. Materials are an additional cost, and vary based on quantity, size, number of colors, and paper selection. Our instructor helps you plan for your budget.

• Allow 2-4 months for completion of your project

• You finish your invitations possessing a skill you can use again for programs, menus, thank you notes, birth announcements, business cards, and more. You can obtain future access to our equipment through our workshop and open print schedule.

The Lucky 538 Special is being offered now through December 2009. Call Kim at 510-593-4221, or send email to info@paintedtonguepress.com to take advantage of this special. Consultation meetings welcome.

This is an amazing deal and works for both the DIY and not so DIY brides.

Happy Planning!

kathryn

Dream Staff Party - Tiptoes Salon

Twice a year, I treat my staff to a little celebration to show them how much I appreciate all their hard work, dedication and loyalty. I do one in May/June and one in Nov/Dec. We just had our most recent party yesterday at Tiptoes Salon in San Francisco and had a blast. This salon is so nice and clean and they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. We all felt like queens sitting in our throwns, having our feet pampered, watching "The Wedding Planner" on the big screen, all while drinking mimosas. What a fun day to have all the girls get together and discuss recent/past/future weddings and events, and just getting to know each other better.

If you are looking for a place to host a shower, treat your bridesmaids or treat yourself to one of the best pedicures in the city, you need to check out Tiptoes! Howard provided me with all the platters for the food I brought in, along with really cute glasses for our mimosas. I didn't need to bring in any equipment, he took care of it all. Best part, there is a free parking lot plus tons of street parking right in front.

Here are some photos from our fabulous Sunday morning:





We knew the last picture was nerdy, but we had to do it to show off our pretty toes.

Happy planning!
kathryn

Custom Stationary

I received a package of Pose Prints cards last year with a blonde girl that resembled me with the golden gate bridge behind me. I love these cards, I know that the recipient gets a smile when they open these fun and witty cards. They are sweet to use for bridal and baby showers, and all you need is a simple picture of the guest of honor to make them really cute. There are also couple thank you notes and save the dates.

Order any cards through this site, and enter 'dream' at the checkout, and you will receive 10% off your order.

Happy Planning!
kathryn

A treat for your toes!

I got to check out a new spa in San Francisco last weekend, and I had to blog about it! I am always looking for the best place to send our clients and bridesmaids (not to mention myself) before the wedding to get manicures and pedicures. It's always a tough time finding a place that is clean, has the space and is affordable. Alas, there is Tip Toes Nail Salon in Potrero to take care of you!


The spa is immaculately clean and modern. There are enough chairs for even the largest bridal parties to take over all at once. They have a bar in which you can set out champagne, wine and snacks for your private or semi private party. Besides all of that, the actual service is incredibly relaxing, and includes a scrub and warm lotion massage. All this while watching chick flicks on the flat screen TV and eating brownie bites. I'm sold!


Anyway, if you are looking for a place to get a great mani/pedi before your wedding, or for any time for that matter, I would check them out. There is plenty of parking, as they have their own lot right in front. The staff was so friendly, I plan on going back in a few weeks when I need another pedicure!


Happy Planning!
kathryn