The 4 C's of Carats

Interview with Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

We've got our elite bridal show coming up in few weeks.  I've been super busy getting everything prepared & I'm super excited.  We're planning all kinds of fun for all of our attending brides including swank bags for all attendees and a bridal fashion show.  My vendor family, my husband & daughter & intern family have been crucial for me in making it a huge success for you.  I swear that I have the best family & staff in the world.  I can hardly wait to see all of you there and really get to know more about each and every one of you. In addition, we'll be starting group planning sessions, both a spring and a fall session and really we couldn't be more excited. 

Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

P.S. This year we will be launching our Group Wedding Planning 101 class.

P.S.  This year we will be launching our Group Wedding Planning 101 class.

This class is for the couple that feels that they want to plan the entire wedding on their own and would like some help from the professionals or the couple that feels that they can't afford the planning & coordinating team of their dreams and still wants to have access to their knowledge.

You'll be able to sign up for this 3 session 4 hrs per session action & information packed course, a total of 12 hours of expert help! 

You'll get the information on what to look for, what to avoid and how to truly customize your wedding within your budget.  Register early & you can have 1 solid hour with one on one access with me, Jennifer Lane. 

What other professional wedding planner do you know with 21 years of hands on experience and 80,000 custom luxury events and weddings successfully executed under her belt s willing to give you the secrets that you need to truly make your wedding of your dreams at a price you can afford?  You'll have time to ask all of the questions that you're struggling with and get the answers you need. 

Better yet, you can afford it because with this group class, you get 12 hours of professional assistance for only $69.99 per person/session! This not just a  deal....it's a steal! Really a $1,800 value for only $349.95! The first class of the spring session will be held on 3/19/2011 in the Denver Metro Area.  Make sure that you Register now on our website! Spring session starts soon.  Early registrations gets you more bonuses.  Need to do the class in payments, no problem that's available too.

P.S.S. Elite Bridal Show

Four season bridal fashion show, photographer, caterers, specialty lighting & far far more.  Seriously the best of the best and all there for you. Sunday 6/12/11 at Crowne Plaza in downtown Denver.  Get your fabulous & famous Swank bags when you  pre-register & attend.  $5 pre-registration/ $10 at the door & bring a friend or two.  As the bride, you'll save a $1 per friend you bring with you. Pre-register here!

Where can you find A Memory Lane Event ?

Wedding Planning 101 Sessions  1-5 pm  Spring session starts 4/16/11.  2nd class in the session is 5/7/11 and the final class is 6/4/11 

A Memory Lane Event - Elite Bridal Shows

6/12/11 Elite Bridal Show for A Memory Lane Event's clients and E-Zine receivers. Participating vendors can invite their clients too.  Everything from Wedding dresses, jewelery, invites and more. We'll be at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Denver.

4/6/11 A Memory Lane Event's Networking Party location:  Highlands Ranch Water2Wine 6-8pm

Vendor & Client Appreciation Party -

Nov 6, 2011 2pm –7 pm  Want a chance to re-wear your wedding dress, have a meal and dance the afternoon?  We would like to thank you be having this party in your honor, because with out you, we wouldn’t be here.  You’re invited to attend the party, when you’re a client of A Memory Lane Event.

Jennifer Recommends:

On a tight budget?  Need some expert advice and some help?  Confused & frustrated.  No problem attend: our group planning classes and get the help you need.

Want to get a jump start for your 2011 wedding?  Schedule your complimentary visit with Jennifer by emailing Sharon.  Be sure to check out our website & interview page with Jennifer.  You can get Sharon's email address from our website.

For your wedding....

 Do you want a high quality, completely customized event or wedding that has been designed in every way to you?

 Have you already started planning your event or wedding and now feel stuck?

 Are you overwhelmed, frustrated and confused trying to find the best reputable vendors that fit your personality, style and budget?

What makes A Memory Lane Event different from other Event & Wedding Planners & Coordinators?

We not only completely plan your event or wedding with you as a team, listening to you and your vision for the day, but our custom designers will assist you in making sure that you are reflected in every element of the day.  Isn’t that what you’re dreaming of…an event or wedding that is completely customized to you?  We’re also a multi-generational family owned and operated company in Denver Colorado serving all of Colorado and any US or International destination. 

About A Memory Lane Event, Denver CO

What does this mean to you, we have three generations assisting you with ideas and concepts for every age of your guests. 

Jennifer started planning events at a mid-range restaurant as the night manager at the age of 16.  While still in high school she also attended and excelled at Red Rocks in their interior design classes.  At the age of 18 Jennifer started working in one of Denver’s premier Country Clubs in the catering department.  In this position she really honed in on her skills and knowledge of how long it really takes to set up or turn a room for an amazing event, how long it takes to plate up a buffet or sit down dinner, what it takes to serve a group of guests, space requirements, décor elements and install and so much more.   Within a couple years, she was promoted to assistant to the head of the catering and sales departments in the Country Club.  In this position she learned sales for the location, developed relationships with high quality vendrs in Denver and throughout Colorado, staffing needs, scheduling, time lines, organizing and how to really listen to a client.  As well as assisting in planning and coordinating thousands of high end events and weddings, many times several hundred at a time with multiple occurring on the same day and time.  Jennifer has planned and coordinated high style custom events and weddings for Denver’s elite such as the Broncos, both John and Janet Elway, the Av’s and many more in their homes and in hot spots across the US and Internationally.  She’s experienced in everything from small intimate gatherings of 6 people to a few thousand of your closest friends.  She and her team have successfully executed custom and quality golf tournaments, fundraisers, corporate events, haunted houses, elaborate weddings and more to the tune of 80,000 over the last 21 years. 

What’s does this mean for you?

Jennifer decided that she really wanted to be able to offer more custom and personalized service to her clients and as a result decided to go back to school to become a professional trained and certified domestic and international planner and coordinator with décor and floral design.  Opening her own company A Memory Lane Event, LLC that specializes in quality custom designed Simply Sensational Memorable Events. What does this mean to you?  Hiring Jennifer and her company, A Memory Lane Event…

1.      “Frees you” to be able to enjoy the planning experience knowing that you have one of the youngest, highly experienced professionals, in the industry in your corner listening to your dream and helping you to achieve your vision for your day.

2.      “Frees your family and friends” from working your fabulous event or wedding and allows them to be able to enjoy the day with you.  You’ll have a team of experts and professional staff to handle the details on the day of so you and your family can relax and have fun.

3.       With 21 years of hands on experience in this industry we know the secrets to “assist you in getting more bang for your buck.”

a memory lane event weddings Denver CO

4.       We “know the quality, reputable vendors that fit your personality, style and budget, helping you to go from overwhelmed to overjoyed.”  That’s what you’re paying us for.

5.      “You get to make all final decisions and never lose control of your event or wedding.”  We work with you as a team, not take over.  We take the bulk of the 1200 hours it takes to successfully plan your so you can spend that time doing the things that make you happy. 

6.      “You have a professional in your corner that knows the tricks and truths about vendors, locations and watches out for you with knowledge, 21 years of hands on experience and by reading the fine print.”

7.       You have a “professional designer to assist you in the quality and design of your sensational and memorable décor and floral for your event that will reflect you, your finance or your company.  Completely customized to you.”

No matter if you are envisioning an intimate affair for 6 or a blow out for a few thousand of your closet friends at home of another amazing location, we can assist you to realize the dream event you’ve been envisioning. 

"The 4 C's of Carats"

The quality and value of diamonds are usually measured by the "4 C's" Color, Clarity, Carat weight, Cut.

Carat weight: The weight measurement used for diamond is called "carat". One carat = 200 milligrams. Diamonds are sold by weight not by size.

Color: Refers to the body color of the diamond. The absence of color is most valuable.

Clarity: Refers to the purity of the diamond crystal. Most diamonds will have some inclusions and irregularities in their crystal structure.

Cut:Sometimes called "Make" refers to the 1 Proportions 2 Symmetry 3 Polish Color and Clarity are graded, based on standards and systems widely accepted by the diamond and jewelry trade.  Evaluation of Cut is much more complex. There is no widely recognized cut grading system that can be used to objectively compare diamonds for quality of cut

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.  Complimentary initial consultations at night and on the weekends when you are available. 

Top 5 Questions & Answers You Must Know about a Wedding Professional Before you Book Them

Weddings by A Memory Lane Event

Hiring the right team for you is crucial to planning your dream wedding…and it can also be rather stressful.

Where do you go for advice?  How do you know who to trust?  Where exactly do you find the right match?  How do you know if they are the right match for you? 

The first thing you should be aware of is this is not an easy task and it’s totally normal for couples to feel overwhelmed, frustrated or confused.  You’ve got at least ten people handing you advice from what seems like the second that you announce your engagement.  You’re not sure if its even the right advice for you.  Your friends and family are offering their two cents and pretty soon you don’t know if your wedding is reflecting you and your fiancé or someone’s dream for you. 

After all it’s not like you plan a wedding every day!  This is all probably brand new to you, so be patient with yourself.  Stay true to yourself and follow the following guideline to make sure that you pick the right wedding professionals for you.

A few tips to finding the right wedding professionals for you…

• Do Your Homework.  You’ll get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding professional if you do a little background homework first. 

Engagements with A Memory Lane Event

What exactly does that mean?  Spend some time on the internet check out their website.  Chose the vendors that speak to you through their website.  You’ll look at some websites and immediately you’ll get the gut feeling to back out.  If that happens, do. Once you find 2 or 3 that you like; then schedule appointments with them.  You can talk to friends who’ve recently been married, just remember that they may have had a different vision or have a different personality than you and what’s right for them, may not be right for you.  Likewise, you’d be surprised how many DIY brides feel that they have a wedding planning degree after they plan their own wedding.  Planning their own wedding, doesn’t mean that they can plan someone else’s.  Many times they know what they want…they don’t really pay attention to what you want or envision.  If you’re talking to a wedding vendor like that…Run! 

Events by A Memory Lane Event

About A Memory Lane Event, Denver

Find out the average prices in your area and what services are available. You can actually do that, right here on our blog.  Get an idea of what you like and don’t like.  Wedding websites and chat rooms can be a great resource.  This way when you meet with a wedding professional you’ll be able to ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.

Jennifer Lane A Memory Lane Event

• Meet With Them.  An in person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding vendor.  It lets you get the full experience of their personality, style and professionalism.  If that’s not possible, have a phone conversation.  Be sure to spend some time with them in person or on the phone.  Be careful if they speak over you, force their opinion or don’t take into account your opinion.  If your main focus is cost, the vendor may not even price out your vision, because they already know that it’s a budget buster for you or that you’re not their focus.  If a wedding professional brushes you off or behaves like you’re not important or that your opinions don’t matter.  Then they aren’t the professional for you.

• Ask Questions.  There are no stupid questions!  And you may notice that several of your questions are answered when you read the wedding professionals website.  Again, it’s important to read or skim through a professionals’ website prior to meeting with them as part of your homework.  Make sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions.  If you aren't sure what something means, ask them to clarify.  Keep asking questions until you completely understand. 

If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren’t the one for you.  The best wedding professionals are patient, understanding and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.

Here are 7 Must Ask Questions to ask ALL your potential wedding professionals before booking:

Weddings with A Memory Lane Event

extremely important question.  Ideally, your wedding professional should have ample experience specifically with weddings.  Not only will they be more skilled in their craft, this also makes them a valuable source of information and ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly.  Did they actually attend school or the school of hard knocks.  When you meet with them are their certificates available for you to see.  Are they associated with any associations? 

2.       How much do you cost?  Price is often relative, especially when you factor in experience, reputation and expert skill.  Generally, the most talented professionals have a higher price tag because they are worth it.  Similarly, the least expensive company or vendor … well, let’s just say, your wedding is totally one of those experiences and days you can’t re-do and you do get what you pay for.  The super cost conscious couple, although they may stay in budget, may not be thrilled with the results on or after their wedding day.

3.      How much is the deposit?  Are there any additional fees?  Taxes, service charges and travel fees can add up quickly.  Make sure you understand exactly what is included and if there are any other fees you’ll have to pay.  This should be clearly defined in your contract. 

4.       What specifically is included in that cost?  When you factor in experience, reputation and expert skill and then factor in the variety of wedding packages offered by different professionals, it’s likely that you won’t be able to compare one vendor exactly to the next without doing a little figuring.  The lowest cost isn’t necessarily the best deal; some higher quotes include services that you have to pay extra for in other packages.  Make sure you take these points into account when making your decision. 

5.       What happens if I cancel?  What happens if you cancel?   Find out if your deposit is refundable under any conditions.  Does the wedding professional have a back-up plan if something happens to them or if they have staff trained to take their place if the main professional of the company becomes sick?

 

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event

6.       Do you use a contract?   If the answer is No, RUN!  Seriously.  No contract.  No good for you or them.  A contract is designed to protect both you and the wedding professional.  Don’t settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court.  

7.       Do you carry liability insurance?  The answer you’re looking for here is Yes.  This protects you in case an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day.  It’s also a sign that this is a reputable business, since most “fly by night” operations don’t invest in insurance.

• Listen.  Don’t just hear the words the wedding professional says, but really listen.  Watch the vendor’s body language.  Are they confident and comfortable with their response?  Do they look and sound nervous?  Do you get a “funny feeling” about them?  Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their responses; if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.  This is the read between the lines listening as well as the actual listening with your ears.

• Check References.  Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work, but they may not represent the “average” wedding performance.  Videos are edited for the optimum presentation.  But real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to fake.  In addition, when you meet with wedding professionals that work with a wide range of budgets and they actually show you pictures of them, then you can really get a sense of (1) what your budget may include (2) what their work quality is really like and (3) pay attention to not just the testimonials on their website but the testimonials on Google, Yelp and other such sites.  Sometimes, vendors work with a clientele that doesn’t leave feed back then calling references is a must.

Colorado weddings with A Memory Lane Event

Call up both client and professional references.  Ask questions and use those listening skills.  Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between the lines” if there were any issues or problems.  Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against the business.  Weigh all of this information into your choices.

Want even more help?  Check out our group wedding planning classes.  These classes are for those who would really like a planner, but don't think that they can afford one.  As a group you'll learn from each other and be able to have the help from an experienced planner for pennies.  Be sure to check it out.  Click the picture to be routed to our clients comments.

We'll see you there!

Military Wedding GiveAway

A few months ago, we came up with the idea as companies and civilians to give away a high end dream wedding to a couple serving in the military.  The couple that we found both serve in the army and based in Ft. Carson.

Military Wedding GiveAway

A few months ago, we came up with the idea as companies and civilians to give away a high end dream wedding to a couple serving in the military.  The couple that we found both serve in the army and based in Ft. Carson.  The wedding was amazing.

Military Wedding Giveaway

Many have asked how the Military Wedding Giveaway turned out.  It was ton's of fun and ton's of fantastic vendors came together to really create an unbelievable wedding of epic proportions.  Check out some of the pic's here.

Adorable flower girl

Amazing lighting by Scott Hittleman Lighting & Designs and Chair Rentals Pipe & Drape

Bubble exit from chapel

Gorgeous bouquets & most floral done by Buffy at Pink Posey Design, in Denver

 

Masterful Musicians - Fabulous!

Custom creation for the wedding centerpieces

Cake done by Frills Cake Bakery in Denver

Elite Bridal Show

If you want the top notch and unique vendors to assist you in creating your completely custom wedding, then don't miss this show!  See the four season bridal fashion show and experience a bridal show like no other. All the fun happens between -5 pm on Sunday June 12, 2011. Pre-register on our website. www.amemorylaneevent.com 

Dont think you can afford a wedding planner, but still need help - The run to the alter; Get started on the right foot wedding planning course.

Jennifer Lane A Memory Lane Event

Do you want the assistance of a professional planner, but don't think you can afford it.  Now you can!  Attend classes with other brides, learn from each other and get the information that you need and want from me, Jennifer Lane, a planner with over 20 yrs experience and thousands of successfully executed special occasions.  

We present the

The run to the alter; Get started on the right foot wedding planning course

• 4 hour course taught by expert wedding planner, Jennifer Lane.
• Includes printed Planner's secrets to create your dream wedding while saving you thousands course book.
• Answers to frequetly asked questions.
• Ask your own questions and receive answers.
• Pre- wedding activities and planning for them.
• Entertainment for your guests.
• Who is supposed to pay for what.
• Customizing your wedding day to match your vision.
• Snacks. 

Space is limited to 30 people.  Get your tickets here, now before they are sold out!

 Just $99! A $549.99 savings.    Noon to 4:30 pm on March 30th, 2013 at Connexions Store in SW Plaza Mall: 8501 West Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO, 80128. 

Waiting list available, once the course is filled.

  www.amemorylaneevent.com

AMLE Final

Favorite Vendors & so much more

This year we've started hosting our own bridal shows, and holding classes for those that want the assistance of the professionals, but think they can't afford it.  We've come up with a way to make it so everyone can afford the help they want from the professionals in the wedding industry.  See our website for the class schedule and the elite bridal show schedule.

Our first highlighted vendor is Reverend Kim Tavendale.  She's fantastic!  With packages from standard to totally custom she's the perfect choice for all. A great sense of humor, tons of fun personality and her main focus on the client and their needs.  On top of all of  that, she's able to keep a secret for those high profile vendors who want to keep their wedding away from the tabloids.

We at A Memory Lane Event, love being able to work with Reverend Kim Tavendale who is professional and fun to be around.  An absolute must when you want to be ab;e to customize your ceremony and have  a fun flair at  the same time.  When you attend classes or attend an elite bridal show, you'll be able to visit with her personally.  Or check her out at http://www.reverendkimtavendale.com/index.html   or read & follow her blog at http://reverendkimtavendale.com/blog/

AMLE Final

7 Costly Mistakes made by brides & how to avoid them

This week I'm so excited to share some great news about what is going on in my life and with A Memory Lane Event with all of you! 

Not only have I started training some great new interns that want to learn through hands on experience in the hospitality industry which is my fav, but we've developed some fantastic new products that we will be sharing with all of you starting in January. 

work every day with my super talented mother and daughter
My 19 year old daughter while still working with us, is in college following her dream to be a director of a child care center and my mother, is finally working with us as of June this year.  I'm so thrilled to be able to work every day with my super talented mother and daughter.  It's like a dream come true. This just doubled the amount of great talent that you had in A Memory Lane Event luxury planning, coordinating, custom decor & floral design. I can hardly wait to start 2011's event & wedding season! 

Great Country Clubs in Colorado
We were at the Garden of the God's Country Club this past week for their bridal show. Such a great location, the possibilities are endless there to really create an amazing completely customized event or wedding & I love working with Country Clubs especially since it's in the Country Clubs where I did the bulk of my training.  

Luxury Wedding Dresses for the Voluptuous
We've have teamed up with a custom luxury wedding dress designer in Colorado Springs for our voluptuous brides.  It's such a blessing .... I've always felt disappointed when we have had to in the past settle and send away for a dress that our bride can't try on because bridal stores don't carry a dress in their size.  Let's face it...not all of us can be a size 2, but we're all still beautiful.

P.S.  This January we will be launching our quarterly Wedding Planning 101 class.  This class is for the couple that feels that they want to plan the entire wedding on their own and knows that they need some help from the professionals or feels that they can't afford the planning & coordinating team of their dreams and still wants to have access to their knowledge. 

You'll be able to sign up for this 5 hour crash course to get the information on what to look for, what to avoid and how to truly customize your wedding within your budget with group and one on one access to me.  What other professional luxury wedding planner do you know with 21 years of hands on experience and 80,000 custom luxury events and weddings successfully executed that is willing to give you the secrets that you need to truly make your wedding of your dreams at a price you can afford?   You'll have the time to be able ask all of the questions that you're struggling with and get the answers you need. 

Better yet, you can afford it because with this group class, you get 5 hours of professional assistance for only $34.99 per person! This not just a  deal....it's a steal!   To hold the class, we need 20 overwhelmed and struggling brides just like you because with this # of brides, what you may not have thought of as a question yet, someone else may already be struggling with.  This means that as a group you'll get more information than you would on your own.  Class will be held on 1/8/2011 in the Denver Metro Area.  Make sure that you Register now! 

P.S.S. Our Military Wedding Giveaway Contest entry period is almost over.  There's only 3 weeks left to get registered to win a wedding valued at $58,000 where everything from the dress and rings through the honey moon is provided to our winning service person and their finance. A Memory Lane Event and 30 other luxury vendors across Denver want to say a big Thank You to those serving and this is the best way we could think of accomplishing that. 

Entering is easy....just record a 1-3 minute video as to what attributes from your grandparents marriage you want to have apparent in your own or what attributes do you feel will ensure a long marriage and of course why you deserve to win, put the video up on U-Tube then go to our website and fill in the application and cut & paste your video's URL.  The contest is open to all military personnel desiring to wed on President’s Day, February 21, 2011 in Denver CO immediately followed by a Colorado mountain honeymoon.   Enter the contest here.

Where can you find A Memory Lane Event? Of course you can find us in and throughout  Denver we're at several networking events through out the month. 
We keep our Google calender visible so you can see where we are.

For your wedding....

·        Do you want a high quality, completely customized event or wedding that has been designed in every way to you?
·        Have you already started planning your event or wedding and now feel stuck?
·        Are you overwhelmed, frustrated and confused trying to find the best reputable vendors that fit your personality, style and budget?
·        Are you concerned that without professional assistance some important details will be missed or that you’ll be taken advantage of?
·        Do you desire to free yourself from endless hours of planning and free your family to be able to enjoy the day with you?
·        Are you a college student or professional too busy to plan your dream event or wedding?
·        Do you want an impressive event or wedding and still want more bang for your buck?

elegant ceiling decor

What makes A Memory Lane Event different from other Event & Wedding Planners & Coordinators?

We not only completely plan your event or wedding with you as a team, listening to you and your vision for the day, but our custom designers will assist you in making sure that you are reflected in every element of the day.  Isn’t that what you’re dreaming of…an event or wedding that is completely customized to you?  We’re also a multi-generational family owned and operated company in Denver Colorado serving all of Colorado and any US or International destination.

What does this mean to you, we have three generations assisting you with ideas and concepts for every age of your guests.
Jennifer started planning events at a mid-range restaurant as the night manager at the age of 16.  While still in high school she also attended and excelled at Red Rocks in their interior design classes.  At the age of 18 Jennifer started working in one of Denver’s premier Country Clubs in the catering department.  In this position she really honed in on her skills and knowledge of how long it really takes to set up or turn a room for an amazing event, how long it takes to plate up a buffet or sit down dinner, what it takes to serve a group of guests, space requirements, décor elements and install and so much more.   Within a couple years, she was promoted to assistant to the head of the catering and sales departments in the Country Club.  In this position she learned sales for the location, developed relationships with high quality vendors in Denver and throughout Colorado, staffing needs, scheduling, time lines, organizing and how to really listen to a client.  As well as assisting in planning and coordinating thousands of high end events and weddings, many times several hundred at a time with multiple occurring on the same day and time.  Jennifer has planned and coordinated high style custom events and weddings for Denver’s elite such as the Broncos, both John and Janet Elway, the Av’s and many more in their homes and in hot spots across the US and Internationally.  She’s experienced in everything from small intimate gatherings of 6 people to a few thousand of your closest friends.  She and her team have successfully executed custom and quality golf tournaments, fundraisers, corporate events, haunted houses, elaborate weddings and more to the tune of 80,000 over the last 21 years.

Fall and rose themed wedding table

What’s does this mean for you?
Jennifer decided that she really wanted to be able to offer more custom and personalized service to her clients and as a result decided to go back to school to become a professional trained and certified domestic and international planner and coordinator with décor and floral design.  Opening her own company A Memory Lane Event, LLC that specializes in quality custom designed Simply Sensational Memorable Events. What does this mean to you?  Hiring Jennifer and her company, A Memory Lane Event…
1.      “Frees you” to be able to enjoy the planning experience knowing that you have one of the youngest, highly experienced professionals, in the industry in your corner listening to your dream and helping you to achieve your vision for your day.
2.      “Frees your family and friends” from working your fabulous event or wedding and allows them to be able to enjoy the day with you.  You’ll have a team of experts and professional staff to handle the details on the day of so you and your family can relax and have fun.
3.       With 21 years of hands on experience in this industry we know the secrets to “assist you in getting more bang for your buck.”
4.       We “know the quality, reputable vendors that fit your personality, style and budget, helping you to go from overwhelmed to overjoyed.”  That’s what you’re paying us for.
5.      “You get to make all final decisions and never lose control of your event or wedding.”  We work with you as a team, not take over.  We take the bulk of the 1200 hours it takes to successfully plan your so you can spend that time doing the things that make you happy.
6.      “You have a professional in your corner that knows the tricks and truths about vendors, locations and watches out for you with knowledge, 21 years of hands on experience and by reading the fine print.”
7.       You have a “professional designer to assist you in the quality and design of your sensational and memorable décor and floral for your event that will reflect you, your finance or your company.  Completely customized to you.”
No matter if you are envisioning an intimate affair for 6 or a blow out for a few thousand of your closet friends at home of another amazing location, we can assist you to realize the dream event you’ve been envisioning.

7 costly mistakes made by brides when planning their custom wedding & how to avoid them

1.  Not realizing that every one person that is invited to your wedding increases the cost of the wedding by an average of $150.

2.  Not reading the fine print such as when payments are due to the location and vendors, if and how much insurance is needed to use a facility.  Read the fine print, if this isn't your strong point, hire someone who has this attribute as a strong point.

3. Not true to yourself and trying to make everyone else happy ...ultimately sacrificing their happiness.  It's your wedding, you and your finance should be the focal point,it's more of a challenge when parents and grandparents are kicking in funds, and it's totally possible to have your wedding reflect the two of you and still be able to make those close to you feel involved.

4. Having too big of a bridal party .  You pay for everyone's flowers and food, then there's the gift for being in your wedding party.   A bouquet for a wedding on average is $75 ea.  For every 50 guests you should have an attendant.We know it's sometimes difficult to narrow down who will serve in your bridal party and you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, however being aware in advance what the costs are before picking your bridal party is helpful.

5. Backyard verses a hall or wedding venue .  Backyard weddings aren't always cost saving...why you have to bring in & rent tables, chairs, tablecloths, dance floor, lighting if it's at night than there is delivery and staff to set up and take down, rental of plates, glass and flat ware, it all adds and in most cases halls and venues, throw these in with the room rental.  The bottom line, is that it's not always less expensive to have the back yard wedding, in some cases, it's more expensive.

6. Skimping on the food.   Yes food is a big cost.  Buffet or station style wedding doesn't mean your guests should be rationed portions of food. Nothing left for second helpings? Time to re-think the menu.

What it'll cost you: If you think your future mother-in-law can be a little unpleasant now, just wait until you see her on an empty stomach. Being short on food is a big etiquette no-no. Buffet style dinners are fine, but you need to make sure there is enough food, plates, and napkins to go around.  I've been told before by the brides parents that they feel that thefood is costing more than it should and they cut down on the food, only to run out and haveupset guests and fights and arguments on the day of the wedding.

How to avoid it: Work with your caterer ahead of time to make sure you have a menu that's within your budget but still allows you to have enough food for everyone. There's no excuse for adding filet mignon if it means you'll have a limited portion. Food is one place where it's best not to cut corners. Instead, try saving in other ways, like by throwing your wedding on a Sunday (cheaper than Saturday) or simply trimming down your guest list.

7. Doing Everything Yourself

High glamour wedding table

You've started planning a year ahead of time, so you'll definitely have time to do the bouquets, programs, seating cards, invitations, favors, welcome baskets, centerpieces, and guest book sounds plausible.

What it'll cost you: Slow down there super woman! Wanting to be involved -- really involved -- in planning your wedding is a great idea. Still, you'll want to keep yourself at least a little sane, and you may be surprised at how quickly those months can pass. You don't need the stress of pulling all-nighters the week before the wedding to finish too many projects. Then those projects that aren't done and must be done, that you take to the professionals at the last minute ... cost you double as a rush.

How to avoid it: It's simple: Don't bite off more than you can chew. Pick and choose your projects wisely, and be honest with yourself about how much time you have to devote to them. For instance, if you work a 40-hour workweek and want some free time on the weekends, do you really have the discipline to come home every night and work on a few projects? Keep a few DIY projects and leave the rest to the professionals from the beginning.

There's so many more things that can cost you dearly, these are just a few.

Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Planning Struggles

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