ON A BUDGET

When you are planning a wedding, money should be one of the most important things and one of the first things you figure out!  Weddings cost money.   So, before you get on Pinterest and other wedding sites and start daydreaming, figure out how much you can afford to spend on a wedding- and how much wiggle room you have.   

Backyard weddings may not be a cost effective as you think.  And, there are things that come into play that you may never think of- like portable toilets and tents.  Parking, permits, noise ordinances, etc are all things that may add to the cost.

Choose flowers that are in season.  There are ways to save on flowers if you stick to things that may be in season.  There are ways to make the simplest arrangements look amazing. 
 

Guest counts are important.  It's expensive to feed 200 people.  So, maybe you need to pare down your guest list.  Remember that some of the people you invite can't come.  So, have a B List.  Buffets may not be cheaper.  When the menu is a buffet, there has to be more food prepared than may be eaten.  A seated dinner may be more cost effective.  So, ask the question when seeking a caterer.

One of the things that couples don't understand is that "you get what you pay for".  Be very careful to research someone with extremely low pricing or who is new.  Make sure that you aren't going to get scammed, left in the lurch or disappointed.  New doesn't necessarily mean bad.  But, it could be a red flag.

DIY is wonderful.  And, if you are crafty or able to DIY some of your wedding- go for it.  But, remember you also have a job, other obligations, an entire wedding to plan.  Don't take on too much or something you are not able to do.  Also, figure out who is going to place all of those DIY items the day of your wedding.  It should NOT be you!  That day you should be enjoying the moment.  

You can plan a wedding on a budget.  And, it can be a perfect day.  It just takes a lot of planning, a little knowledge and flexibility.  If Angel of Hearts Weddings and Events can help, please reach out.  I would be happy to steer you in the right direction. Happy Planning!

REAL WEDDINGS

 

When you are planning your wedding, some things don't ever cross your mind.  But, over the last 20+ years, I have found that certain things happen that no one imagines.  And, THIS is when the brides- and in one case, the groom, in these examples are so glad they had me by their side.  For their privacy, I am not using names, nor photos of these specific weddings.  The collage in this post are merely a small selection of some of my weddings for aesthetics.  These are all true stories- some more intense than others, but all of them are unimaginable and could have been disastrous to the day.  These were all upscale weddings in beautiful venues.  These were all lovely families with real issues.  These were all situations that I was able to diffuse and fix before disaster struck.

** The wedding was 2 days away and I got a frantic call that the wedding may be in jeopardy due to a culture clash that the couple felt the situation was beyond going forward with the wedding.  I got in my car and drove to their home to talk this out.  Two families from two cultures could not agree on these two amazing people getting married.  After several hours of working through this, the wedding happened, everyone was cordial and the day was perfect.  Both cultures were represented and both families felt included.

** This was a small beach wedding at a private home.  The day was beautiful and the couple was very happy with perfect weather and a gorgeous setting.  As the party was coming to an end and everyone was gathering for a sparkler send off, a very drunk guest accosted his girlfriend and dragged her down the stairs.  She was ok, however, it caused many guests to be frightened.  I was able to diffuse the situation, have 2 other guests remove this person and we managed to keep the whole incident from the couple until after the celebration.  This could have been a very ugly situation. But, I was there and it all worked out.

** After a very tumultuous morning with an incredibly difficult bride and her family, we arrived at the venue for the ceremony and reception.  The groom and his family, a lovely family, were there, as were most of the guests.  The bride, her bridesmaids and the bride's father were late- very late.  The bride insisted, though it was a hot day, that the photographer walk the girls to a particular location for photos- again, it was hot and one of the bridesmaids had a broken foot.  When they finally arrived, the bridesmaid was in pain and the bride was hungover, verbally abusive and demanded a drink.  When the bride's father arrived, he was not dressed for a wedding and had his fishing hat on.  I felt so horrible for the groom and his family- they were mortified.  I did my best to move things along, got a tie for the dad and had him remove his hat.  I calmed the bride down and we got her some water.  The ceremony went forward and the party ensued.  The bride was very aggressive all day and resistant to most of the formalities.  I had to run interference all day to try and salvage what I could for this poor groom's family.  This was probably the most stressful day ever, but I did my best to make sure it didn't turn into a total disaster.  

** After a perfect morning, a beautiful ceremony in a historic church and the bridal party off for photos, I made my way to the venue to make sure everything was ready for the arrival of the bride and groom.  When I got there, the florist had flowers, boxes, water and trash all over the floor.  She was still putting centerpieces on tables.  In the meantime, the custom favor boxes and the napkin folds were all wrong.  I rolled up my sleeves, refolded all of the napkins and placed the favor boxes as they were to be done.  I also hustled the florist along, as the live painter had arrived and was trying to set up around the mess.  When the couple arrived, everything was perfect and they never knew of the impending disaster that was averted.

** An antique car, a careless photographer and a bride in an expensive satin gown could have been a horrible combination.  But, with my baby wipes and a hair dryer I was able to save the day.  When taking photos, the photographer had the bride up against the antique car.  After the photo, the front of the dress was streaked with grease.  To the ladies room we went.  And, no one ever knew her dress had been soiled.  

These are just a few examples of things that happen that you could never anticipate.  And, because these couples had a seasoned planner, who thinks on her feet and isn't dazzled by the "fun" of wedding planning, but who takes her job seriously, disasters can be averted.  So, please, think about the "what ifs" as you plan your big day.  You never know what could happen.  And, knowing there is someone who has your back is more important than you will ever know. Happy Planning!

HAPPY FACES/ MAGICAL MOMENTS

 

It has been almost 21 years since I began this journey.  When I started, it was my love of planning and my passion for happy brides that propelled me.  Through the years, I have been lucky to have so many amazing clients all over- from NYC to Florida, to Chicago.  While most of my clients are Philadelphia based, I have had some wonderful travels and many memorable moments with all kinds of couples.  

Times have changed, the business has changed and weddings have changed.  I have NOT changed.  My passion is the same. My commitment is the same.  My philosophy is the same.  I don't try and be a "one stop shop".  I don't rent the "stuff", do the flowers, set up the tables and clean up the trash at the end of the night.  I commit myself to YOU!  I help you find vendors to fit your budget and your vision.  I listen to you as you plan.  I do as much or as little as you need.  I am by your side from day one and I am there to carefully pack up your personal items at the end of the day.  I work for you.  I care about you.  I do what I do for YOU!!  

Angel of Hearts has no fancy website.  I have this informative and friendly blog to help you along the way.  I am not "showy", I don't parade around everywhere like a celebrity.  I am quiet and hard at work.  So, maybe I get lost in the shuffle.  So, here I am today to tell you that I am here after 20+ years, still making magic, still committed to every couple and anxiously awaiting to hear all about your wedding and how I can make the magic for you!  Happy Planning!

LET'S REVIEW

 

If you watch the Food Network, you know that when a master chef or a baker create something, the judges don't always agree on how good that dish is. Some love it, some don't. Maybe it isn't their taste in food, maybe they don't like that spice or that sauce. Taste is subjective. WELL, so is reviewing vendors. So, today, let's talk about REVIEWS. 

I am going to start by asking you a question. If you had a business and worked really hard at that business, made your living, paid your bills, fed your family with that business. how would you feel if someone, not only disrespected your business in a review, but actively tried to ruin you- and attacked your person besides?  It would make you feel pretty awful, I would guess.  

Weddings are very personal.  they are costly, stressful and you want everything to be perfect.  BUT, THINGS HAPPEN! Maybe you don't have the budget for the Pinterest board you saw.  Maybe the flowers you love are not in season. Maybe the photographer is late, because there was a major accident on their way.  At the end of the day, you are married, the vendor team YOU chose did their job and life goes on. If something didn't go just so, do you really think you should blame your vendors?  

Sometimes personalities don't connect.  That's OK. Not every vendor fits every couple.  Sometimes you don't listen to what the vendor is telling you or you don't read the contract or you hear what you want to hear.  You must be flexible, communicate with your vendors.  SOMETIMES you just had a vision that was unrealistic!  Figure out what your budget is at the beginning and find vendors who fit that budget. Look, there are great vendors, good vendors, mediocre vendors- AND, there are some REALLY BAD vendors.  After 20 years in this industry, I know that. And, as someone who advises couples on vendors, I would not recommend someone I know to be CONSISTENTLY bad.  BUT, I WOULD NOT TRASH ANYONE on the internet.  

Everyone has a bad day.  Maybe your DJ lost their mother recently. Maybe the caterer had staff that didn't show up for work. Maybe the venue had a flood in the ladies room that morning. However, they show up. they do their job. They work past the trouble.  And, they do their best to give you what you paid for. 

RED FLAG:  If someone has a great rating on a wedding website and you read review after review that raves about the vendor. Then, you read some absurd NEGATIVE review that completely destroys someone's reputation- STOP!  Think about it!!  Is it possible for so many couples to be wrong and this ONE or TWO be right?!!  PLEASE!  use your common sense.  

Finally, instead of taking the word of other brides- good or bad, reach out to a vendor. Explain that you read something about them- there are 2 sides to every story.  Ask other vendors who have worked with that vendor- find out what they think. Ask your venue if they have worked with someone and what their recommendation would be.

As with the Food Network, TASTE is subjective.  So, don't destroy someone because you don't like the spices!!  Walk away and find something good to say- maybe you liked the "sauce". And, ask yourself, would I want someone to slander me on the internet?  My guess is, your answer would be NO!  Be kind. And, as my mother used to say- "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".  

Happy Planning!

DARIANNA BRIDAL AND TUXEDO

It was my pleasure, yesterday, to visit Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo in Warrington, Pa.  And, the only thing more fun than seeing such a beautiful store, was meeting the owners, Franco and Wendy, and their happy staff. If you are searching for THE DRESS, PLEASE visit this salon!!   

You can feel the warmth and caring as soon as you walk in the door- including the dress in the window, bearing the names of the brides that bought a dress here.  You are greeted with a friendly HELLO.  And, the store owners could not be more accommodating! Franco and Wendy are just lovely, real, authentic people, who pride themselves on the way they interact with their brides and the community.

Visually, this is an inviting place to walk into.  The huge window that lets in so much natural light, the dark hardwood floors, adorned with beautiful oriental rugs, the ethereal look of the gorgeous gowns hanging on the wall and the most incredible and private bridal suite I have ever seen!  It just makes you feel like you have been wrapped in a blanket and loved!!  The bridal suite is off to the side and surrounded by a wall, open to the gowns on two sides. There is a huge, ornate mirror and a delightful, cushioned bench for your entourage. There are belts and sleeves to experiment with while you decide which gown you MUST have.  You WILL feel like a princess when you try on gowns in this space.

There is a beautiful selection of veils and accessories.  There are dresses for mom and some bridesmaids. AND, on the other side of the center floor, there are suits and tuxedos for the men in the wedding. 

I have to say, I have visited a lot of bridal salons in my career, and have worked in several.  This salon is the perfect place to feel embraced, cared about, listened to and appreciated!   I am so happy for the opportunity to share this salon with my readers- and my brides! You really should make an appointment to go see them! You can call, text, schedule on their website or message on Facebook. 

Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo- 215-491-8500

LE MERIDIEN: PERFECTLY SUITED FOR NOW- AND LATER

 Right in the center of Philadelphia, with a view of City Hall, in a historic building, is Le Meridien Hotel.  With beautifully appointed guest rooms, a gorgeous library for an intimate ceremony and several options to party the night away, your wedding will be perfect in every way.  And, right now, planning an intimate occasion for the most dear to you or an elopement for just you two, there is no better time to plan your wedding at Le Meridien.

Last week, I visited Lauren Pasquini and we chatted about how the hotel has pivoted to accommodate the things that have changed in this last year. And, how dedicated they are to making sure that with smaller weddings AND smaller budgets, couples can still have a magical wedding.  Here are some of the things that Le Meridien is doing for couples right now:

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2021 and receive: 

 ** Complimentary ceremony ( $1000 value)

** Complimentary Tier 2 or 3 entree at a Tier 1 price ($20 per person value)

** Complimentary 1 Hour After Party food display ($20 per person value)

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2022 and beyond with under 50 guests and receive ONE of the above options.

Book your wedding in 2021 FOR 2022 or beyond with over 50 guests and choose two of the above options.

The photos here are from one of my weddings at Le Meridien.  And, I must say, it was perfection- all day!  Lauren and her team will make sure that nothing is left to chance and that every moment is unforgettable.  Even in these strange days, weddings should always be special and ALWAYS be memorable.  Le Meridien will see to that. So, give Lauren a call to book your special day.  And, let me know how I can help!  Because every wedding, big or small, needs a planner to keep you sane and stress free.

Stay tuned for more info about a special evening coming soon at Le Meridien in April.  Details to come.

Lauren Pasquini- 215-422-8221

A TIMELY WEDDING

These are strange times for planning a wedding.   Many couples are just having a private ceremony and planning a celebration for later with family and friends.   And, some couples are opting for a small gathering with their favorite people.  How would you like to be able to bring your wedding to your home for an elegant evening without lifting a finger?  Let me tell you how.

We will hire a chef to plan a menu and prepare a beautiful meal.  We can use your china and linens or we can bring them in.  Decorating is easy.  Some beautifully placed flowers and some candles create a mood.  Ensconce your home in romance, with a spot for a ceremony and an intimate dinner for 2 to 20 people.  A photographer to take some photos of your magical evening.  And, VOILA!  

Creating memories and sharing a special moment with those closest to you can be totally stress free and just as wonderful as a big event.  And, right now, what could be better?!  Contact me for details and lets get started planning your intimate wedding at home.  Contact: wendyangell@gmail.com or 267-500-4328.