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Tag Archives: Hilton Head Island

LKE and ABC

09 Monday Jul 2018

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, wedding industry, wedding planner, wedding planning, weddings

In a prior log, I wrote about how I began my journey to becoming an Accredited Wedding Planner. What I left out of that blog was how the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) helped me achieve the title. My personal story includes a village of ABC members.

When I decided to launch Lisa Kenward Events, a full planning wedding company, the process was made easier with the help from ABC. ABC is an international organization that focuses on helping wedding professionals gain knowledge within the industry, offers webinars, seminars, annual conferences and has a large staff of dedicated professional ready to answer all your questions. The Wedding Planner Magazine is published with help from ABC.

The lengthy process of paperwork, online classes, written tests, essays, attending conferences including the ABC South Carolina Chapter networking event and attending CPR and AED training classes helped me gain the points needed to earn the title of Professional Bridal Consultant as of January, 2011. It took me until January 2016 to earn the title of Accredited Wedding Planner after many additional weddings planned, conferences attended, volunteering within Beaufort County and having three prior events featured in local publications.

My goal was achieved by marketing to destination couples, creating a personalized plan with each couple, months of coordination, hours of documentation, phone calls and emails, volunteering my time within my community while staying focused on the prize. I am proud to say that I am the only AWP in Beaufort County.

The next goal for me is Master Wedding Planner! Look for that announcement in 2020!

32.175240 -80.772245

Tell Me Everything

04 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, Wedding News, wedding planners, wedding planning, Wedding Planning Tips, weddings

If you select a wedding planner to assist you in the planning of your wedding day, please plan to tell them everything.  When I say, ‘everything,’ I mean all the details about:

  • what your expectations are on your day
  • the atmosphere/look/vibe that you want created/experienced for your guests
  • disclose the actual guest count and include any pets, children (of all ages), vendors providing a service
  • potential problems – logistics, directions, Type ‘A’ personalities
  • budget for your event

Your wedding coordinator will, in turn, create a timeline for your day that reflects where you and your wedding party (including parents, grandparents, VIP guests) needs to be at certain times of the day.  Please plan to follow the timeline as it is created to help keep your wedding day moving forward.  The timeline will also let you know when deliveries will be made, when professionals will be arriving and when you need to be ready for photos.  The timeline will give you and your bridal party (including parents,  grandparents, VIP guests) a look into the future to assist them in getting ready, where to be for photos, what is happening before your ceremony, and what is happening after.

The timeline doesn’t ‘hold your hand’ or fluff your dress or deliver breakfast to you.  If there isn’t a line item for it, it doesn’t happen under the coordination of your planner.  Those responsibilities fall into the hands of your bridal party – Maid Of Honor/Matron of Honor or Best Man.  Hence, you need to communicate everything to your wedding planner so they can delegate to the bridal party, BFF, future mother-in-law.

If you elect not to disclose the details to your wedding planner, do not expect your day to flow smoothly.  Adding, changing or delaying a segment of your day causes a ripple affect which in turns delays the next announcement/photo opportunity or movement forward.  Depending on the item/task that is being pushed back, your meal could be cold, the frosting on your wedding cake could soften and begin to slide off the cake, or, your photographer could leave your event before capturing the final fair-well/send off.

When you disclose/tell/communicate the details of your day to your wedding planner, they will have a better understanding of what you want, your focus.  Your planner keeps that message/vision close to their heart as you are their client.  The planner wants your day to go smoothly without any hiccups, drama, yelling or unnecessary stress.  Let us help you the best way we can.  But, we are not mind readers so speak up and communicate and let your voice be heard.

Is there ever a time to not tell your wedding planner about what you are planning?  NO!  Tell me everything.

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Accredited Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

Will You Consider the Trends?

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, wedding, wedding design, wedding planner, wedding planning, Wedding Tips

Looking for a creative way to entertain your guests? Feeling overwhelmed with wedding decisions?  The 2018 wedding trends may help you decide which direction to follow…

  • Balloon decor – standard sized helium balloons can be purchased at the nearest Dollar Store for $1.00.  If you are looking for 36-inch diameter helium balloons, plan on spending $50 each.
  • Unexpected entertainment – caricatures  of your guests drawn by local artists during your reception make an unique, personalized Thank-You gift
  • Nontraditional venues – rental homes, public parks, yachts – think outside the box when selecting a location that reflects your personality
  • Single-stem bouquets – it’s the quality of the flower, not quantity.  Besides, don’t you want your dress to be seen?

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Accredited Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

Venue Discount on Hilton Head Island

29 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Unique Events, Wedding Planner

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, wedding, wedding budget, wedding industry, wedding planners, wedding planning

Port Royal Golf Club is offering 1/2 off the rental fee of the Clubhouse venue…
I just received an email from Kim Brabham, Event Manager with the Port Royal Golf Club. Kim is discounting the cost of the venue rental with a “FLASH SALE” that promotes the Clubhouse.
Book your wedding by Saturday, September 30, 2017, and receive Half Off the Clubhouse facility and The West Lawn Ceremony Site fee. Up to $1850.00 in savings!
Standard Food minimums must be met, and all other discounts cannot be combined with Flash Sale.
Call Lisa Kenward Events for additional details and to schedule a tour of Hilton Head Island’s southern-style venue!

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Accredited Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

Wedding Insurance – Do You Need It?

26 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, Wedding News, Wedding Packages, wedding planners, Wedding Planning Tips

Without having a crystal ball to see how your upcoming wedding day will unfold, should you consider purchasing wedding insurance?  The vote is split in many cases.  Are you a gambler or would you feel more comfortable knowing some of the money spent could possibly be recovered if you experience a tragedy or loss?

Before you sign your name on the dotted line and hand over a hefty premium, take into consideration these questions:

  1. Exactly what does the policy cover?
  2. What type of documentation do you need to provide?
  3. Is the policy written by a company that you can research/recognize as a national company with a rating thru the Better Business Bureau?
  4. How long does it take to get a refund?
  5. Are the funds paid directly to you?
  6. Does the cost of the insurance warrant the return of funds?
Here’s a few links to companies that offer Event Insurance:

www.wedsure.com/

www.progressive.com/special-event-insurance/

www.nationwide.com/general-liability-special-events-hb.jsp

www.protectmywedding.com/products-services/

 

Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Please plan to read the entire policy for a complete description of coverage before forwarding a premium. Coverage options, limits, discounts and deductibles are subject to individuals meeting the underwriting criteria and state availability.

 

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Accredited Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

Timeline – It’s Your Crystal Ball

12 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Hilton Head Island, wedding, wedding planner, wedding planning, Wedding Tips

Your day evolves around time.  Your wedding celebration also revolves around time.  The same 24-hours that you had yesterday will be the same ‘hours’ today.  When it is your wedding day, plan to make the most of the day and hours with a qualified, seasoned wedding planner.  They will be your crystal ball to look into the future – your wedding day – to know if your celebration will be a relaxed, fun day or if there be not-so-good surprises.

Keeping to a timeline is the best way to ensure you are not stressed, forget to be somewhere or arrive late to an appointment. Make your timeline a priority and follow the timeline.  Communicate the timeline to your family, bridal party and friends, so they know what is to happen and the sequence of the events noted.

Your ceremony and wedding processional needs a timeline.  Your cocktail hour and reception needs a timeline.  Your wedding party needs a timeline along with your immediate family.  The chef/caterer needs a timeline along with the officiant, photographer, musician, hair & make-up artist, florist and dessert/cake baker.

Are you prepared to create your timeline?  Do you know where to start and how much time to allot for each line item or task?

  • How much time is needed for hair and make-up?
  • How many family photos do you want the photographer to take?
  • Are you planning a ‘first look?’
  • Can your dessert/cake be placed/displayed outside or will the dessert need to be refrigerated just before cut?
  • Do you want a few moments of quiet time with your groom/partner prior to being announced to your guests?
  • Does your wedding dress have a train? Will the dress need to be bustled?
  • I.P. Guests – you will want to allocate time to talk to each guest
  • Do you want guests to see you/visit with you prior to your ceremony?

Here is when your wedding planner is worth every $100 spent for their service…

Your seasoned professional wedding planner knows to ask these and many other questions as the planning process moves forward to ensure your day and hours are well spent on the details that are important to you.

Your wedding planner will discuss with you each task/line item/delivery/staging on your wedding day and allocate a specific time for each task/responsibility/coordination/delivery.  They will be the ‘go to’ person to coordinate all the vendors as they arrive/deliver/set-up/break-down/place flowers/cover tables with linen & napkins/place escort cards, programs/count guest chairs/welcome signs/Thank-you Gift.

If you want to learn more about how your wedding day will unfold, hire a qualified wedding planner who will share their crystal ball – a thorough timeline – for you on your wedding day.

 

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Accredited Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

What are you Looking for?

11 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Buy Local, destination brides, Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, Unique Events, unique wedding, wedding, wedding industry, wedding planners, wedding planning, Wedding Tips

I had the opportunity to talk with a destination bride yesterday to learn more about her plans (so far) for her wedding and to discuss how I could help.  The phone conversation focused around her questions – what can I do for her?

With 94 weddings planned since 2008, I was prepare to answer her questions and to explain why I felt I was the best wedding planner for her unique celebration.  Being thorough while answering her questions I also wanted to focus on:

  • Couples are not into ‘trends’ they want ‘tasteful’ designs that reflect their personalities
  • Couples want to share unique details focused on their relationship
  • Clients will hire a wedding planner due to the wedding planners personality, honest, trust
  • Couples want their event to be memorable – a positive memory
  • Each event is a production – design, plan, set-up/break-down

Your wedding planner can be a great resource to assist in finding local talent, caterer, officiant, photographer, stationery, bakery, and the perfect venue – within your budget.

Accredited Wedding Planner

21 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Hilton Head Island, Local Businesses, wedding industry, wedding planners, weddings

In August, 2016, I shared my goal of applying for my Accredited Wedding Planner status with the Association of Bridal Consultants. My 2016 goal was to have the application and binder done by September, 2016. With many speed bumps during my progress to complete my application, I am proud to say that I mailed the binder on February 7th.  Oh, what a great feeling it is to have it DONE!! I walked into the post office with the biggest smile and left feeling relieved and proud of my accomplishments, so far. When my application and wedding binder (documenting prior weddings and publications along with community service) is approved, Lisa Kenward Events will be the only Accredited Wedding Planner in Beaufort County.

 

Update as of February 21, 2017…

Lisa Kenward has achieved the designation of Accredited Wedding Planner (AWP) with the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). Lisa is owner and principal designer of Lisa Kenward Events, offering event planning, design and coordination services in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Georgia, and beyond. She is the only Accredited Wedding Planner in Beaufort County. Her extensive experience with weddings and special events advanced her thru the education program with ABC. Lisa seamlessly leads her clients through the process of planning their wedding day, rehearsal dinner, pre-event activity or post-wedding event with elegance and style. She is also a member of the Lowcountry Wedding Professionals Networking Group on Hilton Head Island.

What Can An Independent Wedding Planner Do For You?

05 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding, Wedding Planner

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Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, wedding, wedding industry, wedding planners, Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Tips

Since you probably haven’t been married before, you may not know what an independent professional wedding planner can do for you.  You have probably attended a few weddings before as a guest and had expectations… a ceremony, cocktails, dinner, dancing and a ‘thank-you’ gift. An independent wedding planner can do as much or as little as you need.  If they cannot or are not willing to perform the task you request, look elsewhere.  Consider your independent professional wedding planner your go-to person for unbiased answers to your million questions.

An independent wedding planner is a person that is hired by yourself to perform specific details and responsibilities prior to your wedding celebration and day-of.  This person – male or female – reports directly to you and is responsible for the logistics, deliveries, set-up/break-down, timeline and flow of your day.  They are on-site hours before your event and stay until you exit the venue that evening.  Every aspect/detail is noted on their timeline to ensure your wedding day event runs smoothly without any delays.  If there is a problem or delay or a ‘no-show’ your independent wedding planner is there to make a phone call to find a replacement.

An independent wedding planner/coordinator can share their knowledge of a venue, give you suggestions for florists, musicians, officiant, photographer, rental companies, transportation, etc., to help you find other wedding industry professionals.  The opinion of your independent wedding planner isn’t based on commission.  And, they do not direct staff at the venue but work along side the venue staff to ensure a positive result.

One of the many details not shared from couple to another is that the event will consume more hours of your day than thought.  Details that you hadn’t thought about will appear a week before your date and those details will need to be address, noted on your timeline, coordinated with the vendors and explained to your mother and mother-in-law.  Rely on a wedding coordinator who knows the questions to ask, will document the details and share the info to all parties.

Placing etiquette aside as ‘times have changed’ the expectation of a 2017 wedding couple vary and so do the responsibilities of a wedding planner. A traditional church wedding followed by a 4-hour reception isn’t the norm if you are planning a destination celebration.  Your walk down the aisle should be at a location that has meaning to you and your partner.  Search out a local independent wedding planner to ensure you day reflects your personality and expectations.

 

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Professional Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

Buying Local for our Future

16 Wednesday Nov 2016

Posted by Lisa Kenward, AWP in Destination Wedding

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Buy Local, Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, Local Businesses

Readers…

I decided to rerun an article that I posted in 2013 due to a timely topic (recent U.S. presidency decision) and because it is a week before Thanksgiving.  And, Hilton Head Island is still cleaning up after Hurricane Matthew.  My decision to post the article is three fold.

According to President-elect Donald Trump, making America great again includes buying American-made products.  With the Christmas season nine days away (Black Friday is November 25th) Moms and Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and teenagers will begin to search for the perfect gift with the hope of bringing a smile to their loved ones face.  As you sit and search or drive and walk to your favorite store, consider buying from a shop down the road or across town within your hometown to help support local business and your America.

Hilton Head Island will continue to be a great choice for family vacations, wedding celebrations and a wonderful place to live and do business.  Hurricane Matthew’s devastation is begin removed on a daily basis per the chain saws that run from sun up to sun down.  We are ready to welcome you back to your favorite location within the Lowcountry with many ‘Mom & Pop’ stores ready to help.

Here’s Cindy’s 2013 message…

Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods   –  merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.  Oh…. Yes there is! It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.

How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.

If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about  other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!

Please pass this around. We can make a difference. Can’t we?

“If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.”

 

For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page! Lisa Kenward Events

Want to copy my post in your newsletter, blog or website? You can as long as you include: “Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (and surrounding areas) Professional Wedding Planner, Lisa Kenward, writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com

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