What are you Looking for?

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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

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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?

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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

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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

Add Exploding Streams of Fire

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creative weddings, destination brides, Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, unique wedding, wedding planner

Add exploding streams of fire – fireworks – to your wedding day!

If you visit Hilton Head Island each summer (the season starts in April and ends in October) than you know of the Tuesday night fireworks extravaganza event that is organized by the Island Recreation Association.  Shelter Cove marina is the area, Tuesday nights at dusk is the time.

The Island Recreation Association has posted on its website, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 thru Tuesday, August 9, 2016, as the Tuesday’s (weather permitting) when there will be a fireworks display.  Of course, Monday, July 4^th, there will be fireworks (weather permitting) too, but the ‘holiday crowd’ makes it impossible to find a place to park, get good service at a local restaurant and navigate through the maze of vacationers.

The Shelter Cove marina area is ‘the’ place to be on Tuesday night to view the spectacular fireworks display.  If you elect to charter a boat out of the several marinas on the Island, you can get an unobstructed view with a comfortable seat.  Even better, plan to exit your wedding venue on a skiff, pontoon or sailboat that will travel down Broad Creek near Shelter Cove to end your day with fireworks.

If you are considering a Tuesday wedding, here’s a scenario…  Arrive in Beaufort County on Monday morning.  Drive to the probate court in Beaufort first thing (doors open at 8am) to apply for your marriage license.  Have the clerk fax your marriage license to the satellite office on Hilton Head Island so you can pick up the form on Tuesday on the Island.  Your wedding day is also Tuesday so pick up your license first thing in the morning too so you can spend the rest of the day being pampered.  Have your wedding planner schedule a couples’ massage at Faces Day Spa and then a light lunch at Porter & Pig within The Village of Wexford.  Head back to the hotel/resort/rented home to get dressed, meet your photographer, grab your flowers and start your walk down the aisle!

How fun would it be to say that you had fireworks at the end of your wedding celebration?  If your wedding is an intimate gathering, consider taking all your guests with you.  The SS Pelican at Broad Creek marina is perfect for a party of four.  Don’t forget to include your photographer.  Or, if you want to bring everyone along, The Pau Hana at Palmetto Bay marina is larger and can accommodate up to 43 people.  Additional great memories made – that didn’t break your budget – on Hilton Head Island that you and your guests will remember for a long time.

 

Like these ideas?? Let me know by “Liking” this post and or leaving a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

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

 

Talk About Your Wedding!

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creative weddings, destination brides, Destination Weddings, Hilton Head Island, Lowcountry Weddings, professional bridal consultant, Unique Events, unique wedding

Writing up-to-date information about wedding planning is a challenge.  The wedding industry and wedding etiquette and your wedding plans are forever changing.  What was ‘correct’ a few years ago has been changed to old fashioned or out of date.  So, here is a portion of an article written by AbNewsWire.com titled ‘Talking To Others Is the Key To Planning A Wedding.’  Cannot say I have heard of placing a money box at the entrance of the reception venue for guests to place money in the box as a gift.  Not sure I agree with that suggestion.  Seems a bit tacky and how will the hosts know who gave a gift or who didn’t.  At least a signed card would confirm the guest attended the event and sent their congratulations to the couple.

It’s the day that many people dream of their whole lives. Planning a wedding can be a very exciting process – it is the symbol, after all, of a union of two people who will spend the rest of their lives together. However, it can also feel overwhelming at times. The suggestions presented in this article will give you some ideas on how to plan your own special day.

One of the most vital aspects of your wedding is going to be the music that you play. Make sure that the music is modern, but is very personal too, as it should represent the two parties tying the knot. This will add to the ambience of the overall experience of your wedding.

When planning for your wedding, the time of day could greatly affect your cost. If you are having an evening wedding, you will have to serve dinner which costs more than serving your guests lunch. If you serve alcohol, more people will drink heavily in the evening than they would at lunch time.

If you are going to be getting married soon it would be wise to decide whether it will be a simple wedding or a grand wedding. Having this squared away from the first moment will help center and guide all the decisions related to the wedding. This will prevent a clutter of ideas.

If you fear that people won’t want to give you cash wedding gifts as they don’t have a lot of money to give, include a “cash box” at the door to your reception. Guests are asked in the wedding invitations to bring their gift in an unmarked envelope, allow them to place it in the box anonymously and reducing any guilt they might feel.

When taking your family on your destination wedding, a way for everyone to save money is by cooking your own meals. Plan ahead for meals outside the wedding so that you’ll have a shopping list at the ready and cooks who know what they’re doing.

If you don’t know the language in the place, you’ve selected for your destination wedding, consider hiring a local guide to assist you. This will help you in all your wedding preparations as well as any tours or events you decide to attend outside your wedding itself. Your family may also appreciate it for any problems they might face.

To save money, use seasonal flowers instead of exotic or out of season flowers for your wedding decorations. Flowers that are in season are a lot cheaper to buy. While exotic flowers may look nice, they can be more than double the price as they need to be imported from abroad.

Don’t forget to check with guests to ensure that any food allergies or diet choices, like veganism, are covered in your wedding reception menu. This is also important in your cake choice, so make sure to get a list of ingredients from the baker and provide them to anyone who has a food allergy.

Your wedding colors are very important which means taking flower seasons into consideration for your wedding date. The cost of flowers not available in the current season is quite expensive. The additional cost of these flowers can easily force you to cut your flower needs in half to accommodate the inflated cost.

Effective event planners know that it’s important to do your research. Many, many people before you have gotten married and have plenty to say about planning a wedding.  Learn from them!

Tipping Point – Q & A

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creative weddings, destination brides, Destination Weddings, Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island, Lowcountry Weddings, professional bridal consultant, unique wedding

During a recent conversation with a client, the topic of tipping was discussed. As simple as offering additional compensation to the person who providing a service to you can be a complex decision with many variable to consider.  Our conversation focused on the venue policy for tipping, the tip amount that was factored into the cost of the menu, who should receive a tip other than waitstaff and the amount of the tip for exceptional service.  My responses reflect my 12-year history within the food and beverage industry and my personal experiences working with local professionals within the wedding/event industry.  If you haven’t allocated funds for a tip, there are other options to show appreciation for providing exceptional service.  The subject of tipping can be stressful and cause havoc to your already tight budget.  Consider the following Q & A as a guideline to your decision.

What is a tip?  Cash given to a person who provided a service

Who gets a tip?  You can tip anyone you wish.

Who expects a tip?  If a tip has been previously negotiated, those staff members of the company that you signed a contract with expect a tip.  No one providing a service should expect a tip.  If exceptional service was provided, consider giving a tip based on their role/responsibilities/tasks/performance.

When to tip … Immediately after the service they performed was completed

Where to tip … In person making eye contact with the person receiving the tip

How to tip … Communicate your gratitude and hand the person cash, folded

Why to tip … Exceptional service received

Have you allocated funds for a tip? Allocate a line item within your budget spreadsheet for tipping

Should you have to tip? No. But, there may be a clause in your contract noting a tip & the percentage expected and the headcount of staff who will receive the tip.

Is the tip already factored in? Sometimes. Refer to your contract.

If you feel that the service provided was just okay, do you still tip? Personal preference.

Would you communicate to the person providing the service that you are dissatisfied with their service and tip or not tip accordingly? Yes, if you feel the message will be received with a positive response. No one like to be confrontational or hear why they aren’t getting a tip in front of guests or people walking by.

Is there an industry standard for tipping? No, but in some industries (food and beverage) a tip is expected due to the minimum wage a server receives from their employer. The amount you give as a tip can be dictated per establishment, private venue, Club.

To forgo the tip, would you be willing to or offer to write a review? If cash isn’t the form of gratitude you wish to offer, writing a review about the service received will replace the compensation.

Can you negotiate a tip? Yes, but not at the time of offering. Negotiations are done before you sign on the dotted line.

Can a tip be refused? Yes. There are businesses owners that communicate a ‘no tip’ policy to their staff.

Like these ideas?? Let me know by “Liking” this post and or leaving a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
For more ideas and tips, follow me on my Facebook page!
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 Bridal Consultant Lisa Kenward writes the “Southern Weddings Blog” with her perspective on current topics for weddings and special events. http://www.LisaKenwardEvents.com