Wedding Wednesday

When I was writing the decor Wednesday on my other blog, Arthur and Lancelot's Adventures, I stumbled upon this amazing wedding that Ink and Peat did the florals for.

Thank you to Ink and Peat for sharing the gorgeous wedding of Emily and John that Style Me Pretty first featured and the photos that Rebekah Johnson took. The event was held at the Garden Vineyards in Hillsboro.

What I love most is the simplicity and character. So perfect, so easy, so gorgeous.

Upon arrival guests were greeted! Always have something that
not only welcomes guests, but also gives them a feel for the event.

Ink & Peat did an amazing job.

I am pretty sure many may think a styled photobooth has been overdone,
however I completely disagree. Especially when it is done with mustaches
and right when your guests arrive. Gives them something to do while waiting.

The outdoor ceremony paired incredibly with the
bouquet and easy setting of the entire affair.

Incredible wedding!

PS, with an amazing venue your decorations can be very simple and easy. No need to spend a ton on decor with a fabulous setting. Keep that in mind when looking at venues.

Tuesdays - Timing

Since my background is nonprofit, corporate, fundraising events, when planning an event, the first thing I think about is my budget. This may not be the most fun part about planning an event, but let's face it, every event should have a budget and things should fall into place based on this detail.

Especially, if you are planning a nonprofit event or fundraiser, please keep in mind your budget and plan accordingly.

Every Tuesday we hope to feature some budget saving ideas when planning any event, whether it be corporate, nonprofit, wedding or even your next dinner party. These are still tough times, but that does not mean you have to sacrifice style to save a buck.

Let's talk about timing...when planning your next event remember a couple of timing ways to save some cash.

1. Weekday Event versus Weekend Event
Venues are always looking to maximize their space and if you are willing to plan your event on a weekday, you can definitely negotiate a lower rate. Not only will you be filling their space, but chances are the time you spend in their space will be less hours than a weekend event. This is a Win Win for both. So the next time you are looking for a space check out Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or even Thursdays for your venue rates.

2. October - November, January - February Events
Depending on your location and if you want an outdoor event these times of year may not work for you, but if you can swing it these months are usually less in-demand and less costly. Check around you may be surprised! Or call me, I have some ideas!

3. Breakfast, Lunch, Cocktail Hour
Why not plan a breakfast? This is a wonderful time to capture corporate or nonprofit partners and the cost of a meal is far less than a dinner. Also, lunch can be a great way to engage a clientele or get the family together pre-wedding. Cocktail hour is always a fabulous time, only a couple of hours needed, maximize your time with your guests- aka mingle-like-you-mean-it or network, network, network, and then send them on their way to complete their evening, etc. These times of events are always really helpful to people with children. Keep this in-mind when scheduling.

PS, Brunch is also a great time to entertain your friends and won't break into their day.

Remember, regardless the budget, every event can and should be fabulous. With a little careful planning you can always achieve your goals.

Questions? Comments? Help? Let's talk!

Mondays - Soliciting Donations

I am the first to admit, soliciting a company, people, your friends and family for donations whether it be straight cash or a fabulous auction item can be a little daunting, however, there are a couple of key points and steps to take that can make the process a little less difficult. And, perhaps even fun!



1. Who are you?
Are you a non-profit with a registered 501 (c)(3) or 501 (c)(4)? If so, always have your Tax ID number. This is one of the most important pieces when asking for a donation, whether it is cash or item donation.

Are you a volunteer or participant in a fundraising event or raising money for a cause? If so, have the companies Tax ID number ready. The organization should have a document ready for you to present to people when soliciting for donations, whether it be cash or item.

PS, Having this Tax ID number and professional paperwork explaining what you are asking for and where the money is going makes you legitimate.

2. Timing?
When soliciting for anything make sure you are asking at the right time. Not only do people need time to think about what they want to give, but when it is right for them. Additionally, if you are soliciting a company, do your research, companies usually have a giving process that needs to be reviewed and is not always reviewed on a regular basis but at very specific times of the year. Maybe quarterly or even once a year. Also, keep in mind the companies fiscal year, it may not be the calendar year.

3. What are you asking for?
Are you asking for a cash donation, sponsorship, auction item? Know exactly what you are asking for and want from the person you are asking. Be extremely specific. Do your research and know what the person and/or company can give. Research, ask questions and make a specific ask.

4. Who are you asking?
Research, research, research. Just like you knew how much your parents could give when doing the school jog-a-thon, research and find out what companies can give and like to give. For most large companies they post their giving parameters on their websites these days. They give to very specific areas, review asks at specific times, and like to be asked in specific ways whether it is an email, letter request, etc.

5. Who is making the ask?
Especially when soliciting for large auction items, sponsorships, large capital cash donations who makes the ask is key. Remember, you may not always be the best person to make the ask. This is not a time to be selfish and really evaluate who you are in the grand scheme of things. It may be you, but it may be a Vice President, Board member, powerful Alumni, etc.

Raising money for a cause can be a very rewarding experience. Whether it is for a school booster club, local nonprofit doing amazing things for your community, sick child in need, there are simple steps to take to help you reach your goal.

Message us if you ever need ideas, help, and/or have questions on creative ways to help raise funds. It is all about research, thinking outside the box, and making an impact!