Recently, I had a client consultation followed by a separate cake tasting with a local baker. This was of course the first time meeting with this particular baker. I made the initial appointment over the telephone and was very excited about seeing their work and tasting their product.
It only takes a quick glance or a couple of seconds to evaluate a person or business for the first time. In a relatively short period of time one can form an opinion based on demeanor, mannerisms and product presentation.
First impressions can be almost impossible to reverse so as vendors we have to make these encounters flawless; as they set the tone for the relationship that will follow.
When I meet a client for the first time my first rule of thumb starts with presenting myself appropriately. It is has been said that a “picture” is worth a thousand words.
My client and I arrived for our meeting on time and ready to do business. To our surprise no one was expecting us and the bakery was totally unprepared for our visit. Keep in mind the appointment was made a week and a half prior and I called to confirm a couple of days before the appointment.
My client and I got through the consultation as we both were horrified at how unprofessional things progressed. We decided that we would set-up an appointment the following week for a cake tasting. We arrive for the tasting and again totally horrified, this time at the presentation.
The baker gave us 2 forks, a tray of extra large cupcakes with an obscene amount of icing. We received no instruction, signage or labels as to which cupcake was which. I had to request napkins and we basically had to eat off of the tray. We had no assistance, and we sat alone as we tried to make heads or tails through the mounds of icing. It was only when we asked a staff member to box of the cupcakes that someone actually came out to offer assistance. Long story short my client has chosen another baker.
The purpose of this blog post is not to shine light on negative vendors but to let you know that our clients really do matter.
When you are shopping for a Wedding Planner, RDM will do anything humanly possible to ensure a great first impression. We give our clients 100% of our attention. Anything less is unacceptable.
This motto in which we live by is quite simple...."At Re {defining moments} we are committed to creating the ultimate experience by fulfilling and exceeding our client's expectations every time. We believe that " Consistency Create Encore Experiences That Enrich Lives One Person At a Time".
We recognize that you do have a choice and at RDM we want to make it a very memorable and impressionable one!
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Karen Moore, Senior Creative Director
Re Defining Moments Weddings & Special Events
Email: karen@unbridledimagination.com
http://www.unbridledimagination.com
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Welcome to the culinary runway, the entire reception dinner, has become a creative artistic way to express your palate to friends and family
Here we explore the choices you have for the type of meal service when you have a sit-down meal. Whether you choose plated service, English service, Russian service, French service, or a buffet, here is a handy list of commonly used food/table styles that can help you when sitting down and meeting with your caterer.
AMERICAN SERVICE: (see ‘PLATED SERVICE’)
ANTIPASTO: (“before the meal”) traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Unlike hors d’oeuvres, antipasto is served at the table and traditionally consists of cured meats, marinated vegetables and cheeses.
BUFFET: Casual way to serve a large group of guests; a variety of dishes displayed on tables that guests can pick and choose from. Typically doesn’t work for venues with numerous small rooms.
FAMILY STYLE: Platters of food are placed at each table. Guests help themselves and pass the food around to one another.
FRENCH SERVICE: This individualized and highly skilled type of food service is not very common in the U.S. Rather than being plated in the kitchen; white-gloved waiters prepare food table side from a single large dish or platter held by another waiter. Each guest is served individually.
KOSHER: Menu that follows strict Jewish dietary laws. Three of the requirements are:
HORS D’ OEUVRES: (“outside the work” in French). Appetizer typically served before a meal; food that precedes the main course. May be served at the table as part of the sit-down meal or may be served before sitting at the table. (And quite possibly this is one of the THE most difficult words to spell correctly!!)
INTERMEZZO: (“in between”) sorbet course designed to cleanse the palate before the main course of a formal, multi-course dinner (not generally served for less than a four-course meal).
PLATED SERVICE or AMERICAN SERVICE: Each plate is prepared in the kitchen and is covered. Plates full of food are brought from the kitchen and placed in front of guests. The cover is removed at the moment the meal is served.
RUSSIAN SERVICE: This is similar to French service except the extremely coordinated waiters hold trays with platters of food–prepared in the kitchen–in one hand and serves guests with the other.
TRAY/BUTLERED SERVICE: Waiters walk among wedding guests with trays of hors d’ oeuvres or drinks.
Bon Appétit!
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Karen Moore, Senior Creative Director
Re Defining Moments Weddings & Special Events
Email: karen@unbridledimagination.com
http://www.unbridledimagination.com
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner, Welcomes Guest Blogger Heather Ferguson of Beyond Beautiful By Heather as she discusses Make-up & It’s History.
As women, we are always on the hunt for the newest and best miracle to put on our face to make it more youthful, glowing, seductive, or just beautiful. But, most women don’t realize, this ritual is as old as the pyramids…. Literally!! Traveling in time as far back as the Egyptians, this culture was already ahead of their time with their realization that women should have soft, supple skin and seductive outlined eyes to be more beautiful and capture attention. Using natural mineral elements such as unguent, a hydrating mineral for the skin and kohl or soot to outline and extend the length of the eyes.
The middle ages to the Elizabethan era to the Victorian era, they all had their own look that transpired which typically was the ghostly pale skin that was associated with wealth and status, but finally as the 19th century rolled around, things drastically began to change. Face make-up became available to women of all cultures and every status. Max Factor was one of the very first cosmetic giants to create the perfumed face make-up. And the rest is literally….History!
Today…..Being obsessed with make-up myself which is why I became a make-up artist; I have tried hundreds, if not more, types of cosmetics. Ranging from the grocery store and drug store brands such as Cover Girl and L’Oreal to the pricey department store brands such as Chanel and Laura Mercier. I must say that there are good products in every line. From very inexpensive to the most pricey. I love perusing the aisles of the local CVS cosmetics aisle and trying whatever is new to compare its quality in ease of use to pigments and so forth. I must admit, from the time I was about four years old to current day, I never tire of the cosmetics world. I just get giddy when a new product hits the shelves.
Airbrush make-up is a fascinating product that women have now become obsessed with when thinking of getting their make-up done for their wedding. This type of make-up is applied by using a high pressure small compressor to spray a fine mist of high pigment make-up with a small gun. This has started a new revolution literally in the make-up world. Make-up applied this way is completely seamless and makes the face appear pore less basically.
There are different formulations of the airbrush liquid that is loaded into the gun, but I personally use the kind that is waterproof and sweat proof and of course cry proof for those emotional special occasions so there is no fear of losing your face to a teary eyed moment!! For anyone interested in seeing my work, please visit my website at www.beyondbeautifulbyheather.com . My love for make-up will endure through the years I am sure, and so it will for all of you ladies as well. As I always say and my motto, “Beauty is a gift to be Coveted”.
Heather Ferguson
Professional Make-Up Artist
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Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner explains why RDM loves Non-Saturday Weddings.
Image Credit: Lone Pine Photography
Contemplating a wedding on either a Friday or Sunday? I know that you may be feeling a little apprehensive but there are some wonderful advantages.
An obvious advantage is the cost. Most venues and vendors offer a discount for non-Saturday events. Some venues will offer up to a 50% discount for non-Saturday room rentals. This can be a great relief for your budget and allows you to spend money elsewhere.
I’ve also discovered that venues aren’t the only vendors that offer a Friday discount; some photographers and DJs do as well. It’s a great thing to consider when searching for vendors. And remember; don’t be afraid to ask about any discounts.
Another non-Saturday perk is availability. Saturday weddings are still the norm and vendors’ calendars fill up fast. Having a Friday or Sunday wedding gives you the best chance of getting your preferred vendors and also allows more time to find those vendors.
A reason to consider a Friday wedding relates to event setup. Since venues are far less likely to have an event on a Thursday, having a Friday wedding means you may be able to set up your space the day before.
This is great if you have DIY centerpieces or place cards that require labor-intensive installation. In addition, some rentals companies may be able to offer a discount on deliveries if they are given more flexibility.
What do you think? Are you having a Non-Saturday wedding? Why or why not? If a Friday or Sunday wedding is a possibility for you, I say go for it. It’s a great way to set the tone of doing something a little bit different for your big day.
Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner discusses why she loves wedding websites.
A wedding website is a great place to give your guests additional information that you can’t necessarily put on your invitation. This could include information regarding accommodations, more details about your venue, or additional activities.
It is also a place to put contact information, like an email address, that your guests might not be familiar with. Your wedding website is a great place to introduce your wedding planner and his/her information. The bridal couple can alleviate and take additional burdens off of them by referring all guests to their wedding planner which is the day of point of contact.
A wedding website is fun and it opens up communication with your guests and allows them to easily get in touch with you without feeling like a nuisance as you work through your wedding plans.
Creating a website may seem overwhelming but there are many sites that can walk you through the process. Re Defining Moments is pleased to offer a “Free” Wedding Website to all new clients that purchases a full service wedding planning packages.
It is also suggested that if you put the time and effort into a nice website, you should also buy a personal web address. Buying a domain is quite cheap (around $11 for a year) and easy to do. Check out GoDaddy to search for and purchase available domains.
How have you used your wedding website? Please share your ideas and tips in the comments section.
Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Jessica and Cody
Date He Proposed:
December 31, 2010
Where & How Did You Meet?
Cody and Jessica met in June 2004, two weeks after high school graduation. Jessica played clarinet in Woodstock High's Wind Ensemble and Cody played trumpet in South Effingham's Wind Ensemble. They both were nominated to represent Georgia in the "Ambassadors of Music" Program.
This program allows students to travel abroad in Europe for two weeks while performing at local venues. They met at Norcross High School where practice was held before they left Georgia. After having to introduce herself three times, Cody finally remembered Jessica's name the day before they left for Europe.
November 19th
Why did you pick the fall in Savannah?
We have always talked about a Fall wedding and the timing was perfect.
Where do you reside now?
Woodstock, GA
Describe Your Dream Wedding
Our dream wedding is one that is romantic and personal where we are surrounded by our closest family and friends.
My Wedding Colors Are:
Red, Black and Silver
Interesting Facts & Tidbits About Your Wedding
We are very excited to be getting married in Telfair Square and having our cocktail hour and reception at the swanky AVIA hotel.
Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner discuses How To Make Your Wedding Day Personal
A great way to make your wedding unique is by personalizing it. Whether you have a custom monogram created or infuse your wedding with a unique design graphic, the point is to set your wedding apart. I have found an awesome vendor to help you personalize your wedding.
iDoOriginals.comTM was launched in November 2006 as an affordable avenue for brides to completely personalize every aspect of their own special day. Their primary mission is to create those special, personalized details that your guests will always remember.
Check out their products at http://www.idooriginals.com.
Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner discuses Tents: A Blank Slate and Creative Palette
There’s nothing quite like a wedding reception in a tent, with its uniquely informal atmosphere, customized decor and proximity to the elements outdoors.
Weddings and receptions with an outdoor component are incredibly popular in the warm months. And, with larger, more sophisticated tent structures boasting such comforts as built-in heating, tent receptions are even taking hold in the colder seasons as well.
Yet tents are so much more than simply shelter. I love tented receptions for their natural intimacy, and creative possibilities.
One of the nicest things about tent receptions is the creative possibilities they enable. Unlike the typical reception hall, a tent is indeed like a blank slate upon which you can build your own world, creating exactly the atmosphere you desire for your grand celebration.
This not only makes your reception more memorable for you and your guests, but also makes possible a unique and powerful set of visual elements that will translate to beautiful memories. A tent gives you the creative freedom to visual construct the venue of your dreams
Because the canvas is bare you don’t to work around the existing décor of a venue, which oftentimes clash with the overall theme and look that you are trying to achieve. With tents you have more latitude to create a specific feel.
If you use a tent’s creative freedom wisely, you can assure an environment that not only reflects your own aesthetic, but also creates a sense of warm intimacy that would be difficult, if not impossible, in most banquet halls.
The direct proximity to the outdoors opens up an entirely new dynamic of atmosphere and social interaction.
From a distance, at nighttime the tent just glows. They have a very warm and cozy feeling. Receptions are all about creating the sense of intimacy-the sense of space and place. Tent weddings/receptions are romantic and magical. I feel brides always look for these key elements when planning their wedding.
A tent changes the dynamics, climate and culture of an event.
Photo Credits - Beachview Tent Rentals
Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.
Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone: (800) 698-1310
Hello, I'm Karen and I own Re {defining moments}, a Savannah based wedding and special event design, and planning studio. I reside in Pooler, Georgia, widowed and have a wonderful 20 year old son who proudly serves in The United States Air Force. I am also the proud pet parent of a Shitzu named Harley Davidson! Through this blog I share with you my insights, inspirations and everyday experiences in the wedding and events industry! Feel free to email your questions, wedding & event photos, inspiration boards and thoughts!
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