Event Planning

Now THAT’S what I call a package!

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This post is about how awesome it is to check out packages in Palm Springs.  Get your mind out of the gutter – we’re talking WEDDING packages in Palm Springs. Goodness gracious people, did you think we were pandering to grab attention for the blog or something?
Wedding Packages: does the very idea strike fear in your heart? The old image of picking wedding elements off a Chinese restaurant style menu is behind the times. Face it – who wants the phrase “columns A, B and C” anywhere near the most special day of your life? But the concept is a good one, as it simplifies the planning process, and eases your mind. Imagine: having a built-in group of top notch wedding professionals who enjoy working together collaborate to make your day beautiful and seamless at a discount – sign me up, right?
For destination weddings, and we do have a lot of destination weddings in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas, the package can be a lifesaver for a bride who is across the country or across the world.  Even with the internet, doing the legwork required to find Coachella Valley wedding vendors is daunting and an all-inclusive wedding package will save a lot of time, not to mention money.
Show me the Money!
People ask, do packages really save money?  The answer is YES! In our case, we team up with our favorite salon, photographers, venues, etc. and agree that everyone offers a deal in order to be a part of the team. You’re guaranteed overall savings – not just on one element of your celebration, and you’re spared the haggling. Also consider what the peace of mind is worth to you – and the free time you’ll have to focus on the more fun parts of being engaged.
Book a Class Act
When looking for a wedding package, look for groups of top local vendors that you can screen on review sites like Yelp. Your contact should give you information on the professional they’ll be working with, and set up at least one conference call (for destination brides)or a one-on-one meeting. If they won’t, walk away. If there’s one vendor you’re not comfortable with but you like everyone else, ask your contact if they have other options for that category.  Likely, they’ll be able to accommodate you.
Packages: Our Favorite Things (brown paper/string optional)

There’s a huge package deal called “Summer Lovin'” right now being offered out of Desert Bride in Indio.  Basically the Package to end all Packages, and we’re not just saying that because we’re a part of it. It’s an A-Team of wedding professionals from across the valley who’ve come together to offer high end style, service and quality, with incredible values for the wise brides who get in on the deal.  So we’re going all Woodsy the Owl on you.  Get wise!  Let us give you a deal! Don’t be shy, check out our package!

for an appointment:

http://www.desertbride.com/    (760) 342-0777

Keturah Trevor, premier limousine, Nicole Reynolds, Weez Gaul Hyma, California DJ, Mickie Reed, Mark Anthony, joy Fields, Julie Renee, Gregory Goodman, Steven Wayne

My Little Etiquette Shop: Places please! This is a rehearsal dinner, people!

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What the heck? Who needs to rehearse how to eat, right? May is here and from New York to San Francisco, wedding guests are digging through drawers trying to find invitation maps they buried under receipts and take-out menus.  Many will discover that they have been invited to a rehearsal dinner, whether or not they are in the wedding party.  We had some etiquette queries come in about rehearsals and the associated dinners, so we’re going to take them on. Do you have questions about being a wedding guest? Write us! We love questions, rehearsed or not.  MyLittleFlowerShopPS@gmail.com.  Please put the word “Etiquette” in your subject line.

Q:  HI MLFS,

Why was I invited to my friend’s Rehearsal Dinner? I’m not in the wedding party, and I’m not family.  Is it rude to decline the invitation?

-Barbara

A:   Well, Barbara, rehearsal dinners have changed over time.  Many are still intimate affairs where the people who are at the actual rehearsal go out to dinner.  Others, however, have become parties practically as elaborate as the weddings themselves.  Many couples have decided that with guests traveling from afar, it’s nice to invite out-of-towners to the dinner so as to have an activity their first night, and see friends and family.  Others choose to invite those closest to them who are not in the wedding party to join the group to recognize their special place in the bride or groom’s life. Regardless of what your friend’s reason was, it’s a nice invitation, and chances are the food will be better than at the Motel 6 coffee shop so hey – why not?  As to declining, no it’s not rude, as long as you actually decline according to the invitation’s instructions.  If it says to call your friend’s future Mother-in -Law, you should call her, and not just drop your friend an email.  People are dealing with caterers and the bride may not have time to communicate (or remember) all such details. She’s a little busy right now. And, needless to say, thank her FMIL for the invitation.

Let the toasting begin!  More on wedding guests to come.

Malin / Balestriere Rehearsal Dinner
Why am I here? For the party, of course! Photo by Sean O'Shaughnessy

Ho-tel, Mo-tel, Esmeralda Renaissance Inn, If your flowers start actin’ up…

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OK so we’re event designers, not the Sugar Hill Gang.  But if your hotel lobby flowers do start acting up, let us know.  Here is a recent lobby arrangement from the Esmeralda Renaissance resort and spa, a great Palm Springs wedding location (or Palm Desert wedding location, or Indian Wells wedding location).  2011 wedding trends are towards the economical: and if you’ve read previous blogs about budget conscious wedding locations like Country Clubs, then you know places that come with onsite staff, catering, rentals and parking can save big chunks of your wedding budget.  And if you’re having a destination wedding, who wouldn’t want to come to a beautiful resort? And that’s where the Esmeralda Renaissance Palm Spring Resort and Spa comes into play. As you can see, we do the lobby flowers each week, and love to work there for events which we do regularly. We have some coming up!  What about yours?  Prom 2011? Destination wedding in Palm Desert? Bring it on! And remember…hip hop and you don’t stop! (oy vey. We better stop).

centerpiece wedding beautiful modern elegant
An elegant statement piece at the Renaissance Esmeralda