I'm not kidding when I tell you I'm starting to think someone is trying to get Ambiance caught up in some kind of weird oversees wedding scheme. I had two emails of the same nature this week with couples not in the area or even stateside urgently needing wedding assistance. And they want to secure you as soon as possible.

I know it sounds like a dream come true but my gut says something is fishy. Almost no one shells out that kind of money without at least speaking to you about their day, what they want, and what they expect. And Ambiance holds a counter interview. We meet with (or at least conference call out of town) clients to know if we'll work well together and if we can live up to and produce your expectations.

Now I'm also not one to talk myself out of a job. So I'm responding, inquiring about more details and information but I don't think anything will become of it. It's weird! Are they somewhere getting big laughs at getting silly Americans excited about work in their struggling economy? I wonder sometimes. I'm telling you I don't get it...what could the point be? Any who, I've got to move on with my day and focus on the needs of "real" clients for now. I'll keep you posted. LOL

I tell you, my job is never the same. Never dull. On to the money saving tip of the day:

To save big bucks on a wedding location it will require thinking outside of the box. Try on some of these alternative locations to host your special day.

• Bed & Breakfast


• Art Gallery (I've done several at these for our non-traditional brides)


• Jazz Club


• Marina Clubhouse


• Farm


• An apartment with a great view of the city (for small and intimate gatherings)


• Lighthouse


• Winery


• Alumni club social clubhouse


• Museum


• Aquarium


• Garden


• Gazebo (maybe even at the beach)

They all may not hit home but the point is to think outside the box. Think of something cost effective and truly unique to you as a couple. Can you dare to be different?

Greetings All,

Today is all about choosing your wedding or event day. As you may know Saturday is the most event day. And Saturday evening is the most popular time. What you may not know is that you can often times receive big discounts for going against the grain. Fridays and Sundays are becoming increasing popular.

Friday nights are increasing in popularity, it still allows the venue to host another wedding/event the same weekend. And if the venue you want claims not to offer a discount, don't be afraid to ask and remind them of the popular Saturday still being available to be booked. Now for the double edge sword; if you are choosing a popular site, chances are their Saturday is already booked so they only have Friday or Sunday and aren't as likely to offer discounts because of it.

An earlier Saturday event may not save you much on location fee but could save you more when it comes to your catered menu. Think outside the box and provide your guests a light lunch, tea time with desserts, or even brunch. These menu options can be a bit cheaper than a dinner entree meal for 100.

Sunday weddings are also on the rise, still allowing for your choice of brunch, lunch or the formal evening affair. If the thought of Sunday still doesn't tickle your fancy, at least consider it on a 4 day weekend. This way, most of your out of town guests will still have Monday as a travel/off day.

The key to remember is that as these trends catch on and grow, location vendors are going to be less likely to offer discounts when they feel confident they can book an entire weekend of events.

Until then...take advantage. lol

Todays Money Saving Tip is also a new trend. But it is up to you how cost effective you make it. Forget the Swarovski crystals and get more bling for your budget. Search any local department store for a beautiful broach to bling out your wedding gown. It could also be a great something old or something borrowed from a friend or family member. Add a touch of sparkle to the front or back of your gown. It's also a great way to accent your bustel. Any way you use it make sure it's something your photographer gets a picture of.






The idea is to "look" like you spent a fortune. Another way you can skip the swarovski crystals is with the cake jewelry (incredibly popular right now). Pull off a bling look on your cake by using a tiara or jeweled hair comb. And don't be afraid to use colored jewels or pearls to bring out your wedding colors in an unexpected way. You can follow the wedding trends. You just have to think outside the box on how to make them more affordable to you.

OK...So I dropped the ball yesterday. Got caught up in all day meetings and I didn't follow through with the money saving tip of the day. And we are striving for consistancy. So I recognize it and I'm moving on.

We are working very hard on a service we're attempting to bring to you: a vendor directory. When you need a vendor for any type of event or function you're planning, we want to be the trusted name you turn to. So hopefully we'll launch by mid-February and make finding all the services you need more convenient.

Otherwise following through on plans for our upcoming events. Now on to the money saving tip of the day. A two in one to make up for yesterday.

Minimize the Mailing! Skip the envelope for the relpy card by using a postcard. You'll not only save on the envelopes but the postage as well. Wanna go a step further? Don't pay to have your return address printed on your envelopes. You can download free calligraphy fonts and print your own return address with clear labels from your local office supply store. Works like a charm.

Money Saving Tip of the Day today, short and sweet...

Check out the sell it yourself sites for deals on event de'cor and decorations. You never know what you'll find. As a matter of fact, I post things on there all the time. You can find hurricanes, decorative rocks, scrapbooking devices that might help with creating invitations or other paper goods, gowns, and silk flowers.

Sometimes rare finds like the cute little asian style to-go boxes everyone is using for candy bars, mardi gras themed items or leftover supplies from a bridal or baby shower. What have you got to lose? Just a little browse time.

Here are a few you may want to start with:

The ever popular E-bay www.ebay.com

The infamous Craigslist www.craigslist.org (i love craigslist because it's local and you don't have to pay shipping on the items and you can negoitiate. With anything, use good common cents and trust your gut, everyone isn't on the up and up. I only meet in very public places like Banks, Walmart and/or Target. I need people to see me or at least have the parking lot cameras catch me. But generall you get a good feel of who you are dealing with, if you don't get the warm and fuzzy, pass. I will say, I've haven't had a bad experience, yet: knock on wood.)

And another site that you may not have heard of, www.recycleyourwedding.com. I haven't purchased or sold anything here but I am glad it exsists as an alternative.

Go forth and save, save, save!

Just a quick blurb today.

Money Saving Tip of the Day...

David's Bridal is having their $99. Some locations even ring a bell when you find your perfect match. It just might be worth checking out.

I'm having some second thoughts about how the Money Saving Tip of the Day is posted. We are redirecting clients to the MySpace page which is great but really we want to direct all clients here. Duh, right? Direct all clients/potential clients to and through the official website. So I'm thinking about posting the Money Saving Tip of the Day right here on this blog, the main blog. Now, I'll still post it on the MySpace but I just won't make you faithful "official" site blog readers travel to the world of MySpace if you don't have to. LOL. And just like that, it's changed.

So here goes: Here is today's Money Saving Tip of the Day. Enjoy!

Instead of a rehearsal dinner the day before your wedding, have a cocktail party. It's more intimate and doesn't hold everyone hostage (including yourself) all night. Lord knows you will have more things to do. Food selections will be bite size and considerably smaller. If your home is large enough, you can still invite out-of-towners and maybe cater from a local restaurant or even choice selections from Sam's and/or your local grocery store. You can still pass out your wedding party gifts, allow guests to make toasts and it is an automatic icebreaker for your guests. No pricey menus, no place cards or seating charts to arrange, no guilty feelings about needing to leave so you're not up all night. It's the best of both worlds. Just think about it and dare to do something different.

Today I thought I'd let you know about the upcoming wedding shows and events in the Memphis area.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mid-South Wedding Show

The Great Hall @ Germantown Centre
1801 Exeter Road

11am-5pm

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Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Memphis Area Bridal Show

Botanic Gardens Goldsmith Center
750 Cherry Road

12pm-4pm

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Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ultimate Wedding Workshop

Davies Plantation
9336 Davies Plantation Road

2pm-4pm

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Hope this helps you plan ahead. The Money Saving Tip of the Day (1/22/09) is posted, check it out www.myspace.com/experienceambiance.

One More Thing...

Per your request I finally found a YouTube Video of the Inaugural Luncheon. Check out the link below, you can get a good look at about 2minutues and 30 seconds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbZSPsp-ogQ

Also, you check out the money saving tip of the day, www.myspace.com/experienceambiance.

Where were you yesterday when history was being made? Were you surrounded by family and friends or were you in the midst of the DC chaos? I've been glued to CNN for the past 3 days, taking it all in. And I have to say I was disappointed with the decorations for the Inaugural luncheon with Congress. It was all I could talk about for like an hour. With every shot and angle the showed, the more upset I got. The guests tables were ok, considering lunch is being served and all the table set-ups that were pre-placed but that head table really worked a nerve for me. I just didn't think anything was "Presidential" about it. I just couldn't/can't let it go.

I keep looking and telling my family, I couldn't produce that look for any one of my clients and it be OK. So how is that alright for the President of the United States of America. Are you kidding me? The way the greenery was just drapped on both sides to meet and the cheap little centerpiece in the middle of a long table, just had my jaw dropping with every angle. At no time should the head table centerpiece be the exact same size and shape as the guest tables. I hated the linen and everything. There is a tasteful way to do red, white and blue and that wasn't it.

The crazy thing about it...I know nothing that was purchased for the event was cheap but it really came across as a cheap and rushed look. It didn't have to be glam but they really should have stepped it up a notch for two...or three. I'm sorry it is the highest official in the land!!!

OK, I think it's out of my system now. Let's hope. Let's also hope I get the opportunity to correct it the next go round. I'm moving on up in 2009.

In the meantime and in between time, subscribe to the Ambiance blog. We are going to take it up a notch this year. Being more consistant with information and helpful hints. You'll notice some changes to the actual look of the blog during the next couple of days, as we make upgrades and ways for you to interact more. You can always feel free to leave your comments or ask a planner a question. Until then...take care.

Double Check Your Vendors,

Never in a million years would I have imagined the infamous Bonne Terre would be the subject of scandal. Still accpeting deposits from couples planning weddings, Bonne Terre files bankruptcy with no warning to customers. And the money, gone! It such a horrible thing to happen to all of those couples.

Ambiance is seeing what we can do to help one couple make progress with their re-planning process free of charge. Other Mid-South vendors are reaching out at no additonal charge as well. To read more about this story, check out the link below:

http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?s=9652179#

Economic Hardships are affecting business everywhere. Some of you may want to check in with some of your vendors and find out how they are handling and how you and your services may be affected.

Hey Ladies,

Just wanted you to know about a sale that may help you with Do-It-Yourself Invitations. Check it out. I've used them before and love their quality and variety of colors.

[http://www.cardsandpockets.com/]

Get ready for Spring, it's just around the corner! With 25% off Samples sale,you can order everything you need to pick the perfect colors and materials for yourdo-it-yourself invitations!Canvas PocketFolds have been reduced to just 75 cents while supplies last! We love this paper, but unfortunately the mill no longer makes the size we need for production. So it's time to make some room for new colors this year!!

Today, Ambiance pulled out of it's first event. It's never happened before but I can honestly say, I do feel it was for the best. The types of corners that would have to be cut wouldn't ultimately lead to a successful and smooth event and we just couldn't continue coordinating an event with the Ambiance name with those types of holes. Difficult decision but necessary and again, I felt strongly about it. It upset me to have to do it because it's not the way we do business. As planners we want to believe we can make any event come off without a hitch but truth is...we can't. We don't always hold all the cards.

This will probably be on my mind for the rest of the day but the show must go on. We have some reorganizing of files and office space to do, some wedding client brainstorming to do, and some phone calls to make. And nevermind I get to gather profit and loss statements and other bits of information to start compiling informaton for tax season (ugh). Business as usual, expect for the unusual of course (lol).