Preparing for Wedding Day Part I: Plan, Plan, Plan

As a event planner who's been doing this for awhile, I've seen every type of client. You have the "Type A" who is 2 months ahead of schedule, the "easy rider" who goes with the flow and is super happy with whatever happens, and the endearing "late bloomer" who just can't seem to stay on schedule.

The fun part of my job is working with all types of personalities to bring together the details to ensure the event day is perfectly flawless, logistically smooth and incredibly memorable. Sounds easy...right?

Typically, when hired for Event Day Management, I spend roughly 25 hours planning and preparing for the event. It's important to cross all "T's" and ensure all "I's" are dotted by reviewing the contracts, walking the venue, and confirming details with the vendors. BUT, most importantly, the most vital tool for the wedding day is the timeline. Without a well thought out timeline, the day could feel rushed, hectic and down right stressful the Bride and Groom. As an event planner, we are what I like to call the "insurance policy" for the event. And who doesn't feel more comfortable with a little extra insurance?
Over the next week, I am absolutely excited to share with you some tips, tricks and examples to help make your event the success you've dreamt it to be. And truly, it's my goal to help inspire, and assist each couple and know that their day was memorable.


Blissfully Inspired,


Samantha Darr
Owner/Lead Planner

Tips for a Bridal Shoot

Growing up in the Midwest, weddings were a little different. Culturally, some of the most common trends of today were virtually unheard of in the northern region of the United States. The Groom didn't have a chance to express his hobbies with a separate groom's cake. A charmingly adorable nephew only had the option of being a ring bearer vs. a bell ringer during the ceremony processional. And most importantly, the only time the Bride had the chance to test all components of her wedding day ensemble was during the last dress fitting. Thankfully, the bridal portrait shoot is commonly requested and found as a necessity even to allow the bride a dress rehearsal while having a ton of fun with a few friends and photography. Why only wear the dress for one day when you can wear it for two?!

When preparing for your bridal shoot, here are some tips to ensure your day is a success:

1. Have helpers whether they are members of your bridal party, personal friends or family members. This will give them a chance to see how the dress is to be properly zipped, buttoned and/or bustled.

2. Have a set of cloth white gloves on hand to be worn by those helping to move the train around during the shoot. It helps to protect the dress from sweat and oils. With being in Texas, this is a special consideration considering the heat.

3. Speaking of heat, be prepared for all that goes along with the heat. Spanx is truly the most comfortable item underneath to wear. Bring plenty of bottled water with a straw to stay hydrated to keep a glamorous smile. And oil blot paper. Shiseido truly makes the best with the most successful results.

4. Whether you're shooting inside or out, you will want to protect the skirt of your dress. A cream, ivory or white flat sheet (whichever best matches the color of your dress). Having something underneath your dress' train or for you to sit on will allow you the peace of mind to enjoy the shoot and get some fabulously creative shots.

5. Bring two pairs of shoes. One for comfort which you are OK with walking in the grass and one for the fun shoe pics. No need to scuff up your wedding day shoes!

6. Don't forget to order your bouquet. Not only is this a dress rehearsal for your ensemble, but it's a great opportunity to see how the bouquet will look and feel with your dress. Along with the type of flowers you've selected. Typically, a florist will make a slightly smaller version of the one you will have on wedding day.

7. Schedule your shoot 1.5-2 months prior to your wedding day. This will allow plenty of time to receive the dress from the designer, have it custom tailored to fit you and allow plenty of time to purchase your accessories. Also remember, it's important to have all of your shoes and undergarments purchased prior to beginning your alterations.

Blissfully Yours,

Samantha Darr
Owner/Lead Planner


(Photo Credit: Fort Mill Photography)

Being a Wedding Planner ..........

As most of you know, I don't make it a habit to brag or show boat myself or creative talents. With so many gifted and talented event professionals, I feel it would be quite unprofessional and foolish. Having been a business owner for less than 5 years, I feel I am still developing and growing my talent and business skills.

BUT today, my email box greeted me with a notice from WeddingWire letting me know I had a new review. This is always a great interest to me and my team. The reviews truly let us know how we're doing, where we can improve and if our clients are happy.

Photo credit: Clint Shuttlesworth

The newest review came from one of my biggest clients (Ava & Matthew) that I've had ever in soiréebliss! Events history. She and her groom were truly a delight to work with. The importance of her review was that the week of her wedding, so many things went wrong for me personally; lost power for 3.5 hours in my office during the busiest production days, car problems which threatened time efficiency, miscounts on paper for stationary items, and computer problems when working on seating charts and event documents. I felt like gremlins were teasing my last inch of patience that week.

So, after reading Ava's review, I was truly touched by the rave review and praise for all the hard work, long hours and sleepless nights. YES!! It completely made my heart grow with utter happiness to know we made a difference in making a couple's wedding day truly memorable. It's moments like this that validates my decision to have started soiréebliss! events 2.5 years ago, why I work the long hours, the personal sacrifice of personal time and how I approach every wedding in such a personal manner with heart-felt care and concern. Today is a day I am truly proud.

And, it goes without saying that soiréebliss! Events is not just me, I'm thrilled to have an amazing team. My deepest appreciate and thanks to them; Helen, Sarah, Traci, Cassandra, Janna and our newest member Jennie. Without them, I wouldn't be able to make an event happen.

Let me share with you what Ava had to say:

Three wordse helped us fulfill our wedding vision by listening to our desires and ideas and used her creativity to enhance our wedding.

Professional - She was always polite, timely, and had a great network of vendors that also delivered superb services.

Worry Free - She was always on top of every detail and kept everything running smoothly so planning the wedding was a truly enjoyable experience.

During the wedding week, Samantha and soireebliss! were with us every step of the way from final walkthroughs, to rehearsal and dinner, to the wedding and finally the reception. Every detail was covered, all ran 100% smoothly and the event was a total success.

As a recent bride I highly recommend you hire a wedding planner; and that wedding planner should be Samantha. She and her team work so hard that she is worth every bit of her fee. After saying "I DO" to my fiance, hiring Samantha was one of the smartest things I've done.

Thanks again Sam for everything.

Photo Credit: Shawn Fashion Photography

Houston, we have lift off!!

Welcome to the first official blog for soiréebliss! Finally, after 9 years of working corporate events and volunteering my services to anyone I knew getting married, I am turning my dreams into reality. Taking the steps towards being a business owner has been very exciting, scary and absolutely exhilarating.

You may be wondering how I came up with the name. For those who know me, know I'm pretty high energy and down right perky. So, it's fitting to have a name that reflects this same energy. Soirée is French for party. BLISS means happiness, ecstasy and delight. So if your going to have a party, it might as well be a delightful party full of much happiness and ecstasy. As a recent bride myself, I realized my wedding day was truly going to be one of the most memorable and elaborate "parties" I would host for my friends and family.

Let me tell you a little more about me:

• Originally a Midwesterner, lived in Texas for 7 years and actually miss the snow.
  Favorite foods: deserts...any kind will do
• Favorite drink: Starbucks nonfat, sugar-free vanilla latte
• Favorite comfort food: mash potatoes
• Favorite pass time: running. It's a love/hate relationship. It allows me to eat the deserts
• Favorite color combination: Apple green with a black/white brocade pattern and bold colors
• Secret Talent: Ear wiggling
• Best planning tip: Stay organized...its a life savor in the hectic moments.
• Secret to life: Help others. Even if it's just holding a door open for an elderly. One small act of kindness can mean the world to the one receiving it.
  

I look forward to a long and happy journey as a wedding and event planner. Thank you for taking time to read my first post. I hope you choose to join me for the journey.