Event Planning for All Events

Connecting you to the Best of Hampton Roads

1. Practice Time Management Skills to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed by the extra activities of planning an event.

2. Use lists to organize yourself and establish priorities in what you do and buy.

3. If you don't have a budget, create one.

4. Be realistic about what you can spend and know what is really within your means.

5. Celebrations feel better when they are genuine, money worries can rob you of real happiness.

6. Use credit cards wisely with a plan to pay off the amount when you receive your bill.

7. Prices for items vary widely from store to store, take time to scan ads AND compare prices online before going out to buy

8.   Do not expect everything to be perfect. That is unrealistic. There are things you cannot control like the weather and your relatives.  Things happen and you just have to be flexible.  Sometimes, last minute changes turn out better than what you had planned. Party on!

EVENT PLANNERS

Have a dream? John Abbot Y&R said "Patience ~ Perseverence and Focus." Will help you attain your goals and I believe him.

• Meeting Expectations - Event Planning & Conference / Association Management - Meeting Expectations is a full service association management, event marketing, and conference and trade show planning company.

• - Local and worldwide party planning.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Chariots for Hire - White Dove releases and Horse Drawn Carriages Chariots4Hire.com
• Elvis Impersonator - Having a 50's party?  Then you have to invite Elvis to perform!  ElvisGuy1.com
• Entertainment By George - Professional party planners for Hampton Roads - Williamsburg - Richmond EntertainmentByGeorge.com 

• Astrologer  - Hampton Roads VA - Invite Beverly to your next business luncheon, fund-raiser, Formal Cultural Event, dinner party, or any special event.  higher-pathways.com

•  Heavenly Doves  - A dove release can be a beautiful extension of your wedding vows. Your release can take place on the church steps, or in a garden area from our breathtaking arch.  Heavenly Doves
• Baby Shower Games – By Kimberly Hargis Tired of playing the same old games at baby showers? Here are some enjoyable games like Tasting Game, Memories, and Keep the Egg. All geared toward the Mother-to-Be and fun for all your guests.
• Party Countdown - ToysrUs has some great party planning tips for us.
• Unexpected Get-togethers?  Here is a great guide from Vanity Fair.

Participating Merchants are listed in BOLD print

Tipping Tips!  Officiates civil ceremony $50 to $75 - religious ceremony no less than $100 - organist/soloist if not included in the church/temple rental fee $50, $75 for close friends.

Have you thought about planning your wedding on a Friday night?  You can save money and find more of the great places still available.

"When you respect another persons values, culture or differences we are honoring that others are free and capable of making their own choices."

1.  If family videos, slides or photo albums were seen at the last gathering, Do Not Bring Them out Again!

2.  Do not discuss your miscellaneous aches, gas, bunions and stiff joints.  Trust me, no one wants to hear about your knees and back.

3.  Try really hard not to dredge up the same old stories everyone has heard before.

4.  Do not ask when you are getting married or having children and as tempting as it may be do not ask about any ones sexual orientation.  My husband is always keeping me in line about that one!

5. Do not make any unflattering comparisons to a sibling or talk about any bitter sibling rivalries.  Do not make any request to relatives to borrow money.

6.  Do not criticize hair, clothing, beliefs or lifestyle choices.

7.  Do not tempt anyone who is dieting to please just try one little itsy piece of cake, etc.

8. Do not start any arguments fueled by alcohol or start sobbing without a really, really good reason.

So what should we talk about?  Try sticking to current events, sports, hobbies, jobs, school, college, hopes, dreams, stuff like that.  Stay interested and focused.  The time we spend with our friends and relatives should be enjoyed and cherished, always!