Saying "Thank You" Is Still Important




When was the last time you attended a wedding, and sent a gift, only to never have your gift acknowledged. It's disappointing to speculate but I bet it was very recent. As a guest, I am sure you invested the time, energy and financial resources to purchase just the right gift for a couple that was near and dear to your heart. First of all, you want to know that they received your gift and then, you want to know, that they know that you gave them this certain gift. Gift giving is special and the process of receiving that gift should be treated as such.

A note of "thank you" means much more than you realize, and somewhere along the way, some of us have forgotten that. Does it really take that much more time to write a personal note acknowledging a gift. No, it doesn't. If you prepare yourself for the process of writing your thank you notes, and schedule a time to do the writing, it becomes that much easier.  To start, order some beautiful stationary notes to accompany the design of your wedding invites, or get something made especially for you, something to serve as your signature stationary.  I haven't met anyone that doesn't get excited about writing on beautiful stationary. While selecting your stationary, go ahead and splurge on that fabulous writing instrument that just feels so good in your hand and that just writes so well. To add an even more personal touch, get some personalized postage stamps and keep them on hand so there is never the excuse of being without a stamp. Aim to mail your thank yous no later than three months after receiving a gift. Snail mail can be a pain but this is one of those times that it is expected. "What about email," you ask? I say it's a don't, but that's my personal choice.

Ten Do’s and Don’ts of Thank You Notes

1.Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.

2.Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.

3.Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.

4.Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.

5.Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.

6.Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.

7.Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.

8.Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.

9.Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.

10.Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!
                                   ~ EmilyPost.com

Remember, a beautiful and graciously handwritten thank you note is a gift in itself and it sets the tone of who you are as a couple. Your wedding isn't the last event or celebration that you will ever have. There will be baby showers, birthdays and anniversaries. Set the tone of your personality as one that is always gracious and grateful; recognizing the efforts and giving of those who love you.



Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

Florals Make a Statement

When you are planning a special event like a wedding, you want to make a statement or impact. One of the most original ways to do this is with your floral decor and bouquets. Think about it. What happens when you place a bouquet of flowers in your home or office? Yes, I know; things suddenly look better and more impressive. Your living room or office didn't change, you just enhanced what you already had with flowers. Think about that little black dress that you have worn so many times. Now, place one medium or large sized bloom on that dress and wow, "Is that a new dress?"

The same applies for wedding and special event decor and bouquets. Add floral however you choose, but speaking for myself, nothing adds impact like monochromatic centerpieces and bouquets.

Alpha Prosperity Events

Keisha's Kreations

Bella Flora of Dallas

Carmen's Floral Designs

If you want lots of color, do that too. But when choosing your design scheme for florals, make sure you select professionals to create your look. The impact won't be the same if the workmanship is not professional looking.

Now how's that for a trendy idea for your wedding or event?!

Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ New Orleans

Venue - Beyond Reception Hall

As many of you know, this is engagement season and many event venues and wedding professionals are hosting open houses to display their space, goods and or services. If you are planning your special day, now is the time to visit sites and vendors to help in the decision making process.

One such open house I visited recently was Beyond Reception Hall. This very nice reception hall was a secret to many, including myself. Beyond Reception Hall is located in the Windsor Village/S. Post Area and it is a must visit if you are planning a wedding or other special event. This hall is very affordable and has a package to meet the requirements of any budget. Below are a few of the table settings and venue setups that you can have at Beyond Reception Hall.

The owners and staff of Beyond Reception Hall do an exceptional job to make the client happy. Linens, florals, centerpieces, lighted backdrops; they have it all, under one roof. Do yourself favor and consider this option for your wedding or next special event.


 
Event & Wedding Planner  
Alpha Prosperity Events 
 Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

Wedding Design Trends from TSE2011

I wasn't able to attend The Special Event 2011 in Phoenix this year, (I was so disappointed but other business matters took precedence this year), but thanks to some wonderful new Twitter friends, I felt as if I was right there, in the middle of all the action. The Special Event is a great opportunity to network with event planning professionals and vendors from all over the country. As an attendee, you also get to choose from an abundance of seminars on weddings, marketing, design, catering, etc, all taught by some of the best in the event planning field. Every year attendees go home, equipped with new tips and trends in the field, to "wow" our wonderful clients, and this year was no different.

Below are some photos of vendors and events at The Special Event, including the Wedding Lunch ~ "In Love with Metallics", shared on the blog of Melissa Kay Allen. The Wedding Lunch at The Special Event is coordinated and designed by some of the top event planners in the country. It allows the opportunity to showcase new and fresh ideas and this years idea introduces us to the trend of metallics. Look for metallics to be used in all seasons this year; everywhere from table and chair linens, invitations, to centerpieces and place settings.


Via Melissa Kay Allen

A big shout of thanks to Melissa for "tweeting" me along with you at this great conference. You can keep up with Melissa's tweets at @MelissaKayAllen. Other friends and new friends to follow at The Special Event in Phoenix include @iBradWilson, @keishaskreation, and @jordansevents. A big shout of thanks to them as well.


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans