Welcome Summer Intern

My name is Alex Barnett I am 22 years old, in August I will graduate with a bachelor's degree in recreation and parks management with a minor in communication studies and a concentration in event planning; despite having walked on May 4th and celebrating with family already. As a child I was raised in the kitchen and any event with my family was a major event. I am the youngest of a split family, my parents divorced when I was about eleven and both remarried. 

When I was around thirteen I was no longer the only child but rather the youngest of ten. This has instilled the concept of love and acceptance in me and has assisted in my love of planning. Before being the youngest child my grandmothers both included me in the planning of big holiday and birthday parties. 

As a senior in high school I was part of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America during this time I planned my first large event. This was a masquerade ball for 65 assisted living and memory care residents at Currituck House, in Moyock North Carolina. Despite the negative opinions of the event all of the residents attended and had a great time. This was nearly six years ago now and residents still reminisce about the dance. This was the first dance the facility had, and after the fact I received a lot of positive feedback, that pushed me to want to continue using events to put smiles on people’s faces. 

Today I am excited to say I am beginning my internship with a world class planner, a UNCG professor, and a personal inspiration; Jennifer Ball. As soon as I walked into her classroom on the first day of her special events and planning class I knew that I wanted to be just like Jenn, as her class progressed I decided it had been easily my favorite in my college career. This still stands, and I hope to learn so much more throughout my internship, I look forward to learning about keeping an active internet presence, writing good blog posts, understand the breakdown of an event budget, how to find my own worth and how to use that to price my own services later, how I can start my own company in the future, and as much else as Jennifer can pour into me in a short few months. 

Welcome Summer Practicum

Hi, my name is Alyson Kelly. I am from Snow Camp, NC. It is right outside of Burlington. I really enjoy doing outside things. I love going to Cedarock Park that is right down the road from my house. I love hiking on the trails that the park has to offer. I had just recently hiked up Hanging Rock and it was amazing. I have been to Hanging Rock but I have never hiked up the Hanging Rock Trail. I go camping a few times a year, in the fall and early spring and summer. After that it gets too hot to camp. Me and my family want to camp all the state parks. I also have hanging with my family and friends. Me and my friends are always doing something. It either going shopping being all girly or were going fishing in the middle of a cow pasture. There is no between. Finally, I love to travel.  The furthest I have been so far has been South Dakota for a mission trip. But this summer me and my best friend are going to the Bahamas, this will both our first time out of the country. I love going to the beach. Me and my family try to go to a different every year.

For my personality, I can be outgoing. When you first meet you may seem I am shy and

not outgoing. Once you get to know I can be that outgoing self and sometimes I may event talk too much. I am the most outgoing person in my family and friends. One time I went to a family gathering and my aunt had told me that I am the life of the party. I am always making somebody life. I am always laughing at something. When I am with my friends there is never a dull moment. I am always doing something crazy or I am saying something.

I am a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I am studying Community Recreation and Special Event Planning with a minor in Communication Studies. I had picked this career because I love seeing event come together and love seeing the clients face when we are finishing setting up for their event. Another thing I like doing something different, so by working in the event industry this normally changes every six months.

The reason I picked Knot Your Average Events for my internship is because they allow you to do hands on stuff. I am allowed to set up on the day of the event, talk to the bride, etc. When I knew I was able to do hands on stuff I was like I must take this. I did not want to just walk around and watch to gain experience. What I want to get out of this internship is gain hands on experience. I want to meet different vendors so I can already know some people when I get out on my own. Also, I want to know how to create a layout for an event. 

Color is everything!

What color is your dress?  That’s one of the first questions I ask our brides when we are designing their space.  It’s also important to know what the wedding party is wearing too.  What color are any dresses and suits vs. tuxes.  Bonus points if they have pictures!  These are all of the details that we look at when we are looking at the overall look of the room. 

Pinterest gives great ideas…but those weddings have already happened…and that day has already been created for someone else.  It’s great to use the “free” white/ivory linens with your venue rental but always ask the venue does this cover ALL tables including buffet, gift, cake, dj, cocktail tables, because some venues only offer guest table linens.  Beware of the sizes of the tablecloths most only offer 90”x90” squares which means you’ll see under the tables and the linens do not touch the floor all the way around. 

Why do we push for COLORFUL Linens?  Because if all of your linens, chairs, and china are white… and if your dress is white: YOU just became a rental and you’ll blend in instead of stand out.  Our goal is to make your eyes bounce around the room from one table to another all while allowing you POP! 

One of our favorite parts of planning is walking through a venue, creating the layout and then heading straight over of our linen & rental company to create the vision of your day.  It’s amazing to see where we start and magically how YOUR emerges from all of the choices. 

 

Just remember, when you are selecting YOUR wedding colors, pick colors that speak to you.  Ask yourself the following questions:

·         What is your favorite color?

·         What is your significate other’s favorite color?

·         Do you have a favorite sports team?

·         Where did you go to college?

·         What season are you getting married in?

·         What time of the day are you getting married?

·         What colors compliment your favorite colors?

·         What is a neutral color you can use to blend textures, patterns and “wow” colors with ?

·         What flowers are you planning on having?

·         Have you thought about your lighting design? (this will affect all linens and floral colors)

Here’s a few fun combinations we’ve been working on…

(huge thanks to Party Reflections)

Planning A Caribbean Getaway?

Planning a Caribbean Getaway to Sandals soon?  You are in for one AMAZING adventure!  Have you booked any off resort excursions with www.islandroutes.com? We can assist you with creating an experience to remember!  We also recommend visiting the spa.  The best time is the day you arrive to really release all of the tension from traveling…and if you can do another before you leave that’s a bonus!  A candlelight dinner at sunset on the beach is another amazing must to-do too!  Just ask how to set that up for you during your stay.

What to pack:

    Passport

    Resort Formal & Casual Wear

Swimsuits

 Flip Flops & Sandals

Personal Toiletries

Sunglass & Hat

 Sunblock & Aloe

 Small beach bag

 

Don’t worry about shampoo, conditioner, body wash or lotion… The Red Lane Spa will be providing you samples of their amazing products in your room.

If it happens to sprinkle or fully liquid sunshine while you’re on property…have no fear… there’s a Sandals umbrella in your room!

Check out www.Sandals.com under the resorts tab to see what your resort has to offer.  Each resort has amazing restaurants featuring some of the best chefs in the world. Let me know if you have any food/beverage allergies so that we can get you in touch with the head chef to create a customized menu and dining experience for you while you are on property.  Here’s a sample of Antigua’s list of restaurants.  

And a few menus from our favorite places to eat:

Here’s some of my favorite snacks:

The Hummingbird

& Pizza

Purple Rain

&

Cheeseburger

w/ Fries

Are you aware of "The Sandals Foundation"?  The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, supports education for those in need through its Adopted Schools Program.  Across the Caribbean, the resort company has undertaken a total of 26 schools in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas and The Turks & Caicos Islands. From providing teacher training supplies and needed equipment, to assisting with basic maintenance and building upgrades, The Sandals Foundation seeks to bring these schools to a better standard so young minds can flourish.

You can bring a few school supplies down in your suitcase and leave them with your butler, concierge and/or lobby receptionist.  http://www.packforapurpose.org

You’re in for one amazing experience.  And if you haven’t booked your upcoming Caribbean Getaway chat with us personally about sending quotes for:

·         Honeymoons

·         Anniversary Trips (some will receive a free night stay)

·         Elopements

·         Destination Weddings

·         Birthday Celebrations

·         Retirement Celebrations

·         Spa Retreats

·         Golf Getaways

·         Family Trips

·         Proposal Trip

·         Just to get away!

Contact us at:

910-617-2271

jenn@knotyouraverageevents.com

www.KnotYourAverageEvents.com

A KYAE Lady in Waiting

Have you ever heard of the term…”lady in waiting?”  You’ve got all the details planned for the day, but do you have someone taking care of you personally?  A KYAE Lady in Waiting would be your personal assistant for the day.  They would arrive whenever you begin your hair and make-up to assist you in unloading your vehicle.  Our LiW KYAE staff member will greet you with your favorite Starbucks beverage to start your day off right!

After attending several conferences this winter and speaking with other planners we are now going to be adding this service to our guest experience.  This person truly assists you all day so that your event manager can focus on handling all of the vendors and the design aspects of your wedding.  (Plus you never have to wait for someone to go find the planner/coordinator.)

They will coordinate the arrival of any lunch/snacks with your family, friends or vendors to whom you’ve contracted to bring any deliveries during the day. 

They will make sure your make-up artist and hair stylist teams remain on schedule to insure you and your wedding party are ready for pre-ceremony photos. 

They will set up any detail shots with the photographer and videographer of you dress, shoes, veil, and other personal items. 

They will then assist you in dressing area as needed.

They will be with you during all pre-ceremony photos keeping a list and check on making sure all of your shots are captured.

They will place you in hiding prior to ceremony or travel with you as needed making sure to avoid as many family/friends prior to the ceremony to all you to pray, be with your parents and wedding party only or make a quick dash to the restroom.

They will assist in carrying your veil and train as you make your way to the entrance of the ceremony location to avoid it from being dragged on the ground.

After the ceremony they will remain with you throughout formal photos making sure to hold on to your lip gloss and beverage of choice (our KYAE is known for bringing snacks and drinks to the wedding party after the ceremony).

Your LiW will assist you with any restroom breaks throughout the evening and will also assist in bustling your dress prior to your reception entrance.

Our KYAE team will be bringing you any meals that are not pre-plated by the catering staff…this way you can spend more time with family and friends.  Your LiW will also work with the catering team to pack up some late night snacks (should you provide Tupperware containers).

The best part is you can give your LiW your cell phone during the day to capture the day for you.  She could take a few photos and videos for you to see  & post while on your honeymoon.

Your LiW will remain close by throughout the reception,

should you need a lip gloss touch up or request for something from your bridal suite.

She will also slip your garter on right before the garter toss without anyone even realizing it was missing.

As the evening comes to an end she will ensure to gather your toasting flutes & cake serving set.  Washing them prior to being packed away.  She will make sure your parents receive your bridal bouquet (if you haven’t thrown it away).

She will assist in any change of dress for your exit or throughout the evening. This way your event manager can be present with the vendors and guests at all times.

Since your LiW has been with you all day, she will know which items will need to be gathered and packed for the getaway car and which items will be heading with friends and family. 

Our KYAE will have already gathered any luggage and personal items that may need to be moved to your limo or ground transportation for your getaway but your LiW will be in charge of your purse and phone.

The last duty of your Lady in Waiting is she will clean the bridal suite and make sure no items were left behind. 

I bet you never realized how much you NEEDED a “Lady in Waiting”?  Again our goal is to create a full guest experience for each of your wedding party members, your parents, friends, family and especially YOU!  Allow us to be that quiet whisper behind the scenes just for you.  Reach out to us today to learn how you can add these services to your already amazing day!

(Photo Cred: Leah Marie Photography)

What's in a Budget?

With this time of year...comes lots of planning and trying to keep their costs down.  We're a FRIM believer every couple should have a wedding planner and a beautiful day... but a lot of what we do is educate couples in the reality of planning a wedding and all that goes into the production of creating a memory in time... #whatkindofmemorydoyouwant

Here's a sample budget (only a sample) we truly understand MAJORITY of these vendors COST MORE than this is quoted

• depending on quality of service
• items included in package/service
• How long will they be there that day
• How customized they are
• How professional they are
• Education/certification of vendor
• Length in business, number of weddings they completed, level of experience
Level of services 
What day of the week

... but we are hoping this puts things in perspective because lots of couples THINK they can have a wedding for 150 people for $5,000....and the truth is most events take 10 (or more vendors) and if each vendor averages $1,000 (most cost more...and the more experience/educated the more they cost...plus consider quality of their services)....

Simplistic Elegance

$1500 -Rental of Venue (usually Sun-Fri; not a Saturday)

$225- Additional Rentals (usually more if venue doesn't include anything)

$1399-Event Coordination & 2 staff (special rate for Sun/Weekday)

$700- Additional Staff including catering staff

$1760- Food & Beverage $22.00 x 80guests (appetizers, salad, meal & tea/water

$1000- Candles & Simplistic Flower Budget (including wedding party, centerpieces)

$350- Deliveries & Set ups (rentals, flowers, etc)

$1500-Photography (most likely disc of images only)

$900- DJ (for two sound systems)

$200-Cupcakes (do you want a cutting cake)

$250- Donating to your Church Officiate (or we do have one within this average)

$200-Print-, invitations, stamps (most likely doing yourself online for this price)

$1500- Other: linens, china/place settings/ glassware, unity ceremony items, gifts for wedding party and family members, toasting flutes, serving set, flower girl basket, ring bear pillow, memory table items, restroom baskets, tipping vendors

*doesn't include alcohol, videographer, up lighting, attire, rings or honeymoon, transportation

Total: $11,484     Number of Guests: 80

Cost: $143 per person

Why must coordinators cost so much?

Tis the season for vendors and planners to receive inquires on a daily bases… and boy do we love this time of year!  Everything is new and fresh!  Plus we get to take what we learned from last year’s events and educational conferences and start embracing new ideas into our companies and our couples’ special day.  However, a lot of what planners do is educated others as to the WHY we charge what we charge. 

I tell people all the time a marriage costs $60.00 but weddings are an EXPERIENCE and how big of a memory do you want to create?  Remember this will be the ONLY time you have those guests in ONE room alive all together.  You don't get a do over of this day, so why would you want an amateur handling one of the biggest days of your life... or why would you want your Mom or wedding party missing something because they were setting up or behind the scenes trying to work out an issue.  Weddings cost more than $60; most cost on average $165 per person attending the wedding and to create an experience you need a team!  Every great team has a great leader to guide everyone and make sure everyone is playing by the same rules. 

That’s what brings us to our newest question on our website:

How many hours does it typically take a professional to plan a wedding from start to finish (including travel, meetings, communication, planning, and day of event):

Month of Planning with Day of Event Management: 35+/- hours involved (because there is NO such thing as a day of coordinator)
Partial Planning Services including Day of Event Management: 70+/- hours involved
Full Service Planning including Day of Event Management: 313+/- hours involved

So take that number they are “charging” and divide it by the number of hours they are giving you =____ ? 

That’s not including the blood, sweat and tears it took to get to that point they were confident enough to plan events for someone else. That’s not including the liability they take on each and every event. That’s not including all of the research and networking they’ve done to create the partnerships and learning about all of the possibilities to create the best chemistry and magic on your special day to create a memory in time. That does not include all of the education they’ve taken on to be prepared for you special day for when situations arise; they’ll know how to handle them. That doesn’t include all of the associations, organizations and conferences they are a part of or attend to keep up with the trends and latest ideas. That doesn’t include the extras they are probably “throwing in” without you even knowing they’ve been working on the backend of your event late at night and early in the morning. Not to mention all of those meetings lead up to them missing most weekends with their families to create memories for your family.

 

And ask yourself do you value their services?  Many times I have received phone calls asking for us to plan and coordinate their entire wedding for $400-$500 (or even less). I promise experienced planners and vendors are just wanting to be respected and valued for their level of expertise.  Yes everyone deserves a beautiful wedding on the budget they can afford but that’s also why not every vendor is for every couple.  The best part is most of the seasoned vets in the industry know great vendors up & coming people that may be more affordable for the particular service you’re looking for.  Also most seasoned vendors offer hourly consultations to gain knowledge even if you can’t afford them for the full day. 

Speaking for the planners/coordinators out there… a chunk of every wedding budget

should be for a planner…remember they typically know EVERYONE!  They can work out a budget for your vision (within reason) and usually find you deals you may never knew existed…so start with a planner!  You don’t want to spend all of this money on a beautiful day for it to come apart at the seams because you didn’t have a professional “go-to” onsite all weekend from rehearsal to honeymoon…

It’s a Production… you probably wouldn’t enjoy a meal at a restaurant without a chef, or enjoy a movie without a director…much less a symphony without a conductor… so WHY wouldn’t you have someone guiding your planning along the entire process? The BEST Athletes have someone “coaching” them from DAY ONE!

#wewouldnotchangeitfortheworld #welovewhatwegettodo #professionalplanner #lifeofaplanner #certified #accredited #masterplanner #expert #creatingmagic