Do I Need to Hire A Wedding Coordinator?

We know some of you are torn with whether or not to hire a wedding coordinator.

Take this short quiz and see how many of these questions can you answer with confidence:

Who will make sure that the wedding programs and wedding bubbles are in their proper places?

Who will ensure that the favors, table centerpieces, special toasting flutes, cake server set, guest book (and 2 pens!) are all in their proper place at the reception?

Standing as close to the car as possible, turn with your back to the door and gently lower yourself onto the seat; feet on the street, bending at the waist to allow room for your shoulders, head and torso.

Who will help the groomsmen with their boutonnieres? The mother’s with their corsages?

What happens if your flower girl is tripping on the hem of her dress, an hour before the ceremony?

Who will make sure that the wedding starts on time and everyone is in place for the processional?

Who will check on the photographer to make sure all the pictures you asked for are being taken and that everyone down to the flower girl is smiling in the family shots?

What will you do if the DJ, caterer, etc. is late, gets violently ill, or just doesn't show up?

Who will manage the wedding reception to make sure everything goes smoothly and all of the announcements, introductions, toasts, special dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss or dedication, all happen on time?

Who will make sure that all of the vendors are paid the day of the wedding?

How will you manage the guest seating at the reception to ensure that feuding family members do not sit next to one another and that everyone mingles amicably?

Who will make sure that your limo or transportation is waiting for you at the end of the reception?

Who will ensure that you’re able to breathe with confidence and enjoy your special day?

If you cannot answer most of these questions with certainty, why not call us today for a free consultation? We can go over any of your questions or concerns and show you that we are here to help you make your wedding day memorable!

203-710-0245

carisa@crsocials.com

Brides on a Budget

At CR Socials Event Planning, we understand that everyone is on a budget these days and we are here to HELP! We know the bad rap that wedding and event planners get - we're expensive, we're a waste of money...But believe me, we are here to save you money and make your life easier in the process.

I like to think that our services are extremely affordable for the everyday couple. In addition, the relationships we maintain with our vendors saves you extra money on your photographer, florist, DJ, and more. We also help you plan and stick to your budget.

For even MORE savings, sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly promotions and specials:
www.crsocials.com

Impressive Letter

Today I received a letter that impressed me. It was from a high school freshman in Milford, CT looking for donations for the People to People Student Ambassador Program to Europe this summer. When I first started reading it I was a bit skeptical. I didn't know who this girl was or why she was contacting me. I proceeded with reading the letter, the enclosed document about the program, and finally her resume, which is what truly impressed me. She is involved in many volunteer programs, including volunteering at a local nursing home and at the Beardsley Zoo working with children. She has won many awards for various activities and events and her resume really made me believe that she wants to do good in this crazy world.

I called the phone number at the bottom of the letter and spoke to the student's mother. I told her that although I won't be able to afford a large monetary donation, I would like to donate a gift basket for the basket raffle they are having at the fundraising event. She was extremely appreciative of this donation and offered to pick up the basket next week.

I guess my point in all of this is that I was impressed that this girl was so willing to do all of this work to raise the money needed for her to participate in this program, which is sure to help her "make a difference in the world" and "be the best Student Ambassador that I can be". So while most teenagers worried about the next toy that they can buy, video games, designer clothes, or going out and partying with their friends, here is this girl, a FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, willing to work hard to raise money to help her participate in a program that will allow her to be a better person and lend a hand others. I think we could all learn something from her - teenagers and adults alike.

If you would like to make a donation to this girl, monetary or otherwise, please email me at carisa@crsocials.com and I will forward you the information.

Thanks for reading!

~Carisa

Do I Really Need to Hire an Event / Wedding Planner?

I hear all the time "I don't need a planner". That may be true...if you have 250 hours to put into planning a wedding.

Some people tend to think that hiring an event planner is only for the rich and famous. Wrong. An event planner doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, a good event planner can usually end up SAVING you money. Because of the relationships that I maintain with my vendors, many of them will provide me with discounted pricing, which I will then pass on to YOU. So while you will be paying an affordable amount for my services, you will be saving more money in the long run.

Besides the cost savings, here are a few other reasons to hire an event planner:

1. Not Enough Hours in the Day
There just simply isn't enough time to do one more thing in a single day.

2. Let Us Do the Work
Most people don't even know where to begin when planning a social event. Location? Food? Entertainment? CR Socials Event Planning knows all the elements needed to create a memorable event for any occasion.

3. Get Organized
Not everyone has what it takes to be organized and keep track of all the elements that a social event entails.

4. Relax & Enjoy
Be a guest at your own event! Relax and enjoy with family and friends instead of worrying about the details and the event running smoothly.

What's YOUR Story?

ATTENTION BRIDES TO BE!!

What's YOUR Story? Tell us your proposal story and get the chance to win 50% OFF your wedding planning package (excluding the Deluxe Package)! Email your story to carisa@crsocials.com, and we will post it on our website. Site visitors will get to go and vote for their favorite proposal story! Story with the most votes gets the prize!

Details: Couple entering contest must not be married already. They must book one of CR Socials Event Planning’s packages (Rehearsal and Day-Of, Partial Coordination, or Full Coordination). This means that they must sign our agreement and pay the required deposit amount (50% of the total).

Contest will run until further notice.

Saving Money on the Bar Tab

Question: How do you have a sit down dinner event or banquet event and offer the first round or 2 (on the host) but 3-10 on the guest, so the bill does get out of hand? I guess how do you politely tell the guests without sounding cheap? Thanks! Answer: It depends on how formal the event is. A "cash bar" for a wedding is considered poor etiquette because it is a formal event that you are hosting. Your guests should not have to pay for anything. However, to save money: 1 - You can pay for only beer and wine and maybe one signature cocktail so that it is a "limited bar" as opposed to an "open bar". 2 - Stop serving alcohol altogether towards the end of the night. Serve coffee, tea and soda instead. This will give your guests time to "sober up". For other less formal events, you can: 1- Offer a cocktail hour similar to a wedding and specify that there will be a one hour complimentary cocktail hour (MOST people won't pound down more than 2 drinks in an hour and some won't drink at all, so it will even out). 2 - There's nothing wrong with word of mouth. If it is a sit down dinner, have the server politely say when taking the drink order that the first round is on the host. 3 - Have wine placed on the tables upon your guests arrival. This way they will know that the wine is complimentary, but if they would like anything else it's on them. 4 - Get creative and fun with it! When sending the invitations, include a customized drink ticked to be redeemed at the event. Include a cutesy phrase with it.

Welcome 2010!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy new year! Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, I can't tell you how thrilled I am for 2010! There are so many great changes in the works and I'm looking forward to every one! The new website is almost ready to be launched (just a few minor changes left to do) and I'm excited for the new products we will be selling (created by 2 wonderful new vendors)! Not to mention our move into FloraBella Designs in Wallingford!

Looking forward to a successful year! Cheers!