Busy Bride 101

Engagement season 2022 is in full swing and you need to know just what to do to get started with planning your wedding. This short 3 minute episode is the jumping off point to your next steps. Additional episodes will follow to guide you through the details to select vendors, what questions to ask, and how much to spend. LINKS: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram Busy Bride 101:Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go! YouTube Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel CONTACT Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com

Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina you will find one of the best wedding caterers around. Chef Kim Lloyd, owner and operator of Celine and Company knows how to serve up some of the tastiest cuisine for your wedding or special occasion. In this episode, Chef Kim lists the 5 must have appetizers to select for the cocktail hour and how she incorporates your culinary wishes in each delicious bite. If there is a family recipe that you would like to showcase during your event she wants to know more about it and will invite you into her kitchen to collaborate on the cooking process. There's nothing like being "hands-on" to ensure the flavors and presentation are how you envisioned for your guests. From cooking offsite on a breathtaking mountain top to on premises at her 6,000 square feet historic building, Chef Kim with over 25 years of experience and her talented staff leads the helm in combining the right ingredients for a perfect match. LINKS and RESOURCES: Website Celine and Company Instagram Celine and Company Catering Address: 49 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Email: kim@celineandcompany.com Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast: Busy Bride 101:Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Corey Johnson of Corey Johnson Studios brings calm and encouragement during chaotic moments at your wedding as he photographs you and your loved ones. It takes a critical eye to know instinctively when and how to craft lifetime memories and he is an expert in pulling all of the aspects together flawlessly. One would never suspect that Corey is legally blind when viewing his images or seeing him in action. The camera lens sharpens his gaze while taking photographs and the end result is simply, AMAZING! Listen as Corey explains how he uses his unique ability to produce timeless images. Plus, check out his tips for your wedding or special event. LINKS: COREY JOHNSON CONTACT INFO: Website: https://coreyjohnsonstudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyjohnsonstudios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreyjohnsonstudios LISA G. MCMILLAN CONTACT INFO: Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Phone: 704-578-1974 Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com

Your skincare routine may very well be one of the most carefully thought out steps to a healthy and clean glow on your wedding day. Long gone are the days of purchasing products randomly or selecting them without any forethought. So many of today's products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, and paraben free and they should be considered high priority in your beauty bag. You deserve better and Brittany Gray of Fancy Face Inc with headquarters in Canada shares tips for every bride to consider leading up to the wedding day and beyond. Her company has just launched a new skincare line which includes "Poetry in Potion Serum " and "Daydream Rosewater Cream" to include in your daily regimen. Every artist starts with a clean canvas, why not allow your skin to be the canvas of glowing beauty on your wedding day and everyday. Links: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram Busy Bride 101 Brittany Gray Website Fancy Face Inc Instagram Fancy Face Inc Facebook Fancy Face Inc

Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day When it’s time to select your makeup artist and hair stylist for your wedding, hire someone with impeccable experience and photos of their previous work. Search for your team soon during the wedding planning process as you will need to schedule a trial run with their services. The best is booked early and often, so don’t hesitate in seeking the best makeup and hair vendors in the area. Wendy Morris, owner, and lead makeup artist of Blush Asheville has a team of professionals experienced in creating a natural and realistic look and not like someone else. Listen to some of the tips she provides to making you look amazing. “Always Remember, Your Wedding Is For The Two Of You!” Links: Guest Speaker: Wendy Morris Website: Blush Asheville Instagram: blushasheville Host: Lisa G. McMillan Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Follow Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go Instagram: busybride101 YouTube Channel: Busy Bride 101 Podcast: Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Welcome to Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go! If you’re vacillating about the type of dessert to serve your guests at your wedding, Mandy at 50/Fifty: The Art of the Dessert has a multitude of options to choose for your special occasion. From specialty cakes and pies to elaborate dessert displays filled with cookies, truffles, or even an armadillo red velvet cake. You’re sure to find a delicious bite to satisfy your sweet craving. To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram and on our YouTube Channel at Busy Bride 101 Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, Your wedding is for the two of you! Links: 50/Fifty: The Art of Dessert Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Mary Bell, owner and principal wedding planner at Mary Bell Events is an accomplished wedding professional. Her extended knowledge in producing and designing luxury weddings has led to her success as one of the most sought after destination wedding planners. Her service areas include but not limited to the Carolinas and Florida regardless if your event is set amongst a grand castle or perched near the waves along the coast, she's has you covered. Her clients are immediately welcomed by her confident demeanor and positive attitude. During the pandemic couples are searching for a professional who is able to pivot as guidelines associated with the pandemic are ever changing. Check out her advice in this episode. Mary and her staff have a solid processes in place to make your wedding a dream come true. Listen and learn. You're sure to be impressed with her approach to planning weddings. LINKS Mary Bell Events Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 CONTACT LISA! Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Hans Daniels, owner and DJ of Nice Entertainment delivers a fun and insightful peek into the world of being a DJ. He and his talented staff of DJs and musicians provide a sophisticated and energetic dynamic to your wedding. If you have been searching for a wedding DJ who is dedicated to making your planning less stressful and your guests wanting for more, then, you've found your DJ. During the interview he covers: LINKS: Nice Entertainment Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 CONTACT LISA! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Find yourself confused about what drinks to offer your guests at your wedding reception? Look no further, Bryce Bjornson of Jack's 47 Mobile Bar fills you in with perfect beverage offerings. His experience is just what you are looking for in determining delicious drinks for your guests along with the benefit of eliminating long lines at the bar. He even discusses a quick way to calculate how much alcohol to purchase without overspending Bryce discusses his fleet of vintage trucks, carts, and bars outfitted to bring a touch of elegance to your event. No plastic coolers here! Just fabulous drinks on tap and a coffee bar to boot. LINKS: Exquisite Events and Consulting Jack's 47 Mobile Bar Pistons and Prosecco CONTACT INFO for LISA: Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: (704) 578-1974

Welcome to Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips for the Bride On The Go! As a wedding planner I've seen the wedding the wedding industry explode with creative and breath taking ways to personalize your event, particularly fashionable clothing during the pandemic. As we are still dealing with exasperating times, we have to re-think how we plan weddings and I have an option for you to add to treasure chest of wedding attire. You definitely need a beautiful dress, amazing shoes, and last but not least a stunning bouquet. Yet, I have another item to add to your checklist. It's bridal swimwear! Couture to be exact. Whether you're planning on relaxing in your swanky cabana poolside with a refreshing libation or splashing in the waves in an undisclosed resort, take a listen as to how you can continue to feel like the belle of the ball beyond the wedding day. On today's episode I have invited the creators of Bliss On, a couture bridal swimwear line and the inspiring women behind the brand are here, Kat Platt and Jenny Pope. Welcome ladies! Let's jump in and tell everyone about Bliss On. Links and Resources Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel Busy Bride 101 Instagram Facebook Bliss On By Kat Platt Bliss On Website Contact Lisa G. McMillan Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone (704) 578-1974

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at Exquisite Events and Consulting. Today’s episode is “Pivot My Wedding, Now”. When ringing in 2020 who knew how the upcoming year would unfold. Many have proclaimed this as the worst year ever! You may find yourself scratching your head wondering on occasion how your wedding plans were hijacked, and why things quickly started spinning out of control. But it's easy to label 2020 as a horrible period during your lifetime. Let's journey deeper and recognize your achievements or as I like to call them, victories as you plan your wedding. Victory Number 1: While postponing your event you learned how to decrease your guest count without looking like the bad guy. Look, you knew when you first created your guest list there were folks you really didn’t want to invite. This gave you the “out” you needed. So, instead of spending hordes of money on mediocre meals and drinks you decided to pivot and you chose to either one, splurge on elevated meals and signature drinks due to the smaller size or two, pocketed the cash and funneled it towards a down payment on your new home together. Victory Number 2: Remember the lighting package which included spotlights directed at each guest table and splashed along the walls for a burst of color? As an alternative, you and your fiancé came to a consensus to string an amazing canopy of twinkle lights on the patio in your parent's backyard. For added dimension and texture to your centerpieces you draped eucalyptus garlands and boat loads of candles to each dinner table. This is such a cost savings and it is just as beautiful as your original design concept. Victory Number 3: The initial idea was to illuminate your custom designed monogram onto the dance floor. When all along it became more interesting to view as it glowed on top of the water of your swimming pool surrounded by floating luminaries along the edges. Now, that’s how you stretch your imagination! It’s a game changer. Victory Number 4: Your 85 year old grandparents who are unable to be present at your ceremony eagerly await to watch you exchange your vows by live streaming it in their home as your cousin uses her laptop for easy viewing, safely set up in the living room. Victory Number 5: Nothing beats a huge multi-tiered wedding cake with flowers cascading down one side of it. Even though your guest count was significantly down-sized, shockingly, you can still have your dream wedding cake. Your pastry chef can create a fake cake with multiple tiers. Each layer is made with foam and the outside has REAL icing! Unbeknownst to your attendees, the top tier is edible in your favorite flavor. Here’s how it works, once you cut your cake, the cake table is wheeled off to the kitchen where slices of sheet cake are plated and served with ease. You can have your cake and eat it, too! When you sit back and reflect on all the memories 2020 has brought your way, remember the good times. Yes, it includes the unexpected and the unprecedented. However, it’s uncovering your renewed energy to face changes head on, to create unique and budget saving options but most of all to celebrate love and togetherness. I'm not making light of the lives taken or financial burdens brought on by the pandemic. I simply ask you to rejoice in the happiness that only love can bring during tragedy. Continue to marvel at how you find solutions to a problem you didn't create or could control. You ROCKED 2020 and that's something to be proud of and celebrated! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram at Busy Bride 101 or visit our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, your wedding is for the two of you! Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite...

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at Exquisite Events and Consulting. Today’s episode is “Backyard Wedding Wins During a Pandemic”. Planning a backyard wedding may seem as easy as 1-2-3 but I wanted to point out a few elements to remember as we’re still navigating through the pandemic and muddling through its constraints. Tip Number 1: Depending on how much space or acreage you have in your backyard don’t fall in the trap of becoming too lackadaisical about the design, functionality, and most of all SAFETY of your guests and vendors. So, let’s start with safety! At some point you’ll need electricity during your event. Even in this hi-tech world you probably don’t have wireless connectivity for all of your speakers, microphones, tent lighting, LCD projection or coffee urns. If you happen to fall in this category, I suggest you first, identify where you’ll plug in your devices. Then, hop in the car and get ready to buy a few power strips. Most pros supply their own power cords and know exactly how to cover them up without injury to your guests. They apply cord covers, mats, or adhesives to hide cables and so should you. Tip Number 2: Here’s another tip about safety. Add plenty of sanitizer in convenient areas for your guests. This is an outdoor event so place them at the back door of your home. Don’t forget about the small packets or pocket-sized bottles at each guest table. Tip Number 3: When it comes to design your backyard wedding can be as modest or elaborate as you want. Figure out where you want to exchange your vows. Is it under a sprawling oak tree you climbed often as a child? Or is it in front of the babbling brook where you first kissed your fiancé? Wherever it is, create a ceremony space overflowing with romance. Soften the look of hard wood and metal fences with delicate fabrics or light foliage. Who said you couldn’t add clusters of flowers or ribbon on each side of the front and back rows? It’s your backyard, no rules here! Tip Number 4: If, at the last-minute rain threatens on your wedding day, look no further than your living room to say “I-Do”. No worries here! Just place enough chairs for the immediate family to sit and everyone else can stand during the ceremony. You wouldn’t believe how many times an unexpected afternoon shower has been the backdrop for some of the most meaningful and unforgettable weddings. Tip Number 5:During the cocktail hour provide appetizers in individual sized containers or skewers. This is not the time for using the same serving spoon to scoop out spinach and artichoke dip. Let’s place a moratorium on unattended buffet stations which promote cross contamination. Yuk! Tip Number 6: When considering the functionality of your backyard wedding keep in mind how to handle your rental items. I know delivery of tables, chairs and linens may be a fleeting thought. But like all events you must check in the quantity delivered against the amount you ordered. By the way, they should match. When ordering napkins always order 10-20 more. It covers any dropped during service or if the caterer needs any for display purposes. Tip Number 7: Make certain your tables and chairs are stored in a dry area away from moisture. Just make space in the garage or covered porch for this task. If you leave those items under your tent exposed without a tarp you run the risk of theft, wildlife destruction, and unanticipated weather issues. These suggestions are just a few of many ideas for your backyard wedding. So, stay tuned for more! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram or on our YouTube Channel Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Hey, don’t forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, today and every day. Visit the website for the CDC for more...

Micro Weddings: The Next Big Thing Whether it’s rain, sleet, snow or even a pandemic, planning your wedding during the unexpected can be frightening. You’ve imagined your event filled with infinite amounts of hugs, kisses and high fives and guests dancing closely to your favorite tunes. Yet, lately we’ve been told to social distance and wear a mask. Well, I’m here to tell you, better days are ahead. Your dream wedding is around the corner and I’m going to help you make it a reality, one squirt of hand sanitizer at a time. Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel YouTube CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WHO World Health Organization Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone 704-578-1974

Join us as highly acclaimed photographer, Tonya Damron of Tonya Damron Photography discusses First Look considerations, family portraits, and how she navigates her team through the coronavirus pandemic. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Tonya Damron Photography Busy Bride 101 (Instagram) Busy Bride 101 (YouTube Channel) Exquisite Events and Consulting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization

In this episode, "DIY Flower Fails with Mandy Frazier" Lisa and Mandy discuss the potential pitfalls of creating your own floral centerpieces, bouquets, corsages, and other flower arrangements for your wedding and reception. Your host, Lisa G. McMillan is joined by florist, Mandy Frazier of An English Flower Cottage. Mandy is an award winning floral designer and has styled lavish and modest events for 22 years and provides services for brides and grooms throughout Western North Carolina. Listen to her examples of DIY flower fails and how your can overcome potential disaster if you decide to take on the task of creating your own floral arrangements. Links and Resources WEBSITES Exquisite Events and Consulting An English Flower Cottage INSTAGRAM Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 An English Flower Cottage

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at Exquisite Events and Consulting. Years of planning weddings has given me focused insight towards organizing successful events. Budgeting, logistics, and constant interaction with others play a significant role in creating moments of a lifetime and dealing with the effects of COVID-19 Coronavirus and how we respond to it, is challenging but manageable. I realize you’re trying to figure out your next steps, don’t worry. I’m here to help YOU. Take a moment to listen to a few of my suggestions to get you started right now during this unprecedented time. Tip Number 1:Your first decision is to figure out if you want to reschedule or cancel. If your wedding is set for the Spring of 2020 get on the phone and contact your vendors immediately. Determine what future dates are available. Communication is key. Be pro-active and initiate dialogue immediately. Tip Number 2: Find out how much it will cost, if you decide to cancel your event. This means pulling out all of your vendor contracts and reviewing their cancellation policy. Pro Tip: Ask if your payment schedule will shift along with the new wedding date. Tip Number 3: If you change the date of your wedding you always have the option of having a civil ceremony with just the two of you. Then, once conditions are much better for all concerned, throw the biggest, baddest, party ever! Kazoos for everyone! Tip Number 4: Update your wedding website with the latest information about your wedding. This is a convenient and effective way to communicate the most recent news, they can use. Other economical methods to deliver up to date details is through word of mouth, text, or email. Tip Number 5: If you have a significant reduction in your original guest count here’s a way to recoup a few dollars. Run straight to your jam-packed 3-ring binder of wedding stuff and look for receipts? Are there any returnable items you’ve bought such as favors, décor, or candles? Unless its miniature bottles of sanitizer for everyone I would try and get my money back. Tip Number 6:Please check updates regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus on the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Their links are in the show notes. We’re in this together, so let’s do this! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram at Busy Bride 101 or visit our website at www.exquisiteevents.info Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, Your wedding is for the two of you! Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast Busy Bride 101 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone 704-578-1974

Today’s PODCAST will cover working with ceremony musicians. Anytime you have the opportunity and financial resources to hire quality musicians, do it! Don’t get me wrong, recorded music works well but there’s an excitement and resonance that accompanies the sound of music wafting through the air played live, right in front of you. Tip Number 1: When hiring musicians make sure it shows on the contract if they are playing the prelude music. The prelude music typically begins 30-45 minutes before the ceremony begins while guests are ushered to their seats. This point is crucial because most brides only think that you need 1hour for music and that’s not necessarily the case. Allow me to break it down. During the processional, which is the entrance of the grandparents, parents, officiant and wedding party, you’ll need one song played while they walk down the aisle. A second song can be chosen as the bridesmaids and groomsmen are making their way down unless you decide to use the same song used earlier in the processional. Then, a third song for YOUR bridal entrance. Let’s not forget if you decide to have additional songs for the unity ceremony or a song before the pronouncement. But wait, there’s more. Musicians will need to play the recessional song as the wedding party exits the ceremony. As guests are leaving their seats you will need postlude music which is played until the last guest exits so this can be 5 minutes to 20 minutes of music and musicians are paid by the hour. Tip Number 2: Communicate clearly with your musicians the exact location, time, and size of your event. This becomes extremely helpful if your venue has multiple spaces for ceremonies. Tip Number 3: Wedding musicians customarily have a list of songs for you to listen to online and they definitely should have a list of songs they can send you for consideration. I had a consultation with a violinist once over the phone with the bride. During the call the bride asked if he knew a particular song, I can’t remember the title. But he said wait a minute let me play a piece of it for you right now. Within seconds we had a mini concert performed over the phone. It was absolutely a treat for our ears and needless to say he was hired! Tip Number 4: If you have a special song request not listed in their suite of music usually, they’ll download the sheet music, learn the song and charge an additional fee. Tip Number 5: Also, on the contract it should indicate what instruments will be used. For example, if you want a duo that consists of a violin and cello it should reflect that on the contract. Tip Number 6: Whenever musicians are playing an outdoor event they need and should be set up in a shaded area or under a tent. Their contracts will also stipulate what weather conditions in which they will not play. Tip Number 7:Musicians usually wear black clothing to events. However, some of them are open to wearing your choice of outfit. For instance, instead of men wearing suits they may wear a dress pant and shirt without a tie. Just discuss wardrobe preferences during your consultation. Tip Number 8: As the musicians are setting up for your ceremony, they’ll want to know who is going to give them the cue to begin music. If you have a wedding planner or coordinator then they will check in with each other and discuss cues. For outdoor weddings I have a retractable five-foot-long white flag, otherwise know as my wedding wand that I wave discretely away from guests but in full view of the musicians when it is time to begin each piece. Tip Number 9: Find a reputable company that’s professional, a website to listen to their music and one who provides you with a contract. Tip Number 10:Have fun selecting the music for your ceremony and work closely with the musician regarding your preferences. Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram at Busy Bride 101 or visit...

In episode, "Wedding Cake: Do I Really Need One?" explores the options of various desserts to offer guests instead of cake. Special occasions are a great dessert option but not everyone likes cake. Here are just a few ideas to consider for your wedding reception. This Episode’s Tips, Trends, and To-Do’s So, let’s jump into our episode! Today’s PODCAST will cover the ever tasty topic of Wedding Cake: Do I Really Need One? Let me admit, I believe cake should be eaten at every celebration with a ½ cup of icing on the side to wash it down instead of a glass of milk. It’s my happy place. Now, for those of you who aren’t as enthusiastic as I am about cake I’ll provide you with several five alternatives to consider to offer your guests. Tip Number 1: Pies, Tarts, and Cookies! During warm and humid receptions held outdoors these treats are more tolerant when displaying for a few hours. There’s less likely no melting of icing or perhaps your cake tilting like the leaning tower of Pisa. When discussing your options with your cake baker or pastry chef inquire about miniature sized versions which look absolutely chic on your dessert table. Let your creative side lead you and think about mixing the level and sizes of the platters. Try this, think displaying your sweets vertically to create dimension instead of each item horizontally. Tip Number 2: For those of you who want cake but not a multi-tiered and want to keep costs down cake consider ordering a small cutting cake It’s just big enough for you and your new spouse to cut and to feed each other. Tip Number 3: Back in the day it was such a huge trend to order a wedding cake with fake tiers. You would never know some of the tiers were fake until you tried to cut it. This option gives you the appearance of a multi-tiered cake. Once you cut your ceremonial slice from the tier that is REAL, the cake table is wheeled away unbeknownst to your guest a sheet cake is available in the kitchen and cut and served on trays to everyone. Oh, the secrets of the wedding industry! HA, HA Tip Number 4: Instead of cake I had a bride and groom totally change up the tradition of sharing their first bite of sweet deliciousness on their wedding day. They ordered huge tubs of various ice cream flavors and toppings along with platters filled with brownies. So, instead they shared their “FIRST SCOOP” in front of their loved ones. It was a HIT! To this day I still smile thinking about that moment. Tip Number 5: Doughnuts, whether sprinkled with powdered sugar or simply glazed to perfection is a wonderful choice. Have you seen the doughnut walls or doughnut towers on the internet? It’s genius! I once had a bride so obsessed with the love of Krispy Kreme doughnuts she bought the two pack containers for each guest and we displayed them on the table. Talk about easy set up, great take aways and Who Doesn’t Like A Doughnut? Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, visit our website at www.exquisiteevents.info and on Instagram at exquisite_events_consulting Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOUR WEDDING IS FOR THE TWO OF YOU! Links and Resources Mentioned: Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Flower Power: Discovering Your Floral Vision is for brides struggling with determining what color combinations, styles and floral types to use for their wedding. This easy step by step approach removes the anxiety of having to know anything about flowers and focus on your desire to have a beautiful event. This Episode’s Tips, Trends, and To-Do’s Today’s episode is entitled FLOWER POWER! Quite often I hear from my clients they know nothing about flowers and have no idea where to begin to express their floral style. Before you know it, they’re frustrated and downright unexcited about visiting any florist. Whether you love flowers or simply swoon over willow branches adorned with twinkle lights, figuring this out should be fun and here’s a few tips on how to make your visit to the florist enjoyable. Tip Number 1: Start by selecting one color, just one to begin forming your wedding palate. It could be the same hue as your bridesmaid’s dresses or maybe it’s a neutral color like the ever-popular blush or slate gray. Tip Number 2: Go online and type in the one color you feel content with, for example, type in “blush wedding colors”. You would not believe the number of color combinations, it’s like a festival of mixtures and textures. So, now you’ve gone from one color to a myriad of beautiful coordinating accents. Tip Number 3: Compile images of your newfound color scheme and store them electronically somewhere in the cloud, you know Google Drive, DropBox, or maybe in a folder on your computer. Tip Number 4: Schedule an appointment with at least 2-3 florists. Let me back up, before you schedule that appointment please visit the galleries on their website or Instagram to see if their style is pleasing to your eye. Tip Number 5: You may not know the difference between a rose and a ranunculus or eucalyptus to ruscus, but you do know what you like when you see it. That’s why it’s the florist’s job to listen to you first as you show them your photos and discuss your wants or concerns. Tip Number 6: Don’t forget to ask to look around their shop. Does it look clean and feel welcoming? Are there shelves of vases and vessels to display centerpieces? What about reams of ribbon, candle holders and mirrors? Seeing these items can easily jump start your inspiration. Tip Number 7: Even if you show up at your florists shop with no idea as to color, pattern, flower type consider this, a vendor who takes time to hear your ideas and can show you how they can expertly interpret your vision within your budget is a florist worth your time and money. Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, visit our website at www.exquisiteevents.info and on Instagram at exquisite_events_consulting Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and SHARE with your friends. ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOUR WEDDING IS FOR THE TWO OF YOU! Links and Resources: Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel Contact Lisa! Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

In episode, DON'T MESS UP MY CLOSE UP: HAIR and MAKE UP TIPS, find out how to prepare for your hair and make up trial run. From what to bring to who to bring we cover the most important questions you will ask about getting your close up ready for the public to see on your wedding day. This Episode's Tips, Trends, and To-Do's Hair and Make Up for your wedding are one of the first scheduled appointments you attend the morning of your wedding and it will be an early morning. I’m constantly asked how does one prepare for their hair and make-up services. Let’s take a few minutes to prepare you with a little advice for looking your best from the neck up! Tip Number 1: Regardless if you’re having your hair and make-up provided by a beloved friend or by an established professional you must include on your to-do list, a trial run. A trial run helps you talk through the details of each brush stroke, eye lash choices, colors that look best on you and so much more during your one on one session. Tip Number 2: Schedule your appointments around 2-3 months before your wedding day and bring someone you trust who can give constructive feedback when you need it most. So, don’t show up alone. Tip Number 3: Wear a white or ivory blouse or top that buttons down the front so that it doesn’t mess up your hair when changing into another outfit. Bonus points if the top you are wearing is the same shape as the upper half of your wedding gown. Tip Number 4: Arrive with dry hair and bring a boat load of photos as a helpful aid in describing to your expert an idea of what you have in mind. A picture speaks a thousand words. From bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and even the precious flower girls all of them want to be included in those services. Ask how much will it cost to include them. This is an eye-opening conversation because it opens the discussion about pricing, how long it will take to perform services for all of your ladies, and if day of services should be offered in the salon or offsite at your hotel. Tip Number 5: During the trial run it is imperative that you speak up whenever you’re not pleased with your look. For example, if the foundation is too heavy looking, the eyeshadow is darker than expected, or the braid is too bulky, let them know on the spot about your thoughts. It won’t hurt their feelings and they encourage clients to be vocal so they can get it right before you leave and especially get it right on your wedding day. Tip Number 6: If you have sensitive skin or allergic to any products inform the hair and make up expert upfront. A long time ago I had a bridesmaid to arrive to the ceremony with puffy, red eyes. Come to find out she was allergic to the mascara applied and she never scheduled a trial run. Needless to say, “Don’t be that person!” Tip Number 7: Here’s a couple of items that brides forget to bring to their trial run, it’s the veil, the decorative and sparkly hair combs or even the earrings. All of these items will help to give you a complete look once the services are finished. So, pack those items for your visit. Tip Number 8: Ask if there is a minimum number of ladies needed to book their services. Tip Number 9: Your hair and make up artist will gladly discuss their fees and follow up with a copy of their contract and an explanation of the payment schedule along with the deposit amount to secure their services. Tip Number 10: If your services are going to be held in a hotel make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets, a room with ample natural light and a chair with a low back. Oh, don’t forget the gratuity. Thanks for Listening to Busy Bride 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the Bride on the Go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, visit our website at www.exquisiteevents.info and on Instagram at exquisite_events_consulting Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and SHARE with your friends. ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOUR WEDDING IS FOR THE TWO OF YOU! Links and Resources: Exquisite...