Every now and then I come across a great new event planning tool that I just have to share with you all. Recently this one found me: SquadUP. After browsing through the website and talking with one of the co-founders (hey Austen!) I can't believe that I haven't run across this site before. The idea behind this site is pretty simple (and amazing!)... Everything about SquadUP is so easy to use. When you go to their site you simply click "create an event," enter your event information, customize your event page and you are ready to go! Whether you are hosting a charity fundraiser, bachelor/bachelorette weekend getaway, a Superbowl Party or a friend's birthday extravaganza, SquadUP is the perfect tool for the event host or hostess. You have to check it out! Here are some great reasons why you should start using SquadUP today: 1. Connect with the TOP Social NetworksAs a host, you are in charge of sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, disseminating event-specific details, and updating your friends when those details change. SquadUP solves each of these challenges by allowing you to reach friends, and friends of friends, via Facebook, email, and twitter, with beautifully designed custom invitations. 2. Easy Access AnytimeYou create a custom webpage for your event where you're able to message guests and track RSVPs, all in real-time. If your time, location, description, or any event-specific details change, SquadUP’s allows you to notify your guests and help them plan accordingly. 3. Easy Payment MethodsCollecting money from guests one by one can be a nightmare. SquadUP streamlines the process of collecting the money for your event and provides you with the ability to track funding every step of the way. You determine the amount you want to collect, how you'd like to receive your funds, and by what date. You can set multiple ticket prices, collect donations, and give out promo codes. 4. It's too easy NOT to use! You don't just have to take my word for it... So be sure to head on over to SquadUP to plan your next event today! You can also connect with them through any of their social media networks below... Do you have an event planning tool that you love to use? Let me know in the comments section below! Thanks SquadUP!
xoxo
Megan
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When it comes to planning a fun summer party, hosting a pool party is the way to go. You are able to get a little sun, hang out with your friends and relax from the heat by having fun in the pool. Today I created a great preppy pool party theme that you could use for your next pool party.
When it comes to all things preppy you can't go wrong with stripes. If you are hosting the party at your home you can find great striped pillows, umbrellas, and a cabana that you can put out to decorate the area. Add a DIY party banner using striped scrapbook paper along with hanging paper lanterns and you have your decorations covered. You can also find striped towels and pool floats to put out for your guests when they first arrive.
For those celebrating a birthday, a preppy striped birthday invitation is a must. The invitation card above is from etsy shop Cutsie Tie Dye Boutique and also comes in pink and green. An easy way to add some preppyness to your food display (and provide for easy clean up) is through striped utensils, plates, straws, napkins and favor bags. I found all of these striped items on etsy, which is my go-to when it comes to finding party ideas and creative party items. And you can't forget the food at this preppy pool party. You can serve popcorn in adorable striped popcorn boxes and cupcakes in striped liners. The cupcakes and popcorn idea came from the blog Lil Sugar. Serving cakepops at your preppy pool party is a great way to get creative and are an easy treat compared to a cake when you are outside at the pool. These whale cake pops are from The Party Wagon blog. To add more stripes to the preppy whale party the hostess used crepe paper to create a striped background. I am in love with all of these preppy pool party finds today. I might even order some of those items from etsy just to have around for everyday use they are so cute! What is your must have when it comes to hosting or going to a pool party? Now all you have to do is go grab your suit and you are pool party ready!
xoxo
Megan
Want more party ideas? You can find all these great pool party ideas and more by following me on Pinterest @PreppyPlanner.
I hope you have been enjoying my list of money saving tips over the past 4 weeks. Here is the final list of ways you can save when it comes to planning weddings and events.
31. Vase Variety. Trying using a variety of small bud vases as a centerpiece instead of a large centerpiece with lots of flowers in them. You can still use the same flowers you love but you don’t have to buy as many of them and you can put the arrangements together yourself as easy vase will only hold a few stems.
 32. Something Borrowed. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If you stick to the wedding credo borrowing items from family and friends can make your wedding day special. Borrowing jewelry, cuff links, a veil, or other special item for your wedding day can be an easy way to save some money.
33. Find New Talent. There are always talented DJ’s, bakers, photographers, and caterers out there waiting for their big break. Find someone in the business currently and ask them if they have anyone they have anyone working as an apprentice or currently in school that they could refer to you. You can get a big break on price if you have someone that is just trying to break into the business or still studying their profession. And most of the time they will be more than flexible to work with you on what you want so that in return you can sing praises and refer them to your friends.
 34. Be Your Own DJ. Want to throw a fun party, but don’t have the money to spend on a DJ? A great way to save is by creating your own playlist and then downloading it onto your ipod. You can even include a spot on your RSVP cards for the guests to write down a song they would like to hear.
35. Early Bird Wedding. Having your wedding earlier in the day can help you cut down your costs with every vendor. You can get great deals at venues, entertainment and above all else food. If you have your wedding early enough you can create a to-die-for brunch menu.
36. Go Homemade. If you plan on sending your guest home with a sweet treat a great way to save money is to make the favor yourself. I worked where the bride and her mom made the chocolate mustaches that all the guests took home.
 37. Skip the Cake. For those don’t care about the traditional cake, you can get great deals on desserts in bulk from bakeries such as cookies, brownies, lemon bars and donuts. You can even ask your caterer to get creative in the display so your desserts give the impression of the traditional cake display.
38. Fake the Cake. If you love cake, but hate the cost, an easy way to save is to decorate a fake cake (foam layers) and to have sheet cakes to cut up in the kitchen. Guests will not know the difference when the cake comes back out all cut and sheet cakes are a fraction of the cost of a wedding cake.
39. Ditch the Limo. Don’t care about take a limo from the wedding to the reception or to the hotel? An easy way to save a couple hundred dollars is to get a family member to drive the bride and groom between destinations and find a friend’s SUV that can shuttle the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception.
 36. Keep the Bubbly at the Bar. A big way to save when it comes to the bar bill is to not give a champagne toast at your wedding. The majority of your guests will not drink the stuff causing it to go to waste. If the bride and groom want to toast with champagne but don’t want to foot the bill on the wasted champagne just keep some bottles behind the bar for those that ask.
Do you have other ways that you have saved when planning your wedding or event?
Happy Tuesday to you all! Here are my next ten wedding and event planning tips on ways you can save!
21. Use Thermography. Instead of engraving your stationary print using thermography and your budget will start out as half of the cost of engraving. This method of printing still looks amazing and classy without the price tag that accompanies it.
22. Online Bargain Hunt. Put 21st century technology to the test. Use sites like eBay, Etsy or Craigslist to search for great deals for such things as fabric, ribbon and decorations. I found great deals on vinyl stickers on Etsy when I created the favors for my friend Emily’s bachelorette party.
23. Pick Forever Shoes. When it comes to picking your shoes and accessories for your big day pick ones that you will wear again. So many brides choose shoes that they love for their wedding day and then never wear again. For all the shoe lovers out there this just doesn’t make any sense!
24. Monogram It. An easy, and inexpensive, way to coordinate your wedding day is to put a monogram on everything. You can order a custom stamp online with your custom monogram, or just buy a premade single initial and go crazy stamping. You can add the stamp to your invitations, napkins, programs, and favors making it look like you spent a ton when in reality you only bought the one stamp. This stamp can be found on Etsy shop Joiede Vie Paperie.
25. Decorate Where You Will Be. When it comes to decorations there is no need to put arrangements on every table and on every pew of the church. Focusing the main decorations and flower arrangements at the front of the church (where you will be) and where the bride and groom will be seated will direct the guests to that area and to you.
26. Sign Up for Emails. Who likes getting tons of emails everyday from a bunch of companies you don’t really care about? When it comes to weddings it pays to sign-up. Create a new, wedding only email account that you can give out when wedding shopping. You can score great deals and updates from companies by doing so allowing you to save on that dream dress or must-have entertainment. 27. Buy In-Season. When it comes to flowers there are always a variety of options available no matter what colors you have in mind for your wedding day. The best way to save when it comes to choosing your bouquet is to select flowers that will be in-season during the time of your wedding. In-season flowers are easily available and are less expensive than ones that have to be special ordered.
28. Select Big Blooms. Another tip when it comes to selecting your flowers is to choose over-sized blooms. Flowers like African marigolds, hydrangeas, gladiolus and Stargazer lilies have great over-sized blooms meaning you won’t need as many for your arrangements.
29. Branch Out. Think outside of the box when it comes to your centerpieces. Spray painting branches and hanging votives, strings of pearls or other decorations can make a great centerpiece without spending a dime on flowers which can end up saving you hundreds.
30. Miniaturize Your Makeup. Going to a make-up counter and testing out your potential wedding look is a great way to find eye shadows, lipstick and gloss that you will want to use on your big day. Spending money on one of these items is a great way to then ask for samples on the others staples that you can use to create your wedding day look.
In case you missed out on the first 20 event saving tips you can find them here:
- Week 1
- Week 2
What ways did you use to save on your last event? Share your money saving ideas in the comment section below! Happy Saving!
xoxo
Megan
I hope you enjoyed last weeks money saving tips for planning an event. I have ten more great ideas for you this week. If you missed last week's money saving ideas you can check out Week #1 post for the first ten tips. With the average wedding cost up to around $27,000 who wouldn't want some cost cutting secrets? 11. Get Creative With Your Caterer. Opting for non-traditional options when it comes to event catering is a great way to save money. If you have a favorite restaurant or food truck that you love going to take to the owner as their pricing is normally lower than traditional catering services. Food trucks would add some originality to your reception if you are also looking for something outside the box for your event.
12. Have a Friend Be the Officiant. If you have a close friend or relative you can trust, having them get ordained to marry you can save you the cost from having to hire a minister. However, for those that live in Virginia (me!!) the law requires that the officiant be active in the ministry.
13. Find a Non-Standard Reception Venue. If you know of a good restaurant or outside location for your reception you might be surprised at the cost difference between those places and a standard banquet hall. Restaurants and outside locations don't need much decorating as they come with the surrounding decor which is another cost cutting bonus!
14. Be ruthless with the Head Count. When it comes to keeping a budget low and easy way to cut back on cost is keeping your guest list controlled. Yes you might want to invite your whole office or your 30 nieces and nephews but keeping the event list just to your closest friends and family will help keep your costs down.
15. Pick a Different City. If you live in a high cost area like New York City, D.C. or Miami switching your wedding or event to a smaller city can save you tons of money. Everything from venue cost, food, and outside vendors will have lower costs in smaller cities and towns.
16. Hire a Wedding Planner. This may not seem like it would make sense, but hiring a wedding planning who knows the industry can get you great deals with vendors. They are very knowledgeable about the industry and can get you great deals on things you might not know to ask for.
17. Free Downloads. There are tons of sites that offer free downloads that can help you in creating your wedding day. From place cards, programs, decorations and fonts you can find so many great downloads for free. Here are some adorable free printable summer gift tags from Vale Designs that you can download and print for free. 18. Choose an All-Inclusive. Some venues offer in-house wedding planners, vendors and ceremony site. Having everything the "extras" included in your venue cost are easy money savers and as a bonus the on-site planner knows how the venue operates, who to talk to and has seen what work and doesn't work at that location. 19. Program Free. Choosing to not create a program for your ceremony can help save you anywhere from $50-400+ depending on the size of your guest list. Most ceremonies these days are short and pretty standard when it comes to what happens when. With most program being thrown away right after the ceremony ends, not having programs can be an easy way to save a few hundred dollars. 20. Go Online. To save on paper and to keep everything organized putting all your information on your own website is a great way to save money (I swear I think the cost of a stamp goes up every time I go to the post office). The Knot and Wedding Wire are two sites that offer great DIY wedding websites. Have any of your own money saving ideas when it comes to event planning? Let me know!! Next Tuesday I will share with you ten more great money saving ideas. To keep up with everything you can follow me on Twitter @PreppyPlanner and by signing up for a daily email on the "Follow Me" page.
Happy Saving!!
xoxo
Megan
Recently I have been helping my friend plan a backyard BBQ for her son's rehearsal dinner coming up in August. She wanted something laid back and easy to put together but would provide for a fun atmosphere as this group loves to party! With that in mind I found some great ideas, that don't cost a lot, that will create the perfect backyard BBQ celebration. As with any party, a coordinating invitation is a must! For a backyard BBQ theme using red, blue and gingham prints give you tons of options when it comes the the invitations. These are from Invitation Consultants but can also be a DIY craft. When it comes to backyard events lighting is key. For the rehearsal dinner my friend has tons of Christmas lights sitting around so we thought that this would be the perfect way to light up the event space and allow for the guests to party into the evening. As a simple centerpiece idea you can use tin buckets and put potted plants into them. This allows for easy set-up and you can either add the plants to your garden after the event or give them as thank-you gifts to any guests. | | These are two ideas that I could not wait to share! I found this silverware idea and cannot wait to use it. Your guests can use the mason jar as their glass and the bandanna as their napkin for the evening. The baskets above are also easy to put together and can serve as the plates for your guests. The parchment paper can be found at most cooking stores and I have seen the baskets at dollar stores. Both of these allow for easy clean up and give your backyard event something unique. I found the mason jar idea from A to Z Celebrations and the basket idea from Hostess with the Mostess. | You can't forget the food when it comes to hosting a backyard BBQ. The lucky thing with a casual event like a backyard BBQ is that you can do just about anything. Skewers lend an easy hand to your food spread as they allow for easy grilling, display and in helping your guests pick up their food. To prevent and skewers from catching on fire while on the grill soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use. You can also use gingham paper to wrap all your bowls, drinks and condiments to add some festive color to your table. The food display on the left is from the Hostess with the Mostess.  To provide some entertainment to a backyard party yard games are a great idea and can be played by all the guests in attendance. Some of my favorite games to play are cornhole and bocce ball. You can set up playing areas for each of these games and let your guest enjoy a little competition.What are your must haves when it comes to throwing a backyard BBQ party? Let me know in the comments section below!Want more ideas for a backyard event? You can find all of these plus more on my Pinterest page @PreppyPlanner. Follow my page to keep up with all my event planning ideas!
xoxoMegan
I must admit that I love getting a bargain. Whether it is at a restaurant, on tickets or when I am shopping. So when I found an article with great money saving tips when it comes to planning an event I just had to share them with you! Over the next four weeks I will be sharing with you 40 great money saving ideas for your wedding, or any event, you are planning. If you know of any other great money saving tips when it comes to planning your event feel free to share in the comments section below. 1. Host your ceremony and reception at the same place. Having your entire event at one venue can usually get you a better deal with the venue. It will also save you on transportation and time spent going from one location to another as well as decorations and flowers for multiple venues.
2. Call in favors. Don't be afraid to ask friends and family members to lend a hand when planning your big day. For things like invitations, photography, flowers, cake and food it is always a great idea to ask around and to keep your friends in mind. If you ask a friend to help you in celebrating your big day they would probably be more than happy to donate their time as a wedding present to the happy couple.
3. Make a List of Your Must-Haves. Every bride and groom imagines their big day differently. Not having a cookie-cutter wedding and just focusing on what the two of you care about can save you tons of money. If you want to have a big dance party putting your money towards a great DJ is more important than spending thousands on flowers. The bride and groom-to-be should sit down early in their planning process and decide on their must-haves so that during the wedding planning they are not wasting time or money on things they don't really care about.
4. Find a Low Cost Resort. If you have your heart on a destination wedding booking at a smaller resort and booking the whole venue for your entire event can score you great deals and make the entire trip enjoyable for you and your guests. Many venues will offer great packages if you book far enough in advance and guarantee a sizable group.
5. Have a Separate Wedding and Reception. If you just want close friends and family at the ceremony but still want to celebrate your marriage with all your friends having two different dates can be an easy way to save. This allows for more focus to be on the reception when it comes to your budget. And for all those girls who hate to just wear something once, this option lets you wear your wedding dress twice!
6. Host an Off-Season wedding. Having your wedding in the late fall through winter provides for great decoration and theme ideas while also getting you multiple discounts. Most venues don't host as many weddings during this time so they are usually flexible when it comes to pricing. Another perk of hosting a wedding during this time is that out-of-town guests will not be able to attend if there is a potential for bad weather.
7. Go Vintage or Second-Hand. When it comes to the wedding day apparel a dress and tux can cost thousands of dollars. If you know a great tailor and are willing to shop around you can get a great deal on your wedding dress and tux by looking in local consignment stores, browsing online sites like Once Wed or wearing your mother's or other family member's dress.
8. Create a Relaxed Feel. If you keep the celebration relaxed you can be amazed at how far you can stretch your budget. The last wedding I was in was at an all-in-one venue, the ceremony in the garden (no needed decorations there), brought in their own food and drinks and the flowers were put together by a family member. If you keep the celebration low-key you can do things your own way and save tons!
9. Use a Free Venue. If you are looking to host your wedding at a church that you have been a member at for a while, more than likely you will be able to book the venue for free. This is a great way to save money by having the ceremony and reception at a venue like this. Just as a reminder, if you do get a venue for free it is always a nice gesture to make a donation to the church as a thank-you. 10. Serve Buffet Style. When it comes to the food at a wedding you can get great deals if you serve buffet style. Most people will only take what they want to eat having food not be wasted if each person's plate was pre-plated. You can also work with your caterer on buying the food at places like Costco or Sam's Club getting you great deals on buying in bulk. You can find tons of creative ways to serve simple food like veggies, dips and meats that you buy wholesale or in bulk.
What money saving techniques did you use on your big day? Don't forget to come back next Tuesday to get the next 10 money saving ideas for your event!
xoxo
Megan
With people always wanting something new for their event, the trends are always changing. This year's fashion and electronic fads are having a huge influence on the new event trends. Here are my top 10 trends that I am loving in 2012: 1. Pantone Color Palettes. So many companies are using these color palettes that Pantone publishes every year. The 2012 color of the year is PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango. Events this year have really started to embrace this color as you can find it in foods, décor, invitations and clothing at events. Image from Signature Style by Shelia Ward. 2. Outdoor Furnishings. With event hosts looking for what is new, the outdoor event is an easy trend to follow. Events are not just located in the standard ballroom location but are also overflowing into exotic outdoor locals. With this move the furnishings need to be weather resistant while also keeping up with the modern style. Image from Designer8*. 3. Online Invites. With a lot of companies and event hosts looking for a way to go green with their event this couldn’t be an easier way. There are now a host of online event sites that you can choose from. Some of my favorite site to use are pingg, punchbowl and Paperless Post. 4. Apps. Between Apple and Android you can find an app to download about anything, including event planning. There are an array of apps that can help the bride-to-be like Colorschemer, Prepare to Wed and Brides. There are also event planning ones like Wedding Planner from The Knot, myBanquet and Event Planning for Your Business. With new apps coming out every day there is an endless amount of possibilities with apps. You can learn about more event planning apps from Katherine Gray’s story featured on USA Today. 5. Social Media. With everyone having a Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, blog and whatever else account it is no wonder that social media has finally started becoming a staple in event planning. You can find events with live Tweeting, advertised through Facebook or being blogged about.
6. QR Codes. Following with our electronic trend craze, the QR code has gained popularity with companies over the past year and are now being used with events. You can link a video promoting your event or send the invitee to the event website now with the click of the QR code. QR codes are easy to create online and to add to any event. Try this code to see where it takes you!
7. Local Foods. Farmers markets are a weekly Saturday favorite of my family as well as restaurants. With the green movement continuing to grow you will start to see more restaurants and catering companies getting their produce from local suppliers. If you need a way to promote that your event is eco-friendly, supporting your local farmer’s market is a great way to achieve this. If you live in Virginia you can visit the Virginia Grown website to find a farmer's market near you. 8. Interactive Entertainment. If you ask anyone what their favorite event was that they attending they will probably tell you one that they were able to take part in. Providing an interactive experience at your event for your attendee increases the probability that the attendee with have a better time and also remember the event. Interactive entertain could include gaming areas, dancing, initiating the attendees 5 senses, wandering artists and photo favors. Here is a live performing acrobat at a holiday party that I helped with a few years ago.
9. Alternative Dining. Finding new and creative dining options provide event planner and designers a way to meet their client’s want of setting their event apart from the rest. Using a variety of seating options, antique furniture, or anything distressed, acrylic or mirrored can provide that alternative dining option. Using alternative dining options gives the planner a new decorating option when it comes to incorporating the theme. AFR furniture rental shows multiple ides when it comes to using alternative dining at an event. 10. Custom Details. This is by far my favorite! Event customization can include creating personal monograms, incorporating family traditions and a lot of DIY details. I love using Etsy in helping with any event customization. As any preppy girl can tell you they love to customize anything and everything! Image from Caitlin Arnold Weddings. Which trend is your favorite for 2012? Share your favorite trend in the comment section below. Don't forget that you can keep up with everything from The Preppy Planner by following me on Twitter @PreppyPlanner.xoxoMegan
Welcome to the Preppy Planner! Here you will be able to follow everything about events. From weddings to casual get-togethers I will talk about the ins and outs of event planning. Each week I will feature a Weekend recap on Monday from an event that weekend, a Top 10 list on Tuesday, a Wedding Wednesday spotlight, Themed Thursday featuring different event themes and a Foodie Friday.
You can check back each day to follow my blog posts or you can sign-up to receive a daily email link once the post it up. You can sign-up for my emails on my “Follow Me” page. If you don’t want to receive emails but still want to be notified when I post you can follow my Twitter feed @PreppyPlanner. I also have created a page on Pinterest #PreppyPlanner where I will post all my ideas that I have shared with you (plus a little more) on my site.
With so much going on this summer for me I can’t wait to share everything with you! Check back tomorrow for my first Tuesday Top 10 post! What events do you have coming up this summer?
xoxo
Megan
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