Tanya Harville Events: You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now wh...

Tanya Harville Events: You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now wh...: "Congratulations! After much chatter and fact finding you and your significant other have finally decided on a location to honeymoon! Bu..."

You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now what?

Congratulations! After much chatter and fact finding you and your significant other have finally decided on a location to honeymoon! But now instead of looking at location after location, you are searching the internet for tips on what to bring and what to pack. Well, I pack heavy, too heavy my husband would say, so I can not help you there. But, I can help you this a few tips that I always abide. You will find, I always try to be a proactive traveler and not a reactive traveler. Ok, you might call in neurotic traveler, I call it proactive traveler. Potato- Patattah, whatever you call it, it makes me for a happy traveler. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Saving your gifts!

• This is not necessarily the most important, but it will save you a lot of struggle upon your arrival home. Make sure when you register for your wedding gifts, you have the shipping address sent to your office or family members home, not your own. You want someone to sign as responsible party for your gifts. Why? Because, believe it or not, there are people who do nothing but scour our neighborhoods looking for packages sitting on the front a porch just waiting to be picked up. If you don’t have anyone you can have your gifts sent to, make sure to ask your neighbor to check your front door everyday. I am sure they won’t mind and you will have piece of mind knowing dear Aunt Helen’s gift arrived safe and sound and you now all you have to do is write her the perfect thank you note.

Stop your mail!

• Make sure to have your mail held at the post office. Any police officer will tell you, having an over stuffed mail box is just like putting a sign in your front yard with an advertisement that reads, “We are out of town for a week. Please come raid our home!”  I know you don’t want to have to deal with the police and insurance companies when you get back, so do yourselves this favor and put the type of hold on your mail that requires you to go to the post office and pick it up. I know it’s a pain, but it’s worth it, trust me! Unless you have a mailbox the size of a dump truck, you run the chance of returning home only to 7 days of mail flapping in the wind and rain all day. I know none of us like bills, but for weeks after the wedding, you run will most likely still be receiving congratulatory cards and such. Again, if you don’t want to share with strangers, don’t make it easy and PUT A HOLD ON IT!

Traveling outside of the country? Don’t forget your these words of advice!

• If you are traveling out of the country you must have a passport. I recommend applying for yours at least 6 months a head of time. I say this because should you run into issues you still have time to rectify any problems with plenty of time still left over.

• Speaking of passport, make sure you sign it and fill in the emergency information. Trust me, this is important!

• Make copies of your birth certificate, passport and drivers license. You will want to place these in a file and give them to your emergency contact. You will might need copies of all of this should you loose your passport or have issues at customs.
• Check and see if your health insurance covers your while traveling abroad. Some do, some don’t. If not, you might consider purchasing a supplemental policy.
• Make sure your emergency stateside contact knows your itinerary and has the phone number and address to your resort or hotels. Also, it might be a great, if possible, to email your contact once every few days or so.
• Make sure to register with the State Department of your travels. This will help you should anything in your area of travels happen. They will know you are there and try to get to you. In my mind, this is a must!! Here’s the link. https://travelregistration.state.gov/
• Always try to do a bit of research on local traditions and customs. Yes, it’s your honeymoon, but offending someone or worse yes, an entire country is never something a blushing bride should do. Yikes!

Honeymooning at the beach?

• If you are traveling to a beach to honeymoon you are most likely headed south of the equator. If this is true remember this, bring a lot of sun block and use it! I repeat, bring a lot of sun block and use it!  You are much closer to the sun when traveling that far south and you will burn much faster there than you are used too. I would also recommend bringing Aloe Vera lotion with a pain agent just incase you need it. Also, I would make sure to have a good over the counter pain reliever with you. It will assist the Aloe in taming the sunburn sting, but the best remedy for sunburn is not to get one.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! If you are traveling to an area where the sun is stronger, it stands to reason the heat is hotter. Since we are here in Louisiana and used to a wet heat, the dry heat isn’t as hot to us, so we might tend to dehydrate quicker. My rule of thumb is this; always have water in hand. Even if you are not feeling thirsty, for good measure, take a sip anyway.
• I also like to bring several pair of sunglasses that are UV rated. I’m not kidding you when I say, it gets bright! Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.

Airplane carry on must!

• I’m not bragging, but luckily I have never had my suite case lost by an airport. It has always made it to whatever destination I was headed too right along side of me. However, I try to pack my carryon bags as if I had. I pack anything I might need to get me through at least one day without my luggage. This is what you will find if you opened my carryon baggage; Extra undergarments, medication, makeup, hairbrush, bathing suit, cash, credit cards, extra change of clothing with matching socks and shoes, jewelry, camera, deodorant, ipod, tooth brush and tooth paste, a good book, my snorkel, scuba mouth piece and goggles and a pair of pajamas. I know the resort or hotel will have free shampoo/conditioner/bath soap and such so I don’t worry with that. I know it sounds like a lot, but hey, it fits and it makes me much more at ease knowing I have them along side of me should I need them.
• This may sound weird, but I never put my passport in my carryon. I always have it on me somewhere. I’m weird and neurotic I know, but it’s just something I do.
• For long trips, I make sure I have a small blanket and travel pillow. Many of the airlines are charging for these, so I just bring my own. Call me frugal, but I’m not one to part with my money when I don’t have too.

I know the list above is daunting a best, but each point has its own way of saving you time later and trust me, when you return home from your honeymoon, you will most likely have a long list of very important honeymooner things to do, like write thank you notes! 

Happy honeymooning!

Tanya

http://www.tanyaharvilleevents.com/

Tanya Harville Events: Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!

Tanya Harville Events: Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!: "Yes ladies, it's that time of the year and I for one am excited! There are two major bridal fairs held in our area and both are in Janua..."

Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!

Yes ladies, it's that time of the year and I for one am excited! There are two major bridal fairs held in our area and both are in January. The first is organized by the fabulous, Tiffany Morehead from The University Club. January 16th from Noon-4 we will be there to say hi and answer any questions you may have. This fair is the smaller of the two, but don't let that fool you! There will still be photographers, wedding planners, pastry chefs and many more wedding vendors to meet with. Off hand I can tell you Jennifer Robison Photography, Kevin Beasley Photography, Jeanne Hine/Sweetie Cakes, Donna Brian/Love in Bloom, Alyson Forman/A Piece of Cake, Kelly Cathey Photography and myself will be there. Those are but a few I can name off the top of my head, but know this... WE WANT TO MEET YOU! This is the perfect location and time to chat with us and see if we might be the right vendor for you and your fiance. Oh, I'm sure the wedding cake, champagne and hors d'oeurves wouldn't hurt either.

The next MUST do bridal fair is the, Signature Bridal Show. It is to be held on Sunday, January 30 from 12:30-4:30 at the Bossier Civic Center.This one promises to be an affair like no other. There will be honeymoon giveaways and one lucky gal will win an engagement ring from Baily's Fine Jewelers! Again, the wedding vendors you will have to opportunity to meet and chat with will pay off ten fold for you. You will have the chance to see fresh ideas in fashion, floral, color trends and more while meeting brides just like you from our area.

Let me tell you, I practice what I preach. During my engagement my fiance and I attended both bridal fairs and we wouldn't change our experiences for anything. While at both bridal fairs we enjoyed tasting the different cakes, looking at the different color palates, to really see different floral arrangements and took notes of things we liked, loved and had to have. After attending, we knew we had a better plan of action and we were also able to reassure ourselves that some the things we had previously chosen were the right ones for us. Like I said, the bridal fairs can be a huge help and should not be missed if it can't be helped.

There are a few things I would recommend to bring with you;

• A BIG swag bag- tons of vendors means tons of wedding loot! You will want business cards of the vendors who impressed you and they may have some information to pass onto you that you will want to keep.                                                                                                                                            
• Your fiance, mother, bridesmaids or all of them! Unlike looking for a wedding gown, the more the merrier is a good rule of thumb. It's a pre-wedding event for all to enjoy!
• A possible list of vendors you might be interested in meeting. This will allow you to make sure you take the time to track them down and speak with them.
• Register, register, register for anything you can while you are there! My hubby and I were lucky enough to win our beautiful toasting flutes while we at a the Signature Bridal Show and I won a gift certificate to have my gown preserve while at The University Club!
• Bring your patience! Remember, you have plenty of time to see everything. Don't be in a rush, the other brides are there to experience all things wedding just as you are. Relax, take it slow and really experience all the shows have to offer.
• Wear comfortable shoes! Tons of wedding vendors means a lot of walking!

Most importantly, bring your smile. We love to see blushing brides. After all, your the reason we do what we do!


See you there!

Tanya
www.tanyaharvilleevents.com

Tanya Harville Events: Thank you and Happy New Year

Tanya Harville Events: Thank you and Happy New Year: "This past year has been a whirl wind for me, but a wonderful whirl wind to say the least. I made a hard decision to leave a wonderful job at..."

Thank you and Happy New Year

This past year has been a whirl wind for me, but a wonderful whirl wind to say the least. I made a hard decision to leave a wonderful job at Sam's Town Hotel and Casino where I worked along side a top notch staff and had the pleasure to learn from the best the food and beverage/entertainment industry has to offer. Working along side of the entire Sam's Town staff I was able to finally find myself and realize my dream; to embark on my own journey as wedding/event planner. What I learned while there is a major reason I am seasoned and as prepared as I am for whatever the wedding industry throws my way. I was fortunate enough to work with people who really saw me for who I am and allowed me to grow without limitations. All of you know who you are, many of you have left Sam's Town to pursue your dreams, but I wanted each of you to know just what an inspiration each of you in some way, shape, form or fashion touched me. I would name each of you, but the list is so long, besides, you know who you are. For all of this and more, I will be forever grateful to each of you. Thank you for the opportunity, the lessons, laughs and for putting up with me-I know this it wasn't always easy.
While on this new adventure, I have been fortune enough yet again to stumble upon a fantastically humble group of wedding planners who started off as just wedding associates and quickly became my friends. Having spoken to many, many wedding planners around the country I learned we were supposed to be enemies. We were supposed to compete against one another and yet we never did. Instead, we quickly became respectful, nurturing and compassionate heartfelt friends with each other. Each of us always know we are able to call each other with our major triumphs, share off the wall ideas and  trouble shoot our own personal issues while never being judged, only encouraged. Donna, Carol and Lani- throughout this next year, may we still set the bar high and our example even higher! I love you ladies!
Now a special thank you to the men and women who refer me business, gives me sound advise and help me attain the visions that swirl in my head. Jennifer Robison, Kevin Beasley, Jemi Adcock, Karen Haydel, Kelly Cathey, Jenanne Hine, Rebecca Dollar, Shane Morgan, Tiffany Morehead, Bernadette Stroud, Jennifer Terrell, Lana DeWease and Moss Duvall.... I owe each of you a HUGE thank you for answering my phone calls, always being open with me and being top notch wedding vendors. You guys enable me to do what I love and I could never begin to thank you enough.
To all of the brides and grooms I have been fortunate enough to work with this past year, I would like to give an extra special thank you. With out each of you, none of us would be able to follow our hearts and enjoy each day as we do.
Last but not least, the main two reasons all of this is possible is by the grace of God and the love of my husband. Without them, I would not be who I am and this last year would not have been possible. I owe them everything and will work tirelessly to attempt to repay the love and dedication in which they have bestowed on me.

To all of you, this is what I wish for your 2011

Peace- like I feel in my heart

Love- like I feel in my soul 

Prosparity- such I have been fortunate enough to obtain

True Friendship- just as I have been blessed with each of you

May 2011 be just as moving and meaningful as 2010!

Happy New Year,

Tanya

Why hire a wedding planner??

Everyone has been asking, why would someone take money out of their wedding budget to hire a wedding planner? It's simple, a professional wedding/event planner can save you time, stress and money. It's as simple as that.
Contrary to popular belief, we are not here to boss you or push you in any certain way. We are only here to assist you. That's it, plain and simple. As a wedding coordinator, it's not my job to dictate to you what I feel you must have, should have, or have to have. It's my job to stand by you and assist you in finding what you must have, should have, and have to have. As a professional, I am here to help you realize your vision and assist you in attaining your dream while keeping you within your budget.

The next question is always with out fail, how? How can I help you??? That's as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4!

1. Contacts! I have been fortunate enough to have been invited into a circle of the most passionate, creative photographers, florist, musicians, make-up artists, venue owners and chefs. Over the years I have come to know this, Shreveport-Bossier city area has the top notch, Grade A wedding/event vendors and I am lucky to have worked with most of them. I will only recommended you to the people I would go to for my own personal needs. I feel anyone I send you to is a an extension of me and since I only want the best, I want you to have the best as well!

2. Education! Just as doctors and lawyers must continue learning through out their career, a great wedding planner will do the same thing. That is why I felt so strongly about joining the Association of Bridal Association, (ABC). To keep my membership I must complete a set number of continuing learning education, (CLE) hours each year or my membership is terminated. As a member, I am given a strong network of other event planners, vendors, trends, fashion and advise. At our national convention this last November, I was fortunate enough to meet David Tutura, star of, "My Fair Wedding". In the past the ABC has brought to us wedding gurus such as Emily Post, Colin Cowie, Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock. This is important because they do not follow trends, they set them! Therefor, we as active ABC members get to hear it, see it, feel it and experience it before anyone else and in return, bring it to you!

3. Buying Power! Being apart of ABC, I have an international list of contacts and vendors to pull from, this allows me to join with all of the other members to buy from groups many other wedding/event planners would not have access to. This means discounts on many of the items you might find in your local stores! Seriously, why pay full price on something when you don't have too? We all love a great sale, right?

4. Stress Free! I know you have laid in bed at night thinking and dreaming of your perfect wedding day. However, when you were laying in bed, I'm sure you never envisioned your wedding day would entail laying out table clothes, folding napkins, setting place cards, calling vendors all while trouble shooting any last minute issues did you? Guess what, you shouldn't! It's your wedding day. That is what someone like me does. I got married a little over a year ago and even I hired someone! Why? I realized I wanted to enjoy every aspect of my wedding day, not work it.

All of the reasons above and more are why I feel most everyone should hire a wedding professional. A true professional will always refer others to vendors who are reputable and professional. They will continue their education as trends, fashion and wedding customs are always changing and evolving. They will listen to your wants, needs and desires and try to get you as close to your vision as possible all while keeping you within your budget. That is our goal, to assist you in achieving your dream day, not dictate it.