Monday, October 3, 2011
I recently attended an open house for Regalo Design and had an opporttunity to speak with a lovely engaged couple. They asked what I thought about Regalo Design and other wedding planners. Nashville has a bevy of great wedding planners, which makes choosing the right one a challenge. BUT, I encourage you to take the time to interview a few and find the one that feels right. Ask questions, read their blog, meet them in person and hire the company that meets your specific needs, "gets" your vision and with whom you connect personally.
Regalo Design is one wedding planning company that you should definitely add to your consider list. Sarah and Damon make a great team and offer a unique combination of services, from floral design to custom furntiture and wedding favors. Sarah is very creative and a great problem solver. Damon is a gal's dream handyman and a great complement to the design team. Their company is a one-stop planning solution for many of your wedding needs.
Let's look at some of the specific ways Regalo Design can help you!
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Left: their studio; Right: Damon and Sarah
A husband and wife team, Regalo Design takes care of your planning, florals and decor for your wedding. "Sarah is one person who understands all three aspects," explained Damon, "When you have three seperate vendors for each thing it's hard to get them to fully understand your vision." When it comes to fabrics and draping, Regalo can handle the simple parts but will outsource to specialty lighting companies; aside from that and catering, there isn't much they don't do.
Planning Services
Regalo limits the number of weddings they do each year to make sure they properly focus on each bride. They have several tiers of planning packages from month-of to full-on planning and destination packages. "We are able to JUST be a planner if that's called for but our other services are included for sure." The "other services," Damon was referring to:
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Unlimited emails and phone calls
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Pre-wedding consultations
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Assistance with all of your wedding showers or parties
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Vendor referrals
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Timeline of events
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Coordinate and direct the rehearsal
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Rehearsal dinner and wedding day activities
All this is included whether you get the most basic of packages or if you have added more of their services on.
Budgeting
As a planner, Regalo has established strong working relationships with vendors and wholesalers and will share those incentives and savings with you. For example, the cost of flowers - they buy flowers for your decorations from wholesalers and they offer you the same prices they get, so there are no hidden costs. As Damon told me, when it comes to utilizing a bride's budget, "we specifically divide budget up to what they want, don't overbuy and therefore don't exceed their budget."
Floral Design & Decor
"Anything floral related, we can fully manage," Damon says. Personally, their floral work far exceeds just management - Regalo designs and puts together all the flowers in their weddings from bouquets to centerpieces. Mixed in with their huge assortment of decor pieces, each wedding has its own look with Regalo's distinct flair and touch.
Sarah also sews, so it's not out of the ordinary for her to create custom linens for a bride. Regalo also has a huge inventory of decor items like vases, glass cylinders, votives, candles and other knick knacks that you would normally have to rent elsewhere. There is no extra cost to what you use.
Wooden boxes perfect for a rustic wedding.
Wedding Favors
Regalo Design offers wedding favors through their Wedding Favor Market. From great bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts to all sorts of fun favors your guests will love, the Wedding Favor Market has a ton of options. Because Regalo runs this online store, they know what's available, how soon you can get it and they will be able to tell you how well (or not) it will match your theme.
Peace of Mind
You are always in the loop when you work with Regalo. All couples have access to their own online planning database that Sarah and Damon update as you go through your planning process. The Regalo Planning Center has checklists, contracts, invoices and notes from meetings and phonecalls so if you ever have a moment where you're wondering if you might have forgotten to talk to Regalo about something, you can go in there to check, even if it's the middle of the night!
When your first consultation is complimentary, there's nothing to lose and so much to gain, so definitely give Regalo Design a call. They have tons more photos from weddings and events they've overseen on their website RegaloDesign.com - where you will also find more information on everything they do. You can also read testimonials from Regalo brides on her profile here view pictures or their real weddings in our Inspiration Gallery.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Details, Design & Florals, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
Hi all! It's guest blogger Ashley Currie with iHospitality, not to be confused with the lovely Ashley King (of Ashley's Bride Guide). This month I wanted to give you a different look at an old favorite…favors! As you plan your big day, there is always the task to find a great favor that provides a big “Thank You” to your guests. My little guide this month will walk you through a green view of choosing Nashville wedding favors while incorporating the 3’R’s to green living…Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.
Reduce
Going green really involves less waste and truly utilizing the resources you currently have. Many times, for favors, you are always paying for un-needed packaging, high shipping costs plus the fact many favors rarely leave your guests car. I say, take a new approach…buy local and keep it edible on your upcoming favors journey. There are so many great artisans in Nashville that can allow you to provide a great favor without flying it in from miles away.
A Cocoa Tree truffle nestled in a nice post consumer kraft box, what a perfect little thank you.
Cocoa Tree
1200 5thAve N.
Nashville, TN37208
Phone Number: 615.255.5060
Website: TheCocoatree.com
Nashville Wraps
Phone Number: 800.547.9727
Website: nashvillewraps.com
Left: Chocolate truffle, CoCoaTree.com. Right: Fun packaging from NashvilleWraps.com
Make them smile with handmade marshmallows from Bang Candy. Simple packaging with a huge bang of flavor on the inside.
Bang Candy Company
1300 Clinton St.
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone Number: 615.587.4819
Website: BangCandyCompany.com
Image by Bang Candy Co.
Image by Bang Candy Co.
Reuse
Last year, I attended a wedding and received a personal CD of the couple’s favorite love songs. Of course, I am always thinking green and realized this is definitely an eco-friendly way to go. Creating a reusable favor allows you to make it personal and lower the amount of waste your big day will produce.
A customized love song CD
This cute chocolate guitar provides a one of a kind favor that can be personalized and given during your Music City nuptials. Plus, the little guitar case can easily be reused for your desk or home knick-knacks, perfect!
Image by NashvilleGuitarBar.com
Nashville Guitar Bar
1006 Green Hill Cove
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone Number: 615.507.9022
Website: NashvilleGuitarBar.com
Recycle
Are you a catalog type of person and would prefer jumping out of a plane over doing your own DIY favors? No worries, you can still go green with your favors. More and more companies are providing eco-friendly options allowing you to easily serve “green” up to your guests. Make sure when browsing the favor catalogs you always click the eco-friendly, green or sustainable category when shopping. Many of these catalogs offer recycled items that still give you fun and easy to assemble options.
Local full service event planning company, Regalo Design, recently launched a favors division offering eco-friendly options.
Image by Regalo Design Wedding Favors
Wedding Favor Market by Regalo Design
7009 Lenox Village Dr. Suite 103
Nashville, TN 37211
Phone Number: 615.482.1350
Website: WeddingFavorMarket.com
I hope you have been inspired to add a little of the 3 R's into your wedding day and feel free to share some of your creative, eco-friendly inspired favors with Ashley's Bride Guide. We would all love to hear about them!
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Posted by Green Nashville Weds |
Filed under: Eco-Friendly Weddings, Guests, Gifts & Favors
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend.
Isn't it interesting how a vacation makes you long for the next? And for many of you, your next vacation will be your honeymoon! However, if your schedule only allows for a few days off right after your wedding, consider a minimoon; it's a wonderful idea. My husband and I only had time for a minimoon after our wedding and where did we stay? Aloft in Cool Springs!
Aloft's modern and innovative design is a vision of W Hotels. The sleek and warm environment is just one of the great aspects of the hotel, and they offer one-of-a-kind service. If you want something, chances are you can have it, at any hour! Perfect for a home-away-from-home minimoon for modern brides and grooms.
The contemporary lounge areas are magnificent, and great for getting some fresh air.
One great feature is the 24/7 pantry, Re:Fuel. Any and every snack item you will ever want is stocked fresh in Re:Fuel. You grab what you want, when you want it! Every time you "check out," it's charged right to your room number, so no waiting in lines to pay. I had ice cream late one night during my minimoon. (Yum!) And the best part was we didn't have to go anywhere. They also have a latte machine. Coffee lovers can make all the lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos their hearts desire. Talk about convinence!
A latte machine + snacks = a-mazing!
If your wedding is in the winter, no worries, you can still swim in Aloft's indoor swimming pool! The water is refreshing and you will feel relaxed in no time. It features comfy seating, and Wi-Fi for those who just want to hang out by the pool.
Aloft adds a chic vibe to just hanging out by the pool with this oversized seating area. Perfect for cuddling with your new spouse!
Right beside the pool area, Aloft Cool Springs has a state-of-the-art work-out facility.
The w xyz bar provides beverages and cocktails that you won't want to miss. Happy Hour is always a-buzz at Aloft. Wine, spritzers and speciality drinks are always on the menu!
Aloft features PURE rooms, which are allergy friendly rooms! Now you don't have to worry about sleepy in a 'stuffy' hotel room. Aloft covers every last detail when it comes to your stay with them. From their Facebook page: “A PURE room has all bedding and pillows encased in protective yet comfortable cover that is mold-proof, spore-proof, hypoallergenic, dust and dust mite proof.” I just love how ahead-of-the-game Aloft is in their amenities!
The rooms are, as you guessed it, just like a loft! The entry way, sink, and closet is open into the bedroom area. The bathroom features a space saving sliding door. So great!
Don't forget to turn off the alarm! It's your minimoon!
To book your minimoon, check out Aloft's website below. You won't regret your refreshing, ultra-calming stay with Aloft! Aloft is also great for wedding room blocks for your out of town guests. Contact Kristen McBryde at 615-221-6515 to discuss rooms for your out of town wedding guests.
{Aloft Cool Springs is an ABG advertiser. All photos via Aloft Cool Springs Facebook Like Page.}
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources
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Monday, May 2, 2011
Your wedding could possible be the biggest family reunion of your life! Your family, traveling from miles away, will delight in every other family member they see. And, while you are running around taking care of last minute details, they will be reconnecting with other guests, often having impromptu mini-parties whenever they see family and friends.
Many brides and grooms don't even think about all of the reuniting that takes place before and after their actual ceremony/reception. But, your family, especially out of town famiiy, will treat your wedding as a vacation. So the hotel you select for guest accommodations will really will matter.
For my wedding, I wanted a place that had a casual meeting area and breakfast/snacks so my guests could hang out and eat conveniently. You may have other priorities. But as you consider what's important - from location to price point - check out one of our website sponsors, Aloft Hotel. We love their hotel! It's right off Interstate 65 in Franklin (behind Cool Springs mall), is super chic and ultra modern with great mingling spaces, modern rooms and free wifi.
Learn more in our helpful Q+A with Aloft Hotel...
Venue Information:
Name: Aloft Nashville Cool Springs
Address: 7109 South Springs Drive
, Franklin, TN 37067
Contact: Kristyn McBride
Telephone: 615-221-6515
Website: AloftHotels.com/coolsprings
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aloftnashville
Facebook fan page: Facebook.com/AloftCoolSprings
About The Venue
We are Urban Cool in Unexpected Places. As a vision of W Hotels, Aloft is all about free flowing energy, fresh sensibilities and an active social scene. Urban-inspired design, accessible technology and an anything goes attitude, adds a new twist to the hotel category, while specialty cocktails, a cutting edge playlist and the happening vibe of the WXYZ bar adds extra sizzle.
The Bar/Lounge area in the lobby is a wonderful conversational area.
Year hotel built: September 2008
Your motto/philosophy: Live Life Aloft
Payment options accepted: MC, VI, DS, AX, Travelers Check, DC
What type of room(s) are available?
Loft Style rooms with one king bed or two queen beds
King Loft
Queen Loft
How far in advance should a bride book your venue? 3 -6 months out
When is the initial deposit/final payment due?
3 days prior with credit card guarantee for rental, at the time of check out for sleeping rooms
What makes your venue so unique? What do you pride yourself on?
Effervescent, energetic and alive are three words that embody the spirit of Aloft, from our overall attitude to our A-list atmosphere. Aloft is making travel fresh and fun, with a modern bold design, bright social spaces and a spirit of adventure, attracting individuals that want unique experiences. Our atmosphere is uniquely Aloft where sight sound and scent all synch up to create a distinct look and feel for the pulse of the day and the beat of the night.
Image by Jonathon Campbell
Be sure to let Aloft Hotel know you're an ABG Bride who's planning her wedding when you call them to talk to them about the hotel. It's a cool, funky little space and we think just great for parties and even showers. Can't wait to see more wedding related events there!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Local wedding design company Regalo Design not only has florals, decor and planning on its repertoire but now can proudly add wedding and party favors to that list! Regalo is now offering a huge slew of wedding and party favors via their website and we can't wait to see ABG Brides include them in their weddings. Here are some of our favorites.
You can't really go wrong with consumables or edible favors. A slightly healthier option than candy or chocolates would be Regalo's line of coffee and tea which features great tea making accessories and even honey you can give your guests in teeny jars. These honeypots, complete with wooden dipper, would serve as a fun reminder of your wedding each time your guests reach for honey.
Left: "Meant to Bee" honey pot. Right: "Packed with Gra-TEA-tude" individual tea packs. Such cute names!
If you're packaging your own favors (say, candy you ordered from somewhere or personalized M&M's) Regalo's Favor shop has containers you can use and personalize. A less messy alternative to the candy bufet is to give your guests candy in these jars with personalized labels.
Another container for candy would be these mini tins also with personalizable labels and a see-through lid so you can even use colored candy for an extra punch.
While we're on the topic of personalizing your favors, they also carry a ton of personalizable goodies. These fans are perfect for a hot summer wedding, especially if you're getting married in Nashville anytime between June through August! These travel coffee mugs would be a super favor to take home or, just so you don't spend too much, would also make a nice gift for your bridal party.
What's nifty is the favors are also categorized by seasons so you can easily figure out which are great for spring, summer, fall or winter weddings. The seashell placecard holders are, obviously, for the summer and they can double up as decorative favors for your guests. These would be great for a wedding by the beach or at a resort.
As someone who got married in the middle of July, I really could have used these pretty sandalwood fans. They'll provide relief, they're really pretty and could make for some fun pictures of your guests!
The women and baking enthusiasts will love you for giving them a maple leaf cookie cutter right in time for holiday party season!
For more formal weddings, these fleur-de-lis place card holders can become your guests' photo holders when they take them home.
From Asian inspired to eco-friendly, Western (like the margarita mix above) to table decor, Regalo's favor site features tons of these great Kate Aspen favors. Bonus: if you're not certain if the favor works for your wedding, the fabulous Sarah Goude of Regalo Design will be there to help you figure out how to use them and work them into your decor, or to figure out if it will work with your theme. Click here to see the rest of the items and be sure to visit Regalo Design's site for more of what they could do for your wedding!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Guests, Gifts & Favors
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