it's official!

it's official! we are officially Pink Tie Preferred Signature Haut-Monde Events!

you can find us online by visiting our new website, or on Facebook, Twitter, or our blog!

contact us today by emailing at info@pinktiepreferred.com or phoning (248) 560-PINK!

are you ready??

it's almost here! i'm so excited to reveal another element to our new business direction! this week i will reveal our new website for Pink Tie Preferred Signature Haut-Monde Events! i've cannot wait to formally introduce you to our recent growth spurt! we've worked hard to make sure our site properly reflects our business.

last month we reveal our new logo on our Facebook Page. honestly, it was a "fluke" design... i was just playing around one night on the computer (while indulging in some reality television) and "accidentally" created a design i immediately fell in love with! what do you think?? do you like it??

in the meantime, be sure to check back for more updates and the release of our website!

Pink Tie Preferred LLC | Signature Haut-Monde Events

Guess there should be an official announcement, so here it is! Effective January 2, 2012, we will no longer be j. marie & associates.

In order to provide better services to our clients, we decided to better identify which clients are the best fit with our firm. With a new identify and brand, we have now focused our packages to be customizable for the sophisticated client's needs. Whether your looking for a high-quality, stress free wedding that will "WOW" your guests, or seeking to take the planning burden off of your child by hiring an experienced event producer, Pink Tie Preferred, LLC Signature Haut-Monde Events has the ideal package just for you!

As we draw closer to our launch date (#OneTwoOneTwo) we will "sneak" tidbits of info... Still to come: the phone number, logo, and website. In the meantime, you can contact us online at www.facebook.com/PinkTiePreferred or www.twitter.com/PinkTiePreferrd.

flirty thirty...

looking for something different to celebrate a birthday? whether it's your "flirty thirty". "fabulous forty", "feisty fifty", or "sassy sixty" one way to embrace your special day would be to schedule a photo shoot. regardless of your dress size, a skilled photographer can capture images that are most flattering.

the most talented, professional and friendly boudoir photographers in michigan is kim williams at the boudoir loft, in rochester hills. she's often offering deals and discounts making the idea that much more appealing.

photo credit: the boudoir loft

you're engaged! now what??

you're engaged! congratulations! i'm sure you're very excited... you've told your parents, siblings and friends. maybe you've let your co-workers in on your excitement. now what??

most websites will advise you to begin by setting your budget and selecting your venues. while that's a great start... we advise our clients to take a very important step in between - determining your guest list.

as excited as you may be to start checking tasks off of your to-do list, you should first take some time to focus solely on your guest list. the number of people you plan to invite plays a major part in almost every aspect of your wedding - or any event for that matter. from decorations (number of centerpieces can increase with each table added), to stationery (invitations, programs, favor tags, etc.), to more obvious costs such as food and drink.

dedicate some time to compiling your guest list and comparing it to the budget you've set. decide how much you'd like to spend, and determine how many you can accommodate with that amount. it may be easier to contract with an event planner who is experienced with determining the price per person costs of an event.

many times hostesses (brides, honorees, etc.) are frustrated after an event because of the additional, and often last minute, costs added. sometimes last minute guests are added because the bride (groom, or family members) forgot a few folks. sometimes last minute guests are added because of an attempt to fill anticipated empty seats due to the responses.

to avoid the former, spend the suggested time mentioned earlier on your guest list, then do your best to stick to it. to avoid the latter, when you contract with your venue(s) book a lower guest count. let me explain...

if you invite 200 guests to your wedding, don't book the reception hall for 200 guests. but do make sure they have seating capacity should all 200 guests respond affirmatively. book your venue for 150 guests, and increase as necessary based on the r.s.v.p.'s received.

we'd be happy to assist you in preparing for your event and determining your price per person costs. contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

happy labor day!

happy labor day folks! spend time with family and friends... make memories - live. laugh. love!

jumping the broom

debuting at number 3 for the weekend of may 6, 2011, t.d. jakes' movie project entitled "jumping the broom" was an excellent portrayal of the african-american culture and weddings.

it's a story of "downtown" meets "uptown" that also provides a plethora of sub-story lines to keep the plot thick and entertaining. the movie carries the title of an african american tradition of "jumping the broom," which is explained from a historical standpoint during the movie.

today, broom jumping is done as a reminder of those who, during slavery, could not legally marry. jumping over a broom symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and welcoming the new - it's a symbol of new beginnings!

if you would like to incorporate the jumping of a broom into your ceremony, we'd love to help you incorporate any of the following ideas in your day:

- have a container of colorful ribbon pieces near your guest book (at either the ceremony or reception), with the broom, and allow guests to tie ribbons around the broom prior to the ceremony's start. this is a wonderful way to include your guests in this tradition of community involvement.

- as an addition to the previous guests, you can also allow guests to write their name and/or wishes on the ribbon prior to tying to the broom. this way, you are jumping into your new life with the support and well-wishes of those who love you.

- have someone special carry the broom into the ceremony. at the conclusion of the ceremony, just before the recessional have them place the broom in front of the bride and groom. they can then retrieve the broom once it has been jumped.

looking for other ways to incorporate the jumping of a broom, or other cultural rituals - coin and/or lasso ritual, henna ritual, mendi celebration, or others? contact us and we'll help you get started!

http://www.jmarieassociates.com/

#RoyalWedding deals and discounts

just over a day away.... the carriage has been polished, the china is set, and Kate won't promise to "obey" in her vows to Prince William. the entire globe is in an uproar of excitement about the pending nuptials of the eldest son of the late Princess Diana.

Westminster Abbey has secured the facility beyond actual security, but has added "jammers" which will block its expected 1,900 guests, which includes royals, celebrities, politicians, and some citizens, from being able to tweet! it is not clear whether or not guests will be blocked from all cellular and wireless access, or just the twitter.com site. additionally, as guests are expected to arrive as much as two hours early, there will be no restroom facilities available. guests were advised to make their own arrangements in advance. (ouch!)

well, we're excited and admittedly caught up in the media blitz! join us online at www.twitter.com/jmarieassociate where we'll not only tweet about the #RoyalWedding, but also sneak in a few deals and discounts. we'd love to help you create your own royal experience or custom stationery! visit our website for more information about our services and products.

down the aisle - liz taylor style

today the world mourns the loss of violet-eyed actress and activist, liz taylor. she died at the age of 79 of congestive heart failure. during her passion-filled years, that heart of her's loved many. let's take a look at her bridal style...

Husband No. 1 - Conrad Hilton, Jr.:

Husband No. 2 - Michael Wilding:

Husband No. 3 - Michael Todd:

Husband No. 4 - Eddie Fisher:

Husband No. 5 & 6 - Richard Burton:

Husband No. 7 - John Warner:

Husband No. 8 - Larry Fortensky:

(Almost) Husband No. 9 - Jason Winter:

ms. taylor will definitely be missed, and certainly remembered for her contributions to society. rest in peace.

why we're not "inexpensive"

there's an entrepreneurial spirit that's living strong in our country - that's part of what makes America so wonderful. howevever, many often jump into new careers prematurely. in the day and age where many brides, after enjoying their own wedding day, determine they are indeed fit to become an event planner for others. while some are actually skilled, many may not have what it takes to really be an asset to the event planning community and the clients it serves. believe it or not, it takes more than "being a bride" to know what you're doing...

so with event planners popping up every five minutes, you're sure to come across several that are willing to offer full planning event services for $300-$500. now, we all have to start somewhere. and thankfully, i'm still employed full-time, so i was able to work for low prices as i started out to gain experience and enjoy my passion. we no longer can offer packages at such low rates, because we've now have over 9 years of experience! not only do clients benefit from our vendor and venue database, but from our proven tips and tricks, experiences and know-how.

our full service packages can entail a minimum of 40 hours... even at $500, that's only $12.50 per hour. even if we worked an equivalent of 40 hours for 52 weeks, that's $26,500 per year. our clients make more than that! we've got to charge more because we've got expenses to carry... website, printing, marketing, etc. in addition, to being paid for our experience and time.

many brides try to cut corners. and for that, we understand and applaud them. we believe the marriage is indeed more important than the wedding. we'd rather have couples who remain happy (and happy partly because they're not arguing about how broke the wedding has made them!). we have a number of ways to help you keep your wedding day within your budget. however, some vendors - you want quality! remember, the same holds true with event planners: you get what you pay for.

it's valentine's day! (uh-oh... you forgot?)

whelp, it's valentine's day... and, you forgot! well, don't worry. we can help you with some last minute ideas:

spend a couple hours together writing romantic ideas on separate slips of paper. after you get a total of 52 romantic ideas on 52 pieces of paper, then fill a box or jar with them. every week (select a "date night" if you don't already have one), from this day on, alternate who picks one and has to implement it by the following date night -- at which point the other partner will pick a new romantic idea and have a week to follow through with it.

purchase an "i love you" helium balloon from a local party store, then drive to his work and attach the balloon to the handle of his car door or windshield wiper.

spend the day just photographing each other... outdoors (at a local park, walking downtown, at the beach, on the playground), as well as indoors. make sure you get someone to take some photos of the two of you together. take some candids, and some posed. then frame one!

build a fire, snuggle up, and read a good book or perhaps romantic poetry together. make some hot chocolate or spiced cider to enhance the evening. don't have a fireplace? locate a virtual fireplace dvd for your television... won't keep you warm, but that's why you have each other.

select a dinner from a cookbook you have never tried. Shop for the ingredients and prepare dinner together. to add ambiance, choose a type of cuisine and add decorations or dress to enhance the atmosphere.

first plan a scavenger hunt. write clues on note cards telling him/her where to go. place the clues in the places around the community. have a friend or relative give him/her the first clue. the final clue leads your date to a restaurant (be waiting at the table with flowers).

prepare three envelopes (each with a different date). your date first chooses one of the three envelopes. she can opt to accept that date, or trade it in for one of the remaining two envelopes, which could be more or less desirable. be prepared to go out immediately.

go to your local party store and rent a helium tank good for around 75 balloons. buy at least 8 dozen balloons. go home and blow them up in the bedroom. don’t forget to leave at least 2-3 dozen (without helium) for the floor and bed. set up some candles and fresh flowers for the room. then get your favorite board game and set it up on the bed. cut up some fresh fruit to snack on.

whatever you decide to do, be sure to show your special one how much you love and care about them...not just on valentine's day, but every day! and don't forget your first Valentine: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV 2010) happy valentine's day!

bride beware

most of the articles and advice you'll come across as a bride are happy-go-lucky. as well they should be, this is one of the most exciting and happy times of your life. however, it's important that in the excitement you're not taken for a ride. let's share some of the most common ways brides, and others planning social events, can be "scammed"

band. with the technology available today, it is very easy and common for bands to provide potential clients with demos (recording samples). however, it is also possible for the recording to be either altered, or it can involve voices not the same as those hired. j. marie's advice: audition bands in person rather than relying upon a demo.

photos. when you go to interview a photography studio, often times you'll be shown photographs from their best and veteran photographers. unfortunately, it's not unlikely that samples you are shown are done by a photographer different from the one that will show up on at your event. j. marie's advice: get the photography studio to confirm the actual photographer that will shoot your special day. be sure to see samples of his/her work, and interview him/her work as well.

gowns. beware of missing labels or label switching. some shops either switch labels on gowns (placing a designer label on a cheaper gown) or remove labels (to prevent you from being able to identify the gown and shop elsewhere). j. marie's advice: walk out! if you notice a bridal shop engaging in such practices, odds are they're not a reputable place of business.

we could go on, and on... but basically it's this simple: use common sense, and you get what you pay for. one of the easier ways to avoid being scammed by any venue or vendors is to contact an experienced and reputable event planner. we'd be happy to assist you in securing vendors.

contest! proposal and other prizes

do you live in the metropolitan Detroit area? been thinking about proposing to your significant other? well, guess what!? cw50 Detroit is offering a televised proposal along with other prizes.


One lucky viewer will have the opportunity to propose during an episode of Nikita, Thursday, March 3 @ 9pm on CW50, plus win:

• (5) Tuxedo Rentals from President Tuxedo (including the groom)
• Wedding Gown valued at up to $1,000 from Bella Rose Bridal Boutique
• Rehearsal Dinner for up to 30 people at Mario’s Italian Restaurant
• Engagement Ring from Zeidman’s Jewelers
• Wedding cake valued at up to $800 from Mrs. Maddox Cake Shop
• $500 good towards Wedding flowers from Viviano Flower Shop
• Wedding Reception for up to 100 people at Brentwood Golf and Banquet Center
• 7-night Honeymoon from Apple Vacations to Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riviera Maya, Mexico

click here for a direct link to enter or read more contest information.

if you'd rather work on a more private and intimate proposal, we'd be happy to assist you! contact us today www.jmarieassociates.com.

tip of the week (totw): trimming the guest list

so you're planning your big event... and you want to have some sort of system in planning the guest list. perhaps you've determined you'd like to keep the guest list near 300 guests, but once you list all of your invitees you discover your list is more like 500! even if budget is not a concern, event space is... if your selected venue doesn't support the radically increased guest count this could mean major adjustments to your event.

rather than changing plans already set in motion, let's look at some options for trimming the guest list:

determine your budget. this not only applies to the funds available to support your event, but also the space available for entertaining.

make lists. each honoree or participant should have a guest list... bride, groom, birthday guy or gal, parents, etc. include every individual you may consider inviting.

strike. start striking names from your own list. as yourself:

how often have i seen this person in the last year?

if i invite this person, will i feel obliged to add other guests? (i.e., additional coworkers, friends)

can i handle the fallout (if there is any) if i do not invite them?

agreement before meeting. before you meet with the others to discuss the lists, determine what categories will be removed entirely - children, co-workers, relationship beyond first cousin, no dates for singles, etc.

meeting of the lists. get together with the other participants, and begin discussing the necessary versus unnecessary guests. if the conversation becomes challenging, then perhaps you can develop a three-strike rule. each person can only strike 3 names from another's list...

the master list. so now that you've removed names from your own list, and the other lists, compile the lists into one master list. if your list still includes too many names, apply the questions provided above in hopes to remove a few more names.

if all else fails, you can always play rock paper scissors!