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Expert Wedding Tips for Newly Engaged Couples <3

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First and foremost CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now that you are on the way to wedding bliss please don’t start by being overwhelmed. Below I am listing tips to help you cope and ENJOY this process thoroughly!

1. What kind of wedding do you want?

Do you see yourself as a more laid back couple or formal? Think about the feeling or vibe you want your guests to feel. Do you want a church wedding, non-religious, or to be married by an independent officiant?

<MOST IMPORTANT ….remember do not be affected by what you think your families will want, friends, or otherwise;this is your wedding day and needs to be reflection of your love!

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2. Who to Invite?

Make a guest list first as there is no point in looking at any venues until you know the guest size you are expecting. Please remember to make your list so that you can share this special day with people that are most important to you. Do not feel the need to invite everyone you know! While you are making your lists you can star each name of those most important to help you narrow down your wedding party.

3.When and Where to Marry?

I feel that these two items go hand in hand because you may already have the perfect venue in mind and be flexible on the date or vice versa. If you prefer a destination wedding you may consider a major holiday which can make it easier for guests to attend. This can also be effected by your budget so if you want to try for an all outside wedding pick the right temperature month so guests don’t burn up or freeze to death.

4. Decide what is more important to you….

This list varies for every bride, groom, and couple as we all have different things that we are willing to weaver on but others we will not budge. Whether this is your food, caterer, photographer, florist, or even hiring a planner. Decide what is of utmost importance to help make your day go smoothly. For a larger wedding I say you need a year to plan but I have had great success with smaller weddings being planned in 6 months depending on location availability, vendors, etc. Decide what items you are willing to pay top notch for and what ones aren’t as important. This will thoroughly help.

5. Know your budget!

Sit down and decide what your budget will be for the entire wedding and then divide everything out per item of what you want to spend and be able to fill in with what you actually spend. This will help you stay on target and not go over budget. (Feel free to contact me at Courtney@pthreeplanning.com as I have a great budget I will be willing to share for a minimal fee of $10.00 . Budget allows you to set items at priority levels, tallies it up automatically and more. )

6. Hire a planner or Day of Coordinator!!!! A MOST!!!!!!!

I will stand by the statement most as you need someone outside of your family to help keep things in check and running smoothly. Maybe you don’t have the money for a full planner but at least spend the money on a day of coordinator so that you can honestly sit back and enjoy your day and know that your planner has everything in order!! 

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CANCER; Mending Hearts through Light up the Night 2014

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I have been trying to schedule my posts and blogs to stay more in tune with my audience. Today I was suppose to write, and post on pinterest, a pair of shoes I made for my own wedding, but instead……

I want to get more personal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Over the past two years since starting my business I have had the honor to work with many amazing woman, men, and organizations but none have touched my heart like Love is Bald and Pretty in Pink!!! The men and women behind both are amazing and inspirational as well as the champions they help!!!

I have also personally been touched by cancer as many of you have. My mother had breast cancer three times in her life and dealt with a lot of struggles and someone else I adore is dealing with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and currently in remission. I understand the threat of family, the scare of potential lose, the hope of getting better and most important the joy of recovery. Cancer is a life long battle for everyone involved and my wish is that through these organizations, we as a community, can help each other heal and be reborn. When cancer effects your home directly you deal with many emotions and it is not always easy to focus on the positive or the light at the end of the tunnel. So I challenge you today!! How will you help? Who’s life will you touch? Will you join us as we Light up the Night to HONOR all the men and women who have passed and survived this pain we call CANCER?

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Halloween and Fall Events

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So for those of you that know me I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!! It is my favorite time of the year and as I am on facebook and other social media sites I see the same question over and over again…

What events/activities are there to take my children to the Wilmington area?? 

So here are a few that come HIGHLY recommended (** denotes personal recommendations)

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1. **Mikes Farm —— http://www.mikesfarm.com/ ——Lovely family outing located in Beulaville NC !!! All month of October they have everything from hayrides, pumpkin patches, concessions on Saturdays, Dinner musicals, to a haunted hayride and carnival on October 24th, 25th, and 26th

2. Poplar Grove ———- http://www.poplargrove.org/annual-events/halloween-festival/ —– Located between Ogden and Hampstead they have costume contests for kids and PETS, petting zoo, fortune teller, bonucy house, haunted hayride and more. Visit website for specific dates and information.

3. **Panic Attack Haunted House —— http://www.panicattackhaunt.com/tickets.html —– $20 per person BUT WORTH IT!!!! One of the best haunted houses I have been to! Get a group of 20 or more and pre-register and you can only pay $17 per person. They also give military discounts and a VIP line for fast pass. MUST SEE!!!!!!!

4. USS North Carolina Battleship —– http://www.battleshipnc.com/Events/BattyBattleshipsHalloweenBash —– PLEASE NOTE THAT GHOST SHIP IS CANCELLED THIS YEAR! However they have Halloween Bash featuring caricatures, popcorns, tattoos, bounce house,  and trick-or-treating on Tuesday October 29th 5:30 to 8pm.  $5 per person children 2 and under are free. 

5. **The Pumpkin Patch ——https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pumpkin-Patch-at-Wesley/122818257775811?sk=info —- Best place in town for the funniest experience for the kids to find the perfect pumpkin for your family in ALL SIZES!!!!

6. Trick or Treat Under the Sea ——— http://www.ncaquariums.com/archives/18622 —— $8 per child for this event under 2 is free. Checkout website for more information and registration. Thursday October 24th and Friday October 25th 5-8:30pm

The list could go on and on and on so here are a few websites to find out more!

–Riverfest, Railroad Extravaganza, Mark Twain event at Thalian http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events-calendar/

–Pancake Breakfasts, Salty Paws, Blues and Jazz Festival, How far to the Bar http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/events-list.php P3 will be at the Pleasure Island Blues and Jazz Festival to face paint again this year!! We are honored to be a part of this amazing event for the 3rd year in a Row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Image 

 

 

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Piece of Advice……..

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I have been planning events for the past 13 years as once I  became a mother for the first time my OBSESSION began…….

I have helped plan every one of my friends weddings, I go overboard with my children’s parties but I know that they will always remember them and the memories they bring. As the wedding planner I do my best to keep brides, grooms, and friends in one mode especially with today’s technology it can be very hard. There are so many amazing ideas out there to be found. For some people it can be overwhelming so my job is to help pull it in and stay focused on the true vision. My most important job is to help my clients save money!

With that being said now that I am the bride I want to do anything and everything!!! So excited and can’t wait to marry my fiance’. He is my best friend and I can not wait to become Mrs. Winter. I just finished our invitations and only spent $1.68 per invitation and that INCLUDES postage for mailings and RSVP’s to come back!!! WOW right?? (Blog coming soon) I find new ideas everyday but have to remind myself that I already had a vision and while it is great it’s not the one.

My best advice for anyone planning is to plan in advance. I don’t mean start planning a year out I simply mean think about things you can and will use for future events and purchase them on sale or hunt around for a bargain. Never settle on the first thing you find because chances are it’s not the cheapest! If you can DIY DO IT, if you can’t DON’T! Ask your friends to help as much as they can but don’t stress them out. Delegate responsibilities to multiple people well in advance so they don’t feel rushed and make your vision clear so they know exactly what you want. Everything is cheaper if you do it yourself but the last thing you want is everyone walking away from your wedding saying….

“Thank you God that’s over!”

So ORDER items that you can afford, SKIP on ones you DON’T have to have, and ask those you love to help on the pieces you TRULY ADORE!

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Easy to make Party/Wedding Decor for Centerpieces

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I know that we have lots of DIY people out there and I wanted to share this awesome idea I had to transform your jelly jars, spaghetti sauce containers, pickle jars , salsa containers and more!!!

Take ANY jars you have around the house instead of recycling them you are UPCYCLING——-thus making them FREE!!!!

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Once you have the containers you would like to use begin by soaking them in hot water. This will help remove any and all labels (with a little elbow grease on some) so that you have a clean jar in unique shapes and sizes to work with!

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Next you will need ribbon of your choosing to match with color scheme for party. I am making my jars for a 25th Surprise Party so I wanted some bright colors to really help it pop and sparkle. I bought this ribbon for $4.49 a roll for wide and $2.49 a roll for slim at AC Moore. Have all supplies in one area and ready for easy access; Hot glue gun, extra glue sticks, scissors, ribbon, and any embellishments 🙂

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Next step is to let your hot glue gun warm up….I really got creative with my glue gun. Check out my tray to catch any spilled glue….Salsa lid!Image

Once the glue gun is warmed up measure and cut your ribbon and since every jar is different I simply went jar by jar to be quicker. Cut your ribbon so that the ends meet perfectly with no overlay this will ensure a smooth feel for ribbon. Image

Next to start gluing!!! Place a strip of glue where ribbon will meet and adhere.Image

You can add more embellishments if you wish. I choose to keep the jars for the table simple but did add more to the large vase for more of an impression.

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Here is the vase I made

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Hope you enjoy! You can place this on a table, charger, or mirrored tray for different effects and looks! Total cost for project $ 15.00 and I made 23 jars with ribbon left over for more!! CHEAP and BEAUTIFUL

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Ways to save money for your child’s next Birthday Party!!!!

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Most mom’s can barely say the words “Birthday Party” before they have spent $200 or more. Planning your child’s birthday party doesn’t usually lend itself to money saving tips and tricks since no one wants to cut corners on their child’s special day. Fortunately, there are many great ways to save money without taking the fun out of the party!!!!!! I PROMISE!!!

Stick to cake and ice cream!

 Fruit and veggie trays, sandwich fixings or pizza orders quickly add up. Plan your child’s birthday party in the afternoon, after lunch but before dinner, and be sure to mention the words “cake and ice cream” on the invitation so no one expects a full meal. Easily $20-$40 saved depending on number of guests

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Do it yourself 

While I understand it is easier to let a party location handle goody bags or food, or to head out and order a cake, you’ll end up spending more money and not saving yourself that much time honestly. Make a cake the night before, have your child help with goody bags, and make lemonade instead of buying cases of soda. By doing things yourself that you might have paid someone else to handle, you’re sure to save money. These are money saving tips that can go beyond just goody bags and refreshments — follow that do-it-yourself mindset in everything you do. For some that say they aren’t crafty RELAX you can do it!!! Easily $20-$60 saved depending on number of guests ( Also see below for NO goody bag option)

Skip the amusement parks/locations/etc
Instead of shelling out the big bucks for an amusement park or an indoor arcade or play place, consider a party at home. Renting a bouncy castle, putting out the Slip ‘n Slide or playing more traditional party games is substantially less expensive, yet still makes for a great birthday party. Work with your theme for the party…EX. If it’s a Tea Party have the girls make their own glasses of tea, paint a pretty crown, or play dress up. Work with items you have around your house to keep costs down. Easily $40-$100 saved depending on number of guests

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Don’t invite your child’s whole class 
This money saving tip is one of the quickest ways to trim your party bill. Having a large classroom-size birthday party might work for some families, but don’t feel pressured to make this a regular occurrence. Instead, allow one large birthday party for those special occasions (such as the big 10, 13, sweet 16 etc) and then keep other parties to a smaller crowd that you feel comfortable with. You can do more with the kids without spending a fortune. Easily $20-$50 saved depending on number of guests

Send home one small prize only 
Goody bag gifts end up here, there and everywhere. Don’t waste your money on candy, small games and toys. Instead, pick one item that goes with the party’s theme and send that home instead. Are you having a Go, Diego, Go birthday party? Purchase a Beanie Baby to go along with the rain forest theme. Other moms will appreciate that you aren’t just sending home more clutter!  Easily $20-$40 saved depending on number of guests. Think about it! You pack a goody bag and fill it with multiple items you can easily spend anywhere from $5-$8 per bag. Why not but one nice toy for that amount or less and save clutter and time!!! NO making up bags! ( If you choose this option)

Saving money by NO MEANS takes all the fun out of parties or planning. It is meant to make it easier, and most cost effective! REMEMBER……..YOU NEED TO ENJOY YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY AS WELL!!!!

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Handpainted favor boxes! $4 for a pack of 6. You and your child could paint them together for a great favor for guests as well as a keepsake!

Have any questions? Ask!! Need Help? I am here!!!

Have a blessed day!

Courtney

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Life Lessons

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I am a little emotional tonight after watching Parenthood…..yes I said Parenthood! One mother is going through Breast Cancer and it is very heart wrenching to me. I have cried at the last four episodes! I don’t normally go on a tangent or get emotional but I feel the need…My mother has had breast cancer multiple times, and my father has cancer and I am so scared everyday that I may loss him……

 

My post earlier today was daring for you all to go to another place, help someone else in need, be someone’s support system….I am not only daring you, asking you, but begging you. When will you need that help in return? When will someone you love need that shoulder to cry on? Not all of us have a close tight family! So be there for someone in need. I want to do something for someone else this Christmas….can anyone help me come up with some ideas? Let’s do it…let’s get together and help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Caroling at the Hospital on Christmas Eve? Bringing cookies to the Nursing home? Visiting an orphanage? I am overwhelmed and moved beyond belief so what can we do friends?

 

I DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

Leave your suggests our comments and let’s do something amazing !!!

 

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Making BIGGER Plans for 2013!!!

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I haven’t blogged in a while. It is so hard to find the time, but anyways here it goes for this month!…..

As I look back on 2012 and move forward to 2013 I have been SO blessed to work with and for so many amazing people, non-for-profits, and organizations. I am honored more than you will ever know to think that my services have helped to raise money for causes I stand 100% behind. Just to name a few (because I want to give a shout out!);

Love is Bald  http://loveisbald.org/

Pretty in Pink  http://www.prettyinpinkfoundation.org/

Pleasure Island Day of Hope  https://www.facebook.com/PIDOHP

Alzehiemers NC

St. Baldrick’s

Boardwalk Makeover Group  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boardwalk-Makeover-Group/135147286533114

I thank you all for allowing P3 to be a part and honored to help in any way I possibly can. Thus being said I am looking forward to some new events already in place for 2013! All in all P3 has helped to raise over $1,100.00 this year alone with face painting and YOUR generous donations! My challenge is to raise the bar for 2013 and DOUBLE IT!!!

With all this said I ask what are your plans for 2013? What will you give back? Who will you help? Let’s make a New Year’s resolution to help those in need…I challenge you!

From Ours to Yours we wish you a Merry Christmas!

<3 <3 <3

Courtney

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Reflections of Time

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As I sit back and think about the last year and envision my next steps I am a little overwhelmed, but in an AMAZING way! I am so blessed that this journey has taken me this far! I am more blessed by the people I have meet along this road and reconnected with! I am the person who will buy blue and white candy for a party, not because anyone wants them or even likes them, but because they match the colors or theme!! Some say I go over board, but I disagree! Thus the obsession began……

I started P3 with dreams of being a well known planner, but I will be honest I have done a lot of charity work, and volunteered more time over the last year than I ever have in my entire life. The joy that this brings me is immeasurable. I have not been able to give millions of dollars to any organization but the thing that we all should keep in mind is that every little bit helps and makes a difference in the total outcome.I have volunteered my time, as well as my amazing employees,  to help some fantastic organizations in this area such as Love is Bald, Boardwalk Makeover Group, St.Baldrick’s, Children’s Museum, Pretty in Pink, Be the Match and many more. I look forward to many more volunteer options coming and some already scheduled. I am hoping that this next year fills me with more happiness, self worth, but more importantly can inspire someone else to follow their dreams to step out on a ledge, volunteer your time, and help make a difference. Pay it forward!

There are so many wonderful ideas and plans in progress I can not wait!  I have new options coming available to my clients in October, Pleasure Island Day of Hope Project,  19th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival (http://www.facebook.com/events/312057858888842/) and so much more!!

I am looking forward to a very busy 2013 as my dates are getting booked up fast and I am loving my new friends I am  making on this journey and appreciate everyone’s support and love .<3