Our guest blogger today is Frances Barry, owner, designer, artist and business woman. She owns Barry Beaux. I fell in love with both Frances and her line of custom made bow ties, neckties, pocket squares, cummerbunds and more for the Bridal Party. On more than one occasion I have had a bride tell me they could not find the perfect tie for the men. I’m so excited to be able to share Frances’ info with them. Look no further for a fun and unique way to integrate your personality into your wedding attire! Though her custom created items are sold to anyone in the world, I think they are just the absolute perfect touch for a Charleston Wedding! If you are planning a lowcountry wedding, read more about Barry Beaux below.

Barry Beaux was started in 2009 by local designer Frances Barry. Frances Barry was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, SC and has always had an interest in Fashion. Frances started Barry Beaux while studying Fashion Merchandising at Georgia Southern University. Barry Beaux features all handmade bow ties, neckties, pocket squares, cummerbund sets, and even bow ties for the little ones, as well as a line of skirts for the ladies. The name comes from Barry her last name and Beaux meaning handsome in French as well as a play on words for bow.

At www.BarryBeaux.com you can find an array of products and unique designs. Also if you want something more personal or customized, you can get custom orders. Just contact Frances at BarryBeaux@gmail.com and she can find the fabric for you or she can design your very own fabric to ensure a true one of a kind bow! Barry Beaux now sells internationally and does wedding orders as well as Fraternity orders. Be sure and check out Barry Beaux and support your local and handmade designers! You can also follow Barry Beaux on FaceBook and Twitter.

Why have silver-plated items with faux crystals that have luster that will not last?  Why, when you can have items custom-designed, long-lasting, quality pieces created for you and your bridal party? Choose your design today that can be your one-of-a-kind piece and someday heirloom.

We have the following high-quality materials to create your elegant jewelry piece:
-We have over 100 shades of SWAROVSKI crystal.
-Fresh water pearls in any shape you could think of, in natural shades, as well as quality dyed pearls in over 30 shades.
-Your choice of sterling silver or 14 kt gold filled findings

Are you thinking of using more than one shade for your bridal party?? That is one of my favorite things to do to even create one-of-a-kind, unique pieces for each person in your bridal party. This is a gift that they will cherish forever.

I stand behind my work, and in over 7 years I have had only one item needed to be adjusted.
I will even go with you on your final fitting to make sure your items are the length you will be happy with.

I work by appointments that are yours only. Give us a call and set up your appointment today. I need at least 4 weeks notice to place your order.

Call: 843-821-1144  today and ask for Debra

Elegant by Design Bridal on facebook

Elegant by Design Bridal web-site

I was married the first time at 22; my wedding was all that everyone around me influenced it to be. I even dared to order a wedding cake with chocolate icing (very daring for the 80’s) of course the moment came when I saw my wedding cake that it was WHITE! My mother had gone back to the baker and changed to order letting them know that I had clearly made a mistake.

Needless to say over the many years since my first wedding there were a plethora of things that I would change, however I never thought that I would have the opportunity to do so. I had meant the vows that I took with all my heart, my 22 year old heart. My vows are not something that I took lightly and what I found at the end of my marriage I had not only lost my marriage, I lost my faith in my own ability to trust my heart. If I meant the vows with every fiber of my being at 22 and I was wrong how I could trust my heart to make that decision again.

I met a man and we fell in love; however my inability to believe in my hearts decision made our courtship a little longer then most… ok a whole lot longer then most… 168 months or Fourteen Years. Imagine finding someone willing to stay with you and love you despite your obvious issues. Something clicked and I finally decided I could trust my hearts decision making abilities. So let the Wedding plan madness begin!

What a difference it is planning a wedding at 40 something than 22. We picked a date…. everyone wanted a date right away… our date was chosen around our sons hockey schedule, of course the super bowl and it was a cool date. 02/08/2008. There were clearly more thing to take into account when planning this second that were not factors in my first.

The exciting part came after the date was chosen and we were able to sit down and talk about what “we wanted”. We batted around so many ideas and finally decided on the feeling we wanted for our wedding, we wanted relaxed, music oriented party, with great food and great friends. Our wedding was a 1950’s Cocktail Party. The theme was a jumping off point, my daughter was 19 and she was a tremendous help in finding the different websites we needed to pull this wedding off. We choose to do it all our selves our friends helped and our wedding became very personal and intimate event. I designed my save the date cards to set the mood for our 50’s cocktail theme.

Wedding dress shopping was a depressing nightmare, I was not 20 something and I was not a size 4, it left me overwhelmed. Then I found the dress of my dreams… well the pattern for the dress of my dreams, 1958 Vogue Vintage Cocktail dress pattern on an online auction for less than $10.00. I bought my fabric and found a dress maker and the dress of my dreams became reality. For a fraction of the cost of a wedding dress I was able to have my dream dress made.

We talked to 6 caterers telling them the theme and waiting to hear back on a menu for a “Swanky 1950’s Cocktail Party Wedding” I was stunned by the lack of creativity all but one had Pigs in a blanket, and the prices were shocking at best…for pigs in a blanket! Then there was Carla her menu was unique and delicious with a very reasonable price.

Music was important to us, in fact we complied more then 8 hours of music between the two of us. We took hours upon hours to pare it down to the perfect compilation of songs we loved. We painstakingly checked the order of the songs ensuring the mood of the music was just what we wanted. It was worth every moment since we had created the soundtrack to our wedding perfect.

The cake was another learning experience… as someone that doesn’t really care about sweets I wanted to make sure that everyone had something they liked. Once the photo of the perfect cake was found we decided on the flavors. Italian Creame for my daughter, Kahlua Chocolate of all the chocolate lovers & Butter Pound cake for everyone else, all covered with the very best Butter cream frosting. The photo of the cake I fell in love with had ribbon on it, while talking with the baker a fellow transplanted Yankee. We hit on the idea of replacing the ribbon with Chocolate sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles are hard to find here, up north they are everywhere. My baker and my cake far exceeded my expectations.

We had a candy bar that featured red and brown candies complete with Swedish fish. red hots, snowcaps, retro candy cigarettes and my favorite Chocolate covered Potato Chips. I had ordered inexpensive Chinese food take-out boxes and the girls and I adorned them with out wedding logo, ribbons and a thank you charm. The guests loved taking their favorite candy home with them.

My bouquets were amazing, I wanted retro and I was referred to a well established yet modest florist and when we met and discussed my wishes she was thrilled. She first opened her floral business in the early 1960’s and remembers doing bouquets similar to my vision. She created beautiful vintage carnation bouquets; mine was full or red carnations with a beautiful white satin ribbon that I adorned with a vintage red brooch that was a gift from my bridesmaid. The girls carried white carnations with red satin ribbon; it looked stunning with their chocolate brown cocktail dresses. Our flowers like everything else proved to be not only beautiful & retro they were also affordable, classic bang for our buck!

The planning was not free of drama however I feel like there was far less drama then there could have been. We were able to have everything the way that we wanted. Our vows were heart felt and honest; the music was perfect for us. We offered a signature cocktail with a limited bar and fabulous food for our guests. The only tradition that we adhered to was the cutting of the cake and that was perfect for our party. When the evening was over our friends and family were left with memories of a great evening with good friends, great food, cocktails, candy, music, cake, all of the things we wanted them to take from our unique and special wedding day.

Take the time to consider what is important about your special day. The traditions that are important to you should be the ones that you spend time on. Do not get wrapped up in the things that are unimportant. If you are unable to choose one cake flavor choose two or three. If you are unsure on flowers tell your florist the theme you are trying to create and trust their judgment. Whether you spend thousands of dollars or tens of thousands on your special day, or you have 30 guests or 300 guests, the important part is that you create an event that is as unique as you both are.

http://dina-cheerstolife.blogspot.com/

http://jmichaelstudios.com

carlabakes.com   (launching March 2012)
carla.walker2@gmail.com.

Thanks so much to Brent Horner for inviting us a Charleston Brews Cruise tour. I found this the perfect opportunity to thank Vince for all his hard work for both Charleston Wedding Studio and WildFlowers Inc. (Vince likes beer and I think he is a budding beer aficionado   So, I sent him to get the skinny on Charleston Brews Cruise as an option for Bachelor or Bachelorette parties. I also think this would be an awesome idea for an activity to line up for your out of town wedding guests. When you are planning your Charleston wedding, check them out!

They have cruises everyday that you can sign up to join. They are typically $45, depart from a Downtown location and visit up to four local breweries. They also have several specialty tours that include menu tastings. They can also customize a group tour. If you are a local, be sure to let them know. You can score a locals discount. Personally, I think a gift certificate would make a fine groomsmen gift. Heck, I think it would make a fine gift for any beer lover for any reason or day of the week!

Vince and the rest of the Charleston Brews Cruise “Crew” visited the following breweries:

Southend Brewery & Smokehouse

Ahren, the head brewer at Southend Brewery, educating us on the styles of beer being sampled. Thanks Ahren!

Read about the Ghost that inhabits their 3rd floor…

Palmetto Brewing Company

Chris discussing the bottling process at Palmetto Brewing.

Westbrook Brewing Co

Westbrook Brewing Co Tasting Room

Additionally Charleston Brews Cruise visits the following locations:

Coast Brewing Company

Holy City Brewing

EVO Pizza

Liberty Tap Room & Grill

Thanks again Brent for the great time and great idea to share with our Charleston Brides & Grooms!

How Brittany became a part of my family reads a bit like a Hallmark made for TV movie. She’s my oldest son’s sister. I was so honored to be a part of her wedding day. I adore her and Michael.

Brittany did an amazing job planning her wedding. Best of all she gave us a ton of freedom when it came to her flowers & décor. Vince & I decorated her venue and provided her flowers on behalf of Charleston Wedding Studio & WildFlowers Inc. Below is the post as shared by Chris Smith of Chris & Cami Photography. I would also like to recognize Elaine with Lowcountry Eats. She did an amazing job setting up their buffet and the copper chaffing dishes and black kettle cauldrons were perfection for the setting!

Brittany & Michael at Old Wide Awake Plantation

Brittany & Michael tied the knot last weekend in a gorgeous celebration at Old Wide Awake Plantation. I absolutely LOVED their theme of an “elegant southern picnic”. The plantation house was artistically adorned with rustic decor. Every detail was planned out, right down to the mason jars for drinks and candied apples for favors.

Brittany was an absolutely stunning bride with such a bubbly personality! And Michael, a chef on Kiawah Island, was a blast to work with! To see more of their photos visit www.chrisandcami.zenfolio.com.

CONGRATULATIONS Brittany & Michael!!! May God Bless you as you begin this new journey together.
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You may remember when Vincent surprised Ally with a marriage proposal during a photo shoot for Private Eyes Undies Bridal Line. You can revisit that blog post here.

You may also think that the son of a florist/ wedding planner would have a HUGE Charleston wedding. Well, he will. One day. See Vincent will be leaving soon to join the Navy. We are very proud of him. He is going to train to be a Navy Seal. So for now they had an intimate wedding, just the two of them, at the Azalea Park Gazebo in Summerville, SC. We share the images from their special day. Thank you to Mike Mizzell for the wedding photography and to Lesa Patton for being their wedding officiate.

Bridal Bouquet: WildFlowers Inc.

I am not a blogger although I hope to change that in 2012.  Mike & I have our own travel agency, Cruise Planners and we are fortunate to have one of the best jobs.  We help people with lifetime memories.  One of the most important memories is your honeymoon!

Where do you start?  It is important to start planning your honeymoon early.

Budget, Budget and Budget!

An average honeymoon is 7 days/6 nights.  The average cost is $5,000 per couple.  You are starting off your life together.  Make sure you take the trip you can afford.   Memories are priceless.  Pay attention to the “Must Have” and prioritize from there.  Stay real and no matter what your budget is you can still have a honeymoon filled with memories and NOT GO BROKE.  There are worksheets to help you start your budget.  I have included one for your reveiw…here

HOT TIP:  Remember that you can use our registry or a honeymoon registry so that family and friends can give you parts of your honeymoon as a present.

Now that you know how much you can spend, you can decide on the type of trip you want.  Do you want a destination wedding, an all inclusive resort, a honeymoon package or a cruise?

Destination weddings are becoming more popular.  You combine the wedding in a picturesque honeymoon venue.  The plus side is when you stay at the same resort you get married in you can start enjoying your honeymoon immediately.   No stress making sure you get home from the reception in time to catch that early flight the next morning.  The down side could be you might not get the alone time that you should have for a honeymoon.  Set ground rules for your privacy as you will have friends and family with you.    Just hope you get along with your in-laws as they will be there with you.  The destinations are endless.   Check out some from Bridal Magazine..here.

All-Inclusive resorts are an easy way to go.  You pay for most of it up front.  Most meals, activities, tips and drinks are part of the price.  Top all inclusive honeymoon resorts…here.

Hotel packages may be less expensive if you are not a big drinker. There are several companies that will package your air, car rental, excursions and hotel together.   We have companies that price match should you find the exact same trip lower.   Just make sure to budget for food, activities and drinks.  Conde Nast offers a Gold List of resorts and  hotels.  They have a great place to start your wish list:  Conde Naste Gold List ..check it out.

If cruising is your choice,  the ship will be your home away from home.  Wherever there is water you can find a cruise.  Included in the cost of the cruise are your onboard meals and entertainment.  However add to your budget alcohol, shore excursions, alternative dining options and maybe the couples massage.  Cost of the excursions will vary depending on your destinations.  Cruise prices are at their lowest when they first are published 14 months prior to your travel date and increase the closer you get to sailing.  Starting early will give you better pricing.  Should the price go down, you can usually get the lower price prior to final payment.   A cruise in the Mediterranean will have you visiting Spain, France and Italy in 7 days.  Options are endless.   There is a cruise ship and destination for everyone.

Use the services of a Travel Consultant.  They work for you.  They are not order takers, but advocates.  You do not always get the best pricing going direct to resorts or cruise lines.  You know you can talk to the same person and they are there for you if something goes wrong.   A good Travel Consultant will take the stress off of you and let you concentrate on the wedding…here.  If you don’t have an agent you can find a certified agent at CLIA.org or ASTA.org.

Remember, your honeymoon isn’t only a romantic trip.  It is also a chance to relax and spend time together after the wedding.  In fact, this is the time when your new life together really begins.

Diana Bogart, ECC
AMERICAN EXPRESS Travel Representative
843.695.0750 Toll free 877.627.1786
firstclasscruise.com/blog
www.firstclasscruise.com

Today our guest Wedding Professional is Kathy Baxley, owner of The Charleston Bridal Show, The Charleston Baby Show and producer of My Charleston Wedding. Here she gives her tips on the Order of the Wedding Processional.

Photo by Juliet Elizabeth Photography

The Wedding Procession Order

When the mother of the bride stands – and the rest of the crowd follows her cue – the organist begins playing the wedding procession music a little louder, and the procession begins.
By this time, everyone should be in position, thus:
1. The clergyman or justice is standing in front of the seated guests, facing the back of the church (or the rows of chairs) where the procession will enter.
2. The bridegroom is standing to the minister’s left, a little forward of where he and the bride will be standing.
3. The best man is standing to the bridegroom’s left, a little behind him.
And now the procession begins:
1. The ushers enter first, walking in pairs.
2. The bridesmaids follow, walking in pairs if there are six or more. If there are fewer, or if there’s an odd number, it’s better to have them walk in single file.
3. Next, the maid of honor enters, waiting until a distinct space has opened up after the last bridesmaid.
4. After that, the ring-bearer enters, carrying a cushion with the ring sewn to it. It is best to use a fake ring rather than the real one, to prevent embarrassment if it’s dropped. The actual ring should be carried by the best man and by the maid of honor, if it is a double ring ceremony.
5. Now the flower girl enters, closely following the ring-bearer. You might have these children walk in side by side if they are particularly young or nervous.
6. At this point, the organist begins playing the wedding march at full volume. And then the bride starts down the aisle, her father on her left.
7. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids and ushers have arrived or are about to arrive at the altar where the ceremony will take place. They may have filed into the front row or pew, in which case the mother of the bride and the bridegroom’s family will occupy the second row on both sides. If you want them seated in the front row, the bridesmaids should be on the left and the ushers on the right. If the bridal attendants and ushers are going to stand with the wedding couple during the ceremony, they can arrange themselves in one of two ways:
(A) As they arrive, the ushers form a semicircle, leaving enough room between them so the bridesmaids can position themselves next to the usher they’ll be paired with for the recessional. Or…
(B) The bridesmaids line up on the left-hand side and the ushers on the right. If you choose this arrangement, the first bridesmaid to arrive at the altar should move to the farthest left, with others lining up to her right. The object here is to leave room for the maid of honor to stand next to the bride during the ceremony.
8. The bride and her father arrive at the front of the seating section or the altar. Now the bride takes the bridegroom’s left arm.
After a moment or two, the clergyman or justice should begin the ceremony. The usual practice is for both parents to then take seats in the front pew, although some authorities hold that the father should remain at the altar. At this point, you should relax, take a deep breath, and immerse yourself in the experience. After all, it is something you will probably remember, in detail, for the rest of your life.

Getting Married?

Please join us for The Charleston Bridal Show this January 22nd at the beautiful Charleston Marriott's Crystal Ballroom. Over 70 of Charleston's most professional wedding vendors will be there to help you plan your special day.

Venues, florists, musicians, caterers, wedding dresses and tuxedos, wedding cake samples, fashion show and more.

You won't want to miss this unique Charleston Event!

Date: January 22, 2012

Place: Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Blvd.

Time: Noon till 5: p.m.

See you there...

Purchase a ticket here.

Today we welcome guest blogger: Tanis Jackson. Here she share her ides for saving money on flowers.

Manzanita Branches with real candles and nestlings of seasonal roses maximized the arrangements for National Philanthropy Day at the Charleston Marriott Riverview. Photo by Leigh Webber. Centerpieces designed and donated by WildFlowers Inc.

• If other brides are using the same wedding site  before or after your ceremony, approach them about splitting the cost of the ceremony flowers
• Choose a site that is already decorated, such as a garden or a room that is decorated for the holidays
• Make the ceremony flowers work for the reception too. Standing arrangements placed before each row of seats at the ceremony can be positioned at the door to the reception, next to the piano during the cocktail hour or in other spots where decoration is needed
• Play up the shape. Less expensive flowers, such as daffodils or irises in well designed arrangements with interesting fillers like wax flowers or solidago can be just as beautiful as those that cost more
• Use plants on guest tables (heather in moss-covered containers, ivy pots wrapped in tulle) instead of more expensive cut flowers
• Scale down centerpieces and arrange candles around them or instead of one large arrangement per table, place bud vases and candles between every other setting
• Put a small arrangement on every other table and a tall bouquet on alternate ones
• Avoid scheduling the wedding near a flower giving holiday such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day when prices are generally higher
• Shop around. Interview at least three florists before deciding on one. Have them put their proposals in writing so you can compare prices and styles. Do not share one proposal with another florist as this is considered unethical
• To get the most effect from a modest floral budget,  put the bulk of the money where the guests will spend most of the time –  at the reception.
• Buy in season. Flowers that have to be shipped in  can cost considerably more

Tanis Jackson
Tanis J Events, LLC
www.tanisjevents.com
organizeyourevent@gmail.com
843-847-8478

Congrats on your upcoming wedding!!! Whether you are just getting started in the planning process or almost at the finish line, you already know there is a TON to consider, do, create, ponder, etc, etc. Who knew a wedding would include this many details??! As an event planner by day, a bride in 2005 and a Stella & Dot stylist I totally know what you’re experiencing from 3 sides:)  Just remember to sit back at times & enjoy the ride!!

One thing that did trip me up and apparently is a bit tough for all brides, is the bridesmaid aspect. How many? What will they wear? Do you let them choose a color or specific dress or should the bride choose? I tried to tell my girls, ” I want YOU to choose your dress, I just ask that it be Chocolate Brown.’ They were not happy!! Each of them insisted that I pick out the exact dress, accessories, etc. Just when I thought I could delegate and check something off my list, NOPE!

As a Stella & Dot stylist, I help ladies find that special something whether it be for them or a gift. And guess what…I can HELP you check some things off your list EASILY!! We have outfitted a number of brides AND her bridal party in the perfect accessories, most of them being under $50. I always suggest earrings or a simple necklace as your bridesmaids gift and that way, you also have fulfilled the need for what they were the day of your wedding!!

For the bride and/or bridal party these are ALWAYS my go-to earrings!! How stunning are these Deco Drop Earrings & just $44?! Seriously fooled me.

Or these CZ stunners for just $39…and the matching pendant necklace for just $39, too, is a BEAUTIFUL combo for a bride or bridal party.

Some brides really love to incorporate pearls into their look. Stella & Dot has a few stunning pieces, but these are my most favorite!
Sophia Bib Necklace Maddie Pearl Earrings Pearl Bouquet Earrings

We’ve also created custom charm necklaces for bridesmaids, which include their initial (first or last name) and birthstone (theirs, child’s or even anniversary month) on a lovely chain. This is such a personal & heartfelt gift.

Charm Collection

I’d be honored to help you outfit yourself and/or your bridal party for your special day!!! If you are local or near Charleston, I can schedule a special styling session with you to show you these pieces and you can always order through my website anytime, as well! Shipping will be a flat $5.95 and EACH piece comes beautifully gift boxed in our signature & stylist Stella & Dot logo boxes. Let me help you cross something off your list and I’m confident you & your girls will love their new jewels!

–
Leigh Ann

Senior Stylist, Stella & Dot
843.224.2610
leighann.garrett@gmail.com
www.stelladot.com/leighann

Like it? Shop with me!
Love it? Host a Trunk Show!
Want it all? Join my team!

We were so happy to be a part of their day! Check out more from Tori & Ben’s wedding on The Wedding Row

Please enjoy the full post HERE:

See more of Tori & Ben’s Wedding Flowers via WildFlowers Inc.

I first met Ryan when my volleyball team, “The Setting Ducks” (Can I get a Quack Quack?), played his team “Really?”, yes seriously . I liked him straightaway. So nice and so encouraging. (I wasn’t very good.) At the time I thought Ryan was just outta high school. I was quite wrong, but he is so very youthful and young at heart! I was so excited when I met Deb and they announced their engagement. The thing that strikes me most about them is how good of friends they are. I was so honored and blessed to be a part of their day! They picked some of Charleston’s Best Wedding Vendors and imported a few of their own.

A special thank you to Angelita Ballada Esparar of Angelita Ballada Photography for providing us with these awesome wedding images!

Ryan and his men got ready at the Aloft Hotel in North Charleston. The men wore traditional Filipino Barong Tagalong (with Mandarin collar). Ryan’s was white the Groomsmen wore a soft silvery gray. Here they show off their mad skills!

Heinz looks over his Mommies' shoes for her while she gets ready.

First Glance via Skype

Iglesia Ni Cristo

Beautiful Bright Jewel Tone Bridal Bouquet

On the phone and I am sure he already checked into Charles Towne Landing via foursquare.

1963 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud

The Maids got to choose their own dress. Just as long as it was purple!

This is my favorite! Love them.

Purple & Silver with pops of jewel tones with a side of bling please.

That's 300 cupcakes folks! Cakes by Kasarda

Ryan and Deb with my teammates Liezl (aka NKTwixGirl) & Grace our team captain.

The porch was so romantic when it got dark. The fire was blazing and lanterns lined the perimeter of the venue.

The Maids bouquets were re-purposed to the Head Table.

Cru Catering did a most excellent job, as always. Above and beyond!

Friends, Family and Church Members provided talent and entertainment throughout the evening.

And a GOOD Time was had by ALL...

Thanks you to all the great wedding vendors that made Ryan and Deb’s Founder Hall Wedding a huge success!

Coordination, Flowers & Decor: Me, Beth & Vince LeonGuerrero on behalf of Charleston Wedding Studio & WildFlowers Inc.
A special thank you to all our team members that made things run smoothly: Crystal (Also a Setting Duck. Didn’t you see that cupcake stand? It required a ride of it’s own, LOL), Sheri, Pam, Ally, Torre, Vincent (He was the muscle that got the chiavari chairs from the reception to the church and back again.) & Sara.

Wedding Ceremony: Iglesia Ni Cristo

Reception Venue: Founders Hall

Rentals: Event DRS

Cru Catering:

Cupcakes: Cakes by Kasarda

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud (Vintage Car): F/X Limousine Service

Videographers: M Squared Filmworks

Hair & Makeup: Ana Huynh – MUA at Studio One

Men’s Attire: Barongs R US

Melissa & David were married  June 18, 2011 at the Circular Congregational Church. Melissa & her mom Angela had done an amazing job planning all the details. That really makes our job easy when we step in as “Day of” Coordinators! The photos are courtesy of Rick McKee and Tara Lowry of Lowry McKee Photography (Charleston Photographer, LLC).

Summer is an amazing time for hydrangeas. We had so many beautiful varieties available that coordinated beautifully with her fresh green, blue & white color scheme. These bouquets were Magical Noblesse’ Hydrangea with nestlings of Vendela Roses, Blue Gentiana, Blue Delphinium, White Freesia and Eupatorium. Melissa’s Bridal bouquet was embellished with crystals.

Melissa's Hot Shoes

Above I am pinning on David’s boutonniere. It’s fun sticking around to coordinate! When we do flowers only, I miss the ceremony and sometimes don’t get to see how awesome our couples and their Bridal Party look.

The wrought iron aisle markers with candle and flowers were beautiful. (They are a specialty rental of ours.) After the ceremony, we moved the flowers out of them to be re-purposed to the reception which was held in the Planter’s Suite of the Mills House.

That is my favorite picture. The guest had bubbles to blow, but I’m in the bushes operating the bubble machine! Good times…

The cake was by Tiers of Joy. Adorning it are White Coco Hydrangea, Lime Green Hydrangeas, some locally grown (and by that I mean I cut them out of my yard) Blue Hydrangea and some stunning Blue/White Harlequin Hydrangea. Amazing!!!

It was a great night. I want to give a shout out to the rest of the wonderful Charleston Wedding Vendors that made it happen!

Wedding Coordinators: Charleston Wedding Studio

Flowers, Specialty Rentals: WildFlowers Inc

Hair & Make-up: Cover Girl Brides

Carriage: Charleston Coach

Music: Jay Maxwell’s Music by Request

Marion’s is a great size for it’s prime location at over 4,000 square feet, and a capacity of up to 200 guests.  The entry room at Marion’s can be used for smaller events and is flooded with natural lighting from the windows facing East Bay. It also contains a sizable bar. The main room is beautiful, from the oak floors to the exposed brick walls, white columns, and gorgeous chandeliers. Marion’s would be a great place for any type of event, and certainly provides a great plan B option for any event rained out of The Rooftop.

There are a number of churches within a few blocks of the Marion’s, including The French Huguenot Church, St. Philip’s Episcopal,Circular Church, and St. Michael’s.

To book Marion’s, or any of the Vendue Inn properties, contact:

One of the best parts of our job is getting to know such genuine couples as Bethany & Matt. We share a few highlights, courtesy of photographer Kim Graham, from their June 2nd Charleston Waterfront Wedding at the Cooper River Room in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Bethany & Matt

Weekday weddings are gaiing in popularity for venue discounts.

Bethany & Matt's Pastor brought elements from their home church to create their Charleston Wedding Altar.

The Rocking chairs are a great way to cool off by the Cooper River.

Chandeliers of Cooper River Room.

Bethany maximized her floral & decor budget by going Bold & Simple!

Cupcakes from Cupcake

Sticky Fingers Catering

Mr. & Mrs. Malaski

Bethany also stretched her overall wedding budget by incorporating some DIY projects as well as having it on a Thursday. (Check with your favorite Charleston Wedding Venue to see if they offer a weekday discount.) The atmosphere was casual and fun. Bethany and Matt kept the focus on the meaning of the day. I still smile when I think back on the day and the love that they share

For more ideas on having a budget friendly wedding click here.

Charleston Wedding Coordinators : Charleston Wedding Studio

Charleston Wedding Flowers & Decor : WildFlowers Inc.

Cupcakes: Cupcake

Charleston Wedding DJ: Lee Edwards

Rentals: Hughes Part Rental

Catering: Sticky Fingers

Hair: Nick’s Salon

Charleston Wedding Photographer: Kim Graham

Charleston Wedding Venue: Cooper River Room

LIME
Local. Impromptu. Moveable. Evening.

We were honored to once again participate in the monthly underground dining event. July’s LIME benefited Courageous Kidz non-profit organization, created to provide a “Safe Haven” for Kids with Cancer. Chef Charles Arena and Fat Hen Mixologist Bryan Charles Tatum served up extraordinary dishes and tasty cocktails!

WildFlowers Inc provided florals on behalf of Charleston Wedding Studio.

Charleston Wedding Studio supports a number of local charities by volunteering their time and talents donating florals and Charleston Wedding Planning packages.

The two were married at the beautiful Canongate Kirk Church in Edinburgh, with royals, athletes and other celebrities in attendance. Phillips, eldest granddaughter of the Queen, wore a dress designed by Stewart Parvin and accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes and her mother’s tiara. Making feminists proud, Phillips is keeping her maiden name rather than becoming Mrs. Tindall. The decision is attributed to her relative fame as an equestrian.

Phillips’ wedding is the third high-profile royal wedding this summer, preceded by the weddings of William and Catherine, Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge and Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. We can only hope that as the summer wraps up, more royal weddings are on their way in the Fall!

Written by  Dianne Shaver

Learn everything that goes into a wedding in your PJs with this Six Week Teleconference Wedding Planning Training!

For Wedding Planners begins: Nov. 3rd, 7 PM EST- how to work with a bride, working with vendors, setting up your business, marketing, etc.
For Brides begins: Nov. 2nds 7 PM EST:-  timelines, budgets, contracts, vendors, with or without a planner, etc.

See detailed schedule of weekly topics: www.bridesweddingplanningadventure.com and register now.

(843) 532-0559

{Charleston} Wedding Week was April 14-17th, 2011. But we recently received some fabulous images courtesy Andrew Cebulka of Heirloom Creative Photography. Opening night was held on the back lawn at Boone Hall Plantation for Cakes & Bouquets with some of Charleston’s most delectable confectioners and creative floral designers.
The event featured confections from DeClare Cakes, Cakes by Kasarda, Kaminsky’s, Tides Folly Beach and delicious ice cream from Discovery Ice Cream Mt. Pleasant! Floral designs by OK Florist, Tiger Lily Florist, Country & Lace Florist, Boone Hall, and me, WildFlowers Inc. Ooh! Events and Out Of Hand were there with unique rental decor along with some of their gorgeous bouquets as well as Jewelry designs by dee ruel.

Photographer Stephen Blackmon shows the camera some love while "modeling" some of my bouquets. He really dug the cotton with the orchids.

DeClare Cakes

dee ruel

OK Florist

Chocolate dessert holders.

WildFlowers Inc.

More bouquets from WildFlowers Inc.

Super fun and yummy!

Country and Lace

Pretty and delicious.

Ooh! Events and Out Of Hand

Doesn't get any better than this!

Charleston is one of the top destination weddings in the country. In addition to amazing venues and views, Charleston boasts some of the premier wedding vendors in the Southeast. For more on the top Wedding Florist in Charleston click here.

Today puts us about halfway through Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Green Bride Guide posted a fanastic article last week on how to put your wedding to ‘good’ use after your big day.  This came on the cusp of a conversation I had with wedding photographer Ben Eckles yesterday on what happens with most modern day dresses after the wedding.

Couple that with the article in the Post and Courier today about my friend Wendy Weisner and her recent battle with breast cancer and it’s got the makings of a good week, I’d say .  Click here for a great article about a fantastic woman!

Green Bride Guide With Suggestions on Reusing Gowns for Good!

Brides Against Breast Cancer accepts thousands of new and used wedding gowns every year from both private and corporate donors. These gowns are then sold to brides for excellent prices at gown sale events scheduled all over the country. You can find couture and high end wedding dresses with deep discounts!

Green Brides can donate their used dresses so that new brides can wear them on their special day. Instead of keeping your dress stowed away in your closet, someone else can reuse your dress so that it is not worn for one day.

Don’t want to give up the gown quite so soon?

Here are some other great charity options:

Diamonds for Dreams is the sale of diamonds, estate jewelry and other specialty jewelry items. This wonderful fundraising program helps grant the wishes of patients with terminal cancer. These wishes may be as simple as providing a sick patient’s loved ones airfare to see their ailing relative or even just a video camera to record time spent with their family.

The Pink Envelope Project This creative fundraiser is a unique way to raise money for breast cancer.  You can choose any type of event such as a bridal shower, girls’ night out, couples’ gathering or a work related function. To start, you join the Pink Envelope Project and purchase envelopes to take and collect donations in at your event.

There are many simple ways to help in the fight against breast cancer. Do your part and stay green by donating used items that can be reused, treasured and loved by others.

Photo Credit: Brides Against Breast Cancer

Verb: Taste (good food or drink) and enjoy it completely.

Vince and I were fortunate to attend the inaugural event of Savor Charleston, a dining club which allows you to taste-test and critique new dishes. Chefs take the honest opinions into consideration when updating their menus. The name “Savor” Charleston is truly perfect to the occasion. When you know that your opinion matters and feedback is expected, you relish each and every flavor. You “Savor” every morsel. The supperclub is the brainchild of our new friend Renata Dos Santos. She is also the talented and innovative personal chef behind L.I.M.E.

We were treated to an amazing (and filling) Five-courses served by Chef Jacques Larson and his team from Wild Olive. Bringing a hint of rustic Italy to Johns Island, Wild Olive focuses on simple and comforting Italian fare with ingredients sourced from the Lowcountry’s choice farmers and growers. Wild Olive is located at 2867 Maybank Highway.

Each dish was perfectly paired with wines by Wine Specialist Trish Digliodo of Vidalco South Carolina. Vidalco International, LLC distributes some of the world’s most wonderful hidden treasures. Trish and her husband Marco want to help you ”Discover and Celebrate Wines that give Charm to the Moment!”

Guest browse the huge selection of cookbooks, new & old.

Heirloom Book Co., located at 123 King Street, serves up an extensive selection of rare, out-of-print and new books, alongside prints, photographs, vintage first-editions, heirloom plants & seeds and other unique novelties — all catering to the food arts. It was a cozy yet refreshing environment for a family style dinner. Consider this quaint location for your next private function.

Florals provided by WildFlowers Inc. on behalf of Charleston Wedding Studio.

Photographs are courtesy of Jennifer Heisler with Silver Crescent– Public Relations, Marketing & Photography, a boutique consulting firm.

View the rest of the Savor Charleston photos in her online gallery!

What started out as a fun photo shoot to promote the new PrivateEyes Undies Bridal Line ended up as a unique and successful proposal. Model Vincent was super nervous as he changed into shorts with a pocket full of bling. He began kissing model/girlfriend Ally and telling her how much he loved her. When Vincent got down on one knee you could tell Ally just didn’t know what to think. Of course once she realized it was for real and not just part of the photo shoot, she said yes! Check put the great shots that photographer David Despeaux captured as Vincent & Ally’s awesome surprise proposal unfolded. It was an amazing day at Charleston Wedding Studio!

Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha

Make Up: Jonny Cosmetics

Have a special way in which you want to pop the question? Let Charleston Wedding Studio help plan your sweet surprise.

Flowers: WildFlowers Inc.

Three cheers to our Beth as she contributes to a great national blog about going above and beyond for our clients!

Here is the article from The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur exactly as it was printed:

When & How To Raise Your Prices

	1. When It’s Like Herding A Field Of Cats… The advice I’ve followed is three-fold: when you have more clients than you can handle for at least a few months…when your skill set increases to warrant it…and when the time you spend on the project far outweighs the price you are being paid (your virtual hourly rate) – it’s time to raise prices. Thanks to MICHELLE GOWER of GOWER POWER!
	2. Price Change Accompanies New/modified Offerings Changing prices can almost always accompany a slight change in business focus, so rather than announcing the same services/products for more money, announce new/different services instead. Once your customer base is accustomed to a certain price range, it is nearly impossible to change it without re-focusing on a new customer demographic, and to do that you need new or different offerings. Thanks to Chad Smith of Gingham Project
	3. Focus On Value, Not Price Raise your prices when you feel you are providing more value than your fees reflect. You may lose some customers. Don’t worry; they’re soon replaced. The ones that stay will recognize and appreciate the qualities you bring to the table. Thanks to Susan Greene of Susan Greene, Freelance Copywriter
	4. Business Is Not A Charity! The short answer is that a business is not a charity and should not absorb price increases. If you want to survive you have to look at what is your cost of doing business. Do you drive a vehicle to see your clients? If so it is part of your pricing. Factor in the price of gas, maintenance on the vehicle, utilities in your office, taxes, supplier price increases. It is all about the bottom line and your profit margin. If you are working like crazy and are cash poor. Time for an Increase! Thanks to Caren Weinstein of Marketing Light + Power Co.
	5. Just Remember, If You Raise Prices… You must increase value as well. People will pay more for something only when the value/offering goes up as well. Dig deep and add MORE. More is how you get people to pay whatever you want them to pay. Keep laying on the features and bonuses and watch as people don’t think about the price for one second. Thanks to Jim Kukral of Author, Business Around a Lifestyle
	6. Add New Value Far In Excess Of Your Price Increase Customers are always unhappy to receive price increases. When you increase the value to them and raise your price, they can accept that you are doing the right thing in trying to help them. Your relationship will be strengthened and your business will flourish. Obviously, you’ll need to find some way to increase value that costs your organization the same or less than the price increase. Thanks to Donald Mitchell of The 400 Year Project
	7. Raising Prices? Communicate! If and when a business decides to raise prices, they should do this at the same time every year, if possible. (ie. January). They should notify clients well in advance in writing (60 days) and obtain confirmation from the client that they understand/accept the new rate/s. If an explanation is necessary, then it may help in some industries to provide one. Setting the expectation and communicating it effectively to the client base is the most professional – AND -appreciated approach. Thanks to Jennifer Schaus of jennifer schaus & associates
	8. Like Asking For A Raise If you have existing clients and feel it’s time to raise prices, it’s a lot like asking a boss for a raise. Raising prices without justification or grounds to back it up is akin to asking for a raise after several quarters of underwhelming performance. Meet with each client individually if possible and explain the reason for the increase in price. If your clients are happy to begin with, it probably won’t be a big deal, but you have to be justified in the price hike! Thanks to Gabe Hecht of DFW Plantation Shutters
	9. Red Ocean Blue Ocean Pricing Look to the value each of your items deliver respective to price. Your price should be in alignment with that value. People buy on value unique to them. Consider the Red Ocean/Blue Ocean pricing, where can you change the Red Ocean where competition is crazy and move to the Blue Ocean where competition is limited? What can you increase or decrease and add or takeaway? Use the Good, Better, Best pricing approach that is valued driven because customers determine the “Buying Value” not you. Thanks to Leanne Hoagland-Smith of ADVANCED SYSTEMS
	10. HAPPY NEW YEAR! I think the best time to increase pricing comes in two parts. One, you must offer or do more, if you are asking for more! Perhaps you have added new products/services, launched a new website, something that screams its not being raised over greed- you can actually justify it! Secondly, I find at the beginning of a new year makes the most sense, and less people fight you on it, because with those new years resolutions, comes increase in policies, rates, and just change overall. Thanks to Asha Spacek of UR SuperModels
	11. Add Extra Value When you have to raise prices, try to add value by further improving your product or service along with the price increase. This can mean a free give-away, an add-on to an existing product, or a free hour of your service at no additional charge. Customers understand rising prices are part of the business world and showing them money isn’t your biggest concern makes all the difference. Thanks to John Byrd of Dallas Pool Repair
	12. The Best Negatives Come With A Positive Consumers resent price increases, sometimes so much that you lose them…or at least their loyalty. The best way to counteract that is to offer something to make up for it. A new innovation is often a great way to do that, and even something minor can go a long way. If there’s no way to innovate your product or service, analyze your costs to see if slightly increasing the quantity you deliver for the new higher price can be achieved without killing your margins. Perceptions count…A LOT! Thanks to Greg Goodman of Goodman Strategies
	13. Using Value To Raise Your Price A price should be determined by the value of the product or service not just the actual cost of time and supplies into the product or service. If you add more value then raise your cost. If you can show the value your customer will received from the product or service and they can experience the value they will pay the raised price. Thanks to Carol Coots of Practical Cost Reduction
	14. Advice From A Plumber A voice from on high said, ‘Time to raise your prices”. “Huh?” was George’s response. He was busy tuning up all the bikes lined up in his shop. The plumber’s head and upper body were deep into the ceiling and George was trying not to look at the rest of him in his plumber pants. “When you have that much work lined up, it’s time to raise your prices.” George took the advice and since then he has worked a little less while making more. How’s that for a full-service plumber? Thanks to Frances Schagen of BusinessOwnersSuccessClub.com
	15. ‘Cause I Can I raise my prices every year, just ’cause I can. Isn’t that one of the primary reasons to own your own business? So you can set your own prices? Thanks to Evelyn Cucchiara of Organizing With Evelyn
	16. Raise Them Whenever You Need – Without Fear The key is the word – Need! First of all, do not under price yourself to get into a market. If your customers complain, you weren’t delivering value in the first place. Most of the time, they will know they were being under charged and won’t complain. I advised a friend to raise her rates 25%… no one complained. A good sign of when to raise is if you cannot afford to keep doing what you need to do to run your company or hire people to run your company efficiently. Then there’s no choice. Thanks to Jon C. Coward of Spiral Cities Marketing
	17. Raise Rates For New Customers Only People hate having their expectations broken. When you raise your rates for existing customers, you break their expectations, and in a particularly unpleasant way. So if you’re going to charge more, consider keeping your original rates for existing customers and only charge more to new customers. Thanks to Michael Kaiser-Nyman of Impact Dialing
	18. Raising Prices I don’t believe in raising prices just to do so. However, if you are a solopreneur and have too many clients or can’t accept any more, that may be the time to do it. If you are a larger business, and no one has objected to your charges, then attempt a 10% increase. If you are separating yourself from the pack and have an amazing track record, then try 50% and see what happens. The important thing is to make a profit, have exceptional customer service and an outstanding brand and reputation. Thanks to Gayle Carson of Carson Research Center
	19. When Don’t You Increase Your Price? Price = profit. You should be pursuing profit constantly, so you should always be looking for opportunities to increase your price, while doing so in a customer-friendly and ethical fashion. Good salespeople and managers are always looking at areas where they are charging less than the market will bear, while continuing to give good value – good price management will definitely impact your bottom line! Thanks to Troy Harrison of SalesForce Solutions
	20. Perception = Reality Well, I need to preface this tip, by saying you should always test out different methods of perception.. but when it comes to pricing, the buyers perception is really what matters. Raising prices can actually improve buyer want, when done correctly – try breaking it down, over a certain amount of time, and make it seem insanely small (less than a $1 a day..) – you can also compare the price to other more expensive options, too – that’s a benefit in and of it self. Thanks to Bradley Barks of Compare With Us Now
	21. Change Prices As You Add Value This may seem like the most obvious of answers, but some things are obvious for a reason: they make sense. If you must increase prices, make sure you do so as you add value for your customers. If you’ve added extra items to the menu or spruced up the decor, no one will fault your restaurant for raising the entree prices. If you edit a magazine and add more photos and more pages, it only makes sense that the cover price should go up. People like to see value for their money. Thanks to Mark McLaughlin of MANCOMM
	22. Just Do It In professional services, not raising your rates for 2 or 3 years is detrimental to your buttom line. It’s better to plan for small increases annually (put a reminder into your Outlook calendar) rather than shock clients with a significant increase after several years. Raising prices is a habit that can be learned. Schedule it and set the expectations with clients. Everything else is getting more expensive. Raising prices is your best strategy to maintain or improve profit margins. Thanks to Isabella McPeak of Peak Business Coach, Inc.
	23. Pave The Way Even if you’re not ready to raise rates now, protect your future self! When creating new contracts or interacting with potential new clients, be sure to pave the way for raising rates down the road. Including a line about the potential for annual rate increases in your terms is crucial, especially for ongoing hourly service arrangements. Thanks to Danielle Nelson of Life Unconstrained
	24. One Word – Inflation I advocate annual price increases – at least reviews – because of inflation. Each year our dollar typically buys a little less. We owe it to ourselves as business owners to know how much the inflation rate is and to adjust our prices accordingly. When economic times demand it, we can offer specials and discounts to maintain market share but we should increase our prices regularly. If you charged $100 in 2008 and have made no changes, adjusted for inflation, you are now charging just under $95. Thanks to Susan Lannis of ORGANIZATION Plus! Inc.
	25. Supply And Demand Raising your prices always seems like risky business. Know what the competition is up to and what the demand is for your product or services. If the demand is high and the supply is low, it’s time to take a close look at your prices…and probably raise them. Make sure your decision is justified, and that you differentiate yourself from the competition. Give your clients the chance to buy at the original price before the increase. They’ll appreciate it, and it might give your cash flow a boost. Thanks to Robert Finkelstein of Behind The Scenes / Virtual COO
	26. Increase Prices When . . . You think your product is worth more to that customer at that time. You want to increase the quality and value perception of your product or service. You are providing additional value to the customer. You are providing a level of customer service that is superior to your competition. Your customer has requested additional services like repackaging, shipment or delivery that will reduce their costs. Your product is a cheaper component of a product being produced. Price + Perception = Value Thanks to Tom Smith of Tar Heel Bear Ventures
	27. Try To Hold Off, But If You Got To… Hire your first employee when you need it. With our business, we started from our homes for almost half a year and were very successful during that period. When we needed a helping hand with customer service, filing, and marketing, we decided to hire a person who could hit everyone one of those tasks. The longer you can hold off on hiring, the better. Hiring a worker is a large expense because you will then need office space, but if things get too hectic, you shouldn’t hesitate to make the move. Thanks to Michael Pesochinsky of GovernmentAuctions.org
	28. Work First, Then Hire During the early stages of your company, you probably won’t need to hire anyone for a while. Now with outsourcing and the evolution of these innovative and useful computer programs, you can manage the business on your own for a while. When the work piles up, or gets too troublesome, you can reach out and hire someone for those duties. You shouldn’t think that just because you started a company that you need to hire people immediately. Wait if you can, and try to focus on work and not hiring. Thanks to Elik Aaron of SaleRacks.com
	29. It’s Time To Raise Your Rates When You Have “too Much Business” “To continue providing the high quality services our customers enjoy and expect, we are updating 2012 fees to reflect the evolving business climate. Thank you for your business.” Or something like that. More importantly, here’s the math: 40 hrs/wk x 50 work wks/yr = 2000 hrs/yr, including billing, travel, admin time. Conservatively, if you only have 65% billable time, that’s 1300 hrs/yr. Divide what you must GROSS (profit+taxes+overhead-savings, etc) by 1300 – that’s your minimum hourly rate. Thanks to Melinda Mallari of Precision Market Services
	30. TO RAISE OR NOT TO RAISE A company should give there customer’s a chance to stock up under current prices when they are planning a price increase by informing them what the company is planning to do. An added bonus of this policy is a surge in business and the increase does not come as a shock to their customer base.A company, in my opinion,that does not inform there customer’s of an increase or makes their product smaller will find a backlash of unhappy customers. REMEMBER THAT HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. Thanks to Jeffrey Byer of Reminicents Penny Bracelet
	31. When You Just Can’t Take It Anymore! When you find that you have more business than you can handle (GREAT problem to have, BTW!), raise your rates. Will you lose customers who are unwilling to meet your new rates? Sure, but remember, you have more business that you can handle. Consider giving your best, current clients a pass on your new rates. Let them know that you consider them a valued “VIP” client. Watch them give you continued, high-value projects/repeat business. Thanks to Rick Brown of Rick Brown Communications, LLC
	32. Increase Cost Of Goods For Services When you have to pay more money to deliver your products and or services you should slowly increase your prices. Find a way to deliver your services without making a drastic change in price (s). You will know if you do a quarterly cost analysis on how much you spend to deliver your products and or services that will help you figure out your increasing cost and how to increase your price (s) to your consumers. Thanks to Eula M. Young of Griot’s Roll Film Production & Services Inc.
	33. The Time Is Now And Here’s How Assuming you are doing a good job for your clients, raise your prices now. Simply institute an across the board ten percent increase in pricing effective immediately. Your best clients won’t care and your worst ones will leave. You’ll increase your margin, demonstrate greater value to your clients, and eliminate those few who are in the lower 20% of your client pool. Even if you lose 10% of your business (and you won’t), you’ll save money by working with more profitable clients. Thanks to Glen Gould of GlenGould.net
	34. Only When You Can Add Value It is easier to justify raising your prices when you can honestly say that you have enhanced the value you are providing to your customers. Rather than quoting the worn cliche that your costs are rising, demonstrate that what customers receive from you is better than before! Thanks to Brad Dude of Brad Dude & Associates
	35. Don’t Surprise The Client! As a service-based business, whenever I have raised prices I have done so at the beginning of a calendar year…for new clients. Then in early February, I send notes to existing or potential clients for whom we’ve done an estimate, stating that prices have gone up for new clients but because they are valued clients their prices won’t go up until April 1st. They can also choose to pay for a package on March 31 & prices won’t go up until the package is complete. So far it’s worked well! Thanks to Janice Russell of Minding Your Matters Organizing
	36. Tie Price Increases To Annual Business Plan Price increases should be tied to annual business goals and cash-flow projections. If you want to increase your business revenue in one year, then pricing is only one variable (in addition to increasing customer and transaction counts) that can affect your success. Most likely, existing customers will tolerate moderate, periodic price increases. Planned increases allow for communication and will help eliminate customer resistance associated with random, knee-jerk increases driven by market flux. Thanks to Julie Heidelberg of Heidelberg PR
	37. Maybe Never! With low maintenance websites, you really never need to hire a staff. Many new websites can be managed from your home or a small studio office. You can set up a house line, get a free fax number, and manage customers via emails, phone, and social networking websites. The only reason to hire someone would be to take on the clerical duties and customer concerns–which can also be outsourced at a very cheap rate. In theory, certain websites don’t ever need to take on extra personnel. Thanks to I. Aronovich of Awardable.com
	38. New Year’s Pricing One of the best times to change prices is with the new year. Start now by looking at competitors and alternative options. As you compare, begin to share your differentiating factor so when the increase comes, you have built some trust and understanding. Then, make the move at the beginning of the year stating you review your pricing annually and have decided this year you must keep up with rising prices. Communicate the upcoming changes early on and address any concerns as soon as you get them. Thanks to Rob Jager of Hedgehog Consulting, Inc.
	39. Switch Up More Than Just The Price. When possible, price changes are also an opportunity to modify the product offering: different qty/tiers, bundled add-ons, payment terms (pre-paid discounts!), etc. This not only reduces chances for customers to focus solely on price change, but let’s you optimize offerings for profit margins. Also, if there is a way to maintain te same price, but different quantity, quality, bundle or version, that often makes sense. Switch it all up! Thanks to Kenny Jahng of Social Media Consultant And Coach
	40. Best Advice I Was Given On Raising Prices I was advised to consider raising fees when I was so busy and I could not keep up with the demand. This way I attract and choose to spend time with clients that allow me to spend more time with them meeting their job search needs. On a related note, I bundled services together to ensure clients got the most for the money they spent with me and had all the tools need to succeed in using my services. Thanks to Lisa Rangel of Chameleon Resumes
	41. Raise Prices? Now? For businesses who cater to clients with relatively high discretionary income, don’t assume your clients aren’t looking for value – my business is based on phenomenal service, unconditionally guaranteed quality, and priced mid-high among my competition. Therefore price is not the only consideration, nor is it the biggest one. Unique product mix and personalized services I can offer (which the competition does not) means comparing apples to – well – oranges. Pricing is only a part of it. Thanks to Tammy Berk of Berk Photography, Inc.
	42. Raise Prices W/o Raising The Roof If you’ve just received local (better yet, national) acclaim, you can charge more. If your customer has raved about your last product or service, you can charge more. If you have no reason other than survival for raising your prices, though, communicate very carefully. The language has a million words. You can find the right ones that will make this hard-to-swallow message easy-to-digest. If need be, model your message on successful ones you yourself have received about price increases. Thanks to Marlene Caroselli of Center For Professional Development
	43. After Longterm Service Prove yourself first. Give it your all, help the client in more ways than you promised. Look at increasing the pricing for valued, long-term clients first before simply upping prices in general. Focus instead on the long-term relationships, providing value, and if ethical and appropriate, increasing prices. Enjoy this process of sincere service which will lead you to more revenue! Thanks to Pamela Hawley of UniversalGiving
	44. If You’re Too Busy, Raise Your Prices! Public relations and consulting in general is interesting because there is a wide range of hourly billing rates. Some independents charge under $100 per hour while some agencies charge several hundred dollars per hour. My advice is that if you find yourself too busy, without enough time for business development, RAISE YOUR PRICES! Why? Because a higher hourly rate weeds out prospects that are fishing for free advice and give an impression of “cachet” to your existing clients. Thanks to Ed Mayuga of AMM Communications
	45. Is Everyone Saying YES To You? When I started my business, I was rather timid with prices in my client proposals. I knew what I wanted to earn for a project but worried that it would seem too expensive and I wouldn’t get the work. When client after client accepted my proposals it became clear: I WASN’T CHARGING ENOUGH. I’ve been quoting higher prices ever since, and clients are STILL saying Yes. I’ll keep going up until I get more No’s. Thanks to Shelley Ryan of Killer Webinars LLC
	46. Clients Will Pay What You Are Worth Starting off with competitive pricing is smart, but you never want to be the cheapest in town. If you are constantly being told that you’ve overly exceeded your client’s expectations it’s time to re-evaluate your worth and ROI. Raise your prices slowly for existent clientele. Immediately implement your pricing structure for new customers. You should always strive to go above and beyond. If you are consistently providing tremendous value, your clients will pay what you’re worth. Thanks to Beth LeonGuerrero of Charleston Wedding Studio
	47. Not So Fast, Grasshopper Corporations frequently raise prices to “maximize shareholder value.” But trade lightly here. Sure, you need to cover costs and make a profit. But there is something to be said for cutting the bloat on your end first and then seeing if you really do have to raise prices. Especially in a rough economy , stability in pricing will be greatly appreciated . Volume can make up for not raising prices. so don’t be too quick to pull the trigger before doing some reseach and talking to customers. Thanks to Craig Wolfe of CelebriDucks
	48. Did You Ever Notice “Raise” Is In “Praise”? Raise rates when you announce something new in your biz–a new service, etc.–AND after you do market research & realize you charge too little. Only ONE client questioned a 30% raise in my rates because I sent a letter to all my clients showing what coaches typically charge/offer in comparison to our prices/services. I thanked my clients for supporting me in valuing our services. If they see you’re in line w/the GOING RATE, they won’t be GOING away! (P.S.Raise your referral bonus too!) Thanks to Dr. Barnsley Brown of Spirited Solutions Professional Speaking & Coaching
	49. Supply And Demand Determines Fees I find the law of supply and demand useful to determine my fees. When the demand for my time goes up, while supply of this finite resource remains the same I raise my prices. If I have been working with a client at a lower rate and my busy-ness prevents continuing to accept that rate, I will explain this to the client and hopefully they will understand and willingly pay more. If not I might scale back the time I spend on their account in order to make space for higher paying work. Thanks to Susan Von Seggern of SvS PR
	50. Raise Prices Often To Control Work Flow If you find yourself bogged down, struggling to keep up with your work load, consider how many clients or projects you are involved with. How much is each worth to you long term? Most of us want to keep our best, highest paying clients and get rid of low profit, difficult ones for the sake of our sanity. Raising prices is an excellent way to get low profit, high maintenance clients to drop off your radar scope, leaving those who appreciate and are willing to pay more for your expertise. Thanks to Terri Maurer of Maurer Consulting Group
	51. NEVER Compete On Price Why? Because what you should be doing is competing on expert status. In an overcrowded marketplace signified by information overload people now rely on recommendations instead of information to make decisions. The law of authority proves people blindly believe an expert. As a recognized expert you will never have to worry about your pricing and in fact you will lose credibility if your info is priced too low. Experts create their own differentiation and never get their value questioned. Thanks to Tyler Grupe of NetWeb LLC
	52. When You Have More Business Than You Can Handle For people in service industries – consultants, health care practitioners, coaches, etc – the time to raise your price is when you have more business than you can handle. When you have more clients than you are comfortable with – it says two things – You are good at what you do and It’s time to charge more. It is also a way of weeding out many of the customers you’d like to ‘fire’ Thanks to Heidi McCarthy of Toughest Customer
	53. The Prices Can’t Be High Enough The best time to raise prices is when there is both more need for your product or service and a valid reason for an increase. If you are direct and offer logical reasons for the price hike, customers are sympathetic and understanding. The resistance is greater when there is no communication about the increase. Anger sets in when prices raise constantly, like with each purchase. However, I love this strategy for my competition and from where I sit, their prices can’t be high enough. Thanks to Lauri Flaquer of Saltar Solutions
	54. Give The Reason Give no more than a 2 week notice that prices are going up along with the reason. I recently had to raise my costs and retail because of the price of elastic because elastic is a petroleum based product! Who would have thought? Thanks to Haralee Weintraub of Haralee.Com Sleepwear
	55. Keeping Both Parties Happy I think it is ok to increase your prices when the cost to create your product increases!! Thanks to Nashonta McDowell of Kiia Bath & Body

Compiled by Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur