Happy Valentine's Day!

Picture from afreeimages.com

I am sure you have been seeing a lot of red and pink everywhere you go lately.  Those are the two most significant colors for this special day because they resemble the colors of a heart.  Valentine's Day is in the month of February, which just so happens to be American Heart Month. (Keep a watch out for an awesome blog post about the Heart Ball, which I attended!) 

Today is Valentine's Day, and if you are reading this blog post, you most likely have a sweetie that you get to celebrate with. My hubby showered me with house plants (hey, they last way longer than a dozen of roses!!) What did your sweetie give you?

With it being the 5th most popular day of the year for engagements (yes, only 5th...but still quite a big day!), Once In A Lifetime wants to give all those newly engaged couples a Valentine's Day gift!

When you email (or call, or post on facebook, or tweet - :) us your proposal story, we will help you consult you with your budget planning, at no charge!! This is a huge priority for wedding planning, and it should be the first check on that wedding planning to-do list.  So let us help you!

(All proposal stories submitted may be published by Once In A Lifetime.  All stories must be submitted by March 13th, 2011 to qualify for the FREE Budget Consultation.  The FREE Budget Consultation must be completed by April 30, 2011.)

Unusual Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is less than a week away.  Your fiance' already said she didn't want the usual: a dozen red roses and a stuffed teddy bear.  (Honestly, who would want a stuffed bear if they are older than age 10?)

Once In A Lifetime wants to help you make every event just that, a once in a lifetime event.  Valentine's Day comes around every year, and it seems we are always left with empty hands and no clue what to get our significant other.  This year, consider some of our ideas for a unique gift, that your loved one will remember all year long.

For the Ladies:

1. Luxury Perfume (I am obsessed with my Daisy by Marc Jacobs!)

2. Flowers of the Month

3. Chocolates of the Month

4. While we're at it, Cupcakes of the Month

(check out The Wright Touch Bake Shoppe -

http://www.thewrighttouchbakeshoppe.com/)

5. And if you haven't already: A PROPOSAL!!! Tell her you love her and want to spend your whole life with her. :) - And then call Once In A Lifetime to help you go from there.

For the Men:

1. Tickets to see his favorite sports team (And you go with him).

2. Candy Man Motion-Activated Candy Dispenser

 (http://www.brookstone.com/)

3. Beer of the Month Club

4. A Hot Air Balloon Ride

5. Who says a woman can't propose!? If he's dragging his feet, and you know you both love each other, Take the leap!! (Okay, if you know you love him, and want to wait for him to propose, you could show your love with a Boudoir Session!)

Whatever gift you may choose, just remember that this special day is all about the love you have for each other! Happy Valentines Day 2011!

It's That Time of the Month...

ABC ILNG Conference Call time, that is.

On the second Tuesday of the month, the Heartland Region for the Association of Bridal Consultants holds our monthly conference call.  There is always some hot topic, and tonight's topic was Non-Compete + Confidentiality Agreements.  How does this have anything to do with you, the bride (or groom, or parents)? Trust me, it has a lot to do with you. 

http://www.laurascouture.com/

Laura Mease, JD and Licensed MO Attorney, also owner of Laura's Couture, spoke on the topic and convinced all of us bridal consultants to have that confidentiality agreement signed with all of our employees.  This signed contract keeps your business just that...your business.  In my experience with working with brides and their families, wedding budgets are not something that gets passed around like that bruschetta at the cocktail hour.  By having all of our assistants sign a confidentiality agreement, all of our clients wedding details (like that amazing BBJ linen or the signature cocktail) will be a secret....(until the guests are introduced to them at the reception-the cocktails, of course.) :)

Check out Laura's Couture Collection above.  I bet you'll love some of these dresses!!

2011 Green Wedding Giveaway!

http://www.greenbrideguide.com/clay-hill-farm-green-wedding-giveaway

Are you planning a wedding, and wanting to go green?  Here is your chance to do just that...and for FREE!!

Green Bride Guide is an Emerald Sponsor for the 2011 Green Wedding Giveaway!

Click on the link above for all the details. Good Luck!