Natosha Graham 1/10/18 Natosha Graham 1/10/18

"I'm Engaged!" Here are 5 tips on what to do next

5 Tips on what to do next when you say, "Yes"

We are going to keep the blog short, sweet, and to the point.
1. Tell everyone!: It's your turn. Don't be shy and not share.
2. Talk to a planner: Whether you decide to hire a planner or not. A planner can educate you on many aspects of planning a wedding especially the cost. Planning a wedding is a lot bigger than planning a small event.
2. Select a date: Every wedding professional you contact will ask this when you reach out to them.
3. Select a guest count: This will change many times, lol. Just set a max.
4. Select a style of wedding you would like to have.
5. Select a maximum cost you want to invest in your wedding

If you would like to chat with us about your bid day,

click here to schedule your consultation

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, Garner New Bern, Wilson, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning offers Wedding Day Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Partial Wedding Planning Services, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, and Event Design Services for all your Social Events.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding

Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide

Natosha Graham 12/3/17 Natosha Graham 12/3/17

Deck the Halls

Its the most wonderful time of year and it's time to deck those halls or at least your home.

We know that walking through the department stores Christmas section can be a little overwhelming. As well as what areas in your home to decorate. So we decided to give you a few tips to help you this holiday season.

What areas of your home to decorate? Now if you are one of the ladies or gentleman and Christmas is your favorite holiday you'll probably decorate your entire home (inside and out). But those of you who don't have a lot of time to, here are a list of areas we recommend. We recommend decorating your main living space, your dining room/kitchen table, and/or fireplace mantle.

Now we are going to give you a few tips/pointers for shopping, setting up your decorations, and storage.

Pick at least 3 colors for your decorations (this will keep you focused when out shopping)
Pick a theme (you don't have to have a theme, however having one will also keep you focused)
Use different size/finishes ornaments on your tree (glitter, matte finish, glossy, decorative ones, etc)
Use mesh and ribbon as garland (don't be scared to mix patterns)
Be creative with your tree topper (bows, floral picks, florals, etc),
Be sure to fluff your tree, wreaths, and garland so they look full once decorated (we love using pre-lit everything.)
Be creative (there is no right or wrong way)
Check the lights on everything before you start decorating
Make sure all decorations are secure (outside decor needs to withstand the elements)
Use electrical cords and lighting that specifies outside use.
When using a real christmas tree be sure to keep it watered. (Dry/Brittle tree becomes a fire hazard)
Use sturdy containers to store decor in (try to separate in categories)
Shop after the holiday season for the following year (you receive good discounts when the holiday is over)

These are some of the tips/pointers we felt would be helpful to you this holiday season and remember.....

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding

Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 11/10/17 Natosha Graham 11/10/17

Journey to finding the perfect Bridal Gown

As we exit the peak wedding season and enter engagement season, I know all the engaged ladies are looking for the perfect dress. You've been flipping through countless magazines and searching the internet for "the dress". So we put together some tips to help you on your wedding dress journey.

Schedule an appointment at the bridal shop. Most shops will have a consultant to help you try on dresses.
Don't wear makeup. You will be trying on a lot of dress that day and most will go on over your head.
Bring at least 2-4 people to help you make a decision. If you invite more you could get overwhelmed with everyones opinions.
Bring some water. You will get tired,lol.
Try on different styles. You will be surprised at what you may like once its on you.
If the shop allows, take pictures. You may can't remember how you looked in dress once you leave.
Don't rush making a decision. Visit other shops to see what other designers they may can offer you.
Don't be afraid of color!! Try a blush or ivory wedding gown.
When you feel you have "the one", let them jack you up!! Add the other accessories, your consultant should be able to pick the perfect accessories to go with your gown.
HAVE FUN!!!!

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding

Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 10/13/17 Natosha Graham 10/13/17

Tips When Renting from A Rental Company For Your Event

chiavair chairs.jpeg — If you decide to plan your wedding yourself, you may decided to use a rental company for your special day or event. Most rental companies has a wide range of products to chose from such as linens, napkins, chairs, tents, etc. Here are a few tips to help you along the way when renting from a company.

Consider delivery and setup provided by the rental company- This will save you from having to pick the items up yourself and return them. Most weekend rentals are due back Monday if same day pickup is not available.
Count items at pickup and return-If you decide to pick up be sure to count the items as they are being loaded. You don't want to realize while setting up you are missing items.
Check linens-Even though you are renting be sure to check for stains
If renting dinnerware we recommend to sanitize the items again.
Upon returning- make sure everything is accounted for and signed off that all was returned.

For suggestions of our areas local rental company click here

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated byCertified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 9/28/17 Natosha Graham 9/28/17

The Stanly Hall Ballroom Wedding and Event Venue in Historic Downtown New Bern, NC

With many brides choosing to have a destination, barn, beach weddings and more. We had forgotten about ballroom weddings well at least I had until I had the pleasure of touring a historic ballroom this past spring. In my search to visit more wedding venues to be able to recommend for our clients, I came across this ballroom and fell in love with it.

The Stanly Hall Ballroom located in the historic downtown of New Bern NC is simply lovely. It was built in 1874 and went through a full restoration in April of 2012. From its high ceiling height to its coverage of over 3,600 square feet with hard wood floors, this venue is simply amazing. Oh and you can schedule dance lessons for you and your groom as well. Click here to view lessons.

Rental rates vary from day of the week and seasons and the room capacity is up to 200 guest.. Rental includes 6' and 8' tables, bridal suite with private restroom for bride and bridesmaids, and more. If you are interested in a tour or booking this amazing venue contact Joyce at 252-637-2003 or visit their website .

If you would like us to reach out for you or help you plan your amazing event at The Stanly Hall Ballroom click here.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 9/4/17 Natosha Graham 9/4/17

New Bridal Boutique in Historic Downtown New Bern, NC

We had the pleasure of visiting the newest bridal shop, Blush Boutique, located in the historic downtown New Bern, NC. Ladies, if I were I would make sure I visited this shop to search for "the dress".

Blush Boutique

We had the opportunity to visit one of the newest bridal shop in New Bern, NC. Blush Boutique, located on 222 Craven Street in New Bern, NC. As you enter the boutique you are welcomed with beautiful gowns, sparkling veils, and accessories. The shop offers a wide range selection of wedding gowns from high end designers (such as Enzoani, Vera Wang, Kitty Chen, Henri Roth, Pronovias, and more). in a range of styles. The owner, Jean Lloyd, recently opened the shop to provide a boutique experience with designer gowns and accessories to meet the needs of brides in New Bern and surrounding areas. The shop also offers designer formal shoes, sashes, and jewelry as well.
At Blush, wedding gowns are purchased off the rack and alternations are done offsite at the buyer’s discretion. Blush is not a consignment shop and only sells new designer gowns and accessories. The boutique is open daily Tuesday – Saturday for shopping and gown fittings. Everyone is welcome to come and shop anytime during shop hours. Blush offers brides private appointments for fittings so that they can give every bride the personal boutique experience. Call 252-497-8875 to schedule your private fitting. You can also visit their website to view the dresses at www.etsy.com/shop/blusbboutiqueetsy.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 8/22/17 Natosha Graham 8/22/17

From Miss to Mrs.

Ladies....The big day has come and gone. You've returned from your honeymoon as Mrs and you realize that you have to legally change your last name. You were caught up with planning and the big day you never looked into what do I need to do to change my name. We've put together a view steps to help you.

Ladies....The big day has come and gone. You've returned from your honeymoon as Mrs and you realize that you have to legally change your last name. You were caught up with planning the wedding that you never looked into what you needed to do to change your name. So we've put together a few steps to help you.

Step 1. Get your original marriage license: You can usually pick this up from the register of deeds office located in your county. We suggest waiting at least 2 weeks to pick up so it has time to be recorded after the wedding. You may also call your local register of deeds to see if its ready for pick up.

Step 2. Apply for new Social Security Card: You will have to have your original marriage license and a valid picture ID to apply for a new card. You will have to apply for a new card by filling out an application. There is no charge for applying for a new social security card. You can visit your local Social Security Administration office or go online. Click here to download the a change application form. You may also click here to read the frequently asked questions for name changes.

Step 3. Apply for a new Driver's License: You have to apply for a new social security card in order to get a new driver's license. You also must have your original marriage license. There is a fee to get a new driver's license. Click here to visit the DMV website.

Step 4: Changing names for bank accounts: Check with your banking institution to learn the policies on changing your name and required documents needed.

Step 5: Change all other paperwork: Bills, School Information, Doctor offices, magazine subscriptions, etc. Check with each company on policies and required documents needed for changes. Policy and documents will vary based on individual companies.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated by Certified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

Natosha Graham 8/1/17 Natosha Graham 8/1/17

Things to consider before saying "yes" to being a bridesmaid

You meet your best girlfriend out for lunch and she gives you the best news,"OMG, I'm getting married!" As you two scream with excitement and you congratulate her she asks you,"Will you be a bridesmaid?" Before you give her an answer you may want to consider what comes along with that role.

With the help of a few of our past and present brides, we give you 5 things to consider before saying yes.

**1. Time:** You are going to share your time. Dress shopping, putting together wedding favors and invitations, running wedding day errands, attending bridal showers and more.
**2. Expenses:** Dress, shoes, jewelry, makeup, hair, nails, bridal shower, bachelorette party, bridal party apparel, and possible out of town expenses.
**3. Meeting all deadlines:** You may not understand why you have to purchase your dress 6 months prior to the wedding but trust us there is a reason why. Most bridal salons will tell you bridesmaid dresses need to be ordered 3 to 4 months prior to the wedding date. There are a lot of factors in this reasoning ( colors, season, is it a popular dress, etc.). Also keep in mind to allow time for any alterations.
**4. Being a Team Player:** It's the bride's big day! Give opinions and suggestions when asked. Don't get upset if the bride decides on something that you don't agree with. Try not to push back when asked to do certain things like wear a particular hairstyle, cover any tattoos, and more.
**5. Offering Support:** There is nothing like having support from your friends.

Let's face it when asked you are super excited and honored. However, you must consider if you will be able to do everything that's asked of you. No one knows your life better than you. It's okay to say, "I will not be able to be a bridesmaid in your wedding but don't forget to send me my invitation."

The bride is usually your best friend, friend, or family member and its ok to decline. I'm sure the bride will understand.

Now, if you say. "Yes, count me in!" Remember its the bride's day so try not to add an additional stress that isn't necessary.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning Raleigh, New Bern, and Greenville North Carolina.

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning owned and operated byCertified Wedding Planner Natosha Graham

Exquisite Events Wedding and Event Planning caters to Weddings and Events
in Greenville North Carolina, Raleigh North Carolina, and surrounding

Eastern North Carolina Wedding locations and Worldwide.

5 Tips on what to do next when you say, "Yes"

We are going to keep the blog short, sweet, and to the point.

1. Tell everyone!: It's your turn. Don't be shy and not share.

2. Talk to a planner: Whether you decide to hire a planner or not. A planner can educate you on many aspects of planning a wedding especially the cost. Planning a wedding is a lot bigger than planning a small event.

2. Select a date: Every wedding professional you contact will ask this when you reach out to them.

3. Select a guest count: This will change many times, lol. Just set a max.

4. Select a style of wedding you would like to have.

5. Select a maximum cost you want to invest in your wedding

Blush Boutique