Cheers to a Beautiful Summer!

Things have been rolling along well for us here at Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events this summer!  I am so happy with all of my clients, vendors, and team members and what we have been able to accomplish with each and every wedding weekend!  It has also been a beautiful summer here in Southwest Montana, which dramatically makes my mood change with every sunbeam!

I just want to share a bit of summer lovin, and a bit more of our style of floral and design.  I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I do of a beautiful couple, Blythe and Greg, who were married on August 13th at a private residence in the Madison Valley!  I can't wait to show you the entire wedding story by budding photographer, Amy Hallenius, of PhotoArt by Amy.

RSVP---what the heck?

Well, I have news for you!  I have planned weddings for over 10 years, and I have never received 100% return on RSVP's---Why can't everyone do their part and put their RSVP card in the mail?  I only have theories, but no real data to support the why behind the non-rsvp'ers, but it is frustrating!  

Procrastinators by nature?  Not sure if they can make it?  Don't have a mail slot convenient enough?  Whatever the reason, here are some ways to get more positive results from your guests---

1. Make it as easy as possible.  Always stamp the rsvp card with appropriate postage and be sure it is labeled with the correct return address to come straight to you.
2. You can use language to make RSVP'ing more fun.  I have currently seen my brides and grooms use phrases such as "why not?" "just can't..." even ad-lib games to get more responses. Traditional is also good...if it is straight, to the point and gives you the information you need.
3. Give them more than one way to RSVP.  While this is more work for you, it may get more responses from your guests.  Provide an email address for them to send their RSVP or many of the free wedding websites have an RSVP feature. 
4. When all else fails, track your guest down via email or a call. 

If you are guilty of not sending an RSVP card....the reasons why it is so important should be clear by now.  While you invited your guests for a reason, and you truly want them to be there for your special day, you also want the opportunity to save a few dollars if you can.

So, the next time you get an invitation in the mail, email, whatever....do your part, and let your first gift to that couple be your RSVP in the mail!  Pronto! 

DIY FLORAL CLASS OFFERED

Are you ready to learn from an expert on how to create your own flowers for your wedding?  Join us for this fun filled Do-It-Yourself Bridal Event at the Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon!  Be ready to be inspired as Montana wedding planner Leslie Lukas walks you through a bridal bouquet, boutonnier and cost effective centerpieces!

Keys to this successful DIY Bridal (floral design) show:

• Tool kit with everything you need to create your own flowers
• Hands on Experience
• Refreshments
• Other Vendors on-hand to answer your DIY questions
• A teacher with over 15 years of experience!!!
• REGISTER at http://www.montanaweddingflorist.com/ by May 14th

Getting ready for Ever After Bridal Event

As I get ready for the Ever After Bridal Event, my friend Mindy Schroder stops by to say hello!  She is an amazing novice photographer, shooting everything she can.  Well, she always has her camera with her, and while I was busy working, she was taking these BEAUTIFUL photos.  This is also a brand new camera she got for Christmas!  I am in LOVE with the photos she takes!

Here is a sneak peak as to what is in store at the bridal event on Sunday as seen through Mindy's camera!!!

This first picture excites me because it showcases how I lay all my goodies on my design table in layers to make sure it all is going to flow together.  And a bonus...Mindy captured a neat reflection in the mirror~

The "3" is a table number and the apothocary jar will be used like a "wedding wishes" jar at the event tomorrow to capture potential client information...

A deeper look at my inspiration table....

A trick that I will be sharing "using foliage in your table scape design"....

Metal lanterns from India...we like to place moss in the bottom and use a battery "flicker" candle in ours!

I have been growing these paper whites since December 14th or so.  I kept them in a really cold location, but with proper light, so that they would be perfect for the Ever After Event....

You can follow Mindy's work at http://ladybugfamily.wordpress.com  

Ever After Bridal Event

We are proud to be a part of the Ever After Bridal Event at the Woodlands!!!  

Come see me at the show on

SUNDAY, January 9th 

11-4pm

to visit about your wedding plans and to gain inspiration from yours truly!

photo:  leslie lukas by  lauren brown

• be ready for sensory overload with our fresh floral designs--inspiration for 2011 brides
• see why BRIDES magazine recognizes us as a top vendor of the mountain west and chooses to publish our work again and again
• purchase our DIY floral kits, and make sure that you are well on your way to the perfect wedding day.  
• get insider tips on planning the perfect wedding

 This is a show you won't want to miss!  There will be several other vendors representing all areas of expertise to help you plan the perfect day!