Friday, July 29, 2011

2011 WDIV for the Best

Hey folks guess what?!?! We're in 10th place, I didn't even know we were in the running this year. Feel free to vote and we'll close out ATC with a bang :) We ARE also best of 2011 Knot Wedding Planners and 2011 Best Wedding Planner on Wedding Wire

http://detroit.cityvoter.com/all-things-creative/biz/100714

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

BIG NEWS FROM ATC!!!

We are excited to announce that this will be the last wedding season for All Things Creative. After a lot of soul searching Dan and I decided that it would be best for our family if we slowly phased out All Things Creative. 
I am beyond proud of the business All Things Creative became and I am confident we could have continued to grow into THE leading event company in our area but after a lot of research, discussion, and thought, the realization is that growing a business the way we wanted to was taking too much time away from our daughters. We only have a few years with them at home before they start school and grow up.  
Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement. This would not have been possible without our friends and family. Whether it was my mother in law and father in law that watched our girls while we worked around the clock to make a wedding come to life, my sister helping with installation of chair covers and taking amazing pictures of each event, or my best friend and business partner Deanna with Whimsical Occasions producing amazing bridal shows which connected me to all of our wonderful couples, I could not have done this alone.
Last but certainly not least I want to thank my husband. This started as a dream and developed into an amazing reality. I would not be where I am today with out his love and support. Dan... THANK YOU! I am so blessed to be married to you. I hope all of the couples we've worked with are lucky enough to have a partner as awesome as you. I love you.
Rachel Cytacki

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Question of the day: How to honor a passed family member

Today's question of the day comes from Katie. She asked how to honor her grandpa that has passed. She wants to do something but not sure what.
*answer* Keep in mind that your wedding is a celebration and while you want to honor a loved one that has passed, you don't want a somber moment. Maybe you can pick one of their favorite songs and invite that side of the family out on the dance floor for a dance. Keep it up-beat and celebrate their life, not mourn their passing. If you do a photo montage, you could add pictures of them in there. I've seen a lot of people add something in their ceremony program.
Hope that helps.
Happy Planning
Rachel

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Addressing Inner and Outer Envelopes

Did you know that you have to address inner envelopes as well as the outer envelopes? Here is a quick cheat sheet. We hope this helps. Keep in mind that we are a Carlson Craft dealer and can assist you with your invitations. All ATC clients receive 25% off Carlson Craft invitations.

  • To a married couple

Outer: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Stuart Brown

Inner: Mr.and Mrs. Brown

  • To a married couple with children under eighteen

Outer: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Stuart Brown

Inner: Mr. and Mrs. Brown
Jane and Paul

  • To an unmarried couple at the same address(on formal invitation,Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Miss (or Ms.) Emily Jones

Inner: Miss (or Ms.) Jones
Mr. Williams

  • To a single woman(on a formal invitation, Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Miss (or Ms.) Emily Jones

Inner: Miss (or Ms.) Jones

  • To a single man

Outer: Mr. John Williams

Inner: Mr. Williams

  • To a widow, or a separate woman

Outer: Mrs. Walter Stuart Brown

Inner: Mrs. Brown

  • To a divorcee who is still using her former husband's name (on a formal invitation, Ms. is accepted, but not preferred)

Outer: Mrs. (or Ms.) Smith Robertson or Mrs. (or Ms.) Barbara Smith Robertson (Smith being her maiden name)

Inner: Mrs.(or Ms.) Robertson

  • To a married couple when the wife uses her maiden name

Outer: Ms. Emily Jones and Mr. John Williams (Both names are on the same line)

Inner: Ms. Jones
Mr. Williams
Mr. Williams

Outer: Dr. Julia Trainer and Dr. Thomas McCray

Inner: Dr. Trainer
Dr. McCray

  • To a single man or woman and guest

Outer: Mr. John Williams

Inner: Mr.Williams and Guest

  • To a married couple, both doctors

Outer: The Doctors Williams

Inner: The Doctors Williams

Question of the Day


Today's question of the day is from Deanna. She wanted to know a way to keep track of her rsvp's as they come in. Her main concern was that people wouldn't fill them in correctly. You can place a small number on the back of the rsvp card that corresponds with each guest. If you place your guest list in an excel spread sheet that would help.
Happy Planning!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Where to start??? 12 Months to go.

You have been flying high on the "engagement buzz" When all of a sudden reality sets in you:"I
have to plan this whole thing,where do I start?." Although it seems overwhelming don't let
the stress get to you. When broken down even the biggest tasks are manageable. I am sure
you have heard the saying:"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step".
Well the same is to be said about planning your wedding.
ATC is here for you to break things down and let you enjoy all aspects of the big day.
Once a week we will be detailing the wedding timeline,what you should be doing when to give
you a little bit of guidance and structure to make planning easier for you.

A few things to think about 12 + months before your anticipated wedding date:

*What is your wedding style?*

Are you dreaming of a lavish,black tie affair? A celebration with all your
friends and family present. Maybe a cozy,more intimate gathering is more
your style,just family and those closest to you. There is no wrong idea.
Either party would be fabulous-just make sure to think about you want and
are most comfortable with. Keep your venue and colors in mind while planning. If you envision a pink and lime green wedding, I don't know that typical ballroom with red and gold carpet will be the match for you.

*What's the budget? *
Ah the budget...probably not the most enjoyable aspect to discuss,but could be
argued that it may be the most important. Who is paying and what will their contribution
be? Get these details hammered out in the beginning and let the planning begin!

*Start interviewing and gathering vendor recommendations*
Complimentary consultations are always available with ATC. We also have preferred vendors that are personally recommended. Trust us we have seen their work and can vouch for them and what is better than a word of mouth recommendation?

*What is your preferred wedding date?*
Is there a date with a special meaning for the two for you? Sometimes a wedding date depends on the availability of a venue that you have fallen in love with. Decide what is important to you.
Start seeking out venues for your ceremony and reception.

*The dress*
When a girl dreams of her wedding day-the 2nd thing she is probably dreaming of is "the dress".(The first thing of course is the handsome groom :)! Starting early makes sense. There are so many choices. Allow yourself time to select something that is perfect for you.

Don't forget to get your groom involved,remember it's his special day too! And of course more help
always make tasks easier to tackle.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Non-Profit Panera Bread in Dearborn

I had a meeting today at the Panera Bread in Dearborn and found out that they have changed to a non profit. I've attached an article for you to review.
http://www.dearbornfreepress.com/2010/11/22/panera-bread-opens-non-profit-community-cafe/
The basics are that they will not turn anyone away for a free meal. Since people are on such hard times, you can go and get a meal for free or a small amount. If you want to eat there and plan to pay for your meal, they will tell you what the "suggested price" is for your meal. That is the price it takes for them to cover costs of operation. Anything above that serves as a donation to the cause. I had to say I got choked up at this amazing idea. I would love for everyone to support it. I paid above the cost of my meal and the young man at the register lit up and said "You just paid for someone else to eat lunch, thank you!"
The irony: I just had a discussion with my husband Dan on how we can raise money through ATC for something similar.
There is a summer food service program for Detroit children.
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/DepartmentsandAgencies/DepartmentofHealthWellnessPromotion/Programs/NutritionServices/SummerFoodServiceProgram.aspx
Sometimes the only meal a child receives is the free lunch at school. During the summer months there may be days that they don't eat. We would like to encourage donations to this organization as the end of the school year approaches. There will be an obscene amount of "wedding dinners" served this wedding season and my heart breaks for those that can't even afford a PB&J. If you have any questions or need guidance on donating please don't hesitate to call us or email
248.974.9412
info@atcbyrachel.com
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive."
~Dalai Lama

Thank you
Rachel and the ATC Team