Details specializes in the planning and execution of coorporate meetings and events, incentive programs, social and community events, and weddings. Graphic Design services are availabe to ensure the look and feel of your event is evident on every element.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
It's the small things
Tuesday night was my 25th wedding anniversary. We didn't have anything big planned since we are planning to travel to Colorado in May and renew our vows with our son and our daughter standing at our sides. The plan was no gifts and a simple dinner out to acknowledge the occassion. Or so I was told.
One of us did not follow the plan. He kissed me before he left for work that morning and told me to be ready to leave by 4:30. I was still in bed, groggy, and alert enough to realize that seemed early, but not alert enough to question his request. I had a busy day ahead and assumed (and you would too, if you knew my husband), that we were either having dinner early to beat the crowd (you know how crowed restaurants can get on a Tuesday night), or seeing a movie before dinner . . . a matinee to save a few dollars. (Friends and family are snickering and nodding in understanding here). It was 11:00am before I had time to consume my protein breakfast drink which left me feeling hungry around 3:00. Not knowing what the evening's plans were, I sent a text to my husband, whom I knew was in a meeting, and asked if I should have a snack. At about 4:00 he responded that dinner would be later, so yes, grabbing a bite would be a good idea.
At this point, I'm guessing dinner and a movie are on tap, but even when he arrived home at 4:30, he would not let me in on the agenda. We traveled for about 40 minutes when I decided to ask if we were going to be in the car much longer. When he responded with a yes, I reminded him that just prior to leaving I had consumed a protein shake (read liquid). We made a brief stop and continued on.
I am now aware that we are headed toward either Milwaukee or Chicago and realize that if our destination is Chicago, he's planning to take me on a shopping spree because he did not ask me to pack : ) This thought was fleeting and solidified my Milwaukee assumption.
A destination! We pull in front of The Capital Grille in downtown Milwaukee for valet parking and the valet asks if he is Mr. Jenkins with a tone that indicates he already believes him to be. Finding it odd, I ask, "Come here often?" as we walk inside to be greeted by the hostess's "Are you Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins". Our confirmation elicits a, "Happy Anniversary!" from both her and the coatcheck girl. Something's up.
Arriving at our table, I notice a large bouquet of red roses and a card. The roses are from my husband. The card is from the staff of The Capital Grille. Our server, Elizabeth, is excellent. We discuss the menu and have a difficult time deciding on what to order. I mention in passing that the Lobster Mac-n-Cheese sounds good, but opt for the Lobster Bisque and Filet Mignon. The bread is all delicious, but there was a dark bread that was outstanding! Another table attendant asked if we would like more bread; we declined believing we'd had enough, but I did ask what type of bread it was that we so enjoyed (Pumpernickel).
The little gray box hid a pink sapphire and diamond ring! He certainly surprised me with the entire evening; I had no idea he was planning something so wonderful and memorable. And the jokes above alluding to him being a bit tight, well, I take those back : ) He can be, um, frugal, but when he buys me a gift or decides to take me out for a special evening, he goes all out. If he were someone who threw money around all the time it would not be nearly so special. Those little surprise moments are just one of the many reasons I love him and want to renew our vows after 25 years ~ I would marry him all over again.
Jami
One of us did not follow the plan. He kissed me before he left for work that morning and told me to be ready to leave by 4:30. I was still in bed, groggy, and alert enough to realize that seemed early, but not alert enough to question his request. I had a busy day ahead and assumed (and you would too, if you knew my husband), that we were either having dinner early to beat the crowd (you know how crowed restaurants can get on a Tuesday night), or seeing a movie before dinner . . . a matinee to save a few dollars. (Friends and family are snickering and nodding in understanding here). It was 11:00am before I had time to consume my protein breakfast drink which left me feeling hungry around 3:00. Not knowing what the evening's plans were, I sent a text to my husband, whom I knew was in a meeting, and asked if I should have a snack. At about 4:00 he responded that dinner would be later, so yes, grabbing a bite would be a good idea.
At this point, I'm guessing dinner and a movie are on tap, but even when he arrived home at 4:30, he would not let me in on the agenda. We traveled for about 40 minutes when I decided to ask if we were going to be in the car much longer. When he responded with a yes, I reminded him that just prior to leaving I had consumed a protein shake (read liquid). We made a brief stop and continued on.
I am now aware that we are headed toward either Milwaukee or Chicago and realize that if our destination is Chicago, he's planning to take me on a shopping spree because he did not ask me to pack : ) This thought was fleeting and solidified my Milwaukee assumption.
A destination! We pull in front of The Capital Grille in downtown Milwaukee for valet parking and the valet asks if he is Mr. Jenkins with a tone that indicates he already believes him to be. Finding it odd, I ask, "Come here often?" as we walk inside to be greeted by the hostess's "Are you Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins". Our confirmation elicits a, "Happy Anniversary!" from both her and the coatcheck girl. Something's up.
Arriving at our table, I notice a large bouquet of red roses and a card. The roses are from my husband. The card is from the staff of The Capital Grille. Our server, Elizabeth, is excellent. We discuss the menu and have a difficult time deciding on what to order. I mention in passing that the Lobster Mac-n-Cheese sounds good, but opt for the Lobster Bisque and Filet Mignon. The bread is all delicious, but there was a dark bread that was outstanding! Another table attendant asked if we would like more bread; we declined believing we'd had enough, but I did ask what type of bread it was that we so enjoyed (Pumpernickel).Our bread crumbs and saucers were cleared then moments later another bread basket arrived and was placed near me along with a fresh saucer. My husband and I were both curious so I peaked into the basket - full of pumpernickel!
We finish the soup/salad course and the main course is delivered. The items we selected are placed in front of us with one additional dish. Lobster Mac-n-Cheese on the house! Everything was wonderfully prepared, but the Lobster dish was to die for. Even my husband couldn't keep his fork out of it!
The massive amounts of excess food were carried away to be boxed for takehome. My husband casually reaches down and says, "I did get you a little gift". What?! I thought we weren't doing gifts so the card I made (which I realize I've left in the car) is looking pretty pathetic now. Anyway, "Little gift" was exactly that. He presents me with a small box and says that he began a tradition on our tenth anniversary of buying me gifts of jewelry to mark major milestones. (For our 10th, it was a diamond wrap for my engagement ring. On our 20th, it was pearls he hand selected while in Singapore). Boy, am I feeling like a heel at this point!
The little gray box hid a pink sapphire and diamond ring! He certainly surprised me with the entire evening; I had no idea he was planning something so wonderful and memorable. And the jokes above alluding to him being a bit tight, well, I take those back : ) He can be, um, frugal, but when he buys me a gift or decides to take me out for a special evening, he goes all out. If he were someone who threw money around all the time it would not be nearly so special. Those little surprise moments are just one of the many reasons I love him and want to renew our vows after 25 years ~ I would marry him all over again.And the rest of the story? Well, the carrot cake we ordered was delivered along with another dessert on the house. Our waitress said that every woman should have a little chocolate on her anniversy : )
The evening wrapped up with our waitress taking digital photos of us and placing them in The Capital Grille photo cards. The chef greeted us and gave us tips on reheating. Oh, and the worst part of the evening was my bad. The measly card I had made? Not in the car. And not in the parking lot of the gas station we stopped at to potty on the way there (we looked just in case). It's no where to be found. We believe it fell from my lap when I exited the car and was carried off by the wind. So, if you come across a slender black envelope that says, "Scott <3", please return it to us. It says all I have to say to him,
I Love You, Forever.
Jami
Monday, January 25, 2010
Meg's List of Creative Proposals
If the man has been a bit of a chicken about getting married, and has a sense of humor, the “chicken proposal” may just be perfect. He should rent a large chicken or Big Bird costume and arrange to meet his beloved somewhere. It could be breakfast, lunch, dinner – whatever. He wears the costume to the arranged meeting place carrying a large egg. If he doesn’t want her to recognize his voice, he may want to use prewritten cards. The first could say something like he had been sent by a friend, with the second confirming that she is the woman he was sent for. He then hands her the egg, which has the ring inside along with a note that asks if she’ll marry him. This idea may not work for every couple but it is definitely unique and would go over very well with the right woman.
Share your creative proposal with us or your dream proposal!
~ Meg
Additional Resources:
About.com and About.com
Suite101
Monday, January 18, 2010
Mothers-in-law
The movie Monster-in-Law was able to make us laugh about the sometimes difficult relationship of mother-in-law / daughter-in-law.
Just hearing the word, “in-laws” generally induces a shudder. The suggestion has such a negative connotation that it is easy to form a stereotype about who these people are before you even meet them. However, that would be about the worst thing you can do before meeting your in-laws or getting to know them. Rule number one is that you need to give them a chance – even your mother-in-law. Especially your mother-in-law. It’s important to remember that she is the mother of your beloved…as in, she gave birth to him, raised him, watched him move away from home…a very important part of his life, possibly the most important woman in his life, until you came along. Try to understand where she’s coming from. Now, not all mothers-in-law are monsters. Some are generally well-wishing, kind and caring people. This blog is not about those women. This blog is about the mothers who seem to be out to make your life a living hell, whether that is their intention or not. It is an issue that cannot be overlooked for some brides and that’s why we’ve provided you with some tips for dealing with “monsters-in-law.”
· Ask your own mom for advice on handling your future mother-in-law; she may have some good insight.
· Talk to your future spouse about the issues you have with his mother as well. Not only should he be aware, he needs to realize that it is his responsibility too. Handling familial issues should not fall on your shoulders alone. Word of caution: Don't be condemning. She's his mother, after all!
· Take your mother-in-law out to lunch, possibly with your fiancé in tow, and discuss some of the ideas she has for the wedding. Making her feel included will at least let her know you are trying. She may be easier to work with that way, too.
· Grant some of her wishes for the wedding. You don’t need to, and shouldn’t, give in to all of them, especially if they are totally unreasonable. However, it’s good to compromise and make an effort.
· Most importantly, do not let her get in the way of your big day – the key word being YOUR. In the end, do what makes you happy and don’t let one person bring you down.
~Meg
Friday, January 15, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Getting the Groom Involved
In our last blog entry, we mentioned something about getting your groom involved in your (the plural form, again) wedding. While he may not be as into all the details as you are, it’s still a good idea to include him in the plans. It’s his day, too, you know! If he hasn’t already stepped up to provide some of his own thoughts on the big day, here are a few ways to get him to do so…
· Ask him to help out with things he has an interest in. If he likes cars, let him select and arrange your transportation. If he’s a techie, maybe he can help out in choosing the lighting or other special effects. If he likes food (and what man doesn’t), bring him along to the cake tastings and catering meetings. You get the general idea.
· Give him options. But not too many options. If you’re having difficulty narrowing down some of the harder decisions to make, let him help you decide. Ask him if he likes option A better than option B, and so forth. This way, he’s included but the details aren’t overwhelming.
· We all know men aren’t good with subtle hints or vague recommendations so if you want him to help, make a list of things for him to do. The list needs to be specific and include directions on how to do each thing. This wedding to-do list can be weekly or monthly, whatever works best for the two of you, but that way, he isn’t pressured into getting them done right away – he just has a timeline in which it needs to be taken care of.
· And if you’re ready to really give up some control…try letting him plan the honeymoon. This may be difficult for some brides, as they are used to having everything their way and making sure it’s done right, however, this really gets the groom involved and maybe he’ll even surprise you.
It’s so important to remember that this is his day as well. Discuss with your groom how much he wants to be involved and go from there. This is a great thing for the two of you to do together and if you haven’t learned how already, can teach you to compromise. That’s a skill you’ll definitely be needing after the wedding is long over!
~Megan
· Ask him to help out with things he has an interest in. If he likes cars, let him select and arrange your transportation. If he’s a techie, maybe he can help out in choosing the lighting or other special effects. If he likes food (and what man doesn’t), bring him along to the cake tastings and catering meetings. You get the general idea.
· Give him options. But not too many options. If you’re having difficulty narrowing down some of the harder decisions to make, let him help you decide. Ask him if he likes option A better than option B, and so forth. This way, he’s included but the details aren’t overwhelming.
· We all know men aren’t good with subtle hints or vague recommendations so if you want him to help, make a list of things for him to do. The list needs to be specific and include directions on how to do each thing. This wedding to-do list can be weekly or monthly, whatever works best for the two of you, but that way, he isn’t pressured into getting them done right away – he just has a timeline in which it needs to be taken care of.
· And if you’re ready to really give up some control…try letting him plan the honeymoon. This may be difficult for some brides, as they are used to having everything their way and making sure it’s done right, however, this really gets the groom involved and maybe he’ll even surprise you.
It’s so important to remember that this is his day as well. Discuss with your groom how much he wants to be involved and go from there. This is a great thing for the two of you to do together and if you haven’t learned how already, can teach you to compromise. That’s a skill you’ll definitely be needing after the wedding is long over!
~Megan
Friday, January 8, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Top Ten Wedding Planning Don'ts
Anyone who has been married before can tell you the things they would change if they had the opportunity to do it over again. They may not be able to take their own advice (unless they ARE planning on doing it over again) but you can certainly learn from their mistakes. It isn’t a bad idea to ask friends and family about the pros and cons of their weddings, however, we have compiled a list of Wedding Don’ts for your use as well.
10) Inviting more guests than your budget allows. This is so important! Many brides make this mistake and do not realize it until it is too late. Figure out what your catering and/or venue bill is going to be per person BEFORE you send out the invites.
9) Random invites. Unless you’re in possession of a fairy godmother or your parents are absolutely loaded, chances are you’re going to have a budget…and you’ll need a guest list to match. This may mean deciding between who needs to be invited to the wedding and reception and who really doesn’t. Difficult decisions will need to be made and every bride needs to consult with her family before making the final cut. That being said, do not let friends or family pressure you into inviting people you don’t really want at your wedding. It’s okay to humor them a bit but it is your wedding, after all, and you do have the ultimate say. Side note - a good rule of thumb is that if you or your soon-to-be-spouse haven’t talked to someone in a year or more, then their presence probably isn’t required at the wedding.
8) Choosing your wedding party. Another very tricky decision. We all have the best friends and the college roommates that absolutely MUST stand up with us but if you have a large group of friends, the rest may be hard to choose. Remember what you are asking of this select group of people. How much time and money will be required of them? Will you be able to depend on him or her? Keep these things in mind when you choose.
7) Too large of a wedding party. After you’ve thought about who you can depend on and who you really want to stand up with you at your wedding, think about how big you want your wedding party to be. Not only is it more difficult to manage a large wedding party, it is not very cost effective either. For the bridesmaids, it is expected that the bride and groom will pay for their bouquets which usually start at $35 a piece. Boutonnieres for the groomsmen are expected to be paid for as well.
6) Being inconsiderate of the wedding party. So you’ve FINALLY chosen your wedding party. These are your closest friends and family members and planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. It is important not to lean too much on your wedding party or to ask too much of them. You want them to remain your close friends and family, don’t you? Make sure you’re clear on what is expected of each person in regards to time and money. Don’t let the stresses of planning your wedding get in the way of your relationships.
5) The “Do-It-Yourself” Bride. Maybe you’ve always being a very hands-on and very in-control kind of gal. (We don’t know anyone like that at Details…Jami) You know what you want and how to go about doing it…you think. A wedding is a huge event to plan on your own, even if you have read all the books. It is okay, and sometimes even necessary, to let other people help you. Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful as there are so many decisions to be made. If you’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to hire a wedding planner (something we tend to discourage), at least employ the help of friends and family to save yourself a little trouble and a few headaches.
4) Make your vendor sign a written contract. Few brides have ever made or negotiated a contract before. Many do not understand the importance of making a vendor complete a written contract. These are the people you’re counting on to make your special day so special. If you enter into a verbal contract with a vendor, what’s stopping them from calling you up a week or two before your wedding and canceling or telling you that your wedding day has been double booked? As with your wedding party, make sure your vendors know what is expected of them. (Although it’s probably not really necessary to make your best friend of 15 years sign a written agreement…in fact, it might be insulting.)
3) Not sticking to the budget. The budget. What a scary, demanding little word. Telling you you’re only allowed to spend so much on any one thing. However much we dislike “the budget”, it is there for a reason. Having a budget, and sticking to it, will prevent you from many a sleepless night. It is so important not to make decisions regarding it impulsively. Stick to the plan and everything will be okay.
2) Not letting the groom have a say. Okay, your wedding is YOUR dream day and as such, you’ve been dreaming about it since approximately the age of five. That’s great! Hopefully everyone around you recognizes this and will do what they can to make your dreams come true. Butttt…in planning your fairytale wedding, it is easy to forget one minor detail. Prince Charming. The poor guy worked so hard to woo you and finally worked up the guts to ask you to spend the rest of your life with him and here you are, leaving him out of his important day too! Let your man have a say in YOUR (plural use of the word) wedding.
1) Get a grip. Sound a bit harsh? We don’t mean it that way. In fact, we mean it in the nicest way possible. Yes, planning your wedding is stressful and yes, it is easy to get caught up in the details…the thousands and thousands of details. But try to remember the big picture. You’re planning your wedding day, the happiest day of your life. It may sound crazy but try to enjoy the process. Oh, and while you’re at it, try to enjoy your actual wedding day, too.
~Megan
10) Inviting more guests than your budget allows. This is so important! Many brides make this mistake and do not realize it until it is too late. Figure out what your catering and/or venue bill is going to be per person BEFORE you send out the invites.
9) Random invites. Unless you’re in possession of a fairy godmother or your parents are absolutely loaded, chances are you’re going to have a budget…and you’ll need a guest list to match. This may mean deciding between who needs to be invited to the wedding and reception and who really doesn’t. Difficult decisions will need to be made and every bride needs to consult with her family before making the final cut. That being said, do not let friends or family pressure you into inviting people you don’t really want at your wedding. It’s okay to humor them a bit but it is your wedding, after all, and you do have the ultimate say. Side note - a good rule of thumb is that if you or your soon-to-be-spouse haven’t talked to someone in a year or more, then their presence probably isn’t required at the wedding.
8) Choosing your wedding party. Another very tricky decision. We all have the best friends and the college roommates that absolutely MUST stand up with us but if you have a large group of friends, the rest may be hard to choose. Remember what you are asking of this select group of people. How much time and money will be required of them? Will you be able to depend on him or her? Keep these things in mind when you choose.
7) Too large of a wedding party. After you’ve thought about who you can depend on and who you really want to stand up with you at your wedding, think about how big you want your wedding party to be. Not only is it more difficult to manage a large wedding party, it is not very cost effective either. For the bridesmaids, it is expected that the bride and groom will pay for their bouquets which usually start at $35 a piece. Boutonnieres for the groomsmen are expected to be paid for as well.
6) Being inconsiderate of the wedding party. So you’ve FINALLY chosen your wedding party. These are your closest friends and family members and planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing. It is important not to lean too much on your wedding party or to ask too much of them. You want them to remain your close friends and family, don’t you? Make sure you’re clear on what is expected of each person in regards to time and money. Don’t let the stresses of planning your wedding get in the way of your relationships.
5) The “Do-It-Yourself” Bride. Maybe you’ve always being a very hands-on and very in-control kind of gal. (We don’t know anyone like that at Details…Jami) You know what you want and how to go about doing it…you think. A wedding is a huge event to plan on your own, even if you have read all the books. It is okay, and sometimes even necessary, to let other people help you. Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful as there are so many decisions to be made. If you’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to hire a wedding planner (something we tend to discourage), at least employ the help of friends and family to save yourself a little trouble and a few headaches.
4) Make your vendor sign a written contract. Few brides have ever made or negotiated a contract before. Many do not understand the importance of making a vendor complete a written contract. These are the people you’re counting on to make your special day so special. If you enter into a verbal contract with a vendor, what’s stopping them from calling you up a week or two before your wedding and canceling or telling you that your wedding day has been double booked? As with your wedding party, make sure your vendors know what is expected of them. (Although it’s probably not really necessary to make your best friend of 15 years sign a written agreement…in fact, it might be insulting.)
3) Not sticking to the budget. The budget. What a scary, demanding little word. Telling you you’re only allowed to spend so much on any one thing. However much we dislike “the budget”, it is there for a reason. Having a budget, and sticking to it, will prevent you from many a sleepless night. It is so important not to make decisions regarding it impulsively. Stick to the plan and everything will be okay.
2) Not letting the groom have a say. Okay, your wedding is YOUR dream day and as such, you’ve been dreaming about it since approximately the age of five. That’s great! Hopefully everyone around you recognizes this and will do what they can to make your dreams come true. Butttt…in planning your fairytale wedding, it is easy to forget one minor detail. Prince Charming. The poor guy worked so hard to woo you and finally worked up the guts to ask you to spend the rest of your life with him and here you are, leaving him out of his important day too! Let your man have a say in YOUR (plural use of the word) wedding.
1) Get a grip. Sound a bit harsh? We don’t mean it that way. In fact, we mean it in the nicest way possible. Yes, planning your wedding is stressful and yes, it is easy to get caught up in the details…the thousands and thousands of details. But try to remember the big picture. You’re planning your wedding day, the happiest day of your life. It may sound crazy but try to enjoy the process. Oh, and while you’re at it, try to enjoy your actual wedding day, too.
~Megan
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