Register Early (because this doesn't happen often)

Once you're engaged you might feel an overwhelming sense of 'There is so much to do!' It's fun and exciting but can also be overwhelming and stressful. Take some time out of the busyness of it all and have a date with your fiance. Go out to eat and then go shopping. Wait, you don't have to buy anything. Instead, get a nifty little scanner and make a wish list.

I recommend starting your registry early on. There are going to be a lot of people who want to congratulate you by sending a gift, and they really want to send something you'd like. However, you don't have to register for everything at once. You're going to want to take some time to decide how you and your fiance are going to meld your styles. What type of place are you going to be living in? And, what are you going to need for the long-run?

That last one is something important to consider. You may be tempted to register for the here and now. But, keep in mind that this is one of the only times in life you're going to have this opportunity. You may not be planning on having the whole family over for the holidays anytime soon. However, several years down the line you're not going to want to have to go out and purchase a ton of stuff to host a meal.

Another important thing to keep in mind--neutral colors. That bright orange KitchenAid might look pretty snazzy now, but what about when you redecorate? When it comes to things that are going to last years and years, go with colors that can fit any design scheme. Add a splash of fun with accent pieces or things that are easy to replace--towels, decor items, placemats...

All in all, have fun! That's what this is really all about. And remember, it's not all about the gifts. Besides, who needs gifts when you just hooked the best fiance around!?

If you want to read more registry tips, check out this recent Today Show segment: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/20377925/.

It's a Beautiful Day!

One of the reasons I am so blessed to live in CA. Gotta love all those beautiful days!

Working Out vs. Stressing Out

I was reading an article in the June issue of Fitness Magazine this morning called 'Bride-To-Be Confessions'. In a poll asking 'What's more important on your wedding day, that you feel calm and relaxed or thin and beautiful?' 79% said calm and relaxed while 21% said thin and beautiful. While we all want to look in shape on our wedding day, I say the most beautiful bride is one who is calm and relaxed. Just my two cents.

About Me

To plan an event I have to get to know your aspirations and dreams. I guess it's only fair if I'm going to get to know you that you get to know a bit more about me. Here it goes...

**I grew up on the Central Coast of California.**I’ve always been into details; it’s something that my first grade teacher commented on one day. In my opinion, all of the little things add up and make a huge difference. However, we often overlook the, what I like to call, ‘nitty-gritty’ in everyday life. For me, not only paying attention to but taking care of every last little element is important.**I’ve had an artistic side ever since my mom enrolled me in creative movement as a toddler. From that day on I began my life as a ballerina.**I attended college at Arizona State University where I received my BFA in Dance Studies with a concentration in Business Arts Management. I also wrote and published a thesis all about details and graduated in three years summa cum laude with recognition from the Barrett Honors College.**While in college I worked for a wireless internet company as a jack-of-all-trades. I answered phones, helped clients, handled finances, planned all of the office events including catered luncheons, client trips, and celebrations, and created numerous marketing pieces.**Out of college I was honored to be hired by Google as an Account Manager. I worked with their tier 1+ retail clients by helping them establish and grow their advertising on the web through various Google properties. On a daily basis I dealt with the head marketing managers and CEOs of some very recognizable companies. I also handled multi-million dollar accounts and planned client visits.**I eventually decided that it was time to follow my passions for helping others, paying attention to details, budgeting wisely, and planning events. It was time to create Megan Kocher Wedding and Event Design, LLC.**Something about making lists, having budgets, and getting things done really sooths me. When it comes to events, each one is unique and each one presents its own challenges. One of the challenges I enjoy working with the most is creative budgeting. Everyone has a budget, and it fills me with joy to help people stretch their budget to fulfill their visions. The question shouldn’t be ‘Do I need/can I afford an event planner?’ The question should be ‘Which event planner is going to get me the most bang for my buck, all the while taking the stress out of the planning?’ I look forward to helping you realize your dreams by coordinating your joyous occasion…

Splurge vs. Save

This morning I was doing some ironing and flipping through the TV (gotta multitask) when I saw Rachael Ray was having a wedding segment on splurges vs. savings. Thought you might like to check it out, http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/splurge-vs-save-weddings/. Once there, scroll down to find the image gallery.

For any event, you don't have to skimp when it comes to taste, style, and class. You can almost always get what you want for a better price. Ask me about my $14 bridesmaid dresses that were originally $120. The 'save' portion is one of my favorite parts of event planning. Your guests are none the wiser, and you get to have the day of your dreams.

Blessed

I am blessed to have a job that never seems like work to me. It is an honor and a pleasure for me to help others create seamless events that show their personality, fit their budget, build memories, and exceed their expectations.