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

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

What about mom?

Ladies lets talk for a minute. This is definitely the mom in me speaking but if I could just pose a question and provoke some thought for a couple of minutes.
Your wedding day is by far one of the most important days of your life. Whether or not you've been looking forward to it since you were little or never thought about the day a moment in your life, your mother has. Finding your dress should be a special moment and should include your mom, but what is your mom going to wear?
My suggestion is that you plan a "date" with your mom and take her out for "mother of the bride dress" shopping. Take her out to the dress shop and help her pick out her dress. Maybe you can even follow it up with a mani/pedi and dinner. She will love it!
I know at times moms can seem a little overbearing but I promise it is only because she wants the best for you. As a mom, I realize everyday that Claire and Chloe are going to grow up and "leave the nest" I try everyday to take it all in and soak up every minute. As a mom, you only get a short amount of time with your kids before they're off to college and growing up. So try to be patient with your mom and include her as much as possible.
Now also look for a follow up to this blog on how to deal with an overbearing mom :)
Happy Planning!
Rachel

Sunday, February 27, 2011

We're hiring

All Things Creative is hiring part time clerical help. We are looking for a qualified candidate with strong communication skills both written and verbal. The job would consist of scheduling appointments, communicating with vendors and clients via email and phone but is not limited to the tasks listed above. The position would be roughly 10-20 hours per week. Please email your resume to info@atcbyrachel.com

Saturday, February 26, 2011

I LOVE DAVID TUTERA!!!

I was lucky enough to meet the "other man" in my life :)
I LOVE David Tutera. He is so amazing and inspiring. I learned a lot and I will never forget the experience.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Amazing Wedding at The Henry in Dearborn

We were lucky enough to get to work with Todd and his team at the Henry in Dearborn this past weekend. Pat and Shelby were married on Saturday February 12th and asked us to work with them for floral and day of coordination. Pat just so happens to be my husbands "BFF" so Dan was in the wedding. We had Andrea our Associate Coordinator on the job so after all of the set up, I could actually enjoy the wedding as a guest. I can't wait to work with Todd again! I am in LOVE with the Henry. The staff consistently goes above and beyond. From keeping your water glass full before it even gets to the bottom to refolding your napkin while you step away from the table. If you are looking for a location that will "WOW" every guest, then you MUST go speak with Todd at the Henry. I only have 2 pictures to show you right now, stay tuned for more. They were taken by my super talented sister Sarah.
www.sarahmwolfephotography.com
Enjoy!



Monday, January 31, 2011

2011 Internship Program

All Things Creative has an amazing opportunity for those that are interested. We are looking to fill one to two internship positions.
We are looking for an extremely motivated individual(s) that have an interest in event planning and hospitality.
At All Things Creative, we believe if you work hard you’re the one who will reap the rewards – both personally and professionally. More than any other place you’ll work, we are dedicated to honing your skills, helping you grow and making sure you have plenty of fun doing it.

We will be accepting resumes from February 1st, 2011 to February 15th, 2011.

Please send your resumes along with a cover letter that explains a little about yourself and why you would be a perfect fit for All Things Creative.

The internship is an unpaid position but the experience you will gain is priceless. Interns are required to work four to eight hours of office/clerical work per week depending on our work load and also assist at a minimum of two to four events per month. We also suggest that you hold other employment during your time with us. We are flexible with schedules.
We will hold interviews from February 21st, 2011 through February 28th. The internship will be from March 7th, 2011 through November 30th, 2011.

Send your cover letter and resumes to info@atcbyrachel.com

No phone calls please.
Thanks and Good Luck!

Rachel

Friday, January 28, 2011

Referral Bonus!!

It's that time of year. Engagements have been happening since the holidays and will stretch into Valentines Day. Anyone that refers a couple to All Things Creative will receive a $50 American Express Gift Card when the client books us. Suggest All Things Creative to everyone you know so they can relax and enjoy their special event.

248.974.9412
www.atcbyrachel.com
info@atcbyrachel.com

Let's do this!


I was surfing around the internet and came across this picture. I am in LOVE with this look. Who wants this for their wedding? :) Let's do this.
Call me for decor options for your big day.
248.974.9412
www.atcbyrachel.com
info@atcbyrachel.com

Monday, January 24, 2011

Valentines Day Flowers and Planning Package

Valentines Day is only three weeks away (21 days to be exact) All Things Creative is your one stop Valentines Day Shop.
Our Valentines Day package is designed to allow you to enjoy the day with your valentine and we'll do all of the work.
The Valentines Day Package includes...
~Reservations at your favorite restaurant or reservations with a chef to cook in your home
~Bottle of Champagne
~Red Rose Bouquet
~Godiva Chocolates and Truffles
The package starts at $165.00. We can customize the package for you any way you would like.
Add ons are available such as transportation arrangements for the evening and much more. The sky is the limit. We're here to help make this your best Valentines Day EVER!




Make sure to order your Valentines Day Bouquets. Arrangements starting at $29.99 plus delivery. Call for details.
info@atcbyrachel.com
248.974.9412

Sunday, January 23, 2011

ATC Planning Contest


I want to hear all about your "Love Story". Do you have a great story about how you met or how he proposed? Send me your stories and our team will choose the top story. The winner will receive a FREE day of coordinator. We'll be there to allow you to start another chapter in your story, stress free :)
email your story to info@atcbyrachel.com

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Big Week For ATC by Rachel (AKA All Things Creative)

I am so happy right now. It's been a big week for All Things Creative we were voted Best of 2011 for The Knot, we launched our new website, and our new ads on Perfect Wedding Guide and Brides Michigan went live.
I went to a NACE meeting (National Association of Catering Executives) and I am excited to work with the board and programing committee to help schedule all of the educational meetings we will have throughout the year.
We also took part in the Whimsical Occasions Wedding Event Show and met with a lot of excited, newly engaged couples.
We will be at the upcoming three Whimsical Occasions shows contact me for free tickets if you would like to attend.
Have a great weekend.
Rachel