WEDDING PLEDGE 2009

I pledged to write about someone that has made a great impact in the wedding industry and whom I truly admire. Beverly Ann Bonner, the Master Planner of the Association of Bridal Consultants in Massachusetts, was the first person who came to mind. As a member of ABC myself, I was fortunate to train with Beverly Ann, and coordinate the first of many prestigious weddings.

Beverly Ann is a true example of an entrepeneur, and mentors many planners to be successful in the event planning business. She coordinates ABC's networking events in the Boston area. Being able to meet with various event planners and vendors was beneficial because I would not have networked with the belly dancer, candy favor specialists and regarded photographers that were invited to these events, had I researched them on my own. She is also very approachable and makes the time to make sure you have all of the necessary tools to be great.

In closing, being able to see an experienced wedding planner's master craft has been very encouraging to hone my own skills and make weddings ultra special for my clients. Meeting and working with some of Boston and Orlando's finest vendors has afforded me the opportunity to provide my clients with the ultra chic and fabulous events they expect from their event planner.

I work primarily in the Orlando area, and still maintain contact with Beverly Ann. In November, I'll get to meet with her again at ABC's annual conference, and continue to network with many other great vendors.

AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE

Have you and your groom discussed if you'll have one joint checking/savings account? Do you know your credit score? Discuss your goals as a couple and establish a timeline to reach them together. Always be honest with each other so you can take the proper financial steps to purchase your first home, start a business, and/or start your family. Financial surprises are never fun, and neither is getting denied for credit.

Know where you stand with all three credit bureaus. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion are the three largest agencies, and they do not all report identical information. A low beacon score and derogatory information can raise your automobile insurance premiums, cause you to miss a job opportunity and/or pay higher interest rates on mortgages and loans. Any erroneous information should be disputed right away directly with the reporting agency, and they'll investigate it with the creditor at no cost to you.

Though there are many unforeseen circumstances that may have been out of your control, and affected your payment history, do not let a bad credit rating discourage you. Instead, make the necessary changes to improve your credit standing. Check out freecreditreport.com. For a monthly fee, they'll monitor and inform you of any changes to your credit report. Having a game plan can help to minimize the arguments often caused by financial stresses.

FOR THE DIY BRIDES

Alce Events offers new services for the DIY Brides! Stressing over planning your wedding? Let Alce Events kick off your planning process by being your representative and doing the initial contacts for your vendors and negotiating your contracts. This service will help you have your dream wedding without having to research countless vendors. We only work with trusted industry experts that are experienced in providing utmost customer satistaction. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please contact Vanessa at info@alceevents.com.