PLANNING WITH EXCELLENCE

A ONE-STOP SHOP WEDDING BOUTIQUE

INNOVATION IN WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNING

Planning with Excellence was established in 2003 with the initial services offered being wedding/event coordinating, floral design, and invitations. Prior to the inception of the business, Regina Hare, co-owner of the business, had coordinated many events, both corporate and social. She and her husband, Chris Hare, established the business because of their love of working together on events and seeing the happiness enjoyed as a result of their hard work. In their experience coordinating events, specifically weddings, they encountered couples who were overly stressed, had little knowledge and experience about the wedding planning process, most times working with unrealistic expectations and goals. This is something that other wedding vendors expressed as well. This experience led them to understand that there was a need for general education with regard to options available for wedding and event planning. After research and observation of the market, resources, and clients, they decided to expand their home-based business and open a one-stop shop wedding boutique in June 2008.

In the Planning with Excellence boutique you will find wedding gowns, formal wear, and accessories purchased on consignment for resale at affordable prices. These gowns are new or like new, in excellent condition, and outstanding in quality. The shop operates by appointment only to provide outstanding customer service and to devote personal time to every client. When a client visits the shop to try on a gown or formal dress, she is the only client there at the time for that purpose. This gives her total privacy, creating a soothing atmosphere. There is also tuxedo rental and sale, suits for sale by Richard Harris out of New York City, custom made jewelry by Wired Stone Designs, specialty chocolate and coffee for favors and gift items by River City Bean Co., custom picture frames, costume jewelry, invitations and rental and purchase of fabric aisle runners. The fabric aisle runners came about because of a particular pet peeve of Planning with Excellence, after having done countless weddings with the paper-like aisle runners that everyone usually uses.

Planning with Excellence has also developed a vendor team consisting of vendors who service weddings and events with which they do direct referrals. An interviewing process carefully selects these vendors, reviewing their product, price points, integrity, and personality. The vendor team also works together as a group to establish marketing and promotional ideas that are of benefit to the team and will reach the clients who are looking for their services. The PWE vendor team is totally about working to make the wedding industry a better environment for the client and make it affordable for the average bride to have an elegant wedding without breaking her budget. Planning with Excellence only selects vendors who share their work ethic and enthusiasm about customer service. The vendors understand that the client deserves impeccable customer service, prompt attention, and flexibility in service and pricing. An open mind and an innovative sense of style are essential to be able to handle all types of clients. Planning with Excellence, as well as their vendors, are very serious about what they present to the client and about making their business in strong demand in the wedding/event industry.
Planning with Excellence has a free monthly wedding planning seminar for brides/couples getting married, as well as a monthly social event that is open to the public. On August 9, 2008 from 5 to 9 p.m., there will be a spa party by La Visage Mobile