Thursday, November 17, 2011

A Dream Coming True

~A Dream Coming True~  DeVasse Design Bride Review
Since the day I got engaged, I knew I would need a wedding planner. Almost 250+ guests and a travel destination? This would be no easy task, especially with an overwhelmed bride, a less than cooperative mother, and an "anything is fine" fiance.
Living in Seattle WA and planning a San Jose CA wedding almost seemed impossible. But since the moment that Rebecah and DeVasse Design came on board, it's been nothing but smooth sailing! From travel itineraries, wedding venue appointments, and wedding boutiques, Rebecah plans EVERYTHING. She walks the perfect line between thorough and independent. She consults me in style, design, and details; she sets my scattered mind at ease without being overwhelming.
Because of the amount of traveling required to plan this wedding, Rebecah makes the most of every moment. It isn't easy to fly down to California every weekend to plan a wedding, and we don't have to! I am constantly impressed by her professionalism, sensibility, and care. She even tastefully and respectfully disarmed a disagreeable mother; what more could a stressed bride ask for?
Thanks to DeVasse Design, I am confident that my upcoming wedding will be beautiful and perfect.
Did I mention that DeVasse Design is based in Reno NV, planning a Bay Area CA wedding for a Seattle WA bride? It doesn't get more impressive than that.
Thank you Rebecah and DeVasse Design: You are making my dreams come true!

This review was posted on My Wedding Library by Kristen W. on

*Happy Planning
DeVasse Design

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A Simple Fall Table Design

This month at My Wedding Library, DeVassé Design has set-up a simple fall table display with the help from two great local companies, Creative Coverings and Camelot Party Rentals.
The linens that are from Creative Coverings are an Olive Faux Dupioni fabric, which has become increasingly popular as it has the look and feel of an organic raw silk, however is a less expensive option to organic silk. The napkins are Almond Faux Dupioni along with the chair ties, which are inter-twined into the rungs of the chair, giving it a fresh new flair from the traditional bow-tie style.  
The chairs and table settings that are from Camelot Party Rentals are amber Chivari chairs with ivory cushions.  The table setting begins with a square gold charger and then ivory dinner and salad plate from the Titan collection.  The flatware is from Camelot’s Regal collection and the glassware displayed is a water and wine glass. 
The table décor has three cylinder vases with ivory orchids and finished with a scattering of crystal beads. For a more dramatic look, you can add higher vases or an iron tree with flowers hung by wires.  The possibilities are endless. 

*Happy Planning*

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Small Budgets and Big Ideas!

You’re Engaged!  Congratulations, but your parents aren’t paying for the wedding.  How do you bring all your big ideas and dreams to life, when you’re paying for the wedding or you have a small budget?
Together with your fiancé decided what is most important to you.  Write a list of priorities, then decided on a budget and leave 5% of your budget untouched for the unexpected costs.  If your budget is $15,000 and you plan for $15,000 there may be unexpected costs that will be hard to cover, so leave room in your budget for that.  There are sites that can help with budget planning or if you have a wedding coordinator ask if they help with budgets.  DeVassé Design has budget assistants as part of every package we offer.
If you can’t afford lots of flowers when you are looking at venues consider how much creation is needed in the space.  If the space is already beautiful and you don’t need to add more you can save money on decorations and flowers.  If the space needs to be added to a lot you may want to consider a different location. 
Photography usually is very important to couples.  This is what’s going to last throughout the years.  If you are on a budget consider having most your pictures done before the ceremony and then immediately following the ceremony have just bride and groom portraits.  This will help with the amount of time the photographer needs to be on site, which will lower the costs.
One of the biggest ways to save money is to cut down the guest list.  Sometimes this can be difficult for brides and groom since they want to share their special day with everyone, but think about the cost per person.  The cost of food is one of the biggest expenses and it is less expensive to feed 75 people compared to 200 people. 
One thing I advise against is trying to do music yourself.  People try to save on the cost of a DJ by doing it themselves.  This most likely will not work in your favor.  The DJ doesn’t just play music; they help with the entire flow of the event and the energy.  If music isn’t your priority talk to your DJ, often times they can recommend solution to help lower the cost or amount of hours they are hired for. 
Believe it or not one way to help with a tight budget is to hire a wedding planner.  Even if it is just for consultations or day of planning, they can be a lot of help on making sure rentals orders or correct, saving you money on renting too much and avoiding last minute cost because you didn’t rent enough.   A wedding planner can also help with room blocks for your guests, timeline for the event, and making sure you are getting what you paid for from each of your vendors.  One of the biggest ways a wedding coordinator can help is by saving you time.  When couples are paying for their wedding they often have full time jobs and can’t always take time off work to see venues or meet with vendors.  A coordinator can really help with narrowing down the search so you aren’t spending time spinning your wheels.  

*Happy Planning*
DeVasse Design

Wedding Planner or Therapist?

Wedding planning and coordination can be a stressful time for brides, and their mothers. As a wedding planner one of the things I hear most often is that the planning and the event was fun and exciting because they had someone else, their wedding planner, to do all the stressing for them.
That’s the best case, but what happens when the mother of the bride thinks it’s their wedding? After spending money on a wedding planner you want to hear what they have to say and have them do research for you, but sometimes Mom may think she knows best. So what is a bride to do? The relationship between mom and daughter is important especially when planning a wedding. However the wedding should be about the Bride and Groom, so how do you tell mom to be on your side and not against you in the planning process. Here are some tips in dealing with the MOB (mother of the bride).

1) After announcing your engagement have a conversation with your mother about money, what you except from her in terms of help, and allow her to be honest with you on her ideas and wants. If you start off on the right foot most conflicts can be avoided.

2) Ask your mother what is important to her. While this is your wedding sometimes major conflicts can be avoided if you make your mother feel like you are taking into account things she is concern about or important to her. Keep in mind the MOB is excited about this wedding, you’re her daughter and she just wants to be involved and help.

3) Make it clear with all your vendors who has the final say. As a wedding planner I often hear from both the bride and the MOB on wedding decision, I make it a point before contracts are signed that the final say comes from the person who signs the contract, which should be the bride. That way if something really goes array I can go to the Bride ask what she wants and then continue planning.

4) Don’t be afraid to take time to ‘cool-off’ reflect on what an argument was about and don’t be afraid to admit you were wrong or say sorry. In the end your mother will always be your mother so make sure you aren’t being a bridezilla and that you are listening to what your mom is saying even if you don’t agree.

5) If all else fails remember to keep the bigger picture in mind and always conduct yourself in a calm manner. Easier said than done, but give it a try.

*Happy Planning*
DeVasse Design

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Above and Beyond~ DeVasse Design Bride Review

Above and Beyond~ Reviewed by Karin P. on May 5, 2011

I can not say enough about DeVasse Design and its expertise and professionalism. Through the whole process, Rebecah, was with me and my fiancee every step of the way. In fact, even when he and I didn't completely see eye to eye on all of the details, she was able to mediate and explain everything to the both of us so that we were both satisfied and excited about the overwhelming nature of the event. Rebecah clearly knows the Tahoe area amazingly well, and when my fiancee and I ever felt "stuck," she had many different ideas at the snap of a finger.
The day of the wedding was completely seamless. Not only did she have the personal touch of being an integral part of the wedding, she kept the flow of the event moving at a managerial professionalism. If there was any hiccups, my husband and I were certainly not aware. For there being so many working parts in this type of event, that is astonishing. My father even came up to me mid-wedding and said, "You know, I didn't see the need for a coordinator, and NOW i DO! Rebecah is amazing!" For my frugal father, these words speak volumes: He saw the value in this amazing service, and not only was the day perfect for my husband and I, but for our family as well.
Thank you Devasse Design and Thank you Rebecah~

This Review was posted on MyWeddingLibrary.com

*Happy Planning
DeVasse Design

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Wedding Destinations

Destination weddings allow couples to share one of their favorite locations with their friends and family. Traveling to a destination wedding can be exciting and offers guests the ability to extend their stay and enjoy a vacation. Planning a destination wedding can also be challenging since couples often can’t make multiple trips where their wedding will take place; with an experienced wedding planner this stress is easily lifted and the excitement of the planning can be enjoyed.


Another advantage is that wedding planners can help with guest accommodations and activities and often get better rates since we can better negotiate on your behalf with the relationships we have formed.


We specialize in the Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Reno areas, and with our years of experience, and connections we have made, with DeVassé Design, say the word, and we can coordinate whatever event in whatever locale you need us.


A Destination wedding or event will set the backdrop for an unforgettable day and DeVassé Design can ensure a successful event without worries through our detailed coordination.


Lake Tahoe offers some of the best views imaginable and a unique backdrop no matter what time of the year. White snow in the winter on top of a mountain, spring foliage in the meadows, summer sunsets lakeside, or autumn colors in the forest. Lake Tahoe is magnificent in any season.


Reno boasts “The Biggest Little City in the World.” This city offers much more than just a “Vegas Strip,” with its gorgeous views of the mountains, the city lights, the roaring Truckee River, and all the modern conveniences of a modern day city. From beautiful golf courses, to spectacular venues overlooking the valley, there is nothing “little” about what this city has to offer.


Carson Valley has a historical small town charm. This valley has endless views and beautiful seasonally changing colors from the surrounding landscape. With its historical churches and sites this valley offers a perfect place for a traditional wedding set in the beautiful outdoors or in a quaint small town church. In addition, there are resorts that sit right at the feet of the Eastern Sierras, and golf courses that can be as cozy or as decadent to suit your fancy.


*Happy Planning
DeVassé Design

Wedding Planning Packages

DeVassé Design offers four wedding planning packages and will customize each package to fit your needs and budget. Our goal is to make your day stress free and enjoyable for you and your family. Let us do the work and worry about the details while you enjoy the most important day of your life!

The Platinum Package is the ultimate package! We will be with you every single step of the way and in whatever way you need. This package gives the Bride peace of mind that someone is there to help and has the objectivity to give sound and calming advice. You will have a coordinator that will be there through every step, including the day of to execute all of your ideas and dreams. We can also coordinate the engagement party, rehearsal dinner and Bachelorette & Bachelor party.


The Gold Package includes full service wedding coordination and all the help, and advice through out the planning process that you need. We will guide you through this process while you get to have fun picking out your colors, invitations and designs, while we execute to your exact specifications.

The Silver Package is designed for the bride that has an incredible feel for what she wants, but needs a helping hand along the way. This package includes a rehearsal with a ceremony walk-through, wedding coordination to go through all the final details and help along the way with specific items. The bride can choose areas where coordination can assist, and she can concentrate on other areas. For example, music selections, layout and design, vendor appointments & suggestions, rentals, or anything else they may come up along the way. This package is perfect for a bride that needs expert advice but wants to have a more hands-on experience.

The Bronze Package is designed for the brides that want to be as hands-on as possible and to pass over the responsibilities to a coordinator so that they and their families have a stress-free day. All the details will be reviewed with your coordinator the month before the wedding, we will do a walk through of the ceremony and be there for the entire wedding day so all you have to do is say, "I Do."


*Happy Planning
DeVassé Design

The Savings of a Wedding Planner

The SAVINGS of a Wedding Planner
5 Reasons why a wedding planner can save you money.

1) Keeping you on budget

2) Negotiating with your vendors for the best price

3) Accurate rental ordering

4) Thinking of every last detail to avoid last minute surprises and expenses

5) Time = Money, a wedding planner will save you time and money


*Happy Planning
www.DeVasseDesign.com