Services:
Established:	1993
Employees:	6
Accepts:

We want to make your dreams come true! Our services are customized to each bride’s own needs and include wedding planning, consulting, and coordination, as well as elegant accessories, favors, and invitations. Whether you’d like a small, intimate wedding or a large, lavish event, we will help you create a personalized wedding that reflects the beginning of your new life together. We’ll handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy this very special time of your lives. From outdoor garden weddings to exotic destination weddings on the beach, the elegant touches and special details we provide will create an atmosphere that will be uniquely your own. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a free gift. Let The Grande Affair make your wedding an affair to remember.

Cami's Paperie	I can't say enough about how impressed I am with the service, quality and knowledge of The Grande Affair. The staff is friendly, accommodating and professional. I highly recommend The Grande Affair!
Lettering by Lynne	A full service wedding planning company -- Teresa lends a real sense of professionalism to every wedding she helps to plan. She handles every detail from the smallest to the biggest and always with a smile. Working with Teresa is truly a pleasure.
Jones Photography - Fairfax, VA	Teresa and her crew did a fantastic job at the wedding I just photographed this past Saturday. What a pleasure to know that all of the little things that usually bug a bride on her wedding day were handled by Teresa and her crew. A stress free bride = a happy bride. I highly recommend The Grande Affair.
Amphora Catering	The Grande Affair is truly a premier event planning company. Working with Teresa has been wonderful. Her attention to detail, and creativity has made each event memorable and unique. Her staff is highly qualified, and having them at your wedding really allows you and your family to enjoy while they coordinate the details in the exact way you envision!
Tunji Sarumi Photography	Our staff at Tunji Sarumi Photography endorses The Grande Affair.

Exactly how do you work your fees? 

Our fees are tailored to each individual client, depending on their needs.  If you have a specific, set budget amount for the entire event and would like assistance with only select tasks, we would build our fees into your budget.  If you’d like to partner from the beginning and have us handle everything, we will negotiate a fee up front based on complexity, size, and time commitment.  You can also choose limited rehearsal and wedding day services or an hourly consulting option.  All fees are negotiated based on the specific event and will be tailored to provide you with the highest quality and best value.  We are always happy to email you our Wedding Questionnaire which we ask you to complete so we can develop an accurate proposal that meets all of your requirements. 

How will you incorporate our tastes into the wedding? 

Your tastes will be incorporated in many ways - the entire wedding will be about you and reflect your tastes, your individuality, and your relationship.  Everything from the location, the invitations, the ceremony, the favors, the food, all the special details of the day, and the events leading up to the day, will be a representation of the beginning of your new life together and sharing those memorable moments with your family and friends.  We’ll work together closely to make every aspect exceed your expectations.

How will you personalize our wedding? 

After getting to know more about both of you and what your ideal wedding would be like, we’ll discuss ways to personalize your day so that it’s a once in a lifetime event.  The more you share about yourselves, your likes/dislikes, your culture, your style, etc. the more creative the personalization can be.  For example, the use of a theme that has special meaning, culture-specific foods, the use of your new monogram, the use of color, and creating a signature cocktail, are just a few ways.  In order to keep up with the latest trends, we attend national events in the bridal and special event industry.  Your day will be designed and customized to reflect you both.    

Do you check in with us and get “approval” at various stages of the planning process? 

Absolutely!  You will always be involved as much or as little as you like - and you will have choices, so if the suggested option doesn’t make you totally happy, you will have alternatives to choose from so you are 100% satisfied.  You will also have direct contact information so you can reach us anytime you have a question or want to discuss something. 

Who is responsible for the conceptualization and implementation of the wedding design?   

After receiving your input, our team will be responsible for presenting you with options for the overall concept and once you choose your preferences, they will oversee the implementation.

What are the steps you take to plan a wedding? 

The first, and most important thing is learning about the couple and any special loved ones in their lives, and creating the special touches that will make this day their own.  We’ll have several meetings to discuss your expectations and provide you with a questionnaire to take home, fill out, and return.  This helps in determining your style and preferences.  We’ll develop a proposal which includes an overview of the different components of your wedding, a timeline, and a topline budget.  We’ll meet to review and discuss, and revise or modify if needed.  Once a profile of your wedding is developed, concepts will be proposed.  When you have approved the overall design, details will be finalized.  Vendors will be selected that can provide the best value in fulfilling the requirements of your event.  If you have a preferred vendor in any category, we’ll be happy to work with them.  The better the planning and attention to detail, the smoother the event will go.  We’ll make sure that everything is perfect so you both can relax and enjoy your special day.      

Do you have a business license and business insurance? 

Yes - we can also provide you with individual event insurance for your specific wedding.  In addition, we have a retail license and carry a full range of customized favors, invitations, accessories, jewelry, etc. at reduced prices for our clients.   

How long have you been a consultant? 

Our President & Chief Planner has been planning weddings for more than 15 years. 

How long before my wedding day should I contact you?

As soon as you are engaged.  The more time we have to plan and prepare, the more likely you will be able to reserve your preferred venue and vendors.  Things book up quickly during the heavy wedding season, and we may not have availability for your date if you wait too long.

Do you plan destination weddings?
 
Absolutely!  We have done weddings from coast to coast and in many international locations and would be happy to help you with all the special requirements. Please allow extra time if considering a wedding outside of the continental US.

Hot Wedding Trends for 2009!

Citrus colors - orange, yellow, citron

After parties - intimate gatherings after the reception

Scenting the wedding - using sensory branding with a signature fragrance

Chocolate truffles covered in edible glitter in 24 fabulous colors