Eventfully Yours

Remembering the Little People

Let's face it, when it comes to events, kids get the short end of the stick. If it is not a children's party, they are often the first on the chopping block.

Why is that? Kids are looked at as a drain on the budget. They are known for picking over their food and acting a little unruly. For a "civilized" host or hostess, these factors leave too much to chance and many opt for a childless event.

Before you do away with kids all together, consider your invitees. Ask yourself, are there a lot of children in my family? Do I know some of my friends that have a hard time securing a babysitter? If you have kids yourself, think about whether or not you want them to be the ONLY kids in attendance.

I'm not saying turn your event into a kiddie party, but make it kid friendly. Have a kids table that features crayons and paper. In fact instead of linens on their table use a big sheet of colored paper that matches your décor. Appoint a children's room, if your venue has the space and offer kid friendly foods and drinks. Be sure and designate a kid keeper, someone that can keep an eye on them.

You may be thinking that the costs will soar, but in the end most places have a children's menu that is half the price of regular adult meals. Additionally, you can buy toys and art items from a dollar store. Plus, you'll have happy guests!

Until next time, eventfully yours!

Tune Into EVENT TALK tonight!

Be sure to tune into EVENT TALK tonight and listen as I discuss Wedding Responsibilities - Who Pays for What?

I'll talk about the traditional cost and payment structure for weddings and who is actually paying for what in this day and age.  I will talk with one of my recently married couples who are nearing their first year anniversary.  They will talk about their wedding experience and who paid for what.

The show begins at 11:00pm EST and lasts for 30 minutes.  I will take callers in the last five minutes of the show.  Visit our profile on Blog Talk Radio and listen to our past 2 shows or email us questions you would like answered during our live broadcast.  Join us after the show for a brief online chat.

Money Saving Tip - Linens

Want to increase the wow factor of your event, but not your budget?  Linens are the way to go.  If you have called around to your local party rental store, you may be ready to give up, but never fear I have some solutions for you to get the most bang for your buck in linens.

If you are using a banquet hall, hotel or restaurant, they more than likely have linens on hand that you can use included in your rental fee.  They will present you with color swatches and the like.  Take advantage of this because it is free.  You will not believe how many times, I've had people pass on this and still rent linens, because they wanted satin or some other fabric.  Trust me, your guests are not going home talking about your fabric choices.

To add more wow rent overlays or use fabric runners that you can buy at a local fabric store.  You can alternate them on tables if it will cost too much to put them on every table.  If you have a money saving tip for linens, please share!

Until next time, eventfully yours!

What Is Eventfully Yours Blog?

I notice that we are getting a little more traffic these days and I am soooo excited.  I thought that now would be a perfect time to explain what Eventfully Yours Blog is all about.

Eventfully Yours Blog is the official blog of Signature Soirees.  Signature Soirees is my full service event planning company.  I specialize in social and corporate functions.  I enjoy planning and working on events so much that I wanted to share this love with the world! ;-)  So Eventfully Yours Blog was born.

Through this blog, I share planning tips for all types of events from weddings to corporate meetings.  You'll also find recaps and photos of our recent events.  The tips I share are from my own personal experience so feel free to disagree or add your own two cents!  I look forward the interchange of ideas and opinions!  Thanks for visiting, bookmark us, grab a widget and come on back!

Starting this week is my new money saving event tip.  Every Saturday read how you can save money on your next event!

Until next time, eventfully yours!

Tune into EVENT TALK tonight!

Don't forget to listen to my online talk show, EVENT TALK tonight on Blog Talk Radio.  The topic is "Live, Recorded or Ipod" and I'll dicuss your choices of musical entertainment at your next event.  I have a very special guest planned as well.  The show starts at 11:00pm EST and you can listen live or later by clicking here.

The Element of Surprise

I am in the process of planning two surprise parties and thought I would share some tips on planning a successful surprise party.

1. Start with good bait

A good fisherman knows that to catch the best fish, you have to use the best bait.  The same is true with a surprise party.  After first deciding to throw someone a surprise party, really think about how you are going to get them to the party.  If it is under the guise of another event, go all out and create an invitation to make it believable.  People often neglect the bait, leaving the guest of honor time to think about what is going on.

2. Keep it a secret from the blabber mouths too

This seems so obvious, but happens all the time.  Nothing ruins a surprise faster than a blabber mouth!  If you know your brother or cousin can't hold water then they need to get the same bait you give to the guest of honor or tell them at the last possible minute.

3.  Enlist the help of strangers

Not literal strangers, but strangers to the guest of honor.  Have someone they don't know outside the door to keep them guessing till the last possible minute.

These are just a few tips to get you started.  Have you ever planned a surprise party?  Comment and let us know why it was or wasn't a success.

Tune Into My New Talk Show!

Starting Monday, July 14, 2008, I will be hosting my talk show on Blog Talk Radio. The show is Event Talk and will be similar to what I do here on my blog, talk about all things event related. The show will air live every Monday night at 11:00pm EST. You can listen in by clicking here or by clicking on the above player. Shows will be available for you to listen to anytime online.If you have any questions the phone lines will be open towards the end of the show for you to call in. The number is (347) 826-7808. Tomorrow's show is entitled, "Why Hire an Event Planner?" Tune in for informative tips!

My Inspiration Board

My Inspiration Boards, originally uploaded by sewkandi.

Having a hard time figuring out what to do for your wedding or next event? Make an Inspiration Board. Pick a color that inspires you and objects that embody your personality and see what happens. An inspiration Board will definitely get those creative juices flowing!

The above is my inspiration board I made for my 10th Anniversary Party. It is still more than a year away, but after talking to a friend who is helping someone plan a wedding with a red, white, and black color scheme, I can't get those colors out of my head!

If you are wondering where to start, I created My Inspiration Board using some of my favorite photos in my flickr account and going to MosaicMaker. From there you select the size and/or layout of your mosaic. You can then use the photos from your flickr account or enter the url of others. Remember, if you chose to share your inspiration board online, please give photo credits if the photos are not your own!

I would love to see some other inspiration boards, please comment and feel free to post your board too!

From the mouths of Brides

For all you brides to be out there, I stumbled across this great online bridal show that features real brides giving real helpful tips by brideorama.  Check it Out!

This is just one of the shows.

Guest Etiquette

I spend so much time discussing the etiquette rules for hosts or hostesses, I thought that it was time that I turned my attention to the guests!  Here are just a few rules for you:

1.  R.S.V.P        
As an event planner, I must admit that even I have forgotten to send in an R.S.V.P. card, a few              times.  Ok, a lot!  LOL!  As soon as you get the invitation in the mail or by email, respond.  It makes           planning so difficult when people have to chase their invitees down to see if they are coming.                     Guess what, people pay for those response cards for a reason.  Use them!

2.  Don't ask to bring other people

Sometimes people have a set limit to the amount of people that they can afford to invite.  As a guest, we should be happy to be invited.  If you feel uncomfortable going because you feel that you will be alone then consider not attending.

3.  Be on your best behavior

An open bar does not mean drink as much as you can.  Same for a buffet.  A friend's party is not the time to settle an old argument.

4.  Say Thank You

Everyone wants to know that they are appreciated and being thanked for something is a great start.  Just think the host could've invited someone else, but chose you.  Free food, drinks and music!?  How often do you get all that for free?