Eventfully Yours

Wordless Wednesday - Enjoy!

4 Tips for Planning On a Budget

As much as I would love to throw myself a fabulous event aboard a million dollar yacht off the coast of some exotic locale, but let's face it, I can't afford it.  For those of you who are like me and have dreams that are much bigger than your bank account, the following tips will still keep your events fabulous, but still affordable.

• Recycle and Reuse:

• If you know someone who has just recently gotten married or held some type of event, ask if they have any items left over that you can use such as silk flowers, votive holders or vases.
• Look around you house for items that you can use to add some personal touches to your decor.  Things like picture frames and old vases can be used to create unique centerpieces.
• Most florists charge a rental fee for the use of any of their items that they use for your event.  Offer up your own vases and cut some of your costs there.
• Find new uses for different things.  Old costumes can become decorations.  Extra fabric can become linens or napkins.
• Not only are you helping your pockets,but you are also helping the environment as well.
• Go Intimate
  • Cut your guest list, if possible down to your closet family and friends.  Easier said than done, I know, but this can save you money on everything from invitations, catering, centerpieces and more.  In my opinion, you can do so much more with a small intimate affair especially with decor and favors.
• Partner Up
  • If you and a friend or a family share a birthday or just want to have a party, do it together!  Double your resources, double your funds, and double your pleasure! (I couldn't resist)
• Party on an Off Day
  • If you plan on using a banquet hall or hotel for your event venue, pick a day other than Saturday.  Some places may offer you a discount especially if it is a day that they don't usually have a lot of business.  For adults, a Thursday evening "Happy Hour" event can be just as fun and exciting as a Saturday night soiree.
  • Keep the time of year in mind.  Holidays and peak wedding months (May-September) are times to avoid, because you may be charged a premium.

Tables and Linen Measurements

As promised on Event Talk on Monday night, here are the table and linen measurements that I referred to.  Courtesy of my friends at WeddingLinens.com

Wordless Wednesday - Cool Cake by LJ Sweets

7 Signs You're Not A Good Guest

With the holiday season upon us, chances are, you've been invited to many parties.  If you haven't been invited to any, then the following list is for you.  If you are guilty of any of these offenses, now is the time to clean up your act and get back on those guest lists.

• Bring Your Own Entourage: Unless the invitation clearly states you and a guest, assume you are the only one invited.  When in doubt, call the host before hand and ask.  Better to do this than show up with someone and get dirty looks all night.

• Think Free Drinks Equals Drink More:  Unfortunately, when the drinks are free many people take that as their chance to sample everything at the bar and drink way too much.  Don't be the person that destroys relationships by talking too much or even worse, throwing up into someone's house plant.  Moderation is the key!

• Not Eat All Day In Anticipation:  While a host loves to see that their guests enjoy their spread, it is not good manners to devour everything in sight, especially if other guests have not been served.  If possible, have a small bite to eat before arriving at the party.

• Keep The Phone Lines Open:  You're invited to a party under the premise that you will socialize with the other guests in attendance, not to call or text your other friends who were not invited.  Politely excuse yourself if you absolutely must take a call and step outside or into another room.

• Talk All About Yourself:  Sure, you may be the coolest thing since sliced bread, but don't dominate the conversation talking all about yourself.  If people ask about what you do, answer but try to also ask them something about themselves.

• Pour It On Too Thick:  Do you tend to get a little heavy handed when it comes to putting on perfume or cologne?  That is not good, as many people are allergic to some scents.  One spritz is almost always enough, if you need more than that, you may want to hit the shower before you go.  On a related note, pop a mint before engaging in conversation.  There's nothing worse than talking to someone with dragon breath.

• Come Empty Handed:  It is really a very nice gesture to bring a small gift for the host or hostess to show your appreciation for the invite.  It can be something as simple as a candle or bottle of wine.

Color Trend for 2009

For those of you planning events for 2009, if you haven't decided yet, you are more than likely trying to decide on the color scheme for your event.  My predictions for 2009 are that colors are going to bold and bright.  My favorites for 2009 are purple and green.  Yes, I said it, purple and green or any variations of the colors, like sage and lavendar.

FLOWERS

Your flowers will wow your guests from the moment they enter.  With this color scheme you can also employ the use of foliage which will also cut down your floral costs.  Take a look at these flowers to find the perfect purple flower for your event: Cone Flower, Sweet Pea, Impatiens, Verbena, Iris, Alyssum, Bachelor Button, Aster, Crocus, Lilac, Hybiscus, Pansy, Gladiolas, Snap Dragons, Wisteria, Tamarisk, Lupine, and Clematis.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

Need I say more? Purple is a color that just demands attention.  The color purple is symbolic of power, healing, the divine, spiritual goals, passionate belief, magic, and mystery. It represents visionary leadership, respect, wealth, luxury, and sophistication. Purple has been worn by emperors, kings, military commanders, and other high-ranking officials. It also has come to symbolize psychic ability, success, wisdom, power, spiritual growth, and independence. Purple is the color of passion, romance, sensitivity, and good judgment. It is also the color used by people seeking spiritual fulfillment and is a good color to use in meditation. It is said that if you surround yourself with purple, you will have peace of mind.

 

SET THE TABLE

You can infuse the color purple into all aspects of your table setting.  Table numbers, place cards, menu cards, linens and more.  Let purple help you to make a statement that your guests will never forget.  Using pure or predominately purple scheme in interior design lends itself to strong lines and authoritative designs, and creates an extremely dramatic interior. Most children love the color purple, and it is the color most favored by artists.

Wordless Wednesday - What A Spread!

 

Money Saving Tip - Shop Etsy

Looking to save money on invitations, jewelery or favors for your wedding?  Head on over to Etsy.  Etsy is like ebay for crafters.  You'll find a wide selection of quality items that will delight your guests and not put you in the poor house!  You can order custom monograms and logos, even photo cookies, now how cool is that?!