Eventfully Yours

Notes from Day 3 of The Special Event

My fun has come to an end.  I am returning home today but going home energized with new ideas and ready to serve my clients!

I'm sharing this photo because I love table caps.  Instead of an overlay, a table cap adds a more customized look to your tablescape.

Here is a must see website directed at to my wedding industry readers (if I have any)
1. WIPA - Wedding Industry Professionals Association:  A much needed organization for the wedding industry dedicated to raising the standard of ethics and services through education and more.

Notes from Day 2 of The Special Event

The Exhibit Hall opened yesterday and it was truly a planner's paradise.  One of my favorite things are linens and the linen companies were there in abundance!  Wildflower Linens, Resource One, and Linen Lounge just to name a few. My standout favorite was Chameleon Chair.  Those of you familiar with this company are probably thinking, Ok, she is talking linens but this is a chair rental company."  Yes, I know that, but they also offer a line of incredible chair covers that I just fell in love with!

I am declaring 2009 the year of the chair!  Here are some of my favorite chair cover styles exhibited at the show (excuse my horrible photos!)....

That is actually white patent leather!  How cute!

Don't you just love them?!  Anyway as a side note this next picture shows the cutest thing ever to me, child size Chiavari Chairs!  I can't remember the name of the company, but they are so cute!  They also come in a variety of colors.

That's it for today!

Notes from Day 1 of The Special Event

Getting away from the snow. $250.00.  Luxury hotel for 4 nights $550.00.  Being immersed in all things events for 4 days straight.  Priceless!  I know somewhat dramatic and cheesy, but after just one day here at TSE, I can't believe that I waited so long to finally attend!

My first class was on color trends taught by Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events.  I had to share one of her recommendations that I thought was so cool.  Here is an inspiration board created by Snippet and Ink, a must add to your daily wedding blogs.  It is definitely one of my new favorites!

Color Trend - Aqua and Poppy

Top row from left: photo by Eclectic Images, centerpiece by Nancy Liu Chin, yogurt berry popsicles via Dessert First, chandelier photo by Michele M. Waite via Married & More with Michelle
Row 2: photo by Gentl & Hyers, signature cocktails from Soiree, photo from Nancy Liu Chin, cake by Ron Ben-Israel for InStyle Weddings
Row 3: table from Martha Stewart Weddings, confetti packet photo by Our Labor of Love, photobooth save-the-date by Amber and Jimmy via Being Social, favor box from Rebecca Thuss
Row 4: cake photo by Liz Banfield from Southern Accents, turquoise votives from Brides (photo by Dasha Wright), red peony nosegay by Ariella Chezar, invitation by BellaBliss Design

Why do I love this color combo so much?  People tend to shy away from red colors because they can be somewhat overpowering in certain settings.  The use of the aqua here, softens the red or poppy color, but still allows it to pop!  The decor possibilities are endless! 

I also run into some fellow Clevelanders, like Alina of Party Decor and my Event Source buddies.  Can't wait until tomorrow!

I'm off to The Special Event!

I'm so excited to finally attend The Special Event this year!  What is The Special Event, you ask?  It is a conference for event professionals to get educated, network with peers, catch up on trends and renew their creativity all in one venue.  This year it is taking place in San Diego, CA which means I get to leave the snow for a minute.

Be sure to check back daily to find out about the latest trends in events and all the fun I'll be having!

Tackling Transportation

When planning a wedding or other special event, sometimes the need arises for rented transportation.  Limos or the ever popular stretch SUVs and party buses allow entire wedding parties or groups to keep the party going enroute and on the road.

As you are looking for a company to fulfill your transportation needs, it is best to ask recently married friends or business associates for referrals.  Read this earlier post about using referrals.  Once you've compiled a list of companies, it is time to get to work.  The following are steps one should take to secure rental transportation:

1. Book at least 4 months in advance.  This is even more important if your event is scheduled during May or June, which are both peak prom and wedding months.  If your event date falls within those times, book as soon as possible.

2. Make a note of the response time.  How long does it take for them to return calls.  If there response time is too long that could be a sign that this is not the company for you.

3. Visit their place of business.  Take a tour of the vehicles.  Are they in good condition?  How do the drivers look?  Ask if the company and drivers have the proper licensing.

4. Find out if they have a back up plan.  What will happen if your car breaks down the day of your event?  Do they have a comparable vehicle?  What will be your replacement?  Be sure to get that back up plan in writing!

Stumble It!

Wordless Wednesday - The New First Couple

photo credit: Associated Press/ABC News

You've Been to the Bridal Show, Now What?

After walking through what seems like an endless maze of booths, collecting cards and information from countless wedding vendors, how do you feel?  You're either excited, overwhelmed or confused.  Some may even feel slightly ill from too many free cake samples.  Now it is time to make sense of all the cards, brochures, etc. that you've collected and get one step closer to wedding success.

1. Categorize: Dump everything in your complimentary bag out on the floor and place them into their appropriate category.  All photographers into one pile, all florists in another, ceremony/reception sites in another, etc.

2. Pick your favorites: Was there a stand out vendor in one of your categories?  Was there a package price that fit perfectly into your budget?  Was there one particular cake that was better than all the rest?  If you happen to have more than one favorite in a category, place them in order of preference.

3. Go surfing: Visit their website.  Check out their photo gallery.  Bring yourself up to speed on their services and products, so that you know if you want to proceed to step number 4.

4. Give them a call: Schedule a consultation with your favorites as soon as possible.  If you need to leave a message or send an email, take note of how fast they respond to you.  How do they answer the phone or reply to your email?  Are they professional?

At your consultation get to know the vendor and see whether or not this person is a good fit for you, your wedding and your budget.  If they, are sign a contract and move on to the next item of your to do list.  If they are not a good fit, thank them for their time and move on to your next choice in the category.

Speaking of bridal shows......

  Welcome to our new readers that we met at the Today's Bride show over the weekend.  Happy planning!

Stumble It!

Are You a Today's Bride To Be? Come Find Out!

Come and meet the staff of Signature Soirees at the Today's Bride Show this Sunday, January 18th, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  Taking place at the I-X Center, this show has become one of the most popular and anticipated shows of the year.

Stop by booth #111 and get information about my services, enter to win a free wedding website for 6 months and just chat me up!  I still have free tickets available, just email me today at customerservice {at} signaturesoirees.com.  Hope to see you there!

Wordless Wednesday - Before the Glamour

photo credit: Associated Press - Jeff Christensen

Help For The Bridal Party - Part 1

All wedding and event related blogs (including this one - that's about to change) always focus on wedding planning from the bride's standpoint.  But what about the other major players, whom without which the ceremony would be much shorter and less fun!  This week I will focus on the ladies, guys your turn is next week.

Most bridesmaids and hostesses think that being in a wedding means buying a dress, getting their hair done and maybe contributing to a bridal shower.  Usually, conflict arises when one or more bridal party members decides that buying a dress and showing up on time the day of the wedding is the extent of their participation.  In order to alleviate the confusion surrounding the duties or roles of a bridesmaid, hostess and maid of honor, I have compiled some information sheets.  If you are a bride to be, do yourself a favor and forward this post to your bridal party and save yourself some grief!

Just click on the following links to download the sheets for free:

Bridesmaid Information Sheet
Hostess Information Sheet
Maid of Honor Information Sheet

You can also download these sheets from my company website, Signature Soirees.

Stumble It!