Eventfully Yours

Pretty In Pink

I had the pleasure of working with a great couple for their recent May 3, 2008 wedding.  When I first met Princess and Tyrone, I knew that it would be smooth sailing working on their wedding. 

Although the day was gray, the sun came out shortly after they were pronounced man and wife.  Pink was the color of the day and candles and lighting really gave the reception a romantic feel and look.

I am happy to say that we worked with some great vendors that day.  Kudos to: Tom Forrest Photography, Just Perfect Memories,  Roses for Weddings, Hughies Audiovisual, and  A1 Mr. Limo.  The beautiful cake in the photo is from Shari's Cakes.

We'll have more photos on our main website soon.

The Details Matter

You'd be surprised at how many people keep invitations, programs and favors from the various events that they attend.  I must admit that I am one of those people.  Why do I collect these things?  Well as a planner myself, I like to see what other people do and if I like it. . . well I will copy it!  LOL!

Seriously though, one thing that surprises me is how many people drop the ball on the little details.  They assume that no one will notice that they decided to save some money towards the end. Those little details include invitations, programs, basically all your wedding stationery.  Your invitation sets the tone for your whole wedding. 

Coordinating all pieces to create your wedding stationery adds that finishing touch to everything.  This doesn't mean that you have to break the bank.  You can still do it yourself, if you so chose.  Incorporate a monogram on all your pieces, down to the menu cards.  Use the same type of paper and the same color.  If you use any embellishments, such as ribbons, etc., use those on all pieces.  Those little details will add so much to your event!

Until next time, eventfully yours!

Color Changes Everything

I recently had the pleasure of doing the reception of Diana and Fred.  I really enjoyed working with them and enjoyed even more the fact that they were not afraid of color.  Their colors were red and white.  Red thrown into the mix of anything is going to get attention.  Look at the photos below to see the transformation of their reception space.
When planning your next event, don't be intimidated by color.  It can liven up your space and impress your guests.

What Do Your Guests Expect?

Whether you are planning a wedding, baby shower or corporate event, it is important that you take into the expectations of your guests into consideration.  Many events fall short because hosts assume that the event is all about them, but that is a dangerous assumption.

One major trend in events has been the cocktail reception.  There is nothing wrong with a cocktail reception, but consider the timing of your event.  If your event lasts basically all day like a wedding, your guests may think that they will get a full meal and will leave your reception with an empty stomach and a bad taste in their mouth.

Entertainment is also something that guests anticipate.  When people get dressed up, they want to have a good time.  Even at corporate events, people expect some form of entertainment.  Make sure your entertainment matches the tone and time of your event.  A motivational speaker and a cocktail party do not mix.

Gifts.  Let's face it, guests like to get gifts.  From weddings or showers they expect favors, and corporate events there are goody bags.  When it comes to this, do not disappoint and think no one cares.  Even if it is just a magnet, people like to get something no matter how small.  Believe me if you skip this that will be one of the first things people notice.

While planning your next event, think about your guests and what their expectations are.  Remember people like to eat, be entertained and have some memento to remember the night.

Until next time, eventfully yours!

What's your back up plan? Part 2

Little did I know what was in store for me over the past weekend!  LOL!  The storm I wrote about in my last  post was nothing compared to the one that hit Ohio this past weekend.  Cities were closing, driving bans were issued and guess what!  I was out in it!  I worked on the wedding reception for a great couple that chose to marry in Cleveland this weekend.  I'll post pictures and more on that later on my main website, www.signaturesoirees.com.  I got stuck in front of the place where the reception was held and Triple A (auto club) couldn't even come help me.  It was quite an adventure and landed the happy couple on the front page of the Cleveland Plain Dealer!  So, if you want a planner that you can rely on, even during a blizzard, call Signature Soirees!  You can count on us!

Click here to read the article

What's your back up plan?

As we recover from a terrible winter storm here in Cleveland, it made me wonder how many of you have back up plans in place for your events, in case of bad weather.  Unfortunately, a lot of people don't think about weather ruining their perfect party.  The forces of nature never rsvp.  They can be a very unexpected guest that can derail everything.

When you start planning your event be sure to also have a contingency plan or a plan b.  If it rains, will you be able to reschedule or move your venue indoors.  Can an alternate venue handle all your attendees?  You may want to look at it as planning for two events at the same time.

What if the weather keeps your guests from arriving on time?  Will you delay your start time?  These are just some of the questions you should consider when planning your next event.  Remember, having the proper contingency plan in place will save you a lot of time and heartache.

Getting Married in the Round

You may be thinking what does that mean!?!  Well, thanks to Ali Phillips of Engaging Events by Ali in Chicago, brides and grooms are taking their weddings to the next level.

Instead of the same old aisle and all your friends and family being behind on your big day, you can now have them gathered around you.  The wedding takes place in the middle of the room with aisles coming from 3 different directions.  This really adds a wow factor and gives an element of surprise to your guests.  It will keep them guessing about who is coming from where and when. 

If you're interested in getting married in the round, contact Signature Soirees today!

Until next time, eventfully yours!
Kandice

Use Your Heritage

Looking for that missing piece to your event?  Look no further than your own family heritage!  Use some part of your heritage to make your event stand out from all the rest.  Incorporate a reading, dance, song or even color that represents your background and make your guests know what it is and means.

Don't think there is anything interesting in your background?  Do some research and you may be pleasantly surprised!  Maybe there isn't anything about your heritage, but an interesting family story of a trip someone took or even where your parents met the first time.  Seek and you shall find!

Until next time, eventfully yours!
Kandice

To Buy or Not to Buy

More and more people are channeling their inner Martha Stewart these days and making their invitations.  They want to give their events a special touch and want to save money.  But are you really saving money with hand made invitations?

Not really when you examine all the costs.

First, you must purchase all the papers and materials.  If you are doing a simple invite , then one sheet per invite won't break the bank.  If you get more elaborate, vellum overlays, etc. your costs for paper alone can get out of control.  Then there are size issues.  What if your paper needs to be cut.  That means every invitation has to be cut to size.  Printing copies to ensure that the set up and lettering is okay.

Even after all that some of you are saying that's nothing, I can handle that.  But the biggest cost to you is your TIME.  Creating anywhere from 50 to 100 invitations by hand can take countless hours depending on your design.

Buying an invitation is as simple as opening a catalog and choosing your favorite.  You can order a proof and know that the rest of the work is left in capable hands.  In fact my company, Signature Soirees offers invitations by Carlson Craft and we'll come to you and help you select and order your invitations.  Call us at 866-880-7902 to schedule a free appointment.

I am in no means saying don't make your own invitations, but before you take the plunge, consider your design, the number of invites needed and most importantly your time!

Something New

I am so tired of going to the same old places, aren't you?  When you get an invitation to a wedding is your excitement cooled when you realize that you're going to the same place for the ceremony and reception that you have been to many times before?

My goal for 2008 is to get my clients to think outside the box and take chances on different venues.  Unheard of spaces that will keep guests talking well after the wedding is over.  If you're a couple who wants something different and exciting give us a call.  Take your wedding to the next level.