Will continue again next week....stay tuned for great content from the Pros on topics such as having a tented occasion, wedding day beauty, and a guide to creating a custom stationery suite.
Happy Monday, and Happy Planning!
Event Planning 101 Series
Having a Vintage or European Flair Wedding?
Then you must check out this gorgeous etsy store with these amazing envelopes. Adnagam features these European style envelopes on vintage paper, ranging in a variety of styles and themes. These would be beautiful for a party of any occasion.
You can view these and the many other styles of envelopes at Adnagam's store here. Happy planning!
Special Event Lighting 101
If you're looking for a way to wow your guests, create a totally new atmosphere, and transform a room, then look no further than special lighting for your event. Unfortunately, one of the myths of including lighting into your plans and budget is that it is way too expensive. Another common misconception is that it is a frivilous or unnecessary addition to your event.
In reality, lighting is actually one of the first things you should look at. The effects of well-planned lighting will create more of an impact than spending thousands of dollars on decorations will any day. Sure, elaborate decorations and huge floral arrangements will of course only add to the beauty, but if you're on a limited budget, I really recommend you look at lighting as a major part of your decorating scheme. Here are just a few key tips and some vocabulary to know when starting your event lighting extravaganza:
Uplighting- This is the main "hub" of event lighting. This is what you're looking at when you see a wall in a room that is a completely different color. Or a building that is suddenly uplit in a soft pink. Basically, this is the part of the lighting that is used to turn your average hotel ballroom into the sweet, sexy club atmosphere you're planning.
How do they do it? The colors are produced by using gels, or colored pieces that go over a normal white light. Event lighting specialists will often use a combination of several gels to create a multi dimensional look. You can also use stencil-like pieces to produce shapes and other designs on the wall, such as stars and leaves for a fall wedding.
Pin Spotting- Looking to show off the centerpiece you've been pouring over for months? Pin spotting is essentially a spotlight directed at a specific area or object, such as the centerpieces on a table. For such a little light, the art of pin spotting will make your centerpiece or tablescape go from pretty to wow.
Tip: If you'll be including pin spotting, do not forget to provide your lighting specialist a layout that will be exact and to scale, as the pin lights will need to be placed and aimed according to where the tables will be on the floor. Have a wedding planner? No worries, then- they will do this for you!
Gobo- No, this is not some strange gargoyle-style creature that will make an appearance at your wedding. Instead, this is the custom monogram or other personalized object (shape) you've most likely seen in pictures or other weddings. Have a monogram or crest that has appeared throughout the details of your wedding? Consider a gobo for your dance floor or a wall in the ballroom. It's just a nice touch and a way to further personalize your day.
Happy Planning!
100 Possibly Interesting Things About Yours Truly
No, I'm not in the business of self-indulging and talking about myself. Normally, it's the exact opposite...in fact my hubby might tell you that I usually find ways to turn the conversation from myself to you. Except for when it's my birthday. Then watch out. It's my day.
After last week's post about The Soiree Blog, a few "tags" on Facebook and a few somewhat annoying email questionnaires, I thought I would just post 100 things about me ('Yours Truly') that you may-or may not- find interesting about me:
1. I am an 1/8th Cherokee Indian.
2. I do not like the song Cherokee People.
3. My grandmother was 1/2 Cherokee, and was known as The Little Stolen Indian on her reservation; her dad kidnapped her when she was 2.
4. I love heels, and I wear them pretty much every day- even the day before I gave birth.
5. I majored in Spanish, with a Clothing, Textile and Design minor in college.
6. I was going to be a teacher originally, until I had to "teach" some high-schoolers as part of the education program. I changed my emphasis the next day.
7. I am only 5' 2", please see # 4.
8. I have lived in Spain twice.
9. My childhood nickname was Missy B...apparently I was a bossy toddler.
10. I was in a sorority in college.
11. I have been mugged- please see # 8.
12. I was born extremely directionally impaired. I can easily get lost even in the mall- I used to say I could get lost in a cul-de-sac. It would be funny if it weren't so true.
13. I got Lasik eye surgery when I was 22.
14. My aunt had breast cancer, and wrote a book about her journey "Of Fairy Tales and Happily Ever Afters".
15. I have four sisters- all younger and all half sisters, and I am the oldest by 11 years.
16. I met my husband my freshman year in college, but didn't start dating until my senior year.
17. Our first "date" I had the flu...enough said.
18. I once got the Chocolate Ex-Lax bar...and I didn't know that you weren't supposed to eat the majority of the bar...enough said again.
19. I have a four month old baby boy.
20. I lived in Hawaii for 5 years.
21. I was a Starbucks Barista in Seattle.
22. In college I designed a dress made out of flag fabric with a hat asking if Patriotism was a Fad after 9/11 and was displayed in the library. I started a campus-wide debate, and people were writing 10 page essays about the dress.
23. This is right after my then-boyfriend and I started dating, imagine his excitement that his girlfriend started a campus uproar.
24. I love my birthday. In fact, I like to coin the entire month of my birthday as mine.
25. I can actually be quite a loner- I could sit and read a book by myself for hours.
26. I was born in Reno, Nevada.
27. After college my ambition was to move to New York and work at a magazine. I even applied to graduate school for journalism.
28. Instead, I moved to Seattle, see # 21 :)
29. My now husband proposed to me on Alki Beach in Seattle.
30. My favorite bridal designer is Reem Acra, with Monique Lhuillier coming in as a close second.
31. I am a perfectionist to a fault.
32. In order to major in Spanish, I had to take 2 years of French as well. Hence, Soiree. C'est La Vie, no?
33. I secretly really like Britney Spears, and often work out to her tunes.
34. My husband hates it when he asks me a question and I respond in French or Spanish. I think it's funny, so I keep doing it :)
35. I've noticed I'm a reality tv junkie. On the list: American Idol, Hell's Kitchen, The Biggest Loser, and most recently, The Chopping Block (who else can get away with wearing a suit with no socks and Vans??).
36. I painted my baby's nursery 4 times before I was happy with the color, please see # 31.
37. I had over 30 "blue" paint swatches to choose from before I found the "perfect" color.
38. One of my favorite movies of all time is Tammy and the Bachelor (with Debbie Reynolds).
39. I have climbed the stairs of the Eiffel Tower.
40. I was the flower girl in my aunt's wedding, and apparently they witnessed me kicking a man when he did not want to take the pouch of rice. Please see # 9.
41. I own a pair of pink velvet heels adorned with beads and crystals.
42. Maybe I do like to bring attention to myself.
43. I have a broccoli fetish- I can eat a whole crown in one sitting.
44. I can mimic the sound of a putt-putt (for lack of better description) car perfectly, and I've never met anyone else that could do it.
45. One of my childhood aspirations was to become a voice for a cartoon- but only for the putt-putt cars.
46. My favorite holiday is Christmas.
47. I insist on the biggest Christmas tree that will fit. In fact, my dad once had to return a tree because it was about as big as the Griswold's tree.
48. I love to cook.
49. I am a terrible baker. I once left out 5 ingredients for a cheese cake.
50. I love pink, but I didn't want anything to do with it in my wedding.
51. I love 80's music.
52. I did not love 80's fashion.
53. However I did own snap bracelets, slouch socks, and I had a fan bang.
54. I once dressed up as Dolly Parton for my elementary school's Celebrity Day. My water balloons popped, and I looked like I wet myself for the rest of the day.
55. I was not the most popular kid in school, please see # 54 and #44.
56. I was a cheerleader my freshman year in high school, and was also a cheerleader for wrestling matches.
57. I had a boyfriend named Thor.
58. I had another one my entire family nicknamed Keyhole.
59. They were so happy to meet Shaun.
60. I used to compete in speech competitions, and even won a few.
61. Ironically enough I hate speaking in front of large crowds.
62. I've eaten squid in its own ink, octopus, and bull tail, to name a few.
63. I was the first person in my family to go to and graduate from college.
64. My sister is 18, and has over 100K, thanks to the Indian trust fund.
65. I was a hula and Tahitian dancer in Hawaii.
66. I absolutely can't stand carrots.
67. Even though I work with color every day, I find I'm pretty fickle about it in my home..the entire place is in neutrals and earth tones.
68.I have one dog, a beagle, named Chloe.
69. In the last couple of years, I've been a guest at 13 weddings and a bridesmaid in 5 of them. See # 10.
70. I absolutely can't stand silver bells, hearts, or anything of the like. I may do my best to talk you out of using them.
71. In college, I decided to cut my hair to pixie status.
72. Hubby to be called me butch when I did this.
73. I'm glad college is over.
74. I'm probably the most gullible person you'll meet.
75. My friends and I love to have cocktail parties that require us to dress to the nines.
76. On my wedding day the entire wedding party was stranded because our trolley broke down.
77. They originally sent out the tiniest truck I've ever seen to jump the trolley.
78. It did not work, and they had to send out a whole new trolley.
79. We got to our reception finally, only to find that the air conditioner had broken (we got married in the dead of summer).
80. I decided to be a wedding planner.
81. My favorite flowers for weddings are hydrangea, ranunculous, and peonies.
82. I like to describe my personal style as a cross between Jackie-O and Gwen Stefani.
83. If my hair is up in a pony tail or other fashion, there will inevitably be a "poof" associated with it. My brides and friends are smiling knowingly :)
84. I'm an ultra-romantic. I cry at anything- even commercials.
85. My ring size is only a 4 1/4.
86. My shoe size is a 6, but I can fit into select children's shoes.
87. I do not wear pencil skirts.
88. I do not wear skinny jeans.
89. I only use one type of lotion- and have done so for years.
90. I can officially and confidently say that Suzanne Somers taught me how to cook.
91. When I was pregnant, I subscribed to a psychic (why not?). She told me that I would have a boy first, girl second. We'll see...
92. I'm a firm believer that fitness trainers should also prescribe heel wearing as part of their regimens. Look what it does for the calves!
93. I am deathly afraid of Ferris Wheels.
94. I am also deathly afraid of mold- I've thrown away countless dishes because I was too scared to wash them.
95. While living in Spain, our school was evacuated due to terrorist bomb threats.
96. I rarely paint my nails- I prefer a clear polish.
97. My first car was a black Honda Civic Hatchback.
98. I'm a list maker. It's not uncommon to write a grocery list, then re-write it according to category and section in the store.
99. I can't stand baseball. 160 games? Really?
100. Did I mention I love my birthday?
Linens 101 Part II- Seven Popular Fabric Choices
Pintuck? Dupioni? Bengaline? What style of linen will you choose for your table? If you're lost in the sea of linen choices, you're not alone. The first step is to decide on the look you're after for your event and table design:
Texture:
If you're looking to add a little texture to your table design, try one of these popular fabrics:
Pintuck- Great for formal weddings, adds a little extra pop to your table without being too wild or over the top. One con: you'll have to choose glassware with wider bases, as the tucking on the fabric makes it difficult for things to balance well.
Bichon- This fabric style boasts a "crushed" look, and therefore is often referred to as crushed linens at party rental stores.
Dupioni (also know as Shatung Silk)- a style of silk that has a subtle sheen and irregularities and 'slubs' (cross between a snag and a raised piece of the weave in the fabric). It's a beautiful fabric, and is especially nice to touch. Many bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses are also made of this fabric.
{ Throw-back from Textile & Design class in college: for those that want to get technical with the definition of dupioni silk: The word dupioni is derived from the Italian word "doppio" or double. Dupioni silk is different from it's cousin silk counterpart because two silkworms spin a single cocoon. The thread produced by the two silkworms are uneven in texture and thickness, and no two silks will be alike, hence the reason for the 'slubs' you see in the finished product. }
Sheen:
If you're looking for a little shine in your event, try these popular fabrics:
Lame (Lam- A) and Lamour-Both very shiny fabrics, with lame taking the cake in the sheen department. Lamour is more recommended for an event of the wedding variety.
(Lame)
(Lamour)
Bengaline- also boasts a sheen in the fabric, this is made of synthetic fibers and has a subtle cross-wise ribbed effect, so it's not just a flat piece of fabric.
Sheer
If you're looking for a soft effect, or need an overlay on top of a bottom (or fitted linen, as industry professionals will call it), Organza or chiffon fabrics are the most popular.
~Happy Planning!
Theknot.com Comes To Idaho!
The power wedding planning site is planning to launch The Knot Idaho mid-April! Rather than just a link that could take you to Idaho vendors in the past, there will now be a tab under "Local Resources" in which Idaho will appear. More details to come, stay tuned!
Designing Your Wedding: Outside of the Wedding Magazine
Are you relying solely on wedding and bridal magazines to design your wedding? While these magazines definitely have their place- many great ideas can come from them and I would never discourage you from using them- but to really design a unique wedding and to open up your imagination you need to look in other places too.
Maybe you're hoping to create an overall feeling to your event; try using a picture like this:
Doesn't it look zen like and modern?
Or maybe you're trying to describe a mixture of elements- modern and grounded or rugged with a touch of sparkle. Try this picture:
Or perhaps you're just looking to add a different and unique design piece that you haven't seen before. Looking at pictures like the following will help you to generate ideas and add things or put things in places that might not be expected, yet work beautifully:
If you look past what the picture is actually presenting (in this case, ads for appliances and outdoor furnishing collections) and look at the elements that were added to create the designs fit for a photo shoot, you will begin to notice your imagination and creativity overflowing!
{Source: All photos are via Trendir}
Photo 1- Aqua collection from Paola Lenti
Photo 2- Metal bathtub from Blubleu
Photo 3- Springtime patio furniture collection from B&B Italia
Photo 4- Swing outdoor rocking bed from Stern
Organized Chaos
The term "organized chaos" might be something you'd hear if you were stuck in the back room with a bunch of wedding planners: we often refer to weddings as organized chaos. Why? Because a wedding employs several elements that *could* lead to potential disaster if you're not on top of them: Lots of people that don't know where to go or what they're doing, a timeline of events to get through, and a list of vendors that need to operate as a team.
So when a bride expresses her disdain at the idea of having escort cards or a seating chart, visions of confused guests with deer-in-headlight looks on their face cross my mind. Not at all matching up with the mingling the bride is envisioning.
Kelly Ashworth, of Kelly Ashworth Designs recently posted about this very issue, and she found a great solution: Martha Stewart. Martha is now offering a great tool online to make creating your seating chart or diagram less of a chore.
Here in Idaho, buffet style meals are very popular, and therefore there is often not any assigned seating. I still always recommend to my clients that they at least assign tables (guests can sit anywhere at the table) to cut down a little on the bottle neck phenomenon.
Happy Planning!
What is the Soiree Blog All About?
New here & just joining us for the first time? Welcome to Soiree's blog! If you're wondering what you can expect from our daily blog habit, here's a quick run down:
The Soiree Blog is written by Brandi Reiland, owner of and lead consultant for Soiree. This blog is really a creative outlet for Brandi, and serves to be an inspiration. From design advice to wedding & planning tips, stylish entertaining and party ideas, and everything in between you'll find it here. We love the newest beauty products sure to make you the Blushing Bride, and we love making your planning process easier. And we love to take your mind off of wedding planning to throw a weekend Soiree to spend with your friends. So kick your super cute heels off and join us!
Feel free to peruse some of our more popular posts:
Tips for Expressing Your Vision
Incorporating Oscar Fashion Into Your Wedding, Part 1 & Incorporating Oscar Fashion Part 2
Hiring Vendors
Entertaining At Home (Brandi's guide)
Drop us a line or write us a note if you don't see something here...we love hearing from you!
Linens 101, Part 1
There are so many styles and fabrics to choose from, and then you've got the headache of deciding what sizes you'll need...and no matter how small or big your event is, you'll need to have several different sizes and shapes.
Below are some of the more common table sizes and linen sizes used to cover them (all sizes are those that will touch the floor):
BBJ Linen also has a great chart that will advise you on other less common table sizes. There are also many tricks you can use with linens to dress up or personalize your tables, but more on that in part 2 next week, so stay tuned!
{In the meantime...do you have specific questions regarding linens or other party rentals? Let us know! Send an email to contact@weddingsbysoiree.com with Rentals in the subject line and we'll do our best to address it here.}
Everything You Wanted To Know: Event Planning 101
Even if you've just started to embark on the wonderful world of event planning, you've undoubtedly already noticed that there is more to it than just picking out pretty flowers and grazing wedding magazines. Pretty much everything you do will have a logistical or technical side to it- and we {your vendors} don't expect you to know anything about it- after all, that's what you hired us for! But even when armed with a team of stellar vendors, it still always pays to be an informed client- it will help you in making money decisions, creating a realistic budget, a timeline that will work, and will ultimately save you precious time (so you can go back to grazing wedding magazines!).
So I've been working to create a series of posts filled with information on what it will take to put your wedding or event together. From linens to tents, flowers to beauty, by the time this series is over you should feel comfortable in making educated decisions, and feel a little less overwhelmed by the process.
Some posts will be presented by Yours Truly, and others will be posted by other industry professionals so that you're getting the best information possible. Stay tuned each Monday for a new post packed with valuable information!
Stay tuned as well for the first post of the series, later today.
{ A note to industry professionals: Have some great advice you'd like to contribute? Email us at contact@weddingsbysoiree.com with Event Planning 101 in the subject line for consideration!}
{Brides: Have a question you'd like to see answered about anything related to planning your event? Email us at contact@weddingsbysoiree.com with Questions in the subject line and we'll do our best to get it answered here!}
Highlight Video From Margot and Dave's Wedding
Last week I posted a few pictures from Margot and Dave's wedding. Travis at DreamBig Productions just sent me this awesome snippet from their wedding video, and I just had to share. I have to admit, my eyes misted up again when I saw this! They're just such a happy couple.
Highlights for David & Margot from Travis Cossel on Vimeo.
Like what you see? Be sure to stop by DreamBig Production's website for more details on Travis' unique cinematographic style he brings to his brides. If you're not into traditional videography styles, and would rather something that is filmed, edited, and produced just like a real movie, Travis is your guy. Thanks Travis for sharing the video!
{Wish List} Wednesday: Vintage Bella Umbrellas
Need shade but not the usual rental umbrella (you're not the 'usual' kind of gal anyways)? Need to make a statement but in a fashionable way (you're known for your impeccable style anyways)? Pretty much just looking to blow your guests away with something remarkable (you wouldn't settle for less, now would you)?
Enter: Bella Umbrellas. First, take a look at this picture of the guests shading their locks with these beauties:
Now, look at them in their many forms and uses:
And you can even incorporate them into your decor:
Pretty much fabulous, right? Bella Umbrella offers vintage umbrellas and parasols in many designs, and you can either rent them for as low as $20 or even purchase them. Need a little more bling (You are princess bling, we know)? You can even get them with jeweled handles. Basically they've got something for every style of bride or decor maven. Be sure to browse the entire line here.
{All photos courtesy Bella Umbrella}
Modern Ink Studio
Modern Ink Studio is an up and coming invitation design studio with gorgeous designs that will have your paper fetish swooning. Lara offers an entire suite of stationery for your wedding- invitations, custom menu cards, Save the Date cards, place cards and escort cards (read the difference here), thank you cards, and even wedding maps. The best part is the price (some designs start as low as 1.00!) and the easy ordering process- pick your design, put in your quantity, and then Lara will have your customized design ready in about 48-72 hours. Be sure to run over to her Etsy store to see her entire line. Once you're a fan, be sure to head over to Minted to vote on her designs!
{Source}
What's In My Bridal Emergency Kit
Brides often ask me what the Bridal Emergency Kit entails...they know it contains items that will help on the day, but inevitably they want to know what's in my kit. Every wedding planner carries one, and while there are plenty more items included, here are my top ten prized possessions in my Emergency Kit:
1) Shout wipes. I've never had a wedding where I haven't used them.
2) Safety pins and Diaper pins. For everything from getting a piece of fabric to do what I want it to do to fixing your bustle that will inevitably need fixing at some point. More on this? Read Liene's post on tips for your bustle here.
3) Double sided tape. Once saved our lives when we were setting up an outdoor event at a winery- the wind kept blowing everything off the tables, including the runners and place cards. A little double sided tape kept everything grounded.
4) Scripto Outdoor lighters. The concentrated flame resists being blown out by wind- saves time when you have 200 votives to light!
5) No Sew Hem Tape. If the hem on your dress is a little long, or the bustle falls out a bit, this is a quick and easy way to fold the hem up a few inches without damaging the fabric.
6) Floral pins. Besides the obvious use of repairing bouquet wraps and keeping the bouts in place, these are also great at taming fabric, pinning down linens, and I once even used them to keep strands of Christmas lights pinned down around an outdoor dance floor.
7) Fashion Tape.
8) Listerine breath strips. It's amazing how dry people's mouths will get when the nerves (or heat) set in. I always offer these out right before the bridal party heads down the aisle.
9) Clear fishing twine. I keep rolls-from heavy to light- of this in my kit- we have used them for everything from hanging lanterns and votives to re-stranding a bracelet of pearls that broke right before a wedding ceremony.
10) Needle and thread, and an array of buttons. I have several thread colors, as I have actually had to sew more black buttons on tuxes and suits than I have had to repair items on wedding or bridesmaid gowns.
~Brandi
Dessert Lemon Martini
As I sit here on a cloudy, cold March day, I started perusing the internet in search of something warm weather oriented. I came across this gorgeous recipe for a dessert martini- it would be a beautiful addition to a backyard summer soiree:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Monin Lemon Pie Syrup
A little over 1/2 oz Fresh Cream
1 oz 42 Below Vodka
Directions:
Frost your martini glasses
Pour all ingredients into a shaker.
Shake and strain into chilled martini glass.
Serve with a lemony dessert after a light, summery meal. Is summer here yet??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
