Creating A DIY Herb Centerpiece

If you're looking for a simple, eco-friendly centerpiece idea for your wedding or bridal shower, look no further than your garden or window sill.

Now, I don't claim to have a green thumb by any means- in fact, only a select few plants and flowers are resilient enough to withstand life with me. But when it comes to these herb centerpiece ideas, anyone can do it!

Some other bonuses to creating herb centerpieces? You can enjoy them while you're growing your centerpiece! Plant your herbs in the spring (I just planted mine this last weekend) , and you'll be able to enjoy them all summer long with your meals. You can also try this idea- plant your herbs in a decorative planter and place on your deck, patio, or in your back yard. Not only do you have a unique garden to look at, you'll have herbs at your fingertips for summer meals to boot:





Basil is especially resilient and hardy, and is actually a great pick if you're having an outdoor wedding, as basil is a natural bug and fly deterrent (they don't like the odor)! Other varieties that would work well are mint, peppermint, and lavender, just to name a few.

Once you've grown the amount of herbs you need, cut and place them in vessels such as bud vases, paint cans with ribbon, or even mix them in with cut flowers for a gorgeous look.

Happy Planning!

Seattle Blogging Bootcamp Recap!

So I had such a fun weekend in Seattle, and it was so great to finally meet many of the ladies I'd been talking with online! It was especially nice to finally meet Liene Stevens in person, and she put on a great class. If you're an event professional out there, I would highly recommend you attend one of her workshops...it was worth every penny!

I'm hoping to have some of the more professional pictures to post here soon, but in the meantime, here are some photos I took of the beautiful Aria Style Loft and the lovely ladies in attendance:



Far Left: Mindy (better known as TweetMyWedding on Twitter), Gayle O'Donnell of All About Weddings, and Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events By Jennifer. By the way- it was Jen's birthday, and to celebrate, she brought us all cupcakes from Trophy. And I'm not ashamed to say I had multiple. They were sinful.

Aria Style is a luxury flower and fabric loft, so I had to take in the gorgeous tablescapes and scenery:



{Disclaimer: I never claimed to be a good photographer!}






I had a fabulous time, and I was so sad to leave beautiful Seattle!

Look for more posts to come from the workshop.

~Brandi

Leaving...On a Jet Plane!

So today I'm off to Seattle, for the much anticipated Blogging Bootcamp! Not only am I super excited to meet all of the lovely ladies I've associated with only over the internet, but I am also ecstatic to be on my old stomping grounds. Granted, I'll be sans car (cabbing it- remember how I'm not so good in the directions department? ), so I'll be footing it everywhere, but it's okay :)

So I'll be reporting back, complete with pictures! Happy Thursday, and happy planning!

~Brandi

Event Planning 101: Your Tented Wedding Part II

Lance Hill from Event Rent continues our series on preparing for a tented wedding or party for us:



What are some ways a bride can customize their tent? What types of costs & charges should brides anticipate?

When ordering a canopy the customer will be getting the frame and the top fabric the cost of the labor for setting the canopy should be covered in the price of the canopy and delivery fee. There additions available to customize your canopy.

Sidewall is available for all types of canopies. This normally comes in 10’-20’ sections and the customer can choose to fully or partially enclose their canopy. Sidewall is available in solid, windowed and clear styles.

Flooring can be put under all canopies. There are many options for adding flooring to your canopy. Some flooring options include a wood sub-flooring, carpeting, dance floor or porta floor(plastic flooring). Any of these options can be used by themselves or together to accommodate the type of flooring effect you would like.

Liners are available on all types of canopies other than tension tents. A liner is fabric made to fit under the top of the canopy to hide the poles and make the canopy look more elegant. Leg covers are also available in the same material to cover the legs of the canopies. Leg covers will also hide water weights in most cases and only if there are no sidewalls.

Clear top fabric is also available on some canopies.

Lighting is also an addition to consider for evening or night events. Lighting options range from twinkle lights (mini lights on a string) attached to the frame of the canopy to chandeliers to lanterns hanging from the frame to up-lighting used to accentuate the canopy. Lighting options may vary depending on the type of canopy used.


Heating and cooling is also available to provide temperature control to your outside event.



For timeline purposes, what should brides expect for set up time?

When planning an event with a canopy it is important to consider the amount of time it will take to set up.

Some average set up times are:

10x10- around 20 minutes for Tension and California styles.
20x20- 25 minutes for Tension and California styles.
30x30- 30 minutes for Tension and 45 minutes for California.
40x40- 45 minutes for Tension and 90 minutes for California.
40x80- 1.5 hours for Tension and 2.5 for California.

These example times are for setting the canopy only- these do not include time to set up any of the additional items available. Some variables that may effect set up time include: weather, guys on hand, what is used to anchor the canopy, liner, water barrels, ect.

It is always best to check with the company that will be setting up your canopy on their time frames.



{Note: See Lance's previous post for explanations on the styles of tents mentioned here}



{Event Rent is located at 600 N Eagle Rd in Meridian, ID}

Event Planning 101: Your Tented Wedding Part 1

Dreaming of a tented reception? It will be gorgeous- after all, it's a blank canvas for you to work with! Before you start the planning process, take a look at these tips and facts about tents and all that goes into preparing for a tented event. Today's post is written by and features Lance Hill from Event Rent, and will hopefully arm you with the information you need for everything from preparing a realistic timeline to choosing the canopy that best suits your needs and budget.

Can you tell us a little bit about the different (or more popular) styles of canopies to choose from? Are there any restrictions or advantages to certain types?

There are 4 main types of canopies to choose from, but for the sake of simplicity we'll talk about two of the more common types:

Tension Canopies are built with poles and ropes only. This would be more of the “circus style” canopy with the poles holding up the center. These canopies may only be staked (water weights are not an option) with ropes pulling out from the canopy.

Some of the advantages to this style of canopy are:

* These are probably the least expensive canopies available.
* They take the shortest amount of time for the rental companies to set up.
* Sometimes available for “do it yourself” rental where the customer sets themselves.

Some of the disadvantages to this style of canopy are:

* The larger canopies tend to be less sturdy in wind than other types of canopies.
* These canopies must be staked with “out guy” rope (ropes pulling out from the perimeter of the canopy to between 4’ and 7’ out from the base of the pole).
* No place in top of canopy to hang chandeliers or any other large decorations.
* This type of canopy requires 2 to 3 times as many stakes as other types of canopies.

California Style Canopies are the most common type of canopies. These are a frame style of canopy.

Some of the advantages to this style of canopy are:

* This type of canopy tends to be the next to least expensive.
* Since this type of canopy is the most common it is easy to find matching parts if one place is out of them.
* This type of canopy can be either staked down or tied to water weights for support.

Some of the disadvantages to this style of canopy are:

* The canopies must be staked with “outguy” ropes (ropes pulling out from the perimeter of the canopy to between 8” and 18” out from the base of the pole).

{ We'll have more from Lance later today- stay tuned for ways to customize your tent, timeline help and more!}

{Event Rent is located at 600 N Eagle Rd in Meridian, ID }

Say "I Do" To A Trimmer You!

Wanting to get in shape for your walk down the aisle? Sheila Kilborn-Jones, owner and senior instructor for Critical Tactics Training and Performance, is offering a deal of a lifetime for Brides-To-Be. And yes, in case you were wondering, that photo is really Sheila- intimidating? Not at all! In fact, Sheila is the nicest girl you'll ever meet, and happens to be a former Soiree bride :)

Right now, mention this blog post and Sheila is offering you 50% off of a customized 6 week plan. This plan includes four days of personal training per week, plus a customized nutrition and workout plan to help you achieve your best results possible.

Sheila is even offering to let you share this customized program- at the discounted price- with your Maid of Honor (Comes out to be $210.00 each- a spectacular deal for the 6 week program, and a great way to spend quality time with your bestie!).

So if you've been looking for a way to look your best as you count down to your Big Day, what Sheila is offering just can't be beat. Thanks Sheila!

{Critical Tactics Training and Performance also offers Self Defense classes and seminars, boot camp and tactical training and more, in addition to personal training. Visit the website for more information. Sheila's studio is located at 3329 West Cherry Lane in Meridian. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity- call Sheila today!}

Event Planning 101: Tips For Creating a Dreamy Wedding Day Look

Today's post is written by and features Camilla Orosco, owner of Breathtaking By Camilla. Camilla offers a luxury, cuture experience for the bride.

What are some mistakes to avoid with the wedding day makeup?

Makeup is such an important part of the wedding look. It is a wonderful detail that can really set the look apart from your everyday appearance. Some brides really want to glam it up on their wedding day while others really want to go with something more natural looking. Either choice can be amazing. I am always inspired by the brides natural beauty and try to enhance her most striking feature. Going with a look that competes too much with your natural beauty on your wedding is definitely a big mistake. I always start with creating glowing skin, subtle rosy cheeks, and then choose a focus area like the eye-makeup, or a great bold lip color. When it comes down to it, your groom wants to see the girl he fell in love with.

What are some tips you can provide for wedding day photographs?

Photos from your wedding are really the only tangible thing you have to truly remember your wedding day. They should capture the most important and memorable parts of your wedding, or remind you of intimate moments that were the most special. Your hair and makeup in the photos should come across beautifully. The camera really doesn't lie, so any sloppy bobby pins or unblended makeup will show up in a photo. It is ideal to have a photo session after the test run of your hair and makeup to make sure that everything looks right in the photos. It is a great chance to pick up on changes that will need to be made for the final look. I always provide the option of hair and makeup touchups to any bride that wants to make sure that she looks flawless in her wedding photos.

Any tips for making sure makeup will last?

I use a lot of techniques as a makeup artist that help the makeup stay looking great all day. It is really worth the money to hire a proffessional to do your makeup. But if you do choose to have a makeup artist create your look, make sure to do a test run of the makeup close to the time of your wedding. I also always suggest that the bride order touchups with her hair and makeup package. Even if you use very high quality makeup and the best techniques, some detail in the makeup can be lost if you are out in the hot weather, eating, enjoying a glass of champagne before the ceremony, etc. When I do touchups I usually go on location, bring my makeup kit with the products I have used on the bride that day, and touch up before pictures and the ceremony.

Any products you can recommend?

I have used Mirabella makeup for several years and just switched to Youngblood Mineral Makeup. I love both makeup lines and still use some of my favorite products from Mirabella. I like the Youngblood because most of the products are waterproof, which definitely helps for wedding day makeup. I also love the mineral eyeshadows because I can mix them to create custom colors and they have a very high pigment. One of my favorite products from Mirabella is the creme blush. I use it everyday on my own makeup and have one in my makeup kit to use whenever a bride wants a really beautiful natural glow.

~ Camilla

{ Camilla will be joining us again in the coming weeks to offer tips on creating special looks for your day- Stay tuned! Camilla is currently located at Carrita Salon in Downtown Boise on 8th & Bannock. You can reach her at 208-342-6760 ext. 11 or by emailing her at camillaorosco@hotmail.com}

Gorgeous Custom Cookie Favors For Your Wedding or Party

Looking for a way to thank your guests in style? You have to visit Gumdrop Cookie Shop for their whimsical, elegant, and beautiful designs. Arriving in custom packaging, they're perfect for a wedding favor, a shower favor, or even a fun treat at your kiddo's birthday party.











(Yes I had to throw in the cowboy one- this momma's got a first birthday party to plan...in about 7 months :)

{ All photos from Gum Drop Cookie Shop}
Photo 1: "Adorable"
Photo 2: "Engagement (Diamond One)"
Photo 3: " Orange Blossom"
Photo 4: " Zuri One"
Photo 5: "Little Cowboy 1"

Event Planning 101: Creating Your Custom Stationery Suite

Personalizing your wedding or event should always include your stationery and paper products. Your invitations will give your guests an idea of what to expect from your event, and other custom paper products, like table cards, favor tags, labels, and the like will further the continuity and personal feel of your wedding.

If you're like many, however, creating something from scratch can be a little daunting, even when you do work with a professional graphic designer or company.

Shanna Chuma, owner of Envy Design Studios, is the resident graphic designer for Soiree (and is the fabulousness behind many of the custom paper products you'll see in a Soiree wedding); she has graciously put together some common questions brides and clients have when designing their stationery, and should help you to know what to expect when creating your dream suite!

Colors

Wedding colors are important. They set the mood and tone of your big day. It is important to
think about what colors you would like to see on your invitation because the more colors you
use, the more expensive it will cost to print them. In printing, there are one, two, and four color
printing processes. The more colors you use, the more expensive it will cost to print them. Most
wedding invitations have two colors. If you would like to have more than two colors in your
wedding, a good way to break up the colors is to use them on each of the different invitation
pieces. For example, use your main color on the actual invitation itself, then the complimentary
colors on the RSVP and reception cards. You could also throw another color in by using a
colored envelope.

Design

Having an overall design idea and theme in mind for your invitation will help the design
process tremendously. If you have an idea in mind, but are having troubles putting it together,
your graphic designer will help you make your idea come to life by asking you questions, and creating a process of elimination through pictures and portfolio designs- helping you both determine what you like and don't. By having a basic idea of the design you'll want to create, it will also help in providing an accurate quote for the job.

Wording

Wedding invitation wording is also important, there are many etiquette rules behind the wording
of the wedding invitation. Your graphic designer will be able to help you along with this process. To start it is helpful for you to send me a list of names (bride, groom, and parents of both), a list of locations and addresses for the wedding & reception sites is also helpful.

Charge

Most graphic design companies and freelance designers will charge a per-hour rate. Normally, at the initial consultation, your graphic designer will take all of the details that will need to be included in your stationery, plus the designs you've discussed, and they will provide you a quote based on the estimated time to complete the project. By having an idea in mind for the suggestions above, you'll be provided the most accurate quote possible.

Important Questions To Ask Before You Hire:

* Will you handle the printing for me?

Most graphic design firms will handle the entire project from start to finish, including the printing process. Some may provide this service as an A La Carte service, so it's best to ask.

* What is your hourly rate?

*How many proofs am I allowed?

* May I see your portfolio?

Happy Planning!

{Have other stationery questions for Shanna? Email them to blog@weddingsbysoiree.com and we'll feature them in a future post}

Inspiration For Your Indian Wedding

First, I have to disclose, these pictures were not of a wedding I or my company produced. These are photos my good friend Cristi Dame took while in India for a wedding. I just happened to pop over on her blog, and the beauty of the colors, the ceremony, everything was just breathtaking. We all love to be inspired, right? So I thought I would post some of her gorgeous photos:





I loved the beautiful ceremony backdrop of flowers:





A gorgeous hair pin:



I love the colors of the saris here:




Be sure to check out Cristi's blog for more images from her amazing trip to India.

{All photos by Cristi Dame Photography}

Miscellaneous Tid Bits For Your Party or Wedding

Sometimes it's just fun to look at pretty things, right?

First, I'm loving the new glass sea creatures presented by Pottery Barn. These napkin rings are exotic, yet beautiful, yet unexpected all at the same time :)



I would even be tempted to use these as part of a centerpiece for an ocean themed party too:





I love the natural, un-fussed look of these pretties:





And finally, I love the uniqueness of these:



Happy Wednesday, and happy planning!

Photo Credits:

1&2 potterybarn.com
5-6 marthastewart.com