No Detail is Too Small

Budgets can be seen as a hindrance. I like to see it as a challenge. Sometimes it's not the budget that creates roadblocks but a theme. In a recent event, I got hit with a double whammy: a tiny budget and an unusual theme.

The retirement party was to be Italian themed. My mind was flooded with green, white, and red. I cringed at the idea of making the party look like a Christmas party. Then, all I could think about was Lady and the Tramp. Checkered tables cloth, spaghetti, and giant meatballs. I was stuck. Then, someone mentioned The Godfather. I finally found my inspiration!

Black and white. That font is so unique and recognizable! Since the budget only allowed for a buffet, I had to find a way to tie it into the theme. I used left over card stock and used The Godfather font to create these one of a kind labels for the food. It only cost the ink I used to print them and it adds so much!

That is not what I expected.

Harping on the same theme as the previous post, I will bring up assumptions people should NEVER make when dealing with vendors.

1. Colors - You see a color that you love but are not quite sure the name. According to WikiAnswers there are 285 shades of red to the naked eye. I didn't verify or search much farther because that seems like a believable number. So, when you are trying to describe your perfect shade of red to your florist so that your flowers match perfectly the best thing you can do is bring them a sample. Can't bring a sample? Ask them what color guide they use or use your own and send them the link to the site. That way you can be sure that they understand EXACTLY what you are looking for.

2. Music - At a recent wedding, several guests were wanting a little more variety from the DJ. The bride and groom were off taking pictures so it was the perfect time for the guests to have their way with requests. It was a largely latin crowd and an hour into the reception they hadn't played one salsa or merengue and the natives were getting restless. A truly professional DJ will take a survey of the dance floor and if it's barren, they will change songs until that mad dash to dance occurs. If your DJ doesn't have a survey for you to fill our prior to the event then you need to make a list of your own. What style and mood of music to play for your cocktail, dinner, dancing, and desert. If your DJ comes with an MC, then tell them how much you want them to interact with your guests and how lively you want them to be.

3. Hair & Make-up: Although they are professionals, they are not mind readers. I've heard the horror stories from hairstylists and make-up artists about the assumptions clients have made about their services. They will only perform the task you pay them for. Don't assume that because they can do your hair, that they'll throw in some make-up. You would never ask a plastic surgeon to throw in some free botox with your eyelift. They are professionals and their skills have value. They also need direction and your vision. You can not tell them "You're a professional and I value you opinion, do what you think would be best or look good." They are artists that are capable of many styles, so you need to do your best to give them a clear vision of what you want. If not, you may not be happy with the result. The solution? Have a test run. Yes, it costs a little more money but if you're not happy with the results you'll have a chance to try a new style or to find a new artist.

To be continued...

Don't assume, ANYTHING!

The next event we are working on is a baby shower. I was asked to "come up with something" based on very little information. As an event planner, this is one of the hardest things you can ask me to do. I have put together several baby showers based on several different themes. Themes can be based on colors, sports, nature, hobbies, etc. but the serve a bigger purpose. It gives the event some DIRECTION.

Experience should also tell me what to expect next, which is, disappointment. From both parties. I turn in a proposal along with a few inspiration items only to find that this inspired them to know exactly what they didn't want. The great news is that is quickly stimulates the creative process.

The initial meeting should be considered a get-to-know-you session. We get a feel for the type of event you want, who you are, and more importantly what your expectations of us, is. The more you plan events, the more you realize how individual everyone is. So you also learn not to assume what your client wants until you have established a trusting relationship.

So back to this baby shower. The theme has been solidified AFTER the inspiration board was sent and now the real work can begin. We will begin planning with direction and knowing well what the expectations of this event are.

The theme? Black, White, and Blue Nautical! How GREAT is that!?

To Make or Not to Make

There is no question that most people do NOT have extra time on their hands. In fact, creativity aside, we probably wouldn't be in business if people were able to dedicate their time and effort into planning their event.

Take for example the pictures above from a recent, sleep over themed, bridal shower. All of those items you see where created from scratch, well except the cupcakes and we have Betty Crocker to thank for those. The tissue paper was gift bag bound and the banner was poised to become a lovely scrap book page. Being the creative types, we are not satisfied with many cookie cutter decorations or strawberries. It would have been much easier, fast, and way more convenient to purchase these items and yet we took the long road to cutness.

The results are always the same, a unique and memorable piece. All night long people raved about how perfect everything looked and matched. The banner was snatched up by the bride-to-be and will fulfill it's destiny as part of her scrapbook. The pom poms will be reused at the rehersal dinner. Thankfully all of the strawberries were devoured and none went to waste.

The reality is that it was incredibly time consuming and with advance planning, everything was done a little at a time. It was time well spent because the results were great.

More importantly, for our customer, she was able to relax and enjoy being the maid-of-honor.

On the road again

The first thing I will note is that I'm not the one driving. I'm riding safely in the co-pilot seat. Living in South Florida you can easily become bored with our mundane scenery.

So what better thing to do then to tie that thought into my current event project. The newest theme? A retirement party.

Admittedly it's not the most exciting event (unless your the guy retiring) but I actually have a unique challenge because there is so much that different individuals want to incorporate. Tons of inside jokes and to top it off, they want it to be a surprise. That's the corporate world for you, all the vision but none of the practicality.

As an event planner things can become mundane very easily. Weddings, showers, and birthdays become somewhat of a blur. Except for that spectacular moment when your client looks and you and you can see the gratitude and amazement in their faces. The ooohs and ahhhs that guest proclaim as they look at your masterpiece.

So I always remember to keep ever occasion special because it means something to someone and that should always be celebrated.

~Ana~
Event Specialist

Personalization adds Personality!

I always have and always will emphasize the importance of details.

I recently looked up personalized wine glass charms and I couldn't find a single site that had them for less than 2.50 a piece. Sure they advertised them for 12.99 for a pack of 6 but after taxes and shipping, it was no longer a deal.

The rings are available at your local craft store for $2.99 for a pack of 60! You can then customize them to the colors or theme for you event.

Our intimate shower colors were pink and white. We found letters and made one as a keepsake for each guest. If we were to use up all of our materials and make 50 it would have come out to less than .50 a piece!

It took between 5 to 10 minutes to make each piece which means all 50 would take 4 hours straight so it's a project you could work on little by little or with a partner.

What you get is an adorable charm that fits in perfectly with your event and your budget.

My latest obsession and none of the guilt

I LOVE TO READ! Magazines, anyway. If I see and interesting article, I will read it. Guaranteed.

Why Magazines? I am a sucker for a great cover story and will flip through and read everything.

The last trip I took to Wal-Mart I was finally all done and ready to check out. Then, out of the corner of my eye I saw a magazine cover that just caught my attention. I told myself that I had already been in the store for an hour and needed to get back home. So I said I would simply look at the one article that got my attention in the first place. At that point I lost track of time and space. As I shamelessly look through the Florida Weddings magazine and take pictures of the interesting articles with my phone, I get a text message from my husband asking me if everything is ok.

I had actually been standing there for 15 minutes! Shopping cart full with a Bridal magazine in one hand and a cell phone (excuse me, an iphone) in the other just because I couldn't stand the thought of paying $6.99 for said magazine.

I like websites for information but there's something so fun about getting a fresh magazine full of fun and new things.My problem is, I just don't know what do with the magazines after I'm done with them. So then I feel guilty about all the paper that was used to produce the latest dust collector in my house.

Solution? I found it today and I couldn't be happier!

http://www.nonpareilmag.com/

It's got FANTASTIC ideas. Downloadable templates. Step by step tutorials! The virtual magazine lets you "flip" through their latest edition. It's full of fun, new, and refreshing ideas that encourage do-it-yourselfers. Is that a word? youreselfers? let's just roll with it.

The first visit to the website and I was hooked. Now, I can bookmark the website, take only what I need and not feel guilty about killing trees, although I did use up a lot of electricity.