Wedding/Event Services Philadelphia: K'Mich Events - YOU DREAM IT AND WE'LL MAKE IT MAGNIFICENT

9 Golden Rule for a Great Reception

Administrator — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

CREATE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH THOUGHTFUL PLANNING SUCCESS IS IN THE DETAILS
When, what, who, in what order… Think through the evening and have a clear plan for the entire event. Then clearly communicate this plan to all interested parties: your catering manager, the wedding party, parents, etc. Consider the schedule and details of events such as the following: cocktails, dinner, grand entrance, toasts, specialty dances and so on. The more you plan ahead, the more you can relax and go with the flow at your reception.

The music and entertainment is the key to a good party
Bad or inappropriate music and entertainment can kill a party faster than anything else, so spend the time necessary to select a good band or DJ. Find someone who can match the style and tone of YOUR wedding style, can‘read’ the crowd and keep the guests happy, and will respect your wishes. Be clear and specific about any songs or events that you do NOT want at your wedding.

Tips for toasting
A convenient time for toasts is just after the first course is served. This gives the servers enough time to ensure that all guests have a drink (nice to have if you’re toasting!) and is still early enough in the evening that you’re likely to have everyone’s attention. Most couples start with the best man, though some start with the bride’s father, so choose the order that works for you and communicate it to parties. Be sure to encourage any and all toasters to keep their words BRIEF (no more than a few minutes each) and discourage off-color jokes, too much personal information or ‘inside’jokes, and any other inappropriate content. If you have any toasters you’re worried about, perhaps you could ask them to write out what they plan to say ahead of time and show it to you!

The first dance: “don’t wait forever to do it and don’t do it forever.”
A good time to do the first dance (and other specialty dances) is just after dinner – to kick off the party portion of the evening and keep the energy going. If any song you’ve selected is over three minutes, you may want to have your bandleader shorten it up or have your DJ fade it out after a few minutes… You’ll be surprised at how long even three minutes feels –to you and your guests – when you’re alone in the center of the dance floor with all eyes on you!

Yummy food
Whatever food you serve doesn’t have to be expensive or super fancy gourmet, but it should taste good. Enough said!

A way to keep ‘em dancing…
Ideally, it’s great if there is a bar near the dance floor. People tend to congregate near the non-dancers will still be close to the party people: the dancers. It’s also easier for guests to move seamlessly on and off the dance floor. You’ll find that the dance floor is more easily filled if it’s located near a bar!

Focus on your guests
You and your groom are really the hosts of this shindig…and it’s always good to be gracious host. Take some time to envision the day from your guests’ point of view, and do whatever you can do to make sure their experience is smooth, relaxing and fun. This will truly make it a wedding they’ll remember!

The bride and groom set the mood
Finally – the most important rule of all: the mood of the newlyweds (joyful, stressed, happy or unhappy) influences the entire wedding, and affects the mood of your guests. If you think you might be worried and stressed out about all of the endless details on your wedding day, then consider hiring a wedding coordinator – even if it’s just for the day of the wedding only. It is worth every single penny if it means worth every single penny if it means you (and your guests) can actually ENJOY your wedding day!

Happy Planning!

The Advantage of weekend Weddings

kmicheventplanning@gmail.com — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:48:02 +0000

If you decide to have your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday, you will reap several rewards: both financial and otherwise. You will save time, you will probably save a significant amount of money, and you will find that your guests may appreciate having a Saturday free to spend time with you and the other guests they know.

Maximize Your Dollar

For Friday or Sunday weddings, the majority of banquet facilities, photographers, video producers, musicians/entertainers, and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate in order to reach a price that suits your budget. Vendors tend to see Friday and Sunday as bonus days, a time when they can earn income. Savings on these services can really add up, making this option a great way to save money without having to sacrifice that quality of your wedding.

Save Time

On a Friday, you will probably have your wedding in the evening, which means that the ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. This means that you will avoid the extra cost and hassle of a one-to-two-hour interim reception or cocktail party. Having the ceremony and reception back to back may ensure more people at the church ceremony.

Additionally, a Friday/Sunday wedding frees up at least one day of the weekend, generally making your family, friends and guests more appreciative of the extra time, especially if they are traveling.

Save the Date

Planning for a Friday or a Sunday wedding makes it much more likely that you will be able to reserve the church, hall, music and other services on the date of your choice. Choosing a Friday or Sunday date allows you to avoid making several calls to numerous vendors, only to hear, “sorry we are booked on that date.”

Rehearsal is Easy

Restaurants are usually thrilled to have rehearsal dinners booked on Thursdays or other evenings during the week, since those are typically their slower business days. You will find a more relaxed atmosphere and the staff will be more attentive to your party’s needs.

In selecting a Friday or Sunday date for your event, you will help both your budget and your odds of getting exactly the wedding you want, while also allowing for more time dedicated to finalizing last minute details. You can use the extra day to catch your breath, and use the extra money to purchase something special.

Happy planning!

Wedding Workshop 101

Administrator — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:06:34 +0000

Bride-to-be: You have dreamt of your wedding day your whole life. Now that you are engaged, you may be wondering where to begin...

Well, we have teamed up with MALT (Mount Airy Learning Tree) to host a complimentary wedding workhop to help you get started.

Learn the basic steps for planning your wedding. Get ideas for a ‘WOW’ factor or focal point, floral centerpiece, and more. Visit http://www.mtairylearningtree.org to register or call 215.843.6333

Save the DATE: March 16 & 23, 2013

First Step in Wedding Planning

K'Mich Events — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:22:15 +0000

First, think how much you want to spend on your event/wedding, and how many people you want to invite. Then think about what is it you want to say at your event. Get a scrapbook or even a notebook and start compiling your ideas by cutting out pictures from magazines or books that interest you or sign up with pinterest.com for more ideas for planning great events. Magazines and books are a great way to get inspiration! My favorite magazines are Real Simple, and Philadelphia Magazine; and my favorite websites are http://trendhunter.comand http://www.thecoolhunter.net/ , which gives me great ideas. After a few pages in your portfolio or boards via pinterest, you will start to see a pattern develop of colors, themes, and foods that you favor.

Second, figure out the day, time, and location for your wedding – weekdays are much cheaper than weekends (read our blog Friday/Sunday Weddings). Then start a preliminary guest list and estimate guest count. The number of guests will shape everything from budget to location. This may be an obvious point, but remember, the more guests, the more you have to put away in your budget. An increased guest count increases the costs for invitations, flowers, food, drink, location and etcetera.

Third, decide on the formality of your wedding. Would you prefer an evening affair or morning? Would you prefer an afternoon tea or entire weekend? Think about these questions when deciding your event style; again, the time of day factors in how much you will spend on a location.

In addition, if you are planning a wedding, then you need to think about registries. One great new idea is the Honeymoon Registry ,where you can actually register for portions of your dream honeymoon trip!

Finally, if it is in your bu udget,hire a wedding planner as a consultant or for lite planning/day-of service. Planning a wedding can be stressful and time-consuming! Therefore, to make sure your wedding is as successful as your hopes and dreams, hire a professional to plan and execute your plans to ensure success and eliminate stress!

Happy planning!

Living Your Fabulous Life on Less And Loving It...(Cont'd)

Administrator — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 20:30:00 +0000

So, we left off finding great finds and deals for your living space, while simultaneously saving money. Now let us take it a bit further….

• If you usually sip a $3 Starbucks latte….swap it for misto. Misto (brewed coffee with steamed milk, as opposed to espresso with steamed milk) cost about $1 less per “Tall” cup. If you prefer a stronger brew order a short latte (50 cents cheaper), which has less milk but the same amount of espresso as a tall. If you want something warm and sweet (but not necessarily caffeinated), try a tall steamed milk with a shot of flavored syrup, which is 50 cents less than a flavored espresso drink.

• If you fork over $8-$10 for a deli sandwich every day for lunch… bring your own. However, don’t haul the same old turkey or chicken on wheat day in and day out. Instead, cook up a pound of pasta on Sunday night and you will have enough to make a different salad every day of the workweek. Almost any short variety – penne, fusilli, farfalle - will do. Just rinse with cold water after cooking, toss with a touch of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and refrigerate for later. When ready to use, mix up 1\2 cup pasta with any of your favorite meat, seafood, veg, beans nuts cheese, etc. And there you have it – lunch for MTWTHF, and gourmet style, at that.

• If you are sweating the cost of your gym membership….freeze it and workout at home or your local college gym… Most large gyms will let you put a membership on hold for up to three months. Check out these videos that are available either at your local library, or you can purchase them at amazon.com and netflix.com
1. Yoga lovers: Try Yoga for stress Relief ($20), featuring yoga veteran Barbara Benagh and the Dalia Lama
2. Pilates devotees: Check out 10 Minute Solution: Rapid Pilates, with Laura Hudson ($15)
3. Cardio addicts: Get a kick from 30 Day Shred With Jillian Michaels ($15)
…or swing over to your local college and sign up to use the gym. If you are a current student, or an alumnus, it should not cost you much or then again, it may be free…. Or, swing over to your local playground, heck, everything there is free. Once there try out these moves

1. Platform step-ups: Find a bench or platform that is the height of your knee. Step up with your right leg, pulling yourself up with the back your thigh and buttocks. Balance for two to three second, and then step down. Step up 10 to 12 times on the right leg, then 10 to 12 on the left. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds before doing a second set. Work up to three sets, for 15 reps on each leg.

2. Monkey-bar movement: Practice swinging form one bar to the other. (This will prove more challenging than when you weighed, oh, 60 pounds, so build up slowly).Work up to swinging forward over 6 to 10 bars, then backward without letting your feet touch the ground.
3. Swing-set crunches: Sit on a swing and pump your legs. As you swing back, contract your abs and pull your knees to your chest. As you swing forward, stretch your legs in from of you. Continue swinging and crunching for 60 to 90 seconds; rest for 30 seconds. Repeat up to three times...whoosh, I am tired just writing this….check back for dressing on the cheap!

Cheers to living FABULOUS on the cheap, skillfully!

Living Your Fabulous life on less...

Admin — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Thrift is in (see “Day on the Ave”). However, this is not another article about selling any of your things, or clipping coupons. Moreover, it is not about giving up your vices, (because most of us did that already during the recession and may still be doing so) or luxuries like flowers on the dinner table, your morning brand name cup-of-joe, or occasional music download to boost our spirits, etc. Instead, it is about finding smart new ways to accomplish the things we do every day - brushing your teeth, drinking a glass of wine, eating lunch, working out, getting dressed, for a bit less. So consider these fresh ways to spend less while enjoying your life just as much, if not a little bit more.

• If you spend $20 a week on fresh flowers that’s $1,040 a year. Instead, buy a house plant that blooms throughout the year, i.e. – Angel Wing Begonia, Kalanchoe, Flowering Maple, just to name a few. You can pick these up at your local Produce Junction. Prices range from $7 - $15 depending on height.

If you can no longer justify paying $10.50 for a movie ticket or $22 for the latest hardcover… dust off your library card… it’s free, if you don’t have one. So, here is what you can get:
• You can borrow newly released cable -TV shows on DVD (Mad Men, perhaps)&CDs. Or try Hulu to watch the latest TV shows and movies, for free.
• Download e-books from your library website – the loan period is usually two/three weeks, and may be renewed if you need more time. Or try out a handheld Kindle e-book form Amazon.
• Listen to podcasts of library lectures you don’t have time to attend.
• Check out puzzles and games like Clue, Monopoly, and Yahtzee.
• (I didn’t know this): Borrow a museum pass. Many libraries have city passes, which will get you in to local attractions including zoos, aquariums, planetariums, and more for free.
• Get free delivery. Some libraries can send books, games, and CDs to you via mail order.
…or hit up iTunes for special deals… Here you can find $3 movie rental and the free single of the week, which is posted every Tuesday. Moreover, if you are looking to expand your music collection, check out the following $12 compilations (simply search for the compilation name)…
• If you are desperate to spruce up your living space… check out the best websites and thrift stores for scoring great deals.

(Our staffs spend a lot of time trolling the web and visiting consignment/thrift stores for great finds and deals; this is also how we get exciting ideas for our next big event. Here is a few of what we found.)
Websites

1. Esty.com (Best for) - Handmade items, like hanging terrariums and terpress stationery, from 10,000 unique sellers.

2. Overstock.com (Best for) - Surprisingly inexpensive outdoor furniture, plus deals on everything from mattresses to TVs. INSIDE SCOOP: This weekly Red Line Deals page features the deepest discounts.

3. Worldmarket.com (Best for) - Affordable accessories form all over the globe, like baskets from Bali and lanterns form India.

4. Aandmshop.com (Best for) - Hand-appliquéd pillows&global foods. Most items are $50 or less.

5. CB2.com (Best for) – Inexpensive modern table lamps, consoles. Side tables and coffee tables. INSIDE SCOOP: Great sale section, with tableware as low as 95 cents.

6. Apartmenttherapy.com (Best for) - Finding out about blowout sales on home items form well-known vendors. INSIDE SCOOP: Sign up for the site’s daily e-mail, which is chock-full of sale alerts

7. Healthceramics.com (Best for) - Tableware and title. This 61-year old company still makes ceramics in its original factory. INSIDE SCOOP: Find items at 75 percent off retail in the overstock section.
Thrift Stores

1. Phantistic Finds (Best for) – Finding indoor/outdoor furniture, paintings, plate settings, and even books – all affordable priced. INSIDE SCOOP: Original sale price reduced after 15-30 days. (phantasticfinds.com)

2. New Life Thrift Store (Best for) – Similar to the Phantastic Finds. However, they carry a larger selection of furniture, outdoor patio sets and more.

Cheers to FABULOUS living on the cheap!

Wedding Balloons

Lilly — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Balloon decorations for weddings are an economical way to add a touch of whimsy to your special day, everything from the engagement photos to the reception decor. They can truly transform your wedding day into something spectacular. White, metallic, and soft colored balloons, such as blush or peach, add an elegant and romantic flair, while colorful balloons are a little more playful and fun. Balloon engagement shoots have become especially popular for their simple yet delightful quality.

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The large round balloons make for awesome wedding photo opportunities for the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the wedding party:

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Balloon decorating ideas for weddings have come a long way since the past, with creative ways to display them at the wedding ceremony and reception. For balloon decor ideas without helium simply hang them upside down from the ceiling, or place them on the wall to create a backdrop. Helium balloons are great for floating on the ceiling at an indoor reception to liven up the space, or tied to the reception tables and chairs.

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A wedding balloon release is a fun alternative to the traditional rice toss for the bride and groom’s send off:

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You can incorporate balloons into your wedding in other unique ways, too. Consider a wedding balloon guest book or balloon save the dates:

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You are Never too BIG for Balloons

Admin — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:26:54 +0000

Innovative Decor: The Rebirth of the Use of BALLOONS

In the last year, Future Affairs Productions, a design and decorating company based in Providence, RI., has been working with new and different decor medium called Qualatex Decorator Shapes that has heads turning not only around the country, but also around the world. The creators of the product, Pioneer Balloon Co., called upon Future Affairs to show-case and launch this new product. One of the first applications for this innovative decorating technique was use at the ISES Rhode island Black Tie and Blue Jeans Gala in the grand ball room of the elegant Biltmore Hotel and again recently at the World Balloon Convention in Dallas.

The Qualatex Decorator Shapes come in a variety of sizes in the shapes of Starpoints and Tapers. The shapes are then assembled in patterns to create the most unique walls, screen surrounds and chandeliers. Combining this decor with fabric and innovative lighting magnifies the impact because of the shapes' highly reflective material.

We have just scratched the surface on the potential of what can be done with this product. We are working with Pioneer Balloon Co. to come up with new shapes that can expand our design options, providing an array of uses that will best serve our customers' needs now and in the future.

What makes the shapes very user-and budget - friendly is that they ship flat, there is nominal on-site production equipment required and rigging in most instances is minimal. The Future Affairs team has been using the Decorator Shapes at a host of venues serving multiply event decor needs such as backdrops, accents pieces, stage sets and chandeliers. Once they are designed, they are simply installed with hooks.

Just recently the Future Affairs design team was hired to decorate another final-night event, "An Evening of Stars" in Dallas for the World Balloon Convention. Here, the team combined the use of these new designs
along with an incredible array of special effects.

The Decorator Shapes were used to create the main stage set, unbelievable screen surrounds and floor-to-ceiling perimeter decor. In addition, eight special-effect chandeliers framed with the Decorator Shapes were constructed and then hung in the ballroom. On cue, the spheres exploded, releasing chains of twinkle lights from the ceiling with thousands of pieces of Flutter Fetti filling the air, creating a spectacular effect.

We have worked with a lot of textures in our careers. In lieu of fabric shapes or sculpted forms. QUALATEX Decorator Shapes provide big solutions, a wow factor, affordability and a whole new level of design and decor applications.

ISES INNOVATORS

Extra ways to save as you entertain

K'Mich Events — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

You do not have to spend much to make the evening special. Create a beautiful ambiance with these simple, money-saving ideas.

1. EXPRESSS YOURSELF

Buy large, inexpensive bouquet at your grocery store or your local produce junction, and separate it in smaller arrangements. (I prefer buying flowers at a local produce junction because of a larger variety and better prices.) Clump votive candles together around the room to create a sparkling ambiance. In addition to that, add luminaries along your driveway leading to your house, to get the ambiance flowing, which will get your guests in the mood and looking forward to what is on the inside. Read more

2. THINK POTLUCK

Share the work and the expense by creating a menu and asking guests to bring one simple dish from it. You can use acronyms to make your event exciting – I.e. BYOB – bring your own beer, BYOD – bring your own dessert or BACD – bring a covered dish; just be creative.

3. SNACK SMART

Keep the party going with another deliciously easy and affordable snack: Tiki Snack Mix, Oat-and –Cheddar Crackers, Spice Crispies, just to name a few; you can make your own snacks around your event theme.

4. GET WELL PAIRED

Choose wine that brings out the flavor in your hors’d’oeuvres, as well as a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, i.e. water served with slice cucumber in it, or a signature drink. Conversely, some hosts choose not to serve alcohol because of religious reason, time of day, or nature of event. For instance, I have assisted with coordinating of a non-alcoholic, breakfast food, theme Mardi Gras party where it starts at 7:30 am and ends promptly at 9:30 am. This idea came about because the client no longer want to absorb the high cost of producing the event and really did not want to continue to expose themselves to the liability of guests who might drink and drive. However, if you do serve wine, please remember to enjoy responsibly. Wine pick

5. FEATURE YOUR FINEST

Break out your best serving ware; even if it is just an evening in with the girls, (it is an easy way to make guests feel special)

6. SAY GOODNIGHT IN STYLE

Thank your guests at the end of the evening by sending them away with fresh hot fresh-brewed tea or coffee (decaf/caffeinated). Write a thank you note telling them how much fun it was to see them on their to-go-cup.

Happy savings!

Second time around... 'Getting the word out'

K'Mich Events — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Since posting my pervious blog, titled, “Getting the Word Out...,” I shared a few ideas on sending invitations out when on a budget, and when done correctly will make a good impression on your intended guests.

However, I realized after reading another article titled, “Invitation Innovations” that using these mediums, especially the likes of Facebook, E-vites, to send invitations is not only limited to people on a budget; basically, anyone is able to use this method, again when used correctly, will still effect a lasting impression on your family/friends and invited guests. “Today’s digital invitations do much more than just invite people to an event ...” you are invited

Therefore, thinking outside the box is always a welcome personality trait.

Getting the word out, invite style: Budget friendly ideas for sending Invitations

k'Mich Events - LaFayne Ell — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:37:00 +0000

When we think of parties – weddings, birthdays, bris, etc., we usually think of formal invitations, however, event does not need a formal invitation. A small gathering of family, friends, or neighbors can be easily initiated via word of mouth.

Person-to-person conversations are the best method you can use to invite someone to your event. A conversation is the most highly personal form of communication. It can convey your genuine interest in the other person. Moreover, conversation also gives you the opportunity to encourage someone to attend your event and respond to any concerns or potential problems they may have about attending your event. It also provides you with the best opportunity to promote the event and answer questions about the event particulars. So, let us look at other medium that can be as effective as sending a formal invitation when on a budget.

The first medium we will look at is the telephone. The telephone is the tool most often used to get the word out about events. Sometimes this is the only method of invitation a guest may receive – especially for last minute or surprise gatherings. Such calls cultivate interest, enthusiasm, support and, generally, guarantee stronger and more positive responses from the invited guests. Additionally, phone calls are successfully used as event reminders for guests who have not yet sent in a response or reservation card. Often, a little prompting from the right person is all it takes to boost attendance at an event.

The second medium we will look at is the fax machine. Prior to the use of e-mail, the fax machine was commonly used to send and receive announcements about events or activities. At times, it was also a method of inviting potential guests to casual events. A broadcast fax is still an effective and cost efficient way to get the details of your event on paper and in front of large number of people. However, keep in mind that transmission quality can vary and not all designs or artwork fax well. Moreover, if the recipient does not own a fax, is not sitting in front of one, have access to a particular machine, chances are your invitation is easily discarded by someone else and not reached the intended person. Therefore, make sure the intended recipient know when to expect your fax.

The third medium, which is a trend that I personally like, over email, is E-vite. This method is quite simple. It‘s like sending forwards to your contacts, but with RSVP and tracking capability. You are able to see who opens your invitation and how often. It is cost effective for planners on a small budget. It lets you save on envelopes, stamps and mail time. In other words, your guests will not have to worry about mailing back a RSVP, or finding stamps or traveling to the post office. E--vite is a one-stop shop for both you and your guests. Conversely, email is also a good medium for sending and receiving mails; however, it won’t be formal or memorable as using E-vite – see our invitation that was sent to us from Grace Ormonde Weddings for attending a non-profit event back in December. K'Mich Events is cordially invited to..

The final medium we will look at is one that is popular with everyone, ‘Facebook.’ This medium is a very effective way for spreading the word – depending on type of event, about your event. It also helps to keep track of your invites, and has RSVP capabilities.

Ultimately, these are just a few ideas you should keep in mind when faced with a tight budget. These mediums can be an effective way in sending out invitations; nevertheless, the final decision is up to you.

Happy Planning

Are You Taking Your Wedding Location For Granted?

Gloria and Barbara — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Before you finally settle on your wedding location, you’ll probably spend a lot of time shopping for just the right one. From that extravagant medieval castle to a gorgeous beach on the coast, every location has its advantages and disadvantages. The key is to be aware of them so you can spot and overcome all the potential ‘pitfalls’.

We’d like to point out the simple, practical things that too many couples overlook. Finding out about these critical factors before your wedding can save you heartbreak on the day of your wedding.

Here’s a great word to guide you: When you think of your wedding location, think of the word “A-R-E-A,” which stands for:

A- ACOUSTICS
R- RULES & REGULATIONS
E- ELECTRICITY & EQUIPMENT
A- ACCESS

This will most definitely help guide you in your wedding location decision-making and hey, it’s easy to remember. Location / Area.

ACOUSTICS

There’s nothing worse than planning a perfectly beautiful wedding music program only to have it fall flat because no one can hear the music. Or even worse, blasting everyone’s ears out in a small room with the horns of a 7 piece band all night – wedding music disaster!

The sound quality that you’ll get with acoustics is dependent on where you are – it’s different for outdoor gardens compared to the beach, large churches or hotel ballrooms, etc. The sound of a live guitar or harp is fine if your ceremony is in a small outdoor garden or indoor setting, but if you’re at the beach, or in a large cathedral type church, it can be drowned out or lost.

To avoid acoustic problems, always test out your music at your location, test your sound system and speakers and make sure you know how your DJ or Bandleader is handling the problem.

RULES and REGULATIONS

It’s only fair to play by the rules. Yes it’s true, and with religious locations, keep in mind that many churches and synagogues have strict rules about the type of music and/or instruments they’ll allow. Some houses of worship will insist that you use their musicians, or they’ll ask you not to use CD/MP3 players.

Do yourself a favor and check early on with your church, synagogue, or other location to see what’s allowed and what’s not. Also, if your wedding is going to be held at a private home or public area, check local regulations for city restrictions, etc.

EQUIPMENT and ELECTRICITY

Ah, there was that one wedding. It was held at an elegant old hotel where the DJ plugged in his amp, and blew out the lights and all the power in the kitchen. Probably, ‘Yikes!’ would be an understatement of the reaction! Obviously it was too late for the DJ to find out about the electrical problems in time to adjust his equipment.

To prevent things like this from happening, make sure your Band/DJ knows all about your location. If they haven’t played there, have them agree to visit the location to scope out the scene at least a couple of weeks before the wedding. They should also work together with the coordinator at your location to prevent problems that could possibly arise. Write these agreements into your contract before you sign or make any deposits.

ACCESS

Who said stairs aren’t expensive?! Musicians charge big fees for having to cart their equipment up flights of stairs or to remote, hard-to-get-to areas. If your location is tucked away in a secluded quiet spot in the mountains or in the wilderness, be prepared to keep it simple. Getting equipment and electricity to these areas might be too costly, or even impossible.

This is an issue that just calls for being aware. Find out the cost of getting the equipment you’ll need before you sign on the dotted line for the location. If you’ve already signed up for a more remote location, remember, there’s always a way. CD/MP3 players today may look small but they can be mighty powerful along with some good speakers! Plus, they can go almost anywhere. Just don’t forget the batteries!

We know that on your wedding day, you’ll be happy you found out about A-R-E-A before the wedding.

Wishing you the best of wedding music plans and a fabulous wedding,

Top 10 Tips For Navigating Your Wedding Invites

Melinda Morris — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

You've heard it before but it really is true: Your invites set the tone for your wedding and it sets the expectations as well. They are the first glimpse your guests will receive of this special day that you and your betrothed are slaving over to create a perfect reflection of your love and commitment. Don't skimp out on the most important preview of this spectacular day.

The world of paper and invitation etiquette is vast and varied, traditions and trends certainly change, but my custom invitation boutique, Lion in the Sun, coordinates invitations for hundreds of couples each year, so I've compiled a list of some common miscalculations and my favorite secret stationer tips to help guide you through the process.

1. Be sure to send an invite if you've sent a save the date: The save the date is a courteous heads-up about your wedding date, but it is not an invitation. Keep careful track of who you send save the dates to and make sure they all receive an invitation. I have heard a lot couples tell me that their invitation quantity is going down after they receive responses to the save the date, because some people can't attend. Nothing is more confusing or heartbreaking than receiving a save the date and then never receiving an official invitation. Also, make sure to send an invitation to guests that cannot attend. Not sending an invitation implies the guest is no longer invited.

2. Be timely and create a sense of urgency: Technically, invitations should be mailed 6-8 weeks prior to a wedding. In these busy times 10 weeks has become the norm. However, more than that is too early and can backfire. Instead of making sure people respond promptly, this tactic actually causes most people to put the invitation on the "to-do later" list. Also be careful not to confuse your need for deadlines on the room blocks with the final head count for the caterer. You don't need an official head count until about a month before the wedding for the caterer, seating chart and rentals. It is your guests' responsibility to make travel arrangements and hotel accommodations, so try not to stress too much about that in terms of timing for your replies.

3. Think Ahead: depending on your invitation choices, you may need as much as two months more for design and printing time, so be sure not to cut it too close. Ordering your invites early really saves on stress and money for rush fees and expedited shipping. In the long run, if you can, it is really worth it not to put off printing until the last minute. Also consider all of your components when ordering your invitations. Work with your stationer to maximize your $$. For instance, if your are ordering from a larger printing company we recommend ordering announcements, maps, thank you notes and even placecards at the same time if you can. You save money on proofs and then you also save on one-time shipping for all parts.

4. Count Carefully: Be sure to count mailing addresses -- not invited guests! Remember, many guests are invited as couples or as a family. If you have 150 total invited guests, you may only need 100 invitations. Add approximately 10 to 15 extras for last minute guest-list additions. If you have to reprint additional invitations after the order is completed, the printing company will treat it as a new order and it can be very costly. It is always safer (and much less expensive) to have a few left over!

5. Consider different printing options: While letterpress is all the rage it can be an expensive process. Thermography is a modern alternative for attaining the raised printed effect of engraving and is generally half the price. This is achieved with a heat process which causes powdered ink to expand, resulting in a raised letter with a beautiful sheen. Flat or off-set or digital printing is a photo process resulting in a modern, sleek look. Generally this process is about the same price as thermography, but with digital printing you can print multiple colors at no additional coast. For those looking for a more matte or contemporary feel, flat-printing may be the alternative you are looking for. It also works well for reproducing photograph half-tones, sketches and maps.

6. Save with creative reply cards: Reply postcards are a really popular and great way to save money. They can be well designed with a vintage emblem to look like an old postcard or leave the back blank for your guests to decorate and with a note to send back a "creative reply". Another great way to save money is a tri-fold invite with perforated reply postcard that your guest tears off and sends back. Your invitation can then have one continuous detailed design and lots of information across three panels on each side, but by printing just one piece it cuts down costly components. Just remember that the postcards will not arrive back to you pristine. The USPS can give postcards a beating.

7. Develop a secret code for replies: Some people are so excited to send their reply card back that they forget to write their name on it or their writing is illegible. A great fix is to number your reply cards so that when someone rsvp's with no name you'll know who it is. The most discreet way to do this is to write a small number in pencil on the backside of the rsvp card and keep a corresponding list of guest names and numbers so you can check them off as you receive them. You may be surprised at how many guests forget to write their own names on the rsvp cards!

8. Avoid using address labels: Try not to, you really don't want your wedding invitations to look like a corporate mailer. There are several ways to address your invitations without turning them into something that looks like an office mass mailing. Lion in the Sun offers hand calligraphy as well as computer-printed calligraphy services. But my best suggestion is to hand write them yourself or consider asking someone in your family or your bridal party to address the envelopes for you. You can always order extra envelopes just in case, and who doesn't love to see a hand-addressed envelope waiting for them in their mailbox? It feels really personal.

9. Don't lick one hundred envelopes: The safest way to seal your invitations is to use a glue stick. If you use a water sponge, you risk getting important cards wet and wiping the adhesive away. We provide glue sticks to our clients so there are no accidents a la Seinfeld or paper-cut tongues. Don't lick -- use a glue stick!

10. Be neurotic about postage and mailing: Make sure that your invite has the correct postage. Nothing replaces a conversation with the Post Office. Have it examined and weighed, buy proper postage -- don't save money here! Be careful about addressing: light colors and elaborate calligraphy can interfere with mailing. Also be sure to mail one to yourself before the rest go out. This will confirm that you used proper postage and give you a keepsake with a postmark from your local post-office.

"I need a wedding planner, er, coordinator, um, designer. Wait... what?!"

Lauren Matthews — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:37:00 +0000

You know it's smart to hire a planner—but should you hire a wedding planner, coordinator, consultant, architect, producer, designer, or stylist? Sure, it's confusing, but we investigated the different designations so that you'll know exactly what you're shopping for.

Job Titles Explained

Since there's no license or certification required to practice wedding planning for a living, planners essentially can call themselves whatever they want. And while belonging to an organization like the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC), or the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) is an indicator of experience, it's not the only one. Talent speaks for itself via photos on the planner's company website or blog. And, of course, as with all pros you might hire, always read reviews on sites like Brides.com (natch), and politely ask for references from other vendors and couples. Now that we're clear on these points, let's look at what these pros can do for you.

Full-Service Planner
a.k.a. wedding planner, wedding coordinator, wedding producer

Does what?
-Provides vendor referrals and negotiates contracts; schedules and attends all vendor meetings
-Creates detailed timelines and floor plans
-Helps determine and manage your budget
-Attends site tours and menu tastings
-Brainstorms style ideas and coordinates design details
-Coordinates hotel room blocks and transportation
-Manages the rehearsal
-Oversees everything on the wedding day (makes sure everyone adheres to the timeline, handles snafus, manages vendors, and executes your vision on-site)

Right for you?
-You have no free time because of a demanding job
-You have no clue where to start when it comes to planning, and your organizational skills aren't the greatest
-You have a very short time frame for planning
-You're throwing a destination wedding and/or a wedding weekend involving multiple events
-You're hosting your wedding in an unusual space (read: not a hotel, restaurant, or banquet hall)

Wedding Designer
a.k.a. wedding stylist, wedding architect

Does what?
-Creates the wedding's design concept
-Provides color palette guidance
-Oversees the décor budget and vendors (florist, rentals, lighting, stationer)
-Sources special props and equipment
-Attends a site visit to visualize where you want everything to go, devise a layout, and identify potential problems
-Creates detailed floor plans
-Ensures all of the décor elements are in place on-site at the wedding

Right for you?
-The décor is the most important element of the wedding for you
-You're confident in your organizational and logistical skills, but your creative skills are lacking
-You're trying to pull off a very specific theme or you have a million wedding style ideas that you can't narrow down

"Day Of" Planner
a.k.a. wedding consultant, wedding director

Does what?
-Puts in at least 25 hours of pre-wedding work (versus 80 to 250 hours for full-service planners; up to 40 for designers)
-Meets with you four to eight weeks before the wedding to get a handle on what you've planned thus far
-Checks in with your vendors to review the signed contracts and confirm logistics
-Creates detailed timelines and floor plans
-Completes a final walk-through of the ceremony and reception sites
-Addresses any overlooked details (such as forgetting to hire a coat check attendant)
-Manages the rehearsal
-Oversees everything on the wedding day

Right for you?
-You want to play an active role in planning your wedding but would like someone to take care of the last-minute details and make sure you haven't missed anything
-You're extremely organized and detail-oriented
-You don't have the budget for a full-service planner

A Few Key Things To Keep In Mind

Verbal Warning: To avoid misleading couples, folks in the industry now are referring to "day of" planners as wedding directors or consultants. "No planner of sound mind, experience, and education would walk in on the day of a wedding with no prior knowledge of the event or preparation and expect everything to flow flawlessly," says Joyce Scardina Becker of Events of Distinction in San Francisco. So watch for part-time planners who offer literal "day of" services. "They'll talk to the bride once or twice before the wedding and that's it," says Kathryn Kalabokes of Dream a Little Dream Events in San Francisco. "There are so many logistical problems that come up when you've had no prior involvement with the contracts and wedding vendors."

When to Book: No matter what kind of planner you're booking, it's best to secure him or her as soon as you know your wedding date—even if he or she isn't getting involved until the month before. This tactic also can help you get the most for your money. "If a couple books us early, we're happy to provide them with our list of performance-driven vendor recommendations," says Anna Leath of Just About Married in New York City.

Cost: Planners tell us that for the most part, full-service wedding production and design runs approximately 15 to 20 percent of the total wedding cost, depending on the planner's experience, what region of the U.S. he or she is based in, and how much time your wedding demands. A wedding director generally will cost at least 25 percent of what a full-service planner would charge (so if the total package is $10,000, you can expect to pay $2,500 for a limited-service package). You probably can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a qualified wedding director and $8,000 and $30,000 for a wedding planner or designer.

Going Without: Someone—not you—needs to make sure the wedding day itself runs smoothly and that everything you've planned is executed properly. But what if a professional wedding planner is not in your budget? While most venue coordinators and catering managers are happy to handle basic on-site logistics and simple setups—like arranging escort cards on a table or placing menu cards on each plate—keep in mind that their allegiance ultimately is to their employer, not you (meaning they're making sure the food is served on time, not that the DJ is playing the right songs or that there are enough pens for the guest book). "It would be unfair to expect your vendors to handle tasks they weren't hired for, but it's helpful to tell them that you don't have a planner and won't be securing one," says Joyce. "The most professional people certainly will do as much as they can for you." Planners tell us the best option is to ask a responsible, trusted friend to handle a few important tasks, like managing the timeline or handling any snafus that arise with vendors, and then to thank the person with a gift card to a store he or she likes. "But you have to be really understanding that this is not the person's profession—don't expect everything to be 'perfect,'" says Anna.

How to hire a band with credentials

Guest Blogger — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Most people that book bands are not musicians. So, how do you as a customer ensure that you hire a band that meets all your requirements?

The answer is that you need to do your homework. You need to have a closer look at the band's credentials.

If you are planning the biggest event of your life, do you really want to take a chance on a budget band because you are tight on funds? Can you really afford to risk the painful embarrassment of having some of your guests complaining to you? So, how do you find real musicians that change through musical gears and fill the dance floor to energize your party?

In reality, there are many bands for hire, but you can apply Pareto's rule here; only a small percentage will have the right experience and quality that you are looking to hire. You will need to look at all the details and work out if they have done all the things that they claim. Demo samples can be specially prepared to a very high standard after hours of editing. If you know someone who is an experienced musician, you can ask their advice on the quality of the band that you have found. Ask your friend about the standard of musicianship, the singing and, if the recording is live. A good musician should know the difference.

Do not ask the band for any references. You have to conduct your own enquiries into the information posted on their website. You can ask the band specific questions on the phone to get a feel of how credible the information is, but asking for references just makes it too easy. Your instincts must be trusted. If something does not feel right, then leave it.

If you can't see the band because they are performing at many private events, this is not a red flag. It just makes it harder to see them. Sometimes, the band can arrange for you to hear them briefly at a private event, especially at a hotel, but it can still be tricky. I once arranged for my client to be part of the crew, just to hear the band at a hotel. Many popular bands are featured on the recommended list of suppliers at venues where they have performed. You can find these lists on some websites.

The alternative is to use a party planner or someone who has seen and heard the band and is prepared to put their reputation on the line if there is any problem.

I run one of the top steel drum bands in London and most of my clients book the band without seeing the band. All the information on the website can be checked out, all the music demos are live and nearly all the clients have sent a thank you card or an email after the event. When I read the comments, I feel energised and delighted that my band is engraved in their happy memories.

Happy Planning!

8 Ways to Reduce the Average Cost of a Wedding

Smart money — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:53:00 +0000

WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget without your family and friends being any the wiser.

And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.

1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.

2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."

3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.

4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.

And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!

5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.

6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila simple wedding dress," she says.

7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.

8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.

Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.

Here Comes the Bride
The average wedding costs $23,657 (not including the engagement ring or the honeymoon). Here's where the money goes.

Source: The Knot

Top 10 wedding gown trends for spring 2011 that wow

Alyssa Alayvilla — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:09:00 +0000

This season unique wedding gowns are better than ever! Who would have known that long sleeves would be the #1 wedding gown trend? Maybe it was Kate Middleton, with her gown design by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen's fashion house, who changed the minds of brides to start new trends!

The top ten wedding gown trends are as follows:

1. Long Sleeves -

Covering up has never been so couture. Sleeves in every fabric- from sheer lace to structured silk they are undoubtedly the most refined look of the season.

2. Feathers -

Fanciful Feathers are big on texture and light as air, even in the form of a voluminous ball gown! You never have to walk down the isle again!

3. Peplum Skirts -

The top silhouette this season is the peplum skirt. This lady like ruffle gives the illusion of curvy hips, narrow waist and so much more! What bride wouldn't want that? There is so much to love about it.

4. Tiaras -

Kate Middleton isn't the only bride that is rocking a tiara this spring! This beautiful accessory can make any dress feel like a princess gown.

5. Silver Embroidery -

Forget the sequins and crystals. This season, shimmer made its mark in the form of metallic thread!!! Whats not to love? It popped up as delicate embroidery and sheer lace appliques on every silhouette.

6. Blush -

Honeysuckle may be Pantone's color this year, but it's all about the blush on the bridal runways! Pretty shades of this subtle pink from ballet slipper to bubble gum. Think pink!

7. Straps -

Strapless necklines not for you? Thats okay! Brides all over the world are rocking gowns with straps this spring! Offering a sophisticated look, also lots of additional support. Straps have definitely secured their way onto the bridal scene this year.

8. Bows -

It dosn't matter how you wear your bows! No matter how you tie them - structured, oversized or floppy - bows are a favorite at the moment!

9. Spirals -

Traditional with a twist, dramatic cascading swirls give even the most basic silhouette a modern spin! I personally love this! Its definitely huge!

10. Butterflie-

Romantic blooms will always be a designer favorite, but this season whats loved is the way nature's most whimsical embellishment - butterflies - landed on wedding gowns just in time for spring!

So brides, when you go shopping for YOUR wedding gown what specific things are you looking for? Sheer lace sleeves, straps or just want to add a tiara to make you feel like a beautiful princess?

Henderson Bridal Fashion Examiner

Springtime chic for Carlisle city shoppers

Sarah Newstead — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:40:00 +0000

Shopper chic in Carlisle 1 of 6 Photos Style gurus were out in force bringing a burst of fashion colour to The Lanes shopping centre.

Local models cut a dash in the best of garden party brights, floral frocks and maxi dresses.

Stylists from Toni & Guy demonstrated the latest hair trends to the crowds at the Central Square.

Clarins consultants from Debenhams were also on hand to show passers-by how to work the hit makeup styles for the season.

It was a riot of colour as fashion experts from Debenhams, Monsoon and Coast at Debenhams gave tips on how to be the belle of the garden party.

Laura Ashley model Lizzie Stuart, from Hayton, near Brampton, was among the Cumbrian girls modelling at Thursday’s event.

The 19-year-old was fresh from a London shoot.

The style showcase came ahead of the Royal Garden Party event set to bring the best of British to the city centre on Friday and Saturday.

Janet Murray, marketing manager for The Lanes, said: “It was a great pre-launch for the garden party next weekend.

“We had a lot of people gathering at the demonstrations, the sun was shining which really put people in the mood. It really added to the ambience.”

When Prince William and Kate Middleton marry, all eyes will be on the ceremony in the country’s capital.

But Carlisle will have its very own slice of the excitement and romance of the couple’s big day in the city centre.

The Royal Garden Party is being sponsored by Finesse, Carlisle City Council, our sister paper The Cumberland News, cnevents, Lloyd Motor Group, Hoopers and The Lanes.

The party will see Carlisle’s traditional Spring Show move into the city centre, with the event transformed to offer something for all the family.

A key feature will be a giant video screen, at the side of the Old Town Hall, broadcasting live pictures of the royal wedding.

Marquees will offer demonstrations by florists and horticultural experts.

Mingling with the crowds will be classic British characters – including beefeaters, characters from Alice in Wonderland, and a Charlie Chaplin lookalike.

There will be two life-size cut-outs of the royal couple in the city centre for everyone to have their photo taken with, giving all a chance to strike a royal pose.

Entertainment will have a great British rock ’n’ roll flavour on Saturday with live music by Beatlemania, who have played for Madonna, the Beckhams, and Richard Branson. For those who prefer their music classical, a string quartet will also be on hand to play for the crowds.

Lovers of quality foods and gifts will have a right royal treat with stalls aplenty including a marquee packed with traders from Made in Cumbria.

It will be all aboard the history bus too, with green London double decker bus conducting historical tours of the city at 11am and 2.30pm.

First published at 08:57, Saturday, 23 April 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Themes on a Budget

KM Events — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:46:00 +0000

In my last article, I spoke about the five senses and incorporating them in events. I touched on sight and how having a beautiful entrance can make or break your event. For those DIY who are on a budget, and want to use the ideas that I posted on themes for an event you have in mind, here is how you can apply it to your event without going over budget. I will give you basic ideas and leave the rest to your creative minds.

First, when planning an event that requires space, always look at the obvious before looking outside for ideas. You might ask, “What is the obvious?” The obvious is your home. You can use your personal space to hold your event and create the same effects. Besides, with personal spaces there is no additional cost to you, which is a positive; however, there is minor work that you need to do to get it in tiptop shape for that day.

Second, let us move on to decorations. First impressions are lasting, and, by that same token, set the tone in your guests’ minds on what to expect on the inside. Consequently, you should make sure the entrance of your home, which is the entrance that your guests will be using and seeing, looks memorable. For example, a nicely lit walkway can give you that “WOW” factor and more. How so? For great lighting effects on a budget, you can use simple luminaries for this area, along with potted plants for additional décor. The luminaries you could do yourself (I will give instructions on how to make them at the end) or you could purchase them as a set for as little as $42.00 plus shipping (I will list the link at the end of the article) and the potted plants you could get them from your garden or go to a Produce Junction (check your listing to find one near you). You can purchase them in groups of four or more for around $10 to $20, to use on your buffet tables, and as alternates between the luminaries to create the desired effect. Right there you have saved on lighting plus décor for the outside of your home. Oh, one more thing; please make sure that the outside of your home is clear of trash, debris, garbage and so on for your event. Remember, “First impression is lasting” and can make or break your event.

Lastly, let us look at how we can create an effective décor as welcoming as the outside for the inside. Your living area is ideally lit. What I mean, you can adjust your lighting to match your theme and décor. Just by changing the bulbs in your lamps or ceiling, you can create an evening to remember. You could temporarily change the current bulbs to color bulbs, and set the mood with your dimmer, or if you are not up to changing bulbs, or you do not have a dimmer, you can use small luminaries –you know them as Christmas lights, instead. Place these lights in areas you intend on having your guests lounge, dance, eat, and gather for the evening; just be creative (each area can have luminaries with a specific color and votives). However, keep in mind, your buffet areas should be properly lit, but not with too much because too much light will dry out the texture of your food and make it seem old; plus, you need your guests to see your lovely buffet and see what they are eating. I realize that we are living in an economy of need, and not want as before. Therefore, I hope this piece is helpful to you all, until then!

Instructions for making Luminaries

Things you will need:
• Measuring Tapes
• Sand
• Votive Candles
• Measuring Cups
• Paper Bags – any color or colors
• Pencil with an eraser to draw on sides of bags
• Lighters
• Pointy object/pin for piercing bags
• Paper bags
• Measuring cups
1. Determine where you want your luminaries to be located.
2. Measure the length of the area, and multiply by two, as you will need luminaries on both sides of the path.
3. Determine how many paper bags you will need. Luminaries are usually spaced between 6 inches and 2 feet apart, depending on the length of the area you want to decorate and the desired look.
4. Purchase an equal number of green and red lunch-size paper bags. These are available at most craft and paper stores and range in price from about 15 cents to 35 cents each.
5. Purchase a small votive candle for each paper bag.
6. Purchase sand to weigh down the bags. Each bag should have about a 2-inch base of sand - about 2 c. for lunch-size bags.
7. Take pencil (this will prevent soaking of ink through to the other side) and draw a design on each sides of the bags. Make sure drawing is close to the top as possible, but not too close. Thereafter, take pointy object/pin and start piercing (small holes) the designs that you drew. Then take eraser and erase any lines you see of your drawing. Once finished, you should only see a silhouette of what you drew from the small holes you made.
8. Fill each bag with about 2 c. sand, make sure you place enough sand in bags so that the lights from the candles will illuminate through the holes. Place bags along the pathway you want to decorate, alternating with potted plants from your garden.
9. Twist a votive candle into the sand in the middle of the bag, making sure it is secure.
10. As dusk falls, light each candle for a striking effect.
Links for luminaries:
http://www.lumabase.com/categories/wedding
http://www.bizrate.com/party-supplies/luminary-lighting/

Bringing a Theme to life through the five senses (Cont'd)

KM Events — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:09:00 +0000

Part III – Touch

In my last post, I spoke about sight, sound, smell, taste, and its effect on an event. In this piece, I will follow it with touch, and explain how this sensory can also affect an event. Now let us look at touch.

Touch has two dimensions. There is the physical sense of touch and the feelings that you are able to create in your guests.

The first thing about your event that your guests will actually touch will be the invitations. You can spend a lot of thoughtful time making sure that the invitations are the best introduction possible to your upcoming event. When your guests arrive at your event, they will feel the temperature in the room. If not done right, they will engage the sense of sound, because you are going to hear it.

Your guests are going to feel the chairs they sit in, the linens, the china and the glassware they handle, the food and beverages that you plan to serve, as well as any intriguing décor with easy grasp. These many things are going to feel dry, feel wet, feel clean, feel dirty, feel uncomfortable, feel hot, feel cold, feel lukewarm, feel hard, feel soft, feel smooth or feel fresh.

They are going to touch and take home with them mementos of the evening. I hope that they will be the gifts you provided, not the linens, serving items and vases you rented and must return.

In regards to what I consider the second dimension of touch, your guests are going to have feelings created in anticipation of, during, and after your event. It begins when they receive your invitation and decide if they feel like attending. After they arrive, they will decide if they feel welcome at your event. Early on at your event, they should feel the fun, the energy, or the excitement in the room. Moreover, if you have chosen the right music, they should feel like dancing. Do you get the picture?

Ideally, at the end of the evening, your guests should feel like it is too soon to leave. Will your guests reach out to touch and shake your hand or give you big hug of thanks? Will they feel your warmth and appreciation? Will you feel theirs? Will you have touched their hearts? Will they have touched yours? If the answer is yes, then you probably gave them a total experience.

In my next blog, I will talk about examples of themes, but before I do so, I will talk about "Themes on a Budget," until then.

Happy Planning!

Bringing a Theme to life through the five senses (cont'd)

KM Events — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Part II – Sound, Smell, Taste

In my last post, I spoke about appearance and its effect on an event. In this piece, I will follow it with sound, smell, taste, and explain how all three can also affect an event. Now let us look at sound.

Sound is a close accompaniment to sight. The change from the sound of the outdoors to the indoors can be dramatic. This impact of sound seeps through the profoundness of silence, the laughter and chatter of guests, the lure of music, or the whimsical special effects. In that light, appropriate audio systems can ensure that planned speeches, announcements, and entertainment will be properly projected and well received in every area of your site where your guess will be. Always consider, as part of your site selection, the potential for competing sounds that can detract from your event. As a result, events in other rooms, or places, such as the kitchen or the coatroom, or sounds filtering from the road, can ruin the atmosphere you are trying to create.

Taste and Smell are separate senses, but they affect each other. You know that if something does not smell good, you are not going to taste it. Conversely, if something smells particularly good, it activates all your other senses, but most particularly, your taste buds. Therefore, food and beverages play a critical role in a sensory experience. They must be plentiful and, at minimum, taste, smell, and look good to contribute to the total experience.

Additionally, flowers are a powerful stimulant to our sense of smell. Who among us does not put our nose to a flower or bouquet when presented with one? We expect to be delighted, and we cannot control the inevitable "mmmm" that escapes from our lips. Flowers really please our sense of sight, but it is our sense of smell that they take prisoner.

On the other hand, heavily scented flowers can be overpowering and, after a short while, unappealing. They can also compete with the smell of food that you plan on serving. Your nose becomes confused, and nothing smells good. The scents you use should have a pleasant balance, or they should appear in very separate areas of your event.

In addition to that, I must also make a warning here about unpleasant scents. It is up to you to have the nose to sniff out these problem areas when you check a site. There is nothing quite as repellent as odors that waft over from a cow pasture into you outdoor soiree. That is a pungent illustration, but bad scents happen indoors as well. For instant, exhaust pipes, animals, garbage cans, disposals, bathrooms, and sewers can all conspire to stink up the your event. By planning, you can identify the potential problem areas and act preventively.

Check back for part III – Touch!

Happy Planning!

Bringing a Theme to life through the five senses

KM Events — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:58:00 +0000

Part I -- Sight

I have found a foolproof way to begin to develop that total experience for my event guests during the event planning process. I simply use the five senses to develop my theme – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Let us talk about sight.
Every element of a theme appeals to one or more of our five senses. The objective is to incorporate enough elements in the theme to appeal to all five senses, which will then create a total experience for our guests. Let us look at a few examples to get a full understanding.

Take, for instant, our sense of sight. You will know from your experiences that when you are heading to an event, you are keeping your eyes open. You are looking for an address or a building and, often, a parking spot. The outdoor signage, building exterior, parking area and maybe, valet attendants make the very first impression for your event. Moreover, I must remind you that you do not get a second chance to make a good first impression. The outside of you party venue is a most wonderful opportunity to appeal to the sense of sight and heighten expectations of what awaits inside.

Once entering the building, tent, or other structure or area for your event, guests must pass through an entrance of some kind. Entrance areas create intimacy and bring the event up close to your guests. At this point, a beautiful entrance teases your guests about what awaits them on the other side. Entrances should not be cold, sterile places. They should exude a warmth and congeniality that is similar to what your friends would feel if you were welcoming them into your home.

Unfortunately, planners often overlook the potential of entrance areas. Nude coat check staff and surly desk staff dispensing nametags often staff these areas. Décor of any sort is often nonexistent in these areas, though it should be present for a total experience.

The main area of your event is your big opportunity to excite or disappoint your guests, depending upon what you have done. When your guests enter the main room, they visually take it all in. They look at the people – guests, hosts, entertainers, and wait staff, if you choose to have them. They look for and at the bar and the food. They look at the tables and chairs to determine where they will sit. They look at the stage, screens, and dance floor to see if they have a good seat for the entertainment or activities. They look around the room to see how to get in and out during the event. They see your lighting in its shock of brightness, variations of dimness, or spectrums of color.

After absorbing all of this, they start looking at things all over again, but a little closer. They look for people they know. They start inspecting individual aspects of our theme or décor. The fantasy you have created is beginning to have its effect, and they being to get into the experience. They mingle and have fun... One last word on sight -- make sure your surrounding is clean. Nothing ruins an event faster than a dirty place. In a total experience, everything must not only look clean, it must be clean.

Moreover, I mean every inch of your event from the front stoop to the back kitchen. No one has a good, much less total, experience in a dirty environment, including you. Believe me. I have cleaned a kitchen while dressed in eveningwear because I was too embarrassed to let guests see the kitchen in a state. None of these made me a happy camper.

Check back for part II – Sound

Happy planning!