Eventfully Yours

Guest Etiquette

I spend so much time discussing the etiquette rules for hosts or hostesses, I thought that it was time that I turned my attention to the guests!  Here are just a few rules for you:

1.  R.S.V.P        
As an event planner, I must admit that even I have forgotten to send in an R.S.V.P. card, a few              times.  Ok, a lot!  LOL!  As soon as you get the invitation in the mail or by email, respond.  It makes           planning so difficult when people have to chase their invitees down to see if they are coming.                     Guess what, people pay for those response cards for a reason.  Use them!

2.  Don't ask to bring other people

Sometimes people have a set limit to the amount of people that they can afford to invite.  As a guest, we should be happy to be invited.  If you feel uncomfortable going because you feel that you will be alone then consider not attending.

3.  Be on your best behavior

An open bar does not mean drink as much as you can.  Same for a buffet.  A friend's party is not the time to settle an old argument.

4.  Say Thank You

Everyone wants to know that they are appreciated and being thanked for something is a great start.  Just think the host could've invited someone else, but chose you.  Free food, drinks and music!?  How often do you get all that for free?

Congrats to Lauren and TY

For the June 8th nuptials of Lauren and TY, Signature Soirees provided our Reception Design Service and assistance with the bridesmaids' bouquets.  Best wishes for this happy couple!

   

Music to our Ears

Last month, I had the pleasure of helping with the release party of new break out artist, Jason Champion.  If you are looking for some truly inspirational music, check out his album, Reflections which is in stores now!

The album was held at local roller skating rink and Signature Soirees used our event planning skills to make it all a success!

How fuel costs will affect your event

I just got off the phone with my floral supplier, ordering some flowers for an upcoming event.  Although, I know what the flowers usually cost, I asked my salesperson the cost anyway.  When she began her reply with, "Well. . . "  I like to think of myself as an optimistic person, but somehow I knew she wasn't about to tell me that because I was such a valued customer that my order was free.  She continued to say that due to the ever rising fuel costs my order was going to be a bit more than usual.  This didin't surprise me since I have been feeling how light my pockets are after filling up my car, but it got me to thinking about how this will also affect events.

With fuel costs on the rise, the price of everything is going to go up due in part to the cost of shipping.  Think about it, this means flowers, food, invitations, etc. will all be a little more expensive now.  In order to cover these costs, vendors will have to increase their prices.  Then your guests who may be traveling from out of town will pay extra in airfare and so on.

So, in light of all this will you change how you spend for your next event?  Please let me know by commenting here!

Until next time,

eventfully yours!

May 3, 2008 Revisited

Thanks to Ryan of Just Perfect Memories, we can now share with you a trailer of Princess and Tyrone's wedding day.  Also feel free to visit Ryan's blog, Just Perfect Memories Blog.

Princess & Tyrone from Ryan Muesel on Vimeo.

Pretty In Pink

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

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

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

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

The Details Matter

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

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

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

Until next time, eventfully yours!

Color Changes Everything

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

What Do Your Guests Expect?

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time, eventfully yours!

What's your back up plan? Part 2

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

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