Eventfully Yours

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!

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!

Click here to read the article

What's your back up plan?

As we recover from a terrible winter storm here in Cleveland, it made me wonder how many of you have back up plans in place for your events, in case of bad weather.  Unfortunately, a lot of people don't think about weather ruining their perfect party.  The forces of nature never rsvp.  They can be a very unexpected guest that can derail everything.

When you start planning your event be sure to also have a contingency plan or a plan b.  If it rains, will you be able to reschedule or move your venue indoors.  Can an alternate venue handle all your attendees?  You may want to look at it as planning for two events at the same time.

What if the weather keeps your guests from arriving on time?  Will you delay your start time?  These are just some of the questions you should consider when planning your next event.  Remember, having the proper contingency plan in place will save you a lot of time and heartache.

Getting Married in the Round

You may be thinking what does that mean!?!  Well, thanks to Ali Phillips of Engaging Events by Ali in Chicago, brides and grooms are taking their weddings to the next level.

Instead of the same old aisle and all your friends and family being behind on your big day, you can now have them gathered around you.  The wedding takes place in the middle of the room with aisles coming from 3 different directions.  This really adds a wow factor and gives an element of surprise to your guests.  It will keep them guessing about who is coming from where and when. 

If you're interested in getting married in the round, contact Signature Soirees today!

Until next time, eventfully yours!
Kandice

Will A Recession Affect Your Next Event?

Every where you turn everyone is talking about the possibility of a recession.  How will a recession affect the event planning industry?

Already we have seen the rising price of oil's effect on the costs to do business.  Shipping costs are higher.  Companies have increased their delivery fees and most people are opting to stay at home.

I pose this as a question to get some comments from some of you.  Personally, I see more people that are planning social events, such as weddings, etc. doing the all the work themselves.  Foregoing the services of an event coordinator.

What do you think?

Themes

Themes are very popular in weddings now.  The Today show recently employed a theme for their Today throws a wedding back in September.  They used the ever popular film, Breakfast at Tiffany's as their inspiration.  If you are interested in seeing how they did it, try to find a copy of the January Martha Stewart weddings.

Even pirates have recently become all the rage in weddings.  People are taking the things they love the most and running with it.  From invitations, decor even down to their attire.

So, if you have a favorite movie, hobby or activity, make it a part of your next event!