parties2weddings.com

In the past 30 years I have helped hundreds of brides and corporate clients plan and design the decor for their events.  During this time I have been the lucky Event Planner that gets to participate in the celebrations of some of life’s greatest milestones.  Weddings, Birthdays, Memorial Services, Anniversaries, Corporate Galas, or a party to honor a special achievement, each and every one a special occasion and a cause for celebration.  Staging and decoration these events is an art form.  In essence, you don’t plan a party as much as you design it with the venue as your stage.  This room becomes the canvas on which you will apply your ideas and vision.   Experience has taught me to trust my instincts, to conceptualize, then design the event.  Start with a color palette, choose the room layout, select the size tables or cocktail furnishings, choose the linens, flowers and design elements.  Compliment everything with the most overlooked element, lighting.  Then when you select the menu it will be the last element that ties the decor together.  Choose the caterer carefully and make sure that the one you select is not only wonderful with the food but also comfortable with tablescapes that compliment the menu and pull everything together for a spectacular event design that will inspire all that attend.

Whimsical….Opulent…Romantic?  Choose your style and then let your imagination run wild.  Give your event planner many ideas and options and allow them to create a design that reflect your personality to its fullest.  Your inspiration might come from a sparkling waterfall, a simple red fall leaf or the elaborate water fountain outside your favorite building, perhaps you saw a cascade of orchids with bold colors in a fabulous vase with a different shape, whatever your inspiration, strive to create a tablescape that sets the tone for the entire event with a single glance.  Start with the simple shape of the tables and add lush linens, several layers of color and fabric texture are very much in vogue right now.  Find linens with rich trim and unexpected color combinations to add interest and an element of surprise.   If the room is large and opulent then use arrangements that sore above the table.  For a room that has low ceilings try using long and low arrangements.  When given a choice use seating options that add variety and interest such as benches, ottomans or a combination of chairs and couches.  Shake it up and add throw pillows in bright complimentary colors. Floral arrangements don’t need to be made of only flowers.  Add colored jewels on sticks, colorful summer fruits and vegetables or add herbs and other natural materials. Look for elements that will differentiate your event from all other and remember that everything does not necessarily need to match.  Mix up the china, glassware and silverware for an eclectic affair, just keep it simple to keep from becoming too busy.

You may choose Magenta Cattleya Orchids, Gloriosa Lilies, Tulips or Yellow Cymbidium Orchids wrapped in a cuff of Rhinestones or Satin Ribbon with Mother of Pearl Trim for your wedding bouquet.  Your wedding planner can guide you in the right direction to help you select not only the perfect flowers but the perfect florist too.  These days the wedding bouquet is intended to be bewitching, enchanting with undiluted beauty.  It is easy to accomplish  the creation of an enchanting bouquet thanks to the abundant variety of blooms that are available year round from all over the world.   Choose flowers that reflect your style and personality then choose the most talented florist that can compose the perfect bouquet that makes a striking statement as you walk down the aisle.  Nothing quite captures the delight of romance and the magic of your special day the way flowers do.

Read more »

Happy New Year!! And Congratulations! You just got engaged and now its time to start creating the ideal wedding.  One that’s fun, beautiful and one that is uniquely you.  As you begin this exciting journey to get you and your fiance down the aisle your wedding planner will be your guide to make sense of the ideas and inspirations you’ve collected.  You will have a million little details and decisions to make before this adventure comes to a close.  The more photographs and notes you can provide to your wedding planner the more able they will be to provide you with expert advice and design ideas that fit your event.  You will be faced with decisions you probably haven’t even thought of or anticipated yet.  Many of these decisions may even come as a surprise to you.  Details from the shoes you plan to wear, the icing on your cake, the size of the cake, do you want a grooms cake, the wedding jewelry, the wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, flower girl attire, flowers, the ceremony, the reception, the sign-in book, the guest list, the weight of the invitation.  The list goes on and on!  Today’s most sought after wedding planners know where to find answers, know where to find inspirations and know who the vendors are that you need to turn to to create your dream event.  Most importantly, they know how to make the right decisions and that will make your wedding day a dream come true.