BRAVO! Event & Party Rental’s Blog
Just another WordPress.com weblogArchive for June, 2011
Using Vintage Elements with a Modern Twist
As event planners we are always looking for inspiration. We may find this in nature, décor in a hotel, or even a vintage shop. Recently, there has been a trend to make use of antique items for different aspects of your wedding. Some trendy brides are incorporating personal family heirlooms like china or furniture and some are antiquing for a vintage look with a modern twist.
Use antique items such as an old typewriter to have your guests leave you and husband love notes or words of wisdom.
greenweddingshoes.com
While an old typewriter is a great way to get your guests involved, just having vintage pieces around the reception venue will take your guests back decades.
greenweddingshoes.com
Using mix-match china can add that special touch of vintage. Try borrowing plates from family members or search your local vintage shops. The more different styles you have the better! Add some different styles of glassware and flatware to complete the look.
In recent years using farm tables and doors as table and/or bars has become very popular. They offer that natural look and you don’t have to spend the extra money on linens.
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We are also seeing a lot of brides opting to use antique pieces of furniture for a cake or dessert table.
greenweddingshoes.com
For an inexpensive way to add seating, buy some barrels of hay and some vintage looking fabrics, and VIOLA you have a ceremony or reception style setting!
greensweddingshoes.com
greenweddingshoes.com
You could also collect mix and match chairs for a eclectic look.
greenweddingshoes.com
greenweddingshoes.com
Mason jars can be used for a vast amount of ideas during the reception. You can use these as vases for a centerpiece or put a candle in them and hang them from a tree for lighting. You can also use them as glasses for your drinks.
greenweddingshoes.com
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greenweddingshoes.com
The vintage look doesn’t have to stop with the antiques; you can also incorporate vintage fashions into your wedding.
Brooches are not just your grandmother’s accessory anymore. They can be used to add that special touch of elegance and glam to most of your décor. Use them to accent your hair, napkins or chair ties. Another great way to add that vintage look is by using them in or as your bouquet. At each bridal shower have your friends and family bring a brooch and then make your bouquet using all of the brooches. What a great keep sake after the wedding!
dailycandy.com
I love the idea of using mix-matched vintage patterns as brides maids’ dresses. Not only will you save some money by getting them made, but your brides maids will love the fact that they can pick out their own fabric and wear them again!
greenweddingshoes.com
Recently I have noticed that brides are opting for a pop of color in their shoes. This is a great way to stay modern while carrying a vintage look. Adding clip on earrings to the shoes are a way you can make those pumps uniquely you.
blog.modcloth.com
There are many ways you can incorporate a vintage look and feel into your wedding! Just remember as with anything too much is never a good thing so pick pieces that best reflect you and your fiancés personalities. For more inspiration visit Greenweddingshoes.com
Who is walking you down the aisle?
Traditionally the father of the bride escorts the bride down the aisle on her special day but is this what every bride wants? Nowadays some women are closer to their stepfather than they are their real father. Is it wrong for them to have their stepfather walk them down the aisle? I think it is perfectly fine to have your stepfather escort you if that is what you prefer. Be sure to sit down and have this discussion with your father a few months before the wedding in case he doesn’t like the idea at first. Most fathers dream of the day they will walk their daughter down the aisle so be sure to break it to them as nicely as possible. Before you have this discussion be 100% sure this is what you want.
Some brides may want both of her parents to walk her down the aisle. I really like this idea. It shows that both of your parents support your decision to marry the man of your dreams. If a bride’s father is not able to walk her down the aisle she may want her mother or brother to escort her.
Other brides may want to walk down the aisle by themselves. This is a great way to show off your whole dress! If you do this you may want your fiancé to meet you halfway. That way when you arrive at the alter it shows that you are a united front.
No matter who walks you down the aisle remember it is your day! Have the person or persons that mean the most to you by your side!
Don’t miss out on the fabulous annivers
Don’t miss out on the fabulous anniversary contest that @flossip is having this week!!! There are wonderful prizes.
Baby, Its Hot Outside.
If you live in the south, no doubt, you are feeling the heat. With outside temperatures peaking close to 100 degrees, you would think most outdoor events have to be moved indoors or to a later date. Not True. If there is one thing I’ve learned as a southerner it is that southerner’s don’t sweat. We find other ways to stay cool. That being said here are a few alternatives to keeping your outdoor events just the right temperature.
Become a fan of the old-fashioned “Fan”. Yes – the ever so popular fan is still out there and comes in many different styles.
If you want to just create a breeze in your tent you may need a few small tent fans. These little guys mount to the top corners of your tent and quietly create a gentle breeze.
Another popular fan is the pedestal 
version. You can locate them in strategic areas to produce a cross ventilation pattern. Some can be attached to a water hose and give off a light mist.
Moving on to PEC’s (portable evaporator coolers). These big boys produce a colder stream of air of about 7 to 15 degrees-depending on your relative/ambient humidity-up to 55 feet. This combination of cooler air and high velocity air movement provides excellent cooling relief. These units require a dedicated electrical source.
The “Grand daddy” of them all is the HVAC unit. Much like the heating and air units you have in your home, these units are for larger tents and equipped to cool or heat. Located on the side walls, these units blend into the wall.
So no more excuses. Get back out there and enjoy the great outdoors.
The 5 Issues You Should Consider When Planning an Event
When planning any event – large or small – there are important issues that should NOT be overlooked. Here’s my top 5:
#5 – Selecting Vendors
Whether you are planning a dinner party for 20 or a large wedding reception for 500, you may need a caterer, photographer, band or DJ. Where do you start? First ask your friends. They will be upfront with you whether it’s a good or not so good referral. Other resources are the better business bureau, your local chamber of commerce and trade magazines such as Grand Strand Bride. You can find these online. Before signing your contract with any company or individual, ask to see references, credentials, pictures, and samples. When you do get the references – call them and ask about their experience with the company in question.
#4 – Tying Down Your Guest List
Of course this is easier for smaller events and will be more precise. For larger events such as wedding receptions your first step should be to consult both families. Stress the importance of keeping your list below a certain number and stand your ground. The caterer alone could cost you from $15 to $50 a person depending on your menu. As much as you would love to invite everyone you’ve known in your life; your budget won’t allow it.
#3 – Make a Timeline
Start with the actual date of your event and countdown. This will give you an idea of when you really need to get crackin’. Keep in mind this list can be negotiable. Still print it and mount it on your fridge or bathroom mirror – any where you will see it everyday – and make it so.
#2 – Security Issues
I know security issues are not the most exciting topic to discuss; but when planning an event – large or small – it is a “necessary evil”. I’m not talking about body guards and bouncers at the door – but safeguarding your personal information. So many times we get wrapped up in the excitement of the event we are inclined to give our personal and credit card information to just about anyone – the caterer, the florist, designers, musicians – the list can go on and on.
When dealing with several vendors it is wise to use one credit card or if it’s a large event (such as a wedding) open a separate bank account. This is a great way to keep up with all your expenses and keep on budget. A prepaid visa is also a safe way of paying for your event and accessible at most banks.
#1 – Budget
Make one and stick to it. I can not stress this enough.
Again – start with all parties involved and agree to a certain amount. Check with event planning resources to give you an idea of what to allow for each item of your event. The Knot.com is an excellent starting point. Consider your event theme and where you want to put your emphasis. There are ways to pull off an elegant and upscale event without breaking the bank.
Make sure you take time to plan and do the leg work. Ask questions. Check references. And if a questionable charge pops up on your account – call your bank. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
