BRAVO! Event & Party Rental’s Blog
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Busting the Budget Blunders
Busting the Budget Stigma
Everyday we have clients ask us for tips on how to handle their budget woes. This week’s Blog is going to be all about BUDGETS!…how to make a budget and stick to it!!
Step One: Making A Budget
The biggest problem clients seem to have is coming up with a realistic budget. Things to keep in mind while making a budget:
1. Industry rates range, depending on what state you are getting married in and if it is an urban or rural area. Having a wedding in a city versus a smaller town might end up costing you more in the end.
2. There is a price per guest for food and liquor. Remember to keep your Guest List in line with the budget.
3. Styles of weddings can determine the cost as well. If you want a more formal affair, you may be looking at a higher budget.
Check out the great Budget Builder at Real Simple Weddings Cost Calculator. You will find everything from the average cost of weddings in your area to budget worksheets to help you stay organized!
Step Two: Give Yourself A Cushion!
When creating your budget, be sure to put aside a percentage of your budget for emergencies. At the end of planning, you might want to use the money to upgrade your decor, food, bar or you might want to put it toward your honeymoon. But that little bit of money will ensure you never fully go over your budget!
Step Three: Talking Budget With Your Vendors
Once the budget is created it is all smooth sailing from there. I know talking budget with vendors can be intimidating, but follow these simple tips and it will be a breeze.
1. When picking a vendor, do your homework. Check out their websites or give them a call and ask what their price points are. Most vendors will discuss budgets right away.
“‘Be straight with the vendors and tell them your budget. If you have wiggle room, let them know. For the most part vendors are very honest and will tell you whether they can work within that budget and whether that budget is realistic,’ says Laura Wright of Laura Wright Events. ‘If they can’t work within your budget, ask them if they will give you the name of someone who can.’ You’ll save a ton of back-and-forth time if you’re on the same page from the beginning.”
-Article Planning Basics: How to Talk Money With Your Wedding Vendors, The Knot.com
2. You never know unless you ask! Tell your vendors what you want and ask what it would cost you.
”And trust us: It’s totally normal to experience sticker shock the first time you read through a pricing menu. Once you’ve learned that wooden farm tables are much more expensive than round tables and that even simple draping requires an entire team of pros, then you’ll really be ready to have a conversation. Additionally, when it comes to those intangible talents like photography, videography and design, Chenin Boutwell of Chenin Boutwell Photography points out that you have to remember that in some cases, you’re paying for “‘a unique eye, point of view and experience.’”
-Article Planning Basics: How to Talk Money With Your Wedding Vendors, The Knot.com
3. Make sure you have your vendor walk you through your contract and make sure to ask questions if you don’t understand. There is nothing worse than showing up the day of the event thinking you are getting one thing and really having another. Plus, Vendors are human, there might always be a mistake or adding error….it does happen!
For more tips on talking budget with your vendors check out this article on The Knot.com .
Step Four: Enjoy the Planning Process
Remember with the right vendors and the proper planning, no matter what size your budget, you really can have the wedding of your dreams.
Have questions or additional advice? We would love to hear it!
5 Unique Items for a Bridesmaid to Carry
Recently we have had some brides that are looking for ideas on non-floral pieces that their bridesmaids can carry down the aisle. Whether you’re wanting to express your style or you’ re wanting to be different these 5 unique ideas will help you reach your goal.
The Clutch
Your bridesmaids will be walking in style down the aisle. With the clutch you can leave it as it is or add a little floral to the mix.
Parasols
Parasols are not only a great way to block the sun but they can add an extra pop of color. Your photographer will also love to use them for a prop during pictures. 
Twine Balls
If you are going for an organic or rustic look these are for you. Theses are great because you can make them your own by adding something to the inside. Whether it is floral or lighting these can become uniquely yours.
Candle Light
Using candle light is always a romantic way to incorporate something for your bridesmaids to carry. You could use lanterns, mason jars or a simple votive and candle combo.
Balloons
Using balloons is such a fun and colorful way for your bridesmaids to walk down the aisle. When thinking about using balloons make sure it fits into your concept and venue for your wedding. Balloons add a great touch for an outside wedding in the spring and summer months. I like the giant 17inch round vintage balloons the best. They look sleek and simple.
Summer Design Series
Showcasing the South – Lakeside Love
Summer is such a beautiful time here in the south. Hot, but beautiful. We have so many wonderful and romantic places to act as backdrops for weddings and parties. Whether you want a beautiful sunset wedding on the beach or a mountain reception under the stars, the south has everything you need.
Our new Design Series will be showcasing these romantic places. This week we have chosen a lakeside retreat in conjunction with Amethyst, Blush and Charcoal. These colors have been pulled from Vera Wang’s New Collection, White, which was created for David’s Bridal.
Fourth of July Festivities
Fourth of July Fun!
Patriotism is at an all time high right now with the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday and this year’s Summer Olympics right around the corner. With all of this excitement, parties are bound to happen and we are here to help you prepare for your next USA Themed Party! Whether it is DIY decor or red, white and blue desserts, we have you covered!
Some of our favorite event accents are as simple as planting coordinating floral, accenting a plain centerpiece with patriotic themed fabric or creating one of a kind desserts. Below we have a few must try recipes and tutorials that will be sure to make your next event unforgettable. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Ingredients:
- Strawberries, sliced
- Blueberries
- Pineapple, cut into star shapes
- 2 bottles dry white wine
- 1 cup Triple Sec
- 1/2 Cup berry-flavored vodka
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup
Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.
Recipe courtesy of Punchbowl.
Patriotic Luminaries
Materials Needed:
- Empty vegetable or soup cans, cleaned out and labels removed
- Water
- Nail
- Hammer
- Scrap paper
- Ruler
- Tape
- Spray paint in red, white, and blue
1. Begin the tin can luminaries by filling the cans up to the top with water, then place them in the freezer until the water is frozen solid. This will allow you to hammer a nail into the side of the can without the can denting.
2. Draw out designs on the can in permanent marker.
3. Using a nail and hammer punch out the design. Start at one end of the pattern and place the nail along the line. Gently pound the nail in with a hammer. The nail will go through the can into the ice.
4. Allow the ice in the can to melt, and dry the can completely.
5. Now either paint the can or leave silver! Either way they will look great!
6. If you want to further decorate the tin can luminaries, this is the time to do it. If you would like the designs you punched to show up better you can paint them a different color, such as black. When you are ready to illuminate, add a little sand to weigh down the cans and add a tea light candle. Your guests will love them!
For complete instructions, including step by step pictures, please visit here.
Kid’s Fest Recap
BRAVO! hosted Kid’s Fest 2012 yesterday and it was a BLAST! We wanted to have a day to give back to the community and to celebrate the start of summer. A lot of great local vendors helped us with this event and through partnership with other local businesses in the Florence community we all grow!
Rachel did a great job making sure that every kid had their checks painted.
Kid’s got to choose from a whole sheet of art work! It was a tough choice even for the staff!
We had several games set up like Bean Bag Toss, Go Fish, Duck Pond and a Hula Hooping Contest
We also had several activities like our Bounce House, Side Walk Chalk, Puppies from the Humane Society and a bubble machine.
After all that playing the kids were ready for some food!
All of the kids and adults enjoyed Rita’s Italian Ice! They brought Mango, Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum!
Freeman’s brought some of their favorite treat! Check out the push pop cake. You can even reuse the container for ice cream or frozen yogurt!
BRAVO! Provided the popcorn and Pepsi provided the drinks!
We had a GREAT Day at Kid’s Fest! We want to thank Rita’s Italian Ice, Freeman Bakery, Pepsi, the Florence Area Humane Society and all the volunteers for helping make our first Kid’s Fest a success!
SURPRISE!!! 5 Super Fun Ideas for Your Child’s Next Birthday Party
Coming up with out of the box ideas for your kid’s birthday party may be hard year after year. Here is a list of 5 great ideas you can do for their next birthday bash.
1. Get Messy Birthday
A get messy party is exactly what it sounds like. You set up stations of fun and messy activities. This is one of our favorite ideas for a party because it allows your kids to be kids. It’s a good idea to let the other parents know what kind of party you’re having. That way they will know to send an extra set of clothes.
Ideas for Stations
- Edible Finger Paint
- Shaving Cream Slip and Slide
- Messy Hair Station
- Messy Tarp Art
- Pie Eating Contest
2. Let’s Go Camping
Whether you have a camping party at a camp ground or pretend that your back yard is a camp site, this party theme allows you to be very creative.
Pitch a tent, make a fire and tell some ghost stories. Your child will be sure to remember this party for years to come.
3) A Night at the Movies
Grab some sleeping bags, your child’s favorite movie and come in BRAVO! to rent the projector and screen. You will have all the makings for a fun filled birthday party.
Set up a concession stand in the back yard so everyone has all their favorite movie snacks! Check with BRAVO! on the popcorn machine for that added touch!
4) A Get Crafty Party
What child (or adult) doesn’t like craft time? This fun birthday idea allows children to explore their creative side. They will have tons of projects to take home with them. Imagine all the possibilities and who knows you might have a Picasso on your hands.
5) Mad Scientist Party
For a mad scientist party you can set up stations with kid friendly science experiments. Make sure you have age appropriate experiments. It is also a good idea to have some extra adults on hand at each station for extra support.
Make your own slime
Have a candy station with science type candy. Think Nerds, Atomic Warheads, Pop Rocks, Smarties, and gummy creatures.
Planning Tips
- Your child’s birthday is the same day every year so make sure you plan ahead. We suggest you start the planning process three months ahead of time.
- Make sure the theme you choose reflects your child’s personality. Get their opinion on the type of party they would like to have.
- Always have a plan B in case of bad weather.
- Make sure you carry your theme throughout the whole party i.e. the invitations, birthday cake, activities, and favors.
- It is always helpful to prepare other parents with special instructions. For example, to send your child with an extra change of clothes.
No matter what theme you choose make sure you have tons of activities for the children to do. What is your favorite birthday party theme?
5 Ways to Make Your Guests Feel Special
1. Flip Flops
When it’s time for the reception everyone is ready to kick back and let their hair down. In order to have a good time you want your guests to be comfortable. Some people’s feet will be hurting by the time of the reception but by offering flip flops more people will get on the dance floor and involved. The guests would definitely appreciate it and it would be the talk of the town for days.
2. Sober Rides
A lot of people offer alcoholic beverages at their reception, but offering sober rides for the guests will ensure that all of your guests are safe upon arrival and departure. By offering sober rides it will allow everyone to have a good time and not worry as much because they know they will get home safe and sound.
3. Bathroom Baskets
Your guests may not be prepared for a spill on their shirt, a broken heal or nail or maybe they just need to freshen up a bit. Having sample toiletries’ like deodorant, lotion, mouthwash, soap, body spray, etc. will ease their mind.
Next to the basket prepare a cute poem to go along with the gesture.
So happy you’re here to share in our special day!!!
But should something happen to go astray,
Please help yourself to the contents within,
Hair spray (or Wet wipe), hand lotion, gum and even aspirin,
Use only what you need and leave the rest,
It may be useful to another guest.
So repair the damage that may have been done,
Then hurry on back and join the fun!!!
Compliments of the Newlyweds
4. Games
Set up games at several tables and see how much fun everyone has. This would be most helpful for the guests with children because they can easily be entertained.
5. Photo shoot
Everyone wants to take pictures to catch the most memorable times of their lives. You probably have a photographer but having a section at your reception where your guests can take pictures and use props is always fun too. Whether you rent a photo booth or make your own this is a sure way to capture great moments.
One Sweet Day
BRAVO! Events (and our taste buds) welcome, Sweet. A Cupcake Company to Florence and the Pee Dee area. I jumped on the Sweet bandwagon back in June when we had a going away party for my co-worker Heather. In that first bite of a Strawberry Cupcake my eyes closed and in that moment I KNEW I was a hooked. Ever since then I have been patiently waiting for Sweet to open and today I will feed my craving.
Sweet’s Cupcakes are not only a great way to celebrate a birthday or a wedding but give them to show thanks to an employee (hint hint) or show your customers your appreciation. Nothing will cheer a friend or loved one up like a cupcake from Sweet.
They offer a wide variety of flavors like
- Salted Caramel
- Lemon Raspberry
- Red Velvet
- Strawberry
- Banana Pudding
- Chocolate German
- Key West Coconut
- Palmetto Cream
- Cookie N Creme
- Gimme S’More
- And Much More
In their store on Celebration Blvd in Florence, they will serve gourmet coffee, Icy cold milk and of course their signature designer cupcakes. Make sure you check them out!
***NOTE: In the process of writing this blog my wonderful boss Elaine Dean, snuck out and picked up a box of Cupcakes! Now off to indulge!
The 2012 BRAVO! Bridal Expo
We are excited to announce the 2012 BRAVO! Bridal Expo! The event will be held at the Florence Civic Center on Sunday, January 8th 2012. The expo will include passed appetizers, fabulous giveaways, musical entertainment, fashion shows, and most importantly a chance to meet with vendors and brides-to-be.
"You guys were so organized and on top of things in the weeks leading up to the expo. Very Supportive!"
"Wonderful job!"
"Everything was very professional!"
"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"
"I am very pleased with this event. I have listened to the comments from the brides and all of them were wonderful. We booked parties and met great potential clientele. Thank you. Can’t wait to work with you again at the next one."
If you did not participate in the Expo in 2011, the vendor feedback was exciting -100% were either extremely satisfied or satisfied of that 25% were satisfied and of that 75% were extremely satisfied with the results of the event- 100% said they would participate again and would recommend the Expo to another vendor. We are moving the Expo in 2012 to the Civic Center as it will be bigger than 2011. We have added surprises in the planning stage so register early!
"Planning, coordination, advertising, and helpful friendly planners help make the expo successful!"
"This was my first expo and I enjoyed myself very much!"
"This was a very classy show. You did a fabulous job BRAVO!"
"I have never attended a show where we had a vendor networking hour. I thought it was very informative."
"The show was amazing, the best Florence has seen in the 10+ years I have been participating in shows. Thank you again for giving Florence the show they deserve!!"
Our website, BRAVOBridalExpo.com will be live later this week. You will be able to register and pay online. In the mean time you can request vendor forms by e-mailing Bridalshow@ BRAVOeventrentals.com.
*Quotes above are from our 2011 survey results and not from the people reflected in the pictures.
BRAVO! Blogging
Hey!
BRAVO! Event & Party Rentals now has a blog.
That means that you can keep up to date with the latest trends in events and weddings. I will also be available for advice and answering any questions you may have about parties, rentals or planning.
Thanks for reading!
