ET LOFTE EVENTS' TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS..ER...EVENTS: Part Two

So we've shared our top six favourite wedding and event ideas this Holiday Season in Part One of Et Lofte Events' Twelve Days of Christmas/Events. And without furthur adeu, here is Part Two with the other half of our fave concepts and ideas:



5
NON-TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

We've all become accustomed to seeing a couple's engagement photos on display at weddings. These photos are usually of the couple looking adoringly into each other's eyes in picturesque settings whether urban, nature-inspired or with archetectural interest. What we don't see however, is the couple in their natural surroundings. Why not have engagement photos taken of the couple doing things that they love to do together -- from the mundane to the extreme. Whether it's something fun like a shot of them in the movie theatre sharing popcorn, working out together in a gym or challenging each other with a video game on the comfort of their own couch -- This Planner thinks that these photos share that rare insight into the couple's true coupledom and give guests something to talk about.

4
METALLIC COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Bright, bold colour combos, soft palates and deep, rich tones are amazing to see at weddings and events. The use of metallics is even more amazing. We love pairing the cool, crisp colours of steel blue with jade or metallic gold with a rich berry. What makes these metallics even more amazing is their ability to adapt to any season -- steel blue and jade can make for an icy, wintery feel or a modernist, sophisticated summer soiree. Gold and berry can make the holidays bright or add a bit of haute to an already hot event.

3
UNIQUE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

The Royal Wedding brought about an influx in unique fascinators for weddings and events. Almost every gal out there  jumped onto that bandwagon and it has now become a fashion staple. What we're loving however, are Brides that are choosing more unique accessories to accompany their wedding gowns. From chunky bracelets, fake tattoo designs or words scrolled on their exposed skin and the wildest of hair accessories to bold anklets exposed when wearing high-low wedding gowns and bouquets made from unique materials,  Brides are finding unique ways to accessorize and make a statement and we love it!

Photos courtesy of OffBeat Bride (left) and Parant Haute Couture (right)

2

VIP LOUNGE AREAS


We love lounge-style weddings and events where the typical table rounds are replaced by couches and coffee tables, but the concept of lounges seem to be all or nothing. We love a combination of the two. If your function does incorporate the typical table rounds for dinner, why not set up lounge areas of couches and coffee tables in the corners of the room to give your event that certain 'je ne sais quois'. Whether simply a place for guests to chill during the party portion of the evening or upping the ante with a speciaty drink served to each lounge area, the VIP Lounge concept makes guests feel just a little bit special while adding class and sophistication to your event.

1
UNIQUE HOLIDAY PARTIES

Hosting a holiday season party doesn't mean that you have to go with the typical festive themes like Ugly Sweater Parties or Tree Decorating. Why not take it one step in a different direction by hosting a "Breakfast with Santa" complete with reindeer shaped pancakes and a visit from Jolly Old Nick himself instead of the usual dinner party? Or make your party one notch more interactive and host a "Twelve Days of Christmas" party where guests partake in a Scavenger Hunt for items in the song hidden in your neighborhood. Follow this fun, day-long event with a bon fire, carols and serve up marshmellows with hot cocoa. With so many holiday parties happening this time of year, make yours the talk of the season.

So there you have it -- our twelve days of Chistmas featuring some of our fave concepts and ideas for weddings and events. What are yours?

ET LOFTE EVENTS' 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS...ER...EVENTS: Part One

Christmas is almost upon us and so This Planner thought she'd share 12 of her favourite things to incorporate into weddings and events! So sit back with a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy Part One of Et Lofte Events' 12 Days of Christmas/Events!

12

UNIQUE CUISINE COMBINATIONS

Pair completely different cultural cuisines to give your guests that "to-die-for" culinary experience. Whether it's Italian with Asian like Risotto infused with wasabi or ginger or French with Asian with Pan-seared sweetbread with veal and ancho chili dumplings served with Sichuan pickled relish, opting for uniquely paired cuisine will create that perfect party on the palate.

 

11

 PERFUME/COLOGNE BARS

What is a better, more interactive way to pass the time during a cocktail function/hour than to make your own, personalized cologne or perfume? This Planner first saw the concept while reading about Shannon Doherty's wedding and was super stoked to see that Aromachology here in Toronto offers this service to wedding bliss everywhere. Guests get to create custom-created perfumes and personalized colognes at an on-site, pretty boutique-like set-up and store their wizardry in a bottle customized to the couple.

10

 AWESOME SEND-OFFS AT WEDDINGS

Photo Courtesy of The Knot

Once upon a time, the Bride and Groom didn't stay until the end of their wedding reception. Well, they stayed almost to the end, but then they changed their outfits, said their good-byes and were sent off to their honeymoon with cheers from their loved ones. I love it when couples reach back to the good ol' days and reserrect this concept. But I love it even more when they arrange their departure with a bang! Sure you can go for the more common send-off via fireworks or crowds of guests waving sparklers or you can go for the more dramatic affect such as guests forming two long lines, each holding lit candles to create a lit pathway for their exit or a marching band leading the way out.

9

 ART GALLERY-STYLE WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Ok, so having your wedding reception in an art-gallery is nothing new. In fact, it's a quite popular locale for sleek, modernist, intimate weddings. However, what we're loving right now is incorporating the concept of the Art Gallery as a means of personalizing weddings. Forgo the typical slideshow la-di-da and picture your wedding in a stark white or stone-walled room with oversized black and white photographs of your relationship and personal family histories on display on the walls throughout. Something to look at, something to talk about and definitely a subtle, yet striking touch.

8 

UNIQUE CAKE FLAVORS


Don't just go for the uber glamorous cake at your next function, take it one step further and match it with a flavor combo that's simply divine. Sure you can go the typical red velvet or ganache but why not stray from the ordinary and choose flavors that make you go "huh?" and "yum!" at the same time. From the sweet surprises like coconut with caramel/chocolate mousse a la Andy's Wedding Cakes to the wild and crazy like raspberry lemonade, the possibilities are endless!

7

 HAND-PAINTED SHOES

Photo courtesy of Figgie Shoes

There is nothing more awesome than pairing a cute party dress or wedding gown with the ultimate in gorgeous shoes. What's even better is having customized, hand-painted shoes! We love that Figgie Shoes ships globally and whether pretty and posh or fun and funky, there's nothing that this artist can't do to personalize your tootsies!

6

WARM COCKTAIL STATIONS

Ok, having a cappucino, esspresso or hot chocolate station isn't exactly unique. It's fun and cute, but not unique. So we're loving the twist on the typical by having a station towards the end of your festive soiree that offers up a variety of warm cocktails. Think drinks like Hot Toddy's, Hot Cafe Denis (coffee, kahlua and Baileys), Hot Peppermint Patties, Hot Buttered Whiskey or even as far out as Bloody Bulls (grey goose, warmed bloody mary mix and a dash of beef broth).

Photo courtsey of Martha Stewart

Stay tuned for Part Two of our 12 Days of Christmas/Events!

UNIQUE CHRISTMAS WEDDING IDEAS

The holidays are among us and in addition to the usual fa-la-la, some couples choose this festive time of year to get married. But Christmas weddings don't have to always be winter wonderlands or holly. I'm sure you've already seen our fave unique Christmas Wedding Theme for 2011. And we'd love to share some of our other ideas but this year we thought we'd put the call out to our fabulous Facebook and Twitter pals to see just how creative they can get with unique details for Christmas Weddings. We got a ton of responses and are more than merry to share some of the best here:


"Rustic winter...fau fur carpets under the tables and furs on the back of the chairs, some sort of fire log centerpiece, antlers on the wall...log cabin feel...with a fire place, bon fire smoked hors d'ouevres...favors wrapped as gifts...and a Christmas tree in the middle of the dance floor. Have a game where people dance around it and can win a prize" -- Renee Ferguson


"Nightmare Before Christmas theme...you could do really bloody or more cartoony like the film. Black and white...sparkly..." -- Erika Anne Dumencu

"A chestnut roast!" -- Cassiopeia Leigh


"55 ft fir tree with lights and a real live manger underneath!" - @JaniceLynnLewis


"A giant gingerbread house in lieu of a cake. Intricately decorated of course. A mass kris kringle exchange would be awesome too depending on the crowd." -- Nadia Frappa Oppedisano

"A Santa area where the adult guests get to sit on Santa's lap, tell them what they want for Christmas and get a photo taken with him as a wedding keepsake. Seriously, how often do WE get to do that?" -- @et_lofte_events


"Who-ville [theme]. There are Dr. Suess Christmas village houses available. You could use one house per table for a centerpiece or surrounding a wedding cake. The couple can use the houses as part of their [holiday] home decorations after the wedding. Or a Hawaiian wedding 'Mele Kalikimaka'! " -- Louise Drinnan

"Santa's Village Theme: servers dressed as elves, milk and cookie shots garnished with cookie [crumbs], female servers dressed as reindeer (antler headbands, red poofs for tails) on hoops suspended from the ceiling pouring champagne by the bar, DJ dressed as Santa?"
--  Deanna Ouzounis


"A Cake truffle tower where they are rolled in coconut so it looks like a pile of snow balls"
-- @dessertxdesign


Think YOU can top these ideas? Let's hear 'em!

WHO DO I TIP: WEDDING EDITION

As a Wedding Planner, I often get asked by clients who in their vendor list should receive tips. The question is a reasonable one. In fact, that my clients understand that tipping their vendors -- while not a requirement -- should be a major consideration, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Here is the short answer: Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who has provided a SERVICE with regards to your wedding should be tipped, if you are HAPPY with the service provided.

It doesn't matter if the service was for an hour or for a year, nor does it matter if you paid a discounted rate or an exhuberant fee. (Would you not tip your waiter at a fancy restaurant just because you already paid for a fancy meal?)  Bottom line is that if your Wedding Professional provided a service and you're thrilled with the outcome, TIP.

Now, unlike many other blogs, articles and web sites out there, I'm not going to sit here and lay out monetary suggestions, percentages or materialistic ideas. Yes, when it comes to things like monetary tips, there may be amounts to which many of us are accustomed. But those amounts are not mandetory, they're suggestions.  In my humble opinion, whatever you can afford as a tip for your wedding professional is acceptable, and again, at your discretion. After all, tipping is a way to show your appreciation for a job well done.

If you tip your Wedding Professionals, they know that you were happy with their service and truly appreciate all their hard work. If you don't, no matter how much praise you heap upon them, they'll likely spend many sleepless nights wondering what the heck they could have done wrong to make you not appreciate their efforts (and they likely will, because hey, no Wedding Professional is going to call you up and say "Hey, so I noticed that you didn't give me a tip...")

Now understandably, if your Wedding Professional, such as your venue or caterer for example, has Gratuity already incorporated into the contract, you don't have to provide an additional tip. And obviously, if you're NOT happy with the service, tipping would be out of the question (which is why you typically offer tips after the service has been rendered). But if you're happy and you know it, clap your hands and tip your vendors.

OK, OK, for those of you who really want a list of Wedding Professionals that should be considered for tipping, here is a rough idea, in no particular order:

Food/Beverage Professionals (IF gratuity is not already included in the contract)
-- this includes Catering/Banquet Managers, Servers and Bartenders

Any Venue Attendants
-- including Valet, Coat Room and Bathroom

Wedding Planner

Florist/Floral Designer

Decorator

Photographer

Videographer

Entertainment -- including ceremony musicians/singers, cocktail hour musicians/singers, DJ, Band, special performers, etc

Cake Designer

Stationary Designers (IF your stationary was custom designed)

Transportation
 -- limos, limo buses, taxi cabs, corporate cards, exotic cars, etc. 

Hair & Make-up

Officiant/ Minister/Clergy Member/Church (for Church's tips are normally in the form of a donation)

5 MAJOR PARTY PLANNING MISTAKES

So you've got a party in mind. Maybe it's your child's Birthday Party, or an engagement soiree or a special gathering to commemorate a milestone in your life. Congrats! Now begins the wonderful blend of tediousness and fun in creating a party that you believe is going to be the best one to happen in 2012!

Before you roll up your sleeves and get crackin', here are 5 Major Party Planning Mistakes that you will want to avoid. (Oh yes I could go on forever but I have only have a word count to adhere to...or try to adhere to anyhow):

1. THEMES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY THOUGHT OUT

When deciding on a theme for your party -- whatever the celebration -- make sure you really think it through. Will it excite your guests? Is it suitable for the celebration? Will the guest of honor like it?  For example, while Planning an "Over the Hill" Birthday party for your family member or dear old pal might seem like a fun idea and, of course, the theme has the best (humorous) intentions, you have to consider the feelings of that person who has to sit through it. Maybe they're NOT OK with turning a ripe old age. Maybe they've been dreading this moment their entire life. And now they have to grin and bear a party that blatantly throws that fact in their face and pretend that it doesn't bother them.

That Tackle-Football themed party (complete with tackle-football game) or Ultimate Frisbee party may seem like a wild and awesome party to your college buddies...to your older or less physically capable friends or family...not so much.

Properly thinking through a thematic concept by keeping your guests, your guest of honour and the logistics in mind will help you create that party of the year...in a good way, rather than "THAT party of the year" in a bad way.

2. BAD HOSTS/HOSTESSES

This might leave you scratching your head a bit so let me explain. If you are the host of a party, relying on your guests to get the party started is a really, really bad idea. Your guests are arriving expecting to be entertained. Not the other way around. Whether it's chatting up your guests, breaking out the Karaoke or Rock Band or...eek...introducing an Icebreaker Game, it's up to YOU to get that party rockin'.

Hiding out in the kitchen prepping food/drinks is not the model for a good host/hostess either. As the host you should be making your guests feel welcome and mingling among them. If you have to enlist the help of others -- professionally or family/friend related -- then do so. If there's two of you hosting a party then take turns throughout the night as the kitchen maid and the host.


3. SENDING OUT INVITATIONS TOO LATE OR TOO EARLY (YES THAT'S POSSIBLE)

Not giving your guests sufficient time to plan in attending your fete is a major boo boo. Your guests need adequate time to sort out their schedules, find babysitting, purchase gifts (if that's what they want to do), arrange transportation, etc. Don't let your invitations be the last thing on your Party Planning To-Do List. It should be one of the first.

At the same time, giving your guests too much notice of your special gathering can backfire on you as well. Invitations sent too far in advance can be forgotten or misplaced. Here is a rough idea of when you should be sending out invitations (of course this depends on location, etc):

Birthday/Formal Dinner /Anniversary / Graduation Parties - 3 to 6 weeks
Cocktail Parties - 2 to 4 weeks
Weddings - 8 weeks to three months (local), 6 months (out of town/country)
Bar/Bat Mitzvah - 1 to 2 months
Thanksgiving Parties - 2 weeks to 2 months
Christmas Parties - 1 to 2 months
Housewarming Parties - 1 to 3 weeks
Lunch/Tea Parties - 1 to 2 weeks


4. MAKING THE PARTY LAST FOREVER

Sure, you never want this day to end. But your guests do.

Most parties that require a reception such as Weddings, Anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvah typically go for on for 5 -8 hours or more. This is because there is usually a multi-course lunch/dinner followed by dancing set in place. However for parties arranged for Birthdays, etc, it's important to keep in mind your guests' comfort factor, age and, of course, food and entertainment. Remember, the longer the party the more food and entertainment needed.

Need a rough guideline? The average child's (in-home) Birthday party should be anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on their age (younger means less time). The average adult (in-home) Birthday party should be anywhere from 2 - 3 hours. The average cocktail reception should be 2 to 4 hours. If you think that most of your guests typically arrive late, add an extra half hour buffer.

We've all been to that party where there wasn't a clear ending time and it seemed to drag on forever because no one wanted to be the first person to leave. By setting out a clear start and end time and building a proper timeline you'll have happy guests who had a good time and now can go about the rest of their day/evening not feeling guilty for "bailing early".


5. NOT PLANNING AHEAD

This is pretty much a staple in planning ANYTHING. You have to think about all the "what if's" that can happen during your soiree or else you could wind up looking like a bad host/hostess, no matter how beyond your reach the situation is. Having a party that involves a backyard BBQ? Plan ahead for increment weather. Having a Birthday Party for your 4 year old? Expect that not all parents are going to drop off their kids and leave (in other words, have adult drinks/munchies on hand!). Assuming that not all your guests are going to come? Forget that noise! Assume that ALL your guests are going to come and if you don't have enough space in your home to accommodate all invited guests, rent out a space somewhere else! Having a lot of guests or want your party to have a huge visual or entertaining impact? Budget appropriately!

By ensuring that all your i's are dotted and all your t's are crossed you can focus on throwing the best damn party ever instead of staring up at the threatening storm clouds wishing to high heaven you had more than one umbrella in your closet.

ET LOFTE EVENTS IS RUNNING FOR A CURE!

Today's post isn't about weddings or events. This is a wake up call about Breast Cancer and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's CIBC Run for the Cure.

Before you roll your eyes thinking that this is just another call for fundraising, consider this: Once upon a time, Breast Cancer was believed to affect women over the age of 40. Today, the statistics are staggering. 1100 women under the age of 40 are being diagnosed with Breast Cancer every year. What's even more scary is that 62 women in Canada are diagnosed with Breast Cancer every bloody day. It's not just our Moms, our Grandmothers or our Aunts that are being hit with this cancer. It's our friends, our sisters...it's ourselves. It's not just genetic. Only 5 - 10% of cases are caused by genetics. Every woman is at risk no matter age, race or DNA.

Et Lofte Events is taking part in the CIBC Run for the Cure on September 30, 2012. I personally will be running my butt off (5 KM ) to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Why? Until I personally saw the destruction that Breast Cancer can cause, I was always non-chalant about it. That perception has changed emmensely.  I personally have seen what Breast Cancer can do when it rears it's ugly head. Having been attacked by Breast Cancer twice my mother struggled through repeated radiation treatments, a double masectomy and a constant fear of it coming back for a third and last time. My Mother-in-law has struggled through chemo when Breast Cancer struck her. I recently have heard from a dear colleague in the wedding industry that has been hit with Breast Cancer.

And for me personally, being a "high" risk candidate for Breast Cancer and undergoing yearly mammograms and MRIs means always looking over my shoulder and wondering if this is the year that they will tell me those four anguish-ridden words: "You have Breast Cancer".  So I'm running for a future where no woman has to live in fear, dread or suffer under the hideous grip of Breast Cancer. When you donate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation your money goes to research programs, education and awareness. Genetic screening for example (which made it possible to discover my high risk of getting Breast Cancer) is just one of the many incredible programs that have come out of research and funding. 

This is not just a request for donations. It's a plea for awareness. Even if you can't donate to the cause, you can promise This Planner here and now that you will get checked often and be aware. The more aware you are of this crazy cancer, the better your chances of stopping it before it hits home.  

Let's wipe out Breast Cancer and make pink just another colour again.

*statistics taken from cbcf.org and rethinkbreastcancer.com

PANTSUITS FOR BRIDESMAIDS: WHY WE LOVE THEM

Alright I'll say it: I'm not a dress kind of gal. Aside from the fact that I'm more of a tomboy who cringes at the mere thought of not having my legs covered, it's possible that the reason could be that it's difficult for me to find a dress that flatters my figure. Or maybe it's because I hate worrying about runs in my pantyhose (or bunching at the ankles for that matter). Or perhaps it's because I hate worrying about tucking my dress into the said pantyhose. Or that I have the whitest stick legs that would make even Casper the Ghost gasp...whatever.

Brides that opt for an elegant pantsuit for their nuptials rather than the traditional gown is something that isn't exactly new. Many Brides have embraced the concept and I love that's it's now considered somewhat 'normal' in wedding fashion. Even Mothers of the Bride and Groom have chosen to go the pantsuit route. But what you rarely see are Bridesmaids wearing pantsuits. 

Why is this a rarity? I'm not sure. I can think of at least a dozen women that would be thrilled to walk the ceremony walkway in the comfort and elegance of a beautiful pantsuit, whether it's long and flowing or sleek and chic. Not to mention it would be something that they could wear again...and again...and again...without having to wait for another wedding to come along.

From uber adorable jumpers to sophisticated slacks to beautifully draped 'onsies', pantsuits are a fashionably chic alternative to the typical Bridesmaid dress (not to mention a comfortable one!).

But what do YOU think?