Wednesday
Friday
THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS THEORY
© Melissa Nowakowski April 2010
At times I encounter clients who feel somewhat distressed over their chosen venue for their wedding or event. They have picked a venue that they feel is the best fit for their needs in terms of budget, location and (of course, the most important factor) the quality and style of food.
So what's the problem? The said venue is quote: "a typical banquet hall" -- bland, boring, perhaps outdated...just no 'oomph'.
So how do you take a venue like this and make it unique, stylish and, well, you? Apply The Little Black Dress Theory.
Think of your venue as the classic little black dress: a solid canvas that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. That said, your standard venue can be anything you want it to be with the right additions.
WRAP IT UP!
Outfitting your chairs in beautiful coloured covers can turn your standard banquet chairs from weary to wow. Stretch covers can give your chaise a sleek, sophisticated appearance while wraps, brocade and ballroom covers add flowing elegance. Add a sash, band or tuck a flower into the cover's folds for a splash of colour. Not feeling the whole cover-your-chair bit? Replacing the chairs altogether with stylish chair rentals such as Chiavari chairs, Ghost chairs and more, will instantly transform your tables. When choosing linens, don't feel limited to solid cotton or satin linens and overlays. Play with bold patterns, intricate designs and more. You would be surprised how dramatically a room can change from the simple (yet strategic!) use of linens and chairs.
SHAKEN AND STIRRED
Banquet halls are synonymous with round tables but there's nothing holding you to that shape. A mixture of round, square and rectangular guest tables add dimension. And why should the 'Head Table' get all the fun? Adding a series of risers along the walls and placing a few guest tables on them creates bold height definition (just be sure to include steps for any guests you seat on risers and ensure those guests don't have mobility issues!). Rather than opt for the standard jumble of tables, place all your tables in one large circle, figure eight them (with the 'Head Table' at its centre) or place rectangular tables in one large, adjoined rectangle.
Centre your 'Head Table' among guests or distribute your guests-of-honour to separate Bistro-style tables set on risers at different heights to change up the boring 'Head-table-at-the-front-of-the-Room' look.
Forgo banquet tables and chairs altogether and implement comfort furniture such as couches, coffee tables, benches, bar stools and bar tables, armchairs, ottomans and yes, depending on the event's formality, even bean bag chairs!
THIS LIL' LIGHT O' MINE...
When used properly, lighting can dramatically change not just the venue but the entire mood of an event. There are numerous lighting options out there ranging from the budget-friendly to the luxurious. It's all in how you light it up.
Uplighting walls and drapery with coloured Gobos can instantly transform a venue's perimeter. Whether your look if soft and pretty or bold and funky, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have the ability to mix colours and can illuminate everything from walls, ceilings, tables and bars. Pinspots can highlight centerpieces and specific focal-points for effect. Underlighting (most often seen at 'Head Tables') can provide drama for your guest tables when strategically placed under just a few.
SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG
Dress up your dance floor...literally! While lighting can add ambiance, gone are the days where a monogram Gobo lit up the tiles. Nowadays, you can literally dress up your dance floor with lightweight covers in your theme design. Whether adorned with a monogram, logo, photograph, pattern or even simply in a specific shade and design, companies such as Dance Floor Decor in Toronto provide a thin covering that adheres to the dance floor -- instantly dressing it up with some pizazz. At the end of the night, simply peel off the covering like a Post-It note!
DAZZLE WITH DRAPING
The right draping -- whether heavy, satin, lightweight or sheer -- can instantly add texture to any room. Ceiling swags give a stylish 'whoosh' to high ceilings while strategically placed and designed draping along the walls can elegantly accessorize bland walls.
Does the colour of the walls at your venue contrast with your colour scheme? Draping -- albeit at times a costly measure depending on the size of your venue -- can hide unsightly walls and present beautifully textured perimeters instead.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS DAHLIN'
Putting a unique spin on traditional elements of an event -- whether they are guestbooks, wedding cakes, favours, seating arrangements, etc -- will draw focus to them and away from the room itself. Add additional focal points such as stylish and interactive food stations or specialized entertainment such as a dance floor troupe or cultural performance, strategically place blown-up photographs related to the guests-of-honour around the venue for attendees to view while they sip cocktails, hang coloured Chinese paper lanterns (or for a unique twist, hang large-scale Origami!) from the ceiling, project a different silent video montage on each of the walls...the possibilities are endless! Getting creative with the "little" details will again, draw attention to the right elements and add flavour to any area that you feel is...well...tasteless.
Now, I'm not saying that all banquet halls are bland and boring. There are some absolutely stunning banquet halls out there. But let's be honest shall we? We've all encountered those venues that provide impeccable quality in food and service but at the same time make us want to gouge our eyes out in terms of appearance.
If the venue that you have chosen has everything you could ask for -- except personality -- the key is to look at it as you would view your little black dress: a timeless piece that we can instantly update and, with the right accessories, become instant va-va-voom!
A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE (wedding) THINGS
(at the moment)
© Melissa Nowakowski February 2010
Here are just a few things that as a wedding planner I'm totally lovin' right now...
GRANNY'S BRIDAL BOOTS!
Bright coloured wedding heels? Done. Bringing back vintage class? Brilliant!
Whether they're Bridal-Bliss white or doused in vibrant colour like red and pink, Granny boots are not just a chic alternative to the classic white pump but are also a fun, edgy pair of kicks that you can wear again and again long after the wedding.
RINGS OF HOPE: GIFTS THAT JUST KEEP ON GIVING
As a thank you to your bridal buds, give something that they'll not only cherish as a memento of your big day but they'll feel good wearing too! The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's Rings of Hope, designed by Delavaux Jewelry, come in a variety of gorgeous styles. Priced at $39.99, a whopping $20 goes directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
THE SAX: TOSS THE STRING QUARTET TO THE WIND!
Yes, wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours seem to be synonymous with string quartets, harpists and pianists (even solo guitarists are becoming a huge trend). But why go for the ordinary when you can walk down the aisle to the smooth, sexy sound of a saxophone? Think slow and soulful as you stroll down the white carpet and sophisticated, cool jazz during the cocktail hour. Loving it yet? Us too!
YELLOW & TURQUOISE: BRIDAL AND BOLD!
Fun, vibrant and chic, yellow and turquoise adds a bit of everything to any occasion! Whether you're going for 'sweet and charming' like this shower featured on Style Me Pretty or sophisticated and sassy, the yellow and turquoise combination provides an abundance of style options.
Photo by Westpark Photo
THE STRONG, SILENT TYPE: SILENT VIDEO MONTAGE!
That slide show featuring each of you growing up and then your journey together as a couple? I bet you can count on both hands how many times you've seen that at weddings you've attended!
Think beyond stills and create a tribute that's much more engaging and doesn't force your guests to sit through a ten minute array of photographs -- do a silent video montage!
No, I'm not talking Charlie Chaplin style. Collect any videos from friends and family that capture the two of you together -- whether funny, sweet or just a glimpse -- or take some time once a month over the next year of planning to videotape yourselves doing fun (or even everyday) things. Combine those videos with a few beautiful colour and black-and-white photos of you. Play the video on-screen during dinner or the cocktail hour as a SILENT FILM and voila! A testament to the two of you that is animated, beautiful, (sometimes hilarious depending on the footage) and reality TV at its best!
Photo courtesy of Buzz Sugar ALL THINGS BUTTONED-UP!
Ok, button bouquets and centerpieces are no longer "unique" as they've been picking up momentum as a huge trend, but gosh darn it! I still love 'em! Quirky, colourful and super Eco-chic, button bouquets and/or centerpieces add whimsy and wit to any occasion -- especially weddings where flowers are considered a "staple".
Photo courtesy of Princess Laserton
Photo courtesy of Bliss TreeTICKLE ME WITH FEATHERED HAIRPIECES!
This planner is a huge fan of all things nontraditional which is why I get excited when a bride opts for a feathered headpiece or fascinator. Whether its big and fluffy or small and colourful, feathers can add that extra "oomph" to a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress while keeping the romance and style.
Photo courtesy of Style Hive
GOODIES FOR THE GROOM: CUSTOMIZED BUTTONIERRES
I've written about these bad boys before and I'm still head over heels for them! Forget the traditional buttonierres of matching flowers for the Groom and give him something he'll be stoked to wear and will want to keep long after the Big Day is over! Fritts Rosenow creates customized bespoke buttonierres customized to pretty much any male-oriented interest out there. Ranging from $25 to $125 each (depending on the materials used), these buttonierres are not just completely original but they're a conversation piece all their own.
Wednesday
A NOTE ABOUT CREATIVITY
© Melissa Nowakowski February 2010
So this planner recently put out a call on Twitter asking fellow tweeters what they'd like to read on the Et Lofte Blog next. Wedding_Crasher posted "What do you love about [being a planner]".
While there are many things that I love about my profession, here's the point-blank answer: the creativity.
creativity (noun): Ability to produce something new through imaginative skill, whether a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form.
Yes, taking on the challenge of, and having the ability to, make a client's lifetime vision a reality is quite rewarding. But there's nothing more rewarding to this planner than having the opportunity to get creative and produce an event that's well beyond that vision.
Now when I say "creativity" I don't mean looking for a concept in a magazine/blog/web site or taking an idea from a previous event I had done and replicating it. To me, that is not being creative. That is being inspired.
True creativity, I believe, comes from the depths of your own imagination. It's the drumming up of an innovative idea (or surpassing an existing one by largely tweaking it until it IS innovative).
It's the originality of thinking that will leave a lasting impression not just in your clients' minds but your own.
It's the ability and desire to take on the challenge of outdoing yourself with every idea you conjure up.
It's the not being limited by the same-old-same old rules or being afraid of contradiction, imbalance or being brazen in your approach to problems or ideas.
Creativity is truly the drive in my profession and what I look forward to with each and every client with whom I have the privilege of working.
Monday
COLOUR ME THIS
© Melissa Nowakowski January 2010
As a wedding and event planner I always strive to find unique colour combinations for my clients. After all, who wants the ho-hum of black and white or be a trend groupie with last year's colours of the wedding season?
Here are the top three colour combos that Et Lofte Events will be showcasing in their events this year:
DRAW IN YOUR GUESTS WITH GREY AND RED: There's a big misconception that the grey and red combo is for Gothic-inspired events. While in some cases that may be true, grey and red can actually be a stunning combination of sophstication that offers lots of variety in decor and style. It's all in how you play with it!
TICKLE US WITH TURQUOISE AND PURPLE: Bright, bold and most importantly, FUN! How can you not feel energetic and happy with this colour combo? Pair it up with quirky decor and florals and you have a whismical event. Match it with clean lines and stylish accessories and you have a chic soiree.
OH THE POWER OF LIME: Lime green is this planner's all time favourite colour to work with as it goes so well with so many colours on the wheel. Pair it up with pink for a soft look or couple it with black for funky, modern personality. Lime and brown works well as a compromise between soft and bold and Lime matched with plum is vibrant and fun!
Never be afraid to play around with colour. Some of the most unlikely colour combinations create huge impact for any event.
Happy planning!
Tuesday
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE...ER...COOKIE
For the optimum Do-It-Yourself-er, the Message in a Cookie cutters set makes beautiful personalized cookies for any occasion. The set includes hear, star and scalloped cutters that include phrases, words and letters so that you can "typeset" a personal message to your guests or carry out your theme.
Photo courtesy of WilliamSonoma.comNow how sweet is that?
Monday
A WINTER WEDDING THEME
TO TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS!
TO TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS!
Photo courtesy of www.thecookiebatch.info
© Melissa Nowakowski December 2009
There are an abundance of winter wedding themes that add an extra dab of bliss to the holidays. But what wedding theme could be more warm and fuzzy than a Gingerbread Wedding!
Love the sweetness of Gingerbread but just can't see it in your wedding? This planner can!
Sit back with a warm cup of cocoa, close your eyes and picture this:
COLOURS: Cozy your wedding up in warm hues of tan, cream and poppy
FLORALS: Use cream coloured florals with a dab of brown hypercium berries for a splash of colour. Want to get super adorable? Have a lone Gingerbread bride peak out from the bouquet and accessorize the Groom's boutonniere with a miniature Gingerbread man!
CENTERPIECES: What could be more fun (not to mention über cute!) than Gingerbread houses of different shapes and sizes? (And you can just imagine the fight over who gets to take the centerpiece home!)
Photo courtesy of www.celebratingchristmas.com
MENU: Spice up your menu with the taste of Gingerbread (just be sure to add the flavour to specific menu items for impact rather than to everything)! Serve up Gingerbread Martini's (Absolut Vanilia, Kahlua and Gingerbread liqueur) during the cocktail hour and Hot Gingerbread Toddies or Lattes during dessert! Include baked German gingerbread apples with your late night table! Toss the traditional wedding dessert and offer Gingerbread Squares with Honey-Mascarpone Cream! The possibilities are endless!
CAKE: Forget the cake knife and server! Try a Gingerbread Wedding Chapel on for size and break a piece off the steeple in lieu of the traditional cutting of the cake. Let your guests come up and break off their own piece of the Chapel rather than serve cake.
Photo courtesy of www.cookiesandcake.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT: Have a "Decorate your own gingerbread man" table set up with plain Gingerbread Men, icing, sprinkles, candy and more. You'd be surprised to see the excitement on children's faces and just how many adults sneak over to do it too!
FAVOURS: The obvious and most practical choice for favours would be Gingerbread men but there are an abundance of Gingerbread Men/House - themed items out there...everything from soaps to key chains and bookmarks. Other ideas? Make a donation in your guests' names to a homeless shelter or a charity 'house' like the Ronald MacDonald House.
Photo courtesy of Faysfavors.com
LOCATION: Host the wedding in a Victorian mansion or a building with similar architecture. Want to get really in theme and have a unique destination wedding? Host your wedding at the Gingerbread Mansion in Ferndale, California!
Photo courtesy of thegingerbreadmansion.com
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