Halloween...Trick or Treat?

In honor of Halloween, I thought I would spend some time finding some great ideas for Halloween parties. Planning a party can be so much fun - and expensive. A few DIY ideas would definitely help cut your expenses.

It is not for lack of ideas when searching online. There are websites that are dedicated to just Halloween.

Here are a few of my favorites this year...

1. One of my ultimate faves... "THE BLOODY BRAIN SHOOTER"

I have read so many variations of this... but as a bartender in my past life - the best recipe - tried and true - and looks like brains everytime is not what I've been finding on line.

Here it is:
1 1/4 Butterscotch Liqueur
Bailey's Irish Cream
Grenadine

Pour the Butterscotch Liqueur into a shot glass, gently float Bailey's Irish Cream on top of the Liqueur. Slowly add drops of grenadine into the Bailey's to create the Brain effect. Serve.

2. For a DIY decoration that is inexpensive - I love this... so cute!

Here is what you need: 1L Pop bottle; Starch; Cheese Cloth; Old Towel; Scrap piece of felt; Styrofoam ball (the white kind works better); scissors; Hair Dryer (optional); Wire (not pictured)

1. Cover your work area with the towel.
2. Place the styrofoam ball on the 1L pop bottle. If you're using anything other than the white styrofoam - wrap the ball in plastic as to not bleed or fuzz up the cheese cloth.
3.Use the wire to make arms.
4. Lay the cheese cloth over the ghost form.
5. Spray it down with starch. It is recommended to use a spray bottle so that you can control how much starch you use. The more starch used, the stiffer the ghost.
6. You can either let dry overnight - or you can use the hair dryer to dry it.
7. Once completely dry - pull it off the base - add eyes with used felt.

3. This is a great useful decoration...

This is as easy as it looks...

1. Hollow a pumpkin.

2. Add a bowl.

3. Add Ice.

4. Add bottles of beverages.

Done!





4. This next decoration - is so easy and inexpensive - but what an impact...the picture even has all the steps.

5. This is one way to add an inexpensive creepiness to your drinks:

6. Here is such a great detail - and again - this is cheap!

7. Here is a popular trend... it can be done both alcoholic and non-alcoholic...

For this project, you need: One 1.75L bottle of vodka; Five 8.5 ounce bottles; One 1pound bag of Skittles; Five empty plastic water bottles; A funnel; Bowls for seperating the Skittles into flavors; Measuring cup; Coffee filters or paper towels

If you're making a different sized batch, you'll need to know this formula:

60 skittles to 6 ounces of vodka - which yields 8 ounces of vodka.

1.  Separate Skittles into flavors.

2. Fill your water bottles with 6 ounces of vodka each.

3. Add skittles (60 of each flavor) - into separate bottles

4. Shake - Shake - Shake - the more you shake each one - the better. Then set them aside overnight.

5. Strain. Use your coffee filters or paper towel - and filter the vodka mix with a funnel inside the measuring cup. This may have to be repeated often - until the floaties are all gone.

6. Pour the liquid into the Halloween bottle. Repeat for each bottle.

7. Chill and Serve. You can even freeze them

You can also try this with Jolly Ranchers.

You can drink them straight, served in a martini glass or use them in a cocktail.

Mix them with ginger ale, 7-up or Spritee.

You can mix with Cola.

Serve them on the rocks.

You can even add fruit juices.

These are just a few of the fun - and for the most part inexpensive Halloween party decor and who can forget about food and beverage.

You can also check out my Pinterest board of Halloween - it has decorations, costumes, food and beverage ideas. http://www.pinterest.com/eeventsbykina/halloween-decorating-ideas/

And just a few really cute pictures that I just had to share with you (couldn't resist):

Wedding Wednesdays: The meaning of your flowers

So today - is Wedding Wednesday... and thought we could look at the "Wedding Bouquets"

With the ongoing changes and innovative wedding themes - bouquets just get more and more beautiful.
There are styles for everyone. We are all unique and tastes are just as unique as the possibilities.
I started on a quest to find some of the best and unique bouquets I could find. As many of you may know - searching for bouquets - can be a full time job for months. Between colors and style - along with flower preferences - well, you can imagine how great the shelf choice is in terms of what you can find.

So I thought I would start with the meaning of the flowers.

THE FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE MARRIAGE:
Ambrosia: Love returned
Anthurium (Flamingo Flower): The heart
Azalea: Love, romance
Bugle/Ajuga: Most lovable
Cabbage Rose: Ambassador of love
Coreopsis: Love at first sight
Forget-Me-Not: True love
Myrtle: Love
Philodendron: Loving tree
Pink Carnation: Woman's love
Purple Lilac: First love
Red Catchfly: Youthful love
Red Chrysanthemum: "I love"
Red Tulip: Declaration of love
Rose: Love in all its forms. Sacred to all the love goddesses. Red, deep pink and yellow roses are for passion, and are sacred to Aphrodite, Venus and Oshun respectively. White or blue-lavender roses are to honor elders and are traditionally given to grandmothers. Light pink or (especially) peach-colored roses are used to honor mothers.

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE BURNING PASSION
Columbine, red: Anxious and trembling
Chorchorus: Impatient of absence
Elder: Zealousness
Fleur de Lis: A flame, "I burn"
Iris, red: A flame, "I burn"
Iris, yellow: Flame of love
Jonquil: Desire
Larkspur: Ardent attachment
Peach Blossom: "I am your captive"
Statice: Dauntless
Syrian Mallow: Consumed by love

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE FIDELITY
Arbor Vitae: Unchanging friendship, "Live for me"
Azalea: "I will always be true"
Baby's Breath: Everlasting love
Bamboo: Loyalty, steadfastness
Bay Leaf: "I change but in death"
Bleeding Heart: Fidelity
Bluebell: Constancy
Camellia: Steadfast love, "My destiny is in your hands"
Canterbury Bells: Constancy
Caraway: Infidelity prevented
Cedar: Incorruptible
Clematis: Unchanged for eternity
Convolvulus: Bonds
Dahlia: Forever thine
Four-Leafed Clover: "Be mine"
Germander: Faithfulness
Globe Amaranth: Immortality, unfading love
Green Locust Tree: Affection beyond the grave
Heliotrope: Devotion, faithfulness
Honeysuckle (Wild Woodbine): Generous and devoted affection
Hosta: Devotion
Hyacinth, blue: Constancy
Hydrangea: Devotion
Indian Jasmine: Attachment
Ivy: Fidelity in marriage
Lavender: Loyalty
Lemon Blossom: Fidelity in love
Plum Blossom: Keep your promise
Salvia, red: Forever yours
Shepherd's Purse: "I offer you my all"
Strawberry: Future promise
Violet, blue: Loyalty, faithfulness, sweetness
Water Lily: Purity of heart
Wisteria: "I cling to you"

FLOWERS FOR HAPPINESS
Buds: Promise of good things to come
Burnet: Joy
Buttercup: Childishness, cheerfulness
Caladium: Great joy and delight
Calendula: Joy
Everlasting Pea: Lasting pleasure
Gardenia: Transport of joy, ecstasy
Hops: Mirth
Lesser Celandine: Joys to come
Mugwort: Happiness
Oregano: Joy and happiness
Parsley: Festivity
Saffron Crocus: Mirth
Sweet Cicely: Gladness
Sweet Pea: Lasting pleasure

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE ENCHANTMENT BY THE BELOVED
Almond: Lover's charm
Apple: Temptation
Bergamot: "Your wiles are irresistible"
Catnip: Intoxication with love
Dill: Irresistible
Fern: Fascination
Lemon Verbena: Enchantment
Pink: Fascination
Vine: Intoxication

FLOWERS FOR AFFECTION
Gilly Flower: Bonds of affection
Gorse: Enduring affection
Milkvetch: "You comfort me"
Pear: Affection
Pear Tree: Comfort
Viburnum: Token of affection

FLOWERS FOR HOPE, PEACE, UNITY AND FAITH
Angelica: "Your love is my guiding star"
Bind Weed: "Let us unite"
Canna (Flowering Reed): Confidence in the heavens
Cherry Blossoms: Spiritual beauty
Flowering Almond: Hope
Garden Anemone: Faith, belief
Hawthorn: Hope
Olive: Peace
Passion Flower: Faith
Phlox: Unanimity
Queen Anne's Lace: Haven

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE BEAUTY
Amaryllis: Splendid beauty
Calla: Magnificent beauty
Cowslip: Winning grace
Daylily: Beauty
Magnolia: Magnificence
Orchid: Beauty
Poppy, scarlet: Fantastic extravagance
Sweet Alyssum: Worth beyond beauty

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE ABSENT
Artemisia, Silver King: Sentimental recollections
Blue Salvia: "I think of you"
Fuschia: Confiding love, "Your charms are engraved on my heart"
Heartsease, yellow and purple (Johnny Jump Up): Happy thoughts (known as the Valentine herb)
Heartsease, purple: "You occupy my thoughts"
Lemon Balm (Melissa): Memories, pleasant company of friends
Pansy: Remembrance, thoughts
Pussy Toes: Never-ceasing remembrance
Rosemary: Remembrance
Zinnia: Thoughts of you

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE ADORATION AND ADMIRATION
Fennel: Worthy of all praise
Heather: Admiration
Iris: Compliments
Pineapple: "You are perfect"
Sea Holly: Attraction
Sunflower: Adoration
Sunflower, Dwarf: Adoration

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE INNOCENCE AND OTHER OLD-FASHIONED VIRTUES
Camellia: Innocence
Cherry: Sweetness of character derived from good works
Comfrey: Home sweet home
Freesia: Innocence
Grapes: Prosperity and plenty, domestic happiness
Lilac, white: Youthful innocence
Marjoram: Blushes
Sage: Domestic virtue
Violet, white: Innocence, modesty, candor

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE OTHER VIRTUES
Anemone: Truth, sincerity
Angelica: Inspiration
Basil: Best wishes
Bayberry: Good luck
Borage: Courage, directness, "Speak your mind"
Broom: Humility
Chamomile: Energy in adversity
Coneflower: Life, conviviality
Dog Rose: Pleasure and pain
Elderflower: Compassion
Evergreen Thorn: Solace in adversity
Flowering Cherry: Nobility, chivalry
Forsythia: Good nature
Garden Chervil: Sincerity
Gladiolas: Strengthening of character
Gloxinia: A proud spirit
Hazel: Inspiration
Hollyhock: Fruitfulness and fecundity
Honesty: Sincerity, honesty
Iris, blue: Messenger
Lamb's Ears: Gentleness, support
Loosestrife: Wishes granted
Lupine: Imagination
Maple: Native American symbol of success in abundance
Pine Cone: Fertility, life
Pomegranate: Fertility
Sedum: Tranquility
Spanish Jasmine: Sensuality
Stonecrop: Tranquility
Tarragon: Unselfishness
Wisteria: Mutual trust
Zephyr Flower: Expectation

FLOWERS THAT SYMBOLIZE USEFUL PHRASES
Aster, double: "I share your sentiments"
Chestnut Tree: "Do me justice"
Euonymous/Spindle Tree: "Your image is engraved on my heart"
Feverfew: "I reciprocate your affection" and "You light up my life"
Mistletoe: "I surmount difficulties"
Mountain Ash: "With me you are safe"
Thyme, Lemon: "My time with you is a pleasure"
Vernal Grass: "We may be poor, but we will always be happy"

PLANETARY HERBS (FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ASTROLOGICAL WEDDING)
Sun: Heliotrope
Moon: Iris
Mercury: Fir
Venus: Aster
Mars: Wormwood
Jupiter: Fig
Saturn: Monkshood (which is poisonous; don't handle with bare hands, and if it is to be carried by bridesmaids, place it in the center of a bouquet where they don't have to handle it)

10 Hidden Wedding Costs (article from The Knot)

** A great read - could not resist in posting this on my blog... from The Knot.

It's all those pricey extras that slide in under the radar. We've asked the experts to clue us in on their insider secrets for avoiding those little-known financial pitfalls and sticking to your wedding budget.

1. Wedding Band Equipment
Why it's hidden: The cost of the wedding band includes fees for the musicians' time and the minimum amount of equipment needed. If your reception space is extra-large, then additional speakers and microphones could possibly be required to project the best sound quality.

The cost: Anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars

How to avoid it: Before booking your wedding band or DJ, you need to clearly explain the layout of the space (or have them check it out, if they're willing) so the vendors know exactly what they're working with. If they want to add in extra equipment, you should have them explain why it's necessary before you sign a contract or agree to pay for anything else.

2. Postage Stamps
Why it's hidden: Stationers don't advertise the shipping costs; if they did, you might decide to go with simpler (read: cheaper) invites.

The cost: Oversized, awkwardly shaped and bulky invitations will most often run you as much as $2 each to mail.

How to avoid it: Skip the fancy boxed invitations and multilayer cards, which can bulk up quickly and cost a lot more than you bargained for.

3. Wedding Dress Alterations and Steaming
Why it's hidden: Most stores don't include alterations (or steaming!) in the price of the wedding dress, and they're not doing it for free -- it can take up to three hours just to alter the bustier!

The cost: A simple hem can be less than $100, but completely rebuilding a bodice or moving zippers can send the price upward of $500.

How to avoid it: Ask about what the store charges for every alteration you may need before you purchase the gown.

4. Overtime Costs
Why it's hidden: Your band, DJ, wedding photographer and videographer are booked for just a certain amount of time, so if your wedding runs a little longer than you expected, they'll charge per hour.

The cost: Starting at $250 per hour

How to avoid it: Factor in additional time for getting dressed and taking photos; that way, you can book your vendors for a more realistic timeline. Get overtime costs in writing (they shouldn't be more than 50 percent more per hour than the regular rate) so you'll know what to expect if you decide to keep the party going.

5. Welcome-Bag Delivery
Why it's hidden: Most hotels don't factor in a welcome-bag delivery fee when you block rooms. And they may fail to mention the rate unless you ask -- they'll just add it to your final bill. Inquire within; they may even charge you a fee for holding the welcome bags if you drop them off before the guests arrive!

The cost: Up to $7 per bag

How to avoid it: During the booking process, ask about the hotel's policy on receiving and delivering welcome bags to guests' rooms. It may be free or cheaper if they hand the bags out at the counter as guests check in. If you don't want the extra charge, you can distribute them at the rehearsal dinner.

6. Rental Transport
Why it's hidden: You'd assume that the rental companies would include these extra fees in the per-item costs (do they honestly think you're going to fit 150 chiavari chairs in your own car?), but surprisingly, they don't.

The cost: From $50 up to more than $500

How to avoid it: Ask the rental company what their shipping and packaging fees are up front -- if the cost is too high for your budget, shop around a bit. You just might find that you'll actually save some money by renting items from a more expensive company that includes delivery costs at no extra charge.

7. Taxes and Gratuities
Why it's hidden: Even though these aren't exactly hidden -- we all know that there are taxes on almost everything -- most couples don't think about how much they'll end up owing during the planning process.

The cost: This will depend on the total amount of money you're spending as well as the location of the event (taxes vary in different areas).

How to avoid it: There's no getting around paying taxes, but paying the entire bill in one lump sum can help lower the overall price. A safe bet: Tack on an extra third of your total costs to your budget for tips and taxes.

8. Cake-Cutting and Corkage Fees
Why it's hidden: If you use the cake or booze provided by your reception site, the charge is typically wrapped into the cost. Going with an outside baker or vino can raise the price. Why? Because your venue's workers are responsible for slicing and serving each piece, then cleaning the dishes. This means more work for their staff!

The cost: From $2 to $5 per guest for the cake; from $1.50 to $3 for every bottle the venue opens

How to avoid it: Calculate the cake-cutting and corkage fees before you decide to go with an outside source for either.

9. Cleanup and Breakdown Costs
Why it's hidden: Many brides spend so much time planning the actual day that they forget to budget for what happens when it's all over.

The cost: While a full-service venue won't charge for these things, if you're paying a flat fee to rent the space only, anticipate fees for garbage removal (up to $250), freight elevator use (up to $150) and cleaning (up to $500). And even most full-service venues require same-day setup and cleanup. So if you're getting married on a weekend, expect to pay time and a half for labor, and if your party goes into the wee hours of the morning, you may face extra charges for late-night pickup and cleanup.

How to avoid it: Read your contract carefully -- the setup and breakdown costs should be included in the labor charge.

10. Non-Approved Vendors
Why it's hidden: Some venues require you to use caterers or florists from their preferred vendor list -- and tack on a fee if you don't.

The cost: Usually an extra 20 percent or more

How to avoid it: Stick to the list, or choose a venue without one.

Special thanks to Lindsay Landman, event designer; Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, wedding expert and founder of RSVP Soiree Luxury Event Rentals; and Marcy Blum, event planner and founder of Marcy Blum Associates

-- Tia Albright



Read more: Wedding Budget: 10 Hidden Wedding Costs - Wedding Planning - Wedding Budget http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/10-hidden-wedding-costs.aspx#ixzz2j7wxTpnn

Event Design Series: Budget

Budget: a few tips to have the big impact decor on a small budget

I will try not to write a novel here, although it's very tempting. Budget is always a concern, even for so-called "big budget" events - no one wants waste or to go over. Here are a few thoughts:

1. Manage your and your guests' expectations. Remember that your target budget needs to reflect real life. For example, whatever your target event budget is, take about half of that for food and drinks and set your style/formality level from there. So a $30/per person event has a roughly $15/per person meal (including drinks and service!), so keep it casual!

2. Focus your efforts. If there's no budget for an item like decor or party favors, remove it from the program rather than trying to do it halfway. If you design what you do have carefully, attendees often won't notice what you didn't include.

2. Cut your guest list. The number one element that affects the budget is the scale. Each additional guest means an additional chair, spot at a table, place setting, invitation, print suite, meal or food, drinks, and rental items. Also - carefully manage your invitations and RSVPs so you don't purchase for guests who don't show up. You will get fewer guests than you expect more often than not.

3. If you are doing any event functions in-house or DIY in order to save money, start early. There's nothing more morale-killing at an organization than giving a job like registration/nametags, decor, or setup to your employees (or, in the case of a wedding/social event, to your relatives and friends) and leaving things until the last minute. Your hoped-for "big impact" will wither and die as people sense the stress of your DIY staff or volunteers.

4. Choose a venue wisely. For example, if there's no budget for decor, avoid sites with little built-in appeal that cry out for flowers or lighting. And if a speaker is an important component of the event, look for a venue with a great sound system included in the rental (and test it!).

5. Support "lean" events with customer service. If you are having to cut back on food or decor, chances are these are less noticeable if your guests are treated well and with personal service from the time they register to the time the exit the event.

Here are just a few tips that will help immensely in trimming the budget fat.

Have a tip on event budgets you'd like to share? Please leave a comment below!

Meeting Room Layouts

I thought I would take some time to write about meeting room layouts. When planning an event its important to know some basic guidelines of types of setups you can have in a room. It also helps determining if it's the right setup for your type of meeting or event.


 Theater StyleSeats or chairs in rows facing a stage area, head table, or speaker (with no conference table)

Used for 
This is the most efficient set-up when the attendees will act as an audience. This set-up is not recommended for food events or if note taking is required. 

Set-up hints 
This is a very flexible room set-up. Rows can be circular, semi-circular, straight, or angled toward the focal point. 
Offset each row so that attendees don’t have to look over the person in front of them (this will increase the space required). 
If using banquet type chairs, space them 3” to 6” apart as these chairs are normally narrower than most people’s bodies. 
If you have the space, allow for 24” between rows to allow attendees easy movement in and out of the row. 

Pros 
Good for large groups when reading/writing are not required 

Cons 
Elevation changes needed for large groups 
No writing surface 
Minimal group interaction


 U-Shape
A series of conference tables set in the shape of the letter U, with chairs around the outside.
Used for 
This layout style is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups where there is a speaker, audio-visual presentation or other focal point. 
Set-up hints 
A minimum of 2’ of table space is required per attendee. 
Skirt the inside of the “U” if attendees are being seated only on the outside. 
Avoid the “U” set-up for groups greater than 25, as the sides of the “U” become too long and may not promote participation from all attendees. 
Pros 
Good work space 
Good interaction between participants 
Ideal when audio-visual or speakers are involved 
Cons 
Not ideal for larger group


 Classroom Style
Rows of conference tables with chairs facing the front of a room (and usually a speaker), providing writing space for each person.
Used for 
This room set-up is ideal for note taking, meetings requiring multiple handouts or reference materials, or other tools such as laptop computers. This is the most comfortable set-up for long sessions and allows refreshments to be placed within reach of each attendee. 
Set-up hints 
Tables that extend beyond the stage or podium should be angled toward the speaker. 
Allow for approximately 2’ of space per person at each table. (More space may be required depending on the amount of materials). 
Minimum space between tables is 3’. Provide 3½’ if space allows, for ease of movement in and out of rows. 
Pros 
Presenter can see all participants 
Accommodates large groups in less space 
Cons 
Minimal interaction possible 
Participants only see each other’s backs

 Boardroom Style
A rectangular or oval table set up with chairs around all sides and ends.

Used for 
This table layout is often used for Board of Directors meetings, committee meetings, or discussion groups. 

Set-up hints 
Many facilities offer rooms with permanent conference tables in a variety of shapes.
If these are not available, standard conference tables can be placed together to form a square, rectangle or hollow square. 
Remember, the larger the set-up, the harder it is for attendees to see others at the end opposite them. 

Pros 
Good work space 
Good working atmosphere 
Good interaction between participants 

Cons 
Not ideal for audio-visual presentations 
Not ideal for speakers 
Not ideal for larger groups

Seating Arrangements Tips and Ideas (For Weddings)

One of the first things your guests will be doing when they first enter the reception (aside from getting a cocktail) will be looking for where they are to be seated.

Depending on the scale of your event and the people that are attending (and the drama some may bring) - this could get tricky! Guests generally like pre-arranged seating arrangements for sit-down dinners. It shows you thought about whom they'd be best seated with, and it cuts down on confusion when it's time for the meal to begin.

The first thing you need to do is talk with anyone else who is directly involved with planning. This is where you need to decide if you will be taking the advice of others or determine among yourselves where everyone will sit.

The head table can be just for the honorees. In a wedding setting it can be for the bride and groom only. Or they can invite other heads (such as the maid of honor; best man; or the entire wedding party). Traditionally the bride sits at the groom's right, with the maid of honor on his left and the best man on the bride's right. The rest of the party follows suit in an alternating male/female pattern. However - more and more - we see the groom's party on his side, and the bride's party on her side.

If you are having a small wedding party, you may want to include their spouses or dates at the head table. Or, you may choose to spread your wedding party around at the guest tables, which would also allow them to sit with their partners.

The table of honor - located near the head table - is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception. If there are several people you would like seated at this place of honor, you may have to have two tables - perhaps on for the bride's family and one for the groom's.Divorced parents should be seated at different tables of honor with their partners and close family and friends.

Always seat married couples at the same table. Younger children should be seated with their parents or, if you have a lot of children attending, you might want to have a "kids" table - strategically placed near their parents - with some crayons and paper or other games and toys to keep them buys.

If you have a large group of griends you need to divide, split the group down the middle and fill each tble with other people. That way no one feels completely left out. For single friends, judge which seating situation will make them happiest - a table of unattached counterparts or a few couples mixed into the scene. Never, and we do mean never, seat only one or two singles at a table full of couples, and try to avoid tables of all strangers.

Younger people - or people who love music - should be at tables close to the music makers, while older quests may want a quieter table.
Guests should be informed where they are seated...and this is where my next piece comes in.

I love the original ideas that are coming out. So many to choose from. There is certainly a style for everyone.
Here I have added some of my favorite ideas.

♥ Seriously, how stunning is this?! Details of each persons seat hanging from a cherry blossom tree! Sure, your guests will have to rummage through to find their name but that’s all part of the fun!

♥ Names in numbered plant pots! Perfect for a garden themed wedding or for a couple with a love for the outdoors!

♥ Let your guests know where to sit when they pick up their glass for a drink!

♥ For a rustic looking seating chart you can use wood as a major part of the display, we love the use of hearts here too!

♥ Window pains are becoming ever more popular in the wedding world, simply list the names using a white pen for an easy yet quirky seating chart.

♥ Possibly our favorite seating chart ever! We love how personal this is to each of your guests and plus, it must be pretty funny for all of them to gawk over the photos you've chosen! I’m sure Ella on table 5 appreciated that one!

♥ Using the favors as part of the plan works great too! Simply attach their names and table place to whatever your favors may be and you've got some pretty happy guests!

♥ For a romantic touch to the day, displaying the seating chart on a scroll is super cute and clearly looks great outdoors!

♥ If you want something with more of a ‘wow’ factor then creating an entire display around the chart is gorgeous. You could even add pictures of the bride and groom! Be sure to tie in other details of the day too like the color scheme or if the day has a theme to it.

♥ If you've gone vintage for the day then typing up the seating chart on a typewriter and leaving it on display looks so classic!

♥ Again, for a shabby chic, rustic feel, using a wooden door with keys displayed all over it is very effective!

♥ For a DIY seating chart using mini pieces of patterned card embellished with buttons gives a really personal touch to the day!

♥  Here’s another amazing DIY too! Cover old CD’s and use them as the letter markers in a box! This is also super efficient for your guests to easily find their name!

♥ How about getting creative with some playing cards and a frame?!

♥ Alternatively, you could just not have a seating plan at all and let your guests sit wherever they please!

The choice is yours ♥

To view more ideas - see my pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/eeventsbykina/seating/

Deciding on Wedding Decoration

For some this is easy - almost second nature. For others this is a struggle or a disagreement with the soon to be Mr. Husband. The latest trends are bountiful and can be found everywhere. Usually speaking many will go with a type of wedding they want and decorate within that theme.

Ordinary weddings are not norm. They don't really exist anymore. It's about you (and hubby) - your likes - your personalities. Today, classic look and feels to weddings have gone to the extravagant and exquisite events. A theme will dictate your venue, wedding decorations, centerpieces and sometimes even the attire for the wedding party (and in extreme cases your guests attire too). Wedding themes can only be limited by someone's imagination. Deciding (or agreeing) on the theme is the most trying part for some couples. Deciding on the wedding theme is a fun and exciting part of the planning. A great "out-of-the-box" theme can leave guests with great stories and memories of your special day. But it doesn't imply that one has to spend huge amounts of money in planning a wedding. A simple wedding can be themed, just like an extravagant wedding can be non-themed. It really depends on the couple's expectation for their special day.
The style of your wedding will help you in selecting the right type of theme and decorations. Here are a few examples of wedding styles that are all the rave these days.

Simple Wedding Décor

In keeping things simple and fresh - your venue can have minimum decorations, centerpieces and lights. Subtle colors and flower decoration on main entrance, wedding stage and food stalls would be ideal. A touch of elegance can be done through use of yellow lights. These weddings are typically done for either themed or non-themed weddings.

Traditional Décor

This is for the person who is attached to roots and wishes to have a traditional wedding, then the type of venue will decide the look of the wedding. Weddings can happen in a temple, church or even at the couple's home. But this doesn't mean that the scope of decorations is limited in these cases. The best way to make your venue stand out is to have wonderful flower decorations as there is less scope for use of other decoration pieces. Use of typical bright colors like red, orange, yellow, green and blue will give the desired effect.

Larger than life Décor

Just to put this one in perspective - think of Indian Weddings. This is often the wedding of choice for top shots and celebrities - something you would see in Bollywood movies. Wedding decorations are generally themed on bride's taste and preference. The themes can be something unusual, like having Paris setup in the venue or having the venue decorated with ceiling treatments and overstated colors and textures. These weddings are typically planned and executed by wedding planners as there are so many moving parts and creativity needed to execute this type of theme properly without it looking gaudy.
In present times, people not only prefer the theme weddings – but it is the most popular of weddings.

Ultimately, the theme décor comes down to the following things:
- Budget
- Bride's preference
- Wedding Planners
- Wedding Theme

Wedding décor is an individual choice and should reflect someone's sense of style and taste. Tried and tested is no longer the rage. Experimental is the "in" thing.

So... what are you waiting for! Let's start planning for your wedding.

Negotiations

A special quality you want your planner to have.

How important is a good negotiator when it comes to dealing with suppliers? Believe it or not - this part could save you hundreds and thousands of dollars. From the cost of the venue to the bulk rooms you are getting for your out of town guests.
It depends on a couple of factors - but generally speaking many of the prices that are advertised for events - can be reduced.
A stay at the Park Hyatt - can go from $395 down to $195 for a room. In the heart of Toronot. Yes it can be done.
When you are looking at a venue in a hotel - for example - there is some space for negotiations. If you are looking to book a block of 20+ rooms for your family coming in for the event - there are some concessions that can be made.
If you are looking to book for multiple days - more concessions can be made.
If you are also looking at having them cater your event over multiple days - more cost breaks.

All this to say - when you hire an event planner - you are getting more than someone who tells you where you have to be and at what time.
A good event planner has great negotiations skills. They have the knowledge of what they can ask in negotiations and will get some deals for your event (among other traits).

Have you found your negotiator? Find yourself a planner that can be the negotiator. See your savings add up - and be able to spend the savings on other parts of your event.
One important thing to remember - get your negotiator involved from the very beginning. They can help with venue selection/negotiations; help with Food & Beverage; help with almost every detail of your event.
It may be nickles and dimes - but the big picture will definitely show you dollars.

Site selection

Some deem this to be the most important part of any event... and rightfully so. Yes that's right - it is a very important part of the event. When looking at the possibilities and the choices - this can be overwhelming. The cost, location and surroundings could also a big factors in what you finally select.
This is where the memories will be made. This is where you are having your event. Whether it be a birthday, wedding or conference - the venue will be your home for that time. If you are having a wedding in a venue - that has a bar with live bands that play very loud music after 9pm - this could ruin your evening. It's important to know what happens at these venues. Also - inform yourself to other events happening during your selected date(s).
But the other part that many do not look at is the staffing that is there. If at any point during your evening you need help or require additional items - how will the staff handle these requests. Are they an attentive bunch? Will they be able to accommodate the requests in a timely fashion? As much as you plan and you think that your plan is bullet proof, there is always something that will squash that notion quickly. How do you proceed? Have questions - and many of them. During your visit of the venue - ask those questions. Pose them as situational questions - like - If we need another mike at the last minute, who would I approach for this? If we needed more food - who would I approach and what could I expect? Those are not necessarily the questions you want to ask - but in some cases these are very important. This is especially true if your venue is supplying you with food (for example). Most venues will have a pre-event meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is when you could ask them the questions that have come up with since your initial meeting. If they don't offer a pre-event meeting - request it! An important piece of a great event is that all are on the same page and have the same expectations.

And now it's time!

It has been a little while since I last posted. No worries - I'm still here - and alive! It has been busy. In light of some news that my daytime job - our company has been sold - and we are faced with a merger. I have been overly captivated by that - being the President's Executive Assistant. As you can imagine there were many added responsibilities. However - Event Planning is still my main focus. Even more so - as we are looking at possibly not having my day job anymore. We have also recently completed a wonderful conference in Toronto - at the Royal York. My key words here would be: "Be ready for anything!". It was a great turn out! Organization is always key, but an awesome support team is even more important. The Royal York is a beautiful venue and there staff was OK. I have dealt with a much more organized crew for events - however most of them were very pleasant. I spent 5 days there for this conference - and what a great location. My favorite part was the underground city with all the last minute purchases and changes - it was a life saver. Our attendees enjoyed themselves - and what a great turnout. Sponsors were all very happy about being able to participate in this year's event. All in all - a very successful event!