MarrymeNY

DIY Essentials

2011-09-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Do-it-yourself projects are a great way to really personalize your wedding, as well as saving a few bucks. However, the task of creating 200 individual favors or 150 escort cards with hand-written calligraphy can seem quite daunting. Well we are here to help! With our DIY tricks of the trade, you will be able to confidently achieve the projects you have always envisioned for your wedding.

Tool Kit:
-scissors
-hot glue gun
-x-acto knife
-hole punch
-good quality fine-point
black permanent marker/pen

Tips:
-Make sure you have enough time to complete your project. The best handmade projects are those that aren't rushed. If you allot yourself enough time and energy for a project, you will find that the end result is much greater.
-Ask for help! If your project is taking longer than you thought it would, don't be afraid to ask for an extra pair of hands.
-Going back to the first tip, start early. Do as much as you can in advance. That way, it's something you can check off your list, and not worry about the days leading up to your wedding.

-Test out your project. You may have concocted a great idea in your head, but then when you put your idea on paper, it doesn't exactly work out the way you planned. Purchase only enough materials to create one of your projects, and use it as a crash-test dummy of sorts. If it works out, great! If not, then you didn't waste time and money on something you're never going to end up using.

-Be confident! Have faith that you can create exactly what you envisioned, and chances are that you will do just that.

We hope this helps all DIY brides out there, and inspire those who weren't exactly planning on doing anything themselves. Not really the creative type? Let The Events Company help!

Linen Pick of the Week: Garden Toile

2011-08-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Garden Toile is the pick of the week. This beautiful fabric caught my eye immediately, with it's intricate detailing and gorgeous floral pattern. For this storyboard, I chose to accent this linen with a coral lamour. This fabric allows the client to use almost any other linen to accompany it, as it is simply black and white. Coral is one of my favorite colors and a very popular one for this summer. I also chose a sheer pewter fabric and a classic ivory alongside the coral to add texture and dimension.

For this simulation client, I decided to use the coral color to adorn the other design elements of this wedding. This can be seen in the invitations, escort cards, cake, and floral bouquet, all coming together to achieve a successful color scheme. I also decided to choose a pewter place setting to accent the sheer fabric mentioned earlier. The slight sheen from the plate replicates the same effect of the sheer pewter linen.

Do you have a specific color in mind for your wedding? Need some help making a final decision? Let The Events Company help with your linen choice, and any other design elements.

"We've Got an App for That"

2011-07-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Weddings today are much different from what they were years ago, including how to plan for them. There is no doubt that we are living in a technology age, and there seems to be an application for everything. As we embrace these advancements, we can take advantage of what has become available to us, including wedding planning apps. Below you will find our top five wedding apps to ease what can be a very hectic time!

If technology is not your cup of tea, or you prefer to interact with people instead of a screen, you can rely on The Events Company for help with all of your planning needs.

Fall 2011 Wedding Color Combinations

2011-06-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Want a wedding that "WOW"s and is unlike any of the others you have been to? Then stay hip to the changing trends in color combinations and detailing of your big day.

Purples made a big 'splash' into the wedding world this past year. With the same color vibrancy as fuchsia, cerise and hot pink, which made their appearance at plenty of parties last year, we are seeing a trend with shades of purple to create distinct visions. Antique violet mixed in with peacock blues and silvers create a romantic, vintage feel.

Clayton Opera House, Photo by Bert Pohl

Eggplant lighting is a great way to add a contemporary and edgy feel.

Clayton Opera House, Photo by Bert Pohl

Green combinations have also made a lush and fresh comeback to the fashion industry. Popping muted olive greens with fresh and silky champagnes will make any event the sophisticated event of the year!

Whichever color combination fits your wedding, stop by a Design and Production House in your area, like The Events Company showroom in Syracuse, New York, to meet with an event designer and play with colors, linens and endless possibilities to make your vision perfection!

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York

Making your Headtable a Work of Art!

2011-06-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

It is your special day, and you may have asked 4 close people in your life to stand by you during it, or possibly 20.  No matter what your bridal party count is, there are unique and creative ways to help make your head table the center of attention at your wedding reception.

There is much debate this season about long head tables vs sweetheart tables, and there is one important factor to remember...the decision is YOURS. First you want to decide if you want everyone at your table, or just you and your fiance.  (remember the time spent at the dinner table averages 15-25 minutes out of the reception for the bride and groom).  The most popular trends in head table set ups are:

Sweetheart Table - Just the Bride and Groom

Wedding Day Management by Shannon Marie Lach and Sweetheart Table designed and created by The Events Company, Floral by Floral Gardens, Photo by Lisa Walsh Photography

Family Style Seating - The Wedding Party and their 'date' seated all the way around the table

Wedding Day Management by The Events Company, Floral and arbor by Backyard Garden Florist, Photo by Kelly Stremmel

Long Banquet - The Wedding Party only facing the guests

Linen Rentals and Head Table Design by The Events Company, Photo by Ed Guarente

After you choose your set up, now you must decide on decorating the head table.  You can use the same linens and chairs as your guests, or revers the colors.  You can work with your florist to build your own arbor or frame the table with an amazing backdrop.

A Design professional in your area, like The Events Company, Syracuse New York, can create a design to meet your vision.   If you wish to incorporate floral, make sure your designer has a great relationship with the florist.

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York 

Linen Pick of the Week: Giverny

2011-06-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

This week's linen pick is Giverny. This beautiful watercolor-inspired fabric features a bold floral pattern with an indigo and green print. When working with such a bold linen, it's important to keep other decor elements slightly more subdued.

As you can see, for this mock client, we would suggest using lush cream-colored flowers, as well as a simple place setting, in the same color scheme. We would then be inspired by the decorative floral pattern in the linen and translate that design to the invitations, as well as the wedding cake. This creates a sense of consistency throughout your entire event that will become apparent to your guests.

Are floral patterns not exactly what you're looking for? Check out The Events Company for other options regarding linens, and much more!

Creative Favors - we know how!

2011-06-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, so everyone knows about the traditional bubbles, disposable cameras and candy as wedding favors, can we say boring? Think outside the box and give your guests something to remember your special day by! Doing searches on the web on sites such as Favoraffair.com and Elegantfavorideas.com are a great starting point. We always tell our brides three points when selecting favors:

1: Reflect you and your fiance's relationship (your first date was apple picking - use potted apple cuttings in ornate and customized pots)

2: It is not something that only makes sense in pairs; candle and shot glasses have come and gone and unless you have a collection started, they look a little unfinished sitting on a shelf alone, if they make it that far...

3: You cannot please everyone. Don't stress out wondering if everyone is going to love it. Even if you spent $490 a favor on a diamond shaving encrusted picture frame - there will be a handful of people who find it useless or will give it away.

You cannot make everyone happy but be sure to be proud of your choice!

In Lieu of donations are another great, simple way to give honor and meaning to your wedding while having your guests be part of a great cause. Then each year you can continue donating and send cards to your guests annually thanking them for being part of your life and up-to-date status on the donations.

When your wedding has come and gone, your guests will be left with one thing and one thing alone, a memory. Help them to create the best one for years to come!

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York

Linen Pick of the Week: Adele Lamour

2011-05-31T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our pick of the week is an eye-catching adele lamour. This floral design features deep purple and cerise accent colors, leading to the use of these tones throughout your wedding decor. When using such a detailed linen, it's important to keep the other design elements simple, as you want to avoid overwhelming the space.

If a client chose this linen for their event, we would suggest using the deep purple and cerise highlighted in the flowers of the fabric to complete the design of the decor. You can see how these colors would then inspire the choice of flowers and centerpieces, as well as the cake. By looking closely at the linen, you can also see how we would select the style of the invitations and escort cards to replicate the intricate black floral design that accompanies the colored flowers on the fabric.

A beautiful linen can inspire your entire wedding decor, from the save the date cards to the thank you notes. All it takes is a close eye and attention to detail, and you can successfully create the space you envisioned! Need help making your ideas come to fruition? Contact The Events Company for assistance regarding linens, color schemes, and much more.

Couture Invitations and Stationery Suites - Wedding Studio Partner Feature

2011-05-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

There is one thing most stationers can agree on: it is never too early to start shopping for your invitations. Start collecting invitation ideas, visual inspiration, and creating a look for your stationery suite as soon as you get engaged. This process will not only help you decide on invitations, but drive your color choices, linen options, bridesmaids dresses, floral arrangements and so much more.

Decor Design by The Events Company, Invitations by Bride Design, Photos by Bert Pohl Photography

Your overall vision or theme for your wedding will be shared with guests when they receive the ‘save the date.' It can then be incorporated into your 'Stationery Suite'. A complete Stationery Suite would include:

save the date cards
invitations
ceremony programs
guest sign in cards
escort cards
table numbers
place cards
food descriptions
menu cards
thank you cards

Stationery Suite created and produced by Bride Design, Photography by Meghan Thomas Photography, Wedding Design and Planning by The Events Company

Working with your stationery provider and wedding designer together they can help you continue the theme into various décor elements. For example, with the peacock invitations, there are dozens of linen options and combinations we can use for guest tables and accent tables to bring in the vibrant blues, greens and purples. There are elegant and effortless ways to bring in the peacock feather as an accent on your table - part of the favor, placed in your floral centerpiece or simply adding it to the bow on your chair. Creative ideas for creating a personalized wedding day and wedding invitation are endless. Always contact an expert for options and feasibility of your vision and leave it to us to make it come to life!

Making your Headtable a Work of Art!

2011-05-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

It is your special day, and you may have asked 4 close people in your life to stand by you during it, or possibly 20.  No matter what your bridal party count is, there are unique and creative ways to help make your head table the center of attention at your wedding reception.

There is much debate this season about long head tables vs sweetheart tables, and there is one important factor to remember...the decision is YOURS. First you want to decide if you want everyone at your table, or just you and your new husband.  (remember the time spent at the dinner table averages 15-25 minutes out of the reception for the bride and groom).  The most popular trends in head table set ups are:

Sweetheart Table - Just the Bride and Groom

Wedding Design and Day of Management by The Events Company, Floral by Floral Gardens, Photo by Lisa Walsh Photography

Family Style Seating - The Wedding Party and their 'date' 
seated all the way around the table

Wedding Planning by The Events Company, Floral and arbor by Backyard Garden Florist, Photo by Kelly Stremmel

Traditional Head Table 
The Wedding Party only facing the guests

Wedding Design by The Events Company, Photo by Ed Guarente

After you choose your set up, now you must decide on decorating the head table.  You can use the same linens and chairs as your guests, or reverse the colors.  You can work with your florist to build your own arbor or frame the table with an amazing backdrop.

A Design professional in your area, like The Events Company, Syracuse New York, can create a design to meet your vision.   If you wish to incorporate floral, make sure your designer has a great relationship with the florist.

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York 

Chair Covers: What kind to choose?

2011-05-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

There are three areas of décor most brides are concerned about when they walk into a raw venue: the color of the rug, walls and chairs. Walls and floors can be altered and muted with lighting and other décor designs, but chair covers are the element you can have the most fun with. There are hundreds of color combination ideas available, in various linen fabrics and styles, and dozens of design concepts - it is impossible to keep up sometimes!

Here are some chair cover options available at The Events Company in Syracuse, New York.

Celedon Lamour Chair Cover and Ivory Lamour Chair Tie
Photo by Lisa Walsh @ Hotel Syracuse

Maize Spandex Chair Cover with Maize Lamour Chair Tie
Photo by Meghan Thomas Photography @ Turning Stone

White Lamour Chair Wrap
Photo by Genevieve Fridley Photogrpahy @ Traditions at the Links

No matter what your vision, chair covers for your wedding should be a fun decision. If you are struggling with ideas, be sure to get in touch with an event designer in your area.

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York

Entertainment – DJ and Band, can use both!

2011-04-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Is your personalized playlist better than a live band? With so many different tastes in music these days, it can be hard to choose a sound that will be engaging for all of your guests.

Be sure to pick whatever musical style you think will ensure your guests have a great time!
Photo by Lisa Walsh Photography

Creating the perfect atmosphere for your big day is highly dependent on your choice in music. Will it be with Soft strings or a toe tapping big swing band? Would your guests enjoy an evening of elegance or a "can't stay in your seat" dance party? Here are some questions to consider before making the choice:

Budget: It is a common misconception that bands are ridiculously more expensive than a DJ - do not assume! A respected DJ in the upstate New York area can range from $1500 - $2500 and live bands can range between $2000-$3000. Making sure the price difference is enough to deter your decision is a personal preference. Before you make a decision, find out how much each costs.

Interaction & Guest Enjoyment: A live band is able to engage and entice the crowd to participate in songs, bring them on stage or wander out on the dance floor among guests. DJs can interact via the microphone and dance out in the crowd but can have less involvement in the actual songs unless you have karaoke at your event.

Who will show up?: Regardless of live band or DJ be sure you know the entertainers who will be there the day of your wedding. Some 'cost-saving' DJs hire out their talent so you don't know exactly who will show up at your wedding. Always, ALWAYS preview the entertainer's work before you book them and be sure it is written in the contract who is going to show up. If you go to a wedding and Tom is the DJ, and the day of your wedding Bob shows up, the experience could be quite different. Ormond Entertainment is a DJ Entertainment Company who has two individual DJs who are the personalities you hire when you hire the company, no surprises.

Also always make sure the contract has a section pertaining to smoking and drinking at the event. This may seem logical, but is not a given. I personally do not like to see the entertainment smoking outside or consuming alcoholic drinks during the event (you might not mind, but be sure to think about it). Ask the venue for a green room where the band can put their food and beverages out of the way of guests. Do provide water to the entertainers, particularly for musicians.

Song Selection: Some bands will only play the set list they are accustomed to. They will say when you hire "The Band" you hire "The Experience" of the band. Great bands like DeSantis Band and Orchestra will work with you and plan a customized playlist, including and adding to their repertoire. DJs make it easier to pick modern, trendy exact songs you want to hear.

Highlighting a DJ on stage, like at the Clayton Opera House, is a great way to add "WOW" to your Wedding.
Photo by Bert Pohl

Remember - it is the entertainer's profession to understand the guests, so though you may select songs you want to hear, if the DJ or band is not getting a solid response from the crowd, they will take the liberty of trying different music until they engage the guests.

The choice doesn't have to be so difficult, maybe you'll have both live and a DJ. The industry is seeing a new trend of live bands for dinner and beginning of dancing, then switching to a DJ throughout the night.

No matter what you choose, picking the music for your special day should always be fun!

Here is to Wonderful Wedding Planning!

Shannon Marie Lach

Wedding & Social Event Director

The Events Company

Syracuse, New York

Centerpieces beyond Floral

2011-03-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

If you are a bride-to-be who likes to step outside of tradition, or wants to step ‘outside of the box,’ using non-floral centerpieces is a great place to start! This doesn’t just mean using silk flowers. There are fabulous structural pieces, containers, pedestals and creative ways to bring life to your table beyond only floral, or embellishing it.

Photography by Bert Pohl Photography, Design by The Events Company at The Clayton Opera House

One of my favorite new trends in non floral centerpieces are silver mosaic lamps paired with personalized frames and votive candles. Some brides use the frame on each table to designate a table number, others use the display to tell an intimate story about the couple and some will display photos.

Centerpieces by The Events Company, Syracuse New York. Photo by Bert Pohl Photography.

Working with an event designer, like The Events Company, you will have access hundreds of options for creative centerpiece options to customize your wedding. Be sure as always to make it fit your personal style and overall vision. Thinking 'outside of the box' does not mean the room will look like chaos - just a decision to do things a little differently than previously expected.

Best Wedding Wishes!

Shannon Lach

2011 Summer Color Combinations

2011-03-02T04:53:00.000-08:00

The color combinations available for your wedding are endless. With over a dozen shades of purple and varying intensities of yellow, it can be easy to get lost in the color wheel. Following the fashion trends this year, weddings are exploding with vibrant hues of purple, apple green, gunmetal gray and peacock blues.

Choosing unexpected color combinations will keep your guests in intrigued and entertained by your wedding! Photos by Kelly Stremmel

With a vibrant season ahead of us, be sure to reflect your personality and style in your decor elements. If you are going for the vintage feel, instead of going with white, gray and apple green, swap the white for ivory and incorporate a muted tone of eggplant to 'mellow' out the overall pallet. Little touches such as customized menu cards and table numbers are another great and easy way to incorporate the vibrant colors without being overbearing.

Whatever your color vision is, talk to a designer about the latest fashions and trends in wedding décor. From linens to chair covers to lighting, colors can enhance your space. Explore the hundreds of possibilities and ways you can make your guests say “WOW” when they enter the room!


Adding color lighting is a great way to make your wedding vibrant and 'hip'. .Photos by Lisa Walsh, Ed Guarente, Bert Phol

Chair Covers: Colors, Styles, Bows and more!

2011-02-25T06:43:00.000-08:00

There are three design features most brides are concerned about when they walk into a raw venue: the color of the rug, the color of the walls and the chairs. Floors disappear when the tables are in place, walls can be altered and muted with ambient lighting and/or fabric draping. Chair covers are the element you can have the most fun with and will impact the look of the room most. There are hundreds of color combination ideas available, in various fabrics and styles - it is impossible to keep up sometimes!

The chair cover options are endless. See an event designer for all your options!

Here are some important tips to remember when creating a vision including chair covers:

The size of the sash/tie: Some venues might offer only 4” wide ties, while design firms, such as the Events Company, have a standard 12” wide sashes. The look each kind gives varies greatly, so be sure to see what each option looks like and how it reflects your overall look. 12” sashes look fuller and can be tied in various ways, adding more visual interest to the table setting.

Consider the table as a WHOLE: When meeting with a designer about chair covers, be sure to ask to see how it will look with your linen choice, napkin choice and place setting. Also consider what your centerpiece will include in terms of color and shape.

See it yourself: Ask to see a mock table set up in the way you envision your table to look. I have countless brides who do a complete 180 when choosing chair covers after I work with them on the entire table design. That's OK! We want you to be thrilled and confident in your choices before the big day, so there are no surprises.

Ivory Spandex Chair Cover with Maize Sash. Photo by Meghan Thomas Photography

Ask to see photos from previous events: A great chair cover (installed properly) should fit the chair, no legs showing, tight sash, no sagging fabric, and uniformity around an entire table. The last thing you want is your guests' chair covers to look disheveled before dinner ends.

Ivory and Celedon Chair Cover with sash. Photos on the left by Lisa Walsh Photography

No matter what your venue of vision, chair covers for your wedding should be a fun decision. If you are struggling with ideas, be sure to get in touch with an event designer in your area.

Best Wedding Wishes!
Shannon M. Lach

Add Life to the Party with LIGHTING!

2011-02-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

When flipping through magazines or online albums, many of the venue photos that catch your eye have extensive lighting and various spotlighting to accentuate architectural elements or mask imperfections. Lighting is a décor designer’s trick to making all your guests say “WOW” in any venue.

Lighting can range from simple uplighting using par cans around the perimeter of the space to elaborate treatments using intelligent lighting. Whichever you choose, you will have instant ambiance.

Lighting can be used to accentuate wonderful architectural elements or hide a less than desirable wall color.

Brides love seeing their monogram on the dance floor - just know that once the dance floor is full of people it becomes a really bright light on bodies. If you want to have the monogram, use it for the walk-in Wow! and then turn it off or find another location to project that won't get 'interference.'

We've transitioned to LED lighting, which draws less power (which is better for the venues), offers unlimited color choices, and the ability to change colors through the course of the event. Gobos are used for projecting patterns and are great in adding texture to walls and floors.

Beauty & the Backdrop

2011-02-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

With all eyes on you for an entire day, you want to look your best while sitting at your head table or maybe you're doing an intimate sweetheart table.

Unfortunately, some venues have pre-placed wall art, service doors, or lighting fixtures right behind your head table distracting from the night’s beautiful focal point – which is you! The Solution; a sophisticated backdrop behind any head table will give the illusion of a customized room and the touch of elegance you deserve.

Come into our showroom and we will help you create a backdrop that is sure to make your guests say “WOW!” when they walk into your reception. It's YOUR day and a backdrop keeps YOU front and center.

The Gourmet Bride

2011-01-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

Food is an important element of any event and today's bridal couples are putting food in the limelight. Whether you're adding a touch of whimsy, going for comfort, keeping it local, or tantalizing with exotic flavors, developing your menu can add to the experience of the celebration.

Cotton Candy is showing up in unique ways not only for a fun dessert but in hors d'oeuvres and entrees.

Comfort foods with a twist are a huge hit as well. One of my personal favorites is Lobster Mac n Cheese with truffle oil. Presentation can really make this special: on a small square plate, in a bit size portion on a ceramic spoon, or served in a martini glass.

Locally Grown is becoming a more common request. Think about serving it 'family style.' Bringing sustainable items into your centerpieces is a great way to continue the theme.

Maybe you have a favorite culinary destination or want to incorporate your family ethnicity. Introducing your guests to exotic flavors can create lasting memories.

Put it on a stick - you can put just about any food item on a stick and it suddenly turns into a great presentation and fun to eat.

The Wedding Planner - The movie has some things right!

2011-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

I needed some relaxing inspiration the other day. I had read through all the new Bride magazines, read all the new information on The Knot, but needed something fun. So I popped in The Wedding Planner and enjoyed some Kettle Corn popcorn and realized, parts of the movie actually reflected our profession right!

So here are a few things from The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez I think are interesting and important notes to remember when hiring a Wedding Planner:

1. Hire us BEFORE you select your venue or any other providers,really.
2. A planner is prepared for most anything; although we don't typically store it around our waist.
3. We feed the best man his toast. No,that's not true, although I suppose we could if really needed, but We prefer the spontaneity of the moment.

OK, so maybe not too many parts of the movie, but it's still a good watch for a chick flick and who doesn't love Matthew McConnauhey?

Bridal Show Bliss!

2011-01-15T08:22:00.001-08:00

Newly engaged bride? Feeling the excitement you are getting married this year Bride? Any type of Bride is welcome to come see The Events Company and all other creative, talented wedding professionals of the Wedding Studio @ 224 at this year's Driver's Village Bridal Show January 16, 2011 12-5pm!

Premiering for the first time, all of the partners will be represented and ready to show you what it means to create your perfect wedding!

We are seriously excited about being part of this monumental wedding moment in New York, and excited to meet all the bustling brides! So whether you need a wedding planner, limo, band, invitations, videographer, tents, DJ, photographer or flowers make sure you stop by the Wedding Studio lounge tomorrow 12-5pm.

ps: we will be 'announcing for the first time' our Wedding Studio booklet...be the first to see it!

Happy Planning!

Details Details

2011-01-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

Wedding Planning is all about details, but more specifically YOUR details. Be sure to include character and flavor to your special day that reflects who you and your fiance are.

One of our Korean brides incorporated authentic Korean linens and Ukrainian food dishes to honor her and her fiances heritage.

Another bride went strawberry picking with her fiance the season before their wedding and froze the strawberries. For their reception, instead of the traditional cake, they had personal short bread cake for each person at the table and a bowl of the strawberries they picked together. A note was placed next to the bowl telling the story of their 'strawberry picking day' and guests loved the personal touch!

Whether it is grandmother's soup recipe, your aunts antique glass bottle collection or hand picked fruit, it is the little, personal touches guests appreciate and make your wedding unique!

Happy Wedding Planning!
(Photo by Maybn Ludke Photography)

Commandments for all Wedding Planners to Live by

2010-12-31T13:46:00.000-08:00

Over the past 14 years of being in the event industry I've run into a number of prospective clients and vendors who cringe at the thought of an event planner or wedding planner. Based on past experience with a "planner" who didn't have a clue. The idea of being an 'event planner' seems fun and glamorous - but it's so much more than picking out pretty linens and centerpieces.

Here's a great article from the National Conference Center blog that every client looking for a great event professional should read. I couldn't agree more.

Heather Walrath, recent newlywed and featured blogger for Get Married, Weddzilla, WedAlert and The DC Ladies, as well as through her own blog, Bicoastal Bride describes what the ideal planner is for most brides.
She explains that choosing an ideal wedding planner will vary depending upon a bride’s vision for her day and what types of services she seeks. For example, does she seek a full-service designer to craft a specific look and feel for her event? Does she seek a day-of coordinator to manage the organizational and logistical aspects of her day? Here are the five commandments of an ideal planner from Heather’s perspective:

Problem-Solver – Thou shall be a logical and practical thinker. The ideal wedding planner is a creative problem-solver, able to think and act quickly and rationally in the face of mishaps. She should assess risks and potential pitfalls well ahead of the big day, preparing backup plans and being well-prepared to confidently step in should anything go wrong, from weather snafus to snarky relatives.

Firm Understanding – Thou shall get to know the client and handle the small details. The ideal wedding planner is detail-oriented yet also aware of the big picture. In addition to having a clear understanding of a couple’s theme and vibe for the day, she must be able to seamlessly track both large and small details, including vendor arrival times and setup needs, the placement of wedding items, seating arrangements, food allergies, VIP relatives, and so much more.

Selfless Visions – Thou shall still allow the client to make their own decisions. The ideal wedding planner is patient and calm. She should listen and offer honest advice, while remembering that she is bringing the couple’s vision to life, rather than her own. Some brides come out of planning their weddings thinking they will also love planning weddings for others, often finding out after the fact that this is not the case. Advising another bride is very different than implementing your own desires.

Are You “Connected?” – Thou shall already be active in the industry and community. The ideal wedding planner is well-connected and involved with the wedding community. She knows how to find the best resources and vendors, and is up to speed about the latest industry news and trends.
Give It Your All – Thou shall remember to handle an event as you would want others to handle your own. The ideal wedding planner is positive and enthusiastic. A wedding day, and the months leading up it, often comprise the most exciting time of a couple’s life. A planner should share in their joy and truly go above and beyond, ensuring their day will be incredible from start to finish.

The Events Company team lives by all of these commandments.

Here Vendor Vendor!!

2010-12-27T05:46:00.001-08:00

Getting the Most out of your Vendors

Choosing your vendors is a daunting task. How do you know they will fit your wedding vision? Consulting with your wedding planner first is the best way to find out which vendors will fit your personality and needs. Local wedding planners have access to endless providers and can recommend the best in the wedding biz. Vendors can make a wedding come alive- and we’ve got some tips for figuring out a way to get the most out of your selected vendors.

Build a relationship with your vendor:

The greatest thing about vendors is most of them have been in the business a long time, and have built their own professional relationships. If you have already worked with your wedding planner to select an incredible caterer, ask them for referrals to a florist. The wedding business is a small, small world- and the pros can tell you who to rely on- and who to avoid.

Determine their scope of services:

Some people are surprised to know that The Events Company does Fun Photo services as well as full service wedding planning. Make sure to ask your vendor exactly what their scope of services are, so that you don’t miss out on any awesome perks. Wedding planners are able to tell you which venues will even help set up place cards for you- or do a variety of miscellaneous tasks.

Figure out where your money is going:

Remember that you are hiring the best because they know how to spend your budget correctly to execute your dream wedding. One place brides try to save money is on their DJ – some services consist of hiring the company, not a specific individual. If you saw a DJ you liked at a friend wedding, get their company name and individual name and be request that specific person. Be sure to know EXACTLY who and WHAT is going on at your wedding.

Your wedding planner should provide you with a list of the day’s events and expectations. If you notice something is not to your liking, approach your wedding planner first to diffuse the situation. Be strong in what you want – there are vendors out there who will give you exactly what you envisioned!

Some of the best vendors in the industry book 2 years out, so be sure to contact them as soon as you think you might be interested. Your wedding planner should set up a meet and greet and if you like them, go for it! It will be a sense of relief to know you have crossed off something on your “Wedding To Do!”

Look for a future post for an entire “Wedding To Do!” list.

Happy Holidays!

Shannon

How to Avoid Wedding Stress

2010-12-23T10:19:00.003-08:00

Avoiding Day-Of Snafus

With any brilliant plan, there are some things that happen the day of at your wedding that are unavoidable – bridesmaids dress tears a seam, you get make up on your gloves; someone cuts their finger on a pin, headaches! But never fear, we are here to give you some tricks of the trade to avoid those little disasters on your wedding day:

-Bride Survive Kit – any great wedding planner should have one automatically onsite, but to calm your fears, be sure to bring one yourself so you can add items you might like, such as Excedrin vs. Advil, specific feminine products or a favorite lotion! A few must haves: Mints, Pain Reliever, Nail Polish Remover, Facial Tissues, Deodorant, Tampons, Adhesive Bandages, Sewing Kit, Bobby Pins, Scissors, Safety Pins, Stain Remover, Double-Sided Hem Tape and Earring Backs.

-Having a wedding planner will deter any stress you might have that you will forget an important item, but to ease your stress make a personal checklist of everything you need and want to have on the big day. Be sure to share this list with your wedding planner who should in-turn present to anyone it affects, such as photographer, dj or caterer. An important item to remember: have your signed marriage license at your rehearsal!

-Let go of unrealistic expectations. Just like with your future husband, you have to decide to accept the good with the bad on your wedding day. A perfect wedding is exactly what you are going to get, no matter if it is executed in the EXACT way you had planned. The most important point is that you enjoy yourself, and be sure your guests are entertained! Practice prior to your wedding dealing with situations that do not completely go your way, or as you planned. Learn how to manage your stress and really take on the attitude if something goes wrong, “well there is nothing we can do about it now, no need to stress.”

-Unmet expectations from vendors. Always have a list of your vendors on hand. Your florist promises you red roses and delivers you white roses. This is where the wedding planner has expertise and an understanding of how to communicate directly with that vendor to trouble shoot every issue as it arises day of. Do not try to handle this situation yourself. Designate a bridesmaid to contact the vendor and express your disappointment as soon as you recognize it. Insist that vendor make every effort to right the wrong before the beginning of the event – and that is what you are expecting. Now is the hard part: If a problem cannot be solved immediately, forget about it. Well at least until the next business day after your wedding. So do not stress the day of your wedding or let the first words out of your mouth to guests be “the florist messed up”. Don’t even mention it. Enjoy your day.

Remember you are beautiful and everyone in that single room has gathered with their loved ones to see the joining of someone they care about and the person they love.

Shout out in the Newspaper!

2010-12-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

STAPLES/KINSELLA





	Published in Syracuse Post Standard on 12/12/2010

Bride Timeline: How much do I do?

2010-12-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

Managing your time as a bride

Planning your own wedding can seem like the most glamorous job in the world: Picking out linens, browsing websites and building ideas. But before you jump off the deep end and into a sea of never-ending DIY Projects and phone calls with answering services, we have some key questions you should ask yourself before you start:

1. Can I set a definite deadline for completing this project?

There will be so much going on in the months leading up to your wedding, trust me. You might assign yourself a project, and then realize your schedule is completely booked up until the day of the wedding. So on top of the other commitments you have before the wedding- does this project make sense in your schedule?

2. What percent of my workday will go towards planning my wedding?

If you take on planning your own wedding, you must acknowledge you will sacrifice work time for planning time. Some vendors will only be open during your 9-5 job, and I’m sure you would much rather be planning a wedding than working on quarterly reports. Cut yourself a percentage of time during your work day- and stick to it. If you feel yourself spending way too much of your workday on bridal sites, it might be time to consider other options.

3. How will this project affect my stress level?

Let’s not forget that on top of your impending wedding, you are also supposed to be a happy and beautiful fiancée. A very important aspect to consider is your happiness level. If a project becomes so stressful that you aren’t having fun anymore, it is not worth it.

4. Will I be able to spend time with my loved ones?

The worst outcome of the pressures of planning is the effect it can have on your loved ones- especially your soon-to-be husband. If you find that your stress level, time commitments or anything else is causing you to neglect your mate or spew molten lava at him with your mouth- then it is time to reconsider. This wedding is for both of you- and when planning takes over your relationship- it cannot end well.

5. All in all: be smart, and make good choices.

Especially when it comes to centerpieces- because no one wants to see a Paper Mache centerpiece ;)

Planning Panic!

2010-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Planning Panic

All brides have had one. It can hit you at any moment- in a million ways. You feel panicked, stressed and you can almost feel yourself morphing into …Bridezilla! It’s in these moments, before you destruct anything in your path where one point becomes painfully obvious: You need an Event Planner.

We are a wedding planning/décor company and we believe in what our business can do to bring a vision of a perfect wedding to life! We also want what is best for our brides, regardless; So whether you are a potential new client or just perusing the website for fun, we want to offer you up some helpful hints from our wedding pros.

What to look forward to this week:

-Some valuable lessons in time management as a bride

-A quick rundown of what may go wrong on the big day- and how to avoid it!

-A list of hassle-free services that your vendors will provide

-And as always, some fabulous pictures of our past events

We look forward to hearing your feedback, and more importantly your wedding day stories! Brides and their weddings will be featured each week on our blog, so please submit wedding day pictures to marrymeNY@gmail.com if you feel your wedding day was the perfect vision brought to life!

Happy reading!

Shannon Lach

Wedding Director/Decor Designer

The Events Company

We do it all for the brides!

2010-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Shannon

The last of the wedding company left on the train this morning....so, now I can finally get to some of the after wedding duties...like thanking you and your staff. We were so happy with everything that we ordered and got to finally see come all together. The cocktail and reception room looked beautiful and the bride was so in aww of the lovely view from her sweetheart table...if we had to do it all over again, we would not change one thing. You and your staff kept the day running to smooth. We loved, loved, loved the first floor dance party...the tables and chairs looked great, the candy table looked fantastic and thanks for moving the flowers downstairs...they added a nice touch, loved the lighting also. We have had so many family and friends call to tell us that this was the best wedding that they have ever been to...it was beautiful and sooo much fun. So, Thank you soo much Shannon for all that you did, on that day and for the many many meetings you had with us prior to the wedding...I will spread the word on what a great job you and your staff would provide for an event and I would call you again in a minute. I am so glad that we went with less decorations on the stage and listened to you and kept the ambient lighting...beautiful...just beautiful. Knowing that you and your girls were only a shout away the whole weekend made me feel at ease...All I can say is Thank You...THANK YOU!!!! We had such a great Wedding Day!!

Mother of the Bride

Planning Your Wedding Decor: The Tables

2010-11-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we wrote about your overall room ambiance. Today we write about the tables...

The Table – treat the entire table; chairs or chair covers, the linen, the napkin, the centerpiece, stemware, china, and flatware. You don’t need a $100+ centerpiece when you make the entire table look attractive.

Specialty Tables – here is where you can add a color pop and personality with designer linens. (cake table, escort card table, and gift table)

Planning Your Wedding Decor: Room Ambiance

2010-11-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

Creating the ambiance for your wedding reception is more than just the guest tables. If you treat the entire space as a whole, you'll create a better overall look and feel. You may be thinking, 'but this is going to cost me more money.' Not necessarily true... you can always spend more money (that's easy) but using a holistic approach can offer you an alternative to spending so much money on the guest tables (we'll talk about those tomorrow).

Venue – does the room represent your style or do you need to totally transform? When selecting your venue your style should be taken into consideration. A non-traditional venue may be better suited to your needs. You may need to pay a venue rental charge, but if the venue fits your style, then you have less need for the 'total room transformation.' This is why so many bridal couples are looking for unique venues.

Lighting – ambient lighting softens hard edges, hides ‘not so nice’ walls and can highlight wonderful architectural features.

Fabric Draping – Fabric can create a focal point, intimate spaces, and hide ‘ugliness.’ Use it for head table backdrops, canopies over the dance floor, or to reveal surprises during the night like a lounge area or candy bar.

Ceiling Treatments - can help lower a really high (or ugly) ceiling and create ambiance.

Your Wedding Decor Planning Timeline

2010-11-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

Once the man of your dreams on bended knee asks for your hand in marriage:

First thing you want to do is select the time of year you want to celebrate your nuptials.
Discuss finances with all parties contributing to the ‘cause’ to develop how much you are able to spend.
Select the venue that reflects your overall vision.
Start shopping for your gown. Your final decision will influence your overall vision more than you think.
Select the color and style of your bridesmaids dresses. The color will influence your décor color story.
Select your team of professionals (florist, decorator, caterer, photographer, videographer, music, etc.).
Determine what the needs are to establish the preliminary costs of all items. Don’t worry about the minute details just enough to know what your look will be and the estimated costs. The details will come later.

You’ve rounded the corner and the date is now 6 months away:

Meet with the caterer to finalize your menu.
Meet with your florist and decorator (preferably The Events Company) to discuss the overall look. Together they will help you build a plan, including the layout of the room. Don’t be afraid to ask to see a sample of the guest table set-up with the elements you’ve selected.

Flowers and décor for ceremony (look at what can be reused for the reception)
Flowers and décor for Cocktail area
Room ambiance: lighting, fabric draping, emphasizing focal points
Treat the table as a whole unit: linens, chairs or chair covers, centerpiece, charger, napkins, stemware, china, flatware
Specialty Tables: escort card table, gift table, cake table, head table or sweetheart table

The big details are finalized, now you can focus on the little details that will bring out your personalities (3 months out):

Ceremony: the grand exit (bubbles, flower petals, balloons, etc)
Cocktails: signature cocktail greet, ice sculpture, photo booth, strolling entertainment (hand illusionist)
Reception: Toasts, How to get the newlyweds to kiss, Monogram on dance floor, sparklers as bridal couple departs reception, etc.

Ready, Set, Go!

Opera House Love

2010-11-13T07:03:00.001-08:00

Just a little view of the lovely couple Brittney and Eric from last weekend. Truly was a magical wedding, can't believe it is over already! Bert Pohl Photography did an amazing job, lovely to work with, and I can not wait to see all the pictures and post them!

White Wedding - Tented Perfection

2010-11-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

Chivari Chairs are a great way to add the WOW factor to your wedding. As wedding designers and planners, we are able to best help you understand how to incorporate the theme, color and feel you are looking for on your big day. Simply using white chivari chairs without considering every other aspect of your decor options could have ended in a tragic white blizzard rather than a white wedding to be talked about for years.

The wedding vision and theme are a product of you, the bride, and a lifetime of personal experience and love; as a wedding designer it is my job to be sure your special day reflects every aspect of that. From the chairs, to the napkins even the silverware and lighting, it all should be reflection of you and your fiance. Once you see the parts put together, I can promise you your breathe will be taken away, like the day your he proposed.

Lisa and Steve celebrated their lovely day at the Aurora Inn, NY. These photos from Larrisa Cleveland Photography capture exactly how magical your wedding day can be with the perfect blend of friends, family, great venue and exceptional decor items, like the Chivari chairs from The Events Company.

Clayton Opera House - Brittney & Eric

2010-11-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

So I just received a text message from my bride this weekend.

"Hey Shannon. We haven't stopped smiling from our big day! You made our day perfect. It was beautiful...thanks again :)

Brittney and Eric were AMAZING to work with at the Clayton Opera House. A multi-level event using the stage, main floor and event space we were able to give guests a surprise every room they turned into.

Now, I must say, it was the first wedding I have managed onsite that seemed easy...right?!! Well lets back up...not claiming it was and I was not running around with a high pony tail and a bottle of water attached to my hip tracking down the groomsmen in either the balcony, stage, foyer, hallway basement or behind stage. There were a lot of places those guys could hide! But for the first time, I realized...I can do this, I am getting the hang of every aspect of a wedding...and I smiled at that moment. I tell ya, I haven't stopped smiling.

Not only do I owe this wave of calmness to our wonderful The Events Company staff who carried 170 chivari chairs up 3 flights of stairs and rolled 3 dozen tables from back stage, so I didn't have to, but I have to thank the stunning and grateful bride and groom. Without them and their equally as genuine family, this wedding would not have been as grand as it was.

People danced the night away for 5 hours....straight and kept going! Which is such a indication of how close and fun this family was.

I can honestly say, I hope Brittney and Eric remain friends of mine for a lifetime, the world needs more people like them.

Now back to planning the next one!!

Shannon

2010-11-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Satisfied Brides are the reason I love my job ...

Hi Shannon,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you and your team for the absolutely stunning decor at my wedding!!!!!! I mean really, everyone, myself included, was blown away when they saw the ballroom. The uplighting was perfect (thanks for also doing in the lobby...it made such a statement) and the tables were gorgeous with the linens, candles (thanks for throwing in a few extra:)) chargers, and chairs. And the entrance to the room...wow. Breath taking. The swag was perfect. Everything was exactly how I envisioned it...even better actually!!! Thank you so much and please pass this on to anyone who helped.

Thank you!!!!!

Laney

2010-11-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Best of the Best: DIY Winners

Ask family members to send you a favorite picture of themselves and use it to create personalized frames as escort cards. Guests will then have to look for their picture to find what table they are at, then have a lovely frame as memorabilia. Add an extra touch by putting them in Monogrammed frames with your wedding date, or putting a picture of the bridal couple on one side and their photo on the other.

Incorporating planted trees are a great way for guests to always have a reminder of your special day. Small pots and soil are fairly inexpensive, do some searching for best prices on plants. These also make great centerpieces.

Incorporate handmade signs for an outdoor wedding, directional or welcoming are great ways to add personal touch!

If it is an appropriate month, and a small enough wedding, gather some family and friends, spend a day hand picking fresh flowers and placing them in ornate and small individual containers. Then place sporadically around your wedding. Remember: Will need water, and this will require being involved 24 hours prior to wedding. Be sure you won't stress!

Any unique item at your wedding should be easily found. A Cigar Bar is a great way to please the men in your party. Using wooden directional signs for an outdoor wedding makes the guest feel they are part of a large family gathering. It is good to make sure your guests enjoy your special day, just as much as you do!

The best way to let guests feel like they have entered a cozy family affair, hand write the dinner menu on a chalk board at the entrance. This will give guests an idea of what is on the menu (although you should ask on your RSVP as well), and add a special 'Thank you' for all those attending.

No matter what you choose as your DIY project, the most important thing is to be sure it reflects who you are as a COUPLE, and will not require any involvement at least 7 days prior to the wedding. If it does, be sure it is minimal and you have support. Time flies the last week before your wedding, and a DIY project should be because you enjoy it, not because you feel like you NEED to do it.

Happy Wednesday~

Shannon Lach
Wedding Director
The Events Company
shannon@theeventscompany.com

Personalized to Perfection

2010-11-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

DIY Done Right
Congratulations! You’ve just gotten engaged, and now you realize you have the incredible task of planning a lavish event for 200 of your closest friends on a serious budget. And you’ve got a year and a half to do it. Throw in the fact that you have to please a guest-list that consists of everyone from your third grade Elementary School Teacher to your fiancé’s second cousin (you know, the one you spilled a drink on in 2004), and you’ve got quite the predicament.
But luckily for you, there is a solution to help you save a few dollars and still have the wedding of your dreams. The solution is “Do it Yourself” projects, and there are fun and easy ways to include DIY projects into your special day. That said, there are still some things that should be left up to the pros. Stay tuned this week for DIY Do’s and Don’ts, considerations for DIY projects, fun places to incorporate your ideas, and when to leave it to the professionals

DIY Do’s And Don’ts
DO:
-Be creative and unique with your DIY projects.
-Discuss ideas and concepts for DIY projects with your local event planner, such as us, at The Events Company. We’d always love to help out!
-Go to garage and estate sales to pick up fun and inexpensive items- and then hand them over to your florist or planner. They will make the most of your great ideas.
-Incorporate personal
DON’T:
-Take on any DIY project that will need work a week or less before your wedding
-Design your own centerpieces. These are best done by the professionals, due to their status as the main focal point on your tables.
-Order silk flowers instead of real flowers to save money. The price difference is not enough to make a substantial difference, but guests will notice the imposter petals. Instead, opt for decorative tree branches. Branches are sold in a variety of different styles and colors, from décor vendors including The Events Company.

DIY Questions to Consider

2010-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sure, DIY sounds tempting at first. But there are some key questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your DIY journey.

Will adding this element make a big change to my wedding?
Is the price differential really worth it? Especially when I factor in labor?
Will this project be complete by at least one week before my wedding?
Will this project cost me minimal stress?
Can I make this special for my guests?

If you can safely answer “yes” to all of these questions, then you have a perfect DIY project. We recently had a bride who wanted to personalize her place cards. She asked the guests for photos of themselves months before the wedding, and incorporated each photo into a mini frame. These frames were great- they provided a no-fail seating plan, and gave the guests personalized favors to take home at the end of the night! They were clever, cute and fit nicely into the color concept of the wedding.
Now that’s DIY done right.

The Militant Venue Owner

2010-10-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

We're wedding designers, planners, and producers and spend a lot of time in a variety of venues. Some are great and easy to work with. Others, not so much. I've coined them 'militant venue owners.'

Did you fall in love with a venue that was just what you were looking for and as soon as you signed the contract you suddenly were being told you can't do that or no, we never do it that way, or some other comment about what you can't do? You've just been diagnosed with "militant venue owner' syndrome.

Suddenly all the joy and fun of planning your wedding has been sucked out of your soul. This is where you will find having a wedding planner on your team who will be your liaison is worth her weight in gold. You can even hire them for that sole purpose. Just make sure the person you select can effectively communicate (diplomacy)your needs and expectations.

We keep note of the 'quirks' each venue has so we're prepared any time we are in that venue.

My ultimate goal is to have a venue (in the not so distant future - within a couple of months) where a client will never hear the words, no, you can't do that. We'll be about solutions not dead-ends.