Event Planning

I’d like to thank the Academy…for ordering this FABULOUS stemware!

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Do the glittering parties surrounding awards shows like last nights’ Emmy Awards and the coming Grammys, and Oscars have anything to do with little ole’ non-celeb weddings?  You bet.

1 – They’re the inspiration. Design for big awards shows is adventurous, and usually very spendy.  The organizers want “wow” factor, so designers stretch themselves and set trends.  The hottest colors and themes trickle down- so a motif from the press check in table at the Grammys may show up on your escort card table.

2 – Goblets, and linens, and tables, oh my!  Being in the SoCal area can get you closer to Awards Show inspiration.  Many designers, not finding the “look” they need from existing stock at party rental companies, will have them buy a new pattern of glassware, create a custom linen, or even specially sized or shaped tables.  Those items don’t usually disappear from inventory after the event, the rental company wants to make their money back.
Governor's Ball
3 – The Lifetime Achievement Award – Another perk of being a SoCal bride is that you have access to professionals who have experience at fabulous events.  There are things that a designer can only learn at the Oscars. Lucky for our brides, the My Little Flower Shop staff has collectively done floral design and event planning for multiple years’ Emmys,  Oscars, and some of the hottest after-parties like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  That’s a lot of glamour, experience and flair we’re ready to put into your event.  After all, on you wedding day, you deserve the star treatment. And even a little ole’ wedding is hugely important to us.

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Being the ‘Loud and Obnoxious’ Person and Not Knowing It

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Wedding Guests 2
Image by mdhfc via Flickr

Over at Mom vs. Career, we found a blogger with admirable self awareness. Don’t you wish certain guests at your events had this ‘lightbulb moment’ before picking up their escort cards?

Planners, what are your best tips for wrangling the L&O guest?

Being the ‘Loud and Obnoxious’ Person and Not Knowing It August 24, 2011

So, I think I’m ‘that girl.’ The one who is loud and obnoxious. I noticed this during a meeting yesterday. I laughed a lot and loudly. My voice raised in volume while I was telling a story. I over-exaggerated with my inflection.The weird thing is that I don’t do that all the time. It’s usually only when I feel comfortable with certain groups of people. I guess that’s good, but I wonder how those groups of people view me when I am loud and obnoxious?I’ve never asked anyone. I just had this mini-revelation yesterday, so I haven’t had a chance to take a survey. Up to this point, it’s not something I’ve been able to control. It comes out naturally in certain settings. Maybe I should be thankful that I feel so comfortable with certain people. However, I wonder if sometimes I go too far.”

via Being the ‘Loud and Obnoxious’ Person and Not Knowing It.

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There’ll Be Sad Songs to Make You Cry. For the Love of Billy Ocean, Not at the Reception!

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A fellow planner friend relayed this recent recurring dream:

“I’m toddling happily around the cocktail hour holding the bride and grooms signature sloe gin fizz* and taking in the scene of a bustling reception getting off the ground.  The peppy Michael Bublé number tapers off and familiar slow piano chords kick in, filled with emotion.  Uh oh, It’s Billy Joel. My inner game of “name that tune” begins. Is it ‘Always a Woman?’  ‘And  So It Goes?’ Does it really matter? Let’s face it, Billy Joel, bless his heart, is the troubadour of the relationship train wreck.  Nightmare!”

Afraid of Billy Joel? Oh yes. A bummer song busting up your carefully orchestrated cocktail hour scene can really stick in the craw. Here’s the thing.  After the ceremony,  guests are on a high – they’ve just witnessed a glowing couple come floating back up a flower-bedecked aisle. If the wedding professionals have done our jobs we’ve created the atmosphere you dreamed up for your reception.  Flowers, food, drinks, lighting, music…it all combines to envelop a guest in your vision and keep that warm ‘what-an-amazing-couple’ buzz going.

So when all of a sudden the music devolves into a love gone wrong ballad, it’s like putting salt in a recipe instead of sugar.  The notes are pretty – but there’s just something off.  And off putting.  So leave those weepy tunes off the playlist.

Wedding tears are best kept for the ceremony, not for depressing cocktail hour music

A quote inspired  by Billy Ocean:  “There’ll be sad songs that will make you cry.  Love songs often do.  They can touch the heart of someone new and all that jazz – just let your DJ know you don’t want them played at the wedding.”

Need specifics for your Itunes jockey? Just feel like crying your eyes out? Check out this list.

As for our friend with the restless nights, maybe we’ll send her the MP3 of “Get Out of my Dreams (Get Into My Car).”

*note – boutique distillery gin is all the rage – start learning to talk snooty about juniper.

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