Monday, January 7, 2013

Save The Dates | North Carolina Wedding Planner

Save the dates are so exciting to me because they set the tone for your wedding. Will your wedding be traditional or modern? Classic or chic? Colorful or monochromatic? There are so many options and most brides feel pressured to choose the perfect save the date.
Since engagement season is in full swing, today seemed like the perfect time to share some of our favorite save the dates. Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Party Inspiration Saturday {Super Bowl Party} | North Carolina Party Planner

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!
 
The Super Bowl is right around the corner and no matter what team you're rooting for, everyone loves a good Super Bowl party. From the greasy food and cold beverages to the great game and the new commercials, there is something for everyone.
 
Today we're sharing some of our favorite Super Bowl party ideas and you can also follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration and party ideas.
 
 
I love this chili bar complete with hot dogs, baked potatoes, french fries, and fritos! What party guest wouldn't go crazy over this?
 
These simple tin can utensil holders are adorable and make a great addition to any super bowl shindig.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, January 4, 2013

Creating The Perfect Cocktail Hour | North Carolina Wedding Planner

I am a firm believer that the secret to a lively party is to keep your guests constantly amused and to entertain them with small surprises. You can accomplish this by avoiding being too predictable, this includes your decor. If you are having a romantic and soft reception, consider having a modern or even glitzy cocktail area.


Remember that whether you are having cocktails before dinner or your cocktail hour is the main event, don't set up this area like a dining room. You want your guest moving and mingling, not planted in a seat.

Consider placing bars and food stations around the room instead of all together. This forces guests to move around the room and encourages them to meet and greet the other guests.


Remember to place bars where they are visible to your guests, but avoid putting them near entrances and/or exits. Bars tend to have lines and you don't want your guests piling up at the door and preventing other guests from being able to safely enter and exit your event.

Be sure to communicate with your guests. If you are planning on having a cash bar make sure that your guests know this before they arrive so that they show up with cash in hand.


Avoid setting up bars and buffets near the dance floor or music. Make sure that guests can move freely around these areas with their hands full (plates, glasses, etc).

When setting up your cocktail tables, be sure to provide seating for approximately one thrid of your guests. Cocktail tables should be small and seat no more than four people. You may also consider using bar-height pedestal tables. Guests can lean on them and put their plates or drinks on them. Many rental companies even offer bases that turn 30-inch-high tables into high tops.

 
 
 
 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Trivia Thursday | North Carolina Wedding Planner

The practice of giving or exchanging engagement rings begin in 1477 when Roman Emperor, Maximillian I, gave Mary of Burgandy a diamond ring as an engagement present.






Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Lighting Lingo | North Carolina Wedding Planner

For many brides, the thought of lighting their venue doesn't even cross their mind, but it should. While this is not a necessary expense it can completely change the vibe of a room. I thought it might be helpful if our readers were able to tell the difference between different types of lighting so that you all could decide if lighting would enhance your special day.

Ambient or diffused light is the main light in the room. It can come from natural light or artificial sources. This light should soften or flatter and you can use accent lighting to make specific area or architectural features stand out.

 
 
Bee, fairy, or twinkle lights: Strings of tiny lights (think Christmas lights). Can be used behind transparent or translucent fabrics, on banisters, or in trees. They add a magical touch.
 
 
 
 
Gobos: Custom-made or rented stencils that go over lights to project paterns such as stars, moon, snowflakes, monograms, or musical notes onto walls, dance floors, or draped fabric.
 
 
 
Pin Spots: Narrow beams that target centerpieces, the cake or anything demanding special attention. They can be hung from the ceiling or directed from light poles, they're often used in pairs or sets to give cross-directional light. The darker the room, the more dramatic the pin spots will appear.
 
 
 
Up-lights and down lights: Also known as "light-cans," which are usually painted tto match the space. Used to project beams of light upward fro mthe base of an urn or tree or down onto a mantel or alter. A recent trend is to put battery-operated up-lights under plexiglass tables to create a surreal glow.
 
 
 
 
 
Washes: Colors, usually pastels, projected over large spaces such as bars or dance floors that bathe the area in a particular light.
 
 
 
Intelli-beams: Also known as intelligent lighting. These computerized systems can be programmed to generate complex patterns and a multitude of colors.
 
 
 
I hope this helps break down the different types of lighting and gives all of you some options for lighting your own special day. Need more ideas? Email us to set up a complementary consultation and we'll sit down with you and talk about your wedding over a cup of coffee.