Ask The Event Expert

DANCE AND BE MARRIED

2010-10-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

I recently watched one of my favorite shows Four Weddings on TLC. If you aren’t familiar with the show, the premise is four brides that are planning their own wedding compete against each other. They all attend each other’s weddings and score them at the end. The winner wins the honeymoon of their dreams. I love watching it because of course it is about weddings. However, I also like watching it because I like getting the different perspectives on how different brides view weddings. On this one episode in particular that comes to mind, the bride with the lowest score was the only bride that didn’t a dedicated music source at her wedding. She didn’t have a dance floor and only sparingly had background music. In the end it cost her a romantic honeymoon in the islands.

GOTTA DANCE

One thing it reiterated for me is that music is a must for weddings. I would have to say I am bias because I am a music lover. So, if you plan your wedding with Perfection Squared, you are definitely going to have a wide choice of music options. I couldn’t imagine not using music as another way to express my love on my special day. Of course if you are just having a small intimate wedding with not much of a reception you may not need a dedicated source of music. Ultimately, in the end it is about your tastes, likes, dislikes and more important it is your choice. Yet, also remember that most guests love the part where they get to get out on the dance floor and have a ball. That is the time when you get to see your little 3-year-old niece bust out her new moves or have your grandmother prove to everyone that she still has it going on. There are some of your guests that have come from far away just to see you start your life with the person you love, so don't they deserve a little fun. Additionally, there may be people falling in love at that very moment at your wedding. Ironically, your music selections could be the soundtrack to their new romance. Mostly, after months of planning, a whole day of being on a schedule and an hour of sitting for photos, you finally get to let your hair down maybe even literally.

I'M WITH THE DJ

A question I get asked constantly is, “what music is appropriate for my wedding”. A lot of brides wonder if they should have a string quartet, guitarist, singer or piano player at their wedding. Then they wonder if they should have a band or DJ at the reception. The whole day is your day but your wedding is your moment. In that moment, I say you should choose what best express your vows, your love and your moment. My advice comes in when we are planning the reception. While the reception is also part of your big day, it is also to celebrate with your guests that took time to come out to celebrate your day. You want to share this time with them and so you want to take into account what they like as well. If you have a lively, love to dance kind of crowd that won’t be overwhelmed by the music of a DJ then go for it. Most experienced wedding DJs will add character, be interactive and create a very fun experience for your guests. If the demographic is right, I don’t think you can go wrong with a DJ. However, there are a lot of great bands out there as well that can provide a fabulous experience. In the end, just remember your guests and I am sure you will make the right decision.

THE FIRST TIME

Your first dance is the dance that will put the official mark of your new status as husband and wife. That means you will be choosing this song together. You may already have a song that marks a special time for you both when you were dating but if not, take time to analyze the lyrics because you want to make sure they are speaking directly to your relationship. You may also want to consider the length of the song. When you work with a DJ or band, they can adjust it so that your guests don’t feel as though the song is being extended for too long. Of course it is your wedding and if you want to play a song in its entirety, your guests will just have to understand.

I know there are so many things to think about when planning a wedding. You have to think about food and which guests are vegetarians, you have to choose the right dress, the right wedding salon to buy your dress and now music. Honestly, that is why you would hire us. We would make all of these decisions so much easier to make. With our endless resources, passion for fashion and love for what we do, you can’t go wrong with Perfection Squared.

EVENT PLANNING MYSTERIES REVEALED

2010-10-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to hire an event planner or maybe even become one? I love it when I meet someone for the first time and one of there first questions is, "what do event planners do". When it comes to event planning, we have been called Party Planners, Meeting Planners or Event Planners. What you do in this business may have a lot to do with your title but I want have always wanted to do is throw fabulous party. Since that is what I do, I don’t mind being called a party planner. Of course I also plan fabulous events so take your pick. I love talking about what I do and that is because I love what I do. So, I thought I would start off my Monday blog by providing a little more information on who we are and what we do.

First Things First

First if you want to become a planner, you have to decide if you want to work for someone else or if you want to work for yourself. If you work for yourself, you definitely want to understand the business side of event planning as well as the dynamic of creating fabulous events. You can be exceptional at what you do but if you do not know how to market yourself or how to get clients, where will your business come from? If having your own business is something you need to learn more about, I would suggest starting out working for someone. It is a great way to learn the business without the pressure of finding new business. If you want to hire a planner, you have to weigh the pros and cons to hiring an event planner that has their own company or works for an event planning firm. Of course I would always advise that you choose a planner like myself. Perfection Squared is my passion and it is what I do 24 hours a day (no I never sleep). So, when you hire me to plan your event you are hiring someone that will eat, sleep and breathe your event. I like that concept and I believe you will too.

Relax, Don’t Stress

Next, the key to being an exceptional event planner is to remember, “Don’t stress for any reason”. One thing I have learned is that there are some things you can’t control. However, if you have a level head it will always turn out better than it would have if you stressed out. There is a solution to everything and don’t be fooled, your clients don’t just come to you because they want you to plan their event. They will come to you because you have the expertise, patience and know how to produce a flawless event. As your reputation grows for having the innate ability to handle your events with flair and composure, you will become your own business card. Keep in mind that patience and strong presence create an impression. Did someone say patience equals Perfection?

Don’t Miss A Thing

My next suggestion would be “Think of Everything”. Is that possible? I am not sure but I always try. Not only do I sit down with my team and have a brainstorming session, throughout planning, I take time to think of ways I can make it better. I try to think of everything possible from planning dos and don’ts to those things that add an extra touch. This is your business. I own countless magazines and books on design, space planning, organization, as well as anything I can get my hands on that will make me a better planner. I stay educated on the venues and details about various locations. I continuously educated myself on my profession and the professions that impact what I do. If you are constantly thinking about what you do, it makes it that much easier to think of everything when you need to.

Know Your Foods

Yes, there are some events that are foodless but in my personal opinion every great event has a great menu. One of the things I do when I sit down with a new client to help them pick a menu is ensure that I have a good sense of the demographic that will be in attendance at their event. True, you want your client to be happy but one of the keys to a successful event is making sure the guests are happy as well. That means making sure there is exciting entertainment, great ambience, a pleasant aesthetic and yes, fabulous food. Not only do I spend a lot of time reading about food and wine, I spend time preparing meals so that I can be more familiar with what goes into the preparation. I try to make sure that I understand the texture, flavors, aromas and more. Before I can suggest something to a client, I want to make sure I can give them all the information I can. I do this by taking every aspect of this business serious and that includes the food.

Love What You Do

I can give you a lot more advice and information on what it is we do. However, I think the key thing and the perfect place to end my blog for today is to love what you do. Someone recently asked me, "you love what you do don't you?" When my reply was yes, they replied "it shows". Whatever you do you have to do it to the best of your ability and that is so much easier when you genuinely love what you do. This is my job but it isn't just my job. Event planning is my life and I can honestly say, I love what I do.

MAKEUP IS FOR REAL!

2010-09-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

When I first started working in the event planning industry, I didn't really knoweverything that it would take to be successful in the relationship. There were certain things I was good at and certain things I was passionate about. Those were the things that were going to make me a fabulous event planner. As time goes by you learn that this business is exactly that....a business. You have to learn how to run a successful business and in that you have to build successful business relationship

Being a person that is sincere and serious about my craft, I always enjoy meeting others in the industry that feel the same way about what they do. One of those people is Audrey Ortega. She is a Makeup artist in the LA area and her company is called beauty by Audrey. I have worked with her a few times and I believe her look is very unique. Having begun her career working in plastic surgery consultation, she is very familiar with various skin types and educated on so much more than just make up! She has a fantastic ability to be professional yet make makeup fun. It is her passion and she can tell. So when Audrey's decided to do a commercial to promote Beauty by Audrey, I jumped at the opportunity to be the organizer of her recent commercial. In doing so, I had the opportunity to work with director Ronisa Wilkins Shoate. Ronisa's latest documentary was recently accepted into the LA Femme Film Festival (http://www.lafemme.org/) and the opportunity to expand my portfolio by working on a commercial. Mostly, it was a great opportunity for me to see Audrey's work first hand in a relaxed environment. When you work with a makeup artist on weddings or even red carpet events, there isn't much opportunity to see them in the midst of a project. Generally, you only get to see the end result. In working on this commercial with Audrey, I was able to see her work from beginning to end.

Perfection Squared has taught me a lot. One thing I have learned is that not every individual works for every client. That is why I am lucky to have the opportunity to work with lots of different artist, vendors and other professionals. This exposure also gives me the opportunity to refer these various professionals to clients seeking someone with their background. For now, I think Audrey Ortega is one to watch.

So, if you are Southern California bride, Model or someone looking for a makeup artist that is not only fun but professional, you should definitely check out her portfolio.

Check out her commercial at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNYxEpbsPak

FOUR HOTELS ~ FOUR DAYS

2010-09-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would have to the opportunity to visit 4 hotels in 4 days and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. That is why it is even more surprising that I did this just a few days ago and there were all local hotels. A few years ago, I decided if I were going to be in this business that I would make sure I not only kept a close relationship with the venues I work with on a regular basis, I like to stay educated on all of the details. When it comes to hotels, restaurants or party venues, everyone I know will ask my opinion before planning an event. I get this reputation because I really pay attention and I make the time to visit as many places as I can on my time off. I also pay attention whenever I am hosting an event at a particular location. Of course the best way to really get to know a place is by actually spending time on the property. This isn’t always easy to do. With my schedule, I do not get much time away from work and projects. So, when I had a friend in town from the East Coast this past weekend, I saw the perfect opportunity to not only take my friend on a sight seeing tour. I also saw it is an opportunity to show off some of my favorite venues/hotels in town.

Our first stop was the W hotel in Hollywood, California. I have to say I was truly impressed. I have heard people say if you have stayed at one W hotel you have stayed at them all. I would disagree and the Hollywood location proves that. The décor was new and improved from any other W I have ever visited. I have never seen a W hotel that didn’t have great décor but they went above and beyond the usual for this location. From the moment you walk into the lobby, it is pure elegance.

Additionally, the layout is so easy to understand and the valet system was past perfection. The service was fabulous and just when you thought a view of Hollywood couldn’t be as fabulous as the view of the beach in Santa Monica, it will surprise you. We decided to kick off the weekend with massages that they helped us set up. After we walked across the street to Katsuya and had not only the best sushi I have had in a long time but the incomparable service. Our waiter was all smiles, never far away and had all of he perfect answers. All of his suggestions were dead on and his descriptions equally as perfect. Even though I spent a lot of time at Drai’s over the past few months, I didn’t have the chance to visit this go round. As I told my friend, LA is a city you have to do in doses. You can never take in such a great city all at once.

Our next stay was at the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. The Mondrian has been around a while longer than the W in Hollywood but it is still worth the stay. Sitting at the top of the hill on Sunset, it has a great view of the city. From hanging out at the Sky Bar to the ability to walk to all of the great restaurants nearby, the location is ideal. We spent most of the day at the pool and then some rest and relaxation at the Sky Bar. Later that evening it was a short cab ride to BOA Steakhouse in Beverly Hills at the suggestion of the concierge at the hotel. They called and made reservations and checked with us the next day to find out how we enjoyed our dinner. Of course of all the hotels we visited, it was the most expensive per night and now I know why.

The next night we moved up the road a little to the London hotel, which is also in West Hollywood. I have had quite a few events there in the last year so I was excited to show it off. As usual, it didn’t disappoint. The service was impeccable as usual, the views were beautiful and my friend really enjoyed the décor. It was lot of fun and it was definitely the perfect way to say goodbye to West Hollywood.

Last, we moved on to Santa Monica and stayed at the Viceroy. It was a really tough choice trying to decide where to stay. I recently did an event at the Huntley in Santa Monica but I have had more than a few events at the Viceroy in Santa Monica. Of course I was tempted to stay at Loews. Yet, I have stayed at the Viceroy and it has never disappointed. Since I was an official tour guide, I wanted to make sure I took my guest to the right spots. I honestly think we should have spent at least another day in Santa Monica. It was all that I remembered starting with the pool at the Viceroy. It was all that I remembered from the beginning of the summer. It was so beautiful that we decided to rent a cabana and entertain some of our friends. I thought the events team was fabulous along with the front desk staff but the pool staff didn’t disappoint either. Everyone was glad they came out to spend the day with us in Santa Monica and I wished we had another day to spend there. In the evening we went for drinks at Bar Chloe and got room service when we got back to the room.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING CAKE

2010-08-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a wedding, choosing a wedding cake is definitely a part of this process. Most people would think it would be the easiest part of the planning. While it isn't extremely difficult it still takes thought and consideration. In my opinion, choosing a wedding cake is one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning process. Of course when I am working I don't get a chance to eat them. Yet, in this day and age they are doing so many things with wedding cakes that they are just as much fun to look at as they are to eat. I do get to taste them when planning weddings. Most of your guests will agree and most of them won't leave until the cake has been cut. When choosing a cake, keep in mind that the cake is just another part of personalizing your wedding. The days of the tiered white wedding cake are over. Your wedding cake should be as individual as you and reflect your vision. It isn't out of the ordinary for couples to have their cake designed around the theme of the wedding.

Location

You want to make sure you choose the right venue for the right style of cake. Therefore, location is one thing to consider when choosing a wedding cake. Of course the time of year is a key factor as well as the location of the baker delivering your cake. For example if you plan on having your wedding in the summer in a location that gets direct sun, things like Butter Cream, Mousse, or ice cream cake might not be the best choice. If you do choose a cake like this for some reason, you want to make sure you aren't having your wedding outdoors, in an area where the room is slightly heated or where the sun will reflect off glass and possibly melt the cake. Additionally, you don't want to have to worry about transporting the cake from a long distance if you are worrying about it melting as well.

Choosing a Cake Designer

When choosing a cake designer make sure you choose someone that listens to your ideas, creates around you as a couple and not around what they, the designer wants. Also, when choosing a cake designer make sure you check out their portfolio just like you would with any other vendor. While the baker may be talented, they all have a style. Just like you interviewed various photographers to get a sense of their style, it is the same thing when looking for a baker to design your cake. You also have to decide which one is more important to you. Some bakers are going to care more about the look of their cake than they are about the taste of the cake. Which one matters more to you? Most important, make sure you taste the cake. Never choose a designer that doesn't offer a sample cake. Any baker can tell you they make the best Butter Cream or chocolate cake. They can even convince you. However, a good designer will want you to make an informed decision and will not want you to be disappointed on your wedding day.

Remember Your Guests

While the flavor and type of cake are the decision of the couple, you will still want to keep your guests dietary restrictions in mind. If you have children that are addicted to peanut butter or strawberries, you definitely don't want it in the cake that everyone is going to be served. A way to do this and still respect your guests is to have different flavors in the different tiers. The couple can have the bottom tier that they will be cutting the flavor of their choice. When you hire a wedding planner more than likely they will be at the cake tasting with you and will know the details of the cake you choose. However, if you don't hire a wedding planner and you are planning your wedding yourself, let someone know any details they may need to know about the cake. Make sure the planner at your venue knows and whoever may be cutting your cake.

Size of the Cake

Keep in mind most cakes are priced by the slice. Therefore, you don't want to order a cake that is too large. You only want to order a cake that will feed 200 guests at the most if you have a guests list of 175. Of course part of the cake some will save for their anniversary. In that case you will want to have a little extra. Again if you are working with a wedding planner she will know how to advise you about the size of your cake. However, if you aren't, keep this in mind and discuss it with your cake designer. An experienced cake designer will usually give you good advice and know how to advise you with regard to the size of your cake.

Traditional Vs. Non-Traditional

As I stated in the beginning, the white tiered cake of yesterday isn't the only way to go. There are so many creative choices in wedding cakes these days. There are even those that are choosing to have cupcakes instead of a traditional cake. At this point, cupcakes are still considered to be something that a whimsical/modern bride would choose and for now it isn't considered traditional or elegant.

The Groom's Cake

A Groom's cake is a Southern American tradition. Traditionally they are chocolate and shouldn't be displayed on the same table as the bridal cake. The Bridal cake should always be the centerpiece but again it is the choice of the couple. You don't necessarily have to have a Groom's cake. If you don't, you can make a tier of your cake chocolate to represent the groom. Otherwise, the Groom's cake should be fun and whimsical. If you want to go with a traditionally designed Groom's cake, you can add the groom's monogram to liven it up. That is up to the groom to decide.

In the end, the cake is fun but most of all it is your sweet reward that will satisfy your sweet tooth on your wedding day. It should reflect your personality, your wedding theme but mostly it should reflect what matters most about the most important day of your life. Good luck and happy cake tasting!

STORYBOARDS TELL YOUR EVENT'S STORY

2010-08-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Everything begins with a story. Every anniversary party I have done, occurred because two people fell in love. That is the same feeling I have for every baby shower I have ever organized. This is a job that I enjoy because I love the stories and the happiness that occurs during these parties. Celebrations are when people are enjoying the moments that brought them here.
One of the most important things about planning an event is being organized. The second thing that is important about an event is not only being able to visualize it but helping your client visualize it. The event won't actually come to life until the event happens but you want to be able to have a visual layout or create a realistic view ahead of time.

One of the ways I do this is by creating a Storyboard. A storyboard is the way that you create the path that will tell the entire story of your event. You don't have to do it all at once. As your event develops so does your story board in the same way you tell the story. Your storyboard should is a type of map, outlining all the major steps needed to complete your event. There is a beginning and there is an end. It will help the people that work with you and your clients visualize what is in your head.

How do you do this? You start this by jotting down key points, then add your ideas and any concepts. Add textures for various linens or color swatches so that you can compare them with the other colors you will use. Throughout this process you can also take photos, cut out pictures from magazines. Write down the small details because you don't want to forget a thing.

When telling a story you want to help others visualize Who, What, When, Where, and Why. You don't want to miss any of the details. When I am done with an event or the project, I create a nice scrapbook for my clients with the evolution of their event. This is invaluable for weddings that I have planned for a year or more. They can see where their project begin and of course they know how it turned out.

Currently, I am working on my own storyboard and I enjoy telling my own story. I also enjoy being a part of the many stories of my clients I have worked with to date. Don't forget, it doesn't have to be a special event to create a story board to tell your story. However, you definitely want to remember the important moments. Don't forget to create a storyboard for your next event. Make sure you never forget the moments worth remembering.

THE VEIL AND YOUR WEDDING DAY

2010-08-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

The veil is meant to cover the woman's head and sometimes her face on the day of her wedding. There are so many reasons a woman may choose to wear a veil on her wedding day. Despite what many believe, the reason is not always religious. Sometimes it is personal or for fashion reasons. Either way it is the bride's choice. The veil can be looked at as a symbol of modesty of course. It can also symbolize the transition a woman makes on her wedding day.

Before her marriage she veils the woman that she is because once the veil is lifted, she emerges a new woman. This is even more symbolic for young brides. Before her wedding day she is a single woman in love. After her wedding day, she is a married woman ready to embark on a new life with her partner. The lifting of the veil is part of the ancient wedding ritual as well. Either the father can lift the veil or the groom but it symbolizes that the groom has now joined her and she has now formed a new union with her husband. The veil has even symbolized a symbol of chasity especially when worn with a white wedding dress.

In the case of arranged marriages, veils serve a purpose as well. The veil conceals the bride's face from her husband-to-be. It is understood in these marriages neither of the future married couple have seen the face of the other prior to the lifting of the veil.

In Western weddings today, the veil still has a symbolism to many. However, for the most part it is worn as an accessory. Since they are worn as an accessory, there are many different ways you can wear them. They can be long, short or they can cover your face like they have in ancient times. Depending on the dress you choose, they are meant to be a compliment or statement to your wedding dress. In the end, it is your choice just as much as it is your day. In the meantime, here are some links to great veil designers.

www.perfectdetails.com
www.designsbykristin.com
http://www.belairebridal.com/
http://www.illusionsbridal.com/sub-category/51/New.2010!.html

THE NECESSITY OF WINE

2010-05-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

When I help plan events one of the questions I will ask is what types of alcohol my clients would like served. An answer I get a lot is, “I would like to serve a white wine and a red wine”. Of course event planners don’t see wine in colors as plain as red and white. True, not everyone is a wine buff and that is one of the reasons you would hire me. I make it my job to know these things. However, if you are planning your event without a professional to guide you, then you will want to do some research. Choosing the wine for your upcoming event is an important as well as a challenging job but I would say that it is true for a lot of the decisions you have to make. You have to remember that even if you aren’t a wine buff, there may be a few at your wedding or event. You don’t want to take them or their personal taste for granted. Therefore, you definitely want to make the effort to choose wisely. Even if you don’t have a huge budget there are excellent choices at every price point. All it takes is a little research.

More than likely you will taste various foods and cake choices during the planning process. You can do the same for the wines if you so choose. Pairing the right wines with your dinner choices is an added touch that will let your guests know that you put time and effort into your decisions. Therefore, here are some of the questions I ask when I am trying to help my clients decide what types of wines they would like to choose.

Day or Evening?
One of the first things to consider in this process is what time of day will your event be held? Are you having a day affair, cocktail event or a black tie even? If your event is a daytime event, your guests may want to drink something a little lighter than they would at an evening event. They may be more interested in white wines and champagnes then they would be in the dinner wines. Of course this will change going into the evening. You will want to provide more choices the later your event. These choices will also depend on what you are serving on the menu.

Menu
If you have decided to pair your foods, you will want to pick your wines after you have decided on your menu. If you are serving roasted/grilled Beef or Veal you will probably pair them with a Merlot or Cabernet. However, you will want to provide an alternate choice just in case there are guests that want a light bodied wine. If you are preparing various types of seafood, you will want to consider a Riesling, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Of course you always want to have a vegetarian option for those non meat eating guests. For your vegetarian and pasta dishes, your wine choices will vary on how they are prepared. Just as long as you understand the concept of pairing and where to go to get the answers, you are off to a good start.

What’s Your Budget?
You definitely want to consider your budget when you are choosing wines. One of the things you can do is try your best to estimate the amount of wine you will need. You don’t want to overbuy but it is always better than not having enough. Then you will want to consider the options your caterer may have. They may have discounts if you buy a certain amount and they will most certainly help your budget. However, if you have your favorite wine or winery, you may consider buying in bulk from them. If you take this route, you will want to inquire at the location where you are holding your event because they may charge a corkage fee. A corkage fee is a fee charged per bottle to open and serve wines that are brought from outside the location and not from the providers own wine cellar. For the most part, this fee is usually considered a convenience charge. Yet, it is an expense and one you will want to include and consider it when planning your event budget. The more bottles you have the more expensive this fee may become.

Where is your event
Another thing to consider is the location of your event. Does it have the capability to store the various wines you will have? There are very few places that this should be an issue but it is worth considering. You want to make sure that your wines are kept at the correct temperature so your guests will enjoy them when they are served.

Forever Champagne

It is my personal opinion that every event needs champagne. If it is a wedding you are planning then you will definitely need a champagne choice for your toast. However, even if it isn’t a wedding you never know when a toast will be necessary. Not to mention there aren’t many celebrations that champagne won’t complete. So, don’t forget to choose a champagne that will make a splash.

Well, those are the basics. There are a few other things to consider but this is a great place to start. If you still have questions hiring me would answer them all and ensure that your event comes out perfect. However, there are also quite a few good guides online. If you have a favorite wine you can get information from the winery. You can also get a lot of great information from www.foodandwine.com

For now, pour yourself a glass of wine, relax and happy planning!

BRIDAL SHOPS & MY GREAT NEW FIND

2010-05-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Since we do events all over Southern California, I am always taking the time to do my research and form relationships with the various vendors. The ones I would like to talk about today are that fabulous group that produce wedding gowns. In San Diego one of my favorite bridal gown shops is Bliss Bride. It is located in the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar. It is co-owned by Jennifer Sinopoli & Anne Davis and it is an adorable little shop. However, that isn't all that makes it such a shopping experience. They are very connected to their industry and extremely knowledgeable as well. They take time with each bride, their family and their friends. Having both been blissful brides themselves, they know exactly what most brides are looking for their special day.

Then I found another place that caught my eye. On Monday May 3, 2010, I attended a bridal event at the London Hotel in West Hollywood. This is one of the ways I stay connected to what is going on in the industry. I try to attend these events at least a couple of times a year. It gives me the chance to see what is new in the industry so that I can continue to deliver what my clients need and expect. Staying connected is what helps me produce beautiful and new innovative events. They caught my eye not because of the shop but because of the dresses.

Not only did this event give me a reason to get back to the London Hotel in West Hollywood, it gave me an opportunity to see a designer I have heard of but not experienced first hand. I loved seeing the dresses on actual models and both of the dresses I fell in love with were all silk. I have posted the photos of both of them here in the blog. I was so impressed with the detail that I knew I would want to explore this shop more.

The name of the bridal studio is Jobyna's Bridal and Tuxedo. I have not had the opportunity to actually visit the store but I plan to very soon. I was actually able to bring home a DVD from the event so I could get more information about the designs of of Jobyna's Bridal by Ines Di Santo.

Jobyna's has quite a few trunk shows coming up and even a couple's night out in June. As an event planner I really enjoy trunk shows and I think it is a great chance for new brides to see what is out there before they start their fittings. In planning weddings, I sincerely enjoy educating myself about the designs and what dresses work best with what body type. When I plan a wedding, I want to make sure I always have as much information for the couple as possible. That information includes, wedding dresses, wedding fashions, fabrics and accessories.

If you would like more information about either shop check them out at:

Bliss Bride

2710 Via De La Valle

Del Mar, CA 92014-1910

858.847.3115

http://www.blissbride.com/

Jobyna's Bridal

3325 Verdugo Road

Glendale, CA 91208

818.248.0026

http://www.jobynasbridal.com/

THE EX FACTOR

2010-05-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

It is interesting how being an event planner is so much more than many people imagine. There are times when people ask my opinion about things that I would have never imagined coming into this business over a decade ago. Having said that, brings me to my blog topic for today and that is, "should you bring your ex to an event. Someone recently asked me just that question. Whenever I am in that situation I usually come up with a very coherent answer. Usually, I am concerned with how the actions of the guests may alter the mood of the event. However, it got me thinking and as usual my answer would be "it depends". Since this isn't your party, you want to think about what is best for the event at hand. Honestly, I think it depends on the event, the relationship that exist between you and how prepared you will be for the questions you will get after the event. Whenever I get that question, I usually ask them why they are considering taking their ex. I laugh to myself when I get answers like, "we look great together in photos" or "he has such a great sense of humor". You definitely want to take a date that will be fun, adapts to their surroundings and will be well received. It also doesn't hurt that they will look great in photos. At weddings, however, there are more things to consider. Weddings are personal and they are milestone events. Therefore, you may want to consider some facts before making a decision:

The Break-Up:

Break ups are rarely a mutually friendly affair. What is a mutually friendly break up? It is when neither of the parties involved have done anything to hurt the other. They just mutually decided that they aren't right for each other and they are better off as friends. That isn't to say that they never happen, just rarely so. If you are the one that called it off then you may disagree, however you may never know how the other party truly feels. Of course there are the amicable break ups. For example, one party is ready to get married and the other isn't. They break up because they want different things and it is the reasonable thing to do. While it may be hard, the responsible and mature thing is to try to move on. However, it takes a very strong person to be friends with someone they were in love with and wanted to share their life with. Especially, when the other person didn't feel the same. Therefore if you are taking your ex, you should both be at a place where you are comfortable with the state of your relationship/friendship.

What Type of Event is it:

While you may be just friends, if you were once a great couple you may not want to take your ex to a wedding. This also applies to wedding related events, like engagement parties or rehearsal dinners. It is almost impossible for people to not want to marry off any fabulous couple in attendance that isn't already married. If your ex is someone that all your friends and family love, you aren't going to get any slack. There is going to be that Aunt, family friend or maybe even your mother that will make it her personal quest in life to get you back together. These rules may also apply for New Year's Eve parties. I am not exactly sure why but, there has always been a certain romantic nostalgia in the air on New Year's Eve. If you are attending a party with close friends, this rule applies even more. It is the end of the past year of your life and the open door to the New Year of your life. You may not want to spend it alone but do you really want to spend it with someone from your past?

How Serious Were You:

While some couples that have been extremely serious can find the road to being strictly friends, it is a long road. You may not want to complicate it with attending a serious event together. It is not always easy to find friendship after having been in a serious relationship. If you are able to find this with your ex, do you really want to jeopardize that? Maybe it is a fundraiser for a cause you both support or networking social that is related to your ex's career. While it isn't impossible to do without complication, it is very risky. This is delicate territory and the longer you were together the more blurred the lines can get. If you were once a very serious couple, there is a chance that you will somehow always be a part of each other's life. But, you may want to make sure you have your feelings and history under control. If you aren’t' t sure, then proceed with caution and choose wisely.

Don't Put Your Ex in a Bad Position:

So, if you are wondering if it is alright to invite your ex with the hope that it will spark their interests again, my answer is no. While it is fine to do so, you shouldn't be taking them for that reason. You also shouldn't be putting them in a position to feel pressure to get back together. If it is meant to be, there will be a natural progression back to one another. If you are manipulating your ex into getting back with you, not only will it not last but also it may remind your ex of some of the reasons you broke up.

The Aftermath:

Everyone loves a great couple. If you are a socially fabulous couple and equally attractive, everyone will wonder why you aren't together. Of course no one takes into account that relationships take a lot more than being a successful event team. Yet, the questions will still come. So, have you thought it all through? Have you considered what it may do to your friends and family that have missed seeing you guys together? To some, it may be hard to see you as something other than a couple. While your life choices are your own, you may want to consider the feelings of your loved ones. To you it may be no big deal but to the ones that love you it may inspire a personal quest to attend to your love life. That may be a door you are not ready to open. Therefore, think it through and make a choice based on all the facts.

In conclusion, should you take your ex to your next event? Wedding season is here and trust me that question will come up a lot over the summer months. Keep in mind that you are a guests and you want the event to work out well for the hostess/host. You don't want to bring any drama to their party. Don't forget, while he/she may look great in pictures, get along with everyone you know and tell great jokes at parties there may be more baggage there that isn't worth unpacking. So, I hope I have given you enough of my opinion to help you make a decision that is best for you. Take time to think about it and if you do take them, take them for the right reasons.

JUST INVITATIONS

2010-04-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Whenever you are planning an event, you have to decide which part of the event is the most important. This isn't always easy to do and without a lot of thought you may not know how the absence of one thing or another may change your event. Of course everyone has a different idea of where they should be spending the time or money on an event. I suppose I am no different. I do believe I pay attention to detail in a way that others may not. I truly believe that is the key. I think before making a choice you should really do research and figure out what the pros and cons are. Then you can make a decision you will be comfortable with. As, I stated, while I do this for a living the choices aren't always that easy when it comes to my own events. Therefore, since I realize it would be hard for me to choose which area I feel is the most important; it isn't always going to be easy for someone that isn't a professional event planner.

Thinking about this makes me think about invitations. Maybe because that is the most recent incident in which I have been faced with these decisions recently. Currently, we are planning a launch party for our new website. For that reason, I was out at a stationary store recently and found myself looking at various textures of paper for invitations. Another woman that was also shopping for stationary leaned in and said "big decision?" as if to ask me a serious question. I explained my dilemma. I told her that I thought one color pattern expressed the vibe of the party and the other color pattern was consistent with our company brand. When she found out that I had deliberated this long over invitations for a party and not a wedding, she seemed confused. Her answer was, "I am sure either would work, they are just invitations." However, I couldn't disagree more.

As we further cruise into the digital age, paper stationary and invitations seem to be something that people underestimate. It is true that you can invite more people to your invite in a shorter amount of time with digital invitations. It is also true that paper invitations may not work for every type of event. So, while the way you choose to invite your guests is up to you, I think paper invitations add that detail and much needed personal touch. Not only that, the design you choose can pull many of the other design ideas together for your guests. It establishes consistency and attention to detail. Don't forget that it gives your guests something they can keep as a keepsake. If it is a personal event like a wedding that marks a big moment in someone's life, that may be something to consider.

So, while some may say that paper invitations are not necessary, I would say you don't buy them for necessity. You buy them to give your guests that personal touch and you add the detail your event needs. There are so many details that go into planning an event that may not be necessary but would definitely be missed if you removed them. Don't give up on traditions of an event because it isn't the new way of doing things. Stay true to your creativity and the inner designer in you.

As I stated in the beginning, it is up to the person putting on the event to decide what they want to make their planning priority. Personally for me, invitations would definitely top my list.

Invitations examples are courtesy of: http://www.yourweddingdays.com/

http://www.freeweddinginvitations.com/

THE CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

2010-04-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

What event would be complete without your little black dress. I am not exactly sure when The Little Black Dress made its debut as the definitive identity of chic. I do know that it in fact has. The Little Black Dress or as we would like to refer to as the LBD is a dress to be worn on any occasion that defines your inner Jackie O. Depending on the dress, you can dress it up or you can dress it down. You can make it formal or you can wear it out to dinner. Whatever the case the LBD is not only classic, it is feminine and you can never lose when you are wearing it.

Cocktails

Every woman has something that makes her feel different the moment she puts it on. I think the LBD is definitely one of those things for some women. Depending on your lifestyle you may not get to wear one that often but every woman has one hiding somewhere in her closet just waiting to be worn. The moment you zip or button the back, the femininity button has been pushed. Whether you are channeling Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot, the light is switched on. All you need is a cocktail in your hand and the perfect lighting because your inner diva has come alive.

Blondes

They say blondes have more fun but I believe you have the most fun in your LBD. Once you put it on, you are ready for the next event. As an event planner, the LBD is the best thing ever made. My responsibilities change throughout the day and in my LBD so can my look. In the morning, I may have a breakfast meeting. I will wear my LBD with a cardigan a conservative necklace and a professional shoe. As the day progresses, I may have happy hour with friends, shed the cardigan and wear a chunky necklace with a funky shoe. If I end up at dinner, I put on a dressy necklace with a sexy shoe. The best part is the I like fabulous and my LBD saves the day because it is so versatile.

Why Black
When deciding to blog about the LBD, I wanted to figure out how one simple style could become such a fashion staple. Then I realized I had answered my own question. It is simple beauty. A black dress, is slimming, uncomplicated and takes all of the stress out of fashion. Therefore, it makes it easier to feel beautiful. The black taunts you with its mystery and allures you. Yet, the color calms you while masking all the secrets of a woman and highlighting her classic beauty.

THE PERFECT WEDDING DRESS

2010-04-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

There is so much advice out there on how to the choose the right wedding dress. Unfortunately, no one can really give you advice on how to find that perfect wedding dress. The only way I can describe it is by making the comparison to finding love. That may seem extreme but I think it is true. So many people will tell you how to find the love of your life. Yet, those that have found the true love of their life will tell you that there is no real formula. It takes the right person at the right time. It is a feeling. The same holds true for a wedding dress. When you put on the right dress, you will look at yourself and you will feel like a bride.

Wearing White
Wearing white on your wedding day is the traditional thing to do. White symbolizes fresh beginnings and you can never go wrong. However, if you don't want to wear white, you shouldn't feel compelled to. Based on tradition, if a couple lived together before becoming man and wife, a woman isn't supposed to wear white. Yet, we all know that they do. That means that it is your choice. It is your choice, for the dress that you choose to wear, to begin your life together and it should be your choice what color it is as well.

Short Wedding Dresses

There was a time that it was rare to see a short wedding dress at a traditional wedding. Short wedding dresses are usually reserved for beach weddings or maybe even a second wedding. Well, that isn't the case anymore as brides get more comfortable their own ideas for their wedding day, we are seeing more short dresses. Short dresses can be extremely flattering to the right bride and it is all about your personal style.

Which train is for you

If the question isn't should I have a train and the question is which train should I choose, well here is some information. There are a lot of different choices when it comes to choosing a train. Again, you have to decide how you picture yourself on your wedding day and you do want to consider where you are getting married. There are Sweeping, Chapel, Semi Cathedral, Cathedral and the train of all trains....The Monarch. It is also referred to as the Royal Train because this is what Princess Diana wore at her wedding. Of course Princess Diana wore the train because she would be come a princess but I am sure it also made her feel like a princess. Whether, you want the dress to sweep the floor or you want to arrive at the church 10 minutes before your train, it is whatever makes you happy. Just make sure you think about the logistics if you do go with a long train.

Sexy or Non Sexy

I never know how to answer this question when someone asks. I think every woman wants to feel sexy on her wedding day. Now if she displays sexy instead of just feeling sexy, that is something completely different. However, while it is different, it is still a personal choice. Most women pick a wedding dress that is somewhat close to their everyday style. I would have to agree that this is the best choice. Your wedding dress is something that you have to look back on with no regrets. Since your marriage is for life, the photo of your wedding day will be something you have to look at for days to come. Therefore, you want it to reflect who you are and the way you felt on the day you are married. Also, keep in mind you want it to be a dress you are comfortable in and you can be confident about. So, while you don't have to be completely conservative, choose wisely. Pick a dress that will make you feel sexy but still make you look like a bride.

In conclusion, I am sure that you have gathered that the overall theme of this posting is that your wedding day is your wedding day. A wedding dress is a something that makes a statement and it should be your statement. The most important thing with anything you choose on your wedding day is that you do what makes you happy and that are well informed about your decisions. Keep in mind that there may be some effort required with the dress you choose. For example if you want a Monarch train and you are getting married at the beach....there are some decisions to be made. Well, you wouldn't have to make all of those decisions because that is why you would hire me.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SONG FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT

2010-04-08T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have always wondered how couple's arrive at the songs they choose for their wedding. From the engagement video to the first dance, there is always a surprise. As we continue to graduate from the traditional way of doing things I am always excited by what my couple's come up with. I think excited is the word I use because it is exciting to find out what songs will best communicate their feelings and tell another part of their love story.

When I first started planning weddings, I had a very traditional take on things. More than likely that was because I was a young planner and while was experienced in my field, I wasn't experienced in love. Over time, I have observed so many love stories that I sing a different tune. When a bride or couple is having a hard time choosing a song, I tell them to pick something that identifies the moment best. If it is there first dance, how do they see their first dance? If it is the ceremony song, I ask them what song is the song that you want to identify the start of your life together. If they want to make it funny, I tell them to make it funny. If they want it romantic, I tell them to make it romantic. It is always what makes them feel best about their day.

Mostly, I have always wondered what goes into the decision making process and I am sure it is different with every couple. Then this morning something interesting happened. Well, the story actually started before this morning. A few months ago my boyfriend and I were working on a project together diligently. The radio was playing in the background for most of the day. Then, the song "Amanda" by Boston came on. During most of the song there was silence. Then, just randomly, he picked an object made a microphone and proceeded to lip sync the song. I started to sing along and just like that we made an air band.

As I stated that was a couple of months ago but this morning as I was getting ready to head to the office the song came on. I don't know why but it made me stop in my tracks. Right now, he is away and the song took me back to an awesome moment between us. When I think of all the songs we have heard together I don't know why this one stood out but it made me realize that maybe this is how wedding songs are chosen. No matter how different it seems to everyone on the outside, it represents something for the couple deep inside.

As I grow and progress in my career and in love, I have learned that experience is valuable in this business. Now, when I advise a couple on the song they will choose, I don't think I will say anything much different than I have said in the past. It will be the way I say it that will change. I will tell them to choose with their heart and I will not only mean it, I will know what it feels like.

ANOTHER PERFECT PROPOSAL

2010-03-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have planned some of the most complicated wedding proposals around and don't get me wrong I love a challenge. We will help future grooms go to great lengths to make the perfect proposal happen.

However, for a change I was recently part of the most creative but easy to plan proposals around. He planned it all in his head and all he needed us for was to help execute it. It was a couple that had recently bought a house together and were moving in the day he called. He had already bought the ring and planned to propose in a very formal manner the next weekend.

When he called they were in the middle of moving and there was a moment when they had a laugh at how far they had come. They had been together through so many changes, college, jobs and learning the lessons of life. He said, he wanted to do it at that moment but he wanted to make it memorable. Most of their family was there helping them move and once he decided to do this on that day he needed a little help. My team secretly got some of the friends to come over and family members that were not there. We only had 2 hours to get flowers delivered a videographer and a photographer. Then we had to come up with a reason to make her believe a videographer and photographer would be there to record something other than the next major chapter in her life.

What we came up with is that we were doing a stories about couples that moved from the city to the suburbs and why they do it. Of course she declined to interview becasue she was in the middle of moving but stated we could get some shots of the house/landscaping if we would like. Once everyone was in place, her boyfriend let everyone know the real reason they were all there. He got down and one knee to her complete surprise.

My favorite part was when she complained about the way she looked. He told her just the way she was. He loved the woman he woke up next to every morning and didn't think she could be any more perfect than at that moment. He told her that he looked forward to many more mornings waking up next to her, observing her beauty in their home.

I really enjoyed this one not just because of the challenge but because of the sincerity. It was one of the most creative and beautiful moments I have ever been a part of.

YOUR EVENT IN CYBERSPACE

2010-02-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Creating a website for your event is not a necessity but it can definitely be a valuable asset. A website can add a lot of value and a personal touch. This is extremely popular for weddings and engagements. This is probably because there are so many sites that provide a template and make it easy to do.

Once you get engaged, it can be a year long process for some between the wedding and the engagement. There are so many things you will want to share with your loved ones along the way. By creating a website, you can bring them along with you throughout this process. You can tell your friends how you met, where the proposal took place and what your plans are for you both after the wedding. You can let everyone know where you are registered and even show off cute pictures of your nephew taking his ring bearer responsibilities seriously.

Additionally, it can provide a wealth of information and keep guests engaged before the big event happens. You can also answer those tough questions that you may not want to answer in person. If the facts are laid out on the website you may spare yourself from explaining things that may make certain guests feel they have been singled out. For example, if you don't want your guests to bring children or if you won't be serving alcohol, you can tell them ahead of time by including this information on the party's website. Once you have communicated this to them upfront, the tough conversations that may accompany the inquiry may not be an issue later on.

Keep in mind that this isn't only for weddings. There are a lot of other events out there that you can create a website for as well. If it is for a fashion show, you can tell everyone a little about the designer(s). If it is for a baby shower, you can talk about the registry. If it is for an annual Halloween party, you can post photos from last year's celebration to get your guests geared up for this year's celebration.

Posting Photos
Posting photos may seem like a small thing but it is a great way to keep everyone connected to the event. It will show everyone why they will want to be there for your event and can even include them on the planning process. After the event has occurred, it is a reminder of how much fun they had, all of the other people that were there and how great of an event it was. These photos are a sample of all your hard work and the fun your well orchestrated event provided. When they share the event with others, they can not only tell them, they can show them.

Posting Updates
For the most part if you plan your event well, you won't make many changes. However, there are those small changes that may come up after the invitations have already gone out. Say for instance your event is in May in California and you aren't expecting rain. Then, you hear a week before your event that there may be storms for the next week or so. You may want to update your guests on the weather and the adjustments that may need to be made because of the weather. It is always better to provide as much information as possible.

Include important Links
It never hurts to include links about your event. For example, if it is a costume party, you may include links to costume stores in the area. Additionally, you may even want to include links to coupons for the costumes if you have them.

From a business perspective it can be a helpful tool that will show others that you have excellent planning abilities. By thinking of everything and making the information accessible to your guests, it will let them know that you are a proficient organizer. If you desire more traffic to your site, this is another helpful tool. Anything that directs individuals to your website helps keep you on their minds. If that is your goal, the more traffic, the better.

EVENT PLANNING & YOU

2010-02-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

A lot of people ask me what it takes to be an event planner. Even more so, everyone thinks that being an event planner is all fun and games. Of course it has it perks but there is a lot of hard work that goes into being an event planner. If you are going to be good at what you do, there is a lot of work that goes into making a successful career. Here are a few things I feel are vital to the trade.

Know Your Business
A big part of event planning in my opinion is coming up with great ideas for events. While some of us are extremely creative, even the most creative individuals will run out of ideas occasionally. That is why it is important to continuously stay up to date on the latest trends in entertainment. You should always know where people are eating, what everyone is wearing and what kids are buying. If you consider yourself to be the expert on the subject you need to know a lot more about planning a party. You need to know where to plan it, how to design it and what people will want.

Be Organized
If you want to convince people that they should pay you to plan their party instead of them planning it themselves for free, you are going to have to come prepared. Not only will you have to have a detailed and prepared proposal, you will want to have the information needed to back it up. One thing I feel is worth the time, is organizing various aspects of my business. From business development contacts to vendors, I know where all of the information I will need at any moment is without a second thought. That means I can always get it and get it fast.

Listen
I spend a lot of time not only listening to the wants and needs of my clients, I also spend a lot of time listening to the needs of the clients of others. I read reviews and communicate with my peers on a regular basis to educate myself on how to consistently improve. Our philosophy is "we strive for perfection" and no matter how much experience we have, that will never stop. I will always be on a quest to achieve the best event for the client possible. I don't believe that would happen if I didn't take the time to listen and learn.

In the end event planning is a very fun, rewarding and exciting career. Just remember that it isn't easy and it isn't all about the fun. If you want to build a business with a portfolio you can be proud of do the work and then enjoy the rewards.

Planning A Halloween Party

2009-11-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

Planning a Halloween party is as simple as you make it. The best thing to do is to make a brief assessment of your friends like and dislikes and then design and event to fit them. If you have a group that likes the scary aspect of Halloween, making your house into a house of horrors may be a way to go. You can serve drinks that are blood red and serve treats that look like body parts.

If you have a group that likes to get dressed up then you want to focus on the costume aspect of the event. There are a lot of different things you can do. Your choices can vary from giving away gifts to the individual with the best costume to having your help dress up like characters that will amuse your guests. The key to a great Halloween party is catering to your crowd.

This Halloween we helped design quite a few Halloween parties and I even held one for my own personal group of friends. No matter what you do, keep in mind the holidays are upon us and you don’t want to take on too much. From here to the end of the year, there will be one celebration after another. Take them in stride and enjoy them.

What is the purpose of a Launch Party?

2009-05-19T23:53:00.001-07:00

Launch parties are definitely my specialty. If you are a business owner with a new product worth talking about you may seriously want to consider having a launch party.

When potential clients want information on the benefits of a launch party for a new product, I have them ask themselves quite a few questions first. For example, what are your goals, have you done your homework on what market to advertise your product? Who is your target audience? You have to do your homework. If you are going to invest time and money into an event like this, you have to make sure it is well spent. You do this by ensuring you have a market large enough to release your product and that you are marketing it to the right people.

You may be wondering what is a launch party and what is it for? Launch parties are thrown by a company to celebrate the release of a new product or service. From Verizon launching a new cell phone to Sony launching a new video game, launch parties are a very effective way to brand your company. You may want to keep in mind that a launch party can launch a concept as well as a product. You can have a party after the acquisition of a domain name as well as an initial public offering. By opening your doors to potential new clients you increase the exposure your product and company receive.

You should remember that while this is business, it is pleasure as well. Your guests will attend to learn about a new product but after all it is a party and you want your guests to have fun. This is all about marketing so your product will be associated with something positive and your company will earn an innovative reputation in the community. Some of the ways to make these parties exciting is by providing quality entertainment, an excellent atmosphere and lots of giveaways. The key is to make yourself stand out above your competitors. Consumers love giveaways and I have a knack for putting the perfect gift bag together. By providing them with giveaways, you are giving them something to take away and try even after they have left the party. You are providing something that will keep the company name or product on their mind in everyday life.

There are two ways to approach these events. You can either hold a small event focused on a very specific group and concentrate your efforts on catering to this group in hopes that they are connected enough to get the word out. You can also hold a lavish grand event that a whole community will be talking about. While large events like this aren’t always cheap, they are definitely a great investment. Sometimes they can cost anywhere from 50k to 200K. However, by bringing your product to the demographic most interested in your product, you are reaching your target audience more in one night than by spending thousands of dollars on advertising to a audience not as specific.

Launch parties may seem like just an excuse to have a party but they are so much more. In the ever changing market you are launching a positive and exciting product on the business community. You are making your company appealing to new consumers, networking opportunities, potential new employees and companies that may want to do business with you in the future. By being cutting edge you are attracting cutting edge opportunities. You are putting yourself out there as a viable competitor ready for business in the new millennium.

Las Vegas Destination Weddings

2009-05-11T06:38:00.001-07:00

There are so many misconceptions out there about getting married in Las Vegas. While the myths and urban legends make Vegas such an exciting destination, many think the only people that get married in Vegas are individuals that elope. Of course there are the weddings with Elvis and the showgirls as witnesses but that isn’t all there is. Las Vegas is home to some of the most lavish resorts and country clubs. There is a lot more to the city than what you see on the strip. You name it; you can find it in Vegas. The city is full of quality locations and Vegas has become one of the most recently developed cities. If you are looking for a lavish wedding where you won’t have to lift a finger, Vegas is it. As far as destination weddings go, it is the city that is ensuring you get exactly what you want. All you have to do is find the right planner and bring your wedding dress!

Las Vegas it has become a destination worth exploring and if you live in the United States, it is at most, a few hours away. However, it is an International destination as well. People come from South Africa, Italy and even Australia to have their nuptials in Las Vegas.

After having planned over a dozen Vegas weddings it has become my number one choice when I get married. I have worked with various planners and vendors in Las Vegas that have had the creativity and professionalism I appreciate as an event planner. I have enjoyed the results so much that I have enough confidence that they will understand all of the details and give me the wedding of my dreams. Additionally, after all the hard work and planning I have done on other weddings, I will rest assured that I won't have to lift a finger when my day comes.

There are some things that you want to consider when planning a wedding a Vegas. Here are just a few:

· Don't forget that Las Vegas is a big convention, vacation and wedding destination. Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July are just a few examples of big weekends. They are all also very popular wedding dates. If you are considering a popular Vegas weekend you will want to plan ahead or consider being flexible.

· There isn’t anything you can’t get in Vegas but don’t forget it is in the middle of a desert. If you have large requests or items that need to be shipped in, make sure you let them know ahead of time. While I am sure they will deliver, try your best not to make any large last minute requests.

· Keep in mind that while you can get anything you want in Vegas that it may not be cheap. Most people assume that because it is Vegas that it will be dirt cheap. However, quality is never cheap and while you can get the same quality in Las Vegas is not as expensive; you still have to be realistic.

Picking The Right Photographer For Your Event

2009-04-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Before you hire a photographer you want to spend time deciding what type of photos you want and what you want your photos to communicate. You can do this by creating a checklist so that you have a list of specific goals. What is the budget for your photographer? Do you want someone that specializes in black & white? Do you want a photographer that will focus on you or do you want a photographer that wants to document the event and every moment? Will they bring assistants so they can catch everything or do you want a soloist that only wants to capture what catches his eye? Once you decide this, you want to take referrals. Referrals are always the best advertisement. Talk with individuals that may have similar style, standards and ideals. There are a lot of talented photographers out there but most have a very unique style. Getting referrals from like individuals will help you narrow down the list.

The key to finding the right one is the ability to see eye to eye on their vision of your special day. Every photographer has a certain style and that is why it is important to invest the time in finding the photographer that works best with you.

You will want to start by viewing the potential photographer’s portfolio. Make sure you pay attention the details and ensure that the photographer has examples of the things you want to capture for your special event. You want to ask questions about the equipment they use or how they approach lighting. However, you don’t want to just stop at the photographer’s work. You will also want to know about the photographer’s personality. How well do they work with people? Are they personable, patient and focused? Do they communicate well and approach their work professionally? Are they punctual? You may do this by watching them in action and seeing how they work.

Once you have found the photographers you like you want to discuss pricing. While you already know the range of the photographer, you need to identify the price of the things you want. Will you get all of your images, will you only get an album or a designed package for that price? You don’t want to wait until the end and then have to extend your budget because you can’t get the photos you like for the price you paid. Now, pick a photographer but remember just as in any other relationship, communication is key. You have figured out that the photographer has the talent and can do the job. Now, you just have to make sure you are on the same page. Tell the photographer exactly what you want. Don’t leave it to chance. After all of this has been discussed, make sure you get it all in writing.

Last, relax and enjoy your special day. Once you have established clear and concise communication, let go. While you want to understand your photographer’s vision, you also have to rely on trust at some point. Once you have gathered the information, seen the photographer’s portfolio, obtained references, identified their style and communicated your desires, you have to let go and trust. If they have done everything to earn your trust then you have to believe that things will turn out okay. If you do the research and work up front, everything will turn out perfect!

Not My Date themed Event - Adventures In Party Planning

2009-03-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

As an event planner I am consistently thinking of new themes and fun/interesting ways to bring people together. While you never really need a reason to have a party a great theme makes everything gel. That is why when a group of women came to me with the idea to put together a hip and social networking event, I couldn’t resist.

Generally our team will draw our ideas from wherever we can and for those Sex and the City fans out there, there are lots of great party ideas in every episode. The latest great idea to come from the women of Sex in the City for our group is the “Not My Date” party? What is it you say? Well, it is a party when you bring a date. However, this date isn’t just any date. It is someone you know you consider to be eligible but you yourself are not interested in. I am sure you are asking why anyone would do that. The concept is to provide yet another arena to meet new people and yes, throw a chic party.
This is an idea I have heard of before but Saturday March 28, 2009 was the first time I have been involved in bringing this concept to life. We brought together a group of beautiful successful women and mixed them with a variety of guys for a night of fun.

Held in Laguna Beach, California it was very relaxed environment. There were tea lights, excellent appetizers and the music set the mood. With great views of the beach providing a great opportunity to mingle there were quite a few couples that hit it off. From a University professor, Sports writer and Bio Engineer a lot of different careers were represented. The dress code was simply this, “fabulous”! The drink of the night was Key Lime Martinis and the only thing you were required to bring was your “A” game!

The party was a great success and I am glad I was a part of bringing it to life. I can’t wait for the next opportunity help plan an excellent themed party. The quest to create great events never ends. If you need help planning a creative, successful event, Perfection Squared is the company to call.

Make Quality Time for Each Other

2009-03-20T16:43:00.001-07:00

Whether you are dating, engaged, newly married or married for years, you want to make time for your mate. As an event planning firm we do a lot more than weddings. We’ve helped couples plan romantic getaways, romantic dinner parties, proposals, engagement parties, anniversary celebrations, vow renewals and more. If it can be created we have done it. We help couples recreate their honeymoon, their proposal or the first time they met. We know it is important to keep the romance going.

What do I mean when I say make time? I don’t just mean making time to have a meal with your partner. You want to make sure you find ways to keep your relationship fresh. As individuals we are always growing and evolving. We want to take the time to share this evolution with our loved ones and along with the journey. In our society, it is easy to get busy but you don’t want to let too much time pass before you come together.

Most of us know how much work dating may be. Married individuals may be thinking the purpose of getting married was so they wouldn’t have to work so hard anymore. On the contrary, with careers, children, family and various responsibilities, married couples want to work equally hard to keep the romance in your relationship. When you become bored with your partner, it is a clue that you have lost the connection with the part of you that you used to find exciting,” says Dr. Leslie Parrott. Therefore, solidifying a relationship doesn’t mean you should stop getting to know the person you love. The more you know someone, the more you should want to share in their lives. This is an ongoing process.

There was a time that your boyfriend, fiancée or husband called you on the phone and asked you out on a date. A week would not pass without seeing one another and spending quality time together. There may have even been times when you had a big event coming up and you called your boyfriend, fiancée or husband to attend it with you. Do you remember what it felt like to be asked out on a date? How much did you look forward to the day you would share one of your favorite activities with someone you were crazy about. Suddenly, that day at work wasn’t so much so stressful because your thoughts were elsewhere. Just because you are in a committed relationship now doesn’t mean you have to give up the idea of romance like this.

So you should make dates with one another and keep them. It can be lunch, working out together, brunch on Sunday or just making time to have a drink. Maybe you can try something new, or something you’ve both wanted to do. Just plan carefully because you should view these dates as “unbreakable” the same as you would a business obligation.

Don’t treat your relationship or partner as flexible and accommodating. While your career and other responsibilities demand your time, you don’t want to take your relationship for granted. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, find some even if it is only a little. Think back to the beginning of your relationship, you planned around your responsibilities and found the energy to devote to them because they were important to you. Try to keep those early memories in mind because this is something that shouldn’t change.

Don’t forget creating magic moments is our business. The intimacy shouldn’t end, so compliment them when they look good, court them whenever you can, and keep the special moments you share coming!

If you need help planning a proposal or a romantic event, contact us at info@perfection2.com

Pink Gets A Makeover! - Adventures in Event Planning

2009-03-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

Pink never goes out of style. While a lot of people will say pink is “girly” or it may be so “yesterday” pink always has a way of staying in fashion. Not only in fashion, from cell phones to video cameras, pink has made its way to the mainstream. More and more different shades of pink are finding their way into weddings and parties. So whether you use it as an accent color or find the perfect shade to take the spotlight, pink doesn’t appear to be going out of style anytime soon.

I will say that pink is one of those colors that you have to use wisely. It doesn’t work in every situation and it definitely doesn’t look good on everyone. However, if you like pink, you don’t have to wear it. There are other ways to introduce the color at your event. All you have to do is decide what kind of statement you want to make. Pink is a color that demands awareness and keep in mind there are many shades of pink. When it works it works and it can make the most beautiful statement.

I could say that in 2008 pink was the new white. I planned 3 pink parties which gave me the impression the white party has been replaced. As an event planner, I love to see individuals take chances with color. That’s why when I got the opportunity to plan a dinner party for 70+ individuals with pink being the theme, I jumped all over it. Of course the décor, food and atmosphere highlighted the color but we also encouraged the guest to be creative in their quest to find the right shade. Instead of wearing the simple pink dress, women wore black and white with a bold pink accent like a belt, clutch or hat. The men were equally creative. A few of them made gorgeous presentation by wearing a pink tie with a dark suit. A couple of guys even wore pink cuff links.

What I have found is pink is no longer a female dominated color. Pink has transcended into all facets of men’s fashions. These days you will find it in men’s shirts, shorts and ties. Yes, in 2009 men have the courage to wear pink!

Don’t forget, one of the best ways you can express yourself is through color. Fall in love with pink all over again!

Choosing Your Wedding Party

2009-03-01T01:14:00.001-08:00

Congratulations you are getting married. For those of you that have been planning your wedding since you were 10 years old, you may already know who the members of your wedding party will be. However, this is not the case for everyone. While it may seem like it will be an easy task, it is one that you should take seriously. It is imperative that you surround yourself with people that will be supportive and that are important to you. These should be individuals that will be in your life for a long time to come. When you look back at your wedding pictures, the people you see in your photos should still be a meaningful part of your life.

You will want to start by asking yourself questions like, how large should our wedding party be, which roles will they play and what should you expect from each of them? These are important questions because planning a wedding is an involved process and the members of your wedding party will have a lot of involvement in this process. Therefore, you want to pick people that will be positive and give you the support to help you make the decisions you will need to make. I would suggest thinking long and hard about the people you want in your wedding party. I suggest waiting until the actual wedding planning process begins before asking attendants. You never know how much can change between the moment you get engaged and the planning process. Take time to make well thought out decisions.

You and your fiancée should make a list with the pros and cons of all the people you are considering. For example, will you get frustrated with those that have family or work commitments that keep them from participating the way you would like? When asking someone to be a member of the wedding party you don’t want to make spontaneous choices. You also want to make sure you make decisions based on you and your fiancée’s wishes alone. Don’t invite members to be in your wedding party based on the wishes of others are because you feel indebted to someone. Adding members to your wedding party because you want an even number of attendants isn’t a good reason to ask someone to participate.

Make sure you choose wisely from the beginning. Once you make this decision there is no easy way out. You do not want to remove people or make changes to your party unless there has been a serious falling out. Asking someone to step down or replacing them in the wedding party may cause hurt feelings and cause unnecessary stress at a time when you should be stress free.

Remember, this is your wedding day and it will be everything that you dreamed. As long as you slow down, make well thought out and non-emotional decisions your day will be seamless.

Who's On The Guest List?

2009-02-24T00:01:00.001-08:00

When planning a party, keep in mind the guest list is an essential part of your party's success. Of course everyone will come for the fun, food and your company. Another reason they will come is the idea of meeting new people and expanding their social circle.

Try your best to invite an interesting mix of people. You can do this by putting time into expanding your own social circle and inviting individuals that are lively and social. You also want to remember to invite the right mix of people. Invite people that will gel instead of individuals you know will clash. It doesn't hurt to invite that one controversial guest that will intrigue everyone. Just make sure they are inline with the theme of the party.

Try not push the limits. Your ultimate goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves. Keep in mind that you should invite the right people to the right party. You don't want to invite a group of party animals to a tea party. Think about your demographic and plan accordingly.

Should Your Wedding Have a Theme?

2009-02-04T00:12:00.000-08:00

More and more brides are asking me if they should have a wedding theme. I always tell them to remember that it is their wedding and anything they want to do within reason is up to them. The key to making this decision is to identify the reasons for a theme and then figure out if these reasons will work for you.

Choosing a theme will unify your special day with a personal touch. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a theme. There are all of the personal memorable reasons you want to include like hobbies, family traditions and pivotal moments in your relationship. However, there are also less personal themes I like to incorporate into weddings. Sometimes, I like to help brides choose a theme based on wedding attire, location and time of year.

The most important part of your wedding will be your commitment to one another. The next important thing is making your wedding a memorable event. This is where a theme can be handy. Choosing a theme isn't necessary. However, by expressing your passions and interests in a theme, you will personalize your wedding and give it your signature.

One of the first things you will want to do when choosing a theme is take the time to plan it together. Since marriage is the introduction of your partnership to your loved ones, you want to make sure that both of your ideas are displayed in whatever theme you pick. Together you will incorporate elements unique to you as a couple. Don’t forget that establishing your theme is something you and your future spouse will do together. Therefore, this is yet another opportunity during this hectic time to bond.

I recently planned a wedding for a couple with a theme that was only obvious. They were both outdoor people and both environmentalist. Since they had both dedicated so much of themselves to a "green" lifestyle it was extremely easy to choose a theme. So, I planned a summer outdoor wedding, with gifts made from recyclable materials. Now, I am planning a destination wedding for a couple that met on vacation in France. It has been phenomenal transforming the reception location into the French town where they met. The food, decor and music will all take them back to the time and place where it all began. Of course not every wedding will have such an obvious theme. The key is finding what characteristics or interests you have in common, and then finding a way to ensure it highlights your commitment to one another.

If you decide you want to have a wedding theme, sit down together and ask each other questions like:
1. What do we want our guests to know about us as a couple?
2. What would some of the highlights of our relationship be?
3. What are some of the defining moments in our relationship?
4. Are there things we have in common that help define us as a couple?
5. What do we want our guests to remember most about our wedding?

Answering questions like this is a great place to start. After that, the ideas will begin to flow and you are on your way to design the personalized wedding of your dreams. Congratulations and happy planning!

Plan The Perfect Proposal

2008-11-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

LET US HELP YOU PLAN THE PERFECT PROPOSAL

A woman’s wedding day is the monumental making of a memory but that memory starts with the proposal. Finding the right place the right time and the right thing to say can be harder than you think. Taking the time to coordinate such a proposal may not be so easy and that is why we are here.

We would love to help make your proposal perfect। We want your life together to be all you think about from the time you propose until the day you get married! However, if you insist on doing it yourself we have a few pointers and ideas to share with you.

When the time comes for a man to ask the woman he loves to marry him, you want to put time, consideration and effort into this moment। It is the beginning of your life together as a committed couple. You want to make sure this moment will be one you both remember for the rest of your lives and not something you both want to forget.

Of course it isn't easy to find the most romantic way to propose to the woman you love. Just remember to make it about the both of you and the things you find precious.

Our team has helped future grooms plan the most important question they will ever ask in their lives. During the planning we always remind them to be true to themselves. Below we offer you some ideas, which you may want to consider using when thinking of proposing to your girlfriend in the future.

1. Family First

A very simple yet romantic way of proposing is by cooking a family meal. Invite your family over and share this moment with them. When you are starting your life together most women want to share that moment with the people they love most. Why not have them there with you when that moment happens. Recently, we helped a gentlemen plan his proposal. The family got together and cooked a gourmet meal. During dinner her father toasted to his daughter, talked about her as a little girl and how much she has grown up. Then he told everyone that now he realizes he has to let her go and let a man he has grown to love/trust be the man in her life going forward. This speech opened the door for the proposal from her fiancee' and lots of tears.

2. Recreate Your First Date:

Why not recreate your first date. If you are marrying a woman that appreciates those memories and intimate moments, she will appreciate that you remember that special day. Recreating your first date will bring back lots of memories and set the perfect mood. Additionally, it will solidify your connection and serve as the ideal introduction to your proposal.

3. Accentuate Your Charm

Another great idea for a romantic marriage proposal is to use a charm bracelet. We recently helped a gentleman propose using a charm bracelet. We asked him what she valued most and he said a charm bracelet her father had given her as a child. At Christmas he told her he had bought her a new charm for her bracelet. When she opened the gift she found a small skeleton key. Right away she went to put it on her bracelet but he told her the key had sentimental value. He told her that not only was it the key to his heart but the key to their future. Then he handed her a box with an opening for the small key. As she started to unlock it, he got down on one knee and she almost couldn't finish opening the box.

Of course these are only a few of the basics (you didn't think we'd give away the good stuff did you?). Every proposal should be tailored to the couple. What means most to both of you and what are the things that simply need to be said at that moment?