A Rambling Dialogue on our Past, Present and Future Events

Consumable Favors

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:52:02 -0500

Most events end with a little parting gift. Something to take home and remind you of your hosts, but often with children’s parties or even larger social events like weddings these favors end up in the trash or tucked away somewhere just taking up space.

I love the idea of consumable favors. Right now I’m on a lollipop kick since our upcoming events include a superhero party and we’re using lollipops to send the guests home happy, but consumable favors can be homemade goodies, seeds that can be planted, anything that can be used or repurposed once the guest is home.

One of my favorite sites for edible favors is Beau Coup. Here are a few of the unique favors that caught my eye!

Custom boxed wedding truffles, Personalized BBQ Sauce for the Southern Wedding, Whole Leaf Tea Sachet Favors, and Cocktail Flavored Jelly Beans!

Happy Hunting!

Photographers ~ The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly ~

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:17:10 -0600

You want to choose your photographer with the same care you choose your dress. Try them on for size, get the advice and opinion of friends and family, and most important...make sure they are the perfect photographer for you. You want to have a good connection, and a lot of faith in their abilities! The last thing you want their work to show is your stress.

I have several very good friends and colleagues that are amazing photographers and each and every one manages to make me slow down and spend some time on their photos. These aren’t candid snapshots, they’re perfect moments caught in time that bring you back to one of the best days of your life.

There are a lot of “How to choose a photographer” check lists out there so I’m not going to add to them. This is my opinion on how to pick the person that is going to capture the moments you want to remember forever.

The Good: Good photographers all have one thing in common...a love of what they do! These aren’t people who have a nice camera and are trying to make some money so they offer you a deal. Good photographers are reliable, professionals who see the world through a viewfinder. The picture above was taken by Lisa Hackberth at illumnate photography, one my absolute favorite Austin vendors.

The Bad: A bad photographer can make an event stressful and no one wants that. A bad photographer can be someone you don’t click with...so I stress to my clients that a great price isn’t worth a bad connection. If you don’t jive with someone, be sure not to book them for financial reasons. You can always call a good photographer you liked and ask about a budget friendly package or recommendation.

The Ugly: Deals can go nasty when expectations aren’t set or met. Be sure you line out what you want photographed, any special moments that must be captured. Get detailed price quotes and make sure they’re itemized so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Most importantly be sure that you have a great time. Your joy in the day will shine through the photographs and make it all worthwhile.

There's No Wedding Like Your Wedding

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:43:36 -0500

I’ve gotten several calls lately from brides asking me what they can and can’t do at their weddings. To each and every one, and to all of you reading I’ll say it again! This is your wedding. Other than a few minor etiquette issues in addressing invitations, or seating arrangements, there are very few areas where you can’t do exactly what you wish.   If you want gourmet burgers at your wedding instead of rubber chicken, I say party on! If you hate all things white and want to get married in a fabulous purple gown, I say party on! (A Bride of mine did this at a wedding last October and I can definitely say it was one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever attended).

Whether you are trying to decide which invitations to go with or what color scheme you like, remember that there is no wrong way to plan your wedding. Besides if you just can’t decided, remember there’s always the ten year vow renewal...

If you need help planning your current or future events, just hit the Relax button below and we’ll be happy to help you out!

Get Organized

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:37:23 -0500

There’s the old say that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” As one who prides myself on bring organized I like to say when the going gets tough, the it’s time to make a plan. The key to efficient and seamless event planning is getting organized sticking to your plan.

Many times people have a tendency to take stock at the beginning of an event, make their lists, diligently plan things out, and then somewhere between that point and the final day the to do list flies out the window and it becomes a chaotic rush to the finish line with you praying along the way that nothing slips by the wayside.

The internet is an excellent resource for making your life easier with this. Google any type of checklist, be it

If you need help planning your current or future events, just hit the Relax button below and we’ll be happy to help you out!

Relax, Relax, Relax

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:04:11 -0500

It’s been a very busy few weeks as I prepare for vacation, work on some corporate workshop series and keep up with current clients’ event details. It definitely got a little crazy for a few days and I had to remind myself of that ultra valuable lesson that we so often ignore...RELAX!

Regardless of the size or scope of the event you are planning, there are seem to be a few bumps in the road. It’s healthy, and a smart decision to take a step back every few weeks and focus on yourself for a while. This mini rejuvenation will let you bring added creativity, problem solving, or just a more peaceful attitude to your current endeavor.

So if you are knee deep in planning or just getting your feet wet, be sure to take a few minutes for you sometime soon. Do you have any tips on how to Relax? How about an at home “spa day”, or a “morning off” where you can curl up with a yummy beverage and a great book and escape for a few hours. Personally I love the beach! Just picturing the beach in my head can help me calm down and relieve stress.  
Whichever way you choose to de-stress, remember to never lose sight of this! We entertain for enjoyment, we gather to celebrate with family, and the memories are forever!

If you need help planning your current or future events, just hit the Relax button below and we’ll be happy to help you out!