Guest Post: Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours Paper

I have a super special treat today.  The paper diva extraodinaire, Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours Paper, has written a post just for you.  Hang on tight and learn how to properly outfit and accessorize your wedding paper wardrobe.


Your wedding begins and ends with paper - from the Save the Date announcement that stirs the first emotions about your wedding event to the wedding day paper lovelies that bring charm and personalization to your wedding ceremony and reception! With today’s bride valuing uniqueness in the details, perfectly planned papers are a must! And Sincerely Yours Paper is the place where you’ll receive unparalleled personal service, award-winning design, and savvy wedding expertise! With just a little thought and a heaping-scoop of creativity, your wedding paper wardrobe can be the design thread that weaves wonder throughout your celebration!

There are lots of simple ways to incorporate design into your wedding paper lovelies! My first design tip is to choose a paper pallet and keep within that pallet throughout all of the printed items – mixing up those paper shades from envelopes to layers to wraps and even sashes and inks! I also love to incorporate and maintain a select set of typestyles, often including a wedding “emblem” such as a monogram, duogram, embellishment, or icon. These fonts, themes, icons etc. make featured appearances from paper item to paper item, and they become a design element that your guests most certainly become aware of! And oh, the comments you’ll receive when you carefully coordinate your wedding paper wardrobe! Even grown men will swoon!

Considering these design tips, look at all of the amazing opportunities to showcase your pallet, theme and personality in your wedding paper wardrobe….

Save the Date Announcements


Wedding Invitation Suites


Personal Stationery/Thank-you Notes


Guest Room Boxes and Welcome Packets


Ceremony Programs


Imprinted Napkins


Dinner Menus


Escort Cards or Keepsake Seating Charts


Place Cards and Table Numbers


Wedding Signs and Banners


Favor Cards or Stickers

AND…don’t forget these non-paper opportunities that are equally delicious…

Personalized Aisle Runners

Hostess Gifts/Packaging

Custom Embroidered Linens

Imprinted Plastic Barware/Tumblers

Coordinating Dancefloor Lighting with your Monogram or Emblem

Monogram/Emblem Decals for Windows, Doors, etc.

Getaway Car Banners, Decals, and Signs

….and So. Much. More!

And every single thing mentioned in that luscious list is available at Sincerely Yours Paper! (wink)


There ya have it! Your wedding paper wardrobe is endless! Thoughtfully planned. Beautifully produced. And of course, perfectly coordinated with your linens and other rockstar rentals from Festivities! And your wedding will not only begin and end with paper….but it will be polished and personal from start to finish!

Check out this post where you can see how your rentals and venue can perfectly complement your paper suite. 

Thanks Amy for sharing your paper knowledge with all of us.

-Lori Bova

the Vintage Vibe @ Festivities!

Have you noticed that the vintage look is so IN?  It is soooo Southern and you know from my drawl that I'm no yankee. 

I have had the pleasure of collaborating on some vintage inspired soirees lately and I am in love.  Now the look is EVERYWHERE.  It is showing up in home decor, apparel, and event design.

To get a feel of this look, visit the fabulous Style Me Pretty site.  You will be blown away with all of the fresh and unique looks like this...

and this...

and this...

I have come to the conclusion that this look is gaining strength as we all long for simpler days.  The days when the wedding reception consisted of what flowers you could cut from your own garden.  The days when the decor was found inside your grandma's house. 

The days when the linens were borrowed from all of the church ladies. 

There is something about this eclectic mix of things that is familiar, comforting and pleasing.


Festivities is thrilled to introduce our new line of rentals called Vintage Vibe.  We just launched them at Signed, Sealed, Delivered's bridal event this past Saturday.  The addition of a few choice pieces can truly separate your wedding from the rest.  Take a peek at some of our new items...

Distressed gray table...perfect for a cake table or a couple's table. 

Don't miss the personalized burlap runner.  Festivities can custom design your keepsake linen in at least a gillion colors and fabrics.

Great assortment of vintage cake stands.  Check out the milk glass, jadeite, and crystal.

Fun vintage chalk board perfect for giving directions.

Don't you love this funky little table?  It has a distressed wrought iron base and chunky wood top.

  What a personality boost!

Ya'll come see us.  Ya hear?

First comes love...

I have talked on the blog about weddings and fundraisers...linens and chairs,

but the birth of a baby quite possibly trumps them all!

The thoughts of a fluffy and fun baby shower make me smile. 

I have just about passed the childbearing years (forget I said that),

so it is fun to get to be involved with some of these oh-so-young, first-time, mommas-to-be. 

Wedding planner extraordinaire Jenessa Bailey (J. Bailey Occasions) and her cool hubby Mark

just welcomed their first baby, sweet little Dyer.

I couldn't wait to get this fab family my favorite baby gift ever...personalized goodies.

I loved seeing my babies' names on ANYTHING. 

Especially the ever-so-soft silkies and fun burp cloths.

Don't want to get your burpie rags mixed up with some other little dudes at church!

I recently had the pleasure of helping shower sweet Nikki and fun-loving Brett

before the arrival of their little Faith.

I used lots of fun serving pieces from Festivities to create the tablescape.

Including the mini chocolate fountain flowing with PiNk chocolate.

The fabulous Courtney made the great tissue paper poms and name banner.

So.  Cute.

We filled glass jars with pink cookies, salt water taffy, and candies to carry out the theme further. 

We used the ever-so-inexpensive pastel marshmallows for vase filler!

Pink lemonade was the obvious drink of choice. 

Faith was no exception.  She received my baby faves too! 

Some of you may think this post is totally out of place here.  But, you know how the saying goes...

First comes love.  Then comes marriage.  Then comes the baby in the baby carriage.

Sweetness.

-Lori

For Keepsakes!

I am not a keeper of things…especially things with no practical use.  However, the more weddings that I am involved with, the greater my desire for the couple to have a memorable keepsake (besides each other of course!) after the nuptials are over.

Brides are choosing such fun accessories and décor these days. Here are a few things that I have run across that can be amazing mementos of the special day.

This dupioni sash was used at a recent affair as a tie on a cocktail table.

When applied to an amazing pillow, it becomes a fabulous touch on the couples’ guest bed, and a lasting emblem of the details of the day.

This monogrammed bengaline runner perfectly topped off the sweetheart table at the reception.

Now the pair proudly displays this souvenir on their dining room table as a continual reminder of their fabulous time with family and friends.

A sweet father-of-the-bride made this arbor for his daughter's wedding ceremony.

The couple was then able to place it in the backyard of their new home.

What other ideas do you have to keep the precious wedding day symbols alive well after the "I do"?  I would love to hear from you.

-Lori Bova
Festivities

Wedding Menus...Something New

I am soooo excited to begin hosting some guest bloggers here at the P.O.V.  There are some amazing professionals in the biz.  Can't wait to share their insight.

Today, we kick it all off with Shellie Morrison of the The Event Group Catering and Planning in Fayetteville.  She has loads of ideas to create a unique menu just suited for your special occasion.

Enjoy!

Wedding Menus: Something New

We love to make a bride’s vision come true at her wedding reception. Believe it or not, even though we have been in business for 14 years, we still get a special thrill each time we cater a wedding reception. But we especially love the bride who likes to “think outside the box.”


I remember when we first brought the mashed potato martini bar concept to Northwest Arkansas. We tried to sell that menu item for at least two or more years—and no one wanted to try it! Now, you see it at many wedding receptions (even some of our competitors!)

A big food trend for the past year or so has been the “slider.” A slider is a small roll, sliced in half, and topped with a mini hamburger or cheeseburger, mini slice of meatloaf, BBQ meat, etc. Guests love them, and it is a great item that can be served at an interactive station or served butler-style by our catering staff.


Another fun food idea involves dessert. Instead of the traditional bride’s cake and groom’s cake, we like to suggest another option to replace the groom’s cake. Many of our brides like us to serve the groom’s favorite dessert. Some recent examples include banana pudding shots and a cheesecake station. The guests really love this alternative to cake. No offense to our fabulous cake vendors, though!


Also, this year, we created a “milk and cookies” station for the groom to consider. We serve ice cold milk in shot glasses and lay a cookie atop the shot glass. It is so cute! Another idea is our miniature Coke and Root Beer floats served in shot glasses with a neon-colored straw included.

These are just some of the ways to make your menu as well as your reception stand out. None of these options are particularly expensive, yet the impact makes it seem so. Your guests will be talking about something as simple as milk and cookies, long after your wedding day.


For more information, contact The Event Group at 479-444-8626 or http://www.eventgroupcatering.com/.

Happy menu planning,

Lori Bova
Festivities

Let the chocolate (and caramel) flow.

I am sure that many of you remember when chocolate fountains first hit the event scene. I was amazed how the molten chocolate cascaded down the tiers of the fountain. I was overwhelmed at the variety of items that you could dip into the creamy chocolate flow. I mean, what doesn’t taste better dipped in chocolate?

Festivities sent out literally (well probably more figuratively, but you get my point) tons of chocolate over the past few years. It was fun. Everyone raved. Then…”been there, seen that” occurred . You see, nobody wants to have the same thing their mother, daughter, sister, or friend had at their soiree. To tell you truth, I got a little tired with the same old setup.

Well, the chocolate fountain is BACK!

Ever seen pink chocolate, lavender chocolate, orange chocolate…

The possibilities are endless people. I have some crazy ideas here. I’m thinking holidays, themed parties, wedding colors. How about you?

Now…as if tinted chocolate wasn’t enough, I have another little surprise. CARAMEL!

Can you say “caramel apple station” for your upcoming fall shindig? Gracious sakes alive. I do believe that heaven just got a little closer!

No event is too large of small for one of these fountains. Festivities rents a mammoth fountain that packs in a whopping 18 pounds of chocolate. They also have “his” daintier sister for smaller events that comes with 6 pounds of creamy Belgian goodness.

I think that I may be taking one home tonight to drown myself do some market research on caramel.

PS-Sorry for the grainy pics.  Something happened after I uploaded them and my IT department couldn't get it figured out.

Happy fonduing ya’ll,

Lori

What's Your Wedding VIBE? Workshop

Calling all brides...

When: Saturday, April 1st, 1:00 PM
Where:  Signed, Sealed, Delivered
              3301 Market Street, Rogers
             (across from the Embassy Suites)
Who:  Lori Bova, Festivities
What: An interactive workshop to determine your weddingVIBE

If you are newly engaged and have no idea on how to get started planning your special day, this is the workshop for you.  You are guaranteed to leave armed with an arsenal of tools to get your wedding VIBE pulled together.  There is no charge to attend.

Take the time upfront to determine your VIBE and all of the details will fall perfectly into place.

I look forward to seeing you there!

So, tell me what you want...what you really, really want.

As this blog evolves, I want to make sure that we are covering topics that interest you.  I am excited to announce that we will soon have monthly guest posts by some of my favorite, rock-star, event cohorts.  You will love what they have to add to our discussions on all of life's festivities. 

If there is a party topic, in particular, that you would like more info about, give me a SHOUT (or comment actually).  I want to hear from you. 

-Lori

Is a chair just a chair?

Have you ever put much thought into a chair? One may think that a chair is simply a functional piece of event furniture. I, however, know that a chair can be a dramatic design element at your event.

**Disclaimer -EVERYTHING in an event is a function of the BUDGET.**

Event professionals will be glad to help you prioritize your spending to get the biggest bang for your buck, and accomplish the aesthetic that you desire.


Let’s start on the low end of the spectrum.

The classic plastic folding chair

We can all agree that these old faithfuls have their place. A casual, outdoor shindig is the perfect spot. You would pair these with basic linens for a simple look.

Next, we progress up the range.

The wooden garden chair

While these are still very reasonably priced, they have a nice solid look and feel to them. They work great for a garden party or tented event. They make perfect outdoor ceremony chairs. While still somewhat casual, these chairs can begin to upgrade the décor of your event.

Let’s move onto a more upscale option...the ballroom chair.

Chiavaris

Chateaus

These beauties can add some drama to your décor. Offered in ranges of shiny metallics to deep wood tones, these chairs become a real focal point at your tables. No sophisticated affair would be complete without a ballroom chair. With the addition of a chair pad, chair cap, or sash, the custom options with these chairs are endless.

At the top of the scale are some exclusive, statement chairs.

Ghost

Chameleon

These are somewhat difficult to find in small markets, but can always be trucked in from more metro areas. These add that “over-the-top” look to any event.  I am chomping at the bit to bring that rouched-back model into town.  Any takers? 

Chairs can be as important as linens, florals, and other decor.  Be sure to allocate your budget accordingly so that you do not compromise the overall vibe of your event.

Next time you enter a large event, see what the chairs are telling you.  It may surprise you!

Happy sitting,

Lori

Little teaser...Lucy McCulloch Semple's spectacular wedding reception

I have been chomping at the bit to share some of the scrumptiousness of Lucy McCulloch Semple's wedding extravaganza.  Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours had the privilege of being a guest at the wedding and snapped a couple of teaser shots for us.  Once the photographer has worked their magic, we will post more.  Enjoy!

Guest tables covered in beige dupioni silk table linens accented with celadon lamour napkins. 

Ga. Ga.

One of the floral designs on the guest tables surrounded by fabulous mahogany chateau chairs. 

Heavenly.

Cake table covered in a puckered silk taffeta. 

Lucious.

Major props to the entire team:
Festivities
J. Bailey Occasions
Sincerely Yours
Distinctive Designs by Tanarah
Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe

Here Comes the Bride 2010...Whimsical twist on fall reception decor

Call me crazy, but I LOVE bridal fairs.  They are the time when the creative juices can flow freely.  The sky is the limit.  This show Festivities paired up with the fantabulous Signed, Sealed, Delivered crew for a whimsical twist on fall reception decor at the annual Here Comes the Bride Bridal Experience.  Anyone else tired of the long "head table"?  Check out our unique twist...a couple's table flanked by two sepentines attached to two larger rounds for the bridal party.  I'm thinking this is a winner.  Bye bye Mister Head Table.  It's been nice knowin' ya!

When you pair a rustic centerpiece (compliments of SSD) with burlap, moss shimmer crush, cranberry lamour, and great tabletop accents, what do you get?  Scrumptiousness.  Is is fall yet?  There were even custom placecard holders for George Clooney and the likes thanks to SSD!

This couple's table is my favorite yet.  The flocked taffeta linen was TO. DIE. FOR.  I loved the custom place card holders from SSD and the moss covered container for the florals.  Can you say PERFECT?

I love ceiling treatments.  I saw some inspiration on the web and the gals at Signed, Sealed, Delivered translated it perfectly.  It created the perfect chandelier for our couple.  Love is in the air.  Literally!

The giant urns connecting our head table added major drama.  They towered around 10' tall.  The layered look of the linens created a touch of elegance.  Texture and color were key to this overall design.

The Festivities' bunch would love to help you come up with your one-of-a-kind reception design.  Call them today to set up your very own VIBEconsult at 479.750-8981.  They have everything you need to pull off your dream look.  The talented team at Signed, Sealed, Delivered can add lots of exciting touches from paper to florals.  Check them out too.

I know that Spring is springing...but Fall will follow.  Enjoy the view!

Lori Bova

Under the Big Top

Who hasn't seen a big white tent set up around town and wondered what festive event was going on inside?  A tent can add great WOW factor to any outdoor event.  Festivities offers a variety of tent styles, perfect for any look.  Call the pros to ask what will work best for your next soiree or shindig.

A frame tent is designed for installation on concrete, asphalt, or grass.  They have poles on each corner, but the canopy is supported by a suspended center pole.  This gives you full use of the space under the tent.  They tend to have a little more casual feel and have limitations on ceiling decor.  Several can be grouped together to create a larger tent.  Standard sizes are 10'x10' and 20'x20'.

A clearspan tent is another frame style tent, but has the ability to create a large seamless structure.  This tent utilizes a track system where the canopy is actually fed into the frame section by section.  It has a slightly arched roofline and side poles every 10'.  You have complete use of the interior as there are no center poles.  Interior decor can include draped fabric, lighting, lanterns, chandelier...the sky is really the limit.

A pole tent is what most think of as a "circus" tent.  However, the pole tents of today are a far cry from the big red and white striped jobs!  These tents must be staked into the ground as the guy lines create tension for the high peaked canopy.  The interior does contain center poles, but, is (by far) the most dramatic.  The huge center poles draw the eye up to the massive sweeping roof.  There are numerous decor options with this style.

Fabric can be used to create a soft look.

Lanterns can add a fun touch.  Lighting can add some drama.

Tents are not all created equal.  There are vast differences in quality and consequently in price. 

Here are a few tips before you rent a tent:

Use a reputable company.

Contact a full-service company that can provide all of your rental items.

Be sure to compare apples to apples when shopping around.

Ask to see photos of the company's work.

Schedule a site visit to ensure that the size and style tent will work in your space.

Discuss Plan "B" as weather can impact any outdoor event.

When considering venue options, don't forget the "big top"!  You will be the talk of the town.

-Lori