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

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

First editorial published...What's Your Vibe? by Lori Bova

I was tickled today to see an article that I wrote published in the Spring 2010 edition of Wedding Dreams.  This was my first venture into the editorial world. 

I felt privileged to be included as all of the other articles were written by the magazine's editorial staff. 

Cool.  Stuff.

After producing, designing, aiding, and assisting thousands of clients on their special events, it has become clear that it is often difficult for them to pick a look (and stick with it).  I have developed a system at Festivities to help the client determine what their VIBE is.  Clients purchase an 1 hour consultation to get started, then I work my magic.  At the end of the process they receive a fabulous VIBEboard complete with photos, fabric swatches, and tons of inspiration to get them moving down the path to a unified event.

Vibe is much more than just color.  Fabric choice, decor details, chair style, and venue, are some of the elements that play crucial roles in communicating your vibe.  Taking the time upfront to plan will ensure that your event is the truest expression of what it was intended to be.

What's your vibe?

-Lori

Heavenly floral color...

I had to blink twice after seeing this photo on the non-stop wedding idea express...Style Me Pretty.

Might just be me, but I'm thinking heaven must look something like this!  The soft and subtle greens, yellows, and blush tones are yummy.

Can you say hydrangea?  Quite possibly God's most perfect creation.  The blooms are so billowy and delicate.  Ever need a gift idea?  Oh sorry, I digress.

Now check out how they amped up the color for the reception by adding taupe, blue, and coral.  Still stunningly sophisticated. 

Goodness.  Gracious.

Blink.  Blink.  I do believe that I have just witnessed a little bit of heaven.

-Lori-loo (nickname courtesy of A. Hannon)

Published! Sweet Jaclyn Tucker weds Brad Julian

Festivities was so pleased to be part of Jacyln Tucker and Brad Julian's wedding day.  It turned out to be a unique expression of Jaclyn's (and her mother Monica's) sweet charm.  Celebrate Magazine, with the help of editorialist and paper queen extraordinaire, Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours, chronicled the love story.  Visit Amy's blog for photos of the lacy and shimmery invitation that perfectly encapsulated the entire mood. 

The fabulous photography by Jason and Kori Hudson of the Hudsons Modern Photography captured every detail.

The cake from Shelby Lynn's Cake Shoppe was a real show stopper!  Wish I had tasted it.  I know that it was scrumptious.

As always, we enjoyed working with Lisa Rose of One Fine Day.  She always keeps the mood light and stress-free.  I can't wait until she has her new outdoor venue, Creekwood Gardens, up and running this spring.

My favorite part of Jaclyn and Brad's big day was the ceremony itself.  Jaclyn had a great vision of a warm amber glow to fill the ceremony site.  Using uplights and gels on both sheer and bengaline draping, we were able to create a romantic and heavenly atmosphere.  Guests were surrounded by the warmth and glow of the day. 

The reception was equally as lovely with Jaclyn's elegant style.  She chose scrumptious bengaline cloths in ivory, gold chiavaris, and continued the theme from the ceremony with more draping and lighting.  The floral details created by Julie Mendenhall of Jules Designs added a spark of fall color and drama.

             

The one memory that I will never forget from this wedding was the kind nature of the young couple.  They were so thoughtful, considerate, and gracious the entire day of setup.  Their sweet dispositions will take them far in life.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Julian from the entire Festivities' crew!

Can we talk fabric?

Alright friends, can we talk about fabrics?  I know, to many of you, fabric sounds fairly mundane.  However, in event decor, a fabulous tablecloth can totally set the tone for your shindig or soiree.

There are the BASIC...

Basics, like polyesters and cotton twill, are most budget friendly.  They are readily available in gobs of colors and can be paired with an overlay or runner to snazz them up a bit.  These cloths tend to lean more to the casual end of the tone spectrum.

There are the MID-RANGE...

Mid-range fabrics could be a shimmery lamour or bengaline.  These fabrics usually boast a little sheen to add that extra ambience.  In the rental market, these are truly becoming the mainstays and are most definitely worth the extra expense.  If you can't cover your entire table in one of these fabrics, consider an overlay, runner, or napkin on a basic cloth.

...and then there are the SWANK.

Okay, now we're talking.  Obviously this fabulous crinkle taffeta doesn't belong in any 'ol shindig, but it definitely has a place at your next soiree! 

Just met with a bride today that chose a dupioni silk. 

Goodness gracious!  I wanted to wrap myself up in all of its natural nubbiness!  While at the higher end of the price scale, a little of these luxious fabrics can go a really long way!  Think focal point and WOW! factor.

Consider the tone of your event before choosing your table linens.  The table tops typically end up being the largest surface area in the room.  Special thought on the front end regarding color and texture can go a long way to creating your signature look.

L.