Themes make parties and events memorable and fun.  What better way to add your own personal and unique flair to a celebration than with a theme?  You are never too old to host an adult Las Vegas themed birthday party, or a tropical vacation themed anniversary.  What little girl wouldn’t love a tea party theme for her special day?  Or a conductor who drops in to a train themed party for a little boy?  Themes can be colors, places, ideas, hobbies, eras, or even foods – the possibilities are endless.

When choosing a theme, there are just a few things to remember:

1.

Choose a theme and stick with it.  If your bride is in love with the idea of a southern-themed wedding, use that theme throughout the entire wedding and into the reception.  Yes, the wedding is all about the bride and groom and showing off what is important or significant to them…but you want to be careful not to confuse guests who will be trying to figure out why there is mistletoe and an autumn tree in the middle of southern-themed bunch of sunflowers and magnolias.  Planners and coordinators should help their clients figure out why a certain theme was chosen and the significance behind that particular idea.  More often than not, there is a reason and a memory behind a theme.  Maybe the bride and groom met in a little café in downtown Charleston where the jasmine were blooming and the magnolia trees were fresh and full.  Why not some jasmine flavored tea as an appetizer at the reception and lace overlay tablecloths to remind the couple of how they met and to tell their story?  Although there will be many significant items to a young couple at their wedding, or an already-married couple for their anniversary, it is important to flush out those memories that are the most important so that you do not mix too many themes into one event.

2.

Choose a theme that will not be difficult or too expensive to replicate.  You don’t want to have a hard time finding pieces for decoration, or dish out a small fortune for accessories and décor.  Sit down and think about why you want to use the theme you have chosen and then make a list of the items that may come to your client’s mind when they think of that particular theme.  Where could you purchase or rent some of these items?  Having a vintage-themed tea party is a fabulous idea; however, vintage means anything “old-fashioned” or “dated”.  So now you have to figure out which vintage era?  Vintage movies, clothing, or cars?  1940’s, 70’s, or 80’s?  A whole era would change your vintage party to a possible 1950’s costume party, complete with flapper dresses and feathers for a teenage girl’s sweet sixteen.  Color is also very important when choosing a theme.  If you like a vintage feel, but you don’t like softer pastel colors and creams, you or your planner may need to think about whether the color or the theme is of most importance to you. 

3.

You want your potential attendees to know exactly what your theme is, so don’t be afraid to embellish a little bit when you decorate.  Less is more when you’re decorating a home; however, more is definitely more when you’re planning a themed party.  You were bold and creative enough to go with a theme to begin with, so go ahead and have fun with it!

Stiletto Events specializes in themed events and celebrations.  Have a great idea for a theme?  Let Stiletto Events coordinate a fun but tasteful party, worry and stress-free.  All you’ll have to worry about it which shoes will match that theme!  Stiletto Events serves Statesboro, Pooler, Savannah, and the surrounding areas of beautiful Coastal Georgia.  Contact me today for your complimentary consultation.

hush-hush bride

How do you plan the perfect wedding for a

bride? What do I mean by that?  Well, let’s not go so far as to refer to the bride as bridezilla.  There are some brides that may not be difficult to work with because of a temper problem, attitude issue, or even an entitlement dilemma; some brides make the job of a planner/ coordinator / decorator difficult because of their hesitation to divulge important information.

So what is the big secret anyway?  And why wouldn't a bride share everything necessary for a planner/ coordinator/ decorator to make her day as perfect as she may have envisioned?  Well... most brides have dreamed of this day ever since they were little girls - exactly what they would wear, the colors, the place - and these are the dreams and visions that have kept them going.  They are tucked safe and sound in their inner thoughts and desires.  Now, they take those dreams and try to explain their vision to someone who has not lived inside their heads, and has no idea exactly what she really wants.  We, as decorators and planners / coordinators, take those dreams and often try to improve upon them, mixing them in with our own ideas and expressions, and all of sudden our bride's dream is a shared reality that looks nothing like what she really wanted in the first place; as beautiful as the outcome may be.  And this must be every bride's nightmare.  It is not intentional, it is not the inner bridezilla coming out, nor is it a secret ploy to make our jobs more difficult.

So how do we keep the dream alive?  Patience, patience, patience.  And a little more patience tucked away for later.  First of all, planners/coordinators/decorators (more particularly, of weddings) need to pull ourselves out of the picture.  Completely.  This is not about us.  What we do is always and ultimately for the bride, our clients.  It is their day and it is our job to make their day, theirs... stress and worry free!  With that being said, and with us now out of the picture, we have to become the bride by listening.  Yes, you read right!  I know, I know, I did title this blog the "hush hush bride", but we have to listen to the things that aren't always being said.  We have to learn to tune ourselves in to a bride's emotions and reactions.  Watch facial expressions, hear voice tone changes, learn to read between the lines, as it were, to understand if you need to offer to do more, or if you need to simply be there to assist.  Some brides know exactly what they want, and some don't exactly know what they want.  Some only want the groom, and everything in-between is simply going-through-the-motions.

Ask questions.  Just because a bride may not ramble on and on about every sequin and lace she wants in her wedding ceremony, it doesn't mean that she will not share if asked.  It is our job as coordinators/planners/decorators to ask the important questions that will help us determine whether a southern bride wants lace or tulle, or whether a Tuscan wedding theme means grapes or sunflowers.  If you ask what the colors are, and you only get "berry red", then dig a little deeper: "Do you just have one color, or do you have another in mind?"  The mind of a bride is so scattered, how can we expect them to know exactly what we want from them. or that they aren't assuming we got a certificate in mind-reading?  Part of the consultation process is to inquire, inquire, and ask some more!  That is the only way to become privy to the details in her head.  And it's much better than becoming an unwilling participant in a game of wedding charades!  Only when she stops having the answers should we step in to determine that our ideas and details can be used to pull it all together.

Always be prepared.  If full planning & coordination services are not needed, then we should be there as support.  But never leave that extra tablecloth at home.  A good planner / coordinator / decorator always walks with whatever we think a bride may need, even if she has voiced that she has "everything under control".  Yes, she may have only hired services for day-of coordination, or advice, or ceremony decor duty; however, the true test of a good event planner & coordinator is how we act under pressure, and whether we came through in a crisis.  Reliability is an unexpected trait that is a good one to keep at the forefront.  The reputation of your business may depend on the good, or bad, opinion of a client to other potential clients.

After all, wouldn't we rather work with a hush-hush bride, than a... BRIDEZILLA?!!!

Stiletto Events provides full event planning and coordination services, as well as partial services, and other specific services.  See our catalog of services offered on our website:  www.stilettoeventsplanner.com.

Simple Yet Elegant Ideas for a Low-Budget Wedding, part I

Many people hear ‘low-budget’ and have low expectations.  Not every bride and groom can afford the My Fair Wedding extravaganza that the awesome David Tutera produces.  However, every bride and groom can have the wedding of their dreams, no matter the budget.

Couples are opting more and more for small church weddings.  These mean more intimate gatherings for the exchanging of the vows – usually family and close friends.  Some couples choose to spend their money on a party for the reception where more people come out to celebrate the union, or a more extravagant honeymoon.  Smaller marriage space means less to decorate, but doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on the beautiful things that help to make a wedding memorable.

Without giving away all of my trade secrets, here is a decorating idea that will make a lasting impression without breaking the bridal bank:

Let’s stick with a fall wedding – those are my favorites!  The entrance to a small church doesn't leave a lot to cover; however, a simple cream curtain that frames the entryway, and gathers at each side like a window curtain makes for a simple and inexpensive, yet dramatic visual for guests as they enter the church.  Add a pop of autumn color with terracotta ties for each side and fall leaves placed randomly throughout.  Hobby Lobby has beautiful leaves that can be used again as home decorations.  Sprinkle some more leaves at the foot of the fabric, like leaves that have been blown to the corners of a fence.  A potted plant on each side can be borrowed from a home, or purchased and used as a housewarming gift for the lovely couple.  As guests enter, their eyes will be drawn to the floor, where terracotta fabric will follow the aisle on each side from the back to the front of the church; a cream aisle runner will only bring out the terracotta, while pinecones and acorns will be sprinkled on either side, as well as just a few more leaves.  A small bundle of wheat will be tied at the center with a few small golden calla lilies, cranberry-colored berries, and two deep brown feathers; these small arrangements will be attached to every second or third pew from the back to the front of the church.  And then the front… Arches are an inexpensive way to add a great backdrop to any ceremony, and some drama, as well.  They enhance photographs, and can be used to fit any theme or color.  For this wedding, I would mirror the entrance of the church to the actual ceremony site.  More creamy fabric would frame the arch in the same way that the door was framed – also using terracotta ties on each side.  Some fall leaves intertwined throughout and sprinkled at the foot of the fabric will finish the look in a simple way.  Two pillars, one on each side, will hold candles – an assortment of fall colors – and one plant will stand in front of each pillar.  As bridesmaids and groomsmen march down the center aisle, bouquets of fall leaves, golden calla lilies, and cranberry colored berries with accents of brown feathers to match will march along with them.  Stick a miniature copy of this to the groomsmen’s lapels, and we have a full-on fall wedding.  Sounds dramatically expensive, but I can promise that these ideas are big on elegance, and great on the pocketbook!  Oh, and instead of throwing rice, or confetti, or whatever at the end of the ceremony… how about smaller leaves, thrown to look like falling leaves.  Now that’s ‘leaf-ing’ in style!

This quick sketch doesn't do my mind's visual justice, but I would use something like this as my guide.

Leaves like this are sold in bags and are a very inexpensive way to add a bit of fall to any room or event!

Just as above, a bunch of these sold as is can be separated, or gathered into centerpieces and bouquets.

So enough with my horrible fall play on words… Doesn't this wedding décor sound comfy?  Too bad we can’t stick a fireplace in there somewhere…or is there room for that at the reception?

Some keywords to remember for small and inexpensive church weddings are fabric, accent colors, and consistency.  Oh, and two very important words that you should always keep in mind when planning your event, whether an anniversary celebration, or a wedding reception: Stiletto Events.

I will plan so you can party.  www.stilettoeventsplanner.com

Falling Into Party Season

With the arrival of Fall comes the entrance of cooler mornings and evenings, the falling of leaves and flowers, football season, and the beginning of the holiday season.  All of this brings many festivals, parties, and celebrations, oh my!  An event planner’s dream! 

With the now-perfect weather that doesn’t choke you with a heat stroke as soon as you open your door, what better way to bring in the season than with a cozy outdoors party.  Grab some linen for tablecloths, accent with splashes of earth-tones like terracotta and cocoa, strategically placed fall foliage, and hold an outdoors office soiree. 

Many brides-to-be plan their happy-ever-after around the holiday season.  What better way to ensure a calm and restful bride and bridal party than a cozy, Zen afternoon at the spa.  A spa party is the perfect way to relax and share in some ‘girl time.’  Or if you prefer a bachelor-&-ette gathering where everyone can party together, consider a sports-themed party with favors, desserts, décor, and a good game of flag football…gals versus guys!

Have an anniversary in the month of October, but don’t want to spend it taking the kids out trick-or-treating?  Plan a themed anniversary celebration where attendees can come dressed as “famous couples”.  Imagine some of the costumes to show up to a gathering like that!

Kids’ birthday parties can turn into scavenger hunts; book clubs can discuss literature while sampling cheese and sipping wine; and expectant mothers can introduce baby to her first tea party.

This is just a sampling of the kinds of ideas you can expect from Stiletto Events.  Call or email me for your complimentary consultation today before fall “leaves” until next year!

For less cheesy information and the types of parties offered, visit my website: http://www.stilettoeventsplanner.com/.

Launch party coming soon!

Statesboro... Are You Ready to Party?

'What is a stiletto event?' You're probably wondering...

Well to put it simply, a stiletto event is one that is the perfect fit to your unique style and vision.  I love shoes, so I look at it like this: a great pair of stilettos, when matched with the right outfit, makes for a stunning entrance.  When your event is customized to fit your individual tastes and preferences, you have an occasion that will be remembered for a long time.  And that goes for any kind of shoe, whether it is a child's boot, or a man's sneaker - your event should match your style.

So why should you choose Stiletto Events?

Life should be celebrated; and taking the time to recognize those milestones and occasions that make us happy and proud is a small escape from the regular every day.  But sometimes planning an event can be time-consuming and overwhelming; and we all need a little less stress in our lives!  You know what you wish to celebrate; and for whom you want to throw a party - but you just don't know where to begin... well my passion is planning, so let me handle the details so that you can enjoy your event.  I love the challenge of taking an idea and using color and themes to create one-of-a-kind celebrations.  I am organized and detail-oriented, and know how to gather the bits and pieces together to fill in the big picture.

I have worked in higher education for over 9 years - events and celebrations are a way of life; and I have been right in the middle of some of the most enjoyable functions, receptions, and other milestones.  Event planning is my niche and I am obsessed with creating an event that is even better than the one before!  During the time that I have lived in Statesboro, I have observed that there is no one to handle the potential celebrations that should occur on a regular basis!  Stiletto Events will be at the forefront of event planning for the surrounding area, and will make life just a little more fun!

Some of the events that can be planned and coordinated by Stiletto Events include:

• Birthday parties
• Anniversaries
• Children's parties
• Themed parties
• Tea & Spa parties
• Cooking & Wine Tasting parties
• Sports-themed parties
• Bridal Showers
• Bachelorette / Bachelor parties
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Wedding Receptions
• Baby Showers
• Office Holiday parties
• Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
• Grand Openings & Launches
• Recognition & Award Ceremonies
• Graduation parties
• Religious Celebrations
• Team Building Events
• Fashion Shows
• Conferences & Seminars

...basically, if you can celebrate it, I can plan and create it!

For more information and the types of services offered, visit my website: www.stilettoeventsplanner.com

Look for more blogs and a launch party coming soon!