Say It With A Picture - The Design Process

My dear readers, I hope you are enjoying your weekend. It's a little chilly here in Richmond and has been raining off and on all day, perfect blogging weather! I received an email recently from a reader (Hi there, Angela!) who was having a bit of a problem conveying her design ideas to her florist. My response: say it with a picture! They're worth a thousand words and will definitely ensure you and your team of vendors are on the same page. Inspiration boards are a key piece of our design process at Dawn Easter Events.

A floral design client getting married in May sent this picture as inspiration for their centerpieces. The bride liked the round fullness of this pomander. The chosen color scheme is shades of pink, gray and white.

Here is the design I came up with. The larger size emphasizes the fullness she wanted as well as incorporating a mix of flowers adds visual interest and texture. I think the mini calla lilies in the bottom of the vase round out the design rather nicely.

My clients were very happy with the mockup I presented today. I have a few other details up my sleeve to add a dash of pizzazz. Can't wait until the wedding! It's going to be beautiful. I'll be sure to post pictures.

Where To Begin - 5 Tips to Jump Start the Planning Process

Congratulations, you’re engaged! So, what happens next? Here are 5 great tips to get you started on the path to planning the wedding of your dreams.

1.) Think about it. If you’re like a lot of newly engaged women, you’ve planned your wedding many times in your head. You’ve dreamed of the gown you’ll wear, the colors of your bridesmaid’s dresses, the flowers in your bouquet, the linens on the table and the song that will play during your first dance. With that vision dancing in your head, consider the basics: Is it formal or informal? A grand production or intimately elegant? Is snow covering the ground or has Spring officially sprung?

2.) Set a budget. This is where your dream meets reality. It’s time to have an honest conversation with those who will assist you in writing the checks. Are your parents generously covering the tab? Are you and your fiancée paying the cost to be the boss? Sit down with the key players and decide upfront exactly what each party is comfortable with contributing to your big day. Once you’ve created the outline, you’ll be able to fill in the blanks.

3.) Hire a wedding planner. I can’t stress this enough. Qualified wedding planners know the ins and outs of coordinating events and will be able to steer you away from any missteps and pitfalls. Whether you decide to bring someone aboard at the beginning of the process or 2 to 3 months to make sure all of the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed, your planner’s advice will prove invaluable.

4.) Reserve the ceremony and reception sites. Have a 2 to 3 possible dates in mind when visiting sites. Have an idea of how many people you’re potentially inviting and if your preferred sites can accommodate those numbers. Popular venues can book up to a year in advance in most major cities.

5.) Compile guest list and double check addresses. Creating a guest list is probably one of the hardest parts about planning a wedding. My recommendation? Once you’ve assembled all the names and addresses; take your total guest count, equally divide it amongst both sets of parents, the groom-to-be and yourself. You may even find yourself giving a seat or two over to Mom and Dad.


Happy Planning!

Planning Tip - Staying Organized

Happy Monday, everyone! A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from my mother with a fun proposition. My cousin has the most adorable 3-year old identical triplets and understandably she needed a little break. Enter my mom, myself and Disney On Ice. I so have a new respect for MWMs, Moms with Multiples! That Saturday afternoon reinforced my thought that staying organized will save your sanity:)

As a wedding planner, I know one of the key components to a successful event is organization. It is my job to stay on top of EVERYTHING! I create schedules, timelines and contact grids so I know where all the players are at any given moment. With so many details to keep track of and people to account for, I know it can be overwhelming. I promise if you start out organized the road to your "I Do's" will be a less bumpy one.

I have a little assignment for you, go to your nearest Tarjay and pick up a gorgeous and fun 3-ring binder. Pick a design you love, whether it's all-business basic black, preppy polka dots, feminine florals or chic stripes. Be sure it has pockets on both sides so you're able to quickly tuck in paperwork to be hole-punched later. If spiral is more your style, the fabulously stylish Jordi Labanda's are my personal favorites!

Choosing A Color Palette - Kuler

Do you love color but can't decide which colors to use for your wedding? Choosing the right color palette for your wedding can be a daunting task. There are so many shades and variations from which to choose not to mention finding the perfect complimentary colors. I've found an amazing tool that will allow you to play with all the colors in the rainbow and create your own color story. Kuler by Adobe is a free site (we love that!) where you are able to dabble and let your creative juices flow or browse color themes created by other users. Kuler also allows you to pull colors from a favorite photo to find the perfect match.

Summer Tables Trends

Happy Wednesday, dear readers! I received an email from one of my planner friends in Atlanta, Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events, featuring incredible concept table designs from the vendors at StudioWed Atlanta. If you're planning a wedding be sure to fit in an appointment at the studio.
Summer Romance

This tablescape embodies the essence of summer; light, fun and cheery. Take special notice of the fruits scattered about the table as well as the delicately beautiful cake.
Modern Peacock

I love the moody elegance of the peacock table. It's exotic, vibrant and sultry. Amazing color choices! I'll share my little secret, if you don't know about Z Gallerie, you're missing out.
Eco/Green

What I love most about this table, is the feeling of bringing a bit of the garden indoors. Romantic, lush and feminine.

My Life In A Venti Cup

So I received an email from one of my favorite blog authors, Franki of Life in a Venti Cup, who wanted to spotlight my party ideas. Of course I said yes! Anyone who is familiar with Franki's blog knows it is always Modern, Chic and Glamorous. Thinking about my ultimate dinner party makes me want to put out my rolodex. Enjoy!

Bring More To The Table

Good afternoon, Dear Readers! One of the things I love about designing events is the transformation of the space. Guests typically don't see the before and afters but they absolutely experience the effects. A key element in that transformation is linen as it has the biggest impact. I came across an great article by Youngsong Martin, owner of the uber-fab Wildflower Linens, on GetMarried this morning and thought it perfectly illustrates just how important linens, particularly chair treatments are the overall look of your event. Happy Planning!

Go Green & Arrive In Style

For those of you looking to lessen your wedding's carbon footprint but don't want to dampen your honey's car enthusiasm, be sure to check out Atlanta's Elite Green Car. The city's first eco-conscious car service offering the newest luxury hybrid models from Lexus to Lincoln.

May I Have This Dance?

One of the most beautiful parts of your wedding celebration will be your first dance as husband and wife. You're surrounded by family and friends, the spotlight is on you and the DJ is definitely playing your favorite song. You want this moment to go smoothly, like you're naturals. One thing I've learned working with couples, is surprisingly most have never danced together, at least not formally. It's one thing to get your groove on in a club, (more than likely you're not dancing cheek-to-cheek) but quite another to perform a simple box step. So if you need a little help in this area, have no fear, I have a few professionals on speed dial. If you're in Richmond, be sure to check out Rigby's Jig, The Dance Space and Dance Masters Studio. For my Hotlanta couples, Fred Astaire Dance Studio and Dance 411 Studios will make sure you're first dance ready in no time.

Floral Design 101

Leave it to Martha Stewart to always have a great idea when you need it. I am practicing my floral design skills and needed to brush up on the basics. So there I was on Sunday afternoon watching episode after episode of Martha's show...it was positively addictive! Here a few of my favorites:

Emily Weaver, floral designer and owner of Chestnuts in the Tuileries in NYC does a beautiful peony table arrangement. She also gives great conditioning tips.Preston Bailey gives the inside scoop on his fabulous chandeliers
New York's Oscar Mora:
See you in the craft store!

Friday's Escape: FireSky Resort & Spa

I've never been to Scottsdale however I've heard great things about the FireSky Resort and Spa. It's part of the Kimpton Hotel Group based in California. One of the hotels major assets is the Jurlique Spa. Say it with me people, ssppahhhhh...that's it.

"Our downtown Scottsdale hotel, a luxury resort and spa, plays on the four elements thought to represent all that exist: fire, water, earth and air. Upon arrival, guests find three towers in front with fire and water representing the juxtaposition of the beautiful Sonoran desert setting and the expansive tropical grounds. From the hotel lobby living room, with its stunning stone fireplace and airy cathedral ceilings, step out onto the patio and lush garden courtyard. The grounds of the hotel stretch toward a sandy beach pool and a Mediterranean-inspired lagoon, as well as a torch-lit heated outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by poolside cabanas and secluded fire pits." Doesn't it sound great?
I love hotel rooms with thought to the outside space..the terrace is an added bonus.
Great spot for afternoon tea
Love the color combos
I love this space for a nightcap. In the winter: cozy, cozy, cozy!
The fire pit area by the pool would be amazing at night.
Imagine your cocktail party or wedding by the pool...very pretty indeed.

Vera Says

Fab designer Vera Wang is the guest blogger over on Brides.com Wedded Bits, be sure to check it out!

One of my favorite websites is Tastespotting, which is currently undergoing revision. This is the best site for finding great recipes when your palate is looking for a change. The owner is currently working on a new site, Liqurious. Can we say fab, people?! You guessed it, the site is all about the cocktail. Perfect inspiration for planning your next get together. It was 97 degrees in Richmond today, my friends and I require libation. My weapon of choice? Raspberry Gin Crush. Liqurious could not have come at a better time...

Raspberry Gin Crush
Serves 1

8 fresh raspberries
juice from 1/2 lime
1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
1 1/2 ounces gin**
about 2 ounces tonic
ice

Muddle the raspberries, lime juice, and agave nectar in a glass by crushing with the handle tip of a wooden spoon. Pour over ice in a second glass. Add gin and tonic and stir.

**I'd substitute vodka for the gin, just a preference:)

Let's Keep In Touch

There are so many components to planning a wedding (or any event, for that matter), so many decisions that are made on a day-to-day basis that it can be hard keeping everyone in the loop. I highly recommend creating a wedding website. I offer this service to my clients, but there are lots of companies who do as well. One of my faves E-Weddings.com All that's needed: choose a template, upload your text and pictures and voila! It's a great way to post necessary information like schedules, locations, directions and contact information.






**Pictures courtesy of E-Weddings**

Weekend Recap & Great Finds

Happy Monday Everyone! Okay, so I'm recovering slowing but surely from the weekend happenings. My apartment is still in shambles, boxes everywhere I turn, lol. Someone should come up with an unpacking/setup service. I had a great time at the white party and was definitely channeling my inner Marilyn circa "The Seven Year Itch". I wish I'd remembered to bring along my camera...next time, I promise!

Okay, back to business...I was having a discussion about wedding favors the other day and as I've mentioned before I am all about practicality. After all, what are adults going to do with bubbles besides throw them away? So, when I found these darling vases on the WeddingChannel.com, I knew I had to share them!
I am so loving this bud vase. Personalize it if you must, but I think your friends would appreciate the versatility of the unscripted version.
Ditto for this option. I love the shape!
This will definitely encourage your friends to celebrate more often. And who doesn't love a reason to get together with friends?

Your Table Is Right This Way

When you're having a seated reception, table assignments are a must. When creating your seating chart, don't forget the escort cards! Be sure to incorporate the same design details used with the invitations and florals to pull everything together. And don't be afraid to create something fun, whimsical or simply classic. Enjoy!
For an outside wedding, a scented sachet will keep your cards from blowing in the wind. Plus guests will definitely love the sweet scent. Photo courtesy of Rachel Silvers
These sand dollars are great for a beach celebration. The pink ribbon incorporates your color palette. Photo by Silver Fox
White card stock gets an upgrade with classic calligraphy. For the vineyard wedding, use corks to secure the cards. Photo by Nick Brown.
The polka dots are just adorable! Photo by Mary Ellen Bartley
A playful escort card installation with color clothes pins. Photos by Generation Photography
Fabulous peacock feathers add an elegant flourish. Photo by Garbo Productions
This design focuses on the entire area and not just the table. Clean, sharp and crisp! Photo by Garbo Productions
Orchid tree design gets the opulent treatment with crystals. Photo by David Wolfe
Different colored card stock highlight this design. Photo by Coopersmith Photography
So loving the sand and starfish! Photo by Chris Bickford
A single orchid and garden pebble make this table design pop with panache. Photo by Amanda Sudimack.
Until tomorrow!