Tuesday, March 30, 2010

SUGAR FIX TIP - GET INSPIRED!

One of the things I like to do to pass time is read blogs. Not only are they interesting and fun to read but they also help me to stay inspired and current. If you are in the process of planning an event, make sure to check out all the wonderful blogs out there.

Here are a few of my favourites!





Have fun browsing these amazing and creative blogs!

Monday, March 22, 2010

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Let's face it. Sometimes weddings can be extremely boring to attend. Although a wedding is supposed to be a time of celebration totally unique to the bride and groom, they tend to start to look the same.

Most brides think that once they have chosen their colours, booked the venue, signed the vendor contracts, and rented the largest and longest vehicle they could find, they have a wedding that is different from all others. But it takes so much more than that to create a unique and special wedding. Since there is no cookie cutter recipe on how a wedding should look, it is your opportunity to be creative. So have fun with it!!

1. MAKE IT PERSONAL

What represents the two of you? If you both have a love for music then make sure it is a key component in your ceremony and reception.

Perhaps you would like to feature your family in your special day. Why not frame pictures of their wedding day and display them proudly as elements in your wedding decor?


2. SURPRISE AND DELIGHT YOUR GUESTS

At my wedding, instead of handing out plain programs with boring details, I decided to make little booklets for each guest to enjoy while waiting for the ceremony to begin. The booklets contained information on our family members, our wedding party, those who were unable to be there (such as great-grandparents, out-of-country aunts and uncles etc.) and thank-you's. Our guests truly enjoyed reading these while waiting for the ceremony to begin...and many have told us what a special keep-sake this little booklet has become.


3. SWITCH IT UP!

There is no wedding rule stating that you must have 300 guests with a sit down dinner in a grand ball room. Check out these pictures of lovely picnic and outdoor weddings. They are definitely not your typical weddings but they are absolutely adorable and unique. I love it! Have fun with your wedding day and think outside the box. You and your guests will love you for it!


Be creative! Be Personal! Be You!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

HAVE A SEAT!

Have you ever arrived at a formal event and wondered where specifically you should sit? I certainly have - and it's a little awkward in my opinion! An easy way to avoid guests standing around negotiating what table they should sit at, and with whom, is to have a detailed seating chart, or escort cards directing people where to go. There are plenty of creative ideas out there to make your seating chart as unique and special as your event! These ideas can be used for weddings, galas, fundraisers or any event you choose to host! Enjoy!


To make your wedding seating chart uniquely personal, have a picture of yourself or your fiancee at the age of your table number! So for table 5, have a picture of you at 5 years old.

Have your seating charts resemble chairs!

Anchor your outdoor seating chart with beautiful sheer ribbon for an extra touch of colour.


Have personalized buttons made that your guests can take with them as a fun keepsake of the special event. Plus, it looks pretty neat!



Add a touch of elegance by mounting your seating chart in frames on a wall. Its beautiful to look at, and completely unique.


Flowers always add a beautiful touch. Place your seating cards on a bed of carnations like shown below, and your guests will be blown away.

Photos provided by Martha Stewart
The ideas are endless! So have some fun with this added element to your event! Your guests will love the opportunity to experience something new and fun while finding their seat!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

SUGAR FIX TIP - A Twist!

Ever wanted to try something different to end your dinner party? Why not try this delicious twist on a late night treat for your guests!
Serve the donuts skewered on spoons or set nicely on a platter. Either way, everyone will love a nice warm drink with a delicious unexpected treat!
*Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

Friday, February 26, 2010

TOP OF THE POPS!

I truly believe everything is cuter when placed on a lollipop stick! Well, maybe not everything. But this whole idea has become one of my favourites. The thought of eating a piece of cake or a cookie like a lollipop is very whimsical in my mind. Call me crazy. Most people do!

Take a look at these adorable pictures and get inspired! Easter is around the corner and this just may be the treat to bring to your family dinner!


COOKIE POP!


PIE POP!


BROWNIE POP!



CHEESECAKE POP!


The last picture is from an extremely talented woman. Check out her blog at www.bakerella.com. Her work is so detailed and imaginative! To me, SHE is the Queen of Pops! Take the time to look at all her work. You will be inspired!

I have a dream that this week will be my week to attempt the cheesecake pop. I will let you know how it goes! Wish me luck and don't forget to stay tuned!

Friday, February 19, 2010

SUGAR FIX TIP- INVITATIONS

Are you planning a party and need to find the perfect invitation? Well I have a place for you!

www.etsy.com

I know. This does kind of sound like an infomercial but it's not. Etsy has quickly become one of my favourite websites. Not only can you find beautiful handmade invitations but also a million other beautiful handmade products! I encourage you to find some spare time (and you need time) to look through this amazing website. You won't regret it!

Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

BALLOONS!

Recently, we were asked to plan a conference closing dinner, with little money and little time! So we put our heads together, and thought up an idea we weren't expecting. "What if we used balloons?!" What a novel idea! Our clients wanted this dinner to be lively, airy, and celebratory. Balloons made perfect sense! Take a look at our final creation!


It's amazing what you can do with a little helium! (or in this case, lots of helium!) I wanted to take the time to encourage you to not be afraid to use balloons in whatever event you may be hosting. Your local party store can make this happen easily for you.
If you want your balloons to fly high, helium tanks can be rented or purchased, depending on the amount of balloons you want to blow up. Here is an easy breakdown to help you decide what you may need:
  • For 45-50 medium sized balloons, you can purchase disposable helium tanks for around $40. These tanks are recyclable and come ready to be used
  • For up to 100 large sized balloons, you can rent a small helium tank for around $65.
  • For up to 200 large balloons, you should rent a medium tank for around $75. Keep in mind, you will most likely need to put down a deposit for rented tanks in case of damage, but you do get it back upon the tanks return. (Deposits are usually $100 - and fully refundable.

To inspire you, take a look at some creations people have done! You'll be amazed at what balloons can do to any event!

( Pictures from: Martha Stewart Weddings, Balloonacy, Jimmy Jay Entertainment, Adventures In Fun)