Fabulous Fun & Fun with Terebinth & Lizzi London

What fun!!  This weekend we had a wonderful time participating in an event at "Terebinth, A Sweet Retreat" in Virginia as they hosted the simply delightful design "Lizzi London".  Yes, her real name London... yes, she is from London... and yes, this fabulous presentation of her newest collection was part of Terebinth's Pre-Prom Party.  Many of the styles ranged from edgy to sophisticated to avant guarde fantasy.  

It was our pleasure to create Runway Decor, Event Staging, and Floral Designs for the event.  Guests of the event were entertained prior to the fashion show with our signature "On-the-spot" Event Caricature Services (drawn in just 3 minutes) and by other participating vendors such as Shutter Booth Photo Booth.  Courious?  Take a sneak peek inside Saturday's event with these "Unofficial pics"... enjoy!!

Here's a little "Fun".... and yep, this guest loooooved her Caricature as much as we looooved drawing it. 

 

Here's a little "Fabulous".... We loved designing, staging and creating these fanciful room-scape almost as fabulous as Lizzi London's . 

Planning Essentials: You're Engaged... Now what?

Congratulations to all the lovely couples who became engaged over the Holidays or New Years Eve!! 

What an exciting time this is for you!  And what great timing.  January, with it's spirit of fresh renewal is the perfect time to start the Wedding Planning Process.  The fact that the majority of engagements (over 30%) occur during the Holiday Season doesn't hurt either.  So, where do you begin?  Here are 3 helpful steps to getting started:


Step 1: "...that day's gonna be a Good Day!"
Why is selecting a date sooo important?  Because it will help you start the process of researching and scheduling, checking Wedding Ceremony & Reception site (or Venues) and Vendor availability, and placing deposits to reserve that perfect location or desired vendor services.  Remember, some vendors (especially highly sought after ones) book quickly or only offer limited availability so it's important to start calling to check on specific dates.  Also, many Venues offer differing prices depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week.  Start selecting a date by picking a couple of potential dates or a timeframe (such as the last two weeks of May) for your wedding day.  Then look at your schedule, the schedule of some of the important guests (like parents, best friends, etc.), Holiday's or other special events that may conflict with your big day.  After all, you want your special day to stand out and you don't want to compete with Cousin Steve's Graduation.  Then... choose your date!  


TIP: Not sure if you can snag your dream Venue?  Ask about Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays availability and pricing which often book for less than the more popular Saturdays. 


Step 2: Does Size Matter?

Oh yes it does.  Not only will the size of your wedding effect the protocols, mood, tone, and feeling of the ceremony and celebration but it will also effect the cost and resources you'll need to create it. So close your eyes and ask yourself, will it be an intimate affair with 60 guests or do you envision a tremendous affair with 200, 300 or more?  


Of course, the number of Wedding Party Participates (or Attendants) and wedding guests will vary throughout the planning process but the number of guests will have a direct influence on everything from finding Venue(s) to accommodate the group, to cost of Bridal Party Flowers (Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Corsages, etc.), to the catering cost per person, the number of reception and cocktail hour table linens and decorations, and so on.  Just keep it simple and ask yourself, would you like a Small Wedding (less than 100), Medium-size Wedding (about 100 - 200), or a Large Wedding (greater than 250) and go from there.



Step 3: Be at home with your range

Most "Brides and Grooms-to-be" are new to the wedding industry and are not familiar with the various product costs, service fees, and other expenses that eventually add up to the total cost of a wedding.  So, how much does the average wedding cost?  According to recent data the average wedding in the United States in 2011 costed approximately $26,500 (Some areas do vary, for example in Virginia the average is slightly higher with average at $29,000).  Yes, even in this economy... Surprised?  The resources, products, and service providers involved in the production of a wedding experience inflation just like any other industry.  


Sure, there will always be people out there who are willing to do a poorer job for a lower price and as a result take advantage of Brides & Grooms during there once in a lifetime event... that's the bad news.  Now, here's the good news!  Most reputable Wedding Professionals will be able to work with you to help you understand your budget, offer options, and assist you in creating a simply wonderful event.  


That's why it so extremely important to have a general but realistic budget range in mind.  I use the term "Budget Range" because as you enhance or scale back on different aspects of your wedding to focus on what is important to you and what you really don't want the budget itself will range.  Sit down and truly think about a "budget range" that features a low-end and a high-end number that you'll spend on your wedding.  Keep in mind, the budget will fluctuate as the type, size, style, and details of your wedding takes form.  Think about the aspects of your wedding that are important to you, what you are willing to be flexible on, and what you will not compromise on.  Remember, giving yourself a "budget range" to work with will be one of the most essential parts in the planning process.


TIP: Relay on your Pro!  When you hire Wedding Professionals you hire all of their knowledge, experience, and resources with special events.  Most Wedding Pros such as Planners/Consultants or Designers (learn the difference between Wedding Coordinator and Designer in our earlier posts "... and you do what?"  or "Why Wedding Flowers cost so much" here), Caterers, and so on will help you keep on track and work within your budget... trust them!



What's next?
Once you've established these very general guidelines for your wedding (The Date, The Budget Range, and The Size) you can start the basic research to begin the wedding planning process.  As I mentioned before, January is the ideal time to start planning our wedding, in fact, January through March is known in the wedding industry as "Bridal Shows and Booking Season".  


Take the next few days to visit:

1. Bridal Shows for great wedding ideas
2. Pick up established Bridal Magazines and visit reliable Wedding Websites (including local ones)
3. Look for and register to visit Venue and Vendor Open Houses
4. Make the time to Schedule Consultations to meet with Wedding Professionals.

Be prepared to have...

• your Binder or Notepad to keep your notes and pictures
• your Calendar to schedule appointments on the spot (Initial Consultations are usually free)
• your checkbook or credit card to hold your wedding date with a deposit (Vendors/Venues can book up fast)

Once again, congratulations and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask... Happy Planning!


Blessed wishes,
Janel and your friends at Vivid Expressions LLC

The Chrysler Museum of Art Bridal Event: The Party and The Pros!

Oh, you know how I love a good party and the Bridal Event at the world renowned Chrysler Museum of Art on Friday March 12 was just that... a simply fabulous party! Tantalizing food, drinks, and visually striking displays... all of the senses were engaged and enticed at this fun and fantastic event.

The tranquil and sophisticated Museum was transformed that evening into a vibrant, intimate, soiree - pulsating with the energy of our enchanting vendor friends and colleagues. Guests were treated to complementary Valet parking, their coats were checked and wonderful delights like champagne and even beer tasting (a hit with Grooms). Gorgeous models adorned in breathtaking gowns strolled and stunning tablescapes and lighting created an ideal environment to celebrate. If you haven't considered the Chrysler Museum of Art as a reception location, here are somethings to know about this outstanding venue.


The Place to be:

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of the top Art Museums in the United States. As a formally trained Fine Artist I can honestly say this venue offers chic, romance and classic, elegance like not other. The Chrysler offers an exquisite canvas to envision, create and celebrate your special day.

A few things you should know about having your event at the Chrysler Museum of Art:

• Capacity - This venue has a number of rental space options however, the largest area, Huber Court, can comfortably accommodate up to 220 guests for a seated reception.
  
• Availability - Facility rental is available on Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
  
• Rental Prices - The average evening space rental can range from $3,500 to $4,500. Tuesday Afternoon Luncheons are $1,000.
  
• Restrictions - There are number of unique restrictions ranging from the use of the Museum's exclusive caterer (Cuisine & Company) to mandatory Insurance for events. Please contact the Chrysler Museum of Art or your professional, licensed and insured Wedding Coordinator to learn about facility rental details.
  
• Contact - Mia Byrd, mbyrd@chrysler.org or call her at (757) 333-6233

Next: Spotlight on The Pros - featured...

• "Hey Mr. DJ"
• Phenomenal Photographers
• Fellow Facilitators, Visionaries, and Coordinators
• Fabulous Floral Designs
• Creative Cakes & Catering
• Seeing the Light (Lighting Design)