We were featured in 'The Knot' Magazine!

The Knot magazine, for many Brides, is the "go to" national publication for all things weddings. From ideas, to advise, to etiquette, to local resources... The Knot is recognized as the largest wedding network (magazine and website) in the world. With that said, it is an incredible honor (and a bit of a surprise) to discover that we at Vivid Expressions was recently featured in an article for the magazine's special Virginia Beach section. We were #6 in an article entitled "10 ways to have a stylish wedding in Virginia Beach". Needless to say... we're oh so thrilled!

"And the Bride Wore..." Exhibit

My two worlds are converge this evening as wedding industry design comes to my old college (The School of Arts & Letters at Norfolk State University). Ah, memories of my old school days... if those walls could talk (I'd have to gag them) LOL.


Be sure hear the Uber talented Kim Wadsworth and others speak at the "And the Bride Wore..." exhibit tonight at the Wise Gallery on the campus of Norfolk State University at 7pm. A retrospective of Grown Fashion, society and history.

Botancial Brides!! Norfolf Botanical Garden Open House

If you are interested in sharing your vows in all the splendor of nature be sure to consider the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. As one of our favorite Bridal Event Venues, this amazing location offers a variety of simple breathtaking outdoor gardens and indoor facilities for Bridal Portraits, Wedding Ceremonies and Event Reception. During this coming Sunday, March 20th, 2011 the Norfolk Botanical Gardens will be holding it's 3rd Annual Bridal Open House. Free to Brides, this Open House event will take place at Baker Hall & Rose Hall at the Botanical Gardens from 11am - 3pm. Experience the bliss and beautiful of this enchanting venue, meet many of their Preferred Vendors and participate in a chance to win wonderful prizes.

For more information contact the Norfolk Botanical Gardens Weddings & Events Office at 757.441.5830 or visit http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/ .

Be sure to visit the Vivid Expressions display during the event!

Etiquette Quiz: Plated Dinner

Are you ready? It's Quiz time!! Take a quick quiz on event dining etiquette.

Imagine you are attending (or you've chosen to offer guests) an event or wedding with a "Plated dinner". How will your Waiter/Server know when you have finished each course and are ready for the plate to be removed?

A.) When all the food has been eaten from that course

B.) When their utensils are placed horizontally (at 3 o'clock) on the plate

C.) When their utensils are placed crossing each other on the plate

D.) When the guest covers the plate with their napkin

E.) When the Waiter/Server asks if they are finished and for permission to remove the plate

Dinning Trends:
Although, Brides & Grooms still choose to offer guests a Buffet Dinner Reception there is just something so sophisticated about a Plated Dinner. A popular option for many Brides and Grooms (and Party Hosts) are Food Stations (on-the-spot food service of specialty menu items) and Passed Food Service (appetizers being passed by Servers in a Cocktail atmosphere) along with a Plated Dinner. Consider speaking with your Planner, Caterer or Catering Manager about incorporating these options into your reception.

Now, on to that Waiter or Server wondering if you are done with that course. The answer is "B". When you are done with a particular course simply place the utensils horizontally along the side of the plate at the "3 o'clock" position of the plate. You Waiter will probably still ask if you are finished but this should be the signal to them that you are done with this course or coffee and/or dessert. How'd you do? Have fun with the delicious process of planning your reception... Bon Appetite!

Vivid Expressions at Vow 2011!!

It was such a pleasure meeting so many simply lovely Brides & Grooms after this weekend's stunning 2011 Vow Magazine Bridal Event. The Bridal Event took place last Sunday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Our booth created an enchanting element (and a bit of a buzz) as vendors and visitors alike were drawn to the warm, magical pink glow of the lighting form our booth. An enormous Birdcage stood in the middle of the Vivid Expressions booth featuring a romantic sweetheart table and natural wood colored Chavari Chairs.

The soft and elegant tablescape consisted of cascading mint green fabric dancing with ribbons of pink, blue and gold. Artful glass apothecary jars showcased soft colored Calla lilies, Snapdragons, Tulips, and other delicate flowers. The most dramatic element of the tablescape design was Event Art including copper placecard holders, copper plaques, hand-sculpted clay Roses & Calla Lillies and our signature a fresh flower Sculpture of a Peacock floating near the back of the table. Nearly 100 excited couples visited our booth and signed up to visit our Event Design Studio-gallery this Saturday during our "Winter Bridal Open House".





We hope you will be able to join us for our up-coming "Winter Bridal Open House" on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at our Event Design Studio-gallery. For more information please visit www.vividexpressions.com

Count down to the "Vow Bride Magazine Event"!

A moment of awe, even shock accompanied by a stunned look and breathless silence. A few moments to process what was just said... wait, did he (or she) say what I think they just said? They "did" and are now waiting for you reply. Then the words rush from your lips as your heart races with excitement followed by smiles, giggles and maybe a few joyful tears... "Yes! Yes!" This is a scene thousands and thousands of blissful Couples will share tonight as they "pop the question" on Valentine's Day.

Well, congratulations to you and all of the already thousands of soon to be Brides & Grooms who have gotten engaged over the last few months from Thanksgiving until Valentine's Day (a time we in the industry know as Engagement Season). And what a perfect time for all of you overjoyed Couples start thinking about (and even planning) your special day because not only is this Engagement Season but it's also Bridal Show Season. And although both seasons are drawing to an end there are still great opportunities to discover all the fantastic options and services available to you. In our region very few Bridal shows stand out like the Vow Bridal Event being held this Sunday, February 20th at the Virginia Beach Conventional Center.

For over 10 years Vow Bride Magazine has captured all the beauty, fashion, trends and splendor of everything wedding our are region. A sensational must have magazine for every Bride, once a year Vow Bride Magazine comes to life in vivid reality during the annual Vow Bridal Event. Vivid Expressions is delighted to be one of the participating vendors in the up-coming 2011 Vow Bridal Show!

Vivid Expressions is just one of dozens of fine Vendors contributing to this year's signature give-away of a complete wedding package sponsored by Vow! To learn more about the event or to register online and receive $2 off the admission visit http://www.style-events.com/Vow2011/register.htm

We are planning something special so be sure to visit our booth (#70) at the Vow Bridal Event!

Getting the Venue & Vendors you really want (Part II)

So, their website stole your heart, they swept you off your feet at a Bridal Show, and you are in love, love, love with a particular Venue or Vendor.... now what? In my last post I shared that fact that when it comes to getting the Venue and Vendors your really want the "early Bride" has the advantage. I wrote about why starting a conversation with the Venue and Vendors you REALLY, REALLY want as soon as possible can REALLY, REALLY pay off. Well, now that you know how important it is to start talking to those Vendors you are smitten with as soon as you can about your wedding I wanted to follow-up by sharing how to best prepare to start that conversation.

There are a few things we (as Vendors) will need to know right of the bat in order to better determine how we can help you. I know, this sounds a little strange - after all, you know what you need for your wedding... right? Well, if you are in the first stages of the planning process and are a little anxious about where to start here are a few things you will need to determine and be prepared to discuss as you first begin chatting with a Vendor.

The first step will be to understand and crunch the numbers! There are 3 numbers in particular... establish your:

1. Wedding Date: If you have a specific date in mind that is special to you by all means select that date. However, when you and your Fiance are in the midst of considering different times of year, significant moments in your lives, or sentimental seasons take a moment to consider that the best way to ensure you'll book the Venue and Vendors you really want is to give yourself plenty of time. Most Brides and Grooms set their wedding date between 10 months to 1 year in advance - although, I've even seen some couples setting a date for up to 18 months out. Remember, the more time you have to plan, the more options you will have available to you.

2. Your Approximate Number of Guests: Be prepared... this is a number that will fluctuate. Very rarely does a couple say they will have 100 guests or 200 guests and actually end up sending out that many invitations or certainly have that exact number of guests attend the wedding. On the other, this number is extremely important because it will help you determine the right Venue to accommodate you and/or the costs of a myriad of other expenses which often change based on the number of guests. (Note: The average wedding in the United States is between 150 - 180 Guests.)

3. Your Budget Range Ah yes, the budget. For many, nothing brings a Bride's and Groom's grand dreams of a spectacular, Celebrity-style wedded affair back to reality like a discussion about the budget. Now, if you or your Parent's have been saving for this day since you were 13 years old or you have a Trust Fund and money is truly "no object" this may not apply to you. However, in my experience, even the most Financially Well off Client did not get that way without having some understand of money or doing research. As uncomfortable as it may be for some couples to talk about a wedding budget it is important to research the costs involved in a wedding and the services associated with it.

The truth is most couples have no idea how much a wedding costs until they begin planning a wedding. They soon discover it is very, very different from planning a Holiday or Birthday Party. For example; did you know the average wedding in the United States (even during the current economic conditions) is approximately $28,000? The best way to approach your budget will be to think in terms of Range and Percentages.

Because some costs will fluctuate give yourself a reasonable budget range. Example; $20,000 - $25,000 or $27,000 - $32,000. Remember, your budget will have to be broken down into percentages where each category of the products and services will receive a portion of. Example; A percentage for Venue, Catering, Attire, Photographer, etc. Keep this number in mind when you are asking Venues and Vendors about services but also keep in mind they will be a "Percentage" of the total.

Gotta, gotta have it!!

Really, really want a specific Vendor but not sure you can afford them? Ok, here is were the budget range comes into play. I've had a wide range of Clients with a wide range of budgets and what I've found is not every Bride (and Groom) values the same things. One who would kill for a particular Venue could not care less about the Dress and ended up buying one at a consignment shoppe. Another who didn't care where it took place as long as they had a certain Photographer. So the next step is to really determine what is most important to you and adjust the percentage to reflect what you really want. For example; I've worked with a Bride who had her heart sent on 3 things - particular Venue (very high-end location) with great food, a High-end Photographer and a particular Planner (me). That (well, and the Groom) was what was the most important to her. In the end she reduced the number of guests at her wedding and opted for our simple floral designs and created a breathtaking, intimate wedding experience!

With the exception of possibly your wedding date these numbers do not have to be set in stone (although I have heard of a couple who actually changed their wedding date just to book a particular photographer they loved... true story). These numbers will be used as a frame of reference to determining the best fit for you and if the Vendor can accommodate your needs. Ok, so what are you waiting?.. Happy Planning!!