Back to the drawing board!

Last night we had the pleasure of giving back just a little.  "Taste of Hampton Roads" is an annual event which benefits the Foodbank of Hampton Roads.  No, we didn't do elaborate planning or even design work but we were delighted to help one of the fabulous culinary participants and our fantastic friends at Terebinth.  I had the pleasure of doing a number of caricatures some who visited the "Terebinth, A Sweet Retreat".  Terebinth created a truly enchanting booth display and as an added treat we offers a number of free, on-the-spot caricatures to those who visited the their booth.  I was overjoyed by all the guests who raved with the creation of each and every drawing.

Miss United States 2011 stopped by last night so I could draw her a caricature at "Taste of Hampton Roads"... not bad for a 3 minute sketch ;)

Forgive me but just had to share...

Well, this year we felt the need to change things around a little.  First with a subtle make-over of our logo, then offering a new, chic consulting location in Norfolk and now this... a delightful little commercial!  I'm so excited to share with you so please, feel free to let me know what you think... enjoy!

Sweet Fun from this Sunday!

What a delight it was to create this custom Candy Buffet Design for our friends at MorLina Events for their Client and Vendor Appreciation Party on Sunday.  

The focal point of the display was tall a silver trumpet vase with a design of stunning white branches adorned with dozens of shimmering hanging crystals.  The event was a Damask Theme in their company colors of Black, White, and Pink which was reflected in one of our Fuchsia Pink Damask Pattern Table-runner atop crisp, black linen.  The Damask pattern was also repeated in the striking Damask Favor boxes we provided for each guest used to fill with the sweet selection of candies.  We'd like to also thank our friends at Oak Moon Photography for these lovely images below... enjoy!

Behind the Design: Monochromatic & the color of love!

Happy Valentine's Day!  You wrapped up in the flurry of flowers, candy, cards and lots of creative little surprises?  As the worlds comes awash in "Red & White" I can't help but stop and share a  little Professional design "Color Theory 101" with you.  

I love helping Clients explore, discover, and create the most visually enhancing color scheme for their event.  When Brides (and Grooms) or event hosts come to me and say, "our colors are _____ and White" I often like to find how and why they've chosen those colors.  This often a wonderful opportunity to hold a quick color class and explaining they've really only chosen one color.  Yep, a Color and a Neutral - technically White isn't exactly "a color" it's actually a Neutral like black, gray, and brown. Counting a neutral color is kind like counting the green stem of a flower as a color in a bouquet or arrangement.  Generally speaking you can certainly use a neutral if you'd like to but in a color scheme "White" and other neutrals really don't count.  

But wait, you love the color "____".  If you'd like to focus on one main color for your event that's great!  There is a color harmony (method of selecting and using color) that will work perfectly - it's call Monochromatic.  A monochromatic color scheme consist of a Hue (color) displayed in varying Shades (a darker version of the hue) and/or Tints (a lighter version of the hue) in a design. Consider a Monochromatic color scheme with the lightest version of the color instead of plain white to create richness in the design.

Here are a few simply examples of a "Red Monochromatic Color Scheme (in hues of Cotton Candy Pink, Candy Apple Red, and Burgundy Wine)... enjoy!!

What inspires you?

I love it when Clients want to design their event around a theme.  It gives us both an opportunity to free our imaginations and create the best, most cohesive, design that reflects the theme featuring their style.  For me, my first task is not to ask, "what's your theme".  Instead, my task is to really discover "What inspires you?"  What does the theme mean to them and how do they want to convey it?  Will it be subtly placed elements and modest details throughout the event or perhaps bold, sweeping visual statements throughout room(s).  In other words...  How is the best way to present the elements that will represent the theme?

Wedding planning and design can be bit overwhelming for some Clients.  When you consider there are many different Art & Design styles, techniques, and principles as well as thousands of images and ideas offered by magazines and websites - the "Theme" wedding seems like a easy way to approach the process.  Eventually some Brides start to think, "Well, I can walk into any Party Supply Store and find tons and tons of theme oriented decorations".  Of course, the question then becomes... do you really want your "one-of-a-kind" special day to look like it was pre-ordered from a "Party Supply Store?"

Don't feel as though you have to recycle the same old ideas and images you (and everyone else) has seen before.  Remember, "Design Inspiration" can come from the simplest of images, stories, or trinkets.  From an old childhood swing on a tree beside a blossoming meadow to a chic, modern city skyline to shimmering antique crystal chandelier and everything in between... any thing, person, sight, sound, texture, flavor or fragrance can inspire. Here are 3 things to consider when you start to explore an event or wedding theme.

1.) Don't be literal! 
I think that many couples fall into, what I like to call, "the symbol trap".  This is were they pick a few generic theme symbols and scatter them around the room or on a few tables.  The effect often resluts  in an unpolished, disjointed, and bland look.  The first step to creating a unique and personalized theme event is not to be too literal.  Sure, you are going to have certain commonly used ideas, elements or symbols to represent your theme but you don't want them to be too cliche.  For example, if you're considering a Valentine's Day theme wedding, then try to avoid cliches elements like a Red & White color schemes, Hearts, Rose Petals, etc.  Instead, look more into what the theme means to you and how it can be interpreted to make it your own.  Instead of "Red & White" color scheme consider using a combination of richer shade of Red like Burgundy along with lighter Candy Apple Red.  Also, instead of White use an analogous colors like Plum, Wine, and Aubergine (Eggplant).  Instead of "Hearts" perhaps think about other symbols that are more personal to you like Lockets, elements from Classic Literature, your favorite poems, etc.

2.) Rinse... 
Keep your concept clean and simple.  It can be easy to get swept away in dozens of symbols, ideas, and images that could represent the "theme" of your event.  The problem is you want to convey a clear idea to your guests and too many elements will make the theme messy and cluttered.  Keep the symbols, colors, etc that will represent your theme to a minimum, no more than 3 key symbols.  Now those 1 to 3 symbols you're chosen to represent your theme can be presented in many different ways.  It could be small simple details like the colors and texture of you table linens, napkins and menu cards or it could be huge visual statements such as designer room lighting services, ceiling draping, and large displays elements.   

3.) ... and Repeat
Ok, now although you want your event to be unique, not every cliche is bad.  There are certainly some symbols that are tasteful and down right classic...especially if they are used well.  There are some timeless elements like Candles that can be incorporated into many events in a range of forms like rustic lanterns, elegant candelabras, clusters of pillar candles, floating candles is modern-style vases, and so on.  Even a flower as sweet and simple as a daisy can take on a dramatic tone when used in volume like dozens and dozens of daisy heads lining the center of a long table like a runner.  Daisies may also adorn dozens and dozens of ribbons suspended about the cake table or simply used in every aspect of the event from the "Save the Date" card , Menu cards and on each table at place setting - the key is to be consistent and repeat it throughout the entire event.

Now there are many other ways to define and refine your theme and wedding or event vision but this should be a great start to get inspired... Cheers!

Peacock and Purple Project - Unofficial Pics

Happy February!  Starting this month off by sharing a few "Unofficial" Pics from a very recent project.  We were delighted to be brought in by our Friends at Antonia Christianson Events to create a fun, fanciful and fabulous centerpiece for an oh so sweet and stylish surprise marriage proposal.  Oh and one little side note:  Nope, those aren't roses in the incorporated into the arrangement - there's miniature fresh cabbages!  A whimsical, fun and beautiful twist to a classic design.  Enjoy!

BEFORE: Concept Drawing 

AFTER: Design

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