Behind the Design: Focal Faux Pas

Here's a little insight in our design philosophy.  Event Design is not just about centerpieces or even tabletop design but the entire environment and visual experience your guests will have in relation to the event's (or Bride & Groom's) theme, style, and personality.  Now, don't worry, I don't plan on going into details like proportion, balance, line of sight, harmonies, or integrated formal design styles. That being said, I'd like to talk a very common aspect many people don't think about when it comes to a reception. Often people spend so much time on what goes on the middle of the table that they forget to simply step back from table. Remember, your guests will not spend the whole evening looking at the middle of the table. Consider the room's layout and area's that will draw guest's attention.

Think of it this way, you spent a good about of time tasting and selecting just the right cake. You've chosen the perfect cake topper or have asked your florist to provide some exquisite fresh blooms to decorate your cake. Soon the big moment arrives. The entire crowd gathers and photographers (both professional and amateur) are poised for the exciting moment. This is no longer just a table... this area has become a "Focal Point" and it's a flashpoint of the evening. You do not want this stunning cake plopped on a plain, stark white table cloth or (as one of our Vendor Colleagues shared with me about another wedding) the Bride & Groom cutting their cake with a circuit box in full view behind them. Not the best photo op.

(Above image - Preston Bailey )

Areas like the Cake Table can quickly become areas to engage your guests or key photo opportunities throughout the evening. These "Focal Points" could effect the overall look, feel, flow and design of the room. I personally love chatting with Clients about these Focal Points - it's a wonderful chance to create a memorable experience (and maybe give guests a little extra "WOW") with just a little creativity. Even if a Client's design budget is tight or if they've only opted to have runners or inexpensive overlays on their table top I always bring different Focal Point options to their attention. Sometimes it's as simple as considering the investment of just a few beautiful Specialty Linens like Pintuck, Crushed Taffeta, Sequin, Damask, Beaded, Ribbon, Brocade, etc. to add visual emphasis to the tables or area's design.

Also consider a "Statement Display" such as Larger Floral Arrangement, Floral Sculpture, Ice Sculpture, Wish Tree, Backdrops, Props, etc.  We recommend the following key tables as possible Focal Point areas:

• Cake Table
• Gift Table
• Escort Card Table
• Head or Sweetheart Table
• Specialty Services Table (ie: Candy Buffet or Dessert Bar)

Dressing up these 3 to 5 tables (or those custom designated areas) transforms them into Focal Points that will heighten the experience and add to the design of the room.

Focal Points are not limited to tables.  They may also include Lounge Areas, Entertainment Areas (ex: Photobooths), Food Stations (like the newly popular gourmet "food truck" or street food-style cuisine), or any variety of creative and interactive activities you'd like to have your guests experience during your event.  Remember, in the end, when it comes to your event's design it's all about everyone (yourself included) emerging into the world and memories your are creating.


"What other Focal Points or Interactive Areas that you considered creating for quests?"

Leave a comment below... cheers!

Art Comes to Life: Old Dominion University Wedding, Part II

In a recent post we shared a few highlights from the fabulous wedding for our "Old Dominion University" couple. Yep, this DC couple wanted to exchange their vows at the same college campus where they met and fell in love. We were hired to plan, design and coordinate their fantastic ceremony and "glam-tastic"wedding reception. In the earlier post (Part I) we shared images from the university's campus ceremony.

Immediately following the ceremony the reception took place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. For the reception the Bride & Groom did something we love, they just told us what things that they liked and gave us creative license to "make something beautiful"... and so we did! The Bride requested damask, crystals, branches, and calla lily so we presented design sketches (and emailed them to them in a slide format). From a fun contemporary room layout to custom designed lounge area with dozens of floating glass orbs with candles and more... we custom created flowers and decor. The final results were beyond their expectations! Enjoy these images for what I like to call "Part II... the Reception!"

Rough Draft Concept Illustration:

Final Design... First Dance

Special thank you to Debonair Photography for most of the images above

Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase Count Down: Cool things to look for

Congratulations to Robyn Collins who won tickets to the January 15th VIP Cocktail Event featuring David Tutera!

Guests who attend this fabulous event will not only experience delectable food and stunning decor but will also hear from David Tutera himself as he shares tips and ideas for creating a inspired wedding experience. Join us and many other find vendors at the VIP Cocktail Meet & Greet Event with David Tutera at the gorgeous Hilton Oceanfront Hotel in Virginia Beach. The event starts a 7pm and tickets are still available at www.uniquelyyoursbridalshowcase.com


The fantastic VIP Cocktail Event is only the beginning and will be followed on January 16th by the simply spectacular Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase. This amazing showcase will feature over 100 of the area's most in demand Wedding Professionals as well as a not to be missed fashion show. But that's not all. What else should you keep an eye out for during this event?


Scrumptious samples from the area's most tantalizing Catering, Cake and Confection Professional. The see the simply exquisite designs from the 2011 collection from Maya Couture grace the runway at the fashion show. And what about us at Vivid Expressions? Well, we are thrilled to introduction Brides & Grooms to a number of unique custom Event Art during the event. Be sure to visit our booth (Booth #91) to get an up close look at our new Watercolor Accents - Custom hand painted Watercolor Menu Cards featured on our tablescape.

2011 Trend Forecast: Part II - Making Whoopie!!

The ever so cute "couture" (or gourmet) cupcake trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2011. With more high-end cupcake tree designs, elaborate displays, and even sophisticated flavor profiles, the cupcakes' popularity will continue to thrive and capture the imaginations of Brides & Grooms in the year to come. In fact, you will notice that the cupcake will actually evolve. Oh there will always the standard favorite like Vanilla and Chocolate however, it will be elevated to flavors like French Vanilla Bean and Mexican Dark Chocolate. And it doesn't stop there. Keep an eye out for out of the culinary box flavors like Banana's Foster, Chi Tea Latte, and the very popular Champagne.

Flavor will not be the only thing that will change in weddings and events. The cupcake will also transform into "Cake Pops". Cake Pops are a fun twist on the lollipop where small, bit-sized balls of cake are coated in chocolate (or some other confection) and served on a lollipop stick... great for nibbling while mingling during a reception.

Another variation of the cake that you'll see more and more in 2011 will be the return of the good ole' fashion "Whoopie Pie". These big, fluffy round cake sandwiches can be made in flavors ranging from the traditional chocolate, vanilla and even red velvet. Perfect for the uniquely unconventional, whimsical, or even vintage Bride - Mini Whoopie Pie displayed at a Milkshake Bar will add a fun and fanciful twist to a Dessert display.

Looking for something a little more sophisticated? Consider the more classic, European Cuisine of the Whoopie Pie - the Macaroon. I simply adore the classic french Macaroon. These delicate little confections that come in literally a pastel rainbow of colors and flavors. When incorporated into a table-scape or added to selection of a dessert bar they create an enchanting display.

Art and the Event: Ice Expressions

When I established Vivid Expressions 3 years ago it was designed to be a creative outlet to showcase and incorporate Fine Art in the planning and production of weddings and other social events. Art can be featured in many ways and a wide array of artistic mediums in an event design. As an Artists myself I've worked with a range of tools and materials; paint brushes and canvas, a potters wheel and clay, silk screens, even engraving on zinc plates but there are only a few forms of art that use a chainsaw.

About a year ago I performed caricatures sketches at a "Winter Wonderland" theme Bar Mitzvah. The event was made fun (and a little funky) by transforming the look of the room with the decorative additions of a blue color wash (bathing the walls in bluish light), snowflake projected on the walls and ceiling, flashing LED tableware, and a striking up-lit Polar Bear Ice Sculpture surrounding in a delicate blue light. Our good friends at Ice Art created an awe-inspiring sculpture from ice that was at the center of the punch station. This creation added a breathtaking design element to the room.

For over 20 years Ice Art in Virginia Beach, Virginia has been the area's leading custom ice sculpture company. The company has served (and delivered) ice sculptures to Clients from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and well beyond. I once had the pleasure of briefly watching Steve Latham, the company's master "ice artist", wield a chainsaw with the same effortless skill as most artists have with a pen - a talent that can only come after years of experience (and should not be tried at home).

Just like with any type of art - the creations made by Ice Art and other ice sculpture companies can be far more expressive works of art than the old standard buffet swan you may have thought of in the past. Ice sculptures can be custom designed to enhance the concept you and your event designer have envisioned. Ice sculpture art can take the form of fairytale castles and carriages, contemporary modern art pieces, interactive bars, ocean inspired beach themes, and even ice chandeliers and vases. Each sculpture can be lit from the base in a variety of colors to complement the color scheme of the event and room.

So, eager to incorporate an ice sculpture into your wedding or special event design? Here are "5 things you should know when considering ice sculptures".

The Cost:

In general, the cost of an ice sculptures depend on the size and details of your custom design. Ice sculptures may start from $275.

Delivery:

As for delivery options, most ice sculpture companies will "deliver to the site", "set-up the piece on-site", and "the removal" of the ice sculpture however; you will always want to verify that they will do each of these services. Don't forget to ask about the company's removal policy or service. Some will take care of this for you and in some cases they will leave it to the catering staff. There are some who offer disposable equipment such as disposable trays and the caters or hosts are able to throw the equipment away and leave the sculpture outside to simply melt away.

Placement:

Ice sculptures usually are set-up in clear containers especially designed not to leak and to very discreetly contain the sculpture, ice and/or drainage tubes. Your event planner, event designer, and/or catering professional will work together to layout the best location for your ice sculpture in the room.

Timing:

There's no surprise, ice sculptures are not meant to last forever - eventually, they will melt away. But this isn't an ice cube or a snowball, these pieces are carved from blocks of ice that have gone through a special process making them clearer and better made for sculpting. Typically, these ice sculptures will retain their shape, details, and look their best for approximately 5 to 6 hours however, they will still look great for many hours after that. Will this time vary outdoors? Yes, elements like wind and temperature will play a factor however, your event designer, planner, and/or carter will understand that direct sunlight will do the quickest damage and will know the best placement.

The Design:

Some companies may have a portfolio of work available online to view but it's always best to sit down with the ice sculpture company (and your event planner or event designer) to get a better idea of what they can offer you. Try to come with some idea of your wedding or event concept. Feel free to bring pictures, magazines, or an event designer's sketches but be open to their suggestions, after all, the ice sculpture professionals may have ideas, tips, and options you may not have thought of or even knew existed. Remember, most are delighted to design an ice sculpture around you and your event.

If you're interested in adding custom designed ice sculpture to your event design speak to your event planner or event designer. Also, if in the Hampton Roads area feel free to contact us or I'd recommend contacting Andrea Latham, Vice President at Ice Art. She has worked with hundreds of Hampton Roads Brides for years as a certified professional and will certainly take care of you. Be sure to let her know we at Vivid Expressions LLC referred you.