Check out the newest inspiration board by our event designer Mackenna Schon. You can also check out the design board at the Shore Bride Magazine website.
Archive for the ‘Published or Quoted’ Category
Inspiration Board: Yellow & Fuschia
By Christina
Linens: Giving Your Wedding the “Wow” Factor
By ChristinaCheck out this months article written for the Shore Bride Magazine.
Last month we discussed the importance of lighting in your wedding. What helps to enhance that lighting is adding just the right linens, among other things. Not just the right color, but the right style as well.
Linens just seem to have an amazing ability to add a sense of elegance that pulls the feel and color of your ceremony and flows right into the reception. Now having an idea of what is usually needed helps in determining your budget, colors, etc. Just so you don’t miss anything, here is a list of items at your reception that may need covering:
- Guest tables
- Head tables
- Sweetheart table
- Gift table
- Cake table
- Place card table
- Candy buffet table
- Chairs
- and don’t forget napkins!
Linens come in all different color shades and materials. Keep in mind that with all the color shades out there you may not find the exact shade you want, but you should be able to come pretty close. Just because a color looks right online or in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look the same in person, so try to view a swatch or sample of the linen or even go to the company showroom to see the color and quality of the material in person. Keep a few things in mind . . . if you do your homework, you will realize that a lot of detail and planning goes into just the linens. You have to ask yourself a few questions when choosing your colors: What color is the venue of the ceremony/reception celebration and will your colors match the decor? What style will work best with your color choices? There are several types to choose from: polyester (poly), satin (lamour), organza, crinkle taffeta, and other specialty linens. Your wedding planner or linen company can help you figure out what style will work best with your color choices.
You need to reserve/rent linens at least six months in advance (at least with your initial head count). You should even check if the event planner, caterer, hotel or venue will provide or rent the linens. If they are provided, you can pick lively and exciting colors, because they are usually the same price as standard white “house” linens. Also remember that when you are choosing a linen company, you need to find out what their service includes. Most companies do the setup and takedown, while others just drop them off. Because your hands will already be full on your wedding day, the extra labor fee is worth having one less thing to worry about.
Also, if you are not crazy about the chairs provided, you have a couple of options. First, you can rule them out completely (but it may cost more to have them removed) and rent some you like, or consider chair covers and sashes that coincide with your color choices. A chair cover can transform the ugliest of chairs and bring it to life. If your ceremony and reception are in the same venue, you can use the same chairs for both. Just make sure the chair covers you choose fit the chairs provided.
This may seem very overwhelming at times, but in the end it is so worth it. Look at it as a fun project and consider creative ideas like matching the room, the bridesmaid dresses, the flowers, and your own personal choices. This is the biggest event of your lifetime, and you will want nothing more than to make a memorable first impression. The entire day will be special and with the right choices of food, flowers and linens, you can make it unforgettable for everyone.
Inspiration Board: Red & Lavender
By ChristinaCheck out the newest inspiration board by our event designer Mackenna Schon. You can also check out the design board at the Shore Bride Magazine website.
Event Lighting
By ChristinaThis is the July article I wrote for the Shore Bride Magazine website. You can also check out this article here.
The reception is about to begin. The tables are set, the centerpieces and cake are just amazing…yet something is missing. And you can’t quite put your finger on it. Then it hits you – you forgot to add lighting. This seems to be a common occurrence. It’s either overlooked just because it’s usually not on a bridal planning checklist or it’s a cost issue.
What most people don’t realize is lighting can be the difference between having a nice celebration to a spectacular one. It can actually make or break an event. But have no fear, the purpose of this article is to en”light”en you on the importance of lighting. It goes without saying that having just the right lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform your event into a classy, elegant celebration.
Once you have found a lighting company you want to work with, a consultant will go over with you what aspects of your event you want to showcase or enhance. Keeping that in mind, it’s best to have a general idea of what lighting has to offer. Lighting can come in a variety of colors, shapes or even shadows. The different lighting usage depends on the effect you are looking for, the space where your event is being held, and of course your budget.
General breakdown of the types of lighting and usage:
Pillar/Architecture like the name implies is usually used to light up a pillar or a specific narrow strip of wall, architecture or even exterior trees and greenery.
Wall Washes are strips of lighting that shine over a wide area like a wall or sidewalls of a tent. This can also include shadow designs on the wall like leaves.
Pin/Accent Lighting is lighting that lights up a specific item like a centerpiece or chandelier. The lighting placement can be from below or come from above.
Gobo is where the names or monograms of the couple are projected on the dance floor or wall.
Once you make the decision to make lighting a part of your celebration it becomes one aspect of your planning you don’t want to be without. No matter what your budget, don’t deprive yourself of the beauty of lighting. You will find if you have to, cut costs elsewhere. Keep this in mind – think of all the time, money, and effort that has been put into this one magical day; shouldn’t it be in the spotlight?
Inspiration Board: Navy & Yellow
By ChristinaHere is another great wedding color scheme idea by our event designer Mackenna Schon. You can also check out the design board at the Shore Bride Magazine website.
