Showing posts with label wednesday love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wednesday love. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: "Love is"






"Live Life Out Loud, On Purpose and with NO Regrets"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Wordless WEDnesday: "A Vow to Love"




""Live Life Out Loud, On Purpose and with NO Regrets"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Event Planning Tips - Part IV"

Strategies, Goals, Budgets, W's, (who, when, where)  Invitations....and everything in between.  What is there left to do?

The Walk Through
Visit the venue the day(s) before your event. Envision a few things.
  • How you want attendees to experience the event.
  • Which of their senses will be heightened?  I prefer to focus on all of them!
  • What signs need to be in place to avoid confusion?
  • Where should you station staff?
Basically, you want to understand what your guests will see from the time they walk into the venue from the registration table to the actual event. Touch matters! Sight Matters, Taste Matters. Hearing Matters.  Smell Matters.

The only way to anticipate how your event will feel is to walk through and see and feel what they'll see and feel.

After all of the hard work - be sure to ENJOY!!!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Event Planning Tips - Part III"

By now you should be cooking with oil or working with a wonderful professional planner on knocking things off your checklist out!  We've determined how much we can spend AND figured out who is will be affected, now we'll get to the INVITATION!

How many times have you received an invitation months in advance and forgot?  Even worse, you received it a week before the event and your calendar is already filled.

The invitation to your event is one of the most important aspects of the entire planning process. You don’t want to send out the first invite too early or too late. Three weeks out is a good rule to live by. However, if you want to get on executives’ calendars, you might want to send it out even earlier.

For a more detailed, elaborate invitation for a dinner event is appropriate, but you may want to be more simple and straight to the point if you’re presenting a demo.  Be considerate and include directions that include access to public transportation. In other words, make it easy to be an attendee.

Remember to follow up (especially for business and social events).  Those who have RSVP’d should receive reminders that differ in timing and message than those who haven’t.  Taking a little extra time to do this will show that they are more than a number and you truly appreciate the time they taking from their schedule to attend your fabulous event.

Lastly, we're going to have a WALK THROUGH!!!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Event Planning Tips - Part II"

Now that you've shaken away some of the nerves associated with being responsible for the fun of hundreds of people let's move on.  In Part I you outlined your goals and have a strategy and also figured out your budget now it's time to discuss who, when, what and where! 

NOTE:  You'll find that although the budgets can be extremely different, planning a Corporate event isn't much different than a family dinner or cocktail reception.  The tips I am offering are very basic and can at least get you started.  At any place in the planning you find that you're still having a tough time, don't hesitate to hire a professional to assist you.


A Time and Place for Every Event
  • Who are the stakeholders? You know, those that can affect or be affected by your actions. You would have probably already been introduced to them during the goal setting and strategy planning phase. 
  • What's your target audience? Are you hosting executives or managers?
  • Is it a presentation or a mixer?
The answer to these questions should determine when and where your event is held.


For instance, if you’re targeting busy executives, you may want to plan a fancy breakfast. A networking event is best served in the evening with cocktails.  A presentation is best held in a hotel or conference room because hosting it in a bar can feel forced.  Be mindful of how your surroundings influence attention spans and the type of message expected to hear.



Next up - One of the most important aspects of your event - INVITATIONS! 

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Event Planning Tips - Part I"

Ok, event planning can be an overwhelming task so for the month of September we'll offer some tips to help you along the way. 

Here is the scenario:  You've been asked to plan an event but you have no clue as to where to start because you have no background in event management planning. Somehow due to your bubbly personality and attention to detail, this duty has been given to you.

Before you attempt to create some illness to avoid the task, relax.  I have some help for you.  If you're in Corporate America like I was for over 15 years, this will probably fall under "other duties as assigned" because many don't have a dedicated point-person for event marketing management. True enough, an event can make or break a campaign so here are some handy tips to help you from planning process through the big day.

Map It Out
  • No matter the type of event you’re planning, you need to map out a strategy. What’s the goal of your event? Are you introducing a new product or service to customers? Running a demo for analysts or prospects?
  • Whether your end goal is to get in front of key influencers or present before a group of executives, you’ll want to have a strategy.
  • Look at your ideal audience, what message will resonate with them and how are you are going to measure results. Remember, you’ll have no clue whether your event was a failure or a success unless you have the right metrics.

Bring Up Budget
  • Once you have your goals outlined, you need to consider how much it will cost to accomplish those goals. You've dreamed of what you want for sometime, now it's time to wake up and have realistic expectations. 
  • Use a checklist and write down EVERY single cost item needed to make it happen. This can include signs, invitations, graphic treatments for the website, food, beverages, music, giveaways, etc. Think back to events you’ve attended and imagine all the little things that were involved. What do you absolutely need and what can you live without? Making up a checklist will help you to start developing an overall price tag.
Next time we'll discuss stakeholders, event type and style.  Who has a vested interest in your event? What's your target audience?

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Beautiful Wedding Bands"

I've noticed that a lot of men AND women don't wear their wedding rings?  What's up with that?  A wedding ring or wedding band is not just a piece of metal, it indicates the wearer is married.

Depending on the local culture, the ring is worn on the base of the right or the left ring finger. The custom of wearing a ring has spread widely beyond its origin in Europe.  Did you know that in the United States, wedding rings were originally worn only by wives, but during the 20th century they became customary in that country for both husbands and wives?  Foolery right?  I agree.. LOL

Historically, the wedding ring was connected to the exchange of valuables at the moment of the wedding rather than a symbol of eternal love and devotion. It is a relic of the times when marriage was a contract between families, not individual lovers.

After marriage, the ring is worn on the hand it had been placed on during the ceremony. By wearing rings on the fourth finger, a married couple symbolically declares their eternal love for each other.
 


What are your thoughts about wearing a wedding ring and/or band?

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Do Not Disturb"

Your wedding guests are traveling from near and far to be with you on your special day. Show your gratitude with a gift bag upon their arrival at their hotel. The gifts don't have to be pricey, but thoughtful and unique. 

In addition to local activities, food, personal hygiene items and information pertaining to the wedding weekend; I've found that guests appreciate DO NOT DISTURB SIGNS! 

Imagine the delight of your guests after partying all night at your reception to have these hanging on their doors WITH a late checkout! 




This is also a great sign for the newlyweds door -Enjoy



 
 (photo source: GreenBrideGuide, Gourmet Invitations, WeddingFavoursBoutique, DesignsByShay)

 "Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Butterflies and New Beginnings"

During wedding season you've probably seen people throw rose petals or blow bubbles when a newlywed couple exits the wedding ceremony. A fun and beautiful alternative to the above traditions is to have guests release butterflies after the nuptials.  Butterflies symbolize new beginnings, so a butterfly release is a magical way to symbolize a marriage.

Not sure when to release the butterflies?  They can be released in one of two ways, an individual release or a mass release. For the individual release, each butterfly is in a small, secured box and as the couple exits the ceremony site, each guests opens a box and releases a butterfly. For the mass release, the butterflies are held in a large box or container and when instructed, someone will open the box and all of the butterflies will be released. This is typically done by the bride and groom.

Butterflies can be ordered from a variety of companies.  Here are a few possible places to order butterflies:

  • Swallow Tails Farms – They offer monarch butterflies. While they recommend ordering as soon as possible, they are sometimes able to accommodate last minute orders.
  • Amazing Butterflies – They offer monarch butterflies and painted ladies.
  • Butterfly Release Company – They also offer monarch butterflies and painted ladies. Last minute orders are accepted.

Tips for Releasing Butterflies
  • When you receive the package, replace the ice pack with a frozen one. This will keep the butterflies dormant.
  • An hour before you want the butterflies to fly, take the boxes out of the insulated shipping box. This gives the butterflies time to wake up.
  • When choosing the type of butterfly, know that painted ladies will linger after being released while monarchs will fly away quickly. However, the monarchs are twice the size of painted ladies.


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "4th of July Inspiration"


Oh So Beautiful Paper

Handmade by Mellow Yellow Creative



"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Miller Beach, Indiana"

Looking to get away but not too far?  Plan your next relaxing getaway at Miller Beach, IN.  "The Hampton's of the Midwest", located just 30 miles from Chicago, Miller Beach offers a commanding view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.  The Dream Retreat and attached Guest House offers he ultimate respite, spa-like quality amenities.

Considering have a beach front wedding?  The Miller Beach Dream Retreat is also available for small, intimate weddings (less than 26-30 guests).

http://www.beverly-anne-blog.com/?p=677

Live & Love!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

WEDnesday Love: "Galena Elopement"


As a professional wedding and events planner talking about a couple eloping is probably the last thing you'd think I'd discuss.  Fact is... couples do it and over the next couple of weeks we're going to focus on some pretty cool places both near and far!


If you ask me, the whole idea of elopements can be really romantic. It’s that won’t-wait-for-anything kind of love, tumbling into matrimony with a momentum too fast to plan a wedding.



An elopement wedding in Galena, IL at the Cloran Mansion is sure to relieve the stress associated with planning a wedding.  Beautiful and affordable their "Our Day Has Come" Elopement package includes the following:  Officant, witness, Photos presented on a CD, Wedding bouquet, champagne, keepsake glasses, and a miniature wedding cake.
Live and Love!!!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

WEDnesday Love: Leave Me Alone - It's Mother's Day!

Life as a wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, wedding and event's planner equals one thing.. BUSY!  I can count the times that I'm able to lay across the bed and either read, watch television or simply sit and scratch without someone asking me questions or giving me answers that I didn't ask for. 

This week in particular has been a zoo with weddings, cheer tryouts, driving to Evansville, Indiana in a day and a graduation dance that I must prepare for.  Did I also mention I have a few other designs due for a wedding at the end of this month?  AnyANDwho, my daughter's have also asked me repeatedly for the past week what I want for Mother's Day and each day I give the same thing and they chuckle. I have never imagined that being left alone was such a difficult task.  I love my family and wouldn't trade them for the world.  However, after countless hours of "MA, MOM, MOTHER, HEY... SHARON".... at some point silence is more than golden.

Recently a co-worker asked about Mother's Day and was shocked by me not wanting a lot of hoopla surrounding me on that day.  Today, a friend asked the question on FB what ladies wanted for Mother's Day and I'm sure some thought my response was selfish and others may have found humor in it; seriously...  the idea of a day filled with nothingNESS has me all bubbly on the inside. 

NOTE:   I know I'm a mother, reminded MULTIPLE times throughout the day.  I'm beyond grateful to have been blessed with such precious cargo.  However, I can close my eyes and see myself in the most raggedy pj's I own, with a bottle of wine and snacks very close by.  Ooooh, I just had another thought of me sitting outside on the deck off the bedroom with that same bottle of wine (or another) and Pandora playing Will Downing.  Wait, maybe I'll wander outside onto the patio with ... yep, you've guessed it, a bottle of wine to look at the grass grow.  The last two will only work if ALL the kids in the neighborhood, and their dads have the same idea for their mom/wife/girlfriend and walk around in complete silence so we can actually hear NOTHING!

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

WEDnesday Love: WOW, Your Wedding Dress

You look at some brides and believe they just have "it". That something that makes them look effortlessly stylish, pulled together, and WOW! But if you think they were born with it, think again.  Choosing a wedding dress is one of the biggest personal things you'll do for your wedding.  Everybody has a different shape and style and thinking about how your gown will fit is just as important as the venue you choose.
If you're pear shaped, you may want to look for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.  Keep in mind that a classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric.
If you're busty, consider a dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelf like). FYI: Ruched materials and fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest.

For my plus size ladies, an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line is a good choice. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.
A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape is great if you have an apple shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.  However, be careful to avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.
If you're a taller bride choose a simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem.  Because of your height, you'll want to stay on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
Last but certainly not least; if you're petite check out trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress appear longer.

Now that you've considered your shape - Did you think about how you will put it on? Have you considered who will be helping you with it? Be sure they know how to lace up the back of the dress and bustle you correctly.

Hope this is helpful when you're shopping for your wedding gown!

"Love & Laughter"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

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