"Best of" event planner on the Emerald Coast

THANKS TO ALL READERS OF EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE WHO VOTED THE EVENTFUL PLANNER BEST EVENT PLANNER FOR 2011. WE ARE THRILLED TO BE HONORED AND REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED US THIS YEAR!

Boutonniere Alternative ideas

Choosing Your Wedding Party

Many brides struggle with deciding which friends to have in their wedding party. Here are a few tips to make it a little easier. Consider the size of your guest list when deciding on the number of bridesmaids you want. If you’re having a small, intimate wedding, you don’t want the bridal party to be almost as big as the guest list. And if you’re on a tight budget, don’t forget that you will be paying for each of their bouquets. Remember, that just because you were in someone’s wedding, they do not have to be in yours. You can always have other close friends do readings or hand out programs. True friends will understand if they are not asked to be a bridesmaid!

Drink Up!

When planning the drinks for your wedding, don't forget to think about the children attending and the guests who will choose not to drink alcohol. A simple way to accommodate them is to make a self serve drink bar with a few different drinks. You can set up containers with drinks like lemonade, punch, and sweet tea, something that everyone can enjoy. This way, there are not extra people around the bar and everyone can quench their thirst! Here are a few pictures we found for some ideas.

Why hire a planner?

A lot of girls are so excited to begin planning their wedding but quickly realize they don't know where to start. From linens, flowers, catering, rentals, music and photographers there are so many things to think about. People don't realize how many different vendors come together for a wedding and it can get a little overwhelming. That is where your planner comes to the rescue. Your planner will be there to guide you in the right direction with the best vendors around and ensure that you do not overpay for anything. It takes all the stress away and you can just enjoy being engaged and your wedding day!

Tips for Tipping

When the big day rolls around, many brides are left wondering what is considered an appropriate gratuity for each of their wedding vendors. Here is a helpful guide for tipping the people who help make your wedding a success:

Hair and Makeup Stylists- 15 to 25% of the service bill, similar to any hair salonOfficiant- a donation to the officiant’s church is a kind gesture and the typical protocol.

Musicians or DJ- $15 to $25 is typical, depending on the service. A reception musician would normally perform for a longer period than the ceremony musician and should receive a proportional tip

Delivery and Setup Crew- $10 for each staff member is appropriate. This includes anyone who delivers or sets up any rentals, florals, etc.

Wait Staff- $20 to $25 for each waiter or bartender is a reasonable amount. You could also tip as a percentage (15 to 20%) of the total food and beverage bill, just like you would in a restaurant.

Photographer- Though this is not a standard tip as many photographers are the studio’s owners, $50 to $200 is general tip range.

Transportation- 15 to 20% of the total bill

Of course, gratuities depend on the quality of service, but is always a nice way to thank vendors for their contributions. A nice note or gift can also be appropriate, especially when you are using family or close friends as vendors. Hope you find this “tips for tipping” helpful!

Seating Your Guests

Need some creative ideas to display your seating chart or table numbers? Take a look at a few of these ideas we found. Old windows and chalkboards are very popular right now and you can find them very cheap. Once you find one, all you need is a chalkboard pen and some creativity. As for your table numbers, make sure that they can be incorporated within your centerpieces. If you don't want to use traditional numbers, think of something that is significant to you and your groom. It could be different types of flowers, assorted cities, or even different classes if you met in school. Whatever it may be, just make sure it goes along with your decor!

Congrats to Courtney and Adam!

Here are some more pictures from Courtney and Adam Wade's wedding aboard the Solaris. Thank you to HBB Photography and Florals by the Sea for your amazing work! Cheers!

Sweet Treats

Lately we've spotted a lot of candy buffets at wedding receptions. This is a great way for the bride and groom to share some of their favorite treats with guests. Many websites allow you to customize candy with your colors or monogram, but you can always pick your classic favorites, or even throw some baked goods into the mix. You can also provide guests with bags or boxes for a fun and easy wedding favor. (image from Google)

We Love Cupcakes!

As the cupcake trend becomes more and more popular in place of a traditional cake, EP got really excited when a new cupcake shop opened up close to us in downtown Fort Walton. We took a field trip to Cupcakes by the Beach and LOVED it! Their cupcakes are amazing and they have so many different flavors, so far our favorites are PB&J, Key Lime Pie, and Lavender. We look forward to being able to send some brides their way, and a future filled with field trips to Cupcakes by the Beach!

The Bay House

Yesterday EP had the opportunity to help stage a photo shoot and organize an open house at one of Destin's hottest new wedding venues, The Bay House! Besides having a beautiful view of the bay, the venue features an on-site bridal suite, small catering kitchen and an amazing sunset. It is the perfect setting for any Destin wedding! EP is looking forward to booking lots of fabulous events at this location. Thanks Mike & Nancy Shoults for being such gracious hosts!

Planning & Catering: The Eventful Planner

Florals & Decor: Florals by the Sea

Pictures: Kansas Pitts Photography

Alternative Boutonniere's

Who says your man’s boutonniere has to be made of flowers? Let your future hubby get creative and come up with something that fits his personality. From sports, to musical instruments, to outdoor activities, boutonnieres today can be made to resemble any interest he may have. Here are some of our favorites from Frittz Rosenow:

Congrats to Mallory and Scott!

Please take a look at our wedding from Memorial Day Weekend. Mallory and Scott Jordan's ceremony and reception were held at Bentley's on the Bay. Vue Photography did a truly amazing job capturing the event! Take a look at their blog below:

http://www.vuephotographyonline.net/2011/mad-love/

Other vendors included Bake My Day, Florals by the Sea, Linens by the Sea and B-Boy Productions.

Cheers!

Wade Wedding Pictures

Here are some pictures from Courtney and Adam Wade's May wedding (all images by HBB Photography). The couple had a beachfront ceremony and enjoyed their reception aboard the Solaris. Be sure to check our Facebook page soon for more photos! Congratulations Courtney and Adam!

Fun Floral Trends

Lately we've spotted some creative alternatives to traditional wedding flowers. Switching out bouquets or centerpieces for these fun options is a great way to personalize the look of your wedding. Not only can this be a fun DIY project, but they also make great keepsakes from your big day. Some of our favorites are pictured below:

Clockwise from upper left: 1. Tissue paper blooms are versatile and can be used for arrangements and almost any decor 2. Paper flowers offer an unlimited variety as you can choose between prints, solids and textures 3. The "Brooch Bouquet" is a great way to incorporate family heirlooms and adds a perfect vintage touch 4. Balsa wood flowers go great with rustic styling, but can easily be updated with modern touches such as bright feathers (All images from Etsy)

Simple Elegance

Here are the pictures from Lillian and Chad Erie's beautiful wedding at the Lawn at Pearly White Properties in Sea Grove Beach. The Eventful Planner provided the coordination and catering at the reception. This simple, yet elegant wedding was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time!


Photography: HBB Photography
Florist: Nouveau

Tips for Making Guests Part of Your Destination Wedding

When inviting guests to a destination wedding, it is important to inform them of details and to make sure that they feel included. Here are some tips to help you make out-of-town guests part of your special day:

-Once you set a date, be sure to send your guests save the date cards so that they have adequate time to make travel plans.

-Create a wedding website using a source such as www.theknot.com or Google’s new wedding site. This is an easy way to help familiarize guests with details of the wedding.

-Provide out-of-town guests with information regarding local lodging, transportation and attractions. They should also be given an itinerary including your rehearsal dinner, wedding, reception or any other planned activities.

-If you know where your guests are staying, arrange to have a gift bag or similar favor waiting in their room upon their arrival.

Keeping your guests informed of details will cut down on confusion closer to the wedding, and will help your planning stay stress free. Congratulations and good luck with planning your big day!

I do.....does my dog too?

More and more of my clients are including their pets in the big day! I am a dog lover (three of my own) so this is one trend that I am totally loving!! If you want to include your four legged friend in your festivities then go for it. A cute doggie stepping in for a flower girl or ringbearer is super trendy and a fun way to include mans best friend.

Real Florida Wedding Wire Blog

We are so pleased that Brian & Tara Bouanissisi's October wedding got featured on Wedding Wire. Follow this link to check it out: http://blog.weddingwire.com/index.php/weddings/real-florida-fall-wedding-tara-brian/ Congrats!

Best of Wedding Wire 2011!

The Eventful Planner is pleased to announce that we have been selected to receive the prestigious annual Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Awards 2011! The Eventful Planner stands among the top 5% of wedding professionals in the Wedding Wire community! The Wedding Wire network includes leading wedding planning sites including Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding & Wedding Bee. For more information, check out our profile at www.weddingwire.com.

Am I Invited??

Inevitably, there will always be someone who asks the dreaded question...."Am I invited to your wedding?" Even though you have zero intention of actually inviting this person to your wedding, you still have to use some creative replies to avoid an embarrasing situation.
~Blame it on your parents. Simply explain that your parents are paying for the wedding so they get to be in charge of the guest list.
~Explain that you and your fiance are paying for the wedding yourselves without any help from parents: therefore, you are having a really tiny guest list.
~Simply say that you are honestly thinking about eloping and laugh it off.
Try not to be rude and handle it the best way you can......with laughter and a smile!

2011 Wedding Trends

2011 Here We Are....unbelievable. I'm not sure how it came upon us so quickly, but here we are!
Here's your sneak peek at the top reception trends for the new year!
IN ~ Lounge seating (comfy sofas & ottomans) instead of assigned seating
IN ~ Passed mini desserts, cotton candy stations & ice cream bars instead of wedding cakes
IN ~ A good old fashioned bicycle getaway for the B & G
IN ~ Two dresses, yes that's right girls. One for the ceremony & another for the reception!
IN ~ Private Homes & Outside Venues over resort ballrooms
IN ~ Comfort Foods, "green" foods & interactive food stations that let the guests get in on the culinary fun!!

Here's hoping all you 2011 brides try a new idea of your own! Who knows?? You could be the next trendetter! Cheers..............