Five Quick Tips: Event Planning Guidelines

Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started. Use these tips to create your own event planning checklist. These rules can be applied to planning a social event, a business conference and everything in between.

1. Set Goals for your event-whether you are having a sweet 16 that WOWs or planning a company conference, you should know what you hope to accomplish with your event.
2. Set your event budget-this is a TOP priority. In today's economy we are all learning the art of prioritizing. If the food, music, or audio visual equipment is more important to you then other items (i.e. invitations) may have to be more creative and cost friendly.
3. Select the date and the location-whether you are hosting the event in your backyard or a convention space, the location determines the mood of your event. Also, your event date affects the cost at most venues. If you MUST use your preferred location then it is generally best to have your event during the winter months (January-early March).
4. Establish project timeline-assign a deadline for each task so that tasks are accomplished by specific dates. This is particularly important if you are using a host of vendors.
5. Spread the word-send invitations or promotional materials to friends or consumers to make your event a success.

In my opinion, the most important tip of all is to BE FLEXIBLE. Things may not go as planned. However, if you adhere to the Five Quick Tips, then everything will fall into place. The good thing is no one will know or notice that things did not go according to the master plan.

a K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

A Guide for the Savvy Bride: 10 Wedding Trends

Here is a list of 10 wedding trends, from Stationery to Transportation, to help guide you as you plan your wedding.

1. Stationery: Complimentary designs for the Save the Date cards, Invitations, Programs, Place Cards, and Menu Cards. Great (and subtle) way to incorporate your theme from the ceremony straight through to your reception.
2. GREEN affairs: Environmentally conscious couples may add eco-friendly elements to their wedding (i.e. soy candles) or they may have a completely green wedding that only utilizes local vendors.
3. Flowers: Bouquets or centerpieces are either monochromatic or of the lush garden variety.
4. Cakes: Are all about the personalization. Today's couples are combining flavors to accommodate both people or incorporating a fun or whimsical element like a groom's cake that reflects his interests.
5. Reception: Custom Linens and cool lighting takes a reception from Ehh to WOW
6. Food and Beverage: Couples are using signature cocktails to match the wedding theme, serving comfort food with a twist, and delectable desserts in order to create a personalized event.
7. Music: You can expect unusual instruments at the ceremony/reception or a night club style reception.
8. Photography: The big style in the industry is photojournalism because it tells a story (not your traditional pose and click). Also, more couples are using photo booths or disposable polaroid cameras to capture silly, candid moments.
9. Transportation: More couples are providing guest transportation whether its a party bus or a trolley for ease and convenience.
10. Vintage or Previously Enjoyed Wedding Gowns: Brides who are mindful of the economy will wear a vintage-inspired gown OR if they must have that designer gown they may look their dream gown at bridal consignment shops.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Quick Tip: Give your Table a Unique Touch with Rose Bowl Centerpieces

I am constantly looking for ways to jazz up the tablescape at an event. I love Preston Bailey. He's an event designer who has worked with clients such as Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump. He also joined forces with Sandals resorts in order to offer great packages for Island Destination Weddings. But I digress. I found a video of his Rose Bowl Centerpieces and I had to try it.

This is an easy way to personalize your event by making each guest feel special. I had a small get together at my house and I created 6 small round rose bowls-one for each guest. It was a great conversation starter and a great way for me to try out the rose bowl before recommending it to my clients. These rose bowl centerpieces would be a great addition to smaller, more intimate parties (50 person wedding reception, dinner party, etc) unless you have the time and the help to do it on a grander scale.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Wedding Planning| Guide for the Savvy Bride| Look Your Best--Get the Perfect Dress, Part Two

This is a continuation of our earlier post where we discussed the perfect dresses for women with a straight or a pear shaped body type. As mentioned, Nordstrom's Dress Fit Guide has given me a great parameter. Now let's look at the best dresses for women who have an hourglass, apple, and full bust body shapes. ************************************************************************************ Hourglass: A woman whose body is curvaceous with full bust, defined waist, and full hips, is what Nordstrom's describes as an hourglass physique. The perfect dress in my opinion is one that enhances the woman's natural waist. Dresses that are fitted and emphasize the female form.

Apple:

Nordstrom defines the apple body as a body that has the weight around the middle without a well-defined waist. The perfect dresses for this body type are a) baby dolls, empire waists gowns, or gowns with details on the neckline. All of which draw attention away from the mid section and bring the attention up towards the bride's face. Alternatively, full skirts or A-line styles create an hourglass effect.

Full Bust: When one's bust measurements are fuller than the individual's hips and bottom, Nordstrom's defines this as a Full Bust body type. For a slimming effect, a Bride should wear a dress that has a V or a U neckline. Halter tops with built in support is a great look for women with a fuller bust. Finally, dresses with an A-line skirt will create balance and an overall effect of a classical feminine form.

Happy Shopping! A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Indigo Bleu in the News-Top Ten Finalist in NAWBO-CJ S.E.E.D. Competition

I am happy to announce that Indigo Bleu was selected as one of the top 10 finalists of the National Association of Women Business Owners Central Jersey Chapter (NAWBO-CJ) S.E.E.D. Business Competition. The competition was about supporting emerging entrepreneurial development. It was a great way to network with other women business owners. I was so thrilled that we were able to be a part of the experience. Fox 5 News' Lisa Murphy (WNYW) covered the event. Here are a few pictures of Indigo Bleu's vendor table as well of pictures of the Winner, Faith Saunders of Keepsakes by Faith. I love her handmade greeting cards. You should definitely check out her website.

Greetings Cards from Keepsakes by Faith

Owner, Faith Saunders

Indigo Bleu's Vendor Table

A Closer look

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) Until Next Time~Kenesha

A Savvy Bride's Guide| What's In and What's Out for 2009

I saw an article in Ebony Magazine's March 2009 issue. It focused on all things wedding, from wedding timelines to wedding trends and everything in between. I was thrilled. Since there were so many things covered in the fourteen-paged section, I decided I would share only the trends for 2009. Today's weddings are more personalized with trends falling into one of three categories. Weddings in the year 2009 are a) cleaner, b) more organic, or c) flirtier/ more romantic. Gone are the days of crinoline, cake tiers, and water fountains. Instead, today's brides are looking for simple or modern alternatives.

• More and more brides are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their weddings. Green items may include something as simple as potted plants or soy candles.
• For a personal touch or for more variety, brides are using cupcakes tiers instead of the traditional wedding cake.
• In lieu of favors that may be placed in a closet and forgotten, brides are opting to make a social impact. They are donating to their favorite charity in their guest's name.
• Finally, Brides are moving away from the typical floral arrangements that are too large and occupy a majority of the table. Today's brides are looking at flirtier floral options that may include gerbera daisies or orchids.

Whether you are having a lavish event or a backyard affair, you can incorporate any of these four trends in order to make your wedding Spectacular.

A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha

Quick Tip-Your Neighborhood Cost and Time Saver

I am a big fan of "warehouse clubs" like Costco. Having a membership card comes in handy when you are planning an event and you forget to get a last minute item. Need flowers?? They sell flowers on the premises or if you have time you can call Costco's distributor and have the flowers you want delivered in only a matter of days. If you are having a get together and need a meal in a snap, try the Corn Husk Tilapia or the Mediterranean Style Stuffed Chicken (hmm, Bacon). Their desserts and frozen appetizers are also a great time saver AND inexpensive too. So if you have an event, whether its a birthday party or backyard barbecue, don't forget to check out the aisles of your neighborhood "warehouse clubs" for some great items at a reasonable price. Who said planning a party had to be costly??? A K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple and Savvy) until next time~Kenesha