The Finer Details Event Planning

Battle of the Mobiles – Blackberry vs. iPhone

2012-02-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

It’s an ongoing debate between users – what phone is best: the iPhone or Blackberry? As a dual user, I can safely say that it really comes down to personal preference. I started with an iPhone two years ago and instantly fell in love! Granted I was still a student at the time and could spend countless hours playing games and using the multitude of apps. Upon receiving a Blackberry for work, I was initially resistant – how could it ever compare to my iPhone? The keyboard felt alien and I had difficulties functioning without a touch-screen. Like with so many things in life, I got the hang of it after a bit of practice and I can appreciate exactly why Blackberry users are adamant theirs is best.

With changes in technology and the arrival of Android phones, I feel as though these two phones are moving closer together instead of further apart. Blackberry now offers models with touch screens and provides their users with a variety of apps that can rival the Apple equivalent. iPhones are now equipped with iMessage which functions almost like Blackberry Messenger.

In the end, you need to look at exactly what you need your phone to function as.

For those that are gadget savvy, looking for fun, an iPhone probably has everything you’re looking for. If you need your phone to keep your lives (business & personal) organized and efficient, Blackberry is what you need. What is your favourite and/or most hated feature of either phone?

~ Angela

Celebrating Feb 14th!

2012-02-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner which means roses currently cost and arm and a leg, and restaurants throughout the city have been booked up for months. Never fear, it’s not too late to do something sweet without breaking the bank! Here are some ideas to get you through the most romantic day of the year:

1. Dinner at home – Nothing says “You’re worth it” like a home cooked, gourmet meal (especially if you don’t usually cook). Set the mood with candles, music, and champagne to make it special and don’t forget dessert!

2. The mixed tape – it’s a throwback to the old days when cassette tapes and Walkmans ruled! Bring it into the 21^st Century with a mixed CD or iTunes playlist full of songs that remind you of all the great times you’ve shared.

3. Personalized candy hearts – All you need are blank conversation hearts, edible ink and a steady hand to send your partner a special message. If you can’t find blank hearts then use the backside of the pre-printed hearts so each letter has a message. For those that like a bit of mystery, place all the hearts together in a container and have your Valentine decode the message themselves.

4. Play Tourist – scope out some great deals around your city and show each other some hidden gems. Tourism Vancouver always has great ideas for events and specials around town.

5. Group Night – this is a great idea for singles and anyone who is anti-Valentine’s Day! Plan a fun activity like lazer tag, go-carting, or mini golf with a large group of friends. February 14^th doesn’t just have to be about couples – it’s about celebrating all types of relationships.

Whatever way you decide to go, make sure it’s fun for everyone involved! What’s your favourite way to celebrate?

~ Angela

Wedding Trends in 2012 Part 3 – Going Green

2012-01-31T14:15:00.000-08:00

Everywhere we look these days individuals, companies and even entire countries are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint by making environmentally friendly choices. Now, more than ever, couples are looking for creative ways to show the earth they care by using recycled materials, biodegradable consumables and reusable décor. Here are some ways that you can be more earth conscious but still have an elegant and unforgettable wedding.

* Repurpose old items for table centrepieces such as teapots, vintage birdcages or a variety of glass vases
* Source locally grown and in season flowers for your bouquets. If you are fearless, you could even try a non-floral bouquet such as a silk fan, a candy bouquet, parasol or hanging lantern.
* Instead of wedding favours, provide each guest with a postcard saying a donation has been made in their name to a charity of your choice.
* Choose a location such as a beautiful hillside, museum or heritage site and let its natural assets speak for themselves. This allows you to do away with fussy decorations and reduce waste.
* Honeymoon at a destination that promotes eco-tourism
* Use recycled paper for your invitations, programs and name cards.
* Choose Ocean-wise, Free-range and Fair Trade items for your food and beverage menus.

In a time when everyone wants to add more and more, try thinking about what is important to you and the environment and start stripping away the excess. By taking a close look at the message you want to send your guests, you will find it easier to make environmentally conscious decisions about your wedding and its place in the big picture.

Hope you enjoyed our 3 wedding trends!
~Skye

Wedding Trends in 2012 Part 2 – The Big Theme

2012-01-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

2012 is out with the old and in with the…. old? Vintage themes are taking over this season drawing inspiration direct from the Silver Screens of Hollywood. Just look at “My Week with Marilyn” for inspiration. Here are some ways to incorporate “something old” into your modern wedding:

* Vintage photographs in antique frames of your parents and or grandparents on their wedding days.
* Candied Apples that double as wedding favours that guests can take home at the end of the night (wrap available). Displayed in miniature aged wood barrels.
* Chandelier type lighting with a rustic feel.
* Vintage china such as tea cups and pots as vases for floral centre pieces.
* Ivy
* Vintage lace, white, cream or colour themed table overlays.
* Bird cages decorated with flowers

The best part about this theme is that you can interpret it in so many different ways and really personalise it to any relationship. This theme crosses cultures and generations and the further you explore its possibilities the more you will see they are limitless.

More trends next week!

~Skye

Wedding Trends in 2012 Part 1 – Bouquets

2012-01-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

Flowers are an integral part of your wedding – they set the mood, establish the colour schemes, and they are probably the most noticeable aspect of your wedding that is not the bride or groom. Some of the most recent wedding trends obviously come from the Royal Wedding, but it’s your day so feel free to exercise your creativity and feature some of your favourite flowers.

Simple and Contemporary
The big wedding flower trend set by Kate Middleton is the monochrome bouquet. She sported an all white bouquet, but you can choose the colour that suits you best. An all black bouquet is bold, but it can also make an elegant statement.

Jewellery
The brides of 2012 are set to highlight their bouquets with vintage jewellery. Add a bit of sparkle to your bridal bouquets as well and you have a built-in thank-you gift for your bridesmaids. Major department stores and even small boutiques are a great place to look for affordable costume jewellery to highlight your bouquet.

Mix It Up
Recent fashion trends show designers relying more heavily on clashing colours, and your bouquet can benefit from this style as well. Get creative with colour for a more eye-popping floral arrangement for a fun and playful expression.

Whatever you choose to do with your bouquet, remember that trends are the inspiration but you should follow your instincts. Your wedding is an once-in-a-lifetime event that should embody your own personal style, favourite colours, and flowers.

Stay tuned for our next Wedding Trend installment!

~Skye

Event Wrap Up

2012-01-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Many people think that everything is wrapped up by the end of an event. In reality, quite a bit goes into really finishing an event – from final invoices to thank you cards to the all important final report.

Final reports are a key tool in fully understanding the scope, range, effectiveness, and efficiency of an event. By gathering all the information collected and documented throughout the planning and implementation of each event, you are able to identify areas of improvement from previous events and things that can still be improved upon. Final reports are especially important for events that happen on an annual basis since many will include a summary of the previous year, information about the current year, and recommendations for future years. It provides a single file where general information can be accessed with ease not only for yourself, but your clients as well.

~ Angela

Where to get Engaged in Vancouver…

2012-01-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, where, and how you get engaged could give you some insight into what your future as a married couple would hold. Do you want to get engaged somewhere romantic, exciting or memorable that sets the tone for your new lives together?

Vancouver is a city full of beautiful beaches, romantic restaurants and breathtaking mountain tops so why not try one of these special spots to ask your special someone for their hand in marriage.

Queen Elizabeth Park – Cambie/29^th Avenue

Why not treat yourselves to a meal at Season’s in the Park followed by a romantic walk through the gardens and pop the question while overlooking downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains.

MacMillan Observatory – Vanier Park

What could be more romantic than gazing up at the stars through powerful telescopes together? The Observatory is open Friday and Saturday nights as long as it is clear outside.

Sandy Cove Beach – West Vancouver

This is a small and secluded beach below Marine drive. It’s great if you want to grab a blanket, picnic and a bottle of cheap wine and enjoy the sunset. Gazing into each other’s eyes is optional.

Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street

If you both love art than why not visit the latest exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery and propose in front of your favourite piece? There are also over 10,000 pieces of permanent art as well as a place to sit and enjoy a pre or post question cocktail.

Cypress Mountain – West Vancouver

About halfway up the mountain is a lookout that provides one of the best views of Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet you will ever see. Stop and take in the view while you build up your courage to pose the question.

Want to make it even more unique? Try thinking of a place that holds significance to both of you for this life changing question. It makes for a colourful story to tell for years to come and gives you a place to come back to on your anniversaries.

Happy proposing!

~Skye

Event Technology

2012-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Most technology contributes to the efficiency of events, but what do you do when technology fails?

The most important thing to remember is to stay calm! Panicking will only increase everyone’s stress and will keep you from resolving the matter quickly and quietly. Here are my top 3 ways to prevent equipment failures:

Test all of the equipment prior to the event. Ideally, once when the equipment arrives, then again before the start of the event.
Have one person in charge of the equipment - setting it up, reading the user manual (or creating one!), testing it, and training others on how to use/troubleshoot problems. This way, everyone will use the equipment in the same way and you decrease the chances of user errors.
List the phone number of the technician to contact or the company the equipment was rented from near the equipment for easy access if you need extra help.

Now here are some tips on keeping your cool in the face of a technological meltdown:

If possible, move guests to a terminal/equipment that is still working (if your event calls for more than one set of equipment, i.e. multiple computer stations, cameras, etc.)
Let the guests waiting know what is going on. They will be more understanding if they know you are in the process of repairing something. Use your extra staff to speak with guests waiting.
Ask for help as soon as you need it. Whether you need to bring in the person in charge or call a tech, do not try to fix the problem yourself if you are unsure – that just might make matters worse.
The most important tip happens to also be the first one mentioned in this post:
STAY CALM! That will keep everyone else calm and organized.

When you take a breath and focus, you will find that many problems can be fixed before the guest even notices something was wrong!

~ Angela

Working with tents in the winter months

2012-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

While Vancouver winter temperatures don’t usually drop below freezing, we are subject to dealing with rain, wind, and the occasional snow flurry during the winter. During the fall/winter season of 2011/2012 The Finer Details has worked with numerous tents and offer a few pieces of advise. There are a few key things to keep in mind when planning to use tents for events:

Size & Location – These two factors will determine what type of permit (if any) you will need for an event. Events in public spaces such as a park or street require that you obtain permits from the City of Vancouver. Any tent that measures larger than 20 x 30 feet also requires additional permits and certification by an architect and engineer.
Weather – Regardless of what Mother Nature throws at you on the day of your event, you should be ready for all possibilities! Do you have a snow plan in place? Does your tent have gutters to deal with heavy rain? Is the tent anchored strongly enough to withstand heavy winds?
Guest Comfort – Even though your guests are sheltered underneath the tent, you still need to make sure they are comfortable. Make sure to order sufficient tent walls and ask your supplier what types of heating they can provide. Depending on the size of your tent, they may suggest anything from small space heaters to large forced air heaters.

The best thing to do is to start the planning process early to ensure you have everything in place. With weather that can change in the blink of an eye, it never hurts to include tents in your event plan!

~ Angela

Guilt Free Gift Ideas

2011-12-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

With Christmas fast approaching and stores packed with people trying to do their last minute gift shopping, take a moment to consider what you are purchasing and why. Does your mother really need another gift basket of soaps? Does your brother really need that new CD? Consider how you and they would feel if you choose to make a donation in their name or feed a whole family Christmas dinner this year instead. Here are some suggestions for Guilt Free Giving this Christmas:

United Gospel Mission - www.ugm.ca

Feed a Family Christmas Dinner
UGM work with communities to overcome poverty, homelessness and addiction. Once again this year UGM are putting on their annual Christmas Dinner for those less fortunate living in our community. For under $20 you can feed 6 people a hot, delicious meal and provide them access to support and addiction services.

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society - www.foodbank.bc.ca/how-you-can-help

Make a Donation in their name
GVFBS collect and distribute food and related assistance to over 25,000 people weekly through food depots and community agencies across the lower mainland. When you make a donation to the GVFBS a beautiful Christmas card will be mailed directly to the person whose name you are donating in, acknowledging their generous donation.

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation – www.bcchf.ca/donatenow

Contribute to Specialized Medical Care for Children
BC Children’s Hospital is one of Canada’s premiere diagnostic and treatment centers for children with heart defects. By choosing to make a donation this Christmas you will be giving hope to BC’s kids and their families. When you make a donation online, you can send an e-card with a personalized message that a donation has been made in the recipient’s honour.

These are just a few of Vancouver’s many organizations in need of your support this Christmas. Why not take a closer look at how you can help your community and bring awareness to those most in need. There is no better way to spread the true meaning of Christmas than making a difference in bettering the lives of those less fortunate in your community.

~Skye

2011-12-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

On of our very special clients, Union Gospel Mission, hosted their Annual Christmas Meal, and The Finer Details had the pleasure of assisting their team create a logistically solid event...check out the video!

Union Gospel Mission's 71st Annual Christmas Celebration from Union Gospel Mission on Vimeo.

Semi-Finalists Announced: Small Business BC SYAwards 2012

2011-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Votes are in! BC’s BEST small business finalists announced

For Immediate Release
Vancouver, BC: Small Business BC, the premier resource for small businesses across the province, has just announced the Top Ten nominees in each category for its 9th Annual Successful You Awards (SYA) contest.
This year’s nominees are a group of businesses from diverse sectors such as healthcare, hospitality and education. Over 15 communities are represented by a local SYA nominee, from large communities like Vancouver and Victoria to small communities such as Comox Valley and Pemberton.
Nominees have been selected by residents of BC who benefit from these businesses, with votes collected online using various social media platforms.
The Top Five finalists in each category will be announced January 30th. Winners will be honoured February 28th at an exciting ceremony where industry professionals, government officials, delegates, awards sponsors and media will hear success stories from previous award winners, network with entrepreneurs within British Columbia’s small business community and mingle at the reception prior to the ceremony. The 2012 Successful You Awards Ceremony will be held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver.
The Successful You Awards recognizes outstanding small businesses across BC in six categories. The following are the finalists for 2012:

Best Company
Discovery Trekking Outfitters Ltd. – Campbell River
AspenClean – Vancouver
Out-Smarts Marketing Inc. – Vancouver
Williams and White – Burnaby
The Finer Details Event Planning Inc. – Vancouver
Chutney Villa Fine South Indian Cuisine – Vancouver
Vij’s Restaurant Inc – Vancouver
FROGBOX Inc – Vancouver
Noir Lash Lounge – Vancouver
Idea Rebel – Vancouver

Best Concept
The Dubh Glas Distillery – Okanagan Valley
Pooch Partners – Vernon
Urban Foliage – Vancouver
505-Junk – Vancouver
The Wine Thief – Vancouver
On The Rocks Ice – Vancouver
CityQuest Games – Vancouver
EightSix Network – Vancouver
The Juice Truck – Vancouver
Lovey’s Body Products – Tsawwassen

Best Community Impact
HapiFoods Group Inc. – Sunshine Coast
Seeds Natural Food Market – Comox Valley
Kit n’ Caboodle Quality Childrens Consignment Ltd. – Nanaimo
Amuse Consulting Inc. – Vancouver
Kids Physio Group – Vancouver
Lux Jewels – Vancouver
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs – Vancouver
Academic Advantage Tutoring – Vancouver
Dance With Me Studio – New Westminster
A Little More Good – Vancouver

Best Employer
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards – Oliver
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services – Vancouver
The Great Escape – Langley
Williams and White – Burnaby
Eclipse Awards – Vancouver
Café Medina – Vancouver
Pacific Angler – Vancouver
The Finer Details Event Planning Inc. – Vancouver
The Flying Pig Yaletown – Vancouver
The Elements Society – Vancouver

Best Green Business
Gibsons Recycling Depot – Sunshine Coast
Ridgepoint at Pineview – Kamloops
Pemberton Valley Lodge – Pemberton
Green Gals – Fraser Valley
Abigail’s Hotel – Victoria
Clover Earthkind Hair Salon – Vancouver
Green Coast Rubbish – Vancouver
Debrand Services Inc. – Vancouver
Rainforest Automation, Inc. – Vancouver
Karmavore Vegan Shop – New Westminster
Best Online Marketer
CanadianNanny.ca – Lower Mainland
The Root Cellar Village Green Grocer – Victoria
TASTEtheCowichan – Cowichan
Raspberry Kids – Vancouver
Mother Of A Deal – Vancouver
True Cuddles Inc. – Vancouver
Astone Fitness – Richmond
TradableBits Media Inc. – Vancouver
Broadside Media Inc – Vancouver
MASC – Vancouver

About Small Business BC: Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. As their venture grows, small business owners can access the right combination of products, tools, resources and education, to give their business the best chance at success. Small Business BC is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

2011-12-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Finer Details has been involved with Bright Nights in Stanley Park since 2008. We are pleased to assist with project management of this month long event and keep tasks on time & budget as well as assist the steering committee (BC Professional Fire Fighter's Burn Fund & The Vancouver Park Board) with coming up with fresh ideas.

These 2 partners have been working together since the beginning 14 years ago. The Professional Fire Fighters donate their time to set up the plaza for the entire month of November. The Park Board Train Staff along with Mortal Coil Performance Society make sure the train route sparkles! It is a fantastic partnership.

Some innovative ideas that we contributed to this year:

the North Pole - a new location where Santa Claus can visit with the kids
Parade of Trees - taking advantage of the old Farmyard to incorporate live decorated trees while attendees wait to see Santa
Children's Activities & Crafts - each year The Finer Details provides an experience for kids to keep them busy while they wait for their train...this year we have a Reindeer craft & Letters to Santa

Our staff is onsite each night managing a team of up to 25 local high school students to assist with Photos with Santa, Children's crafts and activities as well as costumed characters. This is a hard working group and we thank all of the over 200 volunteers this 2011/2012 season!

Dec 1st was our VIP Night was spectacular...see some of our pics

How to survive your company’s holiday party

2011-11-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Do you want to avoid becoming the office legend for all the wrong reasons this holiday season? I certainly do, so here are some tips for avoiding being “that girl” at this year’s company holiday party.

1. Avoid excessive drinking!!! Even though it might be free and endless, don’t fall into the trap of double fisting all night. This will only lead to trouble. Avoid mixing drinks and make sure you alternate alcoholic with non alcoholic beverages, preferably with a ration of 1:2.

2. Don’t complain! This is a time to celebrate the company’s success; nobody wants to hear your negative thoughts on the venue or the food or what you would have done if you were on the planning committee.

3. Don’t bring your husband or girlfriend if the invitation did not specifically say so. This could cause an embarrassing situation when your plus one is asked to leave.

4. Avoid excessive eating. Don’t follow the canapés tray around like a lost dog, there will be plenty of food at dinner and if not, grab a snack before the party.

5. Even if you are not overjoyed about attending your company’s holiday party, make sure you at least make an appearance, circulate the room and talk to all the relevant people. Your boss will be impressed that you made an effort to be there.

6. Security cameras are everywhere – just because you are alone doesn’t mean someone is not watching what you are doing.

Most importantly, you should remember that you are still at work. After a few drinks you may be inclined to share too much personal information with colleagues and even worse, your boss. Keep yourself in check and remember rumours spread quickly and overheard conversations are easily taken out of context.

What to pack for out of town events

2011-11-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

Angela and I are sitting at YVR waiting for our delayed flights to Regina & Calgary and we are cool as cucumbers because we know we have everything all planned and packed for this weekend of adventures in Western Canada. We thought we'd share some things that we've packed for our out of town events:

office supplies - we have brought extra pens, paper, tape, paper clips etc - these are things you take for granted when you are in your "office"
tape - if we haven't mentioned it before, you can never have to much tape
envelopes - we have packed 3 different sizes of envelopes - they can come in very handy when wrapping up at the end of the day
extra production schedules - make sure you have all the printed supplies you need in case there is nowhere to print
extra luggage - we made sure to leave extra space in our luggage just in case there is something we need to bring back with us...nothing like having to pay extra baggage charges these days!
USB sticks - we got an 8 G USB stick, and it is a great investment. costs a bit more, but we had no problem in downloading all of the relevant items. very important to have a back up in case your computer has technical issues

We'll blog later about how the events went in the various cities!

~Deborah

Award winners!

2011-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

On November 3, 2011 we were honoured to receive a BC Event Award for our work on the Medallion Club Awards Gala in February 2011.

All of the details can be found at the CSEME Website.

Pasted here is the list of distinguished winners!

Kudos to BCEA Winners

November 8, 2011

Congratulations to the following companies who won top honors in the 2011 BC Event Awards competition at CSEME West Nov 3rd. All the winners whose events fall withing the qualifying period will become nominees in the national awards program which will hand out awards in Toronto on March 30th at CSEME National 2012.

Best Entertainment Production

BC Event Management, Routes Awards

Best Event Produced for a Charitable Organization

e=mc² event management Inc. Operation: Western Front

Best Event Produced for a Corporation

Pacific Destination Services Inc and BC Event Management Symphony Under The Stars – Lost Lake

Best Festival

Canada Place Corporation, Canada Day at Canada Place 2011: Your Nation. Your Celebration.

Best Public Entertainment Event

brand.LIVE, Celebration of Light Fireworks Festival

Best Theme Decor $15,000 to $40,000

Greenscape Design & Décor, RIMS 2011 Opening Night Reception, "Rainforests of the World"

Best Trade Show Booth or Pavilion

BLD Decor and Scenery, Nabob POD tasting booth

Best Wedding

Dream Group Productions, Tisah & Ryan's Wedding

Most Outstanding Event Under $100,000

TIE

Synergy Events Inc, International Children's Winter Games – Opening Ceremonies

Tantalus Productions & The Finer Details Event Planning,The REBGV Medallion Awards

Best Theme Decor Under $15,000

Christopher J Designs, An Evening with the Phantom

Best Theme Decor Over $40,000

BLD Decor and Scenery, EMBV Exxon Mobile Board Meeting Lake Louise

Best Corporate Team Building Event

Bright Ideas Event Coordinators ltd.,Simulcast of Synergy

Best Media Event

TELUS Event and Sponsorship Strategy, TELUS Garden Media Event

Most Outstanding Event $100,000 to $300,000

John Donnelly & Associates and City of Surrey, Surrey Canada Day

Successfully showcasing your brand at your next event

2011-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Number 1 rule of branding at your event is not to go overboard. There is no need to splash your logo on every available wall space, TV screen and sandwich board! Subtly is best. Don’t overwhelm your guests with a plethora of flashy banners and merchandise. Instead, incorporate elements of your brand in unique ways to ensure maximum impact. Here are some creative ways to showcase your brand that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Incorporate your brands colours into the theme of the event by using coloured napkins, overlays and centrepieces.
Create a signature drink and name it after your company’s CEO.
Look for ways to use your company’s product in unexpected ways. If your event is a product launch, consider using the product as part of the floral displays. It’s eye catching and will entice the guests to go in for a closer look at your product.
Have staff and volunteers dress in the colours of your company or even just add a colourful scarf, tie or hat.
Use a masked spotlight to subtly project your brands logo onto random and unexpected locations throughout the venue.

These are great ways to ensure your branding does not look staged and guests will feel comfortable enough in the space to stay a little longer and really enjoy the evening. Let your imagination take over! There are no limits to what you can do to showcase your brand and gain maximum exposure without over exposure.

Your Wedding on a Budget – The Location

2011-11-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

To throw a really great wedding party, you need to have a reasonable budget. At the very least, your guests will probably expect a meal and a glass of wine; and these expectations can be easily achieved. If you want to save money on your ceremony or reception, you’ll need to think about location. I’ve attended plenty of weddings in the back yard of a relative, and not all of them were barbecues.

Still, not all of us can rely on the kindness of our relatives; so, when you are looking for a location, think outside the box. For example, sometimes it’s nice to get outside the city. Especially in BC, a rural location can be the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception, and it will likely have a limited impact on your budget.

~ Skye

How to Rock the Registration Desk

2011-10-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

The registration desk at any event is usually the first point of contact your guests will have with your event. It is therefore crucial that the staff and volunteers manning this area provide a knowledgeable and positive first impression. In most cases, registration is performed by volunteers who are unfamiliar with the event world and the processes necessary to register a guest. After running the registration desk at numerous events, both large and small, I can offer the following tips for coordinating a successful registration team.

1. When recruiting and selecting volunteers for this role, make sure they have good communication skills, an outgoing personality and are familiar with using a computer (if a data entry and retrieval is part of the registration process).

2. Compile a cheat sheet with all relevant event information such as times for entertainment, dinner and last call at the bar. This sheet could also contain general information such as local parking lots, ATM and washroom locations.

3. Have a sample script of the registration process so each volunteer can follow along if they get lost or overwhelmed.

4. ROLE PLAY, ROLE PLAY, ROLE PLAY! Once you have verbally gone through the process, have the volunteers practice on each other while you and the others watch. This way, you can sort out any confusion and the observing volunteers will learn from common mistakes.

5. Lead by example. When the first guests arrive, register them yourself so that the volunteers get a feel for the process as well as your tone, delivery and approximate time with each guest.

6. Once each volunteer has registered a few guests, provide some feedback and offer suggestions. Resist the urge to jump in over your volunteer to solve a problem straight away (unless they really need it) and encourage the volunteer to solve small problems themselves. This will build confidence in your volunteers and get them up to speed quicker.

7. As always when working with volunteers, provide positive reinforcement of what they are doing right. Great Job! Good Work! You handled that guest very well!

Smooth, quick and efficient registration is the key to a successful event. These few simple tips will allow you to capture the necessary information from your guests so they can move quickly onto the fun part of the event!

Your Wedding on a Budget – Wedding Favours

2011-10-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

As is customary at most weddings, wedding favours are a small gift given to the guests at your wedding. It’s not hard to imagine, these gifts can become quite expensive given enough guests attending your reception. These wedding favours do not need to be terribly expensive. Indeed, potpourri packs, a single artisan chocolate, or a scented candle make elegant, yet affordable wedding favours. But sometimes it’s nice to take a more personal approach.

Recently, at a wedding I attended, the bride and groom made a donation to a well-known charity as their gift to guests. By donating to your favourite charity in the names of your guests, you are making a grand gesture that will accommodate the smallest budget. With a modest donation, you can make your guests’ attendance at your wedding even more meaningful; personally, I was happy to support a worthy cause.

~ Skye

Surviving the Strike!

2011-10-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

The lights are on, the music is off and all the guests have gone home, what’s next? Strike of course! Strike can often be one of the most difficult and trying parts of the event considering you and your staff and volunteers have been on their feet for the last 6-12 hours. The last thing anyone wants to do is take down decor, pack away chairs and inventory cutlery or glassware. Alas, the dirty work must be done so here are some suggestions for making the strike as pain free as possible.

1. Take a moment to sit down, catch your breath and asses what needs to be done before rushing into it without a clear picture of your desired outcome.

2. Nominate a strike leader who is responsible for delegating tasks and co-ordinating the overall picture.

3. Have a detailed list of all rentals and borrowed items so inventory can be done and items transported or stacked for pick up.

4. Have energy foods such as granola bars and bottles of water on hand for that last minute burst of energy.

5. When scheduling volunteers, have start a little later in the event so they are fresher than those who have been there from set up.

6. Have people work in teams or pairs so they can motivate each other and get the job done quicker.

7. Know in advance where your garbage and recycling needs to go at the end of the night.

8. Make sure to notify security before you leave the venue so they know you are finished and can lock up after you.

If you follow these few simple guidelines, you and your staff and volunteers will be packed up and ready to go home in no time! You can say goodbye to 12 hour days, misplaced rentals and lost items and hello to smooth, efficient and ordered strikes in the future!

Your Wedding on a Budget – The Dress

2011-10-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Let’s not kid ourselves, weddings are expensive; but that’s not to say you can’t take some cost cutting measures to ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams without evaporating your savings. And, a budget wedding needn’t look budget either. With websites like LightInTheBox (previously discussed on in our blog) and Etsy.com – another haven for bargain wedding goods, you can find a wide array of attractive and stylish elements for your wedding. But why not take some time to consider other ways to save on your big day?

Tuxedos and gowns. Whether we’re talking about the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen tuxedos, or even what the bride and groom themselves wear, you can save a lot buy renting. While there is a good deal of sentimentality associated with the bride’s dress, the fact of the matter is it’s a dress to be worn but once. It is also a dress that can potentially costs thousands. So why not rent?

~ Skye

Sea to Sky Awards Gala

2011-09-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Since 2010 The Finer Details has partnered with Tantalus Productions to create an awards banquet for the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. This event boasts over 900 attendees, a full dinner & dance, production, lighting and scripted awards presentation. Take a look at the media clip to get a bit of insight about this event.
Want to know how it all came together...stay tuned for future blog posts!
Thanks to Dawn Chubai of CityTV Breakfast Television!

Stanley Park Ghost Train

2011-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Finer Details Event Planning is please to be coordinating onsite operations at The Stanley Park Ghost Train for the 2nd season! The perennial Vancouverite favourite is a hit for kids and adults alike as you ride a miniature train as it winds through a mile and a quarter of beautiful Stanley Park at its scariest! One of Vancouver’s most popular Halloween attractions, the Ghost Train is a must see for families in the Lower Mainland. Thousands of passengers line up every October to experience a uniquely frightening event.

The Ghost Train 2011 runs in Stanley Park from October 7^th to 31^st. Those adrenaline junkies daring enough to step aboard the train will find the railway station across from the concession nearest the main parking lot off Pipeline Road. Book your tickets in advance and avoid the lines, then get ready to board The Circus of Disaster!

Meet our Owner, Deborah

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

We recently filmed a promotional video to share with clients and colleagues what it is that you get when you hire The Finer Details Event Planning. Get to know owner Deborah...

Special thanks to JPS Media Works and A&B Partytime Rentals for assisting with the project!

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Light In The Box - Website Review

2011-08-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

After opening up the Light in the Box website, one of the first things I noticed was the tab labelled ‘Weddings and Events.’ I’m a bit of a sceptic when it comes to online shopping because sometimes sites can be tricky to navigate, and important information isn’t always that clear. Here is a bit of background:

LightInTheBox.com is a China-based global online retailer that has been a worldwide business leader in selling blue-ribbon consumer goods since 2006. From the moment we founded LightInTheBox, our vision was to empower people worldwide in buying and selling online.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are, LightInTheBox offers the same price to all: the lowest possible. Whether you’re a retailer who refuses to pay the high prices in your country, or a shopper looking to get hold of the latest products, LightInTheBox.com provides light-speed service and fantastic prices. We buy direct from an ever expanding network of Chinese manufacturers so we can keep costs low while maintaining the highest of standards.

We serve customers from virtually every country in the world, and our goal is to be able to serve everyone worldwide. But our vision won’t change: One world, one price.

Specifically for events, Light in the Box sells almost everything you could possibly need for a wedding – dresses, decor, shoes, favours, centrepieces, and accessories. Each category breaks down into subcategories and by price range, making this one of the easiest sites to browse through. Everything is priced in US dollars (a steal for us Canadians right now), and there are always great deals to be found.

Even any question you could have is answered on site with their comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions Page. There are pages with information on the return and cancellation policies, shipping costs, estimated delivery times, and dozens of testimonials from satisfied customers. They’ve even got all of their social media bases covered with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, their blog, and an e-newsletter.

After an hour of browsing through Light in the Box, I’m convinced that it is going to be quite handy for future events and my new favourite online shopping site. What are some of your favourite online sites?

~Angela

Why should I hire a day of wedding coordinator?

2011-07-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

So many people see the services of a day of wedding coordinator as just another expense to an already expensive day. I know I thought the same thing BEFORE I got married. When I was planning my wedding I had a great luxury that not everyone has: a quiet job that allowed me to spend hours online, researching, planning, reading tips, making schedules and looking after all the little details. However, on the day of, I was NOT to be disturbed with problems that may have come up. That’s the way it should be on your wedding day. You walk in, looking amazing, say your “I do’s” and party the night away.

However who will be your buffer? The person who fields the venue manager when dinner is delayed? The person who gets the phone call saying your DJ is stuck in traffic? The person who runs to the drug store to buy you “fast flats” because you forgot yours at the hotel (yes, I have done this for a bride!)? Do you put your Mom in charge? Your new Mother-In-Law? Your close friend, who you’re not 100% sure you can count on? Why enlist someone who should be at your wedding, enjoying themselves & celebrating you and your new husband?

There are so many benefits of hiring someone to coordinate your day. It helps remove the stress from you and your family members, who should be enjoying the fruits of your labours. We set up a scheduled time line of the day, liaison with your vendors and can even help you throughout the planning process if you get stuck. We’re problem solvers, bustle fixers, detail checkers and so much more on your special day. If you spend money on anything for your wedding, spend it on your peace of mind.

~Shae

To Favour or not to Favour...

2011-07-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

When wedding expenses grow, how can we cut costs to make the budget more manageable? One place that people look is at the bonbonnieres or wedding favours. They can be an added expense that some people don’t really even remember to take home at the end of the night.

Some families see this etiquette as a mandatory thing. If this is the case there are some great cost saving ways of still doing your favours but not spending an arm and a leg to do so:

- Think edible! Chocolates, Jelly Beans, M&Ms and so much more. Michaels Crafts & places such as Creative Packaging in Burnaby have some great little baggies and you can often buy smaller items such as these candies, in bulk and in your colour scheme.

- Think of cutting down, certain items don’t need one per person, you can do one per couple and almost cut the amount of items you need in half. Those little silver frames, wedding stoppers, photo coasters, etc can all be handed out to each couple rather than each person.

- Give to charity in lieu of favours. More and more couples are deciding to go this route. Choose your favourite charity (TFD loves organizations such as the Union Gospel Misson) and make donation per person attending your marriage. When you do your place cards or send your invitations, you can leave a small note that says in lieu you donated to your particular charity.

- Think of things you can make yourself: Jams, cookies, caramel apples, fans, cd’s of your favourite songs. Things that provide a nicer personal touch leave a lasting impression. I loved an idea I saw online, “Make your own S’mores” DIY Favours. This couple filled each bag with 2 graham crackers, a single serving of Hersey’s Chocolate and a large marshmallow. What a great idea!

There are a lot of things you can do to save some money to fit more into your budget. Think outside of the box and find some fun ways to incorporate your theme.

~Shae

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

2011-07-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

On the weekend I was looking for wedding attire & accessories for my wedding in October. I came across a GREAT shop for anybody out there who is looking for a cost effective and a bit non-traditional options for dresses for the wedding party, or other wedding festivities.

Queensborough Landing (in New Westminster on the south side of the Queensborough Bridge) has some phenomenal stores and the BCBGMaxAzria Outlet was a surprising find! Here are some of the observations that I made while browsing:

if you are not looking for a typical "Bridesmaid Dress" this is a good store for you!
because it is an outlet store they have lots of variety because they have pooled the dresses from the area
some of the dresses had amazing discounts, so great prices
they had long and short dresses so options to match the varying formality of your wedding day
the colour options varied from vibrant reds and yellows to simple LBD (Little Black Dress)
their dresses range from funky to traditional...so lots of variety

So, my advise is to check out some outlet stores (this one in particular) for dresses for your wedding.

~Deborah

Tips for Working with Emcee's

2011-06-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Interesting things always come out of a debrief meeting. Last week I had a debrief meeting with a client about the fundraising event I planned for them in May. As we discussed each element of the event, the planning process and then the actual event some interesting points came up in regards to the auction and Emcee.

In any event that there is an Emcee, there is always an element of risk. Are they going to follow the script? Have they even really read the script? Will they adlib and go for the joke that the audience doesn't get or even worse offend the guests?

Those risks being said, it made me think of some pointers that are a must when utilizing an Emcee for any event!

Make sure the Emcee receives the a DRAFT version of the script at least two weeks in advance, this allows them to become familiar with the flow and the direction that the event is going (formal vs. informal)
One week out, send them the almost final script and schedule a read through with a Q&A portion - this Q&A is imperative because it allows you and them to ask questions that neither of you may have asked nor thought of on event night. For instance, live auction package #1 - is there enough information for you? If a bidder asked you a specific question about the hotel, could you answer it?
On event night, get the Emcee to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the event starts. This is a great time to walk through the space, talk through any last minute concerns and test the microphone and volume of their voice in the space
Most importantly, make sure they know who is coming! They need to know the demographic of the guests attending and why they are coming to this event and the goals for the evening.

What are some of your experiences when working with Emcee's?

The Five 'S' Steps in Wine Tasting - Part 2 of 2

2011-06-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Alright......as promised below are the last two steps in wine tasting.

Step #4 Sip

As you take your first sip of the wine, try to draw air through the wine or incorporate air into the wine. This act will oxygenate and enhance the wine flavour. The first sensation when doing this is actually a more direct smell of the wine through the olfactory receptors in your nasal cavities (retro-olfaction).

On the second sip you will try to taste the wine. Allow the wine to flow over your tongue from front to back and from side to side. The tip of the tongue detects sweetness, the inner sides of the tongue detect sourness and/or acidity, the outer sides of the tongue detect saltiness and the back of the tongue detects bitterness and/or alcohol.

Wine has three components: acidity, alcohol and richness/smoothness (molleux). Red wine also has astringency due to the tannins in red wine. Each of these tastes can be scored on a scale of 1 to 5. The goal is to create a wine in balance, where no one taste outshines the others.

Step #5 Savour

The final step in the tasting process is to savour. After you have swallowed, try to see how long the wine aroma (not taste) stays in your mouth. The persistence of a good quality wine can last many seconds after you swallow.

Now, go over your notes about the wine and decide if you liked the wine. There is no right answer for this question - except your own preferences!

So what wines will you be drinking this summer?

The Five 'S' Steps in Wine Tasting - Part 1 of 2

2011-06-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

Wine tasting can be broken down into five steps. The five ‘S Steps’ in wine tasting are: see, swirl, sniff, sip, savour. Below are steps 1-3, check back next week for the last two!

Step #1 See

Hold the wine glass up so you can see through the wine, and then hold it against a light background. Note the color as well as the intensity of the color. Young wines are the color of the grape they were created from. Wine tends to darken with age. The intensity of the wine color is generally determined from the area the grapes were grown. Grapes grown in hotter climates tend to be more intense in color.

Wine is usually transparent but occasionally a wine maker chooses not to filter the wine. Filtered wines that are murky or cloudy may be sick and not fit to drink.

Step # 2 Swirl

We swirl wine to bring air into the wine and intensify the bouquet (smell) of the wine. The wine that clings to the sides of the glass has more surface area to evaporate and creates more aromas. White wine, usually served in a smaller glass, needs to be swirled gently while holding the stem (we do not want the warmth of our hand on the bowl to affect the wine). Red wine, usually served in a larger bowled glass, may be swirled gently while holding the bowl of the glass.

Step #3 Sniff

The bouquet of the wine helps to determine the character of the wine. The first sniff should happen just after the wine is poured into the glass (before the swirl). This ‘first nose’ senses the most volatile aroma – the aroma that escapes easily from the wine. The second sniff occurs after the swirl and receives a more complex variety of aromas. Generally, higher quality wines have a more complex aroma.

White wines usually have a fruity or floral aroma while red wines can have spicy, leathery, earthy or berry-like aromas. Smells that indicate the wine is off include corkiness, mustiness or a ‘too sweet’ scent.

Using postage stamps that match your wedding theme!

2011-06-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

As a kid I used to collect coins, but now I'm interested in stamps. In particular for my wedding. When at a Canada Post Outlet this weekend I was looking for the perfect stamp to go with our wedding invitations. If you go to Staples, or most generic outlets the rolls of stamps are Easter Rabbits....and let me tell you, that doesn't match our theme.
I was so very excited to find stamps celebrating International Year of the Forest! We are getting married in Stanley Park, so very fitting. Go Canada Post!

Moral of the story...ask the postal outlet for what sort of stamps they have in stock or are coming into stock. You could be pleasantly surprised by the selection.
Happy Wedding Planning!

~Deborah

Seasonal Events

2011-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

When deciding to become a part of the event industry, it is important to not only think about what company you want to join (if any), but also what types of events you want to work on. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our favourite seasons, from summer weddings to Christmas parties, as each season has it’s own collection of events that could keep you occupied with planning year round. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of Seasonal Events

Pros

Extra Time
By focusing your efforts on a particular time of year, the remainder of your time can be relatively stress free. This gives you a chance to better manage not only your work, but also your personal life.

Expertise
Because you have chosen to focus on a specific type of events, you stand to become an expert. Just as wedding planners gain notoriety for high profile weddings, you can do the same with your specialized events.

Bargains
Seasonal events have a strong dependence on seasonal items such as produce and flowers. This can translate into big savings for clients and easy access for your suppliers – a win-win for everyone.

Cons

Compact Pressure
All of your events will occur in a small window of time. This will ramp up your stress levels which can lead to mistakes being made and details being overlooked. The more you have going on at the same time, the harder it becomes to keep everything in balance.

The Economy
Possibly the biggest risk you face when concentrating on a narrow market such as seasonal events is the economy. The market can determine the types of events clients are looking for which in turn dictates your success (or failure).

While you can still find success through focusing on Seasonal Events, it is important to make sure you have a back-up in place to deal with any roadblocks life throws your way. After all, planners are known for being prepared for any situation.

~Angela

Serving Liquor in a Public Place

2011-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you want to serve liquor in a public place or sell liquor anywhere, you will need either a private or public Special Occasion License. Applications for special occasion licenses are available from BC Liquor Stores. There are many rules and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol in BC. A few of these rules are:

· Paid managers and servers at your event will require Serving It Right certification.

· You must purchase your liquor from a BC Liquor Store or another source approved by the Liquor Distribution Branch.

· Minors (under age 19) are generally allowed at licensed special events, but may not drink or serve liquor, or sell drink tickets. Minors are not allowed in public beer gardens.

· Your servers must ask to see two pieces of identification if they believe the person ordering a drink is underage.

· You must not sell or serve liquor to an intoxicated person, or allow an intoxicated person to remain in the area covered by your Special Occasion License.

· If a person becomes intoxicated, you must take reasonable steps to ensure that the person does not harm himself/herself or others.

· You must supply a reasonable amount of food and non-alcoholic beverages at your event.

Once you have a Special Occasion License, if you serve alcohol to someone who becomes impaired as a result, you may be held legally liable for that person's subsequent behavior. As a licensee, you have a "duty of care" which means you must protect patrons at your event and others from harm that may be associated with the activity of drinking. This includes harm which may occur on the premises of your event, as well as harm which may occur after the patron has left the premises.

For more information regarding Special Occasion liquor licenses click here, or for more information on Serving it Right click here.

Bridal Gown Shopping for a “normal sized woman”.

2011-05-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Bridal Gown Shopping for a “normal sized woman”.

When will clothing designers realize that we are not all a size 0? Some surveys state that the average American woman wears a size 12-14. Then, when you shop for a formal dress, you always have to add a size, sometimes two, to allow for alterations. If you’re adding two sizes for your wedding dress that means that the average woman is wearing a size 16-18 wedding gown! Have you ever walked into a wedding boutique and saw sample sizes that were able to fit a size 16-18? Being a married, plus sized woman in a size zero world, I know that this is not a very feasible thought and can sometimes be beyond frustrating and a huge deflation of your confidence levels. Never fear though! There are designers out there that are changing the trends and thinking of the BBW, Big Beautiful Woman.

I give props to designers out there who have stepped beyond the world of zero and branched out to reach the BBW. Some great designers are:

- Alfred Angelo. Not only do they bring a touch of colour to wedding gowns, they bring class for the plus sized bride. The selection is huge and you will not be underwhelmed with choices. http://www.alfredangelobridal.ca/Collections/displayCollection.aspx?CategoryId=f24c3867-7b3b-419c-8135-b2d0c61e116a

(this one is one of my personal favourites!) http://www.alfredangelobridal.ca/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=9a329530-bbb4-4c2b-8199-abf3d3d02a62&categoryID=f24c3867-7b3b-419c-8135-b2d0c61e116a&pg=2&colorId1

- Bonny. Bonny’s Unforgettable Plus Size Line brings some great couture looking gowns for a busty bride that needs more coverage up top. http://www.bonny.com/unforgettable--plus-size-bridal-.html?page=1

(I love this gown! The cinched waist really hides those imperfections.) http://www.bonny.com/1109.html

- Venus Bridal. Their Venus-Woman collection allows you to be a plus sized bride without looking like a plus sized bride. Venus brides are not draped in layers of fabric to hide their “flaws”. http://www.venusbridal.com/bridals/venus-woman

(I’m loving the little bow on the front of this dress. The embroidery details also add that little touch of pizzazz.) http://www.venusbridal.com/bridals/venus-woman/VW8625

With a little bit of research and knowing what to look for, dress shopping as a full figured woman doesn’t have to be overwhelming and a beat down to your confidence. You’re beautiful and your hubby-to-be will agree with me. Happy Dress Hunting!

~Shae

Wine Appreciation 101

2011-05-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

“One not only drinks wine, one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips it and – one talks about it.” ~ Edward VII (1841-1910)

Having a basic understanding of wine tasting terminology helps you find wine you like. The following words are common terms used to describe wine characteristics.

• Aroma/ Bouquet: The smell of a wine, bouquet applies particularly to the aroma of older wines.

• Body: The apparent weight of a wine in your mouth (light, medium, or full)

• Crisp: A wine with refreshing acidity

• Dry: Not sweet

• Finish: The impression a wine leaves as you swallow it

• Flavor intensity: How strong or weak a wine’s flavors are

• Fruity: A wine whose aromas and flavors suggest fruit; does not imply sweetness

• Oaky: A wine that has oak flavors (smokey, toasty)

• Soft: A wine has a smooth rather than crisp mouth feel

• Tannic: A red wine that is firm and leaves the mouth feeling dry

Click here to read more, or for a more in-depth understanding of wine tasting, Keven Zraly has been teaching wine tasting for more than 30 years and has written a great book on the subject (Windows on the World: Complete Wine Course).

Salute!

Working with a Small Budget

2011-05-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

What do you do when working with a modest budget and grandiose ideas?

When you look at the “real weddings” in all those great wedding magazines, the articles never tell you exactly how much the couples and their families spend on those amazing affairs. They don’t tell you what a centerpiece of 100 white roses and peonies actually costs. They don’t tell you how much that designer Pnina Tornai gown actually cost either. So how does someone with a smaller budget make their wedding look amazing without breaking the bank?

Three words, or one acronym, D-I-Y, Do It Yourself! If you have the time and you’re crafty, a great way to save some money is by recruiting your power team (aka your groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, family) and getting them to help you. Make your invitations rather than hiring that high priced printer. Create your own favour boxes and even your favours rather than investing $1-5 per person or couple on something that they won’t really remember. Do you have a knack for working with your flowers? Buy them at a wholesaler and create your centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres in the few days before your wedding. With a little time management and help from your family and friends, you can make a dollar go a long way.

Pick your top three. You know the things that are the most important for you and your hubby-to-be. So pick the top three most important items and then your top three least important items, if you can cut them out completely you can definitely save some money. For some couples, the cake isn’t as important and since most caterers and venues provide a dessert selection with dinner, it is quickly becoming an obsolete tradition. By cutting the cake you can allocate that $300-600 to something else in your top three.

A Host Bar is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Lets face it, weddings are expensive. Alcohol is expensive. Combining the two can break the bank completely! Your guests understand, you are a new couple, embarking on a new journey in life and money is tight. You don’t need to host the bar and guests understand that. No one goes home at the end of the night and says, “Wow, what an amazing wedding, but I can’t believe they didn’t buy my drinks all night too!” They actually go home and say, “Wow, what a beautiful wedding, the food was amazing and can you believe her dress?! Stunning!” It’s quickly becoming less and less taboo to have a cash bar at your wedding. Or, if it is something that is important to you or your families, compromise with a twoonie bar or a couple of drink tickets per guest.

You’ll be amazed at the amount of money you can save over all by looking at your wedding in a different way. There are always loop holes and ways to work your money so that your budget becomes a lot easier to spread out. Just know your expectations and research to see what you can do within your means.

~Shae

‘SHHHHHH... We need to be quiet’ - Silent Party?

2011-05-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Quiet Party and Silent Dating are the inventions of artist Paul Rebhan and singer/songwriter Tony Noe. The two New York City friends wanted to have a conversation and a drink on a Saturday night in the summer of 2002, but every bar they entered was so noisy that they could not even hear each other speak.

It was just another example of New York's ubiquitous noise: from garbage trucks in the middle of the night and screeching trains and buses, to never-ending car alarms, cell phones, boom boxes, blasting horns and too many people who are just too loud.

Rebhan and Noe decided that every city needed a place where yelling was not allowed, and even an area where talking was not allowed at all! At the Quiet Party, guests are provided with paper and pens. Once this playful foundation mixes with a little alcohol, inhibitions disappear and notes begin to fly. The notes range from funny and flirty to naughty and nasty, and some are just downright hysterical. Quiet Parties are very popular with singles who like to flirt without speaking (Silent Dating) and also with people who just want to socialize in a fun, friendly and novel environment. Word of the Quiet Party and Silent Dating is spreading like wildfire and Quiet Parties are now being opened in other cities, internationally.

With the headphones on, it feels like you’re at a normal dance party (even if everyone is dancing to the beat of a different drum – literally), but take the headphones off for a while and you’ve got yourself a whole different kind of entertainment… watching a bunch of people dancing their hearts out to, what sounds like, absolutely nothing is something you’ve got to see at least once in your life – plus the headphones are a handy excuse for ignoring any party sleaze-bags who might come your way.

So, why don’t you try something new?

5 ways to kill stress before stress kills you!

2011-05-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Researchers suggest that as much as 60-90% of illnesses are directly caused by or exacerbated by stress. Stress is related to major illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, but can also cause back pain, headaches, tooth grinding, upset stomach and digestive problems, sleep loss and exhaustion, skin problems, unhealthy weight gain or loss. And that’s just the bodily symptoms: stress is linked to depression, anxiety, mood swings, confusion, restlessness, irritability, insecurity, forgetfulness, and a host of other negative mental and behavioral symptoms.

1. Stop procrastinating – You can put off important tasks, but you can’t put off worrying about them — and the stress that causes.

2. Eat better – A good diet can help your body better deal with the effects of stress. A healthy diet isn’t all that complicated; as Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, puts it, Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. As a general rule, eat as much as you can from the "edges" of your supermarket — produce, bakery, butcher counter, dairy case — and save the stuff in the "middle" for once-in-a-while — Twinkies, Pop Tarts, potato chips, canned foods, instant meals, etc.

3. Make family time – Try to eat at least one meal a day with your family (or with friends if you’re single). Better yet, eat at least one home cooked meal a day with your family/friends.

4. Talk it out – Bottling up your frustrations, even the little ones, leads to stress. Learn to express dissatisfaction (in a constructive, non-hurtful way) and to voice your worries and fears to someone close to you.

5. Love – Build relationships. Share yourself. Feel human warmth

Let’s kill stress!