Dressing Up Your Chairs

When planning your wedding you may fall in love with the your venue for its size, ambiance, location and spacious floor plans but you may have one problem; the chairs. Many facilities have outdated chairs in their ballroom or you may find that the color of the chairs clash with your wedding colors. The solution is simple: dress up those chairs! There are many ways to dress up your chairs from chivari chairs to chair covers. Each will add something unique to your space and change the look and feel of your venue.

1. Chair Covers- These are great way to not only hide the unattractive chairs of your current facility but also to add a classy new look to your venue. Chair covers have the power to drastically change your venue and have been known to leave guests in awe. Chair covers fit most banquet style chairs and they, along with the sashes, come in a variety of colors that can help to bring out your color scheme. They are easy to put on and relatively inexpensive.

2. Chivari Chairs- Get rid of your venue's chairs all together and add chivari chairs. Elegant and sophisticated describes the chivari chair. Made of wood or steel with a padded seat, they can hold their own in style or can be dressed up with a sash. This is the most expensive chair starting at $6 per chair.

3. Folding chairs- Folding chairs are perfect for an outdoor celebration. Folding chairs provide a clean and simple look for an event. Typically found in white, brown or black, folding chairs are the least expensive costing as low as $1 per chair.

To determine which chair would be a fit for your celebration, consider the style of your wedding and the look that you are aiming to achieve. They each will have different effect but will provadd the final touch needed for your decor.

A Simple Fall Wedding in Southern Maryland

Best of the Best Wine Tasting Events

A favorite summer/fall indulgence of many are wine festivals. Unlike other events, wine festivals allow opportunities to enjoy the warm season, try new foods and more importantly sample delicious wines. If you have not had a chance to participate in one as of yet, here are several great wine events across the nation:

Kerrville Wine and Music Festival, Kerrville, Texas Sept 4-6: The Kerrville Wine and Music Festival is one of the largest wine festivals in Texas. Each labor day weekend, wine and music lovers gather at the Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas hill country to celebrate the art of songwriting and winemaking. The festival features the newest and best wines that Texas has to offer in addition to performances by dozens of the world’s best songwriters. For details visit kerrvillefolkfestival.com

Euphoria, Greenvill, SC Sept. 18-2: Wine seminars, live jazz music and hor' dourves created by some of South Carolina's renowned chefs is what you will get at the Euphoria wine event. This amazing event is a true example of "southern class" as you will tour local wineries and relax with friendly people: http://www.euphoriagreenville.com/

Catalina Wine Tasting, CatalinaIsland, CA Sept. 26: For the eleventh year, the Orange County Wine Society will be hosting the Catalina Island Wine Tasting sponsored by the Catalina Island Women’s Forum. This event will feature hand passed appetizers, live music, a silent auction and wines from a variety of wineries. In addition, this event supports a great cause. All proceeds from the event will go towards the support of victims of domestic violence, the Woman’s Wellness Program, student mentoring, and scholarship programs. The tasting will be held in the Courtyard of the Pavilion Hotel, located in downtown Avalon on Crescent Street: http://www.ocws.org/newsletters/catalina.htm

Wine Fest on the Beach, Ocean City, MD Oct 2&3: Wine Fest on the Beach is the Delmar Beach areas major annual wine celebration. It features some of the best wineries and breweries in the US. It also has samples of the best of the Delmar areas local cuisines and an arts and crafts show: http://www.winefest.com/

Harvest on the Harbor Portland, Maine, October 22-24: Maine's premier food and wine experience. A culinary mecca, Portland proves the perfect locale for a weekend with top chefs and international wines. The festival will offer tastings, seminars, and dinners featuring local cuisines. Highlights include tastings with caviar retailer Browne Trading Company, the "seafood supplier to the stars." Festivities conclude with a gala dinner by master chef David Pasternack: harvestontheharbor.com.

Centerpiece Ideas under $20 each

Centerpieces are typically a major accent of a reception, gala or party. Centerpieces add to the ambiance and provide personality to an event. In today's market, centerpieces can be quite pricey ranging from $50 to $1,000 each. However, you do not have to break the bank to have beautiful centerpieces. Here are several centerpiece ideas that can give your event the look you want and save you $$$ as well:

1. Candles, Candles Candles: Nothing sets a romantic mood quite the way candles do. They add a tranquil and romantic ambiance to an event. They are also easy to use and come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes such as floating candles and tea lights. To make them more visually appealing, add mirrors, glass, petals, and colored water to the arrangement. More importantly candles are inexpensive to purchase and can be found anywhere. Use a set of candles to spice up your tables for your next event.

2. Silk flowers vs. Fresh Flowers: Typically when people think of centerpieces they automatically think of an arrangement of fresh flowers. Silk flowers, however, have made a huge comeback in a very big way. Nowadays, silk flowers look and feel as authentic and appealing as fresh flowers. More importantly, silk florals are less expensive as fresh and can be manipulated in many different ways. Try an arrangement of silk flowers to get the same look as fresh with less costs.

3. Downgrade the Fresh flowers: If you are truly committed to purchasing fresh flowers, there are a few tricks to help reduce the costs. You can use a smaller amount in each arrangement. This means less flowers you have to purchase. Also try to use less expensive flowers. Tulips and coronations tend to be less expensive than roses. You may also notice that you can find better buys from warehouse stores such as Costco verses a florist.

4. Use your Creativity: Centerpieces do not always have to be in the form of flowers or candles. Think about ways that you can incorporate your theme in your centerpieces. For example, if you are having your event at a winery you may want to make a display of a nice bottle of wine, grapes and a cork screw for each table. If you are having an event in the fall you may want to use fall colored leaves, a pumpkin and/or pine cones for your arrangement. Tropical fish, coffee beans and Tiffany's boxes are also making huge statements as centerpieces nowadays.

You can get the look you want without breaking the bank. Do some research and find what works for you and your event.

Throw Your Next Party, Wedding or Special Event in Vegas!!

There is no other place that says party like Las Vegas. Not only does it have a festive atmosphere but it also has many different venue options for your special event. Whether you are planning a corporate retreat, wedding, launch party, bachelor/bachelorette party, or a family gathering, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Here are a few Las Vegas venues that you may want to consider for your next big event:


Hard Rock Hotel & Casino- A favorite of many celebrities and notables, the Hard Rock is a very stylish and sleek hotel with several large meeting rooms and ballrooms to fit any budget. The meeting rooms can be customized to meet your needs whether it's for a dinner party, wedding, or corporate function. Features of the ballrooms include looming balconies and large pillars. Some meeting rooms also offer large theatre seating with state of the art audio visual monitors and equipment.
One of the many unique features of this property is the pool area that is open to guests of the hotel but can also be rented for parties and special events. The pool is a combination of fun and relaxation. It is spaciously adorned with carribean blue water and real sand to give you the "feel" of relaxing on the beach. It also has several bars and swim up black jack tables. The pool also has tahitian style cabanas equipped with Plasma televisions for those that want a private oasis.


The sleeping rooms and suites at the Hard Rock are contemporary stylish and comfortable. They include a wet bar, marble bath and a some of even have a pool table. With a spa, several on site restaurants and fabulous nightly entertainment, the Hard Rock is a favorite amongst many.




Red Rock Casino Spa and Retreat: Looking for a relaxing retreat for your event? Red Rock Casino may be your answer. Surrounded by the mountains, Red Rock Casino has won many awards and although luxurious in style, its rates are as low as $75 per night. The key features of this resort are a three acre pool and an exotic island that can both be used by guests and rented for events. Sleeping rooms are also a plus for this hotel because each room is immaculately decorated and filled with beautiful views of the mountains from large windows. Each room is spacious and adorned with plush linens and comfortable pillows. The rooms also have plasma tvs and ipod jacks.
The spa is amazing and appears to float on water. It features manicures, pedicures, make up lessons, facials, treatments and a relaxing Thai massage.
The Red Rock also has various activities. Equipped with a state of the art bowling alley, Red Rock also offers other activities such as kayaking and indoor rock climbing.
Red Rock has many packages to choose from at very reasonable rates. Some packages include services at the spa and transportation to and from the airport via limousine service. Red Rock is a truly relaxing destination with many enjoyable pleasures.


Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino: Picture a beach in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. What you are picturing is the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino which features an 11 acre beach simulation filled with several gallons of real sand, cabanas and a casino right on the beach.
The hotel was voted a Las Vegas premiere pool experience by trip advisor.
For your special event, Mandalay Bay also has several meeting rooms and ballrooms with gorgeous high ceilings and pillars that can accommodate up to 4000 guests with many varying options. Mandalay also has several rooms that can accommodate up to 75 breakouts simultaneously. They also offer a full service event staff that caters to every detail of your event from photography to audio visual to flowers and decor.
Other features of the hotel includes a spa, 3 restaurants and on site shopping.


The Stratosphere: Throw your next event on the 13th floor of this award winning facility. The Stratosphere is one of Las Vegas' most popular hotels/restaurants. With great food and a great view, the Stratosphere offers many ways to make your event spectacular.
Chapel in the Clouds: The Stratosphere offers the Chapel in the Clouds for couples to exchange their vows. This wedding venue was voted Theknot.com's pick of the year. It sits 8 feet above the Las Vegas strip with breathtaking views of the strip. It also offers a thrill roller coaster ride for the couple that wants to have an adventure on their wedding day. The Chapel in the Clouds also offers a wedding video on the internet in real time for family that can not travel for the event


Paymon's Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge: A quaint restaurant with excellent cuisine describes Paymon's Mediterranean Restaurant. Owned by the Rauof brothers, this restaurant offers three different private rooms to choose from for an event. Each room has an old world feel that can be decorated to meet your needs.
The fantastic cuisine features Greek, Persian and Middle Eastern favorites. The restaurant also has delicious vegetarian entrees. Paymon's may be a great selection for your party especially since they never charge a rental fee. There is no charge for facility rentals at Paymon's. A reasonable price and great food makes this a one of a kind venue.


Each of these ward winning facilities offers the attractiveness and excitement of Las Vegas at a reasonable priced. Hosting your event at one of the above locations will not only assure that your event is a smash but also a memorable occasion for years to come.

Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips

The rehearsal dinner, traditionally hosted by the groom's family, is an opportunity for both families to meet and get to know each other. It is also an opportunity for the bride and groom to show appreciation to the bridal party for their time and effort. The rehearsal dinner can be either formal or casual depending on preference. The guest list should consist of both sets of parents, grandparents, siblings, bridal party members and their spouses or significant others. The officiant and special guests may also be invited. Trying to find a location, however, for the rehearsal dinner may appear to be the most challenging part of planning the dinner. It may appear daunting to try to find a location that will accommodate your family, their needs and still remain within your budget criteria. Here are a few places that you may want to consider for your rehearsal dinner from for all budget sizes:

High Budget: A restaurant is always a good choice as it requires minimal planning on your part. Restaurants such as Ruth's Chris, McCormick and Schmidt's, and Maggianos may offer you a private room equipped with your own bar and staff for your event. A restaurant will also offer you a variety of meal selections to accommodate your families needs and tastes. More importantly, hosting your event at a restaurant means less work will be required on your part. The restaurant will provide you with linens, tables, chairs, drinks, food etc. All you need to do is select your menu.

A private room at a local winery or vineyard may also be an elegant option for your event. A winery will provide you with a beautiful and quiet setting amongst the greenery and vineyards. It will also provide you with lots of tasty spirits as you and the bridal party will be making various toasts throughout the night. You will need to inquire about catering as wineries vary on this one. Some provide catering while others do not.

Mid Budget: Your wedding venue may offer you space to hold your rehearsal dinner. If your rehearsal dinner is on a weeknight, the venue may offer a reduced rate especially if they have not booked the space by the time of your event. This means that your bridal party will not have to travel far for the dinner since they will be in attendance at the rehearsal.

If your event is located in the same town as your Alma Marta, they may offer you rental space to meet your needs. Many colleges have meeting rooms, banquet halls and conference rooms that are frequently made available for public rental. Because you are a graduate they may even offer you a reduced rate.

Do you have a lot of out of town guests arriving for your wedding? Contact the hotel in which your sleeping rooms are blocked. Since you are patronizing the hotel they may offer you space for your rehearsal dinner at a reduced rate.

Small Budget: If you are working on a leaner budget you may still want to try a restaurant such as the Olive Garden, Red, Hot and Blue or Bertucci's. They may provide you with a private area for you and your guests at a less expensive rate. You can also trim down the costs by only serving drinks and appetizers instead of a meal. You can also trim costs by skipping the private room and just booking a table instead.

The most inexpensive way to host your event may be to utilize a private home. Hosting your rehearsal dinner at your home or the home of a relative is one means to minimize the costs. You will save by not paying for a facility rental fee. Another benefit to hosting your event at a private home aside from the cost is that you gain a cozy and intimate atmosphere for your family to mingle and become acquainted. Although this may require a little more work, it can still be as elegant and fun as having it at a public facility.

If the weather is nice you can bring your party outside by hosting it in a backyard, garden, or local park. You can even jazz it up by incorporating a fun theme such as a luau or garden party.

Regardless of your budget, the main focus of your event should be intermingling your families and celebrating the big day. Your rehearsal dinner also provides you with an opportunity to show appreciation and distribute gifts to your bridal party. More importantly it gives you an evening to relax and have a good time with family and friends before the big day.

A Fab Bridal Shower: Several Ways to Spice up Your Shower

So you are the maid of honor and now have the daunting task of planning the bridal shower. However, the bride wants something a bit different and is not interested in the standard games which typically accompanies your traditional bridal shower. What to do? What to do? Here are a few ideas to create a fab bridal shower without the boredom. So grab the bridesmaids and get ready to start planning

1. Pick a theme or color scheme: In planning a bridal shower, you want to start with a theme or color scheme. This will be your focal point for decor, invitations, gifts and favors. As you are deciding on the theme , you should consider the bride's personality and tastes so that you incorporate them into your theme. Several examples of fun bridal shower themes for brides with various preferences are:

• Tea party- This is perfect for the bride that enjoys a more formal fare. Typically a tea party can be held on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Guests may want to dress a little more formal for this event. Tea cups, saucers and porcelain kettles decorate the tables accompanied by delicious tarts and finger sandwiches served on tiered trays. This event can be held at any location from a tea room, garden or home.
• Cocktail Party: A cocktail party is perfect for the bride that wants to chat and mingle with her guests without spending a lot of time doing the typical bridal shower activities i.e playing the traditional shower games. This event can be held almost anywhere. The bride's favorite cocktail can be served on cocktail tables dressed in colored linens that can be spread sporadically throughout the venue. You can even make it more "trendy" by making the cocktail shower a coed event.
• Desserts Shower: Imagine a room full of desserts, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, tarts, fudge etc. Imagine the centerpieces are cupcakes in various fun filled flavors or cakes in the shape of items commonly found at a wedding such as a tiera, chapel etc decorating each table. The decor features candy filled containers to match the linens and color scheme. The bride's favorite dessert is packaged to go and sent home as favors. This can be a fun way to shower the bride that has a sweet tooth. A desserts shower may also be less expensive than a shower with the traditional fare and a fun event to plan.
• Spa Day: I call this one martinis and manicures or mimosas and manicures depending on the time of day. If the bride is genuinely bored of the typical bridal shower and she enjoys the occasional pampering then you may want to book a room at a spa for the shower. The bride will have a blast as she opens her gifts while getting a relaxing facial or a pedicure. This makes for great girl time chatter. Ask your spa if they will supply food or if you can bring your own finger sandwiches and drinks.
• Open House: If you have a bride that does not enjoy being the center of attention and prefers something a bit more low key, an open house maybe just the thing. Invite guests to come and chit chat with the bride. You can specify a specific time frame in which guests can come out and shower the bride. This is a very casual event that does not require a lot of fuss, just a few hor' dourves and the bride.

3. Games: There are a ton of games out there for bridal showers. you may want to select games that focus the attention on the bride and really get the guests to laugh. We have asked several brides to share with us games that were a hit at their shower. Here is what they said:

• Newlywed Game Show: If you are throwing a coed shower you can play a version of the newlywed game. To play the game, you ask the women questions about their partner and vice versa. As each couple enters the shower, each partner is given cards with questions. For example, a question that could be asked is "What would you say your husband is most like: a roaring lion, a cuddly teddy bear, a devoted dog or a funny monkey?" The questions can be funny or serious but have a mixture so it doesn't get repetitious. The partner writes the answer of the question on the card. during the game, the other partner has to guess what the partner wrote. The couple with the most correct answers wins a prize.
• Gifts on Timer: Very simple game but can be a lot of fun. During the opening of gifts, a timer is set. Every time the timer goes off the person whose gift is being opened wins a prize.
  
• Naughty Toys: For mature audiences, buy several pieces of naughty toys such as a teddy, a feather boa or a whip. As guests enter the shower they will each pick a number from a hat. The number is then placed into another hat as the guest has to remember the number they selected. During the shower numbers are picked according to the number of naughty toys purchased. The guests with the selected numbers has to demonstrate with the naughty toy what the bride should do with it on her honeymoon.
• Another suggestion for adult audiences is a pole dance lesson. There are also many other exotic classes that may make for bridal shower fun (strip tease, fellatio lessons etc.). Please consider the bride and the guests prior to planning. However, these will be sure to give the bride and her guests a shower they will never forget.

3. Divide the Tasks: Don't stress yourself with handling all of the details. You may want to divide the tasks between yourself and the bridesmaids. For example, someone should find the venue, another person can be the leader of the games, someone else may want to send out the invitations, etc. You can even get the hostesses involved. It's much easier to have everyone pitch in then all of the responsibilities being placed on one person.
Assure that you keep the bride at the center of your plans. Have fun and I'm sure she will have an awesome shower! For questions about any of these ideas or to provide us with feedback feel free to email us at: askus@lefabuleux.com

Make Your Party Resemble a Grand Event on a Small Budget

Many people and businesses have a need to throw a party, gala or some form of festive event. Others simply enjoy entertaining. Nowadays it is difficult to do in a gloomy economy. Even though you may be fiscally challenged, you can still throw a lavish event with a lean budget. Here are several simple tips to help you plan a fab event without breaking the bank:

1. Selecting a Venue: Instead of choosing the traditional venue that may cost you big bucks (such as a hotel, restaurant or ballroom) search for non traditional venues such as a museum, park, or city recreational facility that you can rent. A college within your town may also have space that you can rent at a reasonable rate. You can also check your local newspaper want ads for commercial space. Due to the economy, there are many commercial realtors that may be renting space in various buildings by the day to cover the mortgage. These venues may save money and offer you more flexibility.

2. Hiring a Caterer: Instead of hiring a catering company, contact a friend or relative that has a desire to become a chef or caterer. Allow them to cater your event in exchange for a reference. All you may need to purchase is the food. This is a great way for your event to have the look of professional chef and for your friend/relative to gain some exposure and experience.

3. Food: Instead of serving a three to four course meal, serve appetizers and finger foods that can be eaten throughout the event. Serve less expensive foods like chicken, wraps, and mini sandwiches instead of seafood and beef which can be pricey. Stores such as Costco and Sam's Club sell prepackaged frozen hors d'oeuvres at a very inexpensive rate. Once they are heated and placed on a nice serving tray your guests will think they were freshly prepared.

4. Hiring Staff: All grand events have staff but you do not need to pay a fortune for a professional serving company. Post an add on craigslist or a flyer at a local college for servers. Once you make a decision on who will work for you at your event, ask them to wear something simple like black slacks and a white top and provide them detailed instructions for the event. Set a small fee to be paid at the end of the night. Adding staff will allow you time to mingle with your guests and give a glamorous appearance.

5. Bartender: Can't afford a bartender? Create a signature cocktail, premake them prior to your guests arrivals and arrange them neatly around the room. Not only will this save you dollars from purchasing tons of alcohol for various mixed drinks but they also make for a beautiful arrangement. In addition to your signature cocktail you can also serve beer and wine as well.

6. Music: Many local high schools or colleges have ensembles that will play for a small fee or for practice. If you can't find the local college ensemble, you may also download some good tunes to your ipod and let it play all night.

These tips will allow you to have the party and atmosphere that you want. They may also save you tons of dollars while making your guests think you spent a fortune.

All you Need to Know about Event Lighting



Blue Uplighting Behind a Headtable



Blue Color Wash with Uplighting


Lighting design is a feature that has been used by large entities, celebrities, and corporations to add flare to a party or special event. Recently, lighting design has become more common and is now used in weddings and special events on a much smaller scale. Lighting can set the mood for your event and can drastically change the look and feeling of your venue. Some use lighting to reinvent their venue. Others use it as an accent. Regardless of the reason it is chosen, lighting is a high tech method of adding pizazz to your event and gaining the "wow factor" from your guests. Here are a few ways to incorporate lighting into your event:

1. Uplighting- Probably the easiest way to incorporate event lighting. Uplighting can be used to highlight specific features of a venue such as walls, columns, draping or a specific area. It is simple in installation and adds a stimulating feel to an event. You can use as little or as much light as you want in almost any color.

2. Gobo Lighting- A method that allows patterns to be projected into light. Many images can be projected by gobo lighting such as a name, monogram or logo. Gobo lighting can be projected onto surfaces such as walls, ceilings or dance floors.

3. Pinspot Lighting- Focused lighting that shines directly onto smaller objects. Pinspot lighting can be used to highlight smaller features such as centerpieces, table tops and cake tables. This is a simple method but can add a touch of class to an event.

4. Color Washing- A mixture of light fixtures that creates a "wash of color" in a venue. Color washing can change the color of the entire space. This effect produces the most drastic change.

Gobo Lighting Between Two Clear Uplights

Lighting design varies in price depending on your desires and how much light is needed for the space- the more lighting you require, the more costly it can be. If you choose to add lighting, be creative but do not go overboard. You want to make sure your event is stylish yet classy. Ultimately, if you are looking for a way to wow your guests, lighting design is a great method.



Unique Wedding Tip #2: Wedding Parasols

Looking for a way to add a touch of class to your event and save money? Send your bridesmaids down the aisle in style with a parasol. These classy accent pieces are another great way to add color and uniqueness to your wedding.

During a time of economic flux, parasols will also save you money. Instead of spending big bucks on expensive bouquets, give each bridesmaid a parasol as they walk down the aisle. You can buy parasols in your wedding colors or with your monogram on it that can be easily seen by your guests. They will save you half the costs of fresh flowers. Parasols also make for a great conversation piece for your guests.

Hosting a Networking Event

Networking events have been very popular for many years and serve many purposes. From the evening cocktail party, happy hour, or the Saturday morning breakfast, networking events are a popular way to meet new people and make new connections. If you are interested in hosting your own networking event, here are a few steps to plan your own networking event:

1. Determine the Purpose for the Event: It is important to determine the purpose and set the expectations before moving forward. Are you looking to gain more contacts? Do you want to advertise a new business idea or product? Are you aiming to build a network amongst your friends and/or associates while allowing them to gain more contacts? Do you want to build brand identity for your self or company. Are you looking to gain career opportunities? Determining your purpose will also help as you identify a venue, guest list and menu.

2. Select a Venue: After you have determined the purpose of your event, its time to find a venue. You want to make sure that the venue selected fits the purpsose of your event and the guests you wish to invite. For a younger audience you may want to try a trendy restaraunt or lounge. An event attended by upper management level professionals may be best served at a museum, hotel or vacant office. A new restaraunt in your area may sponsor your event at no cost to gain exposure. You may also be able to persuade your boss to sponsor the event at your office inexchange for a plug from the podium.

3. Menu: Depending on the time of day, the menu may consist of anything from crossaints, fresh fruit and quiches for breakfast, sandwhiches for lunch or appetizors and mixed drinks for an after five event. You may not want serve anything too heavy. Finger foods always work well because it allows people to walk and talk while munching.

4. Music: This too depends on the type of event and time of day. Some events have music, some do not. If you do decide to play music, do not choose slections that are too mellow or too hyper. You also do not want to it be too loud. It may drown out conversation. You want to assure that you encourage an evironment that allows for great conversation and mingling.

5. Activities: To add to your event, you can choose from activities such as wine tasting, casino night, speed networking, having a special guest speak or a cocktail party. An ice breaker may also be a great way to start off and warm up the crowd. You may also want to consider hosting a drawing during your event. You can encourage companies and individuals to sponsor giveaways to be raffled during the event. This will keep it fun and interesting.

Finally, make sure you invite people that are interested in networking and can gain and contribute to your event. Stay organized as you plan and have fun. Happy Networking!

You Need The Gown of Your Dreams, Like Carrie Bradshaw

Have you been looking for that one special gown unlike any others that makes the statement that you desire? If so, come to our Summer Fashion Show. We will feature wedding gowns from major designers to local designers. We will also have evening gowns, tuxedos, suits and other special occassion attire. Don't miss this opportunity to get the attire that you need to make a splash at your next event. Stay tuned for further details.....

Five Ways to Assure Your House Party is a Succes

1. Assure the Food is Plentiful. The best parties I have ever attended were the ones with a lot of good food. If you throw a party at your home, make sure food is available as soon as the guests walk through the door. Serve appetizers prior to the main course. After the main course, place miniature sized deserts in fancy trays around the house so that people can snack as they chat.

2. Serve Signature Cocktails. Cocktails are so en vogue right now. Not only will they make for a good conversation piece for your guests but will also add a splash of color to your event. Try serving up a pink cosmo, lemonade cocktail, or a passion fruit mojito. Click here for some of your favorite cocktails recipes.

3. Play that Funky Music. Everybody loves music. Music can set the tone for your event. If you have few extra bucks for your event you can splurge and hire an inexpensive DJ. If you are working with a leaner budget you can load up your ipod full of good tunes. Make sure you select songs that are fun, fit the occasion and will keep the party going.

4. Make Sure all Pets are Away. People tend to forget that some guests have allergies or just do not like animals. It's a great idea to store the pets away so that they will not stir up allergies or intimidate guests.

5. Be the Perfect Host/Hostess! What makes a good party is a good host. Be attentive to your guests needs. Have everything prepared in advance or hire a caterer so that you are not stuck in the kitchen with little time to mingle. You know your guests so try to introduce people to those that they may have something in common with. I have had many experiences in which I was able to network at a party because the host was able to connect me with someone that shared my interests. Also remember to speak with every guest during the party. Do not allow one person or group to monopolize the bulk of you time. Work the room and let everyone know you are there to assure they have a good time. Have fun and take plenty of pics for the album.

Unique Wedding Tip #1: Accent the Aisle

By the time a person reaches a certain age, they have probably attended and been a part of tons of weddings. Whether one wants to admit it or not, weddings will begin to seem all the same in that each has floral arrangements, centerpieces, tulle, corsages, flower girls, bridesmaids, cakes, and favors. Brides and Grooms are always asking me for ways to make their event different, unique and personal. One way to personalize your event is to add a custom aisle runner. The first time I saw a custom aisle runner I immediately thought, "what a unique idea!" It brings the bride and grooms personality to the forefront of the event. Custom aisle runners are, most of the time, made of fabric that includes some form of wording or color arrangement. It may include a passage the couple both enjoy, a portion of their vows, their monogram, their names, or it can be left blank and tinted with their wedding colors. The aisle runners are eye catching and make for great photos. They normally cost around $50 to $300 dollars depending on how much you personalize it. I will be adding more info on ways to personalize your event as this is my favorite part of the planning but this tip is by far one of my favorites.