Hi everyone,
We're over at Top Wedding Sites today, we hope you'll check out our blog on changing your look throughout your wedding day.
http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-attire/more-than-one-wedding-gown
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Will you choose a Florist or a Designer?
Flowers and décor can be the next highest ticket item for a wedding. Aside from floral centerpieces, if one wants to truly create a stunning wedding, there are selection such as lines, lighting, chairs, lounge furniture, bellowing fabrics, illumination box etc etc. If the budget allows you to “Pimp Up” your big day, the most common question is should I choose a Florist or an Event Designer??
Florist
These can be neighborhood shops that have been part of the community for years. They cater to “foot traffic” and create arrangements that cater more towards the personal flowers. Some florists have taken on the additional business of weddings. However, they can be limited in their resources and inventory. They may tend to be less “hands-on”. They will not be a one stop shop if you want to add linen, lighting, etc. to your event. You will work individually with different vendors and connect the dots so to speak.
Price: Value to Middle
Event Designers
An Event Designer will create an overall design concept and ensure that the visual details are cohesive with the color story and floral palette. A Creative Director will select products from many resources and are not limited to inventory, color or design. They will spend time with each client to in creating a unique wedding day. It will reflect the couple’s personal style, and brand the event with layering of visual astonishment. A design studio can offer a complete look for your event including linens, furnishing, fabrics, up lighting, covered dance floor, custom products etc.
An Event Designer will have more flexibility on time. Service and Products will be the highest priority. They will have a trained crew to produce the event as it has been envisioned. Even if the company had partnered up to provide certain elements of the event, it is the Creative Director that will connect all the dots for a stunning wedding.
Price: Middle to High
As I always tell my newly engaged brides, inform yourself on the limitations of your wedding team. This will allow you to create a cohesive picture of your big day. The more you are vested with your vendors and they are vested with you, there won’t be any surprises as you walk down the aisle.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),
Olivia
Florist
These can be neighborhood shops that have been part of the community for years. They cater to “foot traffic” and create arrangements that cater more towards the personal flowers. Some florists have taken on the additional business of weddings. However, they can be limited in their resources and inventory. They may tend to be less “hands-on”. They will not be a one stop shop if you want to add linen, lighting, etc. to your event. You will work individually with different vendors and connect the dots so to speak.
Price: Value to Middle
Event Designers
An Event Designer will create an overall design concept and ensure that the visual details are cohesive with the color story and floral palette. A Creative Director will select products from many resources and are not limited to inventory, color or design. They will spend time with each client to in creating a unique wedding day. It will reflect the couple’s personal style, and brand the event with layering of visual astonishment. A design studio can offer a complete look for your event including linens, furnishing, fabrics, up lighting, covered dance floor, custom products etc.
An Event Designer will have more flexibility on time. Service and Products will be the highest priority. They will have a trained crew to produce the event as it has been envisioned. Even if the company had partnered up to provide certain elements of the event, it is the Creative Director that will connect all the dots for a stunning wedding.
Price: Middle to High
As I always tell my newly engaged brides, inform yourself on the limitations of your wedding team. This will allow you to create a cohesive picture of your big day. The more you are vested with your vendors and they are vested with you, there won’t be any surprises as you walk down the aisle.
BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),
Olivia
Friday, January 14, 2011
2010: A Year in Photos
2010 was a wonderful year for weddings and other events at Oliveaire. There really is no better way to recap a year of work than photos. We hope you enjoy these as much as we enjoy seeing thme again.
The beautiful grand ballroom foyer at Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Wonderful natural light at Doubletree Downers Grove's Esplanade Lakes
Thanks to Delora and John for allowing us to be part of their day at the Westin Chicago North Shore
A beautiful day at Signature Events at Seven Bridges
Natural elements showcase the space at Pinstripes
Awe-inspiring mandap by the Oliveaire design team
Elegant lounge at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
We are looking forward to 2011 events and a whole new year of pictures and memories.
Happy New Year!
The beautiful grand ballroom foyer at Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Wonderful natural light at Doubletree Downers Grove's Esplanade Lakes
Thanks to Delora and John for allowing us to be part of their day at the Westin Chicago North Shore
A beautiful day at Signature Events at Seven Bridges
Natural elements showcase the space at Pinstripes
Awe-inspiring mandap by the Oliveaire design team
Elegant lounge at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center
We are looking forward to 2011 events and a whole new year of pictures and memories.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Selecting a Venue (Part 2)
We are back to continue our criteria for finding the perfect wedding venue for your celebration. Last week we covered some very important details such as establishing how many guests will attend, your budget, what events will be taking place, out of town guests and then some generic aspects of the venue. This week we will start to examine the more fun things about your venue search. Now we will begin to establish a tentative timeline and start working on the food & beverage items for the event. You may say to yourself, “My event is not until next year”, but you will need these details to ensure that you find a venue that can accommodate all your needs, and meet all the details you have dreamed about your entire life. You don’t want to be locked into a contract with a venue, and then find out later that they cannot meet some of your most cherished details.
Now let’s examine criteria 7 – 12:
7. What time do you want your events to take place?
This is an important aspect, especially to the venue, as many hotels will have multiple events happening on the same day. They will want to make sure that can accommodate your guests, without affecting the outcome of your event. Now, again, you may say to yourself my event is still more than 10 months away and I have no idea of my timeline. Do your best estimate on this, as it is a key element in determining that the venue is available during your event times.
8. What type of food service would you like at your event? Sit Down (Plated), Buffet, Family Style etc…
This decision will affect how much space you will need at your event. Buffet style events will require additional space for the buffets to be set-up, versus a sit down or family style event that will only need space for tables. This can also have an impact upon your budget as most venue packages will list out sit down (plated) meals with pricing on their literature. Buffet and family style service may not be listed, and will be charged at a premium due to the extra amount of food that is required for these styles of service.
9. What type of bar service would you like at your event?
There are three main types of bar service. First is the hosted bar, where the host pays for the drinks from the bar. This can be as a per person price or based upon actual consumption. Second is the cash bar, whereas each person pays for his or her own drinks at the bar. Finally you can elect to not have any bar at all at the event. As you can tell, each one of these can have an impact on your budget, which may be a factor in determining your venue choice.
10. Would you like to have wine service during dinner?
This is a factor when determining your bar times, as most venue packages will include a 4 to 5 hour window of time. This may not cover your entire event time, so the best scenario is for the bar to close during dinner and offer wine service to your guests during this time. This doesn’t necessarily affect your venue space, but it is an answer the venue will want, so they can determine their staffing, etc.
11. Would you like to have a Champagne toast during the event?
This is similar to the wine service question above. This again is a factor in staffing, and timing the event from the venue’s perspective.
12. Finally, would you like the venue to supply the wedding cake or will you have your own bakery supply the cake?
Most venue packages will include a wedding cake from one of their recommended vendors, but this is certainly a negotiable element. As mentioned above, this doesn’t necessarily affect the venue space but is a factor when determining your budget.
Now you have the tools to at least get started on the process of the finding the venue for your special day. Keep in mind that the most popular venues will sell their event space anywhere from 12-24 months in advance, especially when you are talking about the peak wedding season of late spring and early summer. Have fun visiting the venues, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the venue managers. The only silly question is the one not asked.
Good luck in your upcoming search!
Now let’s examine criteria 7 – 12:
7. What time do you want your events to take place?
This is an important aspect, especially to the venue, as many hotels will have multiple events happening on the same day. They will want to make sure that can accommodate your guests, without affecting the outcome of your event. Now, again, you may say to yourself my event is still more than 10 months away and I have no idea of my timeline. Do your best estimate on this, as it is a key element in determining that the venue is available during your event times.
8. What type of food service would you like at your event? Sit Down (Plated), Buffet, Family Style etc…
This decision will affect how much space you will need at your event. Buffet style events will require additional space for the buffets to be set-up, versus a sit down or family style event that will only need space for tables. This can also have an impact upon your budget as most venue packages will list out sit down (plated) meals with pricing on their literature. Buffet and family style service may not be listed, and will be charged at a premium due to the extra amount of food that is required for these styles of service.
9. What type of bar service would you like at your event?
There are three main types of bar service. First is the hosted bar, where the host pays for the drinks from the bar. This can be as a per person price or based upon actual consumption. Second is the cash bar, whereas each person pays for his or her own drinks at the bar. Finally you can elect to not have any bar at all at the event. As you can tell, each one of these can have an impact on your budget, which may be a factor in determining your venue choice.
10. Would you like to have wine service during dinner?
This is a factor when determining your bar times, as most venue packages will include a 4 to 5 hour window of time. This may not cover your entire event time, so the best scenario is for the bar to close during dinner and offer wine service to your guests during this time. This doesn’t necessarily affect your venue space, but it is an answer the venue will want, so they can determine their staffing, etc.
11. Would you like to have a Champagne toast during the event?
This is similar to the wine service question above. This again is a factor in staffing, and timing the event from the venue’s perspective.
12. Finally, would you like the venue to supply the wedding cake or will you have your own bakery supply the cake?
Most venue packages will include a wedding cake from one of their recommended vendors, but this is certainly a negotiable element. As mentioned above, this doesn’t necessarily affect the venue space but is a factor when determining your budget.
Now you have the tools to at least get started on the process of the finding the venue for your special day. Keep in mind that the most popular venues will sell their event space anywhere from 12-24 months in advance, especially when you are talking about the peak wedding season of late spring and early summer. Have fun visiting the venues, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the venue managers. The only silly question is the one not asked.
Good luck in your upcoming search!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Selecting a Venue (Part 1)
Today Forrest Moody, Managing Director, of Oliveaire is tapping into his vast experience working in hotels to provide great tips on how to select your wedding venue. Take it away Forrest...
Well he has popped the question and you have accepted. You are feeling like you can fly and take on the world at the same time. Now your best friend, in her jubilation, asks where the ceremony and reception are going to take place. Suddenly your balloon deflates and you come back to earth to take on the task of finding the perfect venue for your special event. Do I want a religious ceremony in a place of worship? Do I want sit down dinner or buffet style service? What time of day do I want all of these activities to happen? The wedding reception is the largest expenditure for most wedding couples so taking your time and evaluating your decisions is important.
The top 12 criteria to consider for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception:
1. How many people do you anticipate inviting to your special event?
This is probably the most important aspect when starting to look for a venue. This will dictate how large of an event space you will need in order to accommodate your guests. Also, keep in mind that your guest count will be approximately 20% less then the number of people that you invite for various reasons. Many of the points below will be in direct relation to the estimated attendance for your event.
2. What is your estimated budget for the ceremony and reception location?
This is an extremely important factor before you start your search. Every venue will ask this question up front, and it can save countless hours of searching if you have an idea of this in advance. Also keep in mind that most venues will also have a service charge and tax added to their package prices sometimes increasing the listed package price by almost 30%. Keep this in mind when considering your budget.
3. Do you want a religious ceremony in a place of worship or can it be held at the same venue as the reception?
This is important to consider in determining if you have to find two venues or only one. Although places of worship are relatively inexpensive, it can save some money if you combine the two events at one facility. Always ask the question of your venue if there is an additional charge for the ceremony.
4. Will you require any hotel rooms for out of town guests?
This should be considered even if you are not having your event at a hotel. If you have out of town guests you will want them to stay close to the reception location, and also see if the facility offers some type of transportation back and forth from their hotel. If you are at a hotel venue for your event(s), ask the venue manager for a special room rate for your out of town guests. You will need to supply them an approximate number of hotel rooms needed. Depending upon the hotel and number of rooms requested you may be required to sign a contract for the guest rooms.
5. Would you like an aspect of your venue or event to be outdoors?
This is a key element to inquire in advance as not all venues offer an outdoor option.
6. Do you have any special requests such as windows, chandeliers or special architecture that you would like to see from your special event venue?
Again this is a key item to do your research in advance. Most venues have very informative websites that can answer most of these questions without wasting the time of trying to call the venue.
This should get you started thinking about your venue search. We will continue next week with the remainder of the top twelve criteria to consider for your wedding venue. We will get into some more fun things next week such as food, beverage and even wedding cakes.
Well he has popped the question and you have accepted. You are feeling like you can fly and take on the world at the same time. Now your best friend, in her jubilation, asks where the ceremony and reception are going to take place. Suddenly your balloon deflates and you come back to earth to take on the task of finding the perfect venue for your special event. Do I want a religious ceremony in a place of worship? Do I want sit down dinner or buffet style service? What time of day do I want all of these activities to happen? The wedding reception is the largest expenditure for most wedding couples so taking your time and evaluating your decisions is important.
The top 12 criteria to consider for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception:
1. How many people do you anticipate inviting to your special event?
This is probably the most important aspect when starting to look for a venue. This will dictate how large of an event space you will need in order to accommodate your guests. Also, keep in mind that your guest count will be approximately 20% less then the number of people that you invite for various reasons. Many of the points below will be in direct relation to the estimated attendance for your event.
2. What is your estimated budget for the ceremony and reception location?
This is an extremely important factor before you start your search. Every venue will ask this question up front, and it can save countless hours of searching if you have an idea of this in advance. Also keep in mind that most venues will also have a service charge and tax added to their package prices sometimes increasing the listed package price by almost 30%. Keep this in mind when considering your budget.
3. Do you want a religious ceremony in a place of worship or can it be held at the same venue as the reception?
This is important to consider in determining if you have to find two venues or only one. Although places of worship are relatively inexpensive, it can save some money if you combine the two events at one facility. Always ask the question of your venue if there is an additional charge for the ceremony.
4. Will you require any hotel rooms for out of town guests?
This should be considered even if you are not having your event at a hotel. If you have out of town guests you will want them to stay close to the reception location, and also see if the facility offers some type of transportation back and forth from their hotel. If you are at a hotel venue for your event(s), ask the venue manager for a special room rate for your out of town guests. You will need to supply them an approximate number of hotel rooms needed. Depending upon the hotel and number of rooms requested you may be required to sign a contract for the guest rooms.
5. Would you like an aspect of your venue or event to be outdoors?
This is a key element to inquire in advance as not all venues offer an outdoor option.
6. Do you have any special requests such as windows, chandeliers or special architecture that you would like to see from your special event venue?
Again this is a key item to do your research in advance. Most venues have very informative websites that can answer most of these questions without wasting the time of trying to call the venue.
This should get you started thinking about your venue search. We will continue next week with the remainder of the top twelve criteria to consider for your wedding venue. We will get into some more fun things next week such as food, beverage and even wedding cakes.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It CAN be easy being green
Are you an eco-enthusiast who tries to keep green in all aspects of your life? Or do you just try to be kind to the earth where you can, when it’s convenient?
No matter what your commitment to being friendly to the planet there is no denying that your wedding will have an impact on the earth. We have had the opportunity to see Zina Murray, from Logan Square Kitchen, speak a few times about the environmental impact of events.
The top emitters of greenhouse gases (in order) are transportation, venues, meals and waste.
When it comes to transportation remember that direct flights give off 25% less emission than those with layovers. As the host, give consideration to how your guests will travel between your events, or if it’s feasible to have your ceremony and reception in the same location.
We all know that we have to feed and hydrate guests. Think about what you are serving your guests, and where it’s coming from. Illinois imports 90% of it’s food. By working with your venue or caterer to use locally grown, or produced, you help the economy and the environment. One significant way to reduce the negative environmental impact of your event is by asking your venue not to serve bottled water.
Still not convinced that we all need to do our part? Google Pacific Trash Vortex, we’re sure you’ll be convinced then.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Logan Square Kitchen or City Provisions and their dedicated team can provide you with further information.
No matter what your commitment to being friendly to the planet there is no denying that your wedding will have an impact on the earth. We have had the opportunity to see Zina Murray, from Logan Square Kitchen, speak a few times about the environmental impact of events.
The top emitters of greenhouse gases (in order) are transportation, venues, meals and waste.
When it comes to transportation remember that direct flights give off 25% less emission than those with layovers. As the host, give consideration to how your guests will travel between your events, or if it’s feasible to have your ceremony and reception in the same location.
We all know that we have to feed and hydrate guests. Think about what you are serving your guests, and where it’s coming from. Illinois imports 90% of it’s food. By working with your venue or caterer to use locally grown, or produced, you help the economy and the environment. One significant way to reduce the negative environmental impact of your event is by asking your venue not to serve bottled water.
Still not convinced that we all need to do our part? Google Pacific Trash Vortex, we’re sure you’ll be convinced then.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Logan Square Kitchen or City Provisions and their dedicated team can provide you with further information.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Beauty in HD
If you are looking at cutting edge technology for the videotaping of your event, you will find that many studios are now recording in HD. What does that mean for you? With high definition technology instead of just seeing a hundred pores, we can see a million pores and specks on our faces. I can understand why a director would like to show an action film or sports action in “high-def.” The details are unbelievable to look at, the clarity and the movement are so flawless. Just remember, movie industry insiders have their tricks.
A reporter or actor, male or female, cannot just go in front of the camera without putting on makeup. The shine on their faces could blind us. Let’s be honest now, as an audience, we critique their images like there is no tomorrow. We are as harsh and strong as the studio lighting that is focused on them. I guess it’s the fact they cannot hear us through the screen or they’re celebrities or it’s our own insecurities. But I digress.
The digital cameras and video cameras that will be used for your wedding are fast and clear. As a bride, how do you deal with it?
Make it easy on yourself and consult with a makeup artist that has experience (and plenty of it) applying makeup for print ads or commercials. Ask questions. Ask them to do a makeup trial on you, then have someone photograph or videotape you with a high quality digital camera. If the artist is good, he or she will know how to match your skin tone and type, if they should use air brush or not, use a mattifier to minimize pores, use mineral powder or pressed foundation, just to name a few options. The application of lipstick is also important. However, one of the “must do’s” is to use a concealer. Using a concealer brush, instead of your hands or a sponge, is much better because you have better control on the coverage. The makeup artist has the tools, and the supplies, to tackle the job of enhancing your natural beauty, making it last for hours of crying, dancing, and hugging and most importantly, keeping you camera ready.
You may need to consider retaining a makeup artist for a couple of days. If you have hired a professional videographer to record the several parties surrounding your wedding you will want to be camera ready for each of those events. Trust me, it will be well worth the expense to know that you look your absolute best on the videos you will watch for a lifetime.
Photo credit to R.E.M. Photography
Why go through all this? Because you want to look flawless on your wedding day. However, remember that flawless doesn’t mean some commercial definition of perfection. Sometimes what you think of as your “flaws” are what make you beautiful and perfect. The lines that appear when you smile, that mole, the freckles, those little things about you that add to why your fiancé fell in love with you. So do yourself a favor and don’t hide everything. HD should capture your tears, the flow of your gown, that first kiss as husband and wife, and the real you.
A reporter or actor, male or female, cannot just go in front of the camera without putting on makeup. The shine on their faces could blind us. Let’s be honest now, as an audience, we critique their images like there is no tomorrow. We are as harsh and strong as the studio lighting that is focused on them. I guess it’s the fact they cannot hear us through the screen or they’re celebrities or it’s our own insecurities. But I digress.
The digital cameras and video cameras that will be used for your wedding are fast and clear. As a bride, how do you deal with it?
Make it easy on yourself and consult with a makeup artist that has experience (and plenty of it) applying makeup for print ads or commercials. Ask questions. Ask them to do a makeup trial on you, then have someone photograph or videotape you with a high quality digital camera. If the artist is good, he or she will know how to match your skin tone and type, if they should use air brush or not, use a mattifier to minimize pores, use mineral powder or pressed foundation, just to name a few options. The application of lipstick is also important. However, one of the “must do’s” is to use a concealer. Using a concealer brush, instead of your hands or a sponge, is much better because you have better control on the coverage. The makeup artist has the tools, and the supplies, to tackle the job of enhancing your natural beauty, making it last for hours of crying, dancing, and hugging and most importantly, keeping you camera ready.
You may need to consider retaining a makeup artist for a couple of days. If you have hired a professional videographer to record the several parties surrounding your wedding you will want to be camera ready for each of those events. Trust me, it will be well worth the expense to know that you look your absolute best on the videos you will watch for a lifetime.
Photo credit to R.E.M. Photography
Why go through all this? Because you want to look flawless on your wedding day. However, remember that flawless doesn’t mean some commercial definition of perfection. Sometimes what you think of as your “flaws” are what make you beautiful and perfect. The lines that appear when you smile, that mole, the freckles, those little things about you that add to why your fiancé fell in love with you. So do yourself a favor and don’t hide everything. HD should capture your tears, the flow of your gown, that first kiss as husband and wife, and the real you.
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