Monday, November 22, 2010

Memorable Mention: ten23 Designs

We always look forward to sharing with you products and services that we come across that we feel are a "must-have" for an event. One such "find" is ten23Designs. They provide customized decals for events as well as the home. The best part about the decals is that they are removable and re-usable. We reached out to the owner of ten23 Designs, Lauren Sarnoff Atwaters, to learn more about this marvelous company and the woman behind the designs!




1. How did you get started in this industry?


Before getting married in 2008, I was always the the friend to turn to when help was needed with event decorating. I painted aisle runners, designed stationary and quite a few other things. This was done mostly for friends or friends of friends... For my own wedding, I made just about every decor element; my aisle runner, table numbers, invitations, place cards, program fans... water bottles... this list could go on for quite a while. From posting photos of my DIY creations, I began to get orders from people I didn't know. At one point, I was doing nearly 20 monogram designs for brides a week. That is how I got into the wedding industry.



Because of my love for graphic design, I tried to focus on that and worked mostly with monogram designing. I had many requests for my gobo lighting designs however it was out of many brides budgets, so from there, I combined my hobby of vinyl lettering with the graphic design of monogramming and Ten23 Designs ~ Custom Decals was born.


2. What services do you offer?

My primary business is custom monogram dance floor decals. The great thing about decals is the many uses and surfaces they can be applied to. Along with my monogram dance floor decals, I also offer personalized wall decor, wine glasses, candles and votives, custom charger plates, and so much more. Many of my clients use the decals on mirrors, entry doors, windows and my DIY brides often use the decals on aisle runners. In addition to the decals, I still offer monogram design services and my newest products; flameless candle table numbers and personalized wooden hangers.


3. What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love being a part of so many couples most memorable day of their marriage.


4. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am a family person. I love spending time with my family. A huge factor in my decision to start my own company was so that I can be home more and give my family the love and attention they deserve.


Make sure to check Lauren and ten23 Designs by clicking on any of the following links:

http://www.ten23designs.com/
http://www.ten23designs.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/ten23designs
www.twitter.com/ten23designs








Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Belted Bride!


A new trend in wedding attire is bridal belts. They are the perfect accessory to the bridal gown. These belts can add flair to a simple a-line or modest wedding gown. They come in many different colors and designs. The trendy bride may purchase bridal belts at bridal vendors such as New Full Bloom Bridal, The Tiara Room, or Twig and Honey to name a few. The best part about the belts, is that they may be reused after the wedding with cocktail dresses or dress pants.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Rules for Responding: RSVP Etiquette


I do not know about you, but I love getting invited to events. Whether you recieve an invitation via postal mail or electronic mail, you must know the proper way to respond. RSVP is a French acronym for "Respondez S'il Vous Plait" which translates in English to mean please respond. There are so many different ways that you can reply to an invitation. This blog will aid you in replying to the host of the event the proper way.

1. Read the invitation. There should be instructions on how to reply to the invitation such as by telephone, email or postal mail. Less formal events typically note the RSVPs at the bottom of the invitation. Real formal events send a self-addressed, stamped RSVP card for you to answer and return via U.S. Mail

2. Pay close attention to the deadline. It is important that you adhere to this because party preparations are made based on the number of RSVP responses received. Do not wait until the day of the event and show up. That is poor etiquette and just plain rude.

3. If the invitation says "Regrets Only", you only need to RSVP if you can not attend the event. It is imperative that you contact the host if you will not be attending, as they will include you in the headcount otherwise.

4. Most importantly, do not respond "yes" to the RSVP and fail to show up. Only a matter of extreme emergency should hinder your attendance. It is simply bad etiquette.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Memorable Mention: Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard



The one thing that I love is doing outdoor events. My nature in general is such that I do not like to be confined by walls. I recently went to a wine festival and was intrigued by some wine that I tasted from Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard. After speaking with the proprietors, I learned that they are located in Charlottesville, VA tucked away in the Tucker mountains. As the conversation ensued, I shared that I was an event planner and was always looking for new venues to host events. The owners quickly told me how they host many weddings and other private events on the vineyard and would love for me to come and take a tour. The winery and vineyard sits on 900 acres of beautiful land along the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge mountains. This is a beautiful place to host an event (and the wine is not bad either). So if you have some time or are visiting the Charlottesville area, check out Kluge Winery and Vineyard.

In Alexander Awe!!!


Everyone that knows me understands my undying love for shoes and watches. While visiting one of my favorite retail websites, I came across these divine open toed ankle boots by Alexander McQueen. These shoes may be pre-ordered for the "modest" price of $1,375.00. Did I forget to mention that I have very expensive taste, lol? These sexy shoes have a 6" heel and camouflaged rear zipper. Although, I can not see myself dishing out the funds to purchase these shoes for myself, I will gladly take donations!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thanksgiving Chic!


Thanksgiving is nearing and most people are preparing to share the festivities with family and friends. I don't know about you, but I get tired of the same old Thanksgiving table decor. I get tired of seeing the pumpkins and cornucopias as the main centerpieces on the table. I like to design tablescapes that are chic, yet still maintain the integrity of the occasion.

To make a chic Thanksgiving tablescape, try using candles in earth tone colors to illuminate the table. Also, you can use natural elements from outside such as leaves for the decor. Leaves can be used as part of the napkin holders or as fillers inside of vases. Nuts may also be used as fillers for vases with floating candles at the top.

Instead of using traditional white or eggshell colored plates, try spicing up the table with gold or pumpkin colored flatware. These colors will accent the earth tones and make the table pop!

There are so many different things that you can do to make your Thanksgiving tablescape veer from the norm. Just remember to not be afraid to experiment and have fun!