Monday, May 21, 2012

Here comes baby!

For this post, I decided to focus on baby showers. I've been coordinating so many lately and have seen so many fun and fresh ideas I couldnt resist sharing them. Weddings arent the only events that have been evolving with time. Baby showers have become more and more non-traditional. My last baby shower ended up switching to a post-welcome baby reception due to the mommy to be going into labor earlier than expected! Planning a baby shower is easier than a wedding since there is less coordination needed. You should start by choosing a date and reserving the venue(not necesarry if you're doing it at home). You should think of your theme while deciding on the venue to make sure they go hand in hand. Also decide if it will be a co-ed shower or just women. The last thing to do is to plan an activity.


Themes are really important because once you pick the theme, then it will make planning everything easier like your invitations, menu, dress code, decorations, etc.

Themes
The ideas for themes are endless. This is particularly more challenging than choosing a theme for your wedding because with showers you can use more fun and detailed props such as animals, children's books, nursery rhymes, storks etc.
  • Traditional Themes: Some people like to stay away from traditional because they think it automatically means boring. Well, you're wrong! I think traditional can be classic and beautiful without being boring. There is nothing sweeter than using traditional themes to welcome in a new baby. I would say the most traditional theme includes an animal. Rubber ducky, storks, teddy bears all make an adorable theme. In order to avoid the boring or cliche feel, try to have a little twist on the classic themes.
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    Who says rubber duckys have to be yellow? Make it trendy and sweet with this adorable theme by adding matching desserts for a dessert table and passing around matching cocktails such as raspberry bellinis and strawberry margaritas!
Storks have been used throughout the years as a theme. The story of the white stork delivering the bundled baby to the family's front porch. The stork is a great idea for a gender neutral theme if you dont want to find out the sex of the baby or give it away. Dont be afraid to try a modern take on this classic. Check out this "Stork Airlines" theme...
  
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 Animals are a really traditional theme. I personally love using elephants for a little boy! They are too cute..






Childrens Books: Using books can be a great way to be inspired. There are so many classic books that can be used as a theme. Plus, you'll be stocked up on storybooks to read to the new addition!

Dr. Seuss, Curious George, Peter Rabbit, and Mother Goose are all cute themes.

Mother Goose can be a great inspiration because there are so many classic rhymes.This shower was inspired by Mother Goose and matched its menu. With items such as Peter Piper Pickled Prawns, Mary Quite Contrary Garden Salad, Little Boy Blueberry scones and Miss Muffets Lemon Curd.
"Goldilox" tea sandwiches filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon can't be any cuter.

Ring Around The Rose Fools are such a pretty and delicious touch! An fruit fool is basically a mixture of whipped cream and fruit folded into it. This recipe includes strawberries and is topped with beautiful sugared rose petals. They placed the cups on top of folded doilies to make it look like they are floating on clouds. You can find the recipe here. 
Book themed shower can set for really pretty invitations. By going the antique and classic storybook route, you can have unique invites that will remind everyone of their favorite childhook storybook upon receipt.

A Peter Rabbit Theme is so sweet and traditional...


Non-Traditional Themes: Of course, my excitement lies with non traditional themes because any opportunity to try something new and fun I will jump on ! All it takes is a little creativity and sometimes the inspiration is right in front of you...

Feeling ready to POP!

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This pop theme is so unique and original and makes so much sense! It doesnt only have to center around popcorn. Try incorporating other things that pop such as cake pops, bubbles, champagne, gum and pop rocks!








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bubbles pop too!


























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What about a shower theme? I mean literally..a shower!





























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Rainboot Centerpieces!



































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Rain water drinks and cotton candy used to resemble clouds!


Tea themed showers can create a really beautiful and serence ambiance. Keep the decor vintage and soft. Try to find a venue with an outdoor garden where there is some natural shade.


These nest inspired charger plates are to die for. Not to mention the incredible detail on the porcelain plates.
Tea themed showers are very refreshing and is great for Spring. It doesnt have to be the old geezer boring tea party that you may have in mind. Use tea parties as an inspiration and add your own unique ideas. (This theme can apply to a bridal shower as well!)
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Set up the gift opening area with a washed out wooden table and fresh flowers. Rent a vintage looking couch for the mom to be to sit comfortably while opening all her new gifts!

Another important detail for showers is the activity. People are getting tired of the same old boring games like "guess whats in the diaper" and "guess that baby food". Something cute I came across was a baby shower version of "Never Have I Ever". You can print out the list on some cute cards for each table and include things such as Never Have I Ever had a baby, flown on a plane, dyed my hair, etc. In other words, keep it PG :) Any guest who has done something listed has to place a coin in a piggy bank. This becomes a gift for the baby as her first piggy bank already filled with some funds!


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Something traditional that many people still do is giving the mommy and daddy advice. Sometimes this is done at bridal showers to give the future Mr and Mrs marriage advice. You can either set this up at its own table or place each card on the table setting. You can do a card tree for this at its own table also which is cute. You could use some of these cards to make a baby book with the baby's "First" activities.



Don't be afraid to get creative with showers! It's a great opportunity to use decor that is a little more out there than weddings.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

{ Trend Alert }: Ombre

One way of setting an event trend is by looking at things around you for inspiration. Some people turn to flowers to set their tone, some turn to colors, some turn to moods such as romance, etc.  Themes for birthday celebrations can be inspired by television shows, cartoons, characters, and all other sorts of things that can provide for a wonderful and fun ambiance. However, there are certain things that the brave look to for event inspiration. Things such as the runway, fashion trends, avant garde designs, architecture, and interior design are all things that one can draw some incredible inspiration from. One of the latest trends in beauty is called ombre....


The word ombre is a French term for "shaded". It is basically an effect where the color gradually shifts from dark to light. This trend seems to have really erupted over the last year in the hair trends.
I find it incredibly inspirational that this trend that started as a new hair color has slowly made its way into other things..


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Anyone get where Im going with this yet?....Yep, you got it..ombre has now spilled into event design. One of the "founding fathers" of mixing this trend in with events is the fabulous Gwen Stefani. In 2002, she married Gavin Rossdale in a white to pink ombre wedding dress. We havent really seen ombre since then until now.




 I think its such a fascinating concept to incorporate this into event design. Some of you may think its too trendy and risky for your traditional wedding vision. If thats the case, try using it more on other types of events such as showers, birthdays, etc.

One of my favorite parts of this is the cake(no surprise there..)
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Inspiration for flowers and decor....

I love the idea of an ombre rose petal aisle runner...its like it creates anticipation in a sense until you get to the final product(the bright shade aka where the bride walks to)
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 Even invitations....
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Or maybe just the edges...



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 Some trendy favors...

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And of course...fashion..

My favorite take on ombre was Molly Sims's bridal party...It is literally swoon worthy..


Monique Lhuillier has taken this trend and turned into chic and beautiful gowns that would make any bridesmaid die over...

















Did I mention ombre makes for the cutest photo ops?

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