Party Planning Tips
Event Trends
The 2011 event season is here, and with it comes a plethora of fun and whimsy with new (and some old) trends! While it's fun to bask in the trendy eye candy, remember that trends are great upsells, and the key to taking advantage of the season's trends is figuring out how to apply the trend to your products or service. If it's hot, brides and event planners will want it. So make sure you have something to offer them.
Less "structured" events
Rustic settings, outdoor events with tents are very in - think wineries, barns, meadows. Food follows this trend with buffets, tapas, and stations instead of formal sit-down dinners.
Non-alcoholic bars with mixers and fresh fruit
No need to just have sodas and iced tea. Set up smoothie bars with sparkling drinks, fruits, and veggies as mixers and garnish.
Eco-friendly, green, and organic
This trend is not going away anytime soon. Even if it is not a truly "green" event, brides and event planners still like the look and feel of an organic, earthy event. Local specialty foods and produce farms area huge hit.
Forego favors
Donations to charity are more "in" than ever!
Whimsical touches
"Whimsy" is the name of the game in 2011. Even the most elegant affairs can incorporate some fun and personal elements - from signage to desserts to favors.
Chandeliers and creative lighting
Chandeliers, pin spotting, color lighting "washes" on the walls/draping, candles, and hanging lanterns - a top trend in 2011 for sure!
Hot colors
All shades of blue and greens, a very monochromatic look. For spring and summer, the bright colors trend continues - bright yellow mixed with other vibrant colors, such as hot pinks with oranges and turquoise blue; gold for a metallic; and for the vintage craze, anything muted - peaches, pinks, pale blues, and yellows.
Infusion music/salsa bands
Music is a great way to bring together different cultures. Use different music for cocktail hour versus dinner and dancing.
Disclaimer: Some content courtesy of InTents magazine.
Party Checklist
- Book venue (or rent a tent!)
- Invitations
- Hire caterer and plan menu (buffet style or formal dinner, drink menu, dessert)
- Welcome/entry signage
- Sign-in board or guest book
- Overall room décor (balloons, banners, lighting accessories, etc.)
- Seating cards
- Table décor, including linens, place settings, glassware, centerpieces, votive candles, napkins/napkin rings, etc.
- Confirm DJ or band
- Confirm photographer and/or videographer
- Design and print personalized or professional programs if needed
- Create "day of" schedule and name a day of coordinator
- Confirm headcount and go over last-minute details
CAD Diagrams
Mahaffey uses CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs to assist in the planning of many projects. We can provide schematic drawings that allow you to better visualize the completed tent and its components. Crowd flows and equipment access paths can be pre-planned and approved before assembly work begins, helping eliminate any unpleasant surprises to ensure your satisfaction.
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