Wednesday, January 29, 2014

You Are What You Drink

Serving a signature cocktail inspired by the bride and groom has become commonplace at weddings all across the country.  It's a great way to infuse a little personality into the beverage program of your event.  While your bartender or caterer will help you create something custom it's always good to have an idea of what type of drink you want to be your signature as husband and wife.  Here are some thoughts for your consideration...cheers!

If you're having a springtime wedding somewhere outdoors...
Vodka Soda with Frozen Wildflower Flower Ice Cubes

If you're planning a destination wedding somewhere exotic...
Kiwi Daiquiri

If you're hosting a winter wonderland-theme wedding...
Raspberry Martini (served in a frosted sugar-rimmed martini glass, of course!)

If you're having a casual pool-side reception and want to party...
Peach and Champagne Jello Shots

If you're planning an elegant summertime affair...
Rose-Infused Vodka Collins (served in a Gold Leaf-rimmed glass)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

A Night With 007

Regardless of what your cinematic taste is there is one thing that pretty much everyone can agree on: there's no one cooler than James Bond.  Recently we had the opportunity to plan and produce a very cool 007-themed birthday party for a client that was nothing short of spectacular.  Chicago's legendary hotel, The Drake, served as the perfect backdrop for the party, which featured everything from oversized glass centerpieces brimming with fresh red roses to casino and martini-inspired desserts (think dice-shaped cake pops and sweets in the shape of stuffed martini olives.)  Models dressed as James Bond himself and the famously sexy Bond Girls mixed and mingled with the party's 400 guests.  Take a peak at some of our favorite photos from the evening below...



Friday, January 10, 2014

Winter Wonderland Wedding

Temperatures have been hitting record lows all over the country and here in Chicagoland we have definitely been feeling the freeze!  While conventional wisdom would have us believe that all brides prefer to have their weddings during the warm weather months of spring and summer, a number of them actually opt for winter weddings.  Believe it or not there are a number of terrific reasons to celebrate your marriage in December, January or February. 
 
1. Increased Availability: Typically there are far fewer events during these months, meaning you probably won’t have to fight with another couple over your dream venue on the date of your choice.  You’re likely to find more available weekends at hotels, country clubs and other would-be wedding reception locales from January – March.
 
2. Decreased Cost: Simply put, more availability and less event bookings = lower cost and more room to negotiate with vendors.
3. Center of the Season: Opting for a wintertime wedding will ensure that you are one of very few weddings your guests will be attending during that time of year; as opposed to the traditional “wedding season” where people tend to have nuptial-related events every single weekend.
Check out elements of some of our favorite Winter Wonderland-themed weddings (we guarantee you’d be inspired!)
White aisle lined with candles and flowers, plu dangling overhead lightswinter romanceA Cozy Winter Wedding
PPM: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix perfect for Santa Claus Parade parties or after watching outdoor fireworks or sliding. :)Seven layer white wedding cake with white chocolate shavings and snowflakes // Carol's Cakes // Photographer: Weddings by Sal & Bella
Glamorous Winter Wedding Decoration Ideas

Friday, January 3, 2014

Trend Watch: 2014 Color of The Year

Just last month Pantone, the country's leading authority on color, announced the official hue of 2014 and we couldn't be more excited about it!  The new hue of the New Year is Radiant Orchid, a strikingly beautiful shade of purple with pink and fuchsia undertones.  This gorgeous color is already popping up all over place, including events!  While flowers are  the obvious way to incorporate Radiant Orchid into an upcoming soiree, there are so many ways in which to utilize this surprisingly versatile color.  Here are a few of our favorites to get your creative juices flowing...