Put some WOW into your wedding!

Kicking off Spring twenty years ago at the premiere of “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” Elizabeth Hurley may have explored with a consultant about what she would wear to the movie premiere. One action or decision can change the perfect event into something unexpected.

According to news.com.au, Hurley suggests her career may have taken a more serious turn had she not worn the famous Versace safety-pin dress that captured the world’s attention. Hurley became an overnight sensation when she appeared alongside her then boyfriend Hugh Grant wearing the infamous black evening gown for the premiere. The plunging Versace dress was held together by oversized gold safety pins, leaving little to the imagination. “THAT dress,” as it was forever then called, launched her career, but quite possibly the one she desired.

Spring refers to love, hope, youth and growth. Rebirth and renewal are the real purpose of Spring. Yes, the cake, gown and centerpieces are all important, but what about the one detail that takes it over the top? We want to bring new trends and services to make your special event not just beautiful but thought-provoking and modern. There are many details that go into creating a special event, but a final touch is when you incorporate a WOW moment with something new and different.

For the ceremony, a giant chuppah can take your guests breath away. {Pictured: the groom handmade the chuppah for his wife-to-be.} Walking down the aisle, is also a magical moment, and could be show stopping with a fireworks display or a special performance as you walk down the aisle.

Take a few dance lessons before your wedding, but instead of the standard waltz, choose a sultry tango or a high-energy swing routine, and then surprise everyone during your first dance. For an unexpected surprise, get your dad or even your grandpa in on the act. {Pictured: this new bride choreographed a funky dance for the Father-Daughter Dance.}

Just when everyone thinks the fun is winding down, liven up the party with late-night nibbles that will leave everyone ready for an after-party. Think about it: crinkle French fries, fresh chocolate chip cookies and milk shooters, a fully loaded taco bar, or even a chicken and waffle truck!

    

An event should be these: innovative and original. Whether it’s a wedding or a corporate fete.

     

 

 

Should I Really Send a Save the Date?

Should you send Save the Date cards for your wedding?  Is a Save-the-Date really necessary? It is—especially if you’re planning a destination wedding, a summer wedding, or a wedding that falls on a three-day weekend. Not only can they allow your loved ones plenty of time to make arrangements to share in your special day (which is especially important for friends and family who will be traveling to your wedding location) they can be a fun way to give your guests a glimpse into you as a couple, and into the kind of wedding you’re planning.

Save the Dates also encourage travelers to take advantage of travel deals, book flights, and make any other necessary plans sooner than later. Don’t send them too late either. The earlier you can notify guests that they are going to be invited to a wedding, the better.

Think carefully before sending out Save the Dates because they must go to people you are actually going to invite to the wedding.

Don’t make it too obscure. The most important thing is that the main information like your names, the date and location are clear. Also, if you definitely know that you want a single guest to bring a plus one at this stage, add this to the Save the Date. If plus-ones and kids are invited, remember to specify “and guest” or “and family” when addressing save-the-dates. Address cards accordingly—and that means waiting until your guest list is set.

Don’t forget to include your wedding website—if you’re going to create one, it’s best to launch it in time for the save-the-date.

Be creative! Your save the date doesn’t have to exactly match the color scheme or wedding theme you’re having—who knows what that will be at this early stage! Just make it personal to you and your groom.  Filmstrips are popular, as are magnets because they go (and stay) right on the fridge, but a garden-party save-the-date might come in the form of a flower seed packet, and a luggage tag could help guests keep track of your destination wedding date and their suitcase.

Aim to send save-the-dates six to eight months before your wedding, especially if you’re tying the knot in a far-flung destination. http://www.eventsplusstyle.com

Getting Engaged on Valentine’s Day

Are you thinking of popping the question on Valentine’s Day? Yes, THAT question – “Will You Marry Me?” Well, you better make it extra special! Here are a few ideas for you.

The cliché always works, no matter what, it’s special!

Roses Everywhere

Roses. Red Roses. EVERYWHERE. Petals are even more special. Lots of them. In the bathtub, on the bed, in the path into your house or her apartment. If you live together, spread them around while she is asleep or at work. But it should be a rose-sprinkled wonderland. And then, the magic happens. Right before she recovers, you go down on one knee to pop the question: “Will you marry me?”

Cute Cards

Remember those cute cards you gave out in elementary school? Write one reason why you love him or her, or a favorite memory on each one. Plant them everywhere on Feb. 14: in jacket pockets, near the toothbrush, purse, the refrigerator, cupboards, on the wheel of the car…and anywhere else you can think of…Finally, present the last and biggest card that asks the big question – “Will you marry me?”

Candy Hearts

Who doesn’t love the candy hearts with the sayings on them? Those irresistible candy conversation hearts…lay a trail of those from the front door to the proposal spot where you and the ring await. Add a giant candy paper heart sign that says: “Will you marry me?” for that extra sweet ending!

Sandy Sign

It’s San Diego and there is no snow. BUT, there is sand! Take advantage of it! Find a location with an expanse of untouched sand, and walk the outline of a huge heart and put your initials in the center of it. Pack two wine glasses and a bottle of wine, then go for a sunset walk together. When you “stumble” upon your sand tracing, pause and kneel to propose!

Charm Her

Make her a charm bracelet. Each charm represents a shared memory, and inside joke or a turning point in your relationship. Choose only heart-shaped charms and inscribe each with a meaningful word or memory. The last one could be a miniature locket that opens to the message “Marry Me.”

A few additional ideas that may catch her by surprise! Don’t pop the question on Valentine’s Day night. Do it at a romantic brunch, or an amazing picnic early in the day. He or she won’t be expecting it when the ring appears with the omelet. Ask your Significant Other at the beginning of dinner instead of the end, when he or she is least expecting it. Surprise your loved one with rose petals and a path to the bedroom where the ring box sits waiting on the bed encircled in roses. Flowers: Instead of choosing the ever popular roses, use a bouquet of more exotic and beautiful blooms, particularly if the woman’s flower is something other than a rose. Embrace clichés: For a whimsical proposal, embrace the VD clichés to your advantage. Attach the ring to a pink teddy bear, root through a bag of candy for every heart that says “Marry Me” or rent a Cupid costume for a humorous proposal that has fun with the holiday!

Roughly 10 percent of couples in the United States choose Valentine’s Day as the perfect day to get engaged. For some couples, getting engaged on Valentine’s Day is the most romantic possible way to take their relationship to the next level! The key is to make it unique and meaningful.

 

 

Featured Venues : Celebrating 100 Years of San Diego Beauty at Balboa Park

San Diego is one of the most amazing cities in Southern California. Here we have gorgeous beaches, an electric downtown nightlife, mouthwatering Mexican food, and beautiful weather all year long. One of our favorite San Diego destinations is Balboa Park. The park has hosted many events: weddings, charity fundraisers, and races…you name it and it’s probably been done at Balboa Park. The park also frequently puts on its own events such as summer concerts, art shows, exhibitions and festivals. You can check out what is going on now in celebration of 100 years here! http://celebratebalboapark.org/celebrate

 

     Photo Credit: sandiego.planmygetaway.com

     Photo Credit: ABM Wedding Photography

The entire park spans over 1,200 acres and is a very wide-open venue with many beautiful gardens, delicious restaurants, fascinating museums and theaters, and historic buildings. It is also home to one of the most famous zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park is unique because it is unlike any other location in San Diego. It’s almost like its own little world, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, a change of scenery from the beach, and very serene yet lively at the same time. Not only is it a famously beautiful historic venue, but it is such a large venue that you can hold your event almost anywhere, whether you want to be inside, or outside in the beautiful San Diego sun.

Photo Credit: www.balboapark.org

Photo Credit: www.balboapark.org

Photo Credit: True Photography Weddings

We’ve attended and planned many different events at Balboa Park; ranging from brunch at the delicious Prado restaurant, a charity event at the magnificent Hall of Champions, a corporate event at the Natural History Museum, multiple plays at the famous Casa Del Prado Theater, a photo shoot at the aweing Spreckles Organ Pavilion, and so much more. Balboa Park gives you the flexibility to move around and not be confined to one specific area; every location throughout the park offers beautiful and perfect venue options for a memorable event.

Photo Credit: www.balboapark.org

Photo Credit: Angela Andrieux Photography

Photo Credit: Benjamin Burner Photography

Looking for a venue? We’d love to help! http://www.eventsplusstyle.com 858.225.8515.

10 Summer Hacks for Your Next Event!

It’s summertime! This is a time to spend with friends and family enjoying the warm, beautiful summer weather. And if you’re planning an outdoor event, you want to be able to take advantage of this weather and create a fun, cool, no hassle, summer-friendly atmosphere. Don’t be stuck inside, go outside and enjoy yourself! Here are 10 summer hacks for your next event.

1) Fun and unique cooler for drinks
Photo Credit: WeddingMix Blog, buzzfeed.com, chicnest.net

2) Sunscreen and bug spray for your guests

Photo Credit: buzzfeed.com

3) Fruit-infused ice blocks for punch

Photo Credit: The Culinary Tribune

4) Pre-scooped ice cream in the freezer

Photo Credit: http://www.kojo-designs.com

5) Fruit salad in a hollowed out watermelon

Photo Credit: buzzfeed.com

6) Monogrammed sunglasses for your wedding guests

Photo Credit: etsy.com

7) Wedding program fan

Photo Credit: weddingchicks.com

8) DIY Firefly jar:
1) Cut glow sticks and shake contents in a jar
2) Add some diamond glitter
3) Seal jar with lid and shake

Photo Credit: redbubble.com

9) Skewer veggies and meat for easier grilling

Photo Credit: cookingglory.com, marthastewart.com

10) Fun activities for all ages! – slip and slide, horseshoes, corn hole, spray paint the grass for twister

Photo Credit: stylemepretty.com

Life on Fire! : Ignite Event 2015

This past week we attended a phenomenal event, Ignite Your Movement put on my Nick Unsworth, Entrepreneur and Founder of Life on Fire. The event was attended by Business Professionals at all different stages in their career. Some were looking to make the leap from their job in the corporate world to being their own boss running a business that they are truly passionate about. Others had already made the leap and have achieved success, but are looking to continue to see a bigger vision and achieve all that God has for them…living a Life on Fire!

It’s hard to put words to how incredible it was! It was such an inspiring and empowering business event that changed so many lives for the better. Complete with DJ’s spinning beats to set the tone, incredible business content, the ‘walk on glass’ and ‘board breaking’ challenge to break away from fears, networking opportunities and a final “Faith” session that resulted in so many people giving their lives to Christ!

We have some BIG ideas and exciting things in the works for our Clients. Thank you to Nick Unsworth, the Life on Fire team {and beautiful fiance Megan Ann} for putting on this incredible event!!!

The next one will be April of 2016. I’d highly recommend attending! Stay tuned for more details 🙂

Summer Special for 2015 & 2016 Weddings

Can you believe it’s summer already?

Whether your wedding is right around the corner or a year away, we are offering a Summer Special on our Day of & Month of Coordination packages.

Why do you need  a Day of or Month of Coordinator?
You’ve probably put a lot of time, energy and money into carefully planning the perfect wedding day, now it’s time to make sure you enjoy every second. A Day or Month of Coordinator will make sure you have covered all the little details, create an organized timeline, confirm details with your vendors, set up your ceremony & reception, manage the timeline and make sure you are happy and fully enjoying your wedding day. You’ve invested a lot, we make sure it is perfect.

Why hire us?
Events Plus Style is San Diego’s premier wedding and event planning concierge. Our stress-free wedding planning + coordination services allow you to enjoy your event as much as your guests do. Our Founder and Lead Coordinator, Sara Holley has 10 years experience in the wedding industry; previously working for a venue coordinating 60+ weddings a year .  She has a passion for weddings and genuinely wants to help her Brides & Grooms have their wedding be everything and much much more than they could have ever imagined.

Please visit our website and check out our yelp reviews. For more information on our Day of and Month of Coordination Packages, please contact us. This promotion ends July 31st, 2015.

w} http://www.eventsplusstyle.com
e} hello@eventsplusstyle.com
p} 858.225.8515

We look forward to hearing from you!

Soon to be Mr. & Mrs : Meet Julia & Paul!

Julia & Paul will be getting married at the beautiful Montana Cielo this coming October. We loved meeting them and learning about their story and wedding plans! We are so excited to help them enjoy their wedding day. Here is their story of how they met and photos {just in!} from their engagement session complete with their fury friends, of course!

Paul and I first met over 7 years ago, when I was just 18, and he was 19. It was a bit of a chance meeting–He was down visiting his dad from Oregon for a few days for Christmas with one of his friends. His friend happened to like my friend, and they both dragged Paul & I along for a day trip that we didn’t really want to go on. We both ended up going, and clicked immediately. I remember that the first time I saw him walk through the door, I felt this intense emotion, and knew this man was going to be an important part of my life.

After he went back up to Oregon for school, we continued to talk constantly. I was still in high school, but would fly up to Oregon every couple of weeks to see him. After I graduated, I moved up there for the summer, and ended up staying.

Fast forward: 2 Years later, Paul graduates from the UO, and I get in to FIDM. We move to San Francisco, where I attend FIDM for 2 years. While in San Francisco, we adopt our first Terrier, Teri. She is truly the light of our life, and we can’t imagine our life without her. Once I graduate from FIDM, we decide to move to NYC, where I have an interview for an internship. We moved to NYC, with nothing but Teri and our suitcases, and live an insane life for 2 years. NYC is where we adopt our second dog, Toby Tobias III. After 2 years, we decide we want to go back to California, where all of our family is.

We decide to move to San Diego, where both of my sisters live, and is pretty close to the rest of our family. A few months after we move back, it’s Christmas time. We go to OB with my sisters and the pups for dinner. On the beach, Paul tells me, “Love, you didn’t even notice that Teri has a new collar.” I look, amazed that I didn’t notice it, and see that it’s a red heart, with the words “Will You Marry Me” engraved on it. I start laughing, and I start crying. We had been together for nearly 7 years at this point–It was an incredible feeling. Once I can speak, I tell him “Of course”, with Teri still in my arms. We laugh and kiss, and went to an incredible dinner, and have been planning our special day ever since.

The importance of the…TIMELINE!

A key element of a successful wedding or event that is sometimes overlooked is simply the timing. Creating a timeline and having someone manage it will result in your guests enjoying every second of the event, leaving saying “Wow, that was a really great time”. When there is not a well-managed timeline, your guests will be left waiting and looking at their watches. If a ceremony starts 30 minutes late, guests will be looking around wondering what is going on. If your photographer takes you to a far away location for photos after the ceremony with no timeline management, it could result in a longer than one-hour cocktail hour. This can lead to guests having a few too many drinks and if no one has updated the catering staff, the expensive meal you have planned could be served cold due to the delay. {Sorry photog friends, just being real here!} We love to manage a timeline to keep things flowing from start to finish, checking in with all vendors to ensure a smooth flow. An “event peave” of mine is when the guests enter the reception room and their is no music on. It’s awkward! Music sets the tone and can create a relaxing ambiance for dinner and more upbeat energized environment to get people on the dance floor. Here’s a snap shot one of our wedding timelines. We kind of love em. ❤

Jamison’s 1st Birthday!!!

Our very own, Ashley’s Son Jamison turned one! We loved styling his Mustache themed party! Jamison is so adorable. He had so much fun celebrating in his Birthday #1 tie, smashing his first cake and playing with balloons in his crib. Needless to say, NO nap happened on this day! Stephen with Stegela Photography captured the details and excitement beautifully. Stephen and his wife, Angela are amazing photographers that do weddings, events, boudoir, and professional head shots. Check out our collage of all the cuteness!

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We love planning and styling Kid’s Birthday Parties!

Do you or someone you know have a special party to plan for their Son or Daughter? We’d love to help!