This is an awesome visual tool to help with wedding planning, especially if you are going custom. Of course if you don’t have the luxury of a year, don’t fret— it can be smushed down. But this would certainly be the ideal, with the “oh crap!” time that I always like to build in, just in case. {via Crafty Pie Press}
It’s been a awhile since we’ve had the Ask-A-Planner question, so it is exciting to back in the saddle! This one comes from Asia, and is a question I dealt with for my own wedding.
Dear Sara,
My fiance and I are currently living overseas, but are moving back to the US soon. After we are settled, we will have a small wedding there with mostly family.
We want to have an engagement party while we are still overseas with our friends here, but I read on many web-sites you MUST invite everyone to the wedding that you invited to your engagement party.
Do you think that holds true if you live in one country and will get married in another? We want to celebrate with our friends overseas while we are here, knowing that many of them wouldn’t be able to come to the wedding in the US anyway, nor do we want that large of a wedding.
Thank you!
Newly Engaged in Asia
Dear Newly Engaged,
First of all, congratulations!! This is such an exciting time!
You are already diving head long into one of the first challenges of planning a wedding– the guest list. This effects so much of the planning process (including additional parties!), and it one of the hardest parts. Additionally, there is not a lot of info out there for people in your situation (I know, because I looked for us too!) of living and planning in different cities, especially overseas.
Honestly, I think the rule of only inviting guests to parties that will be invited to the wedding is kind of a pain; It can fatigues your guests (I was a bridesmaid in a wedding that had different kinds of bridal showers every month leading up to the wedding. I was in college at the time— it was so expensive!!). And really— even people not in your situation ask this same question, so I’m kind of waiting for the day when this rule is abandoned.
But–even though I am all about bucking the norm, I think there will still be some traditionalist out there who might expect an invite to the wedding if they are invited to the other festivities. And you’d risk hurt their feelings– and no one wants that to happen.
In order to celebrate with your overseas friends and not confuse people, I’m wondering if you can get around “the rule” by calling the party something else. Like ”A Celebration of our Union” (ok, the name needs work) or something that implies what it is, without saying the traditional term “engagement party” that will lead people to expect a wedding invitation Since you won’t be having another party here after you are married there should be some way to convey to people that this is their chance to party it up wedding style with you and it’s all in the wording of the invite. (And maybe you can even wear a white sundress to the party!).
Readers, what do you think? What is the best way for dealing with this oppressive rule of invites?
I don’t usually wear lipstick. It may be because I am not good at putting it on, and often feel I look like a clown. But I’d love a little bit of pop for events and special occasions, you know?
When I saw this tutorial for creating bigger lips, I actually gasped. I will be trying this in the near future, for sure.
STEPS:
See suggested tools here.
Things haven’t quite slowed down yet— but I had to share this quote.
This paper tape might be the best invention ever. It’s practical, colorful, and informative. And cute– which is the best part.
Keeping your tea bag from floating way.
I loved these styling tips by Chelsea from Frolic! – and I thought how useful they are for any kind of decor or party planning process. I’m sharing them here and adding some of my own thoughts and tips. She says she wants everything to look pretty and just right but it also has to be simple, quick and inexpensive– something to which we can all relate!
1. Think about Location.
One of the first important decisions of an event is picking the venue. Even if it’s at your house, deciding on whether the party will take place indoors or at the pool will make a big difference in the look and feel of your event.
2. Stick to one or two colors.
It makes things so much easier ( and cheaper!). To make it even easier and to add some depth, I often pick a color then decorate in shades of that color, based on what I can find.
3. Pretty chairs are important.
This is a tough one, as it can add up quickly, and sometimes you don’t have much control over the chairs at a venue. But they do certainly make a difference, so decide if chairs or {simple} slipcovers can fit into your budget.
4. Anything can be a centerpiece.
It doesn’t alway have to be flowers– think outside the box. Using seasonal fruit or donutes for centerpieces and doubling them up for favors is great fun for guests.
5. Make your table look homemade.
Little personal touches are what make an event memorable. Making the napkins or seating cards give a lot of warmth and character to your party.
6. Use pretty packaging.
Buy or make jams, sodas, or favor packages. Ensuring that these items are pretty make people want to take them home.
7. Hang flags!
Bunting is so popular right now because it is simple and inexpensive to make. It adds a bit of fun to your wall or ceiling, making everything more festive.
8. Use handwriting.
I have nice handwriting, so I use this technique often. But I have a friend with even better skills, and I’ve called on her more than once to lend a hand! It really shows that you took the time and cared enough to add that personal touch.
9. Have fun!
Your event should reflect you and your style– so use things you like and enjoy. Don’t feel pressure to use or incorporate pieces that don’t speak to you. Have fun with it, and your guests will enjoy it too!
When I started Event Lucky, I was running a not-for-profit organization, surrounded by actors practicing their craft. I needed a creative outlet, and since stage management/event planning is my contribution to the artistic process, I thought I could share some insights while having a space to express myself. Over the four years I’ve produced this blog it has evolved and changed with my inspiration and interests and it’s still one of my favorite activities. It’s a part of me.
But right now I’m not as excited about events as much as I once was. I still love them and all of the creativity, not only in decor but in problem solving, coordinating and connecting with guests {my strengths}, but right now I am excited about something else.
Although I have a degree in theatre, it wasn’t until I moved to New York City that I got involved in arts education {as my day job}. I loved the organization that I was working with {then running} and I became incredibly passionate about the cause, working in the industry in Washington, DC and Hong Kong. I learned so much — about engagement, education and evaluation, and different kinds of arts education models– that I want to share those experiences. The Event Lucky blog has been such a wonderful outlet for me and I think this arts education blog can be, too.
I launched my second blog, Plan Creatively, just this weekend. In addition to arts education, I’ll also be talking about my own art adventures and explorations, which often inspires my events and color combinations, so I’m sure there will be some cross over.
And don’t worry— I’ll still be producing Event Lucky, although probably not as often {I say that, but it’s hard to stay away!}. There will be some slight changes, small shifts as this space evolves, but I hope it will continue to be a space for event inspiration, ideas, tips and trends.
Wish me luck! And come check out Plan Creatively!
This week’s question comes from Mary in Los Angeles.
Hi Sara,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m planning a Christmas Brunch this Sunday and as an activity I will have a craft table where the guest will be able to make their own gift tags– I’ll send you pictures! Where could I also find templates for food labels and other items for a holiday party?
Thanks!
Mary
Hi Mary,
Sounds like a fun party! I wish I could join you.
I found a few different sign packages to give your party a design feel. The first 2 are quite complete– the last one just includes a few pieces, but was too cute to forget. And, of course, they are all free!
I hope this helps– and good luck on Sunday!
xoxo
Sara
We are getting a lot of questions about Christmas menu planning— and we love it! Certainly a holiday gathering is party planning that we can all relate! This week’s question is from Will in Washington, DC via Facebook.
Dear Sara,
I have guests coming to our small DC condo after Christmas. We would like to host a dinner-type function, but do not have a dining table and/or chairs. The total number of guests is five. Any creative thoughts on how we plan a successful finger food dinner that would be filling and flexible enough for the space limitations?
Thank you,
Will
Dear Will,
What a great question! This is one of those issues that so many people deal with, from those in urban areas, to newlyweds, to senior citizens.
The key to making a finger food meals successful isn’t necessarily in the menu choices, but in being creative in how to serve it. Want to serve soup? Put it in a shot glass or small cup. Want to serve a traditional holiday meal? Put it in a sandwich or a stack (turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce) and cut it into bite size pieces. Want to serve french fries? Put them in a cone. You get the idea.
Next tip is to have a lot of variety. When you are having a sit down meal it’s easier to keep things simple. With little bites, variety is key. Also, don’t put everything out at once. Still keep up your “courses” so everyone is excited to see what will come out next (like a tapas restaurant!)
I did put together some menu ideas (because it’s fun!) — see what you think! 
Top row: shrimp and sausage, the cutest salads ever, brie on a stick
Second row: quinoa stuffed cucumber, chicken’n'waffles, mac & cheese
Third row: sweet potato rounds, beets and toast, individual berry tarts
Another good idea? Small plates. By using smaller plates that we have to refill more often, we get full faster. Seriously.
Good luck! And let us know how it goes!
xoxo
Sara
