After seeing so many girl silhouette parties I wanted to take the same treatment to honor our son. This was really important since he is the 3rd and he's turning 3 so I started with a clean simple idea and I tried to keep the decorations simple and sweet. We kept the colors down to three primary colors (yellow, blue and green) and used a variety of prints (mainly polka dots and stripes). Every started with a simple silhouette created by Kaya Designs.
                                                           
We used the silhouette to order a custom silhouette set from Pep Custom Designs.  We then went "hog wild" with branding his silhouette on all things including water bottles, cone hats, cupcake toppers, water labels, napkins, banner and bag labels. The invitation pictures were provided by Mel Mel Photographer.

I then ordered a vinyl silhouette picture from Richmond, VA based company K&K Designs.

Here is the main table. We used wrapping paper to achieve the coordinated look since a table cloth would have been too short and it was difficult to find a coordinating look.

The cake (an actual silhouette of his head) and cupcakes were provided by Soo Sweet Confections

Here's the rest of the party and decor.

Although this party took more work coordinating up front and creating, this was by far the easiest party for set up and everything was completed for under $50.

Make it POP!!!

As a part of event planning you have to take what the client wants weather they know exactly what they want or only the things they like and create an acceptable and visually pleasing outcome no matter what it takes. While planning a candy buffet layout the future bride says, “I need something that pops!” “I’m looking for that wow-factor,” “I need something that stands out.” So in keeping with her key words we decided to add oversized round balloons to the candy buffet. However, we had a very difficult time finding perfectly round balloons. So in order to help you here are the links we found to help make your next event. POP!

http://prettieparties.bigcartel.com/category/round-balloons

http://www.etsy.com/shop/partyroom?section_id=7994963

http://www.iluvsugar.bigcartel.com/

http://www.msrballoons.com/36inchballoons-5.aspx 

http://shopsweetlulu.bigcartel.com/product/36-round-polka-dot-balloons 

http://www.balloonwarehouse.com/catalog/36inGiant_Latex_Balloons.htm 

http://www.partywedding.com/Page.aspx?nid=1043&category=category=Latex-Balloons

Graduation Celebration

Q: Do you have any centerpiece ideas for my son’s college graduation party? The colors are navy blue and gold, and I will be traveling to another state to make this party. —Susan

A: It’s very rare I say this, but in this case — less is best.

Although graduations are important events, this isn’t typically the time to order floral centerpieces, trumpet vases or pomander tissue balls. Speaking for all college grads, I’m sure your son would prefer you spend the extra money on a “love offering” than wowing his guests. Also, since this is not a local event, you will have to factor in travel arrangements.

Keep it simple. Spray paint a few old books in gold and top with various pictures of him growing up in navy blue frames. If you can’t find navy frames just spray paint those, too. For an antique look, have the pictures reprinted in sepia to show how far he’s come.

Another option is to show any old toys or books you might have around that will send him back down memory lane. Or, if all else fails, a glass vase with gold Mardi Gras beads and navy candles will do the trick. Congrats!

TAYA’S TIP: STAMP OF APPROVALYour invitation isn’t the only thing that sets the tone for your event. The invitation begins with the envelope. The color, texture, weight and writing all help determine if your invitation gets accidentally thrown out in the junk mail pile. If possible, hand-write invitations (and thank-you notes, for that matter) and personalize stamps with pictures or monograms using Stamps.com to set the tone for the invitation inside.

If you are planning an event and have no idea where to start, send an email to me at Celebrations@timesdispatch.com, subject: Taya’s Take

Event Planning special

Planning a special event? Need help?

Celebrat!on Connections is an all-inclusive event planning firm specializing in showers, weddings, corporate events, etiquette advice, event decor and all of the details in between to help you connect the dots...

We offer the following services starting as low as $30:
• inspiration boards
• invitation and stationary designs
• event concept packages
• candy buffet set-up and equipment rental
• complete event planning

MONTLY SPECIAL:
Month of Coordination services just $350, Day of Coordination for $250, and special party planner package for $200 (includes childrens birthdays, sweet 16's, quinceanera's, anniversaries and much more).

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Tripp's 2nd BAA-day

Although the column for the Baa-Day ran almost a year ago the no one ever saw the details and all the hard work that went into entertaining 20-25 one to three-year old toddlers.

The event was held at Maymont Park and the invitations read, “Be excited, you’re invited to Tripp's 2nd  BAA-day Party, ‘yea or neigh’ call to RSVP.”

The menu featured foods with coordinating labels from various farm animals, i.e. the chicken nugget platter labeled “cluck, cluck here,” pigs in a blanket labeled “oink, oink here.” The cake was labeled with his name “Tripp.” To keep up with the farm theme, we used bandana-printed paper cones to serve animal crackers and other snacks.

The tables were decorated with colorful gingham fabric swatches, stickers and place settings, which set the tone for the colorful dining ware that consisted of blue square plates, green circle cake plates, yellow napkins and red cutlery wrapped with farm-printed ribbon.

                                    

Keeping up with the theme, he wore a shirt that said, “Tripp, Tripp, Hooray it’s my 5th BAA-day” and the family wore shirts with his picture surrounded by chicks that said, “Our little Chick Magnet.” The park provided favor bags, but I also added mini ducks disguised as farm animals from http://www.orientaltrading.com/, John Deere fruit snacks, farm-related books and pig-shaped straws.

Taya's Take: Wedding Wars

Q: I was invited to a wedding and the only way I can attend is if my friend gives me a ride. So I RSVP’d with plus one. Then the bride called me back saying my friend could not attend. How does she expect me to attend if I don’t have a ride?

A: R.S.V.P 101 states, “if your name is not addressed, then the answer is NOT yes.”

I understand how difficult it is to attend an event solo, especially if you honestly need the person to attend with you. However, any former bride can tell you one + one + one = expensive. Every person that is added to the list means: an extra meal (which can be $50person), an extra favor (which can be $2-5 per person), extra programs, place cards, chair covers, cake and so on. One extra person’s total cost could be between $20 to $100+.

Every bride struggles with who makes it on the infamous “LIST” and there are some people that simply couldn’t be invited. If you are unable to find transportation to the wedding and reception, consider just attending the ceremony and send your gift via mail. There should be no hard feelings—it’s etiquette.

Q: I’m in a wedding this summer and we are starting to plan the bridal shower. Can we ask the wedding planner to help us with the shower?

A: Short answer — no. Long answer — yes, if you’re willing to pay for it.

Unless the planner has agreed in advance to plan or help with all activities pertaining to the wedding (i.e. engagement, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding brunch), which would either be very expensive, then it’s highly unlikely that the planner would agree to any extra events for free. Every event no matter how big or small takes time to plan and orchestrate. The group should approach the planner as though this is a separate event and be prepared to pay accordingly unless the planner states otherwise.

If you are planning an event and have no idea where to start, send an email to Celebrations@timesdispatch.com, subject: Taya’s Take

Vinyl Decorations

Although this isn't exactly event related this wall art is just too cute not to share. A friend just sent me pictures of vinyl wall art she used to decorate her niece's rooms. Her niece's initial concern was they didn't want the other on their sides of the room. So instead of painting an obvious black line down the room she creatively labeled their girl's space without compromising the decor.

These letters could also be used to decorate event centerpieces, dance floors, bridesmaid gifts and monograms, which can be removed at the end of the night or whenever you're ready for a change of scenery.

Vinyl letters: K-K Designs