Thursday, September 2, 2010
Remember when you were little and you tried to make your own flip book of a stick figure walking or a plane flying? Ok maybe that's just me but I've always loved the concept of flipbooks. That's how cartoons were back in the day and I thought it was just the coolest thing!
When Ashley and I saw the Fantastic Flipbooks (FantasticFlipbooks.com) booth at the bridal show I (confession) squealed a little because it just took me back! What a retro adaptation of an old school innovation! It was high-tech back then and now that it's 2010 Fantastic Flipbooks has managed to take it to a whole new level.
Fantastic Flipbooks will transform a 10' X 10' space and electricity into a great activity that will keep your wedding or party guests happy. This is sure to put a smile on anyone's face and it's so easy to do. Plus, the cute books are a great momento that will serve as a party favor that will not get trashed! Ashley and her niece enjoy flipping through the books of complete strangers (because they are so much fun to just see) so imagine how much fun one featuring you and your bff would be!
They describe the process like this: "We start by taking sixty super-fast pictures of people being fabulous in our booth. They can dress up, perform a skit using our props, be silly or sweet or just flat out crazy. Then in less than two minutes, we print and assemble a cool take-home video (no batteries required) in a paper flipbook. You can even add a message or graphics on a custom cover."
The books can also be customized - They will "work with one of our designers to create a custom cover that matches the theme of your event. Include logos, names, dates or pictures - just about anything you want! We can also have a personalized message scroll across the bottom of the pages like a news ticker."
If you're interested in having them at your wedding, definitely give them a call or email them at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Definitely visit FantasticFlipbooks.com to watch a demo video, and to find out more details on how it works and what your options are! This really would make an awesome favor that you and your guests can take home and enjoy for a long time.
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Guests, Gifts & Favors
0 comments »
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
We're back to share more great finds from the Weddings, the Bridal Show. (If you missed our favorite booths overall, scroll down to Monday and Tuesday's posts for more FABULOUSness.) Today we're talking planners, florists + wedding rentals - many of the must-have resources for your wedding day.
WEDDING PLANNER
Regalo Design - regalodesign.com
Picture Source: Regalo Design
The fabulous Sarah Goude and her team at Regalo Design had, quite possibly, the most chic booth that day. Nothing overwhelming, really attention-grabbing and just stunning. At one glance brides could see she knew a thing or two about flowers and event design. Each bride that stopped by also got a pink beauty queen sash that Sarah hand-glittered (all 1010 of them)!!
Picture source: Regalo Design
WEDDING FLORALS
Branching Out - BranchingOutEventFlorist.com
Using the theme, "chic rustique," Branching Out Event Florist used burlap draping, branches and pillar candles in cool hurricanes. It's amazing how much dimension there is just using lush white flowers.
Look there's a bride in a Regalo sash!
RENTALS + EVENT DECOR
Liberty Party Rental - libertypartyrental.com
Some rental companies these days aren't all just about how many tables, chairs, silverware and how many champagne flutes you want to order. They now provide event design and will come up with creative, really great tablescapes and decor for your wedding.
Our friends at Liberty Party Rental provide tons of resources online and through their event consultants to help you conceptualize and design your dream event. For the show they decked out their section as a swanky, loungey reception set up in an orange and yellow, Fall inspired theme that we loved.
Such a simple but effective idea - weaving a sash through the back of the chiavari chairs instead of the usual bow.
Grand Central Party Rentals - GrandCentralParty.com
Right at the entrance to the hall were some spectacular tablescapes by Grand Central Party rentals. THey had various color schemes set up, from a green-apple inspired table with fall accents to a rich, turqoise and white. One that caught Ashley's eye was a slightly more preppy green, pink and white table which was both sweet and elegant.
Brides in Nashville definitely aren't lacking in options! Bridal shows like these and of course ABG are here to provide those resources so you get exactly what you desire on your wedding day! Happy planning!
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Resources
0 comments »
Monday, August 16, 2010
A few weeks ago, Ashley and I braved the Nashville heat and headed to Weddings, the Bridal Show at the Nashville Convention Center. We attend each year which makes impressing us VERY hard. But each bridal show reminds us why we love Nashville weddings and our local wedding vendors. Booth after booth featured samples and elaborate backdrops that showed off each business's strengths and we ooh-ed and ahh-ed our way through the hall, stuffed with cakes and other sweets.
This week, we'll share our favorite bridal show booths, starting with the booth that inspired us the most by Enchanted Florist!
Ashley's Bride Guide's Most Inspiring Booth Pick - Enchanted Florist
The booth was a sight to behold - a luscious, almost gothic combination of red and black that stood like an oasis in the fluorescent desert that was the convention hall. Amy of Swizzle Events mentioned that the wedding concept reminded her of the movie Twilight. We agreed and think it would be great for the Twilight-loving bride and groom.
Wow. Just... WOW. Just when you think Caprice and crew could never top their booth at previous bridal shows, they did it again! Towering floral structures paired with lower containers filled with black river rocks - the combinations and possibilities are endless!
Two long tables flanked a black and white checkerboard aisle complete with rose petals arranged in an "E." Imagine your initials in its place on your aisle and imagine this grandeur for your big day - stunning.
Never one to hold back, Enchanted Florist also had on display other floral arrangements to showcase but it was hard to look away from the booth in its entirity. The single rose floating atop black river rocks on the alternating black and red chargers was a nice touch.
Strands of pearls draped from branches seemed to float above the rich reds. Again... WOW.
Calling this a booth does not do it justice! It was attention grabbing and we weren't the only ones who stopped by that day. For more pictures of their work that will make you gush, visit Enchanted Florist online. You can also find more of Enchanted Florist's gorgeous work in our Wedding Inspiration Gallery. We'll be covering more of the unique, fun booths we saw at the bridal show this week so be sure to check back!
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Inspiration & Trends
1 comment »
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I always go on and on about how much I love food. One thing I tend not to boast is my love for flowers because unlike my foodie habits, I'm not familiar with the names of flowers and can't always wax poetically about them. That's why we have our Ashley's Bride Guide vendors - true professionals who are the go-to's for the things we love. The ones who, when you say "I like that bouquet that has those flowers, you know the pink and white ones with the things and the little whachamacallits?" know exactly what you're talking about.
Today's expert advice comes from Cedarwood who recently began a series of posts on their blog that I'm uber excited about called Bouquet Boutique. I'm sure you are thinking "Cedarwood is an event venue right? Why are they showcasing wedding flowers?". Well, Cedarwood is actually a one-stop shop for weddings. You bring yourself, your fiance, your guests and photographer and they do everything else, including A-H-Mazinggg event /floral design.
*Warning: The pictures you're about to see will make you swoon.
Featured Favorite Blog: Bouquet Boutique by Cedarwood
Photo by: Krystal Mann - The Collection
Picture by: Krystal Mann - The Collection
Often brides know exactly what they want in their bridal bouquet. When they don’t Cedarwood Designers start by helping them identify their favorite flowers, and more important, memories associated with flowers. Let’s take you, for example:
The scent of French Lilacs may remind you of gardening with your grandmother; Sunflowers of summertime on the family farm. Orchids could bring back the romance of trips to the tropics. These associations can enhance joyous wedding day emotions and even chase away an anxious moment. Think of your flowers as a personal attendant that will be close to you all day long.
Fresh wedding flowers are included in Cedarwood’s all-inclusive wedding packages, and every bouquet is custom made on-site for each bride according to her unique style and specifications. Some brides define each flower to be included in their bouquets, but many provide us with overall style and color guidelines and leave the details to Karen’s talented eye for creative design.
Whatever style, your bridal bouquet should be swoon-worthy and one more thing to make you feel beautiful on your wedding day! Remember to ask your photographer to take several close ups of your bridal bouquet in different settings so you’ll be able to appreciate it long after the wedding day blooms have faded.
Picture by: Krista Lee Photography
Picture by: Tec Petaja
Picture by: Anne Wade Parish Photography
Picture by: Dove Wedding Photography
Picture by: Krista Lee Photography
Picture by: Dove Wedding Photography
Picture by: Souder Photography
Picture by: Ace Photography
Picture by: Ace Photography
Picture by: Jen Kroll Photography
Picture by: Ace Photography
Picture by: Phindy Studios
Picture by: Angela Anderson Photography
Picture by: Krystal Mann - The Collection
Picture by: Shaun Ring Photography
Picture by: Krista Lee Photography
I can't wait to see what else they'll have on their Bouquet Boutique series. For more on Cedarwood and the services they offer, visit their website and be sure to check out the Cedarwood Blog for some beautiful wedding inspiration!
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Venues and Locations
1 comment »
Thursday, July 29, 2010
For my Sex and the City party, everything was a go - from the plan, the design, food, dessert, shopping. But there was one thing that was definitely needed that was nearly impossible to get due to the event coinciding with Memorial Day weekend - tables!
Weeks leading up to the event, Kristin of Simply Stunning and I called every party place we knew - hoping that someone could help supply tables for the party. Less than 7 days before the event, Julie of Liberty Party Rentals came through! She not only was able to provide everything we needed but she was happy to and served us with a smile. That meant a lot to me and I am forever thankful.
So, if you are in need of rentals for your wedding or event, consider Liberty Party Rental. They took great care of me and I am sure they will do the same for you.
To save you time in your search, here's my Q&A with Julie of Liberty Party regarding the company, philosphy, inventory, etc.
Nashville Wedding Vendor Spotlight on Liberty Party Rental
Number of Years in the Business: 27
How did your company get started in weddings?
Weddings are what built Liberty Party Rental into what it is today. The first client of Liberty Party Rental was a bride and groom! As a party & event rental company, we have always offered rental items, such as tables, chairs, tabletop items, dance floors and linens that would be of interest to brides and those assisting in the wedding planning process. We have also provided more “wedding specific” items that are geared directly toward weddings and receptions, such as archways, candelabras, cake plateaus, and cake serving sets. Our inventory is constantly evolving to stay current with the trends.
What do you like most about weddings?
Most brides have never planned a wedding before so it is always fun to see what ideas they have come up with on their own. Brides are passionate about planning their dream wedding and they have a specific vision that is as individual and unique as they are. Keeping that vision in mind, at Liberty Party Rental we know how to turn dreams into reality while still keeping within budget. We also always aim to keep the entire process smooth and as stress-free as possible, because we know how stressful planning such an important day can be!
What is your service philosophy? What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
With over 100 years of combined hospitality industry experience, and the largest inventory in middle Tennessee, the Liberty Party Team is proud to help with the rental items for your upcoming wedding celebration. Our team of professionals is comprised of highly resourceful problem solvers with the capabilities to do whatever it takes to fulfill brides’ wedding wishes.
What is your service philosophy? What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
With over 100 years of combined hospitality industry experience, and the largest inventory in middle Tennessee, the Liberty Party Team is proud to help with the rental items for your upcoming wedding celebration. Our team of professionals is comprised of highly resourceful problem solvers with the capabilities to do whatever it takes to fulfill brides’ wedding wishes.
If you ask our past brides, they will say that we excel in customer service. Our goal is for each customer to leave Liberty satisfied, not only with their rentals, but also with the overall experience. By providing not only a great selection of rentals but superior customer service, we hope that the bride and groom will recommend us to all of their friends! A quote from one of our brides in May showcases just this, “Now that all the wedding fuss is over, I just wanted to take a second and thank you. You guys were amazing to work with, and I couldn’t have imagined it being as beautiful as it was! You were fantastic, and you better believe I’m telling everyone that I know to go to Liberty Party for anything. Thanks again and God Bless.”
Liberty Party Rental has an extensive new website that not only includes pictures and details on each of their rental items but also hands on tools that brides can keep in their wedding books. From an inspiration photo gallery to a linen chart to event tips, the website is one of the greatest assets for Liberty Party Rental.
Brides can follow up with a visit to the showroom at Liberty Party Rental where they can setup a sample table with their linen, china, glassware, and flatware. Many times brides end up changing their mind on their “rental picks” once they are able to “see it and touch it”! Not only will they be able to see all of the items in person but they also meet their Account Manager face-to-face. We encourage the brides to setup a showroom appointment to ensure that the showroom is available along with their Account Manager.
Another great strength for Liberty Party Rental is that we own all of our rental items that are showcased on the website. We have over 60,000 square feet of warehouse space filled with our inventory here locally in Nashville. This allows us the flexibility with brides so they can increase their order until 24 hours before the scheduled delivery date or decrease numbers 48 hours prior to delivery.
Our resources and your imagination means anything is possible!
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
The entire sales team stays on top of the trends by reading the latest bridal magazines and publications, surfing the internet and examining the latest blogs of our peers, attending various industry events and listening to the brides themselves, who often are the most current in wedding styles.
Let’s discuss current wedding trends - What trend do you love?
Mixed seating – using various size tables and incorporating unique lounge seating options as well. We have also enjoyed putting together weddings lately they have utilized a wide array of color schemes. It is sometimes nice to do something a little unexpected.
Lounge seating options and styles
What trend do you hate?
It is not so much a trend, but often inflexibility is a challenge to work with. At Liberty Party Rental, we have many solutions to maintaining the overall concept, while still staying within the budget. For example, many of our customers want chair covers to hide the boring banquet chairs that many venues already have – they immediately assume the only option is to use a chair cover, but they never think to bring in an alternative chair. A majority of our chairs, all wedding reception quality, are more economically priced than the chair cover itself. We always try to have our brides think outside of the box when met with a challenge – design or financial.
Past trends
Trend I’m glad is gone?
All white – white chairs, white table linens, white china.
What are your favorite wedding websites? Neatest wedding find?
Our new site - libertypartyrental.com and ashleysbrideguide.com
For "budget savvy" brides, what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget?
Linens, or even overlays, can make quite the statement when walking into the room. They can give the room that “pop” of color needed, without pouring money into florals, and also create a uniform look to the room.
.
Elegant bursts of color
What's one way brides can save money/be more economical?
Sometimes brides focus on things that guests really would not notice unless it was pointed out to them. For example, a bride could focus her attention on a certain glassware or flatware that is really not within her budget. While the item may add some “wow” to the tablescape, if a more basic glassware line was substituted guests would not necessarily have a different experience or realize that a more cost effective option was used instead.
Clear Tents
Does your company do anything special that a green bride might want to know?
We offer more than just linens, tables and chairs. Lounge seating, outdoor furniture, tabletop décor, tents, and flooring a just a few more items that we rent. Brides can visit our new website to get inspiration and also learn about all of our great products! Be sure to come by our showroom and see firsthand what we have to offer.
share
Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Resources
1 comment »
