Monday, June 25, 2012
Draping is like cupcake frosting - it isn’t essential, but it makes everything that much yummier!
I mean, who doesn’t love a cupcake topped with a giant mound of swirly, sugary frosting? Maybe dentists?…Everyone knows that frosting is the prettiest, most delicious part of any baked good. Even if you are one of those (crazy) people who think frosting is too much, you can still appreciate its contribution to the overall loveliness of the item.
And that’s how I feel about draping; it may not be critical at a ceremony or reception like vows or food and drinks are, but adding draping makes EVERYTHING that much more spectacular!
Now some of you may be asking, “Lauren…WHAT in the world are you talking about (we hear you like your wine) AND what in heaven’s name is draping?”
Well dears, DRAPING is the most fantastic decorating tool that utilizes gorgeous fabric to “transform a space into something incredible,” says draping expert Tiffanie from Elliott Events. Tiffanie is to Nashville draping what Chanel is to tweed. She is GIFTED when it comes to transforming a room with something as simple as fabric! Even your grandmother’s basement with shag carpeting and florescent lighting will look fantastic after Tiffanie has worked her magic on it. She is that good!
Before and after a space was draped by Elliott Events.
So if you have a crazy mother (who doesn’t!) who has insisted that your reception be in the same (unappealing) church/gym that she got married in, or your budget is less than ideal and you want to make your fiancé’s condo look like the Taj Mahal, draping is going to be your BFF. Like you should basically buy Tiffanie one of those jagged edged heart necklaces.
For example, Tiffanie transformed the lovely but rather minimal Cedars of Lebanon area into a glamorous and lush space! This design is also what she considers one of her favorite transformations. As the owner of a full service decorating company, Tiffanie realized that offering draping was essential to transform a less than appealing venue into a bride’s overall dream scenario. She is one of the few professionals in the area that offers this service.
Tiffanie tells me that the most popular draping uses are to cover walls and ceilings, but she is open to any ideas a bride has. “Draping adds a wow to any space. Even if you have a gorgeous venue, draping can make a statement.” Elliott Events takes pride in the professional work that they do and they have years of experience working with all types of spaces and challenging venues. But how much does this statement-making beauty cost? Each and every job is priced differently depending on the difficulty of the work and the amount of fabric needed.
“Wall draping starts at $150 for each 10 linear feet (white or black) and colored fabric is more expensive. Ceiling drape usually starts at $2500 and goes up from there. Our pricing is based on the number of hang points in the ceiling, hardware needed, amount of fabric, etc.” If these prices seem a tad costly, consider the amount of work that goes into the process and the overall transformation of the space. Like most beautiful things, the process is easier said than done. “A lot of clients think, ‘I could go up there and put fabric on the ceiling’ …but it isn’t that simple,” Tiffanie says.
I couldn’t agree more. You won’t see my clumsy self on a ladder anytime soon! I’ll leave that to the talented Tiffanie! Now tell me about your challenging spaces. How would you like to “transform” a venue? I’m sure all of these stellar photos are offering so many ideas!
Another before and after view of a space draped by Elliott Events.
Draping Q/A with Tiffanie
What is draping?
Draping is a decorating tool to transform a space into something incredible. Very few pros offer draping.
Why did you add draping to your planning and design service offering?
As a full service decorator and wedding planner, offering draping is essential. Having the ability to cover up unattractive spaces is important when putting together a design concept.
What are the most popular uses for draping?
Covering walls and ceiling transformation.
Why would a bride/planner hire you to drape a space?
Draping adds a “WOW” factor to any space. Even if you have a gorgeous space adding drape can make a statement.
What is the cost of different draping styles?
It seems like every draping job I have is priced differently. Every space is different so it is very difficult to give draping costs. Wall drape starts at $150 for each 10 linear feet (white or black). if you want color wall draping that would be more expensive. Our ceiling drape usually starts at $2500 and goes up from there.
Our pricing is based on the hang points in ceiling, hardware needed, amount of drape, etc. Often times clients are surprised with draping prices but it is important to understand what goes into the process. There are many expenses that are considered in the upkeep of drape such as cleaning fees, insurance costs, transportation,etc. I have heard many times before “well I can get up in the ceiling and hang drape". It is not that simple. We take pride in the work we do and have years of experience working with all types of ceilings.
Can you work with any color fabrics/styles/designs?
Yes we can. I am always open to trying new designs and thinking outside the box!
What's your most favorite draping transformation?
My most favorite draping transformation was at the Cedars of Lebanon last year. The end result was amazing.
Tiffanie works directly with couples as well as event designers. Contact Tiffanie of Elliott Event at 615-485-2193 or visit their website if you need your space transformed or enhanced.
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Posted by Lauren |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Venues and Locations0 comments »
Thursday, June 14, 2012
I didn’t take bridal portraits and my ceremony and reception were both indoors, but I can relate to the anxiety of dirtying a precious wedding gown. When my husband chose braised short ribs as an entrée for our wedding, the thought of barbeque sauce and Vera Wang lace being in the same room together sent me into a tizzy.
For months I fretted over the possibility that a condiment would ruin my treasured dress and my wedding day in one fail swoop. I had vivid nightmares in which my then fiancé and our 150+ guests gnawed sticky meat from grey pork bones, chucking them at my dress! (I was not what anyone would consider a laid-back bride; I OBSESSED over everything!) BUT BBQ nightmares aside, my wedding day came, no one threw ribs at me (not even my drunk Uncle!), and the last thing on my mind was ruining my dress… I was too busy dancing barefoot, posing for pictures with old friends, and blissfully enjoying my brand new husband (and copious amounts of champagne!).
For brides who fret over keeping a gown clean through outdoor portraits, ceremonies and receptions, we turned to gown care expert, Rhonda of Oakwood Cleaners, for tips and tricks of the trade to put your dirt-stressed minds at ease!
Photo: JHenderson Studios
Bridal Portrait Tips
ABG: How can a bride keep her dress clean during bridal portraits so that it will look pristine for her wedding afterwards?
Rhonda: Always make sure your hands are clean and any excess make-up is blotted away around areas that touch the dress. A tip for keeping the hem clean is to cut a hole in the middle of a large flat sheet. Once the hole is cut step into it like a skirt/slip, then with clean hands put your dress on over the sheet. Make sure the sheet is large enough that it will protect the gown where it touches the ground. Use the edges of the sheet to pick the dress up off the ground when you move from place to place and then reposition it where necessary for the next pose. You might want to have a friend or mom with you to help with the sheet.
Highly recommended: a sheet to cover the ground. It minimizes your dresses contact with the grass.
ABG: Are there any beauty items a bride should avoid during portraits that may stain her dress?
Rhonda: Heavy body make-up, self tanning spray or lotion, nail polish and hair products. Never use hairspray or styling products after you have put your dress on; the oils in these products can cause discoloration on the fine fabric of your wedding gown. Try to blot heavy body make-up or tanning products where it will come in contact with your dress. It is inevitable that the underside of your dress might pick up some self tanner or make-up along the top of the bodice, but this will not show though. Please try to keep from putting anything on the entire area under your arms as this will rub off on the sides of your dress and might permanently stain it.
ABG: What items should a bride bring with her to ensure that her dress stays clean throughout the portrait photo shoot?
Rhonda: The sheet is the most important item especially for an outdoor shoot. If it looks like rain then you might want to have some plastic drop cloths or runners so you can cover some of the ground around the area. For quick touch ups? We do not suggest using any products to touch up stains on your dress as they can cause more harm than good.
Outdoor Wedding Tips
ABG: What dress damage do you most commonly see after an outdoor wedding?
Rhonda: We mostly see holes in the underneath of the train or torn hemlines, ragged edges, etc. There can also be grass stains, mud stains, twigs stuck in between layers or in the lace. With destination weddings that were on the beach we get dresses back with sand along with the normal stress on the hemline and train from rocks, shells, etc.
ABG: What are ways a bride can minimize permanent damage during an outdoor wedding?
Rhonda: A large runner to guard against dress damage during the procession would help. It would also be ideal to bustle the bride’s dress immediately after the ceremony. If a bride is especially concerned, a tea length gown would eliminate most damage, but not every bride wants to forgo a train or long skirt.
Photos: Betsy Limbaugh Photography
ABG: What should brides avoid coming into contact with her gown if she is concerned about permanent staining?
Rhonda: Red wine is an infamous staining beverage. Again, always have clean hands and try to avoid letting everyone touch your dress as they are gazing at your beauty! The dress is going to touch the ground in most cases, and we have talked about what you can do for that. Try to keep from leaning on surfaces that are rough or dirty. Think about if it was freshly painted, because even though the paint might feel dry to the touch, it could still have damp areas that could transfer to your dress. Depending on your location, there could be rough wood or rusty items around that should be avaoided. And again, never put your dress on before you style your hair or have a manicure and on that note, have your manicure done hours before having to put your dress on. Nail polish is not a friendly stain.
ABG: If a bride’s gown does come into contact with an item that leaves a mark, what products do you recommend for a quick touch up?
Rhonda: We recommend that you do nothing. Many products, while appearing to remove a stain, might actually be causing a more damage. Spotting a gown could cause the stain to bleed into surrounding areas or leave a ring where the stain was. It is always best to get your gown to the dry cleaner of choice and have them professionally work on the gown. We do see gowns come in after portraits for cleaning. Most people think we can spot clean them, but again, rather than leave rings in the fabric we suggest cleaning the entire gown.
ABG: What types of fabrics are hardest to keep clean?
Rhonda: Silk is the most delicate fabric and hardest to clean. Lace is also difficult especially when it has raised piping.
Photos: JHenderson Studios
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Posted by Lauren |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories0 comments »
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Something Old Something New (SOSN) has something for every bride looking to maximize her wedding budget. The wedding consignment boutique located in Nashville's Lenox Village features new, sample, and consignment wedding items at affordable prices, including bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride gowns, shoes, jewelry, hair accessories, veils, and reception décor. Something Old Something New also caters to local party-goers, supplying the Nashville area with gorgeous second-hand dresses (most under $40!) perfect for any gala or prom.
Special thanks to Joe Hendricks Photography for kindly providing images of the salon and gowns.
This week is their official grand opening! Wedding vendors are invited to drop by for wine and cheese today (Thursday) from 6-830pm. Brides, neighbors, friends - stop by Friday from 6-830pm and enjoy catering by The Chef and I. The boutique will continue to be open Saturday and Sunday so you can shop all weekend.
Beth - owner
Beth Glascock, owner, opened Something Old Something New so that brides could stretch their wedding dollars further, spending less on gowns and accessories and more on big-ticket expenses such as photography and catering. When designing the boutique, Beth wanted the feel of the store to be “comfortable and special”. “We want you to come and relax and have a good time; I don’t want anyone to feel like this is a high-pressure situation,” said Beth. As most brides know, shopping for a wedding gown can be stressful enough without having a sales consultant hounding you to make a purchase. Something Old Something New prides themselves on putting the bride’s feelings first. Beth has even encouraged indecisive brides to go home and sleep on their decision.
“I had a bride who was hesitant because she was in love with a gown from a different store…I told her she should buy the gown she loved, even if I wasn’t selling it to her.” Beth wants every bride to be comfortable and excited about their purchase, and her enthusiasm and sincerity for her customer’s happiness is obvious. Complimentary private appointments are encouraged and there is no pretense, only an experience that resembles a game of dress-up for the bride and her companions!
Looking to buy?
Something Old Something New is a great option for budget brides. The boutique is also an excellent option for a bride who is looking for multiple gowns for her event. Almost all of the bridal gowns are priced around $200, veils are priced at $50 or less, hair accessories are under $30, and shoes are priced at around $15. Most of the gowns do require some dry-cleaning or mending, but that extra expense is reflected in the prices.
Something Old Something New is open M-F by appointment Only, and Saturdays 10am-5pm. Appointments can be made by emailing Beth at info{at}somethingoldnewandblue.com or by phone: 615-428-8379.
Looking to sell?
There are 5 easy steps that Beth suggests for consigning items at Something Old Something New. Visit their website for details.
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Posted by Lauren |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, DIY & Budget Wed Finds1 comment »
