Wednesday
10Mar2010

A FAVORite...This Custom Bar by SYZYGY from the Geoff Chesman Visuals Launch Party

Last Thursday night one of our PARTY FAVORITES PORTFOLIO photographers, Geoff Chesman launched his new company, GEOFF CHESMAN VISUALS, with a fabulous party at the VisArts Center in Rockville. SYZYGY EVENT PRODUCTIONS and JANET FLOWERS WEDDING AND EVENT DESIGN, two more of our PARTY FAVORITES PORTFOLIO members worked with Geoff to create the chic atmosphere. 

I absolutely LOVE this custom bar the SYZYGY created to showcase Geoff's work.  Being a huge believer in "personalizing your event", I think that this bar would be perfect for a social event such as wedding or mitzvah.  If you are planning a wedding, you could customize it with photos from your engagement photo session or baby pictures of the bride and groom.  If you are planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you could customize it with childhood photos of the guest of honor or with family photos.  The possibilities are endless.

A few more photos from the Geoff Chesman Visuals Launch Party...

Enjoy!

xoxo  lisa

Tuesday
09Mar2010

Beach Themed Placecard Holders from Beau-coup

I just returned from Cabo San Lucas so despite the winter weather in DC I have the beach on my mind.  If you are planning a Beach-themed wedding or Mitzvah, then take a look at these great beach-themed placecard/escort card holders from Beau-coup...

Any of them would make the perfect finishing touch for your escort card table.  You can order them directly from BEAU-COUP and then PARTY FAVORITES can create your personalized placecard/escort cards to attach.

Enjoy!

xoxo  lisa

Saturday
06Mar2010

Making Your Mitzvah Celebration Unique by Guest Blogger Brian Wasser

Today's Guest Blogger is Brian Wasser of Electric Entertainment.  Electric Entertaintaiment is a member of our PARTY FAVORITES PORTFOLIO.  We are so impressed with Electric Entertainment.  Partners Geoff Sokol and Brian Wasser specialize in Mitzvahs and seem to know exactly what DC-area tweens AND their parents want from an entertainment company.

Every child is different, and each deserves a party that truly reflects the individual personality and style of his or her own.  Plus, with so many parties every weekend, you really want your special celebration to stand out.  There are many ways to incorporate elements of a great, high-energy party why ensuring it remains unique to you, your family, and your friends.

If your child and/or your family members are pretty outgoing, consider performing a choreographed dance at some point during the party.  Or, maybe just your daughter could perform a dance with a few of her friends, choreographed by one of your entertainment company’s dancers.  It could be performed right after the introduction, and would certainly be a unique element your guests will remember, plus focusing the spotlight on the guest of honor.

Think outside the box for a unique venue.  Many area museums, art galleries, clubs, and restaurants rent out space for social events.  We have performed at Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, the Reagan Building in DC, Tommy Joe’s bar/restaurant in Bethesda, Dave & Buster’s, the Rockville Sportsplex, and even FedEx Field!  Although hotel ballrooms and country clubs certainly provide ample space, great food, and a wonderful atmosphere, looking into a different or unique venue might set the stage for a memorable event tailored to your theme.

Utilize lighting and décor to truly create an overall atmosphere, and not just to “be there.”  Engulfing your guests in the party’s theme can really create a unique and memorable party.  Try incorporating the theme from the beginning, in the invitations, the cocktail hour, and all the way through the party.  Regardless of your theme, we have many ideas that can help to incorporate that theme through every element of the party.

Create a unique party favor that either matches your party’s theme or your child’s personality.  For a beach theme, give each child a custom beach towel!  For a music theme, how about a customized iPod case, or for a sports theme, a custom hat or jersey?  A simple internet search can provide numerous ideas of customizable favors that your guests will love.

Try something unique with your entertainment.  Of course, a high-energy DJ, MC, and dancers are a must, but if you love live music, add a live percussionist or saxophonist to play with the DJ, creating a unique combination.  You can hire actors to play famous roles for a Hollywood theme, or bring in belly dancers for an Arabian Nights theme.  If it’s a club theme you’re after, have breakdancers perform or teach your guests some moves and incorporate lounge-style furniture into the décor.  For a more traditional or religious entertainment experience, use the Amazing Bottle Dancers to add a unique element, or hire a magician to add some “sizzle” to the celebration.  Any of these unique entertainment options and complement your main entertainment and be a memorable addition to the party.

Most importantly, remember that there is no “right and wrong.”  Your party should be a celebration and one that reflects what your family is all about!  Think outside the box and feel free to be unique.  Your guests will thank you!

Enjoy!

Brian

Thursday
04Mar2010

What Came First…the Chicken or the Egg?... the Planner or the Party? by Guest Blogger Terri Bergman

Today's guest blogger is Terri Bergman of Terri Bergman Events. Terri is a member of the Party Favorite's Party Portfolio. We selected Terri Bergman Events as a member of our Party Portfolio because of Terri's experience, knowledge and creativity. We love her "do whatever it takes" attitude and we love her modern approach to event decor.

As a planner in the social event industry for over 16 years I have seen so many changes in the dynamics between the planner and the client.  One of the significant reasons is our economy. The public seems to feel that the planner is a luxury and in some instances will tend to “take over” your special event!  There are a few key factors why you should not be hesitant to work with a planner for your event from the beginning.

  1. Vendor Selection: A planner can put together a team of vendors that would work within your designated  budget and give you the event you dream of having…the planner has done the “legwork” and will create the best match for you..so right there is the factor of saving you time and energy!
  2. Time Management: Let the planner keep you on track ..when invitations, favors, décor need to be ordered and contracted.
  3. Details! The planner can concentrate on all the small details from the coordination of vendors to the schedule the night of the event and will work closely with your venue or caterer.

Keeping these things in mind, when you work with a planner from the beginning of the process you may find that the planner has ideas that can guide you in the right direction and always be your advocate.  These 3 reasons alone can alleviate most of the stress associated with throwing a party!!!

A planner who “does it right” will allow you to have a wonderful weekend as you celebrate your event, be with your family and friends and RELAX and above all PARTY!!!

xoxo  Terri

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATON ABOUT TERRI BERGMAN EVENTS.