Category Archives: Entertaining

Mar 07, 2017

Having fun yourself and seeing your guests have fun at your wedding is key, and all that thought and planning are what make it all happen. So, if you are looking for a just a few more new ideas that could help make your big day all come together , here are some of the fun details we’re doing for some of our clients that we think are worth sharing!

photo by Liz Banfield

We all know and see coconut water everywhere!!! But custom coconuts from CoCo & Co take it to the next level. You can have anything from names, dates, etc printed on the coconuts, and they come with a super cute Tiki cart and can make adult beverages with the fresh coconut water as well!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

I think the boys will like this one- but we’re having fun with this too. For a different way of beer than at the bar, we’re building tap walls. Clients pick their faves, and we can make it a design focal point in the reception lounge.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

The perfect pairing for your beer tap wall, or coconut cocktails are late night burger stations. Now, I know you think burger stations have been around forever, but we are having our caterers do them made to order!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

So something we are seeing tons of requests for are custom matches at the bar. Matches are still “hot” even though smoking is not. Great take homes, and a fun way to incorporate wedding details like a monogram or wedding hashtag.

photo by Liz Banfield

Another incarnation of the matches that we’re seeing requests for, are couples recreating their parents matches. Having photos from engagement sessions printed on matchbooks (we’ve used these in guest bags, as part of a favor w/ a candle, or on the bars), which many of our client’s parents had at their weddings as well. Love this new twist on tradition.

photo by Liz Banfield

In lieu of the flip flop stations we’ve had at many weddings, we’re switching it up with Rescue Flats.

photo by Liz Banfield

We find it hard to come up with lots of new ideas for couple send offs. Sparklers still make for great photos, as do rose petals which are a sweet way to keep tradition alive. But, for this wedding, a lively addition to the send off was having a brass band lead the guests out side to see the bride and groom off. Great photos, great energy, and a great way to end the night that will keep guests talking!

3.07.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 23, 2017

Our Favorite Tabletops

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Another Monday and another Monday roundup! One of my favorite parts of designing a wedding is the tabletop. We love seated dinners, not only because there is nothing more glamorous than enjoying a celebration while being served amazing food, but also because we can make so many special details.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Printing menus or place cards on different papers or materials is one of our favorite design details. Finding different ways to fold the napkins or tying a pretty ribbon elevates a place setting in simple ways.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Some of our favorite tabletops include menu “booklets”. For a rustic but glam Colorado wedding, leather bound menus embossed with the guests’ names were also takeaways. We’ve done velvet bound, wood grain paper, and acrylic just to name a few.

photo by Liz Banfield

We also have fun with the table numbers-painting on agate slices or marble tiles have been pretty ones. We’ve hung die cut paper shapes from chairs or lights, and glued flowers onto numbers, sometimes just the placement of them can give a nice look.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Lamps on tabletops mixed with candles is one of my favorite tricks. They key to a good party is lighting! This takes the tent easily from day to night and the ambience it creates is amazing.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Mixing the candles can be an easy and affordable idea- tall candlesticks mixed with complimentary votives and using a lot of them makes a table look dreamy.

photo by Elizabeth Messina

We also love embroidering linen napkins with the couples special monogram or motif. If not, the entire wedding, the head table is always nice, and is a great gift for the couple to have in their home after the wedding.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

1.23.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Flowers, Photographers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 10, 2017

Choosing Colors

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Last week we talked about some of the bigger trends we are seeing for weddings in 2017, and one is color! I think this is one thing that some brides struggle with and we always have fun putting together combinations, so today we are sharing some tips on choosing the right color palette for your wedding day.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

One of the most tried and true color combinations we’ve been working with for years is blue and white. However, we think it’s a mistake thinking that you have to stick to two dominant colors when designing. Using classic color combinations is a great anchor, but punching it up with variations of color in flowers, or in compliments here and there is a great way to brighten it up without going all out rainbow.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

If you are drawn to bright colors, think about the overall ratio in using them. Softer versions of bright colors like pinks, oranges, and corals still make a big pop against something like a navy blue but might start to look like a birthday party if put with another shade of pink or bright aqua. When using brighter hues, I’ve been a big fan of how mixing shades of them together has turned out, and adding in some greenery can help the blending.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Don’t forget to introduce your color palette early on- think save the dates or invitations. The paper elements set guests expectations early on, so why not introduce your palette from the beginning and set the stage.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Think about your venue and it’s decor. For this bride who wanted a muted fall palette the heavy emerald green and mustard yellow carpet would absolutely hinder her look, so we carpeted over it with a neutral tone. This can be an unexpected addition to the budget.

photo by Liz Banfield

Think of seasonal cross overs. A pretty pink or purple flower combination is typically thought of for spring or summer. But, here used with green velvet, deeper green ferns, and heavier brass flatware, it becomes perfect for a fall wedding.

Happy Planning!

1.10.17 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>