No, I'm not talking about musical chairs, which could be fun too depending on the event. I'm talking about table configurations and table sizes! Just because you have all round tables or all rectangular doesn't mean you HAVE to use all of them or seat it that way. One of my most favorite things to do is mix and match these tables. Don't forget about the high-boy tables, low-boys, and table configurations; think u-shape, hallow squares, big long tables, x-formations! ​​

A precursor, if you will; I'll try to be as sympathetic to your feelings as I can but sometimes, my emotions (in which I can't be the only one who has been feeling this way) aren't always politically right or emotionally sensitive to every demographic so just bear with me. But that's just it, I'm not here to be political or share my thesis as a medical doctor. I'm here to provide an experience for you and your loved ones to be together and celebrate moments. Except, what do you do when your job is basically on probation?

This particular event I hold near and dear to my heart. Sara and I have been friends since my sophomore year of college. We become super close junior year and ended up living together with two other of our closest friends my senior year. So when it came to her baby shower, I wanted to do as much as I could to help make this day beautiful for her!

Similar to Mrs. Sara's wedding; the rain would not stop this baby shower from happening! In a very special location, Sara and 30 of her closest family and friends shared the rainy day at her grandmother's house on her patio to come together to shower (no pun intended) her with love. Sara was 30 weeks pregnant (absolutely stunning might I add) at the time and was expecting her sweet baby girl, Sutton Grace, very soon!

Oh, the bar. One of the most talked about portions of the evening for any event. This can, believe or not, be a sore subject or a touchy subject for some, especially being part of the South, a.k.a the Bible Belt. 

Let's first talk about the different types of bars your venue may offer to you and then we can talk about what you can do to help control costs and elevate that 10 PM sideways walking. 

Let's talk assigned tables! Oh my gosh, as if there wasn't enough for you to do right now and then add in assigned seats. No way! I hate to break it to you, but they are totally necessary! There are times like for large scale conferences and such that it may not be feasible; however, I am here to tell you it doesn't have to be all awful. If assigned seats aren't really your thing try assigned tables. The difference and why they are even important, I will tell you now. 

The old tale goes that the emperor of Rome in the early third century, Claudius II, thought that single men were better soldiers and he had banned marriage due to this. A priest named, Saint Valentine believed this was unlawful and continued to perform marriage ceremonies in private. Once the emperor discovered this, he threw Valentine in jail and ordered him to be beheaded (sent to death). During his time in jail, he became enamored by the jailer's daughter and on February 14th he was sent to death but before that, he wrote a love letter to her signed, "From your Valentine". 

Now, I do not know if all that is true but it sure sounds like a love story if I've ever heard one. Still today, whether it be that story or another, we still celebrate love all-together! Some even celebrate this day as SAD (single's awareness day, haha). ​

There are so many elements that go into an event. Where you start planning the event can be different for each group depending on the priorities. Capacity is huge, obviously. However, if you have flexibly with the amount of guests you are inviting, that could be lower on your priority list. If your main focus is set-up and making the room beautiful, that's number one. If your main objective of the event is to relay information, then AV may be your main focus. What is your main objective to accomplish through your dinner? 

Congrats!! You just got engaged and you are so super excited to start planning your future together!
OR maybe you aren't big on planning things so you are a bit scared, nervous, and frankly; unsure where to start!  

I want to share some low key common questions I get asked just from being on the outskirts of the industry along with my own personal experience with friends and their unique questions they had when they started planning their wedding. Honestly, some questions don't even start to come up until you're about 3-6 months out from the wedding thinking, "do I really have to do that?" or even, "dang it, I forgot about that; is it really necessary?". 

I'm here to tell you, DO WHATEVER OR DON'T DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, first off. It's your wedding! I know a lot of planners and coordinators; especially those that may have been in the industry for quite some time; abide directly from the book. But, I'm here today as a 21st century bride and coordinator, to tell you to do what you want! But there are some specifics I want to get into. 

I love having large groups get together. That's a given!

At this point in my career, I've coordinated and assisted in planning somewhere between 150-200 events. Corporate functions tops the list of some of my favorites. Don't get me wrong, I also love personal/social events too. I mean, I love it all and they both resonate with me differently. But corporate events are something that I really do enjoy.  

​That means one of my favorite times of the year is also the winter; but only for event purposes. Any other time, you will find me basking in the sun! However, this is about the time when all the Christmas party/employee appreciation events take place. These events are so much fun! Usually I am working with an HR manager or someone who has volunteered to help plan this event for their coworkers. Because of that, typically, it's their work friends that they are excited to have this event for and want to be sure everyone enjoys it. A lot of times this includes a slideshow of the year with fun photos, awards, and a lot of mingling! In some instances, they even want to decorate the room that aligns with their company. That could mean anything from personalized napkins and stand-up banners to rented linens and speciality decor!