3 Fab ideas of how to host a Engagement Party

Photo Source

Love is in the air!  Engagement season is here, it starts the month of November and runs through February! This is the time when guys drop down on one knee to ask the BIG QUESTION; "Marry me"! 

Such, a exciting time in Bride.2.Be's life (The moment she has dreamed of, all her

Life). So, now that it's here, she's got to make it special!

Immediately following the engagement, you want to start planning a ......."Engagement" Party!  I know you need some FAB tips to get all the elements planned! 

#1) Establishing a date for the event- if you don't have a "Location" the rule is..... you don't officially have a "date" secured for your event! Don't announce to your guests the when, where, what... until you have officially "locked" in your venue!  

Think of a date ( be flexible on your dates)! You don't want to have your heart set on a particular date.  Later, only to find out that "date" is unavailable!  Start early a lot of places "book" 6-12 months in advance. 

#2 Location! Location! Location! - you have so many choices. Be creative, and unique. You don't have to be traditional! The options are endless, don't limit yourself to where you host your engagement party!  

Here's a few ideas:

 Rooftop of a Hotel, here in Atlanta, Georgia there is a boutique hotel called The "The Glenn Hotel" that has a venue called "Sky lounge" located on the roof of the hotel. Heated & A/C available, full bar, cute contemporary seating/couches, and more ( The view of the city "Breathtaking)! 

Museums, Aquarium, Movie Theater (yes, I said "movie theater") I know of movie theater that offer private rooms to host parties!  Private room at a restaurant my favorite is "Two Urban Licks" the room

is amazing ( the room sun roof that opens up into the sky, Awesome)! 

#3) Guests - plan your guests list with "love" and invite close family, and loved ones. You want to think about the most important people (Parents, Godparents, Grandparents). Focus on the most important first when making out your guest list. Remember this is the "engagement party" NOT THE WEDDING! You don't have to invite a HUGE crowd of guests. It's ok to have a small intimate group of people for the event. 

Bonus Tip: Relax, have fun and make your engagement party your own. This is a special time for you and your fiancée. Furthermore, this event is a opportunity to formally announce the engagement; among your close family and loved ones. 

If you can think of more tips on planning a Engagement Party, please leave a comment below. 

Click here and contact me if you need a planner to pull this FAB event together! 

Have a Sweet day,

Clarissa ❤

3 Fun activities Before "I Do"

 You have been busy thinking, dreaming, and planning the wedding! But, now you need to take sometime to plan a few activities "Before" the BIG Day! These are special little outings that will make being engaged a "joy"!  

Photo Credit

1) Plan a "Engagement Party" - this is a opportunity to gather your close friends and family to celebrate your engagement! Perhaps, opt for a "Cocktail Party", or "Dinner Party".  Don't forget to Hire a planner so all the fine details come together smoothly. 

2) Plan a "Date Night" at least twice a month - Plan two dates a month ( not to discuss the wedding) and just enjoy that "two" of you. Here's a few ideas: dinner & dancing, dinner and a movie, or a private candle light dinner at home ( You will need a break away from the wedding planning)!

3) Plan a Photo "Engagement" Session together - Hire a Professional Photographer to shoot your session. Maybe a outdoor/indoor photoshoot; consider 1-2 dress changes, and for added fun include some props! 

Bonus TIP: Hire a Wedding Planner if you have not already to plan and coordinate your wedding the "Day of"!

Please leave a COMMENT below if you have more sweet ideas of activities you can think of. 

Thank you, 

Clarissa ❤

DIY Brides: You can benefit from hiring a wedding planner!

            ( Do-it-Yourself- Bride)

DIY Bride can mean many things in the wedding world. It's such a broad term, I don't want to put all DIY brides or DIY weddings in one "box".  Some DIY Weddings have professional wedding planners evolved, some don't. Every -DIY Wedding and or Bride is different. 

Example:

DIY bride may opt to only hand make her hair Embellishments. Should weddings be 100% DIY? In my opinion I say NO, a professional wedding planner should always be hired. 

     (Source: www.borrowedandbleu.com) 

However, this post is focussing on the DIY Bride that is planning her entire wedding, and making a lot of her decor by hand, and is relying on friends and family to assist her in executing the wedding. This DIY Bride is not hiring Professional vendors, and will take on this HUGE task of planning the entire wedding. 

How can a Bride enjoy the actual wedding day when she has to worry about the set-up and break down, last minute mis-haps, and a wedding day is 12-15 hours long on average ( very long detailed day!).

Some brides opt to be a DIY Bride and create, hand make all the elements needed for their wedding (That is totally fine).  These Brides are crafty, and can master tutorials, and create their own inspiration boards. 

       (Source: www.bridalmusings.com) 

Weddings involve so many fine details, that a DIY Bride will still need to HIGHLY consider hiring a wedding planner. 

Below are few reasons why you NEED a wedding planner:

*Day of " Services 

You plan your wedding from the moment you are engaged, leading up to the wedding day. However, who will professionally execute on the "Day of"? A Professional Wedding Planner!  The planner along with her staff will pull all the elements together, confirm with all your vendors, and apply his/her expertise, skills, training, experience, so you can focus on being a beautiful blushing bride! 

"Pre-Wedding Activities"

A wedding planner can plan your "Engagement" Celebration. Relax, and allow a professional planner to pull all the details together, and hire professional vendors so your celebration can go off without a hitch!  What about your planner putting together a swanky Bridal Shower! Perhaps, planning a beautiful Bridal Luncheon, or a amazing Rehearsal dinner? 

"Wedding Insurance"

You may not think about wedding insurance. However, as a Bride you want to protect yourself, and have coverage. Also, some venues may even require you to have wedding insurance. A professional wedding planner can educate you on insurance, and recommend what policies work best for you. 

"Current Trends & Ideas"

I know you can use the internet to check out the new trends, and what's popular.  However,  Professional wedding planners are learning about new trends on a daily basis, attending conferences, workshops, webinars, seminars, social media organizations, joining professional organizations, and some planners are developing and creating their own new trends! 

"DIY Workshops"

I know what you are thinking! Why would I need a wedding planner to teach me DIY projects? Yes, you NEED professional guidance!  Some planners offer a DIY Workshop. It's a day of DIY Brides and Professional vendors. These workshops will teach brides hands-on skills of how to properly make anything from bridal bouquets, to fancy centerpieces, and more! Vendors will provide professional advice, and tips on wedding planning. Plus DIY workshops are a lot of fun! Tastings, swag bags, networking, and most important professional guidance! 

"Preferred Vendors List"

Don't cut corners, and hire your uncle that's good with a camera to shoot your wedding photography!.... Or hire your girlfriend that is good at cooking to cater or the next door neighbor that is learning to design invitations (PLEASE DO NOT) ...Please, hire professional vendors, that are educated, experienced, and trained (Do not just Goggle someone and pick them)! Hire a professional vendor and inquire about his/her Preferred Vendor's List. A planner has developed professional relationships, and this list has the best the industry has to offer, and experience, education, and skills. 

I can name more reasons that a DIY bride can truly benefit from hiring a wedding planner ( Honeymoon planning, Out-of-Town guest services, Wedding/Honeymoon Registry, Budget Planning, .... Production Day Schedule, and more).

Please leave in the comment section below how you feel about DIY weddings and or DIY Brides? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Thank you,

Have a Sweet Day ❤ 

Clarissa

Plan a Romantic Getaway to the Mountains

             

Keep the SPARK in your relationship!

Couple's should always plan special getaways together, this provides a incredible time for the both of you. Quality time, fun, and romance!

Check out a 5 tips on booking a romantic trip to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. 

Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee & Gatlingburg, Tennessee 

                      

1) ANYTIME- you may book a trip to the mountains year-round.  However, the Fall/Autumn indeed is the best time of year.  The trees have turned (beautiful reds, orange, yellow, ect). The mountain air is so chilled, fresh and crisp. Also, you can snuggle up with your mate in front of the fireplace!

2) WHERE - Pigeon Forge, TN & Gatlinburg,TN.  The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennesee is located 3-4 hours away from Atlanta, Georgia. The mountains are filled with attractions, restaurants, historic trails, hiking, resorts, and the main attraction the amazingly beautiful luxury cabins. 

3) STAY - there are resorts, hotels, motels, private cottages, cabins, and more offered to accommodate your stay while in the breathtaking mountains.  

4) ROMANCE - the romantic options in the mountains are endless.  Enjoy a couple's massage, order a candlelight steak dinner to be set-up in your cabin. Perhaps, have a special wine and cheese basket to be delivered . How about turn-down service with tons of rose petals all over your bedroom suite! Most cabins include a indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and jacuzzi (home theatre rooms, and more!). 

5) COUPLE ACTIVITIES - Enjoy the Wineries, complimentary "Wine Tastings", and also the wine is available for purchase ( the Wine Tour is free, and comes with perks; inquire within). Great restaurants with private nooks to dine in (perfect for couples). Maybe your in the mood for fun and want to take some "old fashion" photos ( Costumes included)! 

There are many, many couple activities in the Mountains!

If you are interested in learning more info on romantic getaway to the Smoky Mountains contact me! 

Click here for more information on booking your romantic getaway!

Have a Sweet Day!❤

Clarissa

How to Create a Romantic Breakfast

Never stop dating your mate, always continue to plan special dates; even something as simple as breakfast in bed!

3 Tips on creating a romantic breakfast for the special person in your life.

1) Choose their favorites  - rise and shine early and go prepare your mate's breakfast. Make sure to prepare items that our his/her favorites! Even, throw in something a little extra ( like carving the pancakes into heart shapes). 

2) The Set-up - Choose some nice china, glasses/cups, napkins,  and flatware to serve the breakfast on. Don't forget to pour up their favorite morning beverage ( Coffee, Juice, Tea, ect). Lastly, when setting up the breakfast; serve it on a nice tray. 

3) The delivery - wake your mate up, and sat their breakfast tray in front of them.  Hand them a pre-written note ( the note should tell them how much they mean to you).  Check on them half way through the meal; make sure you keep their beverage replenished. Spark up a sweet conversation, and enjoy! 

Have a Sweet Day!❤

Clarissa 

Quick Thanksgiving Holiday Tips!

 

Here are 3 Tips for hosting a Thanksgiving gathering! Enjoy!

1) Plan with love - as you make your guest list, keep your special loved ones in mind. Have a hot cocoa bar set-up with marshmallows, and mugs.  Also, have holiday music playing, candles burning (winter scents), and show a holiday movie. Lastly, set out small guest favors  your guests will appreciate you).

2) Create a beautiful table setting - choose plates that follow theme of the holiday season. I prefer China, however, if you go with paper plates, choose plates in warm rich colors. Have pretty napkins pre-folded,and carefully select beautiful stemware, flatware, chargers, and a stunning centerpiece. Lastly, for a special touch, place little thank you cards at each place setting . This let's your guest know how thankful you are for them. 

3) Cook from the soul - as you prepare your menu think about your guest that have special diets ( Raw, Vegan, Diabetes, ect) always make a few extra dishes for them ( don't leave them out). Don't be afraid to think out-of-the-box and prepare "non-traditional" thanksgiving foods! However, you plan your holiday celebration, just plan from the heart!

Picture Credit: 

http://www.digsdigs.com/33-beautiful-thanksgiving-table-decorations/ 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a sweet day ❤

Clarissa

5 Tips to Creating a Wedding Budget

1) Average Costs - The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $25,000.00.  However, every couples budget is different; your wedding budget may be higher or lower.  A lot of factors come into play. You have to think about your "guest list", the amount of guest plays a major role in the overall cost of the wedding. On average a couple will spend $100.00 "per guest".  Also, "catering", that will be 50% of your total budget. Example: if your budget is $10,000.00; plan to spend $5,000.00 for Food/Beverage.  Furthermore, the location of the wedding ( Local or Destination Wedding), and the "time of day". 

2) Guest List -  If you are planning a wedding on a small budget,  "please cut your guest list".  Host a small intimate (Guest Count: 25 and under) wedding, keep the guest count down ( I repeat)! As a engaged couple you have a lot of options.  Perhaps, a early morning ceremony, and host a "brunch style" wedding. So many creative menu options for brunch. Lastly, perhaps you want to elope, or have a beautiful intimate beachside ceremony with just the two"of you. Don't forget about "civil ceremonies" as well. A courthouse wedding is not what it use to be! You can get ready in a bridal suite, be swept away in a luxury vehicle, and meet your groom for a romantic ceremony!

3)  Who is paying - It was customary, that the Bride "side" paid for the wedding ( in the old days).  However, more and more couples are paying for their own wedding. Some, couples will have financial assistance from their parents and family/friends. Think about, your budget as soon as you get engaged, and set a budget and stick to it. 

4) Location - Think about the location of where you would like to host your wedding. However, location determines a lot in terms of your budget. Are you considering a destination wedding, at a tropical beach, or aboard a cruise ship? Perhaps, you want a traditional church wedding, or a historic courtyard. Don't be afraid to think "out-of-the-box" when choosing your wedding venue ( Home, Swanky Restaurant, Garden, Museum, Wineries, even a Cemetary) 

Fact: Here in Atlanta, Georgia the Oakland Cemetary host 18 Weddings a year!

5) Discuss & Plan early - Sit down as a engaged couple and discuss how much you want to spend total overall on your budget.  Once you come to an agreement,  follow your budget plan.  Lastly, plan early, please don't wait until the last minute to pull your wedding together! This creates a lot of stress and pressure between you and your fiancée. It's ideal to plan at least 12 months in advance.

 Bonus TIP (Best Tip):   Hire a Wedding Planner! - yes hire a professional wedding planner.   A planner has all the tools to not only plan your wedding but coordinate it on the Day of!  Furthermore, a planner has built professional relationships with vendors that you will need for your wedding day. Lastly, a hiring a planner takes the load, and stress off of you and your fiancée.  As, a engaged couple, you will be able to enjoy your engagement! 

If you have anymore tips feel free to leave them in the comment section below! 

Have a Sweet Day❤

Clarissa 

Fall has arrived!

Fall has just begun

As summer ends

The color of the leaves gleaming in the sun

Jumping in leaves with friends

As the tumble down

Forming a quilt on the ground

Hearing the crinkle as you jump in

Twisting and turning in the air

Feeling of the brisk air blow in your face 

The warm and delightful smell of grandma's pumpkin pie

This is fall

Source:

Family.Friends.Poems:

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/welcome-fall#ixzz2gwHoV9L4

I thought you might enjoy this poem!

Happy Fall,

Clarissa ❤

Have a Sweet Day!

5 Tips to a Fab Cocktail Party

        ( Pictured above is a Mojito)

Cocktail parties are a unique and fun idea to gather your friends together! Here at  The Sweetest Thing Events we love to give you tips on planning your next event!\

1) Feed - please make sure you pass plenty of hor d'oeuvres around.  A cocktail party is no excuse not provide your guests with plenty to eat! You don't want them uncomfortable, and HUNGRY! Lastly, you wouldn't want them making a mad dash for the closest restaurant, after the party! 

2) Seating - even though your guests will be standing for majority of the event. Provide proper seating for your guests; you want to have at least 50% of your guest count in chairs. To change up the look of the space throw in some barstools, couches, perhaps, some benches. Whatever matches your style! Just don't leave your guest with no where to sit!

3) Organized activities - make sure to plan some activities for your guests. Perhaps, add in a photo booth so your guests can grab props and take fun pics! You could, plan a champagne toast at the end of the night. Whatever, you choose just make it fun! 

4) Dance - have fun, you want your guests to not only enjoy cocktails, but you want them to dance! Hire a DJ, or upload some tunes to your laptop, or IPod.  Music and dancing always adds a lot of fun to any event. 

5) Communicate - please, tell your guests when you are sending out your invites. Communicate to them, that this is a cocktail party. In the wording include that this involves more standing than sitting. You might want to say "bring your dancing shoes" or " be ready for a night of cocktails and dancing". No matter how you choose to "word" it. Just let them know, so your guests don't leave early; because they wore the wrong shoes, or didn't plan accordingly.

Cheers!

Clarissa ❤

Have a Sweet Day!

I have so much fun with my clients!

I love to work one-on-one with my clients. Everything from attending the vendors meetings together, bridal gown fittings, tastings, and also attending Bridal Shows together!

At the beginning of the year I booked a beautiful blushing bride, Shandria Duffy. She was a June 2013 Bride!  We dove straight into the planning.  Our first stop,  we planned a fun activity for the month of
January!

                                        As you can see by the pictures below we were having a ball!

We decided to attend the 2013 "Black Bride Bridal Showcase" together, we had so much fun! In the pictures you will see Shandria ( in the black and white shirt) and to the left of her is the Matron-of-honor Kammie and to the right the Maiden of Honor Ebony. I'm the one making silly faces right below the blushing bride! The show was full of awesome vendors, tastings, samples, fashion show and more! We had a blast when we decided to stop and take pictures at this photo booth! 

Lastly, I think it's so important to have a beautiful relationship with your clients, and be able to have fun throughout the planning process.

More information on Black Bride Bride: www.blackbride.com

Thanks for reading,

Clarissa

Have a ❤ Sweet Day!

Bachelorette Party Theme & Idea

The Little Black Dress Party

This is a classy and fun theme for a Bachelorette Party!

So....you maybe a Bridesmaid, or perhaps a Matron of Honor and in charge of planning the upcoming Bachelorette Party...here's a swanky idea!

Check out this event I hosted!

When I first decided the host this party it started out only as a Pure Romance Party, I was just going to invite 5-6 of my girlfriends over for a nice girls night in, I have a BIG imagination, and I like to take a idea and RUN with it.  I wanted to make this event a little more different than a typical ladies night.  As a planner, I love to be very creative when it comes to planning a event, I DREAM, big and love to create decor that reflects my client's vision and theme!~

I hired a photographer, a boutique owner, a company that carries spa products, called my cake designer, Mark Fitchpatrick Designs (which I love he does all my Cakes & Desserts for all my Weddings and Events), and lastly I brought in a Pure Romance Consultant.  The Photographer put together a small picture pkg the girls could purchase, he brought lighting, a back drop; my cake designer designed me a cake shaped like a dress! What was even more exciting about the cake design; was the "designs" within the cake was a inspiration from a gift bag I had ( How cool is that).  The cake was a BIG HIT at the event, it was really good, and the ladies loved it! The boutique that came and set-up is called "Tuche Boutique" a Atlanta, Georgia based online boutique that also conducts private shopping parties.  They carry lingerie, accessories, stilettos, hand bags, and more; the ladies shopped until they dropped ( She has some wonderful selections to choose from). The ladies enjoyed little bites, and chocolate covered strawberries dipped in white & dark chocolate all made by my Cake Designer, Mark Fitchpatrick Designs.  Bubbly was on board that night as well, ladies sipped, and played a few girly games, and I gave away prizes.  Also, each guests,was pampered by Katrina Pelham of "Jafra" ( she did relaxing spa hand treatments); so I incorporated a lot of elements into one event! Lastly, the night ended with a fabulous photo-shoot, and a presentation by Pure Romance. It was a ton of fun, and the ladies enjoyed it!   What a fun reason to pull out your FAVORITE black dress and gather all the girls up for a night of laughs, and girl talk.

I framed the meaning behind the  "The Little Black Dress"

The "Little Black Dress Cake" by Mark Fitchpatrick Designs 

( He's my favorite Cake Designer, and his cakes are yummy!)

The ladies enjoyed wine all throughout the night...

.

Moscato!

Tuche Boutique had a great selection of stilettos, hand bags, lingerie, accessories, and more!

The ladies had a great time shopping, and purchasing items.

The atmosphere was filled with candlelight, rose petals, and with deep purple, and black decor.

 The guests received a hand spa treatment, by "Jafra"

( "The Little Black Dress" Party inspired by "Pure Romance" )

Source:

http://pureromance.co.za/host-a-party/little-black-dress-party/

Pictured here are 2 ladies enjoying some bubbly!


Please stop by my Facebook page to see the rest of the album!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.364469386932195.84353.142756632436806&type=3

Credits: Photography: J Rose Photography 

Spa Treatments: Katrina Pelham of "Jafra" http://www.myjafra.com/sites/kpelham

Cake Designer: Markfitchpatrick Designs http://atlanta-wedding-flowers-cakes.com/

Tuche Boutique: Owner: Unique Wright    info@Tucheboutique.com 

Event Design: The Sweetest Thing Events http://sweetestthingevents.weebly.com/

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa 

The Sweetest Thing Events is on TWITTER!

LONG TIME!  It's been quite a while since I posted on my BLOG wow! I have let too much time go by.  Well, it's time to start blogging again and keeping everyone up-to-date about what's going on at The Sweetest Thing Events! There is so much for us to catch up on!  We need to discuss so much; everything, from weddings, charity, social, and corporate events.  So many wonderful events have taken place, I have networked with some amazing vendors and this year has gotten off to a great start.

On to other things, well as of today Drum roll .........................



Today I JOINED "Twitter" yay!

I am excited about joining Twitter,  another  great way to stay up-to-date of what's going on at STE (The Sweetest Thing Events). 

Follow me on Twitter @Sweetestevents_

 

 

 

 

Have a SWEET day!

 

 

Clarissa