Archive for the weddings Category

Everyone loves a Chocolate Fountain … right?

Posted in calgary wedding planner, five star events, wedding coordinator, wedding receptions, weddings on May 23, 2010 by fivestarevents

These days, everyone knows what a chocolate fountain is, and it is a big hit at parties, including weddings.

Here are some tips to make including a chocolate fountain into your event a huge success:

Chocolate

  1. If you are having only one chocolate fountain at your event, serve Milk chocolate.  Milk chocolate is the most popular because it’s the sweetest.  Dark chocolate isn’t sweet at all and doesn’t taste great on fruit etc.  White chocolate tends to be unpopular because it doesn’t really have much of a taste to it.
  2. If you are having more than one fountain at your event, feel free to have more than one type of chocolate, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.
  3. If you have lots of diabetics at your event, serve up a specialty dark chocolate fountain for them.
  4. The chocolate needs to be in liquid form, not solid.   Professional chocolate fountain vendors purchase their chocolate in chip form and have a professional melter, and they provide the chocolate to you in a bucket.  Your chocolate should not be filled with filler, such as milk or oil (yuck!).

Dippings

  1. Serve a variety of dipping options.
  2. Fruit is very popular but you can also have things like pound cake, banana bread, marshmallows, graham wafers (mmmmm…  s’mores), icewafer cookies, cinnamon coffee cake, biscotti etc.  Some people even like to serve pretzels.
  3. Be sure to follow appropriate food service guidelines at your event.  The perishable dipping items (fruit, for example) should be on display at room temperature for no more than one hour before it is discarded and replaced with fresh.  Non-perishable things like pretzels, biscotti, marshmallows etc., can stay on display for many hours without becoming contaminated.

Service

  1. Always, always, ALWAYS have skewers or forks available for service.  I cannot stress this enough!  You need to provide your guests with a way to dip their food into the chocolate without using their fingers.  Once a person’s fingers get into the chocolate the whole fountain is contaminated and must be discarded according to food service and safety rules!
  2. In addition, you must provide appropriate serving tools on each of the dipping items.  At no time should a guest’s hands or fingers touch any food or chocolate at the service stations.
  3. Serve the chocolate fountain as a snack and not the dessert.
  4. Have at least one fountain for every 50 to 60 guests, otherwise there are long line ups to get to the fountain, and NO ONE likes to wait in line for food.
  5. If you are waiting to have your speeches and people are still waiting in line for their dessert, you’ll either have to wait for them (which can take forever) or else you have to start the program when people are standing in line – either way, its not a good thing.
  6. Set up the fountains at various stations to allow for easy access for the guests.  Best case scenario is you have the fountains on large round tables, or at least rectangular tables with guest access on both sides – this will speed up the process.
  7. Come prepared with extension cords so that you can plug in the fountains in the middle of the room instead of plugging them in against the wall.
  8. Take a look at #1 again and make sure there are skewers!

Presentation

  1. There are lots of ways to design your chocolate fountain table.  Position the food nicely around the fountain and offer a good variety of items to dip.
  2. The fountains always come with the base uncovered.  Its up to you if you want to cover that base or not – its not very attractive though.
  3. Always – always – ALWAYS put a plastic tablecloth on the chocolate fountain table.  It can be clear so as not to be too noticeable, but always use a plastic tablecloth.  The chocolate will certainly make a big mess and if you’re using rented linens, you probably just purchased yourself a tablecloth because quality chocolate stains really badly and is especially difficult to get out after its been sitting untreated for several days.
  4. Alternately, purchase your own table coverings for the chocolate fountain table so that you won’t be charged full replacement fees from your linen rental supplier.
  5. Its also a good idea to put a plastic drop cloth on the floor around the fountain tables.  Check with your venue – if they have carpet flooring they might insist upon protective covering.

You can find chocolate fountain vendors in your area easily by searching with Google or your local bridal network.  In Calgary, the best chocolate fountain vendor is The Chocolate Fountain.I have used them at many events and definitely recommend them.

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Eight Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner … or … Your Wedding Planner is your Fairy Godmother!

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, calgary weddings, five star events, wedding coordinator, wedding decor, wedding director, wedding receptions, weddingn ceremony, weddings on April 28, 2010 by fivestarevents

Congratulations! You are engaged and you are elated. Your wedding day is going to be the most important day of your life and you envision everything is going to be perfect.

You want to be involved. You have planned parties that have wowed your friends. You want to take a hands-on approach to the planning of your wedding and the prospect excites you.

Yes, the thought of planning a wedding is very exhilarating. But in reality, it is like solving a Rubik’s Cube. Getting all the pieces to work together and fit together precisely to complete the design is the objective.

It may look like a seamless process but it is not easy. A wedding requires Synergy – the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Much like a movie, a wedding has to be produced, scripted, edited, and directed. As a visual feast for the eyes, a wedding has to have a flow and a tempo. It needs to be as pleasing for your guests as it is for you.

As the star of your movie, can you envision yourself being the central character, producer, editor, director, and run interference for all minor details on your wedding day?

If you are having more than 25 guests, the idea of working with a wedding planner should appeal to you.  As the creative director for the most important day of your life, your wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps that could ruin your day.

Reason # 1:

A Theme Is More Than A Hodgepodge of Great Ideas
Your ideas are fabulous. But they are only the foundation of your theme. Remember: They are only ideas and pictures ripped out of magazines. Brides have ended up blowing their budget on one item to the detriment of the whole wedding. This is where your wedding planner becomes your magician. Knowing all the tricks and resources, your wedding planner can create a theme that runs through the whole event. They see the whole picture. If budget is a constraint, they will advise you how to economize and still achieve a similar look.

Reason #2:

Is Your Budget A Guideline Or A Blueprint For Bankruptcy?

A budget is an essential part of your wedding planning. Even a million-dollar wedding has a budget. A budget will give you perspective and it will center you. It will be a great comfort to you when you want to know where you stand financially. Expenses tend to mount up quickly, and your budget will always give your a realistic assessment. I have witnessed brides being so out of control that they end up randomly buying items that have no rhyme or reason. That money could have been spent elsewhere to make the wedding a better experience for the guests. Being realistic about your budget is essential. Don’t fool yourself with a figure knowing you can go over it.  You will only be hurting your chances of selecting the best possible vendors. Your wedding planner is your accountant and will believe the budget you give them. They honestly try to work within your parameters. Therefore, decide on a realistic figure so your wedding planner can recommend the vendors who will deliver the best work within your budget.

Reason #3:

The Venue Event Manager
When the event manager from your venue tells you they can do your wedding planning, they are not lying. They will do everything under the sun to oversee everything they are responsible for; however, they are not responsible for 90 percent of the details that go into your wedding. Some brides are shocked when things go wrong. They thought their venue person would be on top of things. Not necessarily. If they have several events that day, they can’t be held responsible for letting you know your flowers haven’t arrived or your best man is held up in traffic. Imagine walking into a bald room instead of the floral intensive ballroom you paid for. Your wedding planner is your overseer. Their job is to make sure everything arrives on time and complete. If you have 15 tables, 13 centerpieces just won’t do. They will get the florist to fix it. If the videographer does not show up, they should be able to find a replacement for you. Things happen, but it is your wedding planner’s job to see that things are fixed and end up perfect. Your wedding planner is your fairy godmother.

Reason #4

Timelines And Other Annoying Details
Checklists. Do we know anyone who likes them? And timelines. “Who has time to think of these boring things? I’m getting married!” I recall one bride saying. Actually, you might not be getting married after all if the minister does not show up. Timelines are critical. Timelines are necessary. And timelines keep your wedding planner sane. They thrive on them. You, however, should never be subjected to them. These are the things a bubbling bride should be kept far away from. They will certainly kill the excitement.

Reason #5

Synergy Applies To Vendors Too
There are vendors who work so well together you almost get double your monies worth. Having a vendor with an attitude can affect everyone. Your wedding planner knows these things and will steer you in the right direction.  By involving your wedding planner in the selection of vendors from the invitations on, you will be guided down the path of success. After all, synergy is what we are striving for!

Reason #6

What Are The Rules?
Brides need a go-to person for etiquette, wedding-related questions, and to keep the planning timeline moving forward. All brides need a liaison to help keep emotions and relationships from straining during planning. Your wedding planner is a combination of Martha Stewart and Emily Post. Do you really have the time and inclination to research, answer, and solve the problem yourself?

Reason #7

Overtime Charges Accrue Faster Than Champagne Pours
One hour of overtime with a location site or photographer can cost you plenty! Everyone is on the clock and so is your wedding planner. The difference is your wedding planner is on your clock. They keep everything in motion so extra costs are avoided. In the end, your wedding planner is the most cost effective choice you can make.

Reason #8

Frazzled Is Not Fabulous
Wedding planning and the events that lead up to your day will be stressful. You should have one job only. Keeping yourself relaxed and living in the moment. You need time to take in and enjoy this special day. Be with your loved ones. Be happy. Be kind. And mostly, be assured that your wedding is going to be the most fabulous day of your life.

Yes, all weddings have glitches. And yours will, too. But your wedding planner will make sure you never have to deal with or see them. You may never even know anything out of the ordinary happened. And that is the sign that you are a genius at wedding planning. You started out with great ideas, hired a wedding planner to bring them to life, and sat back like a pampered princess on your wedding day accepting all the accolades that you deserve.

Article contributed by Claudia Lutman

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Setting the Scene – selecting the perfect venue for your big day

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, calgary weddings, wedding coordinator, wedding decor, wedding receptions, weddingn ceremony, weddings on March 25, 2010 by fivestarevents

The biggest wedding decision you’ll make (other than picking the guy) is selecting the locations for your wedding & reception.  The venue sets the scene for every other aspect of your wedding, so it’s important to know all of the factors to consider when choosing your venue.

You probably have an image in your head of what your wedding location may look like and that’s a good place to start.  But the first decision to make is whether or not your ceremony and reception will occur in the same location.  If not, then you must consider how large a geographic radius you want to search for your two venues.  It’s best to keep your distance between locations as short as possible.

Be prepared when you begin researching venues.  It’s best to have a wedding date and guest count in mind before beginning the big search.  The first questions you’ll be asked are what is your wedding date and how many guests are you planning.  The type of reception meal that you are planning also plays a role in size of venue.  A seated dinner for 150 requires more space than an hors d’oeurves reception.  Keep the venue size proportionate to your guest list.  If a venue is way too big then your event will be drawfed by the large space.  More importantly, don’t try to cram too many people in a small area.  Keep in mind your other space needs like: dancing, cake display, dj/band, buffet, etc.

Budget obviously can be a make or break factor in selecting your venue.  Plan for the reception (including site fee, food & beverage) to account for about half of your total wedding budget.  So, if a location far exceeds that percentage, keep looking.  Another way a venue can affect your budget is the amount of decor required to achieve your desired look.  If you pick a bare space, keep in mind you’ll spend more money to decorate than a space that has some style of its own.

Flexibility of the venue is also important if you are having both the ceremony and reception in one location.  It’s also crucial if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception.  There must be a back up facility in case of inclement weather.  And, a tent alone is not enough of a back up plan.  Please don’t book a venue on a wish and a prayer that the weather will be perfect. So, the goal is to hope for the best but plan for the worst.

Once you’ve established your criteria, selecting the venue should become much easier.  If you do not have a particular type of venue in mind from the beginning, then browse the numerous directories online to see what category of venue strikes your fancy.  Just a few of the venue possibilities to consider are:

Religious,  Historic,  Gardens,  Hotel,  Private Club,  Event Ballroom,  Restaurant,  Museum/Library/Arts,  Resort,  Inn/B&B,  Vineyard,  Equestrian,  Academic,  Arena/Stadium,  Public Park,  Riverfront,   Beach

After you’ve browsed the facilities online and narrowed down your prospects, it’s best to call and schedule an appointment for a tour.  When viewing venues, check out their bridal books & photos so that you see what real weddings in the space can look like.

Choosing your venue is important but it can also be quite fun if you establish your criteria ahead of time and prepare for your appointments.  Just remember, your wedding is what you make it!

Article authored by Amy Van Meter

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Affordable Chair Covers & Decor for your big day!

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, calgary weddings, five star events, Uncategorized, wedding coordinator, wedding decor, wedding director, wedding receptions, weddingn ceremony, weddings on March 16, 2010 by fivestarevents

Transform your wedding and reception venues into a WORK OF ART with affordable decorations packages.

One Star Package    -   $500                         BLOG SALE PRICE $375

  • 100 chair covers (white black or ivory)
  • 100 sashes, organza or satin (your choice of color)
  • Linens, skirting, white organza and mini lights for head table
  • Silver charger plates for the head table (up to eight)
  • Rentals only – you pick up, install, dismantle and return

Two Star Service    -   $650                         BLOG SALE PRICE $500

  • 100 chair covers (white, black or ivory)
  • 100 sashes, organza or satin (your choice of color)
  • Linens, skirting, white organza and mini lights for head table
  • Silver charger plates for the head table (up to twelve)
  • Linens, skirting, and white organza Cake table, Gift Table and Guest Book Table
  • Rentals only – you pick up, install, dismantle and return

Three Star Service    -   $1,200                   BLOG SALE PRICE $950

  • 100 chair covers (white, black or ivory)
  • 100 sashes, organza or satin (your choice of color)
  • 18 feet white or black sparkle Backdrop behind head table, with white or black sparkle swag
  • Head table with white skirting and choice of swag
  • Silver charger plates for the head table (up to eight)
  • Cake table, Guest Book Table and Gift Table with white skirting and choice of swag
  • Delivery, installation and next day removal

Four Star Service    -   $1,550                  BLOG SALE PRICE $1,300

  • 150 chair covers (white, black or ivory)
  • 150 sashes, organza or satin (your choice of color)
  • 24 feet white or black sparkle Backdrop behind head table, with lighting and white or black sparkle swag
  • Head table with white skirting, lighting and choice of swag
  • Cake table, Guest Book Table and Gift Table with white skirting and choice of swag
  • Delivery, installation and next day removal
  • Silver charger plates for the head table (up to 12)

Five Star Service    -   $1,800                        BLOG SALE PRICE $1,500

  • 200 chair covers (white, black or ivory)
  • 200 sashes, organza or satin (your choice of color)
  • 30 feet white or black sparkle Backdrop behind head table, with lighting and white or black sparkle swag
  • Head table with white skirting, waterfall lights or spotlights, and choice of swag
  • Silver charger plates for the head table (up to fifteen)
  • Cake table, Guest Book Table and Gift Table with white skirting and choice of swag
  • Delivery, installation and next day removal

Sale prices expire March 31st, 2010.  Terms and Conditions apply.  Inventory is limited; services and specials are based upon availability.

Don’t see what you need here?  We offer all kinds of tablecloths, napkins, overlays, backdrop and centerpiece options.  Come in today for a complimentary consultation.  Daytime, evening and some weekend appointments are available.Call today to discuss your dream wedding and we can create a plan for you to suit your vision and your budget!

* Quality Covers  *

* Superior Service  *

* Reasonable Rates *

www.calgarychaircovers.com

403.266.6558

We accept Visa and MasterCard



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Why you need a wedding planner!

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, wedding coordinator, wedding decor, wedding director, wedding receptions, weddingn ceremony, weddings on May 26, 2009 by fivestarevents

Five Star Events® is a full service wedding planning company

Our principle concern is working with our clients, meeting your objectives, exceeding your expectations, and creating an atmosphere in which your wedding day becomes the day you have been dreaming about for years… and more!

We take care of all of the details for you! From the linen to the food, the beverages to the equipment rentals, the entertainment and decor, allow Five Star Events® to plan your wedding.

Why should I use a professional wedding planner?

Many people attempt to plan their wedding on their own, with the help of their family and friends, yet they seek professional help for many other services, such as lawyers, doctors, mechanics, and so on. Where is the logic in that? Why would you ask a professional travel agent to book your vacation once a year, or visit your dentist twice per year, but attempt to plan your own wedding, which happens only once in your lifetime, without any professional guidance?

Five Star Events® – A Professional Difference

As professional wedding planners, we do it all! No detail goes unnoticed, whether it’s your invitation, flowers, decoration, wedding favors, musicians or refreshments. From concept to completion, your wedding is in the hands of professionals. Each guest will marvel at how you’ve managed to wave a “magic wand” to pull together such a wonderful wedding so effortlessly.

Consider allowing Five Star Events® to creatively and professionally plan your wedding. We bring together many different areas of expertise. We will work with you to develop a theme for your wedding. We work within your budget, make suggestions for location, menu, and entertainment, then you leave the rest to us! We can handle the logistics such as transportation and accommodation needs of your guests, we handle the refreshments, and all rentals such as audio requirements, tables and chairs, linens, glassware, etc..

Never before has there existed an opportunity to call upon one team of creative, innovative and talented individuals to plan and implement an entire event, from concept through to completion. Let your family and friends relax and take part in the day the way they should be. Let Five Star Events® do what we do best – produce results!

A complimentary 1 hour consultation with the bridal couple is offered and encouraged.
Wedding Service Packages

Wedding Consultant

As your consultant, I will meet with you to plan your wedding on paper and give you referrals and ideas. This will be a 3 to 4 hour meeting, in our office. You will then go ahead and do all the legwork, which won’t be too hard since you’ve already been supplied with a game plan.

This is ideal for people who don’t know where, when or how to start. After you have selected your venue, I will also meet you at the venue (for a maximum of 1 hour) to discuss floor plan and layout. This service does not include ongoing phone calls, e-mail or support, and no personal meetings. A complimentary “Wedding Planning” binder is included.
Consultant package is $450

Wedding Coordinator

After we have had our initial consultation and designed our game plan, I go ahead and put the plan into action. I will negotiate contracts with your ceremony and reception venues, as well as with your florist and decorator, where you will proceed to do the rest on your own.

As your wedding coordinator, I will be a big part of your life, especially the last month prior to your wedding, helping with all of the final details. I will attend the ceremony and direct the day and vendors for you.

This is ideal for people who are too busy, or who realize that planning a party, of any size, can be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. This service package includes ongoing phone calls and e-mail support, but no personal meetings until 1 month prior to your wedding date.
Coordinator package is $2000

Wedding Planner

As your wedding planner, I will plan your entire wedding from beginning to end with your instructions. I will take charge and make all of the arrangements according to your wants, specifications, needs. I will be present for your entire wedding day and handle all of the vendors for you.

This is ideal for people who either have too many family and friends who are too involved in the planning process (too many chefs, if you know what I mean), or who have no one who is offering to help at all. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your day. This service includes unlimited phone calls and e-mail support, as well as personal meetings as necessary.
Wedding Planner package is 13% of your wedding budget, starting at $5000.

Stress Relief – Wedding Day Co-ordination and Direction

Many bridal couples endeavor into the planning process on their own, but recognize that they need someone to pass the responsibility of coordinating and directing the day to a professional.

As the wedding day director, I get involved 2 weeks prior to the wedding day to review all of your vendor contracts and make suggestions where necessary. I contact each vendor, provide a production schedule and ensure that the wedding day stays on schedule.

I also ensure that each vendor is performing according to his or her individual agreement. I handle all of the last minute details and, above all, ensure that the vendors have a contact person to come to for questions so that the bridal party and families are not burdened or stressed with last minute queries from various vendors.

The ultimate responsibility is to ensure that the bridal couple, party and families are relieved of all duties of the implementation of the ceremony and reception and can relax and enjoy the big day. In addition, I attend the rehearsal (or run it as necessary) and handle all of the details.
Stress Relief package is $1000.

www.fivestarevents.ca

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Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, calgary weddings, wedding decor, weddings on May 26, 2009 by fivestarevents

Ten Things You Must Do
Before You Say “I Do”.
As published in Vivaah! Magazine Premiere Issue
Summer/Fall 2003

1. Meet each other’s family — Get to know them because they are part of the entire package. Like the saying goes, “You don’t just marry your partner, you marry his whole family.”

2. Meet each other’s friends — Spend time with your mate in his or her comfort zone. It might be the hockey rink, the basketball field, the scrap booking classes, or even at the mall or gym. If he or she is accustomed to spending free time at a certain place, or doing a certain activity, it will not change after you’ve exchanged vows. And if you expect it to change, you’ll be setting yourself up for a big disappointment.

3. Have “the talk” — Give serious consideration to where you want to be, short and long term, in your relationship. If your partner said he or she wanted three kids when you first started dating, see if that is still what they want. Discuss where you want to live (maybe your new spouse will want to move to another city?), what you both consider to be your respective roles in the relationship and as you raise children. Discuss future scenarios. For example, she might think you should move in with her parents when they retire in order to support and take care of them, and he might think you should stay home and raise the children. If you hadn’t discussed it until now, you might be surprised. There are often many ethnic, cultural and religious differences between couples and different customs, which may be obvious to one partner, may not be acceptable to the other.

4. Discuss financial goals — Will both of you continue to work after marriage? Will one partner stay home with the children? If so, which of you will stay at home? It doesn’t necessarily need to be the spouse with the smallest income.

5. Set a budget — Set a budget for the wedding and stick to it. Weddings can be very costly, and unexpected expenses can come up if you’re not prepared. Spend money on what you feel is most important to you. If, for example, you want a large guest list, then cut down your food budget by having an afternoon luncheon or a cocktail party. Or if your priority is to have an eight-course dinner and your budget won’t allow for 500 people, then you cut down your guest list.

6. Make your own decisions for your wedding — Your wedding day is your day, and you should make the decisions. Resist the temptation to allow parents and friends to influence your decisions. Do you really need your mother’s boss at your wedding if you don’t know him or her? Go over your guest lists carefully. Selecting vendors is a personal decision; so don’t allow your friend’s neighbor’s cousin’s stepson to be your photographer or caterer unless you know he or she will be your best choice.

7. Review all vendor contracts — Make sure there are no possibilities for error on your wedding day. Give the limo driver a map for pick up and drop off locations. Review the florist’s contract to see if it includes delivery, and maybe alternate arrangements if your specific flowers aren’t in “wedding day” shape. Discuss with the photographer before hand what pictures should be taken.

8. Review details with your Emcee — Review your evening schedule with your emcee and ask him or her to stick to it closely. And ensure names are pronounced properly by providing a list of names (i.e. priests, out-of-town guests) in advance. Best-case scenario, either you or your partner will meet with the Emcee in advance and verbally practice the correct pronunciation of each name. Sometimes they are obvious… sometimes, they are not.

9. Get a marriage license — If it is a provincial requirement, get a marriage license and bring it with you to the ceremony. This is an important task that easily gets forgotten.

10. Smile! — Solve dry mouth problems by smearing a little Vaseline petroleum jelly on your teeth (sounds yucky, but it works). Your family and guests will be taking many photos of your wedding that will be in the family for generations.

11. Relax — Enjoy your special day. Your wedding day memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. Proper planning, staying within a budget and staying true to who you are as a couple will produce wonderful results. If something does go wrong, there’s nothing you can do about it at the time. A portion of your budget should be allotted to hiring a wedding planner, and he or she will take things under control so you won’t even know when there’s a problem.

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Welcome to the New Millennium

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary wedding planner, wedding decor, weddings on May 22, 2009 by fivestarevents

And here I am, trying to leap into 2009 with a blog. Not quite sure how this will work, but hopefully my readers will find some insightful information here, gain some valuable perspective into the world of wedding planning, and be entertained too!

I’m happy to receive your comments.

Let the games begin…..

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