Five Star Events – your corporate Stampede Party headquarters!

Posted in five star events with tags , , on March 30, 2010 by fivestarevents

Is your company stampede party this much fun? If not, we should talk …

Why should I use an event planner for my corporate functions?

It is estimated that the average company spends thousands of dollars per month using salaried employees to organize their company events. Five Star Events® can take care of all of that, at a fraction of the cost while keeping your employees productive in their roles for your company. Corporate events for staff increase company loyalty, and productivity. Corporate events for clients increase their loyalty to you – and your bottom line!

Five Star Events® operates on the principle that effective event planning and event planning management can have a profound impact on your business. Whether your event is designed to increase customer loyalty, introduce a new product, have a get together for employees away from the office or fund-raise for a specific cause, Five Star Events® has the skills, expertise, contacts and abilities to create and implement your event from concept through to completion. Some of the details that we will handle include:

  • Initial Planning and Budgeting
  • Timing
  • Theme Development
  • Venue Selection and Requirements
  • Guest List Development
  • Invitations & Responses
  • Transportation and Accommodation
  • Entertainment
  • Guest Arrival
  • Menu Planning & Staffing
  • Promotional Material and Gratitude Gifts
  • Contract Negotiation

Pricing for corporate events is based upon a percentage of your overall budget, and depends upon the scope of the event and the time involvement required. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your vision for your next corporate event.

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

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



Reality Check – A guideline for brides to have realistic expectations on their wedding day

Posted in Uncategorized on March 12, 2010 by fivestarevents

“Reality” is a word so over used these days that it’s sometimes difficult to decipher what is real, and what is not. We are in the information age. Unlike any time before, we have a plethora of information at our fingertips. And, with the onslaught of “reality” television, (unscripted shows), and so much “wedding” related programming, brides are often faced with the difficult task of sifting through the materials and attempting to make a realistic expectation for their wedding day.

There is an unlimited amount of resources for brides to turn to these days; so many books on the subject, magazines, e-mail newsletters and e-zines, and of course, “reality” television. How do you know what is the good stuff, and what is best left alone?

The rule of thumb on this topic is to “consider the source”.

Quick Tips – Wedding Decorations

Posted in calgary chair covers, calgary weddings, five star events, wedding decor on May 27, 2009 by fivestarevents

When it comes to décor, all you really need to know is:
1. What is your budget?
2. What is your color scheme?
3. What kind of look do you want for your special day?

CEREMONY
What does the venue allow? Check to see if they will allow fresh flowers, candles, pew bows, fabrics, or even other structures. It’s always best to know what you CAN do, as opposed to finding something you WANT and can’t have.

RECEPTION
“Keep it simple”. Use no more than 2 colors, or one color with an accent color. Check with the reception location to see what is allowed, and what is not.

The basic rule of thumb for reception decorations is that the “main tables” should be decorated. That might include the head table, the cake table, the gift table and the guest book table. Also, you might decorate the buffet table, the DJ or band area, a table for favors (if you are having one), even the doorway or the entrance.


CHAIR COVERS

The quickest way to transform your venue from a boring hall or ballroom into an elegant, formal space is by adding chair covers and sashes. Chair covers come in a variety of colors and styles, although Five Star Events carries chair covers in white, black and ivory. Sashes come in various colors and fabrics, usually organza and satin. Organza sashes look beautiful with a standard “shoelace” bow, whereas satin sashes can look stunning with various other tie options.

CENTREPIECES
If you are having a dinner, as opposed to a cocktail party, you will probably want to have table centrepieces. Fresh flower centrepieces are lovely, but can be costly. Know what is your budget and work within it.

Check with the venue as to what size and shape the guest tables will be. If you are seating guests at rectangular tables, or round tables, you might select different shaped centrepieces.

Check the sizes of the other main tables, such as the gift table, the guest book table and the cake tables. Be sure that they will be large enough to suit your needs.

TABLE LINENS

Check with your facility, or caterer, to see if they will provide the linens for your guest and peripheral tables. If they do not, ask them to provide it for you and negotiate the price on that.

It is always a good idea to visit the ceremony and reception venues with your decorator to communicate your vision. Clearly explain what it is that you want, what your color scheme/theme is, what your budget is, and what other services you may want them to provide. For example, they might be available to set out your favors, your table numbers, your place cards, etc.

Wedding Decorations – transforming your venue from a corporate function into an elegant wedding venue!

Posted in Uncategorized on May 26, 2009 by fivestarevents




Most wedding venues these days offer minimal, if any, decorations for your wedding. The venue representative is in charge of maximizing their food and beverage revenue, and won’t encourage you to bring in your decorations elements on your own because they have no financial gain in the matter.

However, the quickest way to transform your wedding venue from a space that looks like a corporate luncheon into an elegant, formal wedding space is by adding chair covers and linens.

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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