What a better way to show off your creative side than to have excellent lighting at your event. The question is how do you do this? What do you need to ask for? There are event production companies in about every area that can provide services to you but doing a little research can help you ask the right questions and get the right answers.

First find out your venue’s lighting capacity. Some venues do not have enough power to pull in beautiful theatrical lighting so you may have to rent a generator.

Second figure out your budget with all of the options today LED is sometimes the way to go in costs.

Third decide if you are going for color (led or gels) or if you want a design incorporated (gobo’s can produce designs but can be a little more expensive)

See the links below that give you some great detail on lighting & the options that are out there. And when in a bind call your local event production company, like Live Technologies (http://www.livetechnologiesinc.com) they can be very informative.

Lighting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lighting_gel

Gobo’s – showing patterns
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gobo_%28lighting%29

Multi Ideas

So the ideas must be flowing for this week because we have a whopping three that are great for decor and your honeymoon.

1. Use Feathers - if you are a fan of color feathers can really bring a lot of color into your event. See our image for all different types of aviary ideas. You can utilize them from your napkins, on your cake, in your bouquet, for your centerpiece or even on your invites.

2. Use Potted Plants - Potted plants can come in handy when placing as a centerpiece. They can be inexpensive and you do not have to worry about mucky water after it has been sitting for too long. They also make a great take home gift for you guests so you are killing two birds with one stone you have your party favor & your centerpiece and only paid once!

3. Once the event is over you should always have a GREAT wind down by taking a trip so check out: http://www.gouniglobe.honeymoonwishes.com/ This is hnt's new favorite travel center!

Take care & happy planning

hnt Events & Design

Focus on Fit - Part Three

So it is obviously so hard to continue an exercise/health regiment that we have even slacked on blogging about it. So back to part three of our FOCUS ON FIT. We recommend that you utilize The Daily Plate - this is part of www.livestrong.com . It is a program that lets you set weight/caloric goals and then enter your food as you eat it by date, time, portion size. The good thing about this site is that they actually verify the vendor and their nutritional information on certain items. This allows you to be aware of what you are ingesting. They even have the average calories counts for different activities. See the sample of the info you can enter above and remember you are what you eat so the better you eat the better you are.

Something .....

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Finding all of these can become hard. So to help you out we have listed their meaning as well as some great ideas.

"Something Old" - symbolizes that the bride will continue on and be part of a family so this should come from either the Bride or the Grooms family.

Options:
Jewelry
Charm (for the shoe, bouquet)
Handkerchief
Hair Accessory

"Something New" - symbolizes optimism and hope for the new life ahead

Options:
This can be close to anything as long as it can be easily carried with the bride
Jewelry (the wedding ring counts in our mind)
Handkerchief
Shoes
Undies
Hair Accessory

"Something borrowed" - this should be an item from something whose good fortune is supposed to be carried over to the new bride:

Options
Jewelry (this can be more sentimental as you are giving it back)
Handkerchief

"Something Blue" - Brides used to wear blue to symbolize love, modesty & fidelity, and since the Virgin Mary was always in blue it has been associated with purity. In the late 19th century blue was used for wedding gowns and there was a proverb that said: "Marry in blue, lover be true."

Options:
Charm
Nail Polish
Undies
Garter
Shoes
Jewelry
Blue flower in bouquet
Hair accessory

And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings.

Here is a site where you can purchase a sixpence:
http://www.silversixpence.com/

Remember to save on some of the insanity of your wedding you can combine many of these - you can borrow a blue accessory, or buy a new blue piece of jewelry however we do not suggest borrowing blue underwear - ewe!

hnt Events & Design

Creating that beautiful spring centerpiece with a beautiful cost

Fresh flowers are a beautiful thing but how do you go about getting them & not spending a fortune. Well first start with the container. You can get inexpensive containers about anywhere from garage sales, thrift stores, local craft stores but my favorite is the website for The Dollar Tree. See the image above & the link below to find vases to fit your event.

http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/vases-bowls-containers/202c203c203/index.cat


You can fill these beautiful (ONLY $1) vases with numerous flowers but sticking with keeping your budget low, your best bet is to pick flowers that are in season. We have shown a few above however see the link below for a year round list of what flowers are in season when.

weddings.about.com/od/weddingflowers/a/Season.htm

There are numerous other ways you can become creative, such as add a drop of food coloring to your water to coordinate with your event, get rocks, fruit or other glass stones to help decorate your vases. But remember these are only for one night so try not to spend all of your money on these flowers. Carnations are always in season & inexpensive so here is a link to another great idea if you feel like being crafty.

http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/diy-carnation-centerpiece

Focus on Fitness - Part Two

Week two of fitness info we want to bring you into a new realm of being healthy. So for years there have been athletic clubs where you get gym memberships but now there are health clubs, they are different in that they allow for you to discuss with individuals what foods would fit your needs and what to stay away from. This allows for a personalized touch to weight management and nutrition as your body make up is different from the next. These nutrition clubs have other bonuses like classes to teach you different healthy lifestyle changes, to find out more visit our new favorite location:

Revolution Nutrition – 100 S. State Street (Lower Level) – 7-4 Mon-Fri & 9-1 Saturday
614-891-LIFE (5433) - nutrition4life@att.net

You can also check out different products that they promote by visiting
http://www.revolution-nutrition.com/ Have a healthy spring!

hnt Events & Design

Focus on Fitness

As we move into spring what better time to be in shape and as many of our clients are brides we know you want to look your best for the big day. So we have decided to focus on fitness. Each week bringing you another way that you can enhance your healthy lifestyle. This week we are focused on finding the right personal trainer. Many gym's and smaller workout facilities have in house trainers who are not only qualified but are there to help you to excellent physical fitness. Our spotlight this week is on Adam Atkison. See his profile below he can be contacted on facebook & is willing to help you reach your goals.

Adam Atkinson

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=510924151&ref=ts

All Systems Go Personal Training

Position:

Founder

Time Period: March 2010 - Present

Location: Columbus, OH

Description:

Personal Training! Helping people! Working with natural bodybuilders and people that want to be physically fit. Designing workout programs and diets that focus on complete nutrition and complete implementation of all the systems of the body, keeping you forever young. Lets get all systems going!

Good luck, stay healthy & be fit!

Pick the Right Jewelry

So you want to look perfect for your wedding day but don't overdo it. Many brides look to find that matching jewelry set, but remember you want the focus on you and your dress let the bling shine from there. Get a great set of earrings with a matching bracelet but leave out the necklace or vise versa. Whatever you do remember you will be in this jewelery for all of your pictures so make it something that makes a statement to what you are wearing. Whether you go pearls, diamonds or bring some color into your jewelry wear it with confidence.

Buffet VS Plated Meals

Well we have all heard some pros & cons of having both. So I have laid them out shown you some examples now you pick!


Buffet – Pros Plated Meal - Pros
*Low Cost for amount of food *You will know exactly what everyone is getting
*People can choose their portion *You have more control over what is being served
*Majority of the time more variety *Less Waste
*Allows for a more laid back setting *Allows for more of a elegant setting
*Allows for more movement which *If you have prepaid for a certain amount of
can result in more socialization meals you can normally take left over’s home


Buffet – Cons Plated Meal – Cons
*More wasted food *Have to cover the cost for more servers
to prepare & deliver the food
*You do not always have the option *The plates diner themselves are more costly to take home the leftovers
*Food can sit out for too long & get luke warm *Less options for picky guests
*Less control over what is being taken by guests *No Second’s


We have provided you with some of the pro’s and con’s – overall with all of the costs that go into putting together your event we say go Buffet it is just less expensive. Here is my test if you can name the meals you ate at the last five weddings then go plated because it means a lot to you if not go buffet you are still feeding people and they can decide what they want.


Here are a few other tips when deciding your catering options:

*Make sure your caterer has a good reputation & there is a clause that your money will be returned if anything happens (ex they go out of business).
* Find out additional fees, such as if it is extra for champagne flutes, wine glasses, etc.
*LAST & MOST IMPORTANT look at the portions before you accept you can get 300 chicken breasts that weigh a pound each or you can end up with 300 chicken breasts in the size of chicken nuggets.

A Backyard Affair

Why not save on costs and make it a backyard affair. You can still have elegance down to the BBQ ribs and fries. Check out these ideas where the brides took an outdoor wedding made it a little less casual but still had the time of their life, enjoyed family and friends and have photos that will last them a life time. Here are a few tips if having an outdoor affair.

Using The Landscape
*Hang lights in the trees
*Use LED lights that do not need electricity for walkways & paths
*If the flowers are sufficient then no worries about buying extra
*Pick your favorite spot for excellent pictures, especially at sunset

Make It Fun
*If inviting kids plan games for them, laughter makes an excellent soundtrack for your day
*Firecrackers, sparklers and bubbles work extremely well outdoors and can are normally inexpensive

Casual & Comfy
*Your guests to not feel the necessity to get dressed to the 9’s this will allow them to not stress about having to buy new attire – but remember to tell them casual but not sweats
*So normally your awesome stilettos would be killing you by the end of the night but not now because you were smart & decided to sport flip-flops or tennis shoes & you still look cute

Whatever you do – do it with a smile and your partner by your side and you will be the star of the show.

Pets

So you love your little prince and princess snooker butt, or whatever you may call them, but is it acceptable to have them at your wedding? This one is up to you but more importantly the pet. I came across an image of a cat at a wedding & I was like “OMG I never thought of that, mew-mew is totally going to be at my wedding!” Then I came across another one & thought “she would totally be on the tables trying to eat people’s food, ewe.” This is a judgment call on your part as the mommy or daddy.

Ask your self these questions:
Are good with crowds, including kids?
Do they listen to your commands?
Who will be in charge of them?

You don’t want your special day to be ruined by having to pick up doo-doo. There are all types of animals you may have as a pet but remember you may have some skittish guests so make sure if they are afraid of snakes, dogs, cats, elephants, horses or whatever animal you want there you tell them in advance. If you feel a little hesitant then you can always honor your pet with a cake or other favor. Take care & give your little snooker butt a kiss!

hnt Events & Design

Inexpensive Bridal Dresses

Because we want everyone to get a great deal check out the annual Filenes Basement Running of the Brides

When: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2010 8:00 a.m.
What: 1,300 designer wedding gowns at ridiculous prices from $249 to $699!
*Free "I survived the Running of the Brides®" t-shirt with purchase of a gown!

* Originally priced from $900 to as much as $10,000 at bridal salons
* Wide variety of styles, seasons, shades and fabrics, sizes 2 to 26.
* See FAQ on www.filenesbasement.com

Where: Filene's Basement
3704 W Dublin-Granville Rd.
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 932-1001

Congrats & Happy Shopping
hnt Events & Design

Is it a bird? Is it a fan? NO IT'S A PROGRAM

You want to create a glorious program everyone will remember but you are afraid it is a waste of money. Combat the waste with making your program resourceful during your ceremony - Make a Fan!


Step 1
Gather your materials. Having an array of art supplies will truly allow you to add your own touch and style. Also you will want to have a heavier stock of paper to make the fan more substantial.

Step 2
Decide it will be folded and gathered, which will affect the look of your design and be more time consuming or if it will be a paddle fan, in which case you will need a popsicle stick or tongue depressor to act as the handle.

Step 3 (If you are making a folded fan)
Make one-inch folds to complete your paper fan. Holding the vertical edge of your paper, fold it in one inch. Press along the crease to make sure it is defined. Keeping the folded piece pressed together, fold the paper underneath one inch. Continue this process folding the paper over and under until the entire piece of paper is made of one-inch folds. Press all the folds together firmly for a moment and release.

Step 4
Folded Version - Staple the bottom of the fan together. Press the folds of your paper together and use the stapler to put two staples on the bottom of the piece of paper. Release the top of the paper. You now have a personalized paper fan.
If you choose the paddle fan version you will just need to cut out the shape you will like the fan to be (if you do not want a square) – Glue both sides of the paper together.

Step 5
Add any extra personalizations such as ribbon or fabric for an added touch & you are done.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO CREATE A FAN: (order them from somewhere)
http://www.lunabazaar.com/paddle-fans.aspx

http://www.sandscripts.com/catalog/promotions/paddle_fans.html

Bella Laccio Bridal

I am very excited to announce a new Bridal Salon in uptown Westerville. Their selection is beautiful and they are extremely friendly. Please stop in & see their elegant attire!

http://www.bellalacciobridal.com/

hnt Events & Design

Why natural works

So you wonder why you are getting quotes for venues and you will have to take out a second mortgage or sell your first child. It’s because it is just NOT natural. Pick a natural venue although a barn is not always ideal you can really make places like this look natural. You will look smart and eco-friendly. Then add organic touches for décor you can give seed packets as favors, potted plants can be your place card holders, and burlap material can serve as natural but attractive décor. Also if the weather is permitting having your bridal party take pictures with natural backgrounds allows for your beauty to POP in the picture.

Here are a few natural ideas we came up with for your next event:

1. Use mason jars and fresh cut flowers, with the flowers not being in a particular arrangement you will save a good amount of money
2. Reuse your holiday white lights by stringing them around windows, pillars or even around large potted plants
3. Use coffee beans as decoration in the bottom of vases and then put tea lights on top, this will allow for a nice aroma and pretty décor
4. Buy packages of labels and design your own label then adhere it to seed packets which you can buy online in bulk
5. If you want to go way over the top you can purchase entire plants or seedlings from online stores such as www.eburgess.com as favors or décor

Honeymoon time!

So we want you to have a great wedding but what is even more important is to be able to relax & enjoy each other after it is all over. What better than to have an awesome honeymoon. Here are some great ideas to have a wonderful vacation.

Online Brochure: from GoGo Worldwide Vacations http://gogo.richfx.com/catalog_gogo/HONEYMOON10/index.aspx

List of Resorts with Honeymoon Special: from Apple Vacations http://www.applevacations.com/showStatic.do?command=showStaticPage&targetPag
e=/static/promotions/collections/romance_honeymoon.htm

Here are links to the most popular honeymoon resorts:
Dreams: http://www.dreamsresorts.com/
Secrets: http://www.secretsresorts.com/
Sandals: http://www.sandals.com/

Want to make your honeymoon process even more relaxing then use a travel agent. Here are the many ways this will be beneficial:

Knowledge
Your travel agent brings you destination expertise, discounted hotel rates and airfares, all-in-one package deals, and exclusive specials and promotions. Helping you determine your budget and distilling your options is the first relief that comes with working with a professional.

Savings
Think a travel agent is too expensive? Think again. Rather than paying more for your vacation, you are likely to pay less and get more. A good travel agent is your advocate and puts your interests first.

Peace of Mind
Finally, your travel agent is there for you before, during, and after your trip. And that bonus peace of mind comes at no extra charge. So, where have you been considering? A tropical island? Mexico? A Mediterranean cruise or tour of Europe? Simplify your decision-making by contacting your travel agent today.



Jenna Susi

Travel Leaders Elite Travel

2721 Federated Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43235

(614)-764-9844

jsusi@travelleaders.com