Brooke's First Two Events

Over the pass few weeks, I had the pleasure of working on two amazing events! The first event was a Great Gatsby themed 20th Anniversary Vow Renewal.The second event was a block themed 1st birthday party.  

The most important lesson I learned from both of these events is setting up and coordinating an event takes a lot of time.  I never realized how far in advanced the planners get to the event space to start setting up.  We were there HOURS ahead of time to make sure everything was perfect for the client. 

The Great Gatsby themed vow renewal ceremony was beautiful and full of New Orleans flair.  It was also very intimidating for me, being my first event. When we arrived of course the space was completely bare. Reagan assigned me to arrange the centerpieces for the smaller tables, giving me full creative control. When I asked Reagan for more direction on decor set up she replied, “I gave you a task, now go make the room pretty.”  If anyone knows me, they know I like to have a plan or an example.  This was so intimidating yet inspiring at the same time, because the owner of the company was trusting me to create something that with a big part of the overall look of the space.  Thankfully, I came up with something that we were both happy with. 

The event began at 11am with a Second Line starting at New Orleans’ famous Hotel Monteleone.  The second line went down the world famous Bourbon Street, and ended at LaTrobe’s on Royal Street. 

This event was so fun and well themed, and I really enjoyed having it be my first event!  Here are a few pictures to show off the amazing details of all of our hard work.

The following week, was Carsyn's first birthday party in City Park.  Anna and I spent a lot of time painting cardboard boxes to look like blocks the day before, as well as shopping and baking cookies. It made me realize just how much time and effort your planners and coordinator's put into making your event special.  Here are some pictures from the process:The next day, we got to City Park early that morning and started to set up.  We stacked the blocks to spell out Carsyn's name, we set up the activity and cake tables, and we made a really cute backdrop for a photo-booth set up.  It was very cool to see it all come together in the end!

Once the family got there, we had so much fun celebrating Carsyn.  This event was a huge success and the family had a wonderful time! 

From my first two events, I have learned a lot about what it takes to be an event planner.  I have learned that perfection takes time, but seeing the smiles on your client's faces makes all of your time and effort worth it.  I look forward to working many more events in the future!

Outdoor Weddings: The Do's and Don'ts

By: Brooke Murden

Over the passed couple of weeks, I have had the pleasure of attending two beautiful outdoor weddings.  One was a friend's and the other was a client's.  They were both absolutely gorgeous, and gave me a chance to compare and contrast what they did right and what could have gone better. Here is my list of dos and don'ts. 

DO:

 Provide your guests with light refreshments for the ceremony.  This is especially helpful if there are small children in attendance, as it gives them something to preoccupy their time.  You also do not want your guests to get dehydrated as it can be very hot down here in Louisiana. Remembering to have some water available to your guests, will make a huge difference. The first wedding I went to provided lemonade, water, champagne punch, and small cookies for a little snack. Wedding number two had water set up, but the water that was offered went fast before the ceremony. 

DON'T:

Don't skimp on the sound equipment, this is very important.  Wedding number one chose to forego the sound equipment, which I don't think was a good idea.  They wrote beautiful vows to each other, and their guests could hear what they were saying.  Some may argue that the vows are a private promise among the couple, but every guest would love to hear those personal vows. Wedding number two had a great sound system, and it was very easy to hear everything that was said, making the ceremony  more special because the guests were fully included in the ceremony.  

DO:

Do  remember to check the weather.  Louisiana is very unpredictable so have a back up plan, and be able to move the ceremony and/or reception last minute if needed.  The forecast could say one thing today, and then change completely the next day.  Make sure you are prepared for anything. 

DON'T:

Don't forget the bug spray, and other outdoor necessities for your guests.  If it is a night wedding, make sure to have bug spray and citronella candles to ward off the pests .  If it is a day wedding, provide guest with paper fans, because like I said the Louisiana heat can be intense. Having your programs double as fans will accomplish two tasks at once.

DO:

Enjoy your big day.  Outdoor weddings are fun, easy, and can be beautiful no matter the budget.  Every bride has a specific vision of what they want their special day to be like; own it.  No matter what the theme, enjoy it and make it your own!