5.15.2011

Reception Trend Alert: Who Says You Can`t Play With Your Food?!

Lemon/Lime Boquet
^^Photographed from Williams-Joslin Wedding, 06.05.10, Virginia Tech Amphitheatre
Role: Day-of Coordinator

No two weddings are ever the same, and details small and large alike help to ensure this fact! All couples seeking to get married want to plan a unique experience reflective of their personal tastes and backgrounds, and want to make that statement apparent to their guests also. While there are many ways to achieve this goal, one trendy solution that is relatively inexpensive – yet makes a fun, eclectic statement – is looking no further than one’s kitchen.

Using fruits and vegetables as the main focus of a centerpiece, or incorporating them throughout, is a great way to make a subtle statement in a bold way. While spring and summer ceremonies tend to showcase more of the fruits, fall is right around the corner and would be an excellent time to showcase some beautiful seasonal veggies!

Here are some helpful tips and things to keep in mind when considering using fruits/vegetables as a design element in your décor:

• Aim to use fruits/veggies that are in-season to keep costs low.
• Before purchasing fruits/vegetables in bulk, talk with your wedding/reception venue or caterer. Many venues that boast full-service amenities have fruits/vegetables on-site, especially if they are common cooking ingredients, and may be willing to lend them to you for a lesser price, depending on how you wish you showcase them in your design.
• Brainstorm ideas with your florist to see if he/she has any cute ideas that could be incorporated into your bouquet(s) to really personalize your day even more!

Using fruits or vegetables as major or minor design elements is cheaper than purchasing a wide array of flowers. Like flowers, this concept still has the power to make statement you want, be it elegant, classic, bold, spunky, etc. So therefore, I say go ahead and take the challenge :) Besides, who says grown-ups can`t play with their food?!

**[Written 08/2010. Featured on the blog of Maryland Wedding Planning Firm, "A&H Events".]**


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Sequin Soirees' August 2010 Blog Photos photosetSequin Soirees' August 2010 Blog Photos photoset



5.01.2011

Sequin Soirees -- The evolution of ME .


"[LOVE] ... always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13: 7


Welcome to "SEQUIN SOIREES", my blog dedicated to all things love and special events! I got involved with weddings and special events on the professional level about 4 years ago during my time at Virginia Tech, and I`ve never looked back (: After graduating with my B.S. in Business (Hospitality and Tourism Management) in May 2010, I was frustrated to find that my beloved Hospitality industry of choice was not so very *hospitable* afterall. Once you`ve have the opportunity to infiltrate the industry, the possibilities are endless. Trying to get my foot in the door and over the invisible threshold, however, proved to be one of the most emotionally-challenging periods of my life! So, I put my heart on the line, swallowed my pride, and spent the Summer working as an unpaid Intern at an outdoor wedding bed and breakfast, continuing the rigorous job hunt, and launching my entrepreneurial venture -- "SEQUIN SOIREES." Since making my independent debut, I have been fortunate enough to have completed several consulting projects and have since relocated from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC.

At the present, I am working in the Property Management industry as a Leasing Agent. While I am grateful to have a legitimate job post-grad, I miss weddings and special events SO MUCH, and am doing everything I can to make the connections I need up here to find my way back!

In the meantime, I hope you`ll join me on my personal journey as I channel my heart and my head full of dreams into this blog. After having coordinated more than 100 weddings in my 22 years, being subscribed to more wedding/decorating/food magazines than a girl my age probably should admit, and possibly being one of the craftiest people you`ll ever meet, I definitely have A LOT to say and to share with you!

Thank you, in advance, for your support! ENJOY.

Xo,

Alana ♥