“We’re on a tight budget.”

Yes, I know (but I don’t say it out loud). Times are tough, money is tight, and everyone is trying to save a buck. But lately, I’ve been hearing this way too much.

And you wouldn’t believe the trends I’m starting to see! Flower-less centerpieces, DIY linen installations, sub-par vendors, and more! It sounds funny, but in the end, it’s really not.

Maybe you’d like to poll the guests from a recent wedding that I coordinated (notice I said coordinated, NOT planned). The bride contacted me to help her with the reception design and we put together a great look for her. However, she insisted that she wanted the reception to be ‘cocktail style’ – meaning that she wanted the guests to mingle – therefore she only ordered 100 chairs for 200 people…. Hmmmm…. I think you can see where I’m going with this.

“What’s your budget?” I ask. Rarely do I receive a truthful answer, that is, until I quote a price. It’s not a problem because I know my services are not inexpensive. I charge what I’m worth: I’m an educated, experienced, nationally recognized industry professional. I work with clients and couples who realize that what I bring to the event planning process is more than the ability to create a memorable day – I help them create amazing and memorable moments. I am a specialist; it’s like comparing stitches to brain surgery.

Anyway, I do appreciate that many people are on a budget. Whenever possible I do the best I can to meet them where they’d like to be. After all, I love what I do, so for me there’s a lot more to it than the paycheck.

In a previous post, I wrote about how Brides and Grooms can protect themselves while shopping for vendors. Check it out – there is a lot of good advice there. This post centers on something different; it’s about being realistic. There seems to be a trend towards style over substance. Let’s go back to my story about the bride with the 200 guests. Do you think those guests cared how good the room looked when they realized they might have to stand for the rest of the evening? Nope – they bailed at their first opportunity. Do you think they felt valued and appreciated? Nope.

It’s my responsibility to tell my clients if something won’t work, or doesn’t work well. I educate them. What I’m seeing lately is so many people (future brides and grooms, potential clients) who are out of touch with what things cost being serviced by vendors who want to say yes (because they need the business) – this is not exactly a recipe for success.

My free advice for today is this: If you truly can’t afford the wedding of your dreams – put it off and save more money. If you want to save an extreme amount of money without cutting corners, scale back your guest list, move up your wedding date and consider a week-day event. Also, if you’re planning a wedding or special event be a good host! – that’s just good manners.

Stylish decor, signature cocktails and delectable desserts were all key to this VIP Launch Event

Orlando Board of Directors (shown L to R): Gwendolyn Smith, Kerline Docteur, Kelly McWilliams, Elisa Delgardio, Jennifer Sandler. Not shown: Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez, Tamuel Cowart, Rev. Glynn Ferguson

Over 160 people attended the celebratory launch of the Orlando Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over a dozen sponsors generously donated their services to create an unforgettable event designed to bring awareness to this new charitable organization dedicated to granting weddings and/or civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States to couples who are facing terminal illness. The cocktail reception decor was branded to reflect Wish Upon a Wedding’s signature colors while the venue (Tavern on the Lake) provided the ideal environment for networking.

Read the BizBash! Article: Orlando Launch

Photos courtesy of Elegant Imagery and Ashley Brockinton

Eddie Diaz and Elisa Delgardio

A Flair for Affairs, in partnership with Encore Creations, is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new seminar! Entertaining at Home – Secrets Revealed! is a unique presentation designed to simplify and elevate at home entertaining!

“Everything you need to infuse NEW inspiration and energy into your at HOME events! From sensational dinner parties to dazzling celebrations, top event and lifestyle experts are eager to share their SECRETS and help you master the art of entertaining at home!”

Presented by Elisa Delgardio and Eddie Diaz, this dynamic seminar is also an interactive event specifically designed to address the challenges of creating AMAZING parties that guests will BUZZ about for months to come – even on a shoestring budget!

This program is remarkably engaging and exhilarating and the response thus far has been overwhelming! The exclusive content appeals to men and women alike and reveals secret tips, tricks and techniques used by professional event designers. The full length program includes an upbeat and educational presentation and an extraordinary team-building activity which is guaranteed to generate out-of-the-box creativity.

Call today to confirm Elisa and Eddie’s availability to present this one-of-a-kind interactive seminar to your group!
Booking Information: Elisa Delgardio 1.877.55FLAIR or Eddie Diaz 407.812.8753

Each month, I have the privilege and the pleasure of working with Kerline Docteur PBC to coordinate networking luncheons for Central Florida members of the Association of Bridal Consultants. The purpose of the luncheons is tri-fold:

First, monthly meetings bring ABC members and potential members (guests) together to build relationships.  Vendor relationships are essential to delivering the best products and services to our clients and facilitiating ”team dynamics”.   

Second, the meetings provide a forum to educate our members.  We bring in speakers and create special programs to keep our members on the cutting edge of wedding and event design, as well as business and marketing trends.  

Third, it’s important to build the presence of ABC within our community.  ABC is an international association with a history that spans over 26 years.  With over 4,000 members located in all 50 states and in 27 countries, ABC’s  goals have always been to raise professional standards in the wedding industry and to make brides happy.  By developing an active Local Networking Group (LNG) we bring attention to the benefits of  ABC membership and showcase the professionalism of our members.    

This year (2009) shines brilliantly as one of our finest and most rewarding to date!  We have planned and coordinated nine luncheon events at venues throughout Central Florida.  In June, we held our third annual “Showers of Happiness” event to benefit Habitat for Humanity. 

(c) Elegant Imagery

In July, we hosted a spectacular educational event entitled “Indian Weddings 101: Defining the Indian Wedding Experience“. For this particular event, we had engaged local Indian Wedding experts to explain the elements and cultural traditions of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim weddings. (Click on these images to see more fabulous pictures of this event, posted on the ABC Florida  website.)

(c) Elegant Imagery

Shown left:  Akshar Patel, Kerline Docteur, Elisa Delgardio and Remmal Karamsadkar

 As in years past, October marked the end of our meeting calendar and we were determined to create a memorable event! We tapped some of our best resources (members!) to provide catering, decor, entertainment and ‘enhancements’ for our event. We also had the generous support of a few friends (future members…?) and when all the elements came together the outcome was sensational!

Heather Canada, ABC of First Coast Weddings presented a very insightful educational session entitled Business Administration for Creative Types in which she shared some excellent time management and organizational techniques. After Heather’s presentation, attendees enjoyed a delicious three course luncheon prepared by the catering team at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Then we revealed a special treat: a live performance arranged by ABC member Lisa Kovach (Key Artist Group)!

We are so grateful to the long list of fabulous professionals who made our closing meeting of 2009 such an incredible success! Kudos to: Michelle Williams – Rosen Centre Hotel, Cheryl Andrews – Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Lisa Kovach – Key Artist Group, Rose Robinson – Invitation Lounge, Nermala – Unique Linens, Quest Drape, Allan Jay Images, Bruce – Treasured Moments Videography, M.J. Farb – Junction 88, Pure Magic Ice Cream, and Heather Canada of First Coast Weddings.

We are happy to share this video link with you; it will take a few minutes to load since the video is approximately 8 minutes long, but I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Rosen Centre Hotel hosts ABC’s October Local Networking Luncheon from Bruce Reynolds Treasured Moments on Vimeo. (From the above video on Vimeo,  ABC October Meeting, this is the full version of  ‘The Kiss’  from Art in Motion managed by Lisa Kovach of Key Artist Group.)

For more information on the Association of Bridal Consultants, please visit: www.BridalAssn.com  For information on local meetings and upcoming events, please visit: www.ABC-Florida.com

Hilton Orlando

Alizma

Alizma

.
Quite an exciting weekend! I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening Showcase for the Hilton Orlando! 

The inauguration of this sensational new property was a first class affair! It was such an honor to attend this special event and tour the property which boasts state of the art design, luxurious details and unique features tailored to appeal to business and recreational travelers alike. The 1400 room Hilton is the first hotel to be connected to the Orange County Convention Center via a sky-pedestrian bridge, so it’s guaranteed to attract a fair share of Orlando’s convention market. It’s stylish and inviting design is also sure to appeal to those planning social events and I foresee this venue becoming a very desirable location for nuptials and social celebrations!

Seafood Bar

The Hilton Team deserves the highest compliments for an evening that was beautifully orchestrated and by all accounts flawlessly executed! Executive Chef Thierry Meissonnier and his culinary team deserve the highest praise for the delicious, world class cuisine served throughout the evening – the seafood display in particular was breathtaking!

There were so many wonderful elements to the evening that I could go on and on, but time will not allow for that so here is a brief description of some of the highlights:

The Orlando ballroom was set for over 700 guests and featured floral and decor by Greenery Productions and linens by BBJ. Additional decor was provided by Room Service Furniture Rentals and Occasions by Shangrila (and I’m sure there are others that I may not be aware of).

Seafood Bar

Action Station

Upon entering the ballroom, guests enjoyed appetizers (lamb, duck, etc.) served from action stations and two tremendous seafood bars. This was the first time I’ve experienced this type of presentation for an appetizer course – it was as enjoyable as it was impressive!

Entertainment included Alizma -that fabulously talented violin trio you may have recently seen on America’s Got Talent 2009, and the hot Orlando band Skylyne 407 .

VIP’s in attendance included Mayor Richard Crotty.

Following dinner and keynote speakers who acknowledged the efforts of so many who were instrumental in bringing the Hilton Orlando to life, guests were led to the Southwest Lawn to view a spectacular fireworks display.

Two “After Parties” – one within a tent one the Southwest Lawn and the other in the Orange Ballroom – were in full swing from 9pm to midnight! Guests danced and enjoyed coffee, cocktails and desserts to their hearts content!

It was truly a GRAND opening!

For additional information hosting an event at the Hilton Orlando, please contact the Sales and Catering Office via the main hotel line: +1-407-313-4300
Address: 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, Florida, USA 32819

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Add to Technorati Favorites

Do you remember the last event or wedding reception you attended? What do you recall: The food? The entertainment? The “look” of the room? Just close your eyes and reflect for a moment; try to think of the things that were most memorable and pleasing.

Aha! I bet the pleasing part makes it a bit harder. No doubt that more than a few of you thought about the wedding with the DJ who thought he was Elvis, or the event with the cash bar (surprise!) -and you forgot your wallet.

The more events I do, the more I remember only what is remarkable. Remarkable can be fun, outstanding, unexpected and impressive. Remarkable can also be uncomfortable, annoying, disappointing and catastrophic. As your wedding and event planner, my goal is to make your event memorable for all the right reasons.

In terms of decor, remarkable doesn’t necessarily translate into expensive. Details that are well thought out can be seamlessly incorporated into event decor and the table top design thereby creating a look that is remarkable in a visual and textural sense. (If you’re wondering what I mean about ‘well thought out details” try to imagine a table top with so many tchotchkes – bells, cameras, scrolls, bags of chocolate kisses, etc. – it looks like the favor catalog threw up; and, yes, for some bizarre reason people still do this.)

Decor and design are most remarkable when they draw you in, and you experience the vibe as it was intended to be: exciting, chic and sexy, warm and inviting, modern, etc. The best designs are not limited to what can be seen; incorporating smells, tastes, physical contact, sights and sounds into the design actually creates a more memorable experience. In other words, the five senses overlap and influence each other, and combined they create the overall impression, which in turn becomes your memory of the experience.

This is why we ask our clients to describe their vision of the event. Even if they insist that they have no idea about what they want, they truly do… We ask them to imagine what it looks like - including colors and lighting, what time of day it is, how many people are present, how the space feels (intimate, modern, elegant, indoors or outdoors, etc.) and then we begin to design an event based on their  preferences and our interpretation of their style.

I must admit, sometimes the finer details do not become crystal clear until the very end.  It really is an organic process.  And it’s a challenge we face with every event: How do you know how far to go? Sometimes less is more, sometimes more is more.

In keeping with this topic, I thought you’d enjoy this short video featuring friend and colleague Rashida Erskine of BBJ Linen’s Orlando office. She offers some insightful recommendations and helpful tips for using linens to pull the look of your reception together with remarkable style.

{Our apologies; this video link has expired}

Please contact the BBJ Linen’s Orlando Office if you would like to meet with them. Ph. 407-857-6566   Or, feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance with fine-tuning your wedding or event design.  Call 877.55FLAIR or email Elisa: elisacsep {at} aflairforaffairs.com

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Add to Technorati Favorites

What could be cooler than fresh, gourmet gelato?

Candy bars, chocolate fountains and cupcake towers have been all the rage, but a Gelato Cart will have your guests buzzing about your originality and good taste! This cart appeared at one of our weddings and featured six delicious flavors of premium, handmade gelato!

Muse Gelato in Orlando creates it’s gelato and sorbets fresh and natural. They use the finest ingredients to create the most intense and imaginative tastes. Muse Gelato currently offers more than 60 gelato flavors and 20 sorbet flavors, plus limitless custom flavor options!

If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to the standard dessert add-ons, consider this all natural & flavorful choice!

Add to Technorati Favorites

Flashback to ISES GIVES BACK – 2007
Elisa with J.Michael Hicks, Derek Eaton and Jason Gabel
Courtesy: Christie’s Photographics

ISES GIVES BACK – It all began as a group of ISES friends came together to help a hardworking woman in the midst of some tragic circumstances. Quickly, many members of the special events industry also stepped forward to assist, and created this event. “ISES GIVES BACK – A Party for A Purpose” succeeded in raising critical funds that helped stabilize the recipient’s financial situation. In addition to generous support and contributions from local friends and associates, The SEARCH Foundation also provided a significant donation.

ISES GIVES BACK 2 – 2008
Courtesy: Elisa Delgardio

ISES GIVES BACK 2 – 2008
Courtesy: Christie’s Photographics