Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Band Vs. DJ

Music can make or break a wedding celebration. It's the heart and soul of a reception and can send your guests home with happy feet - or pained grimaces! The fact that you want to hire a talented band or fleet-fingered DJ is a given. Finding one is a matter of polling friends, surfing online, shopping around with fine-tuned ears, and making a move quickly -- top talent can get booked up to a year in advance. What type of entertainment suits your personal taste, budget, space allowances, guest demographics, and killer dance moves best? Keep an open mind, and consider these issues to start your search.

Vibe
The type of music you choose can set the tone of your wedding ans solidify a theme. And remember, it's the thing people most often remember. Think about what musical genre best reflects your personalities and inspires the ambience you want to create: Groovy funk or subdued string quartet? Swanky swing or kick-off-your-shoes-and-sweat zydeco? The way the music is delivered - by live band or DJ -- also affects the ambience. The type of music you choose may dictate the choice too -- big band sounds are generally best live, for example.

Variety
Are you a little bit country, while he's a little bit rock and roll? Regardless of weather you choose a band or DJ, be sure they play slow and fast songs, and old and new tunes to encourage different sets of guests to hit the dance floor.

Budget
In the price war, DJs generally cost less, and prices vary depending on equipment requests and whether it's a weekday or a weekend. A 12-piece band, for example, will generally be more expensive than a DJ, since there are more people to pay. (There are always exceptions; celebrity DJs can be just as expensive as live bands.) Band prices vary by the number of musicians, the time you want them to play for, day of the week, and what time of year it is.

Space
Don't get your heart set on a 8-piece salsa band before you check whether the reception site has any restrictions on the number of musicians and pieces fo equipment you may bring in, and whether there are any electrical power supply or noise limitations. For example, a landmark reception site may not allow you to use large speakers. Ask these questions before you start scouting bands.

Band
Pros: Live music is, well, live. You and your guests will experiance the pleasure of a performance. Anything can happen to raise the excitement level, from an infectious horn-section interlude to a moving solo.
Cons: Bands can be more expensive than DJs. Also, no matter how great the band, they can't have the repertoire of a standard DJ, who can keep a huge variety of music on hand.

DJ
Pros: If there are a dozen songs you're dying to hear at your wedding, it likely won't be a problem for your DJ to find each track. Also, DJs are generally less expensive than bands. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and excellent emcee skills can really set the mood and keep the party going.
Cons: On the opposite end of the spectrum, a DJ with a less-than stellar personality can be a party killer. Also, improvisation is tough if, say, your dad is dragging behind tempo on the father dance or your nieces and nephews decide to crash the chicken dance.

All in all there is a lot to think about when making your choice. I hope this information helps you a great deal!

information gathered from theknot
www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Caring for Your Gown

One of the last things you may think about right after your wedding is caring for your gown. Thankfully, eco-friendly dry cleaner http://www.slatenyc.com/ has made this easier for brides everywhere by offering the first world-wide dress cleaning and preservation service with online pricing and real time tracking. Check them out!!!
information from Brides Magazine

The Bar Bill

Ways to save!

1> Forgo The Full Bar ~
Providing only beer, wine, soda, and signature drink can cut your bill in half.
2> Find A Byob Venue~
Choose a site that will let you bring in your own liquor. Buy it by the case to save 10 to 15 percenst off the cost of single bottles. Return unopened bottles, if that's allowed in your state.
3> Say Yes To A Different Bubbly~
Instead of the real French stuff, serve a sparkling wine like Prosecco (Italy) or Cava (Spain), which mimic champagne's bubble personality but not its price tag.
4> Avoid Designer Labels
Choose nonbrand liquors and house wines instead of premium brands. Most guest won't notice.
5> Use Trays
Have waiters offer glasses of champagne and wine from trays. This way, you can serve less expensive varities without worring about guest judging the drink label.
6> Think Tuesday
Are most of your guest local? Get married on an off-night (Sunday through Thursday). People tend to drink less when they have to work the next day.
7> Go Ethnic
Plan a themed reception, then limit beverages to a few appropriate options - wine with Italian celebration, or Corona and margaritas for a mexican party, for example.
8> Work With Your Waitstaff
Ask that servers clear just the empty glasses from the tables to avoid driving guests back to the bar when their half-finished G&T has disappeared.
9> Open As Needed
Have bartenders start a new bottle only when needed, or else you'll be charged for that fifth of Johnny Walker Red even if no one orders a single whiskey.
10> Time It Right
Avoid overtime. At the Omni Hotel in Chicago, an extra hour of open bar ($7 per person) would cost $1050 for 150 guest.

HINT HINT ...

A cash bar seems like it's a win-win: You don't pay for the alcohol but your guest still have access to it. But here's the rub: It's Tacky! Opt for beer and wine if you can't afford a full bar.

Sometimes a party minus liquor is necessary (perhaps your religion frowns upon it or the two of you met in AA) :). But to save money? Not such a hot idea. People look forward to having a few drinks at a celebration - don't disappoint them!

Information from Brides Magazine
http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.com/

Wedding Linen Guide

This may help when it comes time for you to choose your linen.


Common Terms:
Polycotton: Thes come in a rainbow of colors and are great for food stations and other utility tables.

Lamour: These are a shinier linen and are softer to the touch than polycotton. These are the most common upgrade linens.

Bengaline: This fabric has thin ribbing that runs in one direction (similar to corduroy, but with a different texture). I personally love the look of the Bengaline on bigger pieces, like a table, because it helps give the table an added element of depth.

Bichon: These are shiny like Lamour, but have a "wrinkly" texture. Bichon is a more delicate fabric and therefore cost more than some of the other luxury linens.

Pintuck: These linens have seams that run across the fabric, creating diamond or square patterns. These add instant glamour to any table, though it can be difficult to balance certain glasware on them, depending on the width of the seams.

Here are some table measuring tips!

Table Size ~ 72" Round (6')
Seats 10-12
Linen Sizes ~
132" Round (to Floor)
120" Round (24" Drop)
108" Round (18" Drop)
90" Round (9" Drop)
Topper ~ 85" Square
Table Size ~ 66" Round (5.5')
Seats 8-10
Linen Sizes ~
120" Round (24" Drop)
108" Round (18" Drop)
90" Round (9" Drop)
Topper
85" Square
72" Square
Table Size ~ 60" Round (5')
Seats 8-10
Linen Sizes ~
120" Round (to Floor)
108" Round ( 24" Drop)
90" Round (15" Drop)
Topper
85" Square
72" Square
Table Size ~ 48' (4')
Seats 6-7
Linen Sizes ~
108" Round (to Floor)
90" Round ( 21" Drop)
Topper
72" Square
Table Size ~ 36" (3')
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
90 " Round ( 27" Drop)
Table Size ~ 30" (2.5')
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
90" Round (to Floor)
Table Size ~ 36" Round ~ 42" Tall (bistro)
Seats 2-4
Linen Size ~
120" Round ( to Floor)
108" Round ( 36" Drop)
90" Round (27" Drop)
Topper ~
85" Square
72" Square
8'X30" Banquet
Seats 8-10
Linen Size ~
90"X156" (to Floor)
60"X120" (15" Drop)
Topper
85"
72"
6'X30" Banquet
Seats 6-8
Linen Size ~
90"X132" (to Floor)
60"X120" (15"Drop)
Topper
85"
72"
72" Square
Seats 8
Linen Size ~
85" Topper
60" Square
Seats 8
Linen Size ~
132" Round (To Floor)
Topper
85"
72"
48" Square
Seats 4
Linen Size ~
120" (To Floor)
Topper
72"

Monday, November 2, 2009

South Carolina Photo Locations

We have compiled a few photography locations in South Carolina. This is just a few we thought we would mention.

Charleston
* Circular Church - Near Battery
* Saint Micheal's Church
* Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
* Broad Street Charleston
* Water Front Park
* Drayton Hall Plantation
* Historic Building on Meeting St.
* Charleston Battery

Hilton Head
* Jarvis Park
* Harbor Town Lighthouse
* Waterway

Conway
* The River walk
* The Boardwalk
* City Hall

Georgetown
* Historic District
* Rice Museum/ Town Clock
* Georgetown Harbor

http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.com/

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Dress Your Best

Are you looking for elegance, sophistication, and style? I have just the place for you! Dimitra Designs has it all, wedding gowns, tuxedo rentals, mother of the bride dresses, prom dresses, and bridesmaid dresses...Just to name a few! Visit them online at www.dimitradesigns.com/ or see the latest blog updates at dimitradesigns.net/dimitra/. If you are looking for the perfect dress/attire go see the experts at Dimitra Designs Bridal Shop Emporium to see for yourself: 303 N Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, South Carolina 29607 Across from Krispy Kreme.
~www.jenniferbyrdevents.com~ Follow us on Twitter~

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fall Beach Images 2009

The family and some close friends hanging out at the beach.
Thanks Heather & Michael, we had a great time!
(Your Pics are on the way!)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Friday, October 2, 2009

This Week In Review

Wow! This has been a busy week. For starters this is my first week back sense I have had surgery, and what a great week I have had! We are working on alot of projects for the upcoming holidays. I can't not believe it is that time of year again. I am starting a weekly blog that will be posted on every Friday afternoon called "This Week In Review", and its going to be great. This way everyone can stay up to date with all the current and new up coming events.



For starters the holiday projects. We will be having Image Sessions at The Learning Express the first week in November, this is going to be great, I can't wait to see all those cute little ones all dressed up for their Christmas portraits! Then the following weeks we will be having "Pictures with Santa" either on location, or you can stop by our studio setup (location to be determined by this Monday, we will let you know!)



This Saturday is going to be a busy one! First thing we have a senior image session. Then its off to see the amazing art shown at the Art Walk, and last but definitly not least we are having a great family meet us at the peir for an image session! I can't wait! And of course as always with permission we will be posting a sneek peek of all the sessions.



We are now working on our calendar of events for the up coming year! One sure thing that will be going on in January or maybe February is our Grand Opening Celebration! I am so excited that we have come this far in such a short amount of time, Thanks to all the support of our great friends, family, and clients! We love each and everyone of you!



www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Senior 2010!

Great Photo Session! We beat the heat! This beauty will be graduating this year! Early Congrats to Ash!










Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Think Thirty Music Ideas

Choosing the music for your special occasion can be overwhelming. There are so many songs to choose from. From the processional to the last dance. Here is a list of some of our thirty favorites.

1. Truely, Madly, Deeply (Savage Garden)
2. Always With Me, Always With You (Joe Satriani)
3. Heaven (Bryan Adams)
4. Here and Now (Luther Vandross)
5. To Make You Feel My Love (Garth Brooks)
6. You and I (Stevie Wonder)
7. Air on the G String (Bach)
8. Breathless (Kenny G)
9. The Wedding Song (Kenny G)
10. Air from Water Music (George Frideric Handel)
11. Because you Loved me (Celine Dion)
12. What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong feat. Kenny G)
13. Nothings gonna stop us now (Starship)
14. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Natalie Cole)
15. Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)
16. It Had To Be You (Harry Connick Jr.)
17. I will be here (Steven Curtis Chapman)
18. When I Said I Do (Clint Black and Lisa Hartman)
19. L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole)
20. Always and Forever (Heatwave)
21. I'll Remember (Madonna)
22. The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
23. Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John)
24. From this Moment (Shania Twain)
25. Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Frankie Valli)
26. Its Your Love (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
27. Perfect Fan (Back Street boys)
28. What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
29. Sugar, Sugar (The Archies)
30. I Got You Babe (Sonny & Cher)


www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

My Favorite Alfred Angelo Gown

This Alfred Angelo Gown is out of the Piccione Collection. It is silk satin with metallic embroidery, and crystal beading. It is beautiful. This one is my FAVORITE! Check out their web site! http://www.alfredangelo.com/

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Choosing a Caterer


One sure way to please your guest, and give them something to remember and talk about is to satisfy their hunger and sweet tooth with a delicious well planned menu.
You want choose a caterer that comes highly recommended and of course one that is easy to work with. Most highly recommended caterers are booked up - sometimes a year in advance. So be sure that choosing a caterer is on the top of your planning to do lists.
Wedding caterers will usually have a portfolio or some photos of previous work. So don't forget to ask to see them. This will give you some great ideas on how to you may want your own serving table to be arranged, and most important these photos or portfolio will give you a good idea of how organized this particular caterer will be.
Get the details in writing. Ask for a detail price sheet of entrees they offer. Take one home so you can begin to plan your menu. Make sure the price quotes given to you early on are in the final contract you sign. It is always a good idea to take notes when consulting with any vendor so you can always refer back for planning information.

Things to consider when hiring a wedding Caterer:

Are they licensed by the state?
Is their location near?
How is the food transported?
Are additional cooking facilities needed at the reception site?
Is the food prepared fresh or from frozen?
Who keeps the leftovers?
Do they provide needed serving utensils?
Do they supply any decorations?
What is the deposit amount, and when is it due?
When is the balance due?
How are the fees calculated? {per person?}
Are taxes and tips included in the total fee?

$ Saving money tips $

Serve a sit down luncheon in lieu of a formal dinner.
Order foods that are in season.
Enlist your family and friends to help with setup, serving, and clean up.
Ask the caterer if you are allowed to bring some of your own entrees, condiments or dessert.
Find out if they provide tableware, linens, utensils and cake table.

It is always important to give the final guest count by the specified date given by the caterer to insure proper preparation. Give the caterer several contact numbers and get all contact numbers for the caterer too. Remember the more prepared you are the less stress you will have!
www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Road to Success!


We are excited to announce that we are in the last course of our wedding consulting course of study! We are soon to be recognized as professionally trained wedding consultants. We will also have a certificate in wedding consulting and also be recognized by International Wedding Planning Professionals Association!
We keep you updated on all our educational ventures!

www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Create your own Wedding Website!

Keep Family and Friends up to date about your wedding experience. This is a great site, easy to navigate, and it even has a free trail! Check it out!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Test Photo Gallery Posted

I have now posted a test photo gallery to our website, Check It Out!

www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Friday, June 26, 2009

Photography Session Coming Soon

Jennifer @ Jennifer Byrd Events is now an amateur photographer, and we will be having a photo session coming soon for those of you who would be interested. We will be photographing children and families. The photographs will be taken on location, and the location will be determined according to the interest of the clients. We will be posting photographs for previews of our work in the near future. So visit our blog http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.blogspot.com/ and click on the Palmetto Dreams Gallery tab. If you are interested please give us a call (843) 933-0093 // (843) 933-1007 or email us at palmettodreams@jenniferbyrdevents.com.

Thank you and Have a GREAT Weekend!

www.jenniferbyrdevents.com

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Project Management

Me like everyone else, I am sure, can always brush up on organizational skills, so I have come up with a few tips for project management. Take a look, tell me what you think!

Project management can be decided in four parameters.
1. Scope - The project at hand. ( What the project is suppose to accomplish and what the end result should be.)
2. Quality - Scale of the event. Large, small, elegant, casual...
3. Time - Beginning to End.
4. Cost - The amount of money required to deliver the scope.

Five phases of Project Management.
1. Planning - Creating the objective. Specific, realistic, attainable - Cost, quality and Time.
- Budgeting
- Creating a Team and Choosing Resources
- Defining the task - Break down specific to dos in to attainable task. Don't overwhelm your self, arrange the task in order that they need to be completed.
2. Scheduling - Schedule your task with a start and finish date plus spare time.
- Arrange your time by working backwards from the finish date.
3. Controlling - Manage delays - by fast-tracking move up the started date on certain task that can be completed while waiting to complete the delayed task. You may also may have to work overtime to get things back on track. Another way to manage is to add resources, add more people to complete the project. Or even change or eliminate a certain task. Making changes can affect the overall outcome of the project. Make sure to weigh out your changes If you have to take from your time you may have to add cost or it may affect your quality. Make sure it levels out so that you don't compromise the finished projects outcome.
4. Execution - completing the task to finish the project
5. Closing - Finish the project. I always like to go back to the objectives of the event and show how each has been met. Then make mental notes to refer back to, to make the next go around easier and more organized.

Remember the old "6P's" - Proper Planning Prevents Pathetically Poor Performance!



Thursday, May 28, 2009

Meeting the Calligrapher

It is always best to meet with the calligrapher in person, that way you can view actual samples of lettering on different types of card stock. You will see some with smooth finishes, and those with deckle or rough edges. Finding the calligraphy style that you like might be a little challenging for some of you. There are so many to choose from. Here are just a few styles to name Elaborate Copperplate, Flourish Italic, Vixen, Attitude, and Italic. All are very elegant and would be perfect for any event invitation. There are a lot of informative websites that you can view samples of the writing styles. Check them out, and as always relax and have fun!



http://www.jenniferbyrdevents.com/

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Honor Your Attendants

For the Bride, this is one of the most intimate parties of all! She gets the opportunity to show her attendants her appreciation and to thank each and everyone on a person basis. There are so many things a bride can do for her attendants, such as a day at the spa or even tea time at her favorite spot. This party usually takes place during the week leading up to the wedding. I think this party is very important for the bride and her attendants... Everyone will get a much need break and have a little time to relax.

Monday, May 25, 2009

A Post A Day

I am going to get in the habit of posting some use full information for everyone to share. I know how just tid bits of information can help. Most of the posts are going to be short and sweet. I am going to give some great information with out overwhelming you, and if you would like to get some additional information from any post, you can just send me a comment or an email and I would be glad to oblige.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Memorial Day Party

Memorial day parties have already started and the smell of BBQ is in the air. Make your party one to remember and as always this Memorial Day RELAX! Take in that sweet spring air. Most of us have a long weekend to enjoy your family and friends so take advantage of it. Maybe even go see a long lost friend and catch up. What ever you do this holiday weekend be safe and think of others!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Favors For Your Favorite

From Personalized Tissue Packets to Personalized Tea Sachets these are great ideas for your party favors. You can find these and many more at http://www.beau-coup.com/ They have a large selection and great prices! Check them out!