Day #19 - Focusing on Reception Decor

On last Monday's blog post I shared some place setting ideas for the reception.  Well today we will talk about the reception's floral needs. I'm a firm believer that when dealing with the floral budget, put more towards the reception because your guests will be at that location for 4-6 hours verses your ceremony location for 1-2 hours.

For your reception decor, consider the following to enhance the space:

Cocktail table small arrangements

Escort Card table arrangement

Head or Sweetheart table arrangements (but you can cut costs in this department by using the bridal bouquets as decor)

Guest Book table arrangement, if it's not placed on the escort card table

Guest table centerpieces, possibly varying in height and size

Wedding cake and table florals

Gift table floral

Buffet/Catering table arrangements

Catering Tray floral buds

Bar arrangement

Restroom arrangements

One important note when selecting the guest table centerpieces, make sure to arrangement does not distort the guests conversation by being too large or by not using transparent vessels.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Husar Photography

Real Wedding: Amaka and Hugh

On an sunny, gorgeous Saturday in September 2013, Amaka and Hugh were married in front of their family and friends on the beautiful campus of Loyola University Chicago.  The wedding color palette was tangerine, apple red and purple and balanced nicely off Lake Michigan and the amazing Chicago skyline.  Take a look at some of the wonderful photos of this wedding:

Gorgeous bride in her Enzoani wedding gown

Beautiful bride and her bridesmaids...two of which are her sisters

The groom's first glimpse of his soon-to-be Mrs. in the lobby of the Dana Hotel

Lake Michigan was the backdrop to this beautiful ceremony
on the Loyola University Chicago campus.
Bouquets by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Professional photography captured by
Rush Event Photography & Video Productions

Bouquets by Juliet Tan Floral Design

Custom designed escort cards by CT Designs, Inc.

The 95-person reception took place at Palm Court at Loyola University Chicago.
The reception decor was provided by Tablescapes Chicago, BBJ Linens and Rosemary's Garden

The Mr. & Mrs. First Dance to the sounds of DJ John Young

And they lived happily ever after...

You can also find this Real Wedding in the latest edition of
Wedding Guide Chicago

Until next time...WEDologize!

Tablescape Design to Include a Rose

When adding the finishing touches to your tablescape design, don't forget about those WOW Factor elements that can truly make the table sing.  Take a look at how we designed this table in the client's red, black and white color scheme - black lamour napkin with a custom designed menu card by CT Designs Inc. sitting on a white 13" white base plate with silver rim.  But what I love the most is the lush red rose placed delicately on each napkin. LOVE IT!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

CSW Real Wedding: Niki and Dion

The DE Team is so excited to share the Real Wedding of Nikkol Palmer and Dion Turley featured under the Vendor Spotlight in Chicago Style Weddings.  I was delighted when the lovely Niki hired Dejanae Events to plan her and Dion's September wedding.  But what was most exciting was their color palette of Tiffany blue, apple red and white.  Take look at how it all came together at Flossmoor Country Club:

Below are some addtional photos of thise gorgeous wedding color scheme:

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

The love of this tablescape isn't just for the fabulous gold chairs...or the lush ivory and blush palette for the centerpieces...not even the ornate dinnerware and stunning crystal candelabras...but my love is for the gigantic balloons!  Now this is how you take a familiar party staple and spin it from ordinary to glam!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - www.jenosullivan.com)

My Wedding Sequin Obsession!

Right now I'm obsessed with everything that sparkles, especially sequins!  Bling hasn't gone anywhere, but the addition of this embellishment into the repertoire makes wedding design even more fun!  But please take it easy when adding sequins to your ceremony and/or reception space.  Less is truly more when creating :)  Check out some of these table inspirations that twinkle:

Until next time...WEDologize!

{Photo credits: Silver -  http://aminamichele.com; Gold - Style Me Pretty; Navy - Oak and The Owl; Black - Hostess with the Mostess; Blush - Junebug Weddings; copper - Southern Weddings}

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

This tablescape is simply fabulous...BUT the color of the linens are jaw-dropping!!! From the pleating in the table linens with the royal purple undertones to the corset-tied chair covers...WOW FACTOR at it's finest!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!!!

(photo credit - Wildflower Linens)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

What an amazing tablescape!  But what makes this monochromatic palette so stunning are those gorgeous crystal candelabras dripping with crystals! JAW DROPPING! WOW FACTOR!!!  Can you imagine eating a meal from this table!?!?! YES!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.wedluxe.com)

4th of July Wedding Celebration

In celebration of our Country's birthday tomorrow, I thought it would be fine to create an inspiration board in honor of the Fourth of July.  Be safe and enjoy the holiday!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  tablescape - www.onewed.com; bride and bridesmaids - www.utahbrideblog.com; invitation suite -
ohsobeautifulpaper.com; pinwheels - rowdystroudy.blogspot.com; sparklers - sdinvites.com )

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Not only am I in love with the soft white look of this GORGEOUS reception and the daintiness of the chair coverings and centerpieces.  But what really does it for is that POP of TIFFANY BLUE on each guest's chair in the form of a gift! So thoughtful and who doesn't love that "blue" box?!?!?

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.WedLuxe.com | A Brit & A Blonde)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Don't forget about the table number when finalizing the fabulous details of your wedding tablescape.  And showcasing this STUNNING BLING-framed table number would not only tell your guests where they are seated but let them know you paid attention to every single detail while planning your wedding.  LOVE IT!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.weddingsromantique.com)

Table Setting Ideas for Weddng Day

The table setting is just as important as the fabulous centerpiece you place on the reception guest tables.  These photographs share some fabulous looks using menu cards napkins, chargers, flatware, stemware, china.  Which design will you tweek for your wedding day?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits - hot pink design; black design; purple design; teal and purple design; Beach design; pink and gold design; brown and cream design; white design)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

For those that don't want to use flowers on their reception guest tables...the use of candles and lamps on this magnificent tablescape with crystal opera chairs is OMG WOW FACTOR at it's best! Glamorous!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://whitelilacinc.com/lookbook/)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Now that spring has finally arrived, my love for tulips is manifested!!!  And this tablescape of LUSH all-white tulips centerpieces, satellite arrangements of hydrangea and calla lilies and tons of candlelight speaks volumes when it comes to setting the tone for a STUNNING wedding reception.  WOW FACTOR APPROVED! Enjoy!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Bridal Guide | KT Merry Photography)

Real Wedding Feature: Hareder and Michael

I'm so excited to share the pages of our first Real Wedding feature in Pretty Pear Bride, the world's only magazine for plus size women!  I met Hareder and Mike in June of 2011 and immediately started working with them to plan their amazing wedding ceremony and reception that was held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on July 20, 2012.

A brief synopsis of their fabulous nuptials include: 12 bridesmaids, 12 groomsmen, 2 flower girls and the couple's beloved dog, Tater, as the ring bearer in his custom tuxedo; the groom entered the ceremony with his best men in a Porshe; the wedding party entered the ceremony in 2 limos, one for the ladies and the other for the men; the arrived in an horse drawn carriage and was escorted down the aisle by her father and grandfather. Cocktail hour was on the Pavilion Deck overlooking a beautiful fountain and the reception was held in the Pavilion all white tent. The tablescapes not only featured ivory linens with gold overlays, but gold vases of pink Gladiolas which is the bride's favorite flowers. The couple, bridal party and their mother's made a spoof of The Hangover, created  by Rush Photography and Videography, and it was played for all the guests during dinner.  All 200 guests partied and enjoyed the photo booth until almost midnight and then departed to the hotel lobby bar for the after-party that lasted past 2:00am.

Thanks again to Shafonne, Owner and Editor of Pretty Pear Bride, for featuring our beautiful couple in their "Birthday" issue!  And thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell for allowing the Dejanae Events team to be apart of their awesome wedding!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photographer of Hareder and Mike's wedding - Concept One Studio)

VOTE for Refreshingly Simple!

As many of you are aware, I was one of six designers in Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013.  My aqua, lemon and white inspired design called, Refreshingly Simple, truly POPPED off the pages of the magazine due the vibrant colors and famed sweetheart table design.  Well now is the time to vote for your favorite design...((hint hint - Refreshingly Simple))...so that one of the six planners/designers can hold the covenant title of WINNER.  ((cough cough - Refreshingly Simple))

Please visit Chicago Style Weddings Designer's Challenge 2012-2013 and vote ((wink wink - Refreshingly Simple) at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/designer-challenge/main.aspx! You can only vote once and to meet the entire Refreshingly Simply team, please check out our earlier blog.

Until next time...PLEASE VOTE and WEDologize!

(photo credits -  http://www.wasiophotography.com/)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

It's snowing once again in Chicago and although it's cold, fresh snow is simply beautiful!  Today's Pin It Pic reminded me of just that...gorgeous glistening snow!  The all white tablescape with this stunning crystals and orchids centerpiece is beyond AMAZING!!!  WOW FACTOR to the fullest!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Style Me Pretty and Kristin Vining Photography)

Our Partyscape in Wedding Guide Chicago!

I love Wedding Guide Chicago magazine and their wonderful staff!  And I'm so appreciative of them for asking me to be apart of creating a partyscape to be featured in their Winter/Spring 2013 edition and online.  My Partyscape is named Cocktails With Details.  The inspiration comes from an increase in the number of cocktail receptions to celebrate a couples wedding nuptials.  Rich colors, gorgeous flowers and delicious desserts makes this style of reception over-the-top fabulous!   Check out some of the pictures!

Also check out the video. Thanks to Wedding Connections for capturing these amazing moments!

Again, thanks to my team for bringing Cocktails With Details to life - Eaglewood Resort and Spa; Artistic PhotoGraphics; Jane's Blue Iris Ltd.; Luscious Layers Bakery; CT Designs, Inc.; and Classic Party Rentals.  It was GREAT working with each of you!


Until next time...WEDologize!