Best of 2013 Dejanae Events Style!

What an amazing year 2013 has been for the Dejanae Events Team! 

The year started off with us learning that Dejanae Events was named Best of Weddings 2013 in the wedding coordinators category for the 4th time!  I can't thank our clients enough for the wonderful reviews!  Then we went right into the planning the kick-off of Inspire Smart Success Experience Tour in Chicago at the InterContinental Hotel in mid-January.  This was the seconded time Stacie Francombe, the Founder of ISS, entrusted us in bringing this awesome educational experience to Chicago.

Then we headed into February as the event planner for Wedding Guide Chicago's annual industry event called, WEDBash.  What an honor to bring over 250+ industry professionals to Pinstripes Oak Brook to celebrate successes and prepare for the upcoming 2013 wedding season.  I'm so thankful to the 22 sponsors that assisted in making the event a total success!

Just as the planning of industry events came to an end, the first of 19 weddings took place on March 9th and continued with the last being held on Sunday, December 15th.  And then the Editor of Pretty Pear Bride featured the wedding of Michael and Hareder in their spring issue and the features just kept coming!  The Real Wedding of Nikkol and Dion was featured in Chicago Style Weddings in July and the Real Wedding of Amaka and Hugh was featured in Wedding Guide Chicago in December.   And if it couldn't get any better than that, I was afforded the opportunity to work with an amazing team of vendors to bring my Partyscape, Urban Tranquility, to life!

But the BEST part of this year...was being named Best of Weddings 2014 in the Wedding Coordinators category which now places us in the The Knot's Hall of Fame with 5 wins!!!  And last, we held WEDologyEDU - Winter 2013 at Flossmoor Country Club and it was our most successful workshop yet with the launch of the new coursebook! What an amazing 2013!!!  I'm just so thankful!!!

Keep your eye out for plenty more useful wedding planning posts and Real Wedding features in 2014!!!

Until next time...Happy New Year and WEDologize!

Color of 2014: Radiant Orchid

Once I heard it from Pantone, I was elated!  The Color of the Year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid and works perfectly into wedding planning and design.  It's a great color in florals and attire and you will actually see it pop up in wedding accessories even more.  Take a look at the inspiration board we put together in celebration of this gorgeous color...Radiant Orchid!

And check out some of the colors that pair beautifully with the gorgeous color of 2014.  I especially love the combo using Pastel Yellow and Coral.  Which happen to be your fav?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: bouquet - weddbook.com; gown - agapage.com; centerpiece - theknot.com; cake - pinterest.com; toasting flutes - Wedgewood for Vera Wang; tablescape - recycledbride.com; color chart - pinkchocolatebreak.com)

2014 Postage Rate Increase

Get your Forever stamps for Save The Dates and wedding invitations before the postage rate increase takes effect on January 26, 2014.  The First-Class stamp is not increasing by one cent but by THREE CENTS!!!  See the details below:

• Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cent.  This stamp will be used for most Save The Dates and the reply card envelope.
• Letters additional ounces —  1-cent increase to 21 cents.  This stamp will be on the outer envelope for most wedding invitations.  So the cost will go from $.66 to $.70 to mail a complete invitation suite.
• Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents

STOCK UP NOW!  Just think, if you are mailing on average 100 wedding invitation suites w/ a reply card and envelope, the cost will be $1.19 per household/invitation for a total cost of $119.00 just on postage.

Until next time...WEDologize!

CSW Article: Wedding Consultants Inspire

When it comes to planning a wedding, plenty of details can be overlooked when you don't have a professional wedding planner on board to assist throughout the process.  I was asked by Chicago Style Weddings to offer a bit of advice to couple planning on of the most memorable days of their life.  Check it out:

Last May, Dejanae Events planned a "Winter Wonderland" wedding with a royal blue, platinum and white palette that colored the attire and linen selections.  Crystals and exquisite white flowers lavished the table centerpieces, blue up-lighting and soft organza fabric adorned the walls and gobo snowflakes glowed on the dance floor.  Often, the invitation sets the tone for the these and other stationery continues the motif.  For the Winter Wonderland event, petite snowflakes graced the invitations, ceremony programs, place cards, table numbers and menu cards.  "Following a theme gives couples an avenue to funnel ideas, " says Desiree Moore Dent, president and lead planner of Dejanae Events.  "It also can alleviate the stress of filtering out to many suggestions, especially with so many websites presenting a plethora of possibilities."

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

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

Now you talk about adding a monogram to your wedding!  Go BIG or go home is the idea behind these gorgeous trimmed shrubs symbolizing this couples union.  What a unique...heck AWESOME idea!  WOW Factor indeed!

 
Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Martha Stewart Weddings)

Riding From Your Wedding in Style

Planning your wedding ceremony or reception exit?  Well don't forget the vehicle you depart in can become an awesome photo op.  Yes, the transportation is important, but what about decorating it with whimsy to showcase your wedding style.  Take look at some of these fun ideas that in some cases, you could even make for yourself with a few sheets of cardstock, ribbon and a hot glue gun.  Enjoy!

 
Until next time...WEDologize

(photo credits - Etsy.com; Weddbook.com; Birds of a Feather; Peach and Pearl; Martha Stewart Weddings)

Wedding Weekend Fun!

The days of one celebration for a wedding are long gone.  Most couples find themselves planning and attending several activities over the wedding weekend.  From a welcome party to rehearsal dinner or even a tour of the city, putting together an itinerary of all activities will keep guests informed of times, dates and locations.  Plus they make a nice accent to welcome bags. 

Take a look at a few varieties of wedding weekend itineraries and what should be included:

The addition of fun icons with brief text, makes this wedding itinerary
signature and extremely easy to read and understand.  It's compact size makes it
easy to punch, attach ribbon and tie to the handle of your welcome bags.

This detailed, booklet-style wedding weekend itinerary includes everything
from activities to transportation options.  Also note that the websites are
included to make "registration" easy for the guests. 
This would make a wonderful addition to your wedding invitation suite.

A more detailed, one-page itinerary to include hotel accommodations,
plus a map noting the various locations for activities.  This could be tied with some
nice ribbon or raffia and placed into the welcome bags.

Until next time...WEDologize

(Photo credits: JetFete Blog; ScottiCline Designs; Luster Designs)

...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)

Thanksgiving-Eve Toast

As we approach another Thanksgiving, I'm always excited and delighted because it is simply my most favorite holiday!  I'm soooooo thankful for my supportive family, especially my daughter who just celebrated her 12th birthday.  I'm thankful for my girlfriends who are like sisters-from-another-mother to this only child.  I'm thankful for a successful and thriving wedding & event planning business.  I'm thankful for my health and strength, plus those good days that keep me smiling and those bad days that keep me learning.  And I'm so very thankful for all my social media friends who follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr and who read this blog.  I toast to you and your families via the recipe below:

Ingredients

3 cups canned unsweetened pear nectar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup dry Diablo Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Lemon slices (optional)
***serves 5

Instructions

Prep Time: 3 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Ready In: 10 Minutes

1. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium-high heat, mix pear nectar, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and wine. Cook, uncovered, until hot, about 7 minutes. (Or heat in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart microwave-safe container in a microwave oven at full (100%) power until hot, about 7 minutes.)
2. Pour cider into mugs or heat-proof glasses, and garnish each with a lemon slice. 

 

Until next time...Happy Thanksgiving and WEDologize!

(Photo credits and recipe via Dominicks)

What About Those Cocktail Napkins?

Cocktail napkins are a fun staple to consider for your wedding reception.  They can be placed at the bar and on the serving trays as the servers pass around hors d'oeuvres.  But they also add a signature statement to your reception.  Rather you use your wedding monogram or add a giddy phrase, cocktail napkins are one of the least expensive ways to add customization to your day.  Check out some of these fun and whimsical cocktail napkins.

You can easily order cocktail napkins from the following locations not only for your wedding, but for any event:
Dejanae Events for Carlson Craft
Oriental Trading
Wedding Paper Divas

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Dejanae Events; thepaperhat; Favors and Flowers; Paper Source)

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

Creating a signature wedding just got real with these Bride and Groom champagne bottles! Now tell me who wouldn't want to showcase these lovelies on their head table!?! Haute!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Brides.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)

Useful Wedding Apps

With smartphones and tablets in most couple's hands throughout any given day, there has to be some useful apps that can help them get through the wedding planning process.  I have listed a few of my favs below.  Let me know what you think.

Vera Wang on Weddings
Includes Vera’s personal style advice, planning expertise, thousands of images and much more. A must-have for all brides!  Browse Over 1,000 Images of dresses, cakes, flowers and real weddings.  Create Inspiration Boards with Vera’s exclusive new design tool. Include favorite gallery images and share your wedding style with family and friends.  Stay on Top of Wedding To-Do’s with Vera’s helpful built-in task list.

The Seating Planner+
Guests can be created or imported from Facebook or from your iPhone contacts and with a simple drag and drop function they are placed out at the tables. It is easy to move around the tables and you can quickly try various solutions. With this App you can keep track of who accepts or declines the invitation and those that have not yet responded.

TUX: The Tuxedo Builder
Design and create your tuxedo for any event! Select the type of event, then pick your jacket, shirt, pants, tie, and vest – even choose from many accessories to complete the look from a wide variety of styles and colors

APPY Couple
The most stylish way to showcase and share your wedding.  Give your guests the information they need, event times to dress code, RSVPs, meet the wedding party and see your pictures (even add their own). Get everyone involved in creating your ultimate wedding keepsake.

WeddingScan
WeddingScan is an intuitive wedding registry application that allows you to register for ANY item, at ANY store simply by scanning a product’s barcode with the WeddingScan iPhone app. If a product doesn't have a barcode, WeddingScan allows you to take a picture of it and add a brief description.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(The apps listed above are iphone and android compatible.)

The Chalkboard Takeover

The chalkboard craze for wedding ceremony and reception decor is blowing up all over the place!  You don't have to be a D.I.Y. bride to consider adding some chalkboard elements to your wedding day.  Check out some of the fun ideas below that can be incorporated into your modern wedding style:

Share your love story with wedding guests as they arrive to the ceremony

Position a chalkboard sign at the entrance of the ceremony or reception

Create a chalkboard-style wedding invitation

Consider table numbers with a chalkboard motif

Instead of individual menus, create a chalkboard menu for display

Chalkboard place cards attached to wine glasses...YES!!!

Until next time...WEDologize

(photo credits - Love Story; Invitation: Creative Market; Place card - South Bound Bride; Table Numbers - Chalk Style; Menu - LBFStudio; Welcome Sign - I Do Declare Signs)

NewlyMaid - Shop. Upcycle. Give

In my quest to get back to blogging a regular basis, I stumbled upon this awesome idea on what to do with that used bridesmaids dress you and/or your attendants will probably never wear again.

 
NewlyMaid is a fab site in which you can purchase a new black dress and give a dress to a girl in need + free up some space in your closet.  How can you go wrong with that?  Check out below how it works:

1. Buy yourself a new little black dress. We'll send you a free pre-paid mailer to send us a bridesmaid dress you won't ever wear again.
2. Send them an old bridesmaid dress using your pre-paid mailer. NewlyMaid will donate your dress to charity or recycle it.
3. And if you don't have a dress, no problem! You can purchase a little black dress & NewlyMaid will send a dress or item in your name to their designated charity.  

Now what girl can't use a new little black dress...plus feel good about giving a dress away to someone who really needs it.

Until next time...WEDologize!

WGC Partyscape: Cocktail With Details

I had the most fabulous team of vendors to help me in creating my latest Partyscape for Wedding Guide Chicago which I titled "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! Take a look:

I'd like to personally thank my team of vendors for bringing this vision to life:

Location: Eaglewood Resort & Spa		Photography: Artistic PhotoGraphics		Floral Design: Jane's Blue Iris
Cake: Luscious Layers Bakery		Invitations & Favors: CT-Designs & Calligraphy		Tableware & China: Classic Party Rentals		Linens: Classic Party Rentals
Videography: Wedding Connections

Look for our newest Partyscape coming to Wedding Guide Chicago in December!!!
 
Until next time...WEDologize!