Wedding Design Trends from TSE2011

I wasn't able to attend The Special Event 2011 in Phoenix this year, (I was so disappointed but other business matters took precedence this year), but thanks to some wonderful new Twitter friends, I felt as if I was right there, in the middle of all the action. The Special Event is a great opportunity to network with event planning professionals and vendors from all over the country. As an attendee, you also get to choose from an abundance of seminars on weddings, marketing, design, catering, etc, all taught by some of the best in the event planning field. Every year attendees go home, equipped with new tips and trends in the field, to "wow" our wonderful clients, and this year was no different.

Below are some photos of vendors and events at The Special Event, including the Wedding Lunch ~ "In Love with Metallics", shared on the blog of Melissa Kay Allen. The Wedding Lunch at The Special Event is coordinated and designed by some of the top event planners in the country. It allows the opportunity to showcase new and fresh ideas and this years idea introduces us to the trend of metallics. Look for metallics to be used in all seasons this year; everywhere from table and chair linens, invitations, to centerpieces and place settings.


Via Melissa Kay Allen

A big shout of thanks to Melissa for "tweeting" me along with you at this great conference. You can keep up with Melissa's tweets at @MelissaKayAllen. Other friends and new friends to follow at The Special Event in Phoenix include @iBradWilson, @keishaskreation, and @jordansevents. A big shout of thanks to them as well.


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

Houston's Newest Event Planning Studio

Yesterday was the grand opening of the Event Luxe & Co.; and a grand event planning group and venue were exhibited right before our very eyes. This group is a collection of some of Houston's best wedding and event professionals, meeting the needs of clients planning a wedding or other special event, all under one roof. At Event Luxe & Co., vendors can display their work, office within the space, meet clients, and host industry  events. Clients enjoy the luxury of visiting a beautiful studio and selecting all the vendors they need to complete their event planning experience.

The Event Luxe & Co. Studio is owned by Erika Madison. She and her husband have done an amazing job putting this studio together. The photos really don't do the studio justice but it was the best I could do. The studio is also available for intimate weddings or other special or social events. We are so thrilled to be one of the vendors associated with this fabulous group.
 
Event & Wedding Planner  
Alpha Prosperity Events  
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

My Favorite Reception Food Trends for 2011

Still trying to figure out what scrumptious dishes to serve at your wedding reception? Well, Event Solutions Magazine has come up with the suggested catering trends for 2011, recommended by experts in the hospitality industry. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Pies for entrees and dessert - Are cupcakes really on their way out? I hope not, but a deep dish apple pie sounds very appetizing.  And speaking of Chicken Pot-Pie as an entree, yummy for the tummy.
• Smaller Food - Two-bite hot dogs, tacos, burritos, are not necessarily new but they are becoming more mainstream, especially for active receptions where guests are moving about, greeting and dancing. In New Orleans, they have done mini po-boys and muffalatas for years, and they are always a big hit.
• Old Italian Dishes -Familiar dishes like spaghetti, lasagna and other regional Italian ingredients.
• Down-home Southern cooking - Grits will become an all-purpose starch. Well, down south it always has been. I remember fish and grits every Friday for dinner, and they predict that shrimp and grits could be the next popular dish.

Are you seeing the possibility of a trend here? Looks like warm thoughts of family, familiar traditions and celebrations of old may be a strong planning theme this year. What wedding planning themes or trends are you considering for 2011?


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans