Event Quality Vs. Event Quantity

I attended a fundraising event for an organization some time ago and we all know how those go right? Somewhat stuffy, everyone sharing business cards and putting on the proper netwoking face. When I got there I was somewhat disappointed, because the attendence was low; you always hope for a big turnout for any fundraising or networking event. But as the evening went on I realized that time had slipped away and I had stayed longer than my declared exit time. By the time I had gotten home, after midnight by the way, I realized that I had a really great time. Pondering this event and what made it so memorable was the fact that there was a small attendance. I found the attendees more relaxed and open to more profound, unrushed, and unrehearsed conversations. The group was cozy, and a lot of fun. I got to see sides of people I don't usually get to see. At the end of the evening, I felt as though I experienced the quality of people as opposed to the quantity of people.

For your next event, consider what you hope to provide to your guests or attendees. Are you trying to pack the place to show who you are and what you are capable of , and thereby, not truly connecting with anyone due to the sheer number of people there? Or, are you trying to make a connection, where you leave an impression with your guests or attendees, that causes them to remember you or your event, long after the show has ended.

When preparing that guest or attendee list, consider quality over quantity. Not only is it sometimes more cost effective but people remember moments and experiences with you, their host. Make sure your guest list doesn't have so many people on it that you won't be able to connect with each and every person that you felt was important to invite in the first place.



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

Just a Few of My Favorite Things!

Surfing the net can be dangerous sometimes, especially if you are shopper like me. You run across the best finds and things that you just can't live without. The hubby and I have been in the home redecorating mode and of course, we don't always agree on a certain couch, table or lighting element. But that's okay, I can still shop and decorate the way I want, with what I want, on my blog. And I was about due for a posting anyway so I hope you don't mind that I chose to share my surfing/shopping loves with you. Let's start with my fave, chandeliers.  

Chandeliers are all the rage now. You can add a touch of bling to any room with a chandelier. I especially love when they are placed over a bathtub in a master suite. Talk about glamourous. You can put them any where you want; after all, it's your space and you can do what you want with it. I can just imagine this "retro glamour" fixture in my home office, right over the sitting area. Granted, it's not pink but I like it anyway.

In an effort to be fair and reasonable, I have included another choice for my office chandelier that I think my hubby would be more open too. It has the opulence that he loves, plus the graceful elegance that I love. I think this is one we can agree on. The chandelier is from the John-Richard Collection and you can find it here. I just love the scroll work on this piece. I think it has great blend of the past with a modern flair.

 


Next, I found some great seating for the bedroom that is useful as well as pretty. Check out this oversized ottoman that really does double duty. You can store 8 pairs of shoes in the attached shoe pockets and you even have open space in the middle to store additional shoes or handbags. You can find these ottomans from Lilly Pulitzer Home here.

And how about a little bling for your work area and for those every day work items. A jeweled wireless mouse and a jeweled USB drive. With bling like this, I can almost predict that a lot of work would get done.  You can find these and other great desk accessories here.  

My birthday is coming up soon and if anyone needs a hint of a gift I could get excited about, any of these will do just nicely. 

 

Event & Wedding Planner

Alpha Prosperity Events

Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

Pets as Wedding Party Attendants

Photo Courtesy: Martha Stewart Pets

You have your heart set on little Fifi walking down the aisle as your flower "girl". You have picked out a wreath for her to wear and you are even toying with a dress to match the wedding theme and colors.

This is not a shocking idea considering the popularity of pets being included as part of the wedding party. This popularity is evidenced by the availability of decorated dog leashes, doggie bow ties, wreaths, or ring pillows that Fido can wear.

Before making the overall decision about including your pet, there are a few details you should consider.

Photo Credit: People.com

• First and foremost, make sure your venue site allows pets at the venue and make sure they approve everything you have planned for your pet. 
• Second, make sure your pet is prepared and can handle all of the excitement surrounding your wedding. Too many people, unusual noise, and flashes from photography can upset your pet and cause him or her to behave in an unusual or aggressive manner. Be prepared for a quick exit or plan "b," just in case your pet can't perform as expected. 
• Third, create a plan to handle liability issues just in case your pet injures someone or damages some property at the venue. 
• Make sure your pet is properly bathed and groomed for the big day. Canine cologne is not the scent you want your guests to remember. Don't forget paper towels, plastic bags food and a water bowl. 
• And last, have a designated person (not you) assigned to handle and care for your pet. It should be someone that your pet is familiar with and someone that will not be upset about missing any of the festivities, in response to caring for your pet.

 With all things considered, including your pet will make the day all the more special for you and him as well.  So go ahead, put that bow tie on Scruffy and let him proudly walk down the aisle as the cutest ring bearer ever. 

Stay tuned for more trendy wedding and event planning ideas.

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

My New VuPoint Scanner

Oh how I love coming home from a productive day to find nice little packages waiting for me, and today was one of those days. This past holiday weekend, the hubby and I were channel surfing, and stumbled upon the Home Shopping Network (HSN). I quickly noticed that it was the electronics segment and so I took interest. You would be surprised how much techno stuff you can learn by watching the shopping channels. They try to sell you on all the latest gadgets, there by educating you while entertaining you. I don't necessarily buy the item but I remember info about it so that when I am ready to buy, I will know some of the basics of what should be included and about how much it should cost.

Anyway, the particular item being showcased was a portable scanner. Now I have been considering a number of options for a scanner, since my tax accountant got on me about my shoebox accounting system (don't laugh), and when I saw this scanner, I heard angels singing. My hubby got excited too which only added fuel to the engine. And to top it off, it was pink. Well, there were other good colors too. I immediately purchased one for me and one for him, hot pink and aqua blue. 

You can scan photos, pages from books, and even fabrics. This little gizmo will really come in handy for business organization as well as color matches and design ideas for events. Now we have no excuses about not handling receipts and business paperwork better. As a small business, how or what have you done recently to keep yourself more organized? 

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