Great Article for those Choosing Colors for a 2009 Wedding!

COLOR MARKETING GROUP PREDICTS

HOT COLOR TRENDS FOR 2009

Choices Driven by Concern for Economy and Optimism for the Future

Alexandria, VA /December 2008 -- What colors are in store for us in 2009? According to Color Marketing Group, the top choices have been influenced by both our concern for the economy and our optimism about the future.

Color Marketing Group, the leading international non-profit association of color design professionals, has been accurately predicting color trends for more than 45 years. CMG predicts more evolution than revolution in color trends for the coming new season.

"We're finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy -- especially as accents," said executive director, Jaime Stephens. "Everyone’s concerned about the economy, yet the spirit of the country coming together after the election is powerfully reflected in these choices. Also, the demand for colors and products that reflect an environmentally 'greener' world goes way beyond a trend. It's now 'a given.' "
According to CMG, look for these color trends in 2009:

Purple, Purple, Purple! - Emerging as a hot fashion color last fall, purple is not just a fad -- it's an entrenched trend, strongly influenced by the election. (After all, red plus blue equals purple.) Look for a greyed-out violet that works equally well as an accent or a neutral, as well as redder, plummier purples and bluer-influenced fuchsias in a huge range of products. Purple is 2009’s “must have” color.

Blue is the New Green - Various greens have symbolized "green living” over the last few years, but in 2009 the "green" environmental message is delivered by the color blue. There are watery blues, sky blues and a whole range of blues that now represent our commitment to living on a greener planet.

Cooled-down, Greyed-out Browns and Greys - Complex neutrals satisfy our urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time. They also bridge the area between black, which seems harsh, and brown, which doesn't seem strong enough.

Yellow for Energy – The neutrals may have greyed, but look for lots and lots of bright vivid yellow to give us energy as we re-build the economy. It's the stand-out accent color for 2009.

Bright Accents from India, China, and Turkey – The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds, and yellows will abound in hues from far-away countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave.

White is now a Business Color – Technology has produced amazing new (and very practical) finishes, which helps explain why white is showing up everywhere, even in corporate board rooms. The contrasts are all in the finishes: matte versus gloss; shine and shimmer on reflective surfaces; textured whites versus smooth -- all washable and cleanable. White also represents purity of thought, motive and result – exactly what we want from businesses now.

The Return of the "M" Word - It's mauve. Remember mauve? An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)
About Color Marketing Group

Color Marketing Group forecasts color trends up to three years into the future for its members, many of whom must plan ahead for product, space and materials introductions. For more information: http://www.colormarketing.org/.

If you need additional help selecting wedding colors and pulling together a modern, impressive design, contact Staci Mandikas at staci@uniqueeventdesign.com or 813.426.5280.

Last Wedding of 2008!

The presents are opened and the food's been devoured. I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I spent mine at home and at the hospital (a good friend is on bed rest until she delivers her baby). It was definitely the most subdued Christmas I've ever had. I'm gearing up to help Table 6 Productions with a wedding this weekend. It will be my last of 2008, but don't worry there a lots of great weddings coming up in 2009! Be one the lookout for pictures and a blog all about it. I always have a great time working with Table 6.

Have a great weekend.

Merry Christmas!

Can you believe it? Another Christmas is here! I'm excited to spend time with family and friends. There will some working Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but for the most part I am taking them off! My relaxation won't last too long, since I am working with Table 6 Productions for a wedding on Saturday.

So, I will enjoy my time and I hope everyone and their families have a Happy Holiday!!

Getting all the right tools!!

All I asked for Christmas was business-related stuff!! I know, how sweet! My parents got me a laptop and my hubby got me a new desk. I received my gifts early, on Saturday, so that's why this post is BEFORE Christmas. I'm looking forward to a successful 2009 and with the right tools, which I believe I have, the journey will be a little easier.

I'll be posting pics when my office is all set up. It's a disaster area right now! Hopefully with the holidays off, I'll be able to finish it!!

Happy Monday everyone!

Starstruck!!

I don't usually post twice in one day, but this definitely required a blog!!

I saw the man himself...Colin Cowie (famous event designer and planner, most well known for being Oprah's party planner) at HSN today!!!! I was there for business and happen to be in the room beside one the studios. I happen to peak in and there he was, selling his decor accessories. I tried to hang around long enough to meet him, but you know me...busy, busy, busy!

I just had to share my excitement!

Not Bridezilla, Just Misunderstood...

I was meeting with a client last night and she asked if I ever encounter the dreaded, "bridezillas." So it got me thinking...no, I have not. Maybe I'm attracting them or something, but my clients are great! Their grooms are great! And their families are great! I have yet to encounter these crazy brides that I see on TV and that everyone is talking about.

Maybe they're just misunderstood. They know what they want, they know how they want it, and it's up to their vendors (who they pay alot of money to) to give it to them. I understand this completely, so maybe that's why I haven't had a run in. Sure, things will go wrong on your big day, but it's up to the people that you hire to make sure that they are prepared to handle it and in some cases, the bride and family never know about it. I always like to mention the crazy things that went wrong, later after the wedding. I like to see their response of, "I had no idea!" Well, that's how it should be!

There is this glamorization (not sure if that's a word) of the crazy bride, on a show that will remain nameless. ;) But, I can honestly say that's not how it is! I believe alot of that is dramatized for television and for your (and my) entertainment.

So for all you brides and potential bridezillas...sit back, relax, and I'll handle it. And, I have only one thing to say, just have fun!

Oh yeah...Christmas!!

Well, I have been so crazy busy lately (trust me, I'm not complaining!!), that I completely forgot about Christmas! I did manage to get my tree up and my husband decorated outside, but I haven't really shopped, or decorated inside, or baked! Since this weekend I am having a much needed weekend off, I am going to fill myself with the Christmas spirit! Friday, we are having a Christmas dinner with friends and then, on Saturday, I am planning on shopping, decorating, and possibly baking! Sunday, I am attending a great workshop hosted by the Association of Bridal Consultants. I'm super excited!

Wish me luck for a "jolly" weekend!

I've Joined the Dark Side!!!

In honor of business doing well. I decided to celebrate by joining the "Dark Side!" I purchased a new phone and...(wait for it)...a BLUETOOTH!!! I promisd myself that I would never be one of those people, but considering how much I multi-task, I decided it was required! So, if you're ever talking to me and it sounds like you are on speaker...you're not. It's just me looking like all of those other wedding planners on TV!!! ;)

Also for all you brides that LOVE to text. My new phone has that slide out keyboard so that we can now text back and forth, instead of fifty phone calls!!

I hope you appreciate my attempt to enter the twenty-first century!

How to create a "Green" Wedding

I know you have heard all of the popularity of going "green" in different aspects of your life. Well your wedding should be nothing different! You can have a fabulous event and help the environment all at the same time! There are some specific areas that you can incorporate "green" concepts.

Stationary You can begin your "green" journey with your invitations and finish with your thank you cards. Choose stationary made from recycled materials, and you can even put a note on the bottom or back of the card that states "please recycle." It's a great way to set the tone for your event!

Location Choose to have your ceremony and reception in the same location or within a short distance from each other. This will cut down on gas, air pollution, etc.

Favors Instead of giving your guests a favor that they may not use, what about seeds or a small plant as a wedding favor? Not only will you be helping the environment, but your guests will too!



Food & Drink When you make your food and drink selections, choose items grown and manufactured locally. Select a local beer or get your cake from a bakery close to your venue. This will limit the miles these items have to be transported, therefore limiting the amount of cardon dioxide being release into the atmosphere.

Another way to recycle and reuse, is to donate your flowers and leftover food. You can arrange for the flowers to be delivered to a hospital or a nursing home, so that they may bring joy to other people, just as they did your guests! For the food, have someone drop it off at a local food bank or homeless shelter. I'm sure the donation will be greatly appreciated.

Whether it's a few small aspects or the entire event tailored around the environmental theme, mother nature will thank you!

It's Official...We're on the Worldwide Web!!!!

Finally!! After a few late nights and some major tweaking...the website is done!!!

Check it out - www.uniqueeventdesign.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I really hoped to post this yesterday, but between the tryptophan and shopping in the early AM hours...I missed it! I wanted to post how thankful I am for everything that I have - a house, a loving husband, a great family, and a thriving business. I am truly happy and blessed. I hope everyone had a chance to realize what you have and how thankful you are!!

God bless!

A Beach Bash for Jen & Shane!!

I had the pleasure and honor of being a part of Jen and Shane's wedding at the Sandbar on Anna Maria Island this weekend. It was a sunset ceremony on the beach. The groom is a graphic designer and he created a logo of two bunnies & two rings as a logo for the entire wedding. It was everywhere, from the invitations, to the cake, there were even large banners hanging in the pavillion with the logo on it. Their interesting color pallette of sage green, dark brown, and white was unexpected for a beach wedding, but flowed beautifully. The decor had a modern, minimalist elegance to it. While the weather was a little chilly, the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away and kept warm all night!

Jen and Shane, I wish you a life of love and happiness!

Developing your Wedding Design

While working with brides, I come across a number of them that have a box, a closet, or even a room of different wedding "items," but without a clear vision of what they want. While I am a HUGE fan of a great bargain, you will find that a large number of the things that you purchased will not make it into your final look. Or if they do, they will be forced. Before you buy a thing, you should have a clear vision for your event and there are many different ways to come up with the "look."

First, you can start with a theme, that emcompasses you and your fiance's personalities. For example, if the two of you love to go to the beach, then incorporate beach elements into your overall aesthetic. You can use sand, starfish, sea glass, etc. If you are more into hiking or camping, maybe a rustic look with exposed wood and warm colors will create the perfect atmosphere for you and your beloved to celebrate your love.

Another way to create an overall design for your big day, is to let the venue inspire you. Take a look around, what colors or elements are present in the space? If you are getting married in a historic mansion, you could compliment the gold guilding on the wall by using gold chargers or add hanging crystals from your centerpiece to mimic the chandelier design. Let your event compliment the space, not fight it.

If all else fails, hit your closest hardware store and start looking at paint chips. They have pretty much every color under the sun and you can create a color scheme that you love! Do want to create a monochromatic look, with different shades of the same color (ie. light pink, dark pink, & red)? Or is it a complementary scheme that you want, by using colors that are the same types of shades (ie. blue, green, & purple)? Or are you going for the most popular kind of color scheme, a contrasting scheme (ie. blue & brown or pink & black)? Which ever scheme you choose, be sure it's something that you truly love! Because these colors will be present all over the event, through linens, attire, flowers, etc. Make sure it's not something that will get old. Another version of selecting a color scheme, is to not select one at all. An all white wedding has an heir of elegance. Only using different shades of white with a silver metal accent could just be that timeless, pristine presentation that you were seeking

Whatever you choose, be sure it's you making the decision! Don't worry about what's "hot" at the time or what other brides are doing. You'll want something that is timeless and can be appreciated through the years in your wedding album and video. If you strive for something trendy, when you look back at your wedding album years from now, you'll ask, "what was I thinking?" You want to look back at your album and remember the beauty and fun and how the event was created uniquely for YOU! After your vision has been created, get out there and start shopping!!

For more tips or design advise, feel free to contact Staci at staci@uniqueeventdesign.com.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Here I am...another year older (I also hope a little wiser!) My darling husband sent me roses at work and the office celebrated with cake. So far, it's been a good day. This is probably the most "low key" birthday I've ever had!

There's a great wedding this weekend that I'm gearing up for! Ceremony on the beach, reception in the sand...it should be beautiful! Keep a lookout for the pics!

Calm Before the Storm...

Sunday is a day of relaxation, the Sabbath...to me, it's the calm before the storm
I've got a crazy week ahead of me! Between a wedding, my birthday, a friend in the hospital (don't worry, she's okay), meetings, projects, a workshop, friends, the website, etc, etc, etc! I am run, run, running all this week! So, hopefully this day will be productive and relaxing and prepare me for the week ahead!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Happy Friday!

Don't you love how Friday is something that we celebrate? No one says, "Happy Monday" or "Happy Thursday!"

I'm gearing up for tomorrow...I'm off to school! I'm taking a class at USF, "Contracts, Vendors, & Negotiations." Even though it's all day, it should be quite informative. I'll let ya know what I learn!

It's the little things...

I'm super excited! I received my new business cards in the mail today!! I can't wait to start handing them out!!!

In Print!!

Well, I got UNBELIEVABLE news today!! My wedding photographer e-mailed me to inform me that one of my wedding photographs is being featured in the 2009 issue of The Knot's Best of Weddings magazine!! How exciting! I designed the bouquet and my fabulous florist - Fish Hawk Flowers put it together!! It should be on newstands in April. Keep an eye out for it!

A Fall Lovefest for Mindy & Jeff!!

My latest clients, Mindy & Jeff, were married last weekend, in a beautiful ceremony in Walsingham Park in Largo. The ceremony overlooked a lake and the serene sounds of nature, and the occasional bicyclist ;), made the ceremony truly special! Maybe I’m a little biased, because I love the fall, but I was a big fan of their color scheme of oranges, browns, reds, & beiges. It really fit into the atmosphere beautifully. Their event embraced the autumn theme with their unique design elements, such as a carved willow cake topper, pumpkins lining the aisle, and Halloween candy as their favor. Mindy and Jeff’s wedding was very emotional, even bringing a tear to my eye, because not only were they being joined as husband and wife, but their children were also being joined, creating a family of six. To keep the emphasis on family, a sand ceremony was performed and each person had a different color of sand. I wish them and their newly joined family all the best!

A Frightful Good Time with IIDA

Well, not even 60 hours after landing back in the states after my own honeymoon, was I lucky enough to be a part of a great event for the International Interior Design Association. Just one night before Halloween, they celebrated their Halloween “FUNraiser.” I was given the challenge of creating an event that had a gothic theme, but that was still really fun! I interpreted “gothic” to be the dark part of Halloween. No happy ghosts or smiling pumpkins! So, in two days, we transformed an office space into a gothic Halloween extravaganza! We created different areas within the office – a graveyard in the lobby, a laboratory in the conference room, etc. But like any party, the place to be was the bar and of course, the blood red chocolate fountain, which was a huge hit! The guests snacked on “bat wings” and “graveyard gravel” and they weren’t too upset to find a spider or two on their plate!

Congratulating FBI with a Cuban-themed Welcome!

I had the pleasure of planning, designing, and executing a great event welcoming Florida Business Interiors to Tampa. The Grand Opening was complete with a ribbon (well, giant cigar label) cutting with Tampa Mayor, Pam Iorio! The office is located in Ybor City, which was the inspiration for the theme of the event. By embracing everything that IS Ybor City…cigars, sangria, & of course, the Columbia, we created an experience for each of the guests. The color scheme was taken from the colors already present in the showroom – orange, yellow, & black.