Monday, December 29, 2008

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.

Friday, December 26, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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!!

Monday, December 22, 2008

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!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

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!

Friday, December 12, 2008

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!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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!

Monday, December 1, 2008

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