Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Perfect Presentation!

It is no surprise how powerful the art of presentation can be.  This is even more true in the wedding world.  How you present your wedding details gives guests a glimpse into your style and sets the tone for your entire day.  We believe that every decision you make should be an opportunity to infuse style into your wedding and truly "brand" your day!  

Here are a few of our favorite pretty presentations...



This homemade Limoncello looks like something off the shelves of a gourmet  grocery 

Cake in a jar complete with a spoon...these may not last the car ride home!

Simple macaroons look lovely with the detailed packaging

We custom made these welcome packets for our bride.  They were a gorgeous presentation and kept everything neatly in place! 

Another favorite from a past bride.  Cookies look anything but ordinary with a monogram label and beautiful bow!

These "Hangover Helpers" were a huge hit at the after party!  The kit kept in theme and color and came in handy the next morning!




How are you branding your big day??




{Photo Credits: 1-Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2-The Antique Door, 3-Martha Stewart Weddings, 4-Justine Ungaro, 5&6-Isacson Studios}

Monday, August 27, 2012

Our Pinterest Obsession!

We are beyond obsessed with Pinterest! Are you on this fabulous website?
Check out our pinboards by clicking on the photo below and let us know what you think!



 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

A British Love Affair!


It is no secret that I am a little obsessed with the Brits.  The recent Olympics and my ex footballer English neighbor have not helped the situation.  One of the traditions I wish we Yanks would adopt is the use of numerous flower girls and page boys at weddings.  There is nothing cuter than little cherubs coming down the aisle!  Just look at these images below...


 The Royal Wedding set so many trends, hopefully this is one of them!

These little rock stars prove that you do not have to be as formal as the Royals!


Don't they look like little angels?!!?

I literally die for this photo!  Everything Kate Moss does is perfection!


 Now, if we could only talk with that accent....
{Photo Credits: 1-BBC UK, 2- Green Wedding Shoes, 3-Save Wedding Day, 4-Vogue}

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

BRIDAL BEAUTY: Make-up Tips


Preparing for your wedding day can be an incredibly stressful time for many ‘brides to be’.  To help you out, we have created a series called ‘Bridal Beauty’.   ‘Bridal Beauty’ is a series of beauty tips that will help you to alleviate some of the pressure.  We want you to sit back, relax and enjoy the process of prepping for your walk down the aisle.

The team at SoCo Events has held the hands of many brides through the process of creating their bridal beauty regiment and appointments.   We are here to share with you some of our wisdom and best wedding day beauty practices.

This is our third post in this series, ‘Bridal Beauty: Make-up Tips'.  Remember, it is just as important to stay on track with your beauty appointments as you do with your hair appointments as we suggested in our first Bridal Beauty Post.

·       In our first post of this series, I mentioned the importance of booking your wedding day hair stylist early on in the planning process.  You should absolutely do the same when booking your wedding day make-up artist. If you are working with a planner, this is something he/she should book for you right away.  The DC area’s most talented make-up artists book at least a year in advance during busy wedding season.  Therefore, if you get engaged and know who you want to doll you up on your big day, then don’t hesitate to get on their appointment book!
 
·       When booking your appointment with your make-up artist, make sure that you schedule a trial make-up session. I often coordinate my Client’s hair and makeup trial with a purpose.  What I mean by this is I will book the trial on the day of the couple’s engagement shoot or on the day of the bride’s boudoir session – this way the cost of the trial is well worth it!

·       Create a beauty inspiration board! The easiest and most popular place to do this is on PINTEREST.  I tell my Clients to create a beauty inspiration board to prepare for their hair and make-up trial.  Keep a folder of the looks that you like or want to emulate on your wedding day.  This way, you and the artist have a clear idea of what you like going into the appointment.  This is an immensely helpful and effective way to communicate a bride’s beauty style to her wedding day glam squad. You can view our SoCo Events Bridal Beauty Board on Pinterest HERE.



·       It’s all in the lashes! I highly recommend false lashes to most brides.  I DON’T recommend the extremely fake looking lashes that you find on Snookie and J Wow, but incredibly beautiful, real hair, false lashes applied by your make-up artist. It is amazing what a little lash can do to enhance facial features, and most importantly lashes will have a dramatic effect on how you look in pictures – stunning!


·       I try not to tell my brides how to wear their make-up.  That is something that I trust in a great make-up artist to accomplish. However, one piece of advice that I can give you is if you choose to go with a really dramatic eye, opt for a softer lip, and if you go for a more dramatic lip, go a for a little less drama on the eye. Finding balance is key.  Also, keep in mind your wedding season, venue, style, and geographic location when finalizing your make-up and hair look – you want the entire evening to work cohesively.

 VS.  

·       CONFIDENCE IS KEY! My last bit of beauty advice is to remember to smile big, laugh often, and dance your booty off.  When all is said and done and the final lash is placed – all you need to do is have a blast, enjoy every moment, and walk with confidence and class.

Good luck to all the beautiful brides to be! 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Decor Inspiration: Backdrop Beauty

Wedding backdrops have become huge! Whether you choose to have one at your ceremony or behind the head table, backdrops are one of the top trending focus elements moving into 2013.
 
We are currently designing some amazing backdrops for an upcoming wedding, which was the inspiration behind this post.   We can't tell you how much we love that by adding this element to the party, it allows us to infuse an enormous amount of style.  Backdrops can transform your decor and truly set the stage for your wedding.

We have always been a fan of backdrops here at SoCo Events and love how they create the ceremony focal point, turn a dessert table into a confectionary centerpiece or provide color and style for the background of photos.  Here are a few of our favorite background beauties...

Our paper flower wall was inspired by a Chanel runway show, and Amaryllis was amazing in making it come to life!

Isn't this ceremony backdrop dreamy?!?!?

I love the texture and dimension!

Like a love letter from years past, this backdrop is ultra romantic!

The color blocking would be great as a photo booth backdrop

We loved seeing our name in lights!  


As you are planning the decor for your event, don't forget the power of the backdrop.  You will thank yourself later when looking at all of your photos!




Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Wedding Welcomes!

Welcome signs are a great detail in any wedding! They can be one of the first elements your guests see and are a wonderful opportunity to introduce your wedding style. Not only do they welcome your guests, but they are also very functional, serving as a guide telling guests where to go and what to do.  Trust me, there is nothing better than a guest that knows what to do and where to go.  It automatically puts them at ease knowing that they are in the right place.

Wedding welcome signs are usually a bit more on the 'rustic chic' side, but with the right frame or medium, they can be dressed up for even the most formal of occasions!

The beautiful hand calligraphy on the mirror is one of our favorites! 
This is perfect for a beach affair

The ornate frame takes the chalkboard out of the classroom and into the ballroom!

A bow tie = automatic prep chic

This is string art!  How cool?!?!

The rustic wood, elegant motif and flourished fonts is a great combo!



I love that this sign gives a nod to the all cities guests traveled from!

You don't always need a sign, a banner works great.  Especially in greenery here!

I love the idea of putting a sign at the valet stand for a city wedding.  Guests will love the direction and detail the minute they arrive!  You could add a good night sign as they leave...a fabulous last impression to a wonderful event!

What are your welcome ideas?