Thursday, May 6, 2010

Invitations

INVITATIONS should perfectly set the tone for your wedding...

At Weddings By Diana & Invitations, Etc., you'll find invitations ranging from traditional and formal to more contemporary and trendy, to ensure that you’ll find the right design that offers your guests an irresistible opportunity to share in your romance.
Call 805-566-0558 or email weddingsbydiana@earthlink.net today for fast, personal service for all your stationery needs.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Santa Barbara Outdoor weddings

According to rental companies nationwide, there is over a 10% increase in the demand for outdoor weddings this year. Clients seem to be looking for beautiful, organic, natural, fun and affordable whether tented or non-tented.
Santa Barbara is a popular destination location for weddings due to it's natural beauty, the beach and climate. Normally, one can count on nice weather from May through early October. Over the years I have done 100's of weddings for couples who grew up here and came back to be married- or they went to college here - or it is simply their favorite place to visit. Many of them are looking for lovely outdoor locations which are abundant here in Santa Barbara.
Unless budget is not an issue, I always recommend starting with the possibility a family or friend's lovely property. Then there are many lovely estates and other locations available to rent.
Factors to always consider are the size of the wedding,as well as the time, day and date. Locations typically have a time limit due to the music and the neighbor factor. The cost of rentals must be considered s well as lighting, restrooms, valet parking, insurance, sometimes extra power and of course catering. Also important is accessibility as it is always wonderful to be able to do the set-up the day before and final break down the day after. Another nice touch is a room for the bride to dress and get ready.
At the end of the day, guests are always in awe and will never forget their experience attending a beautiful outdoor Santa Barbara wedding!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Yellow is back!!!!

I don't know about other event planners, but I am thrilled to see that yellow is back after a long, long hiatus at weddings and events. From gorgeous invitations, place cards and accessories, to bright yellow linens, lemons, yellow calla lilies, daisies, freesia, orchids, mums, tulips, roses and an abundance of other yellow flowers, yellow squash, peppers,maybe a yellow candy table ...not to mention my favorite drink...lemon drops!
Yellow can easily combine with white, ivory, chocolate brown as well as many other beautiful color shades. Yellow and celadon is also hot new color combination.
So go ahead and go YELLOW!

Wedding Planning Five

The next step is to find a caterer that meets your style, your taste in foods, the type of service you envision and your budget. Like your coordinator, it must be someone you are very comfortable with. Your coordinator can recommend caterers that meet your needs. Most caterers have many wonderful menus on their web sites. Look through them. Find a menu or put together some ideas you love- get some estimates and then do some tastings. Ask each caterer to draw up a rough outline including the cost per person; menu options; exactly what the fee includes (alcohol, rentals, tips, etc.); service and presentation style; and less-expensive alternatives.
You will know when you have found the right caterer for your special day!

Friday, March 19, 2010

New President of the Santa Barbara Event Professionals

Proud to announce that I am the new President of the Santa Barbara Event Professionals, cooperative guild that takes pride in connecting future brides and grooms with local Santa Barbara wedding services and information. We have just celebrated our ten year anniversary.
http://www.sbep.com

The Santa Barbara Events Professionals is member-driven, networking organization of local specialists in the Santa Barbara event services industry and we are committed to excellence.

The Santa Barbara Events Professionals' membership represents a high level of workmanship, talent, capabilities and a commitment to excellence. SBEP organizational activities give members the opportunity to enhance their business skills and to build an awareness of other talented event professionals in the Santa Barbara area.

SBEP membership includes a broad range of businesses, from familiar professionals like florists, event coordinators, caterers and photographers, to other overlooked services, such as invitations, wedding dress design, and entertainment at an event. This diversity of skills and talents is what makes the difference between a nice function and an extraordinary and memorable event.

Weddings By Diana & Invitations, Etc.: Wedding Planning Four

Weddings By Diana & Invitations, Etc.: Wedding Planning Four

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Wedding Planning Four

The next step is to decide the type of reception music you would like. A live band - large or small can usually only do one "gig" a day so it's important to book early. If you want a particular DJ you may also want to book early although most DJ companies have several DJ's working for them. I often recommend booking a small part of the group for the cocktail hour, adding a player or 2 for the dinner/lunch hour and then the full group for dancing.
A good wedding band should be able to perform all types of music so you can please all the age groups and music tastes at your reception. Listen to demos, see them in person if possible and check out a song list before booking. Not sure of your timing yet? Book the lesser number of hours with an option to go longer.