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Posts by Ed Belly | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog - Page 4
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Give Your Party the Luck 'O the Irish!

St. Patrick's Day is coming and that means green clothes, shamrocks (still green) and … well, beer (also available in green)! I know there are reasons to celebrate St. Patty's more serious than clothes and beer, but the historical reasons for the holiday are not exactly fun per se. And aren't we talking about a party? Why yes, I think we are. So get ready for some exciting St. Patty's Day inspiration!

A Study in Green

This will probably come as no surprise, but your St. Patty's Day celebration should be themed in green. That's a simple enough concept, and the execution is no more complicated. So what do you do?

  1. Decorations – Here's your chance to use that green tinsel you've only ever utilized around Christmas. You can also buy any number of fun decoration options from some of our party supply vendors.
  2. Beer – Where do you get green beer? In recent years it's not been hard to find at all. You can go to your local corner market and find holiday themed beer, but I can't guarantee the flavor of such a brew. The best way to get green beer you know you'll like is to take a beer you already love and add some green food-coloring. It shouldn't change the flavor much, if at all and will leave your suds a lovely holiday shade.
  3. Food – A popular dish is Irish Soda Bread. It's easy to make and obtaining the green tinge you're going for is a breeze. Just use the same bit of food-coloring you dripped into the beer and you'll have a colorful and tasty snack to serve to your guests.

Popular Irish Traditions

Another way to honor the Irish origins of the holiday is to incorporate some Irish traditions in your celebrations. Not sure what kind of traditions to use? Here are a few ideas.

  1. Irish Toast – No, not bread. A "raise your glass" toast! There are a plethora of traditional Irish toasts (a quick search on the internet will yield plenty) and nothing will do more to add a bit of Irish flavor to your social interaction.
  2. Potatoes – Yep, good ole spuds. You can prepare these any way you like because Irish and potato go hand-in-hand, but if you want a traditional Irish dish, you might try boxty or colcannon. Colcannon even has a traditional song!
  3. Music – Irish music in the background of your festivities will do wonders for setting the right tone. And if you're not into the traditional stuff, check out Irish rock n roll or other genres with an Irish twist.

Overall, a St. Patrick's Day party isn't a difficult event to throw. Make sure you have plenty of beer (and I mean the Irish versions of course) and a large group of friends and it's guaranteed to be successful!

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Guys Guide to a Successful Prom

Alright, guys. It's prom night, you've got a gorgeous date and you want to impress. What do you do? Believe it or not, it's not that hard to knock her off her feet. She's already excited about the evening, so your primary job is to make sure things go smoothly with a little pizzazz thrown in to keep things interesting.

The Tux

Before you can focus on her, you first have to get your own situation sorted out. That means a trip to the tuxedo shop! It may sound scary, but believe me, it can be loads of fun.

These days you can find more than the traditional white shirt with black jacket, bow tie and cummerbund. The accessories are almost endless! Prefer a white tux? No problem. How about blue or even yellow? Can do. You can also get a matching top hat, cane, shoes, vest, pocket square, long tie, no tie and a world of other options. The tux isn't a hardship, gentlemen. It's an opportunity to shine! Don't neglect your chance to create a suit with personality.

That doesn't mean there are no guidelines here. Before you go too crazy, you need to find out what color your date's outfit will be. You don't want to show up in bright orange while she's wearing dark purple. Seriously. You don't want that.

The Flowers

This can be as simple or complicated as you like. At bare minimum you need two different pieces, a boutonniere for you and a corsage for her. You'll need to know what color dress she's wearing for this as well because you'll want the flowers to match her outfit.

In addition to the two floral pieces I previously mentioned, there are a variety of other floral options available that will not only be appropriate but much appreciated. Going with your girlfriend of over a year? A single red rose is a great way to show her that she's loved. Going with a close friend? Gerbera Daisies make the perfect bouquet for a friendly date. If you're not sure what flower would best convey the message you're trying to send, contact your local florist!

Transportation

Nobody wants to roll up at the prom in the same old vehicle they take to school every day, but what can you do if you don't have tons of disposable cash? Well, you might be surprised at how little a limo rental would actually cost, especially if you're just looking for a drop-off and pick-up. Different limo agencies have different packages, and prom is a big deal for them so they will be very familiar with helping you make the most of a relatively limited budget.

Another path would be to pool your money with some friends. You can get a slightly bigger limo and spend less money to have it! Get two or three of your closest buddies to pitch in and your dates will be very impressed when you arrive to pick them up in a beautiful stretch limo.

Not interested in a limo? How about a horse-drawn carriage? Yes, these exist and there is nothing more romantic than a moonlit ride.

The Prom

Your presence is not all your date requires from you. No matter how well you've done up to this point, you can wash it all down the drain at the big event unless you follow these simple tips:

  1. Pay attention to your date – This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people arrive at the prom with someone and then abandon them for hours at a time. You brought her, and you need to make sure that she feels special throughout the evening. 
  2. Dance – You didn't come to the prom to sit at a table or stand on the wall. Or, maybe you did, but she certainly didn't. If you feel inadequate on the fast songs, that's understandable. But you have no excuse to avoid the slow dances. Get out on the floor and show her some love!

And that's it. If you do those two simple things, you'll have an amazing time and so will your date!

The After Party

Once prom is over, there's always an after-party. The only question is: are you attending it, or are you throwing it? She'll be expecting to go, so if you aren't aware of one then you need to plan one. It doesn't have to be some huge affair. Feel free to do something simple with just a handful of friends, but you need to do something.

And there you have it, a guys guide to a successful prom!

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RA Catering: Big or Small, They Do It All

Whether planning for a wedding, anniversary party, corporate gala or any other event, you want to make a good impression. You decorate everything perfectly. Your activity list is robust. Your outfit is magnificent. And yet even with all of that, in order for your guests to call the party a success, you need tremendous food. If you're in or around the greater New York, NY area, you need to call RA Catering!

10 Years of Quality Service

When looking for the right caterer, you want a business with a good reputation. A caterer who has been in business for a long time is a caterer you can trust to have stellar service and scrumptious dishes. And with chef Roosevelt Wayland's 10 years of experience, you know your meal is going to be beautiful, delicious and personalized for your occasion. They are a family owned and operated business, and you can't go wrong with their gourmet, organic cooking!

And speaking of service, RA can cater events with up to 200 people or as small as you like. They don't have a minimum. And to offer you peace of mind while hosting, they guarantee that all menu items and meals are delivered to the location before your guests arrive. That way you know everything is exactly how you want it, and you can enjoy greeting your guests and not spend time worrying about how the dinner will turn out.

Beyond Catering

But RA offers more than just standard catering services. If you aren't really the decorating type, they would be more than happy to set up and service your event for you. In fact, if you prefer to have a small gathering and want your meal prepared by one of their personal chefs, they will send that chef to your home. They can even add in a small waitstaff if you'd like, and you get to choose the menu!

Well-prepared food can make or break any gathering. Make sure yours will be a success with RA Catering!

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A Guy's Tips for Valentine's Day

Gentleman, Valentine's Day is coming, and you need to make sure you have the entire evening lined up and ready to go. You know that your Significant Other likes to be spoiled, so I'm going to run down the top ways to make this the best night of her life!

The Flowers

You may believe roses are your only option here, and depending on your S.O. you may be right, but this is something you need to casually "discover" ahead of time. News Flash: some women don't like roses. Shocking, right? I know, I was surprised too.

So what are your other options? If you know her favorite flower, you can't go wrong. Just contact your local florist and get a creatively designed arrangement featuring that flower. Instant win. If you don't, then you need to look at all the most popular flowers that mean "love". It is Valentine's Day after all. To save you some leg work, I've found those flowers for you.

  1. Red Roses – I bet you saw this one coming. The red rose signifies passionate love, hence its popularity on Valentine's Day.
  2. Red and White Carnations – Red carnations signify deep love and white carnations mean undying devotion. Both excellent options and a mix of the two will send an unmistakable message. Might need a ring to go with THAT bouquet.
  3. Tulips – Red tulips are for undying love, but yellow tulips are for hopeless love. You don't want to get those two mixed up.
  4. Primrose – This is perfect for new relationships or those teenagers out there looking to impress. This flower signifies the sweet innocence of young love.
  5. Chrysanthemum – The red version symbolizes love (I'm sensing a theme with the color red.) while the white variant signifies truth and loyal love. The yellow version represents slighted love, so you might want to avoid that one for sure.
  6. Gardenia – This flower signifies secret love. Use at your own risk.

So now you've picked out a nice bouquet with the best flowers for your situation, what's next?

The Limo

I know what you're thinking, but prices on limo's are not as outrageous as you might imagine. The key here is to know what you want. Not all limos are the stretch version. You can get a nice limo, with very impressive amenities and a chauffeur for a very reasonable price. The price goes up the bigger the limo, but if it's just you and your S.O., you're not going to need all that room. Of course, if you're hosting a party for multiple couples, you'll need to get the stretch, but hopefully some of those other couples will be pitching in on the price.

And don't forget to make your reservations EARLY. As you can imagine, limo services are covered up on Valentine's Day so you need to make sure you have your appointment made in plenty of time. You don't want to be the guy left out in the cold, literally.

The Restaurant

This is very important. I don't care who you are or what your budget is, you CANNOT take your S.O. to any place that could be confused with fast food. I understand that money can be tight, but this is the time of year you save every penny so that on THIS night you can go to a nice, sit-down restaurant. Trust me guys, the local burger place does not a romantic evening make. She may say she's not disappointed, but believe me, if you are sitting in a location with its very own drive-thru, she's disappointed.

The Movie

*BUZZZZ* Wrong answer! There is no movie. If you want to take your S.O. to a movie, there are 364 other days in the year to do that (Actually, 363. You should probably not make that a priority on her birthday either.) On this night, you need to go somewhere you can sit down together, look each other in the eyes and have an actual conversation. I get it, that's not your thing. Talking always gets so … personal. But she wants to do it, and this night is about her right? Suck it up, Buttercup.

But what if she wants to go to one of those Valentine's Day movies they release every year? You know, the super sappy ones that are all about love and romance and bad acting? Isn't that a free pass? NO! You say, "Sweetheart, I promise I'll take you to see that movie next weekend, but tonight I just want to spend time with you." That's what she wants to hear. Really.

The Walk/Drive

So what can you do instead of that movie you're not going to watch? Take a pleasurable, leisurely walk. Or, if the weather where you are is too cold for walking, take a leisurely drive. Perhaps use that limo you rented and cruise town. Maybe ride in a carriage. Whatever you do and however you do it, hold her hand.

Go somewhere other people aren't so you can have a private conversation. If you are driving, avoid areas with heavy traffic so you don't have to be fixated on the road and you can discuss whatever she wants to discuss while actually participating in the conversation with more than the occasional grunt of acknowledgment.

Don't look at me like that, you know you do it. So do I, but on this night we need to find a way to push through the desire to wool gather and actually listen, think about the conversation and provide insightful answers. You can do it!

The Wrap Up

Alright guys, you've given it your all and the night has come to a close. You've done everything right and she's on cloud 9. So that's it, you're done, right? Not quite yet, there's still time to screw this up. Before you go, or if you're married before you roll over, make time for cuddling! And no, that's not a euphemism. I mean, you can do that too, but afterward you need to make time for cuddling. And maybe try some more of that "conversation" we talked about earlier. Who knows, you might even enjoy it.

So there you have it, men, the perfect Valentine's Day. I know you're going to pick and choose from my suggestions, and that's okay. You might take her to that movie. It's a bad idea, but you might do it anyway. If you do, make sure to go for that walk/drive afterward. Because honestly, isn't this night really all about the two of you together as a couple? If you are there, really THERE with her, then she will be thrilled. Believe it or not, what she really wants on Valentine's Day is YOU.

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Enjoying the Best with Legacy Limousine Services

Renting a limousine is always a fantastic idea. The luxurious interior provides every comfort, and the extras and amenities are almost unlimited. But even better than a standard limo is a custom job that has been designed to cater to your every need! Where can you find this kind of impressive transportation option? If you live in the Chesapeake or Hampton Roads, VA area, you need look no further than Legacy Limousine Services!

Limousines Make Any Event Better

Are you planning a big night out for Valentine's Day? Your significant other will be blown away when a beautiful limo pulls up, the chauffeur steps out, opens the door and reveals you sitting in the back. And there is no better way to spend time with your love than snuggled up while someone else drives you through town.

Are you weighing the options for your wedding? A stretch limo would not only get you to the church on time, but it could carry your entire wedding party as well! And you won't have to worry about those mischievous friends and family members decorating your personal vehicle. And since they'll be decorating the limo, you won't have to worry about clean-up!

Looking to take some friends out on the town? A limo party bus is just what you need. These spacious vehicles are just as they sound, a party on wheels! And don't think the luxury is compromised because of the larger space. The Legacy Titan party bus has everything you could want as well as a whole host of things you might not know you want until you experience them. The decision of whether or not to rent a limousine is an easy one, and so is the choice of where to get it.

Only the Best

Legacy knows everything there is to know about limousines. That's because they not only rent them, they also design, engineer, renovate and customize luxury limousines for both private individuals and companies. Chris Johnson, the CEO and founder of Legacy, has over 16 years experience in engineering and design. All of the limos they use are custom designed to be the best limos available. Superior customer service and attention to detail have always been and will always be the cornerstones of the Legacy brand. Only the best for Legacy customers!

There's no reason to wait. Whether it's for your wedding, prom, Valentine's Day or just for a fun night out on the town, you want Legacy Limousine Services!

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Realize the Dream with Jillian's

It's time.

The question has been asked, and the answer has been joyfully and tearfully given. All of the preliminaries are out of the way, and the moment to fulfill that greatest of childhood dreams has come. At long last, it's time to buy your wedding dress, the dress you've imagined yourself wearing all your life as you walked down the aisle of your mind. It fits you perfectly, accentuates your natural beauty with its perfect lines. You know exactly what it looks like, how it looks on you. All you have left to do now is find it.

But you need the right store. You need a store that carries the latest styles and fashions, a store that carries beauty and quality.

If you are in the Zanesville, OH area, you need Jillian's!

Your Dream Dress

To find the dress, the exact dress, you need a place that not only has a large selection but has the right selection. This Zanesville, OH formal shop has both. With gorgeous dresses from designers like Christina Wu, Davinci, Venus, David Tutera and Moonlight Bridal, you know you'll find exactly what you want, and with their broad selection, the right dress can be found for any budget.

And don't think they can't fit you! Jillian's carries all the difficult sizes from small and petite to plus sizes for the more voluptuous woman. What's more, if by some chance they don't happen to have your dress in the right size, they can order it for you.

A Bridesmaid's Fantasy

It's not just the bride's dress that has to be perfect. The bridesmaids need to be gorgeous as well. Not a problem! This formal shop carries amazing bridesmaid's dresses by top designers. They have Pretty Maids, Damas and even Venus Bridesmaid. The bride may be the focus, but the bridesmaids need to look like they belong on the same stage.

It doesn't end with bride and bridesmaid's dresses. They also have shoes and dress options for the mother of the bride. When the wedding party has to be perfect, there's only one place to go: Jillian's!

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Barefoot to Elegant Wedding Officiants of South Florida

Are you planning a wedding in South Florida? Do you long to stand barefoot on the beach, the cool sand between your toes while your feet are washed by gentle waves? Do you want to hear the cry of gulls overhead as you speak your vows, looking into the eyes of your future spouse? This type of ceremony is the specialty of Debra J. Bays, owner and operator of Barefoot to Elegant Wedding Officiants of South Florida!

A Special Wedding Day

You want your wedding to be special, the best of everything with the least amount of personal hassle, and Debra understands exactly how to help you achieve that goal. As a wedding officiant since 1984, Debra has years of personal experience and offers a wide variety of ceremony options sure to meet your needs!

She is the winner of the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Wedding Wire Couple's Choice Award, is an ordained member of the Clergy of the Church of Spiritual Humanism and Clergy of the Universal Life Church, a member of the American Association of Wedding Officiants and the National Association of Wedding Officiants as well as a member of Interfaith Officiants.

With her experience and proven track record, you can be sure to receive all the help you need to make your day amazing!

A Little Help with the Rest

Though Debra specializes in being a wedding officiant, she is also Notary Public in and for the state of Florida and can answer all your questions and help facilitate the process of obtaining your Marriage License!

Looking for that perfect venue, help personalizing your vows or assistance with the planning process? Debra will use her experience and know-how to assist you in making your wedding day memorable and exactly as you want it.

Whether looking for your day at the beach or a sophisticated church wedding, Barefoot to Elegant Wedding Officiants of South Florida will make it magnificent!

 

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7 Ideas for Improving Your Kwanzaa Feast

Kwanzaa is a seven day event celebrated the world over. Conceived as a holiday celebrating African heritage in African-American culture, its principles and values stretch to everyone regardless of race, nationality or color. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa corresponds with one of the seven principles while a feast should be held on the final day of Kwanzaa. The key to making that feast successful, in addition to the regular decorations and symbols that Kwanzaa suggests, lies in understanding those principles and incorporating them into your preparations.

Umoja (Unity)

This tenet can easily be represented by having your guests wear traditional African cloth such as kente. Everyone dressed in a similar fashion will be an easily recognizable symbol of unity.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

This tenet is all about defining yourself and your culture as you see fit, not accepting the labels that society places on you. Encourage your guests to discuss something about themselves that is unique and special. You can even do it as a group, each individual getting an opportunity to speak.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Allow everyone an opportunity to help with the feast preparations. This displays a community atmosphere and an opportunity to share the load of cooking for so many people.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Allow everyone an opportunity to discuss their jobs, businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Nia (Purpose)

Read a few uplifting chapters from black history. Share some of the great things the culture is responsible for and allow it to inspire the group toward greater success in their own lives.

Kuumba (Creativity)

Plan an outing to the local park to clean the grounds or work on the playground equipment. This promotes community spirit and offers everyone a way to help in a small way.

Imani (Faith)

Hold a group prayer wherein you extoll the virtues of those present and ask for strength and support throughout the rest of the year.

As you can see, Kwanzaa is a beautiful celebration that extols values any community should be proud to display. Incorporating the seven tenets of Kwanzaa into your final day feast will not only remind your guests of each of the days which have already passed and their defining principle, but will also reinforce a sense of togetherness, unity and community within your circle of family and friends.

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Winter Solstice Extravaganza

The Winter Solstice falls on December 21st, and it is not only the first official day of winter but also the shortest day of the year. People of all cultures and backgrounds have celebrated the Winter Solstice because once this night is past, the hours of darkness will again begin to shrink and the daylight hours will start to lengthen. Many believed this celebration was actually a necessary component to help coax the sun back into the world, that it helped the sun to fight off the dark and cold of winter.

The Solstice celebration prepares for the reawakening of Mother Nature and the reinvigoration of the sun. It is an event intended to stave off the darkness in anticipation of the coming spring. Can you think of a better reason to throw a party?

Decorate with Nature

Decorations should be heavy on candles, pine cones and evergreen plants. The candles represent a bygone age when they were the only source of illumination during the long periods of darkness. And if you want to remember the original reasons for the celebration, the candles can represent the waning sun and act as a call for it to return to full strength. Also, if you have a fireplace, you should fire it up! Nothing is more fitting in a Winter Solstice party than a roaring fire!

The pine cones and evergreens act as your nod to the natural world. These are the trees and plants that thrive during the winter months and they also emit a wonderful aroma to imbue your home with the spirit of the occasion. If you have a Christmas tree, this will work fine! After all, that's why the Christmas tradition uses one in the first place. You just need to turn off the electric lights to preserve the candle-lit atmosphere.

Hearken Back When Preparing Your Snacks

Like the decorations, you want to make your snacks as natural as possible. Seasonal nuts and dried fruits are great, authentic options, and you can never go wrong with apples! Spiced cider is always a crowd-pleaser, and various cheeses would fit in perfectly. Before supermarkets, people had to make do with what was available locally and what they could store effectively. Anything grown in your area or naturally preserved would be acceptable to offer your guests.

A Winter Solstice party can be great fun, and it's a perfect way to have some fun with friends before Christmas or have one last blowout after Hanukkah. The decorations are easy because they're growing all around you, and the food is a snap. The idea is to eat, drink and be merry and that's a concept everyone can get behind!

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Early Christmas Reminder: Start Planning Now!!!

I know what you're thinking, "C'mon, Ed. Christmas? Already? It's not even Halloween yet!"

And you're right. There are still two big holiday parties to throw before Christmas rolls around. But that doesn't matter. If you're planning on throwing a stellar Christmas bash, (and who isn't I ask you?), there is no time to waste. You need to start planning right now!

Christmas is Big!

And I don't just mean big. I mean HUGE! 95% of of the United States population celebrates Christmas. Why does that translate to planning early? Because there are a finite number of caterers, florists, decorators and party venues available, and all of them will be booking their Christmas activities on a first come, first serve basis. If you don't get your order in soon, you may find yourself left in the cold!

Early planning will allow you to know what services you're going to need and what date you're going to require them. This will allow you to contact those vendors in plenty of time to guarantee the necessary items are yours!

Don't be the one with bologna sandwiches for appetizers just because you neglected to book your caterer in advance. Impress your guests with delicious, mouthwatering fare. Decorate with gorgeous, holiday themed flowers and plants. Pick the perfect venue to let your guests dance the night away. And contact those vendors NOW!

Your Guests Need Notice

Remember that stat about how many people celebrate Christmas in this country? Yeah, that applies here as well. Odds are, if your invitees aren't going to make it to your party, they'll be attending someone else's. Just like with your party vendors, you need to get those invitations in the mail ASAP.

You need to know how many people are attending to properly book the caterer, ensure you have the right venue, etc. It's true in most things and party planning is no exception, information is power. The more you know about who is attending, the better you can plan the party around that guest list. Don't sit on those invites, get em in the mail!

Christmas is still a couple of months away, but that lee time is a good thing. With all the planning you will need to accomplish and all the details you're going to have to nail down, you'll need it! Don't delay, plan today!

 

 

7 Tips: Hosting for the Holidays

The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can also be a little stressful, especially if you’re the one hosting. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with family or a lively party with friends, these tips will make hosting for the holidays a breeze!

Hosting 101: Tips for a Seamless Event

Hosting an event can be a rewarding experience, but it requires detailed planning and execution. Whether you're organizing a party, shower, holiday dinner, or just a casual get-together, it's important to ensure everything goes according to plan so that your guests have a great time, and *bonus* you come across as a hosting pro! To make this easier, we've outlined some tips to help you host your next event with confidence.

Winter Wedding Tips

Breaking news… winter weddings are our latest love affair! The days are shorter and the nights are colder, but winter weddings are full of romance and have a uniquely magical essence.

2024 Bid Day Themes

In recent years, these trendy Bid Day themes have made waves on campuses nationwide, combining nostalgia, elegance, and fun into celebrations that are unforgettable and awe-inspiring! This year is no exception, and it's safe to say that we've got a few rush crushes of our own. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite 2024 Bid Day themes that you can take inspo from for your next event.