Archives for January 2012

January 31, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Old Post Office Event Center – A Beautiful Background For Your Event

One of the most important details of any special event, whether it's your wedding day or special party, the location is one of the most important details. It tells your story. Your location represents you, your party, theme and everything. All of the little details are even paired with the location so everything matches and is cohesive. You venue says it all. It it special. So, if you're in the Evansville, Indiana area, Old Post Office Event Center is the ideal place to have your wedding or special event.

Old Post Office Event Center

This wedding and party venue is one of Evansville's most treasured landmark. Construction started on this building in 1873 and was designed to feature a Richardsonion Romanesqe Style featuring round arches, stone masonry and towers.

This stunning architecture makes a stunning backdrop for wedding receptions, banquets, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties or corporate entertaining. You'll find two elegant rooms that can accommodate 10-350 people, exclusive catering and convenient downtown parking with ample space. You'll find that this place is absolutely stunning and a wonderful place to hold your event.

Your Ideal Wedding Venue

This place is definitely the location to hold your wedding. The gorgeous detailing and stunning architectural accents makes it a beautiful place to tell your wedding day story. The beautiful windows offer a great view for the entire event. So, imagine your wedding reception with beautiful windows letting in wonderful views, fresh flowers decorating each table, candles lighting the room and music coming from your amazing musical entertainment with everyone having a truly amazing time.

You'll definitely find that this location tells any bride's wedding story since it's suitable for all types of different styles. Your gorgeous bridal gown, the perfect flowers and your dream wedding at this ideal wedding venue will truly make your wedding truly unforgettable.

Pink Wedding Reception

More Than Weddings

Of course, this event site is used for more than just weddings. It's a great venue to host corporate meetings, galas, charity events or even holiday parties. It's just a great space in general that can be transformed into whatever theme you need for your event. Elegant, fun, lively and vibrant are all what this event venue says.

Not Just A Venue

Of course, they offer more than just a venue. They also offer a catering service called, Just Rennies Catering. You'll find delicious food with a stunning presentation. This place will take care of all your needs!

When wanting to find an amazing place that will truly set the tone of your event, choose Old Post Office Event Center. The beautiful architectural details and gorgeous rooms will definitely make a statement.

January 30, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

An Un-Birthday Bash

Is your birthday coming up or someone you know? However, are you not keen on celebrating it or making it focused on your age? Well, an Un-Birthday celebration is great! Yes, it's a play off Alice in Wonderland and it's a fun party theme that absolutely everyone will enjoy! Also, remember, this party can be thrown on any day of the year. Just like in the movie, the un-birthday tea party wasn't on the Mad Hatter's birthday. Wedding and Party Network has a few party tips to make this un-birthday bash a huge celebration.

Over-The-Top Party Cake

Party Invitations – Your party invitations definitely need a Wonderland-esque theme. Make sure to have a riddle or poem for the wording on the invitation. It can be in the shape of a funky hat, cards, smoke or find inspiration from the Queen of Hearts.

Un-Birthday Decorations – Again, find inspiration through this fun Disney movie. Make tea cups and teapots the center of attention at this party. Use bright and vibrant colors for the table cloths, flower arrangements, which can be made into teapots or made in, fun vases, playing cards strung together, lanterns and mix and match patterns. Don't forget the signs that point all different ways, and even have them customized for the location. This is the party you can definitely go all out with.

Wonderland Food – Little tea cakes, a tea bar, tiny biscuits, cookies that say "eat me", fun cupcakes and whatever other appetizers you would like to have at your party. Your food should be whatever you want, except for the little details like the tea cakes and tea bar that goes a long with the theme. The key is how you display your food. Use little tags that say "eat me" or "drink me". Display the food in varying heights and in different colored platters. Don't forget to offer a tea bar that features a variety of teas and to tie little tags that say "drink me" on the cups.

Party Activities – For adults and the children, a photo booth is super fun for all. You can get photo booth props such as, big smiles like the Cheshire cat, crazy hats or big sunglasses. You can even make little photo cut outs for your guests to poke their heads through and take a picture.

Dress Code – Of course, you must have a dress code for your party. Include this in your party invitations. This can include fun and crazy hats and even find inspiration through the Alice in Wonderland characters.

Your party will truly be a huge success. With the vibrant colors, unique party accents and tasty food, everyone will truly have a great time, especially in the dress code.

This post is brought to you by St Louis Caterers.
Not in St. Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

January 27, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Pink & Red

These colors are absolutely gorgeous and can be used throughout the year for your wedding. You can incorporate them into absolutely anything, even your wedding gown. Think outside-the-box and try and come up with something unique, especially since these colors and common throughout weddings. However, you can definitely let your personality shine through with these colors by including unique accents in your wedding bouquet, centerpieces, wedding cake and even your wedding gown. Pink and red are definitely gorgeous colors that will make your wedding truly special.

January 26, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Bridesmaid Style Trends & Tips

Along with wedding dresses, colors, flowers, food and venues, bridesmaid dresses are constantly changing with the trends. Wedding trends are constantly changing and everything within weddings goes through this. Bride's tastes change and so do the elements of weddings. Bridesmaid dresses are constantly changing styles and colors. Lengths range from long, tea length to short and the colors are all over the place. Wedding and Party Network has the latest bridesmaid dress trends that you may want to look at for your wedding.

Same Color, Different Styles

Just Pick – You pick the color or color palette and they pick the style. Not every girl feels comfortable in the same style of dress since everyone shares different body types. Therefore, let them pick their own. Your bridesmaids will feel more comfortable and confident in your wedding and be more willing to shell out the money since they could wear their dress again. Plus, it's so refreshing seeing weddings that features bridesmaid dresses in different styles and even different colors. Not everything has to be truly matchy matchy.

Same Color Palette – Not every dress has to be the same color. Again, not all girls look good in the same color. Offer them 4 or so choices close to your color and let them go from there. They can choose the style and color that looks best on them and will definitely be willing to spend a bit more since they definitely have the option of wearing the dress again.

More Wear – Think about picking a dress that they'll be able to wear again. It's all about the wearability of a dress. Pick shorter dresses in a color they'll be able to wear again for different occasions. If you want to go long, think about their options to even shorten the dress so they can wear it to a spring or summer occasion. Keep in mind their ability to wear it again. Sorry to say, your bridesmaids won't be wearing their big shoulder, short sleeve in an Easter egg pastel color dress anytime soon, unless that look comes back in style, and that may be awhile.

Think About The Shoes – Letting them find their own style doesn't just pertain to the dress, think about their shoes too. We say opt out of the dye able wedding shoes that match their dress perfectly in a purple, teal or orange, which they will never wear again and focus on going with metallic or nude. Going with a metallic silver, gold or a neutral colored shoe ensures that they can wear it with different outfits that they may have in their closet.

Accessories – Another thing that goes with completing your bridesmaids look is accessories. Accessories complete their look. You can either go with them wearing what they want to show off their personality or picking something truly simple.

There are different trends within bridesmaid dresses, including short vs. long, style or what color to wear. However, unless you're buying, it's great to let bridesmaids pick out their own dress so they can wear it again and show off a bit of their personality.

This post is brought to you by St Louis Bridesmaid Formal Wear
Not in St Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find bridesmaid dresses near you!

January 25, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Beautiful Wedding Hairstyle Trends To Complete Your Look

Within weddings, there are trends that come in go. This includes everything, even the way brides wear their hair. That is a major component of your wedding day look, it completes your look and ties everything together. New hairstyle trends emerge each season and are constantly incorporated into wedding looks. So, Wedding and Party Network has got the latest wedding hairstyle trends that you may want to incorporate into your wedding to complete your amazing look.

Gorgeous Bride Accented With Hair Accessory

Braids – Braids have been a definite trend for the past few seasons, and having them be a part of your wedding day look is no exception. They can be categorized under your boho-chic wedding or a simple, yet elegant styled wedding. Braids are a bit more relaxed, yet add a statement within your hairstyle. Try a single braid and include it in your bun or a simple side braid or fishtail braid paired with a beautiful strapless wedding gown with gorgeous flowing material will look absolutely amazing.

Hair Accessories – Another big trend is hair accessories. You see more girls wearing headbands, floral pieces or even feathers in their hair for an added fashion statement. So, why not include this in your wedding day look? If you're going for a gorgeous Grecian inspired look, try adding a crystal embellished single headband to complete the look. However, if you are going to a floral, boho-chic look, you may want to include a beautiful flower in your hair. Also, if you're going for the dramatics, think about a big statement veil. There are a variety of hair accessories that you can use in your hair to complete your wedding day look.

Going Retro – Going retro with your hairstyle is a huge trend that we are seeing emerge. Beautiful pin curls, waves or beehive inspired hair trends are all emerging. Some people are definitely seen wearing these as part of their everyday look as well. So, take it up a notch and find inspiration within these hairstyles and include them on your wedding day.

Ponytails – You may think of ponytails as everyday wear, however, ponytails can be quite sleek and elegant. They make great wedding hair statements when paired with the right wedding dress. You can do a low pony or even a high ponytail depending on your style of dress. Make the ponytail sleek and straight or have a few curls or waves in it. Just make it fit your wedding day look.

Skin The Bobby Pins – Skip the bobby pins and go for a beautiful hairstyle that is down. You can opt to go for a simple, sleek and straight look or gorgeous waves, which can be accented with a hair accessory. Instead of all those bobby pins and a heavily styled up-do, consider going for a natural, beautiful hairstyle that's down.

The main key here is to make the hairstyle complete your wedding day look. You want your wedding dress, as well as your hairstyle to tell your story. So, go with what you like and keep it true to who you are as a bride.

This post is brought to you by Louisville Wedding Hairstylists.
Not in Louisville, KY? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding hairstylist near you!

January 24, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

10 Questions To Ask Your DJ

You're planning a wedding, congratulations! How great is that! It's your special day and being one of the most important days of your life you want it to be perfect. You want everything to go according to plan. What helps make your day run smoothly? A main factor in that is who you hire on your wedding day. These people definitely help your day run smoothly and you want them to understand that. Of course, you think of caterers, florists and your venue. However, do you think about your musical entertainment. They must know when to play what and keep the entertainment going on all night long. So, Wedding and Party Network has a list of questions that you might consider asking your DJ.

Gorgeous Wedding Reception

1. Do You Have A Contract? Most often, vendors have written contracts that you share between one another. A written contract shows professionalism. There are a lot of people out there that may say they're a dj and show up with an Ipod and a set of basic speakers. So, you want someone professional. A written contract shows you what to expect, from setup to the outline of what is required from them. This gives you a great idea on what you can expect from them, while on the other hand what is expected from you in terms of payments, when to pay and what you need to do on your part.

2. Are You The DJ? Ask the person you're talking with if they will be the dj at your wedding or if it will be someone else. It's a great idea to meet with your dj so you feel a connection with them. You want to feel comfortable with them, which makes your night more enjoyable.

3. Can We Meet? You actually may want to meet with your dj. You meet with the rest of your vendors, so why not them? They are going to be in control of the entertainment for the evening. You want to click with the dj and feel confident that they understand your needs and will provide amazing entertainment all night long.

4. How Long? You may want to look around at other people or have something holding you back, so ask how long they will hold your date for you. Make sure you know this after talking with them so you can get back with the asap.

5. How Many Events Have You Done? This may or may not be important. However, it's always nice to see how many events and how much experience they do have within their profession.

6. What Makes You Stand Out From Your Competitors? This is a great question to ask to find out what they offer than their competitors. This is a great question to ask to find out why basically you should pick them and not someone else. What can they do for you?

7. Do You Make All Of The Announcements? Do you act as the emcee for the night? Do you make all of the announcements during the night or do we need to find someone else for that job? This is an important role for any major event and will definitely make your night less stressful not having to worry about making announcements.

8. What Actually Is Included In The Cost? What exactly do I get with the cost? You may just be receiving the basic, basic package. It may not include any lights or anything. So, ask.

9. How Up-To-Date Is Your Music Library, Can We Make Requests? Of course, you want to know if they have the type of music you enjoy. You don't want to hire a dj who has a lacking music library. It's definitely best to find out if they have any of the music you like and if they're willing to get it if they don't.

10. Can We Speak To Your References and Can We Visit You At One Of Your Events? You want to know that they are going to provide you with the very best. So, what better way to experience this than by attending one of their events or contacting past references.

Whenever you hire a dj, there's more to know than just knowing how much they're going to cost. You want to know that they're going to be worth every penny that you spend and provide all that you need for your wedding, birthday party, or special gala. It's important to find someone who will provide great entertainment all night long.

This post is brought to you by St Louis Music Entertainment.
Not in St. Louis, MO? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find musical entertainment near you!

January 23, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Are YOU Ready For Some Football?!

The Super Bowl is coming up on February 5, 2012. Have you already made plans to host a Super Bowl party at your house? What are you doing, just the traditional food, drinks and watching the big game on television? Why not switch it up a bit and do something a bit different? It's also fun and exciting to change things up a bit, even if it's minor. Change up your Super Bowl party with the help of Wedding and Party Network. We've got some fabulous tips that will make your party a huge hit!

Football Themed Floral Arrangement

Plan Accordingly – Of course, with every party, you also need to plan accordingly. How many guests are you inviting, what type of food are you serving, are you having party decorations and do you plan on having activities for everyone? The best thing to do is to sit down and write everything out. Make a list of everything. This truly makes planning easy.

Party Decor – This party doesn't need a ton of party decorations at all. Just keep it within the team's colors. Divide it half and half to be fair to all your guests, unless all of you are rooting for the same team to win. Use the colors within the table cloths, centerpieces and scatter some footballs around. Use beer mugs or football koozies for the floral arrangements, except place simple flowers. Just keep it simple.

For The Food – Since it's the beginning of the new year, a lot of people made new year's resolutions to eat healthier. So, keep this in mind when planning your party menu. Instead of doing a variety of food that really doesn't go well together, think about planning out a food theme. Go with a chili bar and serve different types of chili, even a healthier version, like turkey chili. You can include all the toppings and even some hot dogs, burgers or nacho chips.

However, you can take a different approach and host a taco night, soup night or a burger bar. This way, you don't have way too much food to satisfy everyone's appetite and your menu isn't all over the place. Focus on one or two appetizers to satisfy everyone while everything else is cooking. Don't forget, you can always find a local caterer to create your meal so you're not in the kitchen all day. They always have great ideas and it frees you up from the kitchen.

Sweets – Of course, go with the theme and have a football shaped cake or football cupcakes and cookies. Just keep in mind football and the teams that are playing. You can even set up a cute dessert table that replicates a football field and have cupcakes in the team's colors and place them on the field. Don't forget to always keep in mind how you display your food. It makes everything that much better.

Football Helmet Cake

Don't Forget The Drinks – Drinks are just as important as the food. Have a signature drink for the evening or even have one for each team. You can do punch, have beer tasting for the guys or margaritas if you go with the taco theme. Make sure you have drinks that pairs well with the food and display them in a fun way.

Game Day Activities – Of course, you can have games like washers, horse shoes, bean bag toss or ping-pong set up to play before the big game starts. Don't forget to have everyone pick who they think will win too, which makes a great game day activity.

The Super Bowl is a great time to get friends together and hang out all day to enjoy each other's company. It's a great time to host a party and to get creative.

January 20, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Yellow & Gray

Here at Wedding and Party Network we want to give you inspiration for your wedding details. The details are what sets your wedding apart from anyone else. The colors, theme, detailing and style all creates your wedding day style. So, today's Inspirational Friday will focus on the color yellow and gray. These colors on their own are absolutely gorgeous. However, when you pair them together, they make a wonderful color combination. You can do so many things with this color combination for your wedding and can be used throughout the year. Here is a little inspiration for the colors yellow and gray.

Choose beautiful gray bridesmaid dresses and pair them with yellow bridesmaid bouquets or vice-versa. Having yellow centerpieces with gray accents are also wonderful. Even having yellow wedding flowers for your cake topper on your wedding cake with an accent of gray ribbon is ideal. Whatever you come up with, your ideas are endless. Just get creative with this beautiful color combination.

January 19, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

A Beach Wedding Proposal

Proposals are a big part of any wedding story. It's how it all begins. That's the first question you're asked when someone finds out you're getting married. Therefore, it should fit you and your fiancée. We all love to hear the many ways of how people get engaged and this engagement story is no exception.

Meet Tyler and Liz. An amazing couple that is to be married in less than 150 days. Here's the beginning of their wedding story.

Liz & Tyler

Black & Gold Meeting

Tyler and I did not meet until after college, even though we both attended Mizzou. We were both at a favorite late night establishment, none other than the Black & Gold. I had a great pick-up line at the time because a week before that I broke my wrist. So I was talking to a few friends and Tyler walked over and asked what had happened. I told him the story and ended with, "would you like to sign my cast". He did, we talked, but I didn't see him for about a week.

On another evening out I stopped in the Black & Gold before heading to a graduation party/bonfire. Tyler was there and I asked if he would like to go. We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing, having a really great time. Around midnight we came back to town and went our separate ways. It was close to 1 am and my phone beeped with a text that said, "had a great night, would like to see you again." I saw him the next Wednesday and we have not been apart since.

The Proposal – Tuesday, August 2, 2011

We had been on vacation for the week at my family's house in Michigan. It is a place I try to visit every year and have gone there since I was young.

Liz's Beautiful Engagement Ring

This was our first real vacation together and I was so excited for it. On the day we were leaving to come home, we stopped at my favorite beach one last time to see Lake Michigan. There was no one on the beach (except 200 seagulls) and it was so nice to hear the small waves breaking against the sand.

I stood there for a bit being sad that we were leaving and heading home. I said, "Okay, we better get going," and his reply, "well I guess there is just one more thing to do." He takes my hand and says, "You know how much I love you, and how much I will always love you." I answer, "yes." As I am wondering where this is going, Tyler gets down on one knee (on the beach) and says, " Will you marry me?" The only words out of my mouth are, " are you serious?" and then " yes, yes I will marry you!"

After the hugs, kiss, and me staring at my ring for 5 minutes, we decided to go back to the house and tell everyone before beginning our 10 hour drive back to Missouri. A moment I will NEVER forget.

A beautiful proposal where Liz has many memories and a new one with her engagement. The location and everything sounds so perfect. Liz and Tyler have set the date for June 16, 2012 and we can't wait to see how their wedding unfolds!

This wedding story was brought to your by Wedding and Party Network. Want to share your wedding story? Contact social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.

January 18, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Get The Party Started With Entertainment Inc

When planning a special event or wedding, you want everyone to have a great time. Sure this is your event, however, you always take into consideration about ALL of your guests having an amazing time. You want your event to be memorable and the talk of the town. So, if you're in the Lubbock, Texas area, Entertainment Inc is your one only stop to make sure your party is truly memorable.

What does Entertainment Inc offer? Well, they make parties happen. You'll also find sound, lighting, searchlights and video services. Only the best so they can help make your party a true success. This vendor offers several professional services, which can fulfill your entertainment requirements of any size, function or venue at a reasonable cost. Music entertainment at it's best.

Music Entertainment For Any Event

Photo Of Great Lighting

Live entertainment is provided by experienced and talented disc jockeys who play the music when you want to hear it, without any breaks. When you plan an event with music, you want to dance the night away. Taking breaks isn't an option, Well, they won't! Their experienced disc jockeys always make sure everyone is having a great time! That's their number one priority.

Along with playing the music, you also want to make sure they offer a wide variety of music. Not only do you want music that you enjoy, you also want something that your guests will enjoy too. Well, they offer an expansive music library that features everything from top 40, dance, country, club, urban, disco, swing to jazz. You pick your favorite and they'll play it. Everyone will definitely be dancing the night away.

Size is never a problem. Size, complexity and power are always catered towards your needs. From 1400 to 10,480 watts of clear sound and from four to literally hundreds of lights; Entertainment Inc will find something for your party or wedding. Their variety of music, sound equipment and lighting will keep your event going well into the night.

Capturing All Your Special Moments

Not only will they provide entertainment, they'll make sure to capture it on camera too. Having everything on film is a great way to look back on your special event. Of course you want a wedding photographer to capture it through photos. However, by having it on film, you can truly relive the moment. Capturing every moment on camera is truly special and Entertainment Inc will go above and beyond at doing just that.

Entertainment Inc. provides you with unforgettable entertainment. They offer exceptional play lists, lighting, sound all while capturing it all on video. You'll choose no one else other than Entertainment Inc