Theme, What Theme...?

I often find that when I ask new clients about their vision and theme they seem confused. The theme, to most, is an afterthought, an embellishment to be added on at the last minute to make things pretty…a few petals here, a tea light there. However, most in the planning industry believe that an event theme should be one of the first facets to be instituted.

A theme is a principal element, a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc… that pulls everything together. Themes, especially for weddings, help set the tone for delivering desired visual aspects. An event’s theme can subtly be tied into most visual components without being overwhelming. From invitations to bridesmaid’s dresses, floral arrangements to venue selection, themes are essential in crafting a streamline wedding.

When thinking of themes most envision a specific item to base everything around…but times they are a changin’. At one point (not that long ago), many weddings featured figurine inspired themes, i.e., Precious Moments, Disney Characters or Doves, which were visually incorporated as cake toppers, favors and centerpieces. While those did capture the concept of “theme” and were very appealing options for some, most might not have seen their personalities reflected in them. More modern trends are showing that greater numbers of people are choosing eco-friendly, culturally diverse and monogram motivated themes—a direct sign of the times.

If you are among those that are struggling with developing a theme suited just for you, here are some tips to help in the process.

Because your wedding theme will be carried into most aspects of your day, from stationary, to color selection, etc… etc… it is very important to ensure that the theme 1. has significance, 2. illustrates your style and flair and/or 3. promotes the things you stand for.

1. Has significance; it should reflect things that move and interest you?

Separately, a bride and groom have distinctive likes and dislikes, but as a couple there are particular things (activities, emotions, culture, etc…) that binds them; things that bring them together, things that they enjoy sharing with each other.

In some cases that thing could be traveling. If a couple enjoys traveling together, it would be sensible to consider designing their special day around all things travel inspired. Travel elements can be incorporated in invitations resembling post card and personalized postage stamps of them at their favorite vacation spot. They could use floral arrangements that are reminiscent of their most preferred travel locations or even assign destination locations as their reception table names.

When you love something, it makes for an amazing theme.

2. Illustrates your style or flair; it should reflect your panache and good taste.

For couples that live in the fashion world, peruse fashion mags and visit TMZ.com every two and two, visually communicating their love of all things fabulous on their wedding day would be essential. This fashion forward couple could demonstrate their interests through the use of very crisp and clean elements incorporated into the entire wedding design. Sticking with basic white, ivory, black and/or silver are guaranteed successes. Mirrors, gems and shimmery fabrics are also great ways to express couture style across the board.


3. Promotes the things you stand for; if civil rights, saving the whales and protecting the earth are things that drive you those should be the running theme on your big day.

As our society becomes more and more informed of the damage we have done and continue to do to our planet with harsh chemicals and products we have become so accustomed to, a movement of eco-friendly advances have evolved within our lifestyles. Couples that share this view often employ caterers for their wedding day that utilize locally grown produce and raised livestock, they opt for environmentally safe printing solutions using non-toxic components as well as recycled materials for most of their wedding stationary; i.e., invitations, place cards, menu cards, etc… This type of couple is well aware of what we take from the earth and has decided that it is just as important to give back.

All in all themes are meant to echo your personality and leave lasting impressions on the minds and hearts of your wedding guests. So choose your theme carefully and you’ll be sure to have a top notch event!

Bridezilla...Who , Me?: It's Not A Bad Word!

As you get ready for your big day, planning, primping and prepping, a slight transformation occurs, something that we don't see out right but in time develops into the need for flawlessness and precision. The need for things to be just so… The need for it to be exactly as we’ve envisioned it in our heads…this is where the Bridezilla is conceived.

In early gestation the overly focused bride demands nothing less than perfection with a twinge of control. That quickly develops into an obsession of sorts; expecting everyone within a 50 foot radius to be totally and completely in tuned with all things your wedding. This passion then grows into a firm delegation of tasks and requirements… and there the Bridezilla is born!

Sounds scary doesn’t it?...but is it really that bad? Is Bridezilla a bad word to a bride-to-be? Is it anything like calling her the “B” word?

No! We all have a little Bridezilla in us! We all strive for perfection and satisfaction for one of the most important days of our lives. Why shouldn’t we be insistent on specific details or expectant of those involved in this special time be punctual.

Without these qualities your dream day could quickly turn into a nightmare. Without the attention to detail your guests may not get the opportunity to see the wonderful vision of crushed silk, fresh peonies, chiavari chairs and fine china that you’ve dreamed about since you were 5 years old.

This is the biggest party you will ever plan, so take this opportunity to express your creatively and shine. You only get one shot and it’s worth every bit of your inner Bridezilla.

To All My DC Wedding Vendors -- Let's Collaborate!

My Fellow DC Wedding Vendors,

I am the owner and Lead Event Coordinator of The Jade Experience (Jade), a DC Metro Area Event Planning and Management Company. Since 1998, Jade has managed hundreds of events, each specially tailored to individual tastes, personalities, styles and budgets. Jade provides an array of services that can make client events a success! While these events can range from, children's birthday parties, Sweet 16 parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Anniversary Celebrations and Holiday Gatherings, Jade's main focus is Wedding planning.

Over our eleven years in business, Jade has been instrumental in coordinating and managing hundreds of weddings with diverse fine points, but would not have be successful without our wonderful vendors.

With the economy in its current state; myself and a faithful fleet of vendors are starting to feel the pinch, to which end I've come up with some creative ways to keep clients at our doors and business afoot.

While we, as vendors, are feeling the lash back of the times so are our clients and potential clients. I'm finding that many have cut back on planning services, fresh flowers, cake extravagances and bridal attire.

Here's where The Jade Experience can help...

After loosing clients to the economy; whether it be to reduced services or clients insisting they can coordinate the wedding themselves, we figured something had to be done. So, in collaboration with my staff and other vendors, Jade is now facilitating instructional seminars intended to enable clients to plan and organize their own high-end weddings.

These seminars would provide clients with the necessary tools to create and manage a successful wedding. Seminars are structured to help in finding and managing vendors, finding suitable venue options, handling pre-nuptial details (wedding theme & design, invitations, RSVP options, favor concept and more...) and all else that falls within planning.

Here's where you come in...

Jade would advertise the seminars, provide all the adequate background information and necessary materials (hand-outs & reading material) as well as refreshments, but is asking for the use of your space in which the seminars can be held. This would be of no cost to you, just the advantage of increased traffic at your door, free advertising and a platform in which to sell your services free of charge.

While these seminars could be held at a local ballroom, I find it favorable to bring clients and potential clients to vendor shops. This gives you, the vendor, an opportunity to show off your products, space and knowledge. I envision a 50/50 split of time -- half the seminar would be geared to educating participants on “Do it Yourself Planning” from Jade and the other half would be of your services…allowing attendees to get a first hand look at what you do and how best to do it.

It is not in my best practice to change people’s minds or direction, but to best equip and educate them on the choice they have selected; that is the goal of these seminars.

I look forward to hearing from and working with you in the near future.

Thank you.

Jade