Have a Spooktacular Halloween From Banquetevent.com

Wishing you all a safe and fun Halloween!

If you like carved pumpkins but don't want to deal with the hassle of cleaning out the insides and making a mess, click here to start carving your very own pumpkin.

Check out our work below. Okay, okay, we admit it's the prettiest pumpkin of all, but give us a break!

Get Inspired! Unflappable

Monday we blogged about vintage inspirations, so what better wedding theme to carry out your love of vintage couture than a celebration of the Great Gatsby? We must admit, we are pretty darned tickled with the way this inspiration board turned out. This theme is one of our favorites, and we hope you like it too.

Theme: The Great Gatsby
Colors: Emerald Green, Black, White & Gold

Click image below to enlarge.


Top Row: Floral head piece from Forever21; Gown featured at In Style Weddings; Cake from Cakes of Lincolnshire; Image from Spellbound Images; Gown by Jenny Packham featured on the Knot;
Second Row: Image from Junebug Weddings; Arctic Club Hotel, Seattle, WA; Black onyx beads from Kenton Beadworks; Invitation from Crescent Moon Paper
Third Row: Arctic Club Hotel, Seattle, WA; Black feather cuff from Dillon Designs; Centerpiece from Simply Blooms; Image from Audio Libra
Bottom Row: British Motor Coach; Image from istockphoto.com; Image from Catwalk Queen; Talia suit from Amazon.com; Retro bob haircut from My Hair Styling Tools

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love these fabulous vintage couture photo frames from Target. We love seeing how fashion has evolved from the Golden Age of couture to now, and it's always so interesting to see how many things designs and styles are reinvented each decade. These great pictures caught our eye and we just had to share them with you. Each photo is $34 and is only available in Target stores (not online).


If you like these pictures, you'll love these great reads...

The Golden Age of Couture

In 1947, Christian Dior’s “New Look” was greeted with both shock and delight, making headlines around the world. Accompanying the exhibition opening at the Victoria and Albert Museum in September 2007, this lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, the decade Dior hailed as fashion’s “golden age.”

The “New Look” symbolized a new femininity. The full skirts and hourglass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and prosperity, in marked contrast to the austerity of the WWII years. Nevertheless, the “New Look” caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. The Golden Age of Couture features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from Dior as well as from such designers as Balenciaga, Balmain, and Givenchy, along with evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.

This beautifully designed book reveals the skill and craftsmanship of haute couture along with the inner workings of the exclusive design houses, and the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.

More great reads:

Victoria and Albert Museum Desk Diary 2008: The Golden Age of Couture 1947-1957

These Victoria & Albert Museum diaries are illustrated with images of Parisian and British couture from a decade that Christian Dior described as the 'Golden Age' of fashion.


Victoria and Albert Museum Pocket Diary 2008: The Golden Age of Couture 1947-1957

Who Pays For What?

Have you ever wondered what the rules of etiquette say about who should pay for what at the wedding? It can be a very touchy subject. Of course, anything involving money always is.

The division of expenses depends on the financial ability of the bride, groom, and their respective families. Sit down and discuss the type of wedding you want to have and use the following list of items so participants can choose what they would like to pay for. Remember that the reception can sometimes amount to 50% or more of your total expenses. If your costs need to be reduced, you may want to change to a less formal reception.

The bride and her family's expenses traditionally include:

• the wedding gown and accessories
• invitations and personal stationery
• flowers for the church, reception, and wedding attendants
• photographs
• video
• reception, including room charge, food, beverages, wedding cake and food servers
• music
• transportation for wedding attendants to church and reception
• gifts for bridesmaids
• accommodations for bridesmaids, if necessary

The groom and his family's expenses are normally:

• groom's wedding attire
• the clergy or judge's fees
• the marriage license
• all honeymoon expenses
• bride's bouquet and going-away corsage and both mothers' corsages
• boutonnieres for groomsmen
• groomsmen gifts
• rehearsal dinner
• accommodations for attendants, if necessary

The wedding attendants' expenses are:

• wedding attire
• traveling expenses
• wedding gift

Real Weddings Around The World

We've all been to tons of weddings in the United State, but ever wonder what type of weddings people are planning around the globe? We do. Check out these beautiful photos of Gisella Varrica and Pasqualie Faga which took place this year in Sylvania Waters in Australia. All photos by Xsight Photography


The dress ... Gisella's Bizzaro Thai silk gown featured a ruched corset bodice with Swarovski crystal and pearl beading detail.


The cake ... the three-tier mango and coconut mud cake by Celebration Cakes, was decorated with panels of white chocolate and fresh roses.





The flowers ... Gisella Varrica's bouquet of white roses was complemented by the bouquets of dusky pink carried by her bridesmaids.

Get Inspired! Winter Wedding Theme

Not every woman has dreamed about her wedding since she was a little girl. Many woman, don't even give it much thought until the time actually arrives and the wedding planning must begin. To kick your creative juices in gear, we'll be starting our "Get Inspired!" series, where we'll present colors schemes, themes and ideas in an inspiration board. We hope this helps trigger some of your own great ideas. Check back weekly for a new inspiration board.

Theme: Winter Wedding
Colors: Sage, Black & White

Click image below to enlarge.


Top Row: West Elm; Photo from Martha Stewart, Bouquet from Martha Stewart; Table-setting from Brides
Second Row: Eve of Milady Bridals; Herban Feast Catering table-setting; SoDo Park by Herban Feast in Seattle, WA; Crystal chandelier from Project Wedding; Candy from Brides
Third Row: A Perfect Pair from Project Wedding; Invitation from Convier Design; Flower girl hair band from Plum Daisy; Peacock feathered head band from Bethany Lorelle
Bottom Row: Jim Hjelm Occasions; Cara Couture Faux Onyx Stone Ring; Eye shadow by Laura Geller; Makis Cakes

What You're Diamond Shape Says About You!

Most women know exactly what shape of diamond they want to wear long before they ever get engaged. We've always wondered what a woman's diamond preference says about her personality. We found a great article outlining the character traits of the diamond wearer, and to tell you the truth, we found it to be pretty accurate. See what you think.

Round: The brilliant round diamond has set the standard for all other diamond shapes, and is loved for its sparkle and versatility.
What it says about you: You are empathetic, dependable and strong, and your first priority is your loved ones.

Oval: This even, perfectly symmetrical stone flatters small hands and shorter fingers—the diamond’s shape gives the illusion of lengthening the hand. When it comes to dazzle, the oval cut definitely has it, thanks to its contrasting silhouette which reflects and retracts light, creating a fiery shine.
What it says about you: You are very feminine and highly creative. Though you are organized and incredibly disciplined when it comes to getting the job done; after hours, you love to let loose and let your wild side shine through.

Marquise: This elongated shape with pointed ends was inspired by the stunning smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and commissioned by France’s Louis XV, who wanted a diamond to mirror his mistress’ grin. Today this diamond is wildly popular—in recent years it was voted the favorite fancy diamond shape by Peoples Jewellers.
What it says about you: You’re sexy, outgoing, impulsive and zestful, with a passion for life’s challenges.

Pear: Combining the best of the oval and the marquise cut, its shape is reminiscent of a sparkling teardrop.
What it says about you: You are adventurous and gregarious and love to whoop it up with your wide circle of fabulous, funny friends.

Heart: This is perhaps the funkiest shape, embodying sparkle and brilliant beauty.
What it says about you: You are sensitive and romantic and epitomize femininity. Your passionate nature inspires creativity in everyone who surrounds you.

Princess: This square or rectangular cut consists of both step and brilliant-cut facets, which produce serious sparkle.
What it says about you: If you are drawn to the princess or emerald cut, you are an efficient leader who is disciplined and highly organized.

Asscher: This beautifully unique shape is nearly identical to the emerald-cut, except that it is square. Also, this shape has a pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald-cut.
What it says about you: Women who choose the asscher cut diamond have a sense of appreciation for the past, and typically hold a sentimentality for their heritage and family history.

Winterize Your Home

It happened just the other day. We were walking outside and could see our breath for the first time this year. The chill is in the air, and that only means one thing. Winter is coming, and there is nothing we can do to stop it. So let's embrace it. Let's take advantage of the cold days and the crisp morning air, by grabbing an extra cup of hot chocolate, a warm wool blanket and an extra pair of socks.

Since we'll be spending a lot more time indoors, it's a great time to winterize your domain to make you feel nice and toasty indoors, even though it's freezing on the other side of the door. We've gathered some hot new looks to help you winterize your home, with charming home accessories that celebrate this time of year and keep the chills outside. These great winter accessories come from West Elm.

{Click image to enlarge}

Portrait Of Two People In Love

Looking for something ultra unique and fabulous to remember your wedding? How about a custom portrait of you and your new husband?

Kristine Baerlin’s portraits are a contemporary approach to the pop art tradition. Working in New York City as a successful painter for nearly a decade, Baerlin has developed two distinct portrait styles. Baerlin works directly with all of her clients to develop a unique size and color combination. Each portrait, hand-painted by the artist and signed on the back of the canvas, utilizes a signature circular pattern. Baerlin’s portraits guarantee a timeless work of art.

Each portrait is carefully planned directly between Kristine and her clients to best reflect their individual style and taste. Working together, they will swap color ideas, decide on a size and determine the best photograph from which to work. Kristine is always open to special requests and new ideas, as her passion is to make every portrait one-of-a-kind and timeless. This consultative process can be done in person, over the phone, or by email.

To plan your portrait, click here.


**UPDATE! We received the following email from Kristine...

I just want to thank you for posting the feature on my work in your October 13th posting! I haven't seen it until now, as someone just contacted me saying that she is interested in having a portrait done of her fiancé and herself, and using that at the beginning of the wedding, and as the theme for all printed material! This is such a cool idea! I'm so flattered that you put my work out there and that your readers are interested!

I can't thank you enough!
Kristine Baerlin
Brooklyn, NY

A Comic Book Lover's Big Fat Greek Honeymoon

If you are planning a honeymoon abroad, which many couples getting married today are, we highly suggest talking to your travel agent about the Classical Baby Grand Hotel, located in Athens, Greece. It is truly one of the most unique hotels we've seen, and we just know you're going to love it -- particularly if you or your groom-to-be has a secret obsession for comics and superheros. (Come on, just admit it). After all, just because you are getting married, does not mean you have to lose the kid in you.

Conveniently located right in the heart of Athens, Classical Baby Grand Hotel is an ultra-modern and inspired hotel. This trendy art hotel is fully-equipped for business and leisure.

The entrance features Mini Cooper reception desks, waiting to drive you to your graffiti guest room. Each room has modern amenities for a comfortable stay and comes with its own personality, through its contemporary design and décor.

The Baby Grand has a business centre and high-speed internet access, as well as meeting and banqueting facilities, making it a cutting-edge venue for business meetings. Taste the fine Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel restaurant. Enjoy your champagne, amongst the relaxed vibe of the Moët & Chandon Bar.

At the spa, you can enjoy being pampered with the famous Carita treatments. Make time to experience the best manicures and pedicures in the city at Athens’ favorite beauty salon.

Don't just take our word for it, check out some of these amazing photos below.

Cupcaked

Cupcakes are just as popular today as full blown - 5 tiered cakes. But there is nothing special about the little wrappers that surround the stem of the cupcake, until now. Check out these adorable cupcake wrappers for every theme and occasion available from Paper Orchid.

These delicate paper cupcake holders come in several colors, shapes and themes and are available in packs of 12 for $12.


You can also give your cupcakes a lift and show off your desserts with the below fun plastic display pedestals! Each treat can be individually displayed for a special guest, or as part of a larger cupcake centerpiece. Easy to assemble - twist the top platform onto the stem base. Cupcake Pedestals perfectly display cupcakes, muffins, party favors and more - or turn the pedestal over for the perfect ice cream cone holder! Set of 4. This item excluded from wholesale pricing. Each stand is 5" tall.

New Features in The 2009 Wedding Resource Guide

The banquetevent.com staff is hard at work on finalizing details for the 2009 Puget Sound Wedding Resource Guide. To give you a sneak peak of what is to come, here are three new features you'll see in the 2009 Guide.

1. Full Color Edition - That's right. For the first time EVER, the 2009 edition will be printed in full color!









2. Double Page Layouts - Attention Wedding Photographers, Florists and Bridal Salons - we have great news for you! Now available are double-page spreads so you can showcase even more of your images, designs and options. And what is the cost to you? Not a penny more! Sign up for a full page ad in the Wedding Resource Guide, and as a bonus you'll receive the second photo collage page at no additional cost.


3. The Latest Trends for 2009 - B&E has searched high and low for the hottest upcoming wedding trends for 2009. Throughout the 2009 Wedding Resource Guide, B&E will showcase how-to's and inspirations for brides to incorporate the latest trends in their own weddings in simple, easy-to-do ways.





Hey advertisers! Do these new features sound good to you? The deadline to advertise is fast approaching. Email us today for current rates.

Inspirations From The Northwest Event Show

In our "other lives" the staff at banquetevent.com also produces one of the largest meeting & event planning trade shows on the west coast. Our most recent event took place last Tuesday and as usual, our exhibitors did not disappoint. And even though the show is designed for social and business events, there are always some great ideas offered for weddings as well. Here are some images taken at this year's event. We hope you feel inspired!



Above: Totally Tabletops


Above: Robinson Designs & Events










Above: Aria Style





Above: Rented Elegance, Grand Event Rentals & Linens By Alice