Today I just want to talk about me. I think there is a song about that. No seriously, I think that weddings are very personal and when you hire a wedding planner, designer etc. You should be comfortable around them and get to know them so that you will feel confident in your choice for hiring them.
I am on a journey through this thing we call life. I know that sounds cliche but it is true. Turning forty this past January has had a profound impact on me. I see things differently. I have found that it is passion mixed with talent that make for a great designer. For Steven Clay Wedding and Event Designs what you see is what you get. I am the owner, planner and designer. Pretty much the buck starts and stops with me. I love this industry and love flowers, I want to share that love and passion with you. I have done well over 250 weddings, some complete planning packages and some just the flowers. A unique mix of flowers and naturals is my "design philosophy" I love natural greens from the area and like to incorporate those in my designs.
Whatever decision you make about your wedding vendors, please do yourself a favor and make sure you feel a connection with them and that they are passionate about what they do. You do not want someone that is just doing for the job itself but actually feel excited about your wedding or event. Cal me and let's discuss your next wedding or event.
Clay
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Kid-Friendly Wedding Tips
I always say it is your wedding and the day of your dreams, and you have chosen to include children at the wedding. This can be risky as babies can cry during the ceremony, children become restless, and often the reception menu does not include foods they will eat. Since caterers require a head count, on which they base their charges including the kids can become costly. In addition sometimes Adults have a hard time enjoying the event as they have to tend to their children.
Here are some times to consider for making you wedding Kid-Friendly:
1-Hire a Babysitter to keep the children.
2-Designate a special room for the children during the ceremony and reception.
3-Offer a children's menu featuring items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken nuggets.
4- Feed the children in a timely manner.
5-Have a special drink for the children.
6-Incorporate Kid sized tables complete with crayons and coloring books.
7-Provide board games and toys.
8-Hire a face painter, magician, or clown to entertain.
9- Play music they like to hear.
10- Set up a supervised candy bar and provide special bags for taking home the treats.
Here are some times to consider for making you wedding Kid-Friendly:
1-Hire a Babysitter to keep the children.
2-Designate a special room for the children during the ceremony and reception.
3-Offer a children's menu featuring items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, or chicken nuggets.
4- Feed the children in a timely manner.
5-Have a special drink for the children.
6-Incorporate Kid sized tables complete with crayons and coloring books.
7-Provide board games and toys.
8-Hire a face painter, magician, or clown to entertain.
9- Play music they like to hear.
10- Set up a supervised candy bar and provide special bags for taking home the treats.
Open Bar?
There has been a lot of discussion on the subject of "Open Bar".
Should we spring for an open bar?
Well truth is that depends on the venue of the reception. Open bars may be the most expensive choice. You have to cover all the tastes, habits and preferences, from your scotch drinking uncle to your cosmo-sipping friends.
There are options for you. You can have no bar (which can get ugly) or a cash bar (which some might consider tacky).
My suggestion to help trim costs, have a limited-time open bar-just during the cocktail hour, and then shift to wine with dinner. Offer a signature cocktail rather than a full range, plus wine and beer. Though the costs also depend on the length of time the bar is open, as a general rule you can shave about 30 percent off the total bill by limiting the hard liquor.
All in all it is your wedding, with trends and traditions being changed so often you do what is best for you and your overall budget. Please if anyone has additional questions please ask.
Clay
Should we spring for an open bar?
Well truth is that depends on the venue of the reception. Open bars may be the most expensive choice. You have to cover all the tastes, habits and preferences, from your scotch drinking uncle to your cosmo-sipping friends.
There are options for you. You can have no bar (which can get ugly) or a cash bar (which some might consider tacky).
My suggestion to help trim costs, have a limited-time open bar-just during the cocktail hour, and then shift to wine with dinner. Offer a signature cocktail rather than a full range, plus wine and beer. Though the costs also depend on the length of time the bar is open, as a general rule you can shave about 30 percent off the total bill by limiting the hard liquor.
All in all it is your wedding, with trends and traditions being changed so often you do what is best for you and your overall budget. Please if anyone has additional questions please ask.
Clay
Thursday, May 6, 2010
October and November Brides Checklist
If you are a bride that will be having a wedding this year in October and November. Here are some items that you should be working on and some stuff you should already have done. I hope this just helps keep you organized.
Order Invitations, announcements,programs, and thank you cards
Book Calligrapher for the Invitations, if using one
Select and order Bridesmaids dresses and shoes
Urge your Mother and Future Mother-in-Law to shop for their dresses
Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear
Register for gifts
Plan your honeymoon and make reservations
Purchase wedding rings
Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires
Choose reception favors
Choose gifts for attendants and your groom
Make a Hotel reservation for your wedding night
Make Hotel reservations for your out of town guests
Book Hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding
Take Dance Lessons
I am hoping that is is helpful information, some of the items on this list may not sound like a priority, but when you consider how crazy your life will be the closer you to the wedding you will realize the urgency of taking care of them now.
Clay
Order Invitations, announcements,programs, and thank you cards
Book Calligrapher for the Invitations, if using one
Select and order Bridesmaids dresses and shoes
Urge your Mother and Future Mother-in-Law to shop for their dresses
Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear
Register for gifts
Plan your honeymoon and make reservations
Purchase wedding rings
Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires
Choose reception favors
Choose gifts for attendants and your groom
Make a Hotel reservation for your wedding night
Make Hotel reservations for your out of town guests
Book Hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding
Take Dance Lessons
I am hoping that is is helpful information, some of the items on this list may not sound like a priority, but when you consider how crazy your life will be the closer you to the wedding you will realize the urgency of taking care of them now.
Clay
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Destination Forgotten Coast!
If you are planning a destination wedding to the Forgotten Coast of Florida, then Steven Clay Wedding and Event Designs is the place you need to call. We can help you from the Floral Arrangements to planning and coordinating to the complete overall design for your event.
My blog today is all about the Destination Wedding and Waves of Inspiration.
Most brides and grooms that choose the beach for their wedding are outdoorsy people with the love of nature and a flair for unaffected style. With a stunning backdrop like this, you really do not need much more than a few rented chairs or benches, an arbor and of course the beautiful sunset. Think sun and sand, for your colors instead of the Nautical blue color. Opt for spicy citrus tones or shades of green and naturals against white.
For your flowers, the Hydrangea, grasses, daisies, garden roses, solidago and sunflowers or exotics like protea, echiveria, and leukodendron. Simple galvanized pales, bright plastics, wood and natural fibers, sand, stones, and shells. Just make it fun, festive, casual, powerful,elemental, organic, unfussy.
It is the beach and it is beautiful, work with nature and add pops of color with your linens flowers, etc. At a beach wedding sometimes less is more.
Call me today and let me help you plan the Destination Beach Wedding of your Dreams.
Clay
My blog today is all about the Destination Wedding and Waves of Inspiration.
Most brides and grooms that choose the beach for their wedding are outdoorsy people with the love of nature and a flair for unaffected style. With a stunning backdrop like this, you really do not need much more than a few rented chairs or benches, an arbor and of course the beautiful sunset. Think sun and sand, for your colors instead of the Nautical blue color. Opt for spicy citrus tones or shades of green and naturals against white.
For your flowers, the Hydrangea, grasses, daisies, garden roses, solidago and sunflowers or exotics like protea, echiveria, and leukodendron. Simple galvanized pales, bright plastics, wood and natural fibers, sand, stones, and shells. Just make it fun, festive, casual, powerful,elemental, organic, unfussy.
It is the beach and it is beautiful, work with nature and add pops of color with your linens flowers, etc. At a beach wedding sometimes less is more.
Call me today and let me help you plan the Destination Beach Wedding of your Dreams.
Clay
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Make your Wedding Day Dramatic
These are some important tips when planning your wedding. I have probably posted some of these before, but they are always worth repeating. Following these tips are sure to make your wedding day more dramatic.
* Trust Your Professionals. Give them your vote of confidence and then stay out of their way.
* Let Your Wedding Gown be a Surprise to All. Don't show your dress to anyone other than the person who is paying for it, the florist, and the seamstress. Don't describe it to friends or try it on more than twice.
* Don't View the Decorated Venue Before the Ceremony. Drink it in for the first time as you walk down the aisle.
* Don't let the Groom See You Before the Wedding. Let him anticipate the magical moment when you enter in your wedding gown.
* Keep The Wedding Dressing Room Private. The dressing area should be open to the wedding party only.
* Do Not Allow The Post-Ceremony Photo Shoot to Last Longer than Twenty Minutes. It's time to greet guests at the celebration.
* Wear Your Veil Every Minute You Want to Feel Like a Bride. The minute you take off your veil, you become a married woman in a white dress.
* Redefine The Word "crisis." Surprises happen at most weddings, so relax, enjoy and make the best of things.
* Hire a Wedding Coordinator. Planning a wedding is a big job, and your wedding planner is there to help you and can save you a lot of money.
* Trust Your Professionals. Give them your vote of confidence and then stay out of their way.
* Let Your Wedding Gown be a Surprise to All. Don't show your dress to anyone other than the person who is paying for it, the florist, and the seamstress. Don't describe it to friends or try it on more than twice.
* Don't View the Decorated Venue Before the Ceremony. Drink it in for the first time as you walk down the aisle.
* Don't let the Groom See You Before the Wedding. Let him anticipate the magical moment when you enter in your wedding gown.
* Keep The Wedding Dressing Room Private. The dressing area should be open to the wedding party only.
* Do Not Allow The Post-Ceremony Photo Shoot to Last Longer than Twenty Minutes. It's time to greet guests at the celebration.
* Wear Your Veil Every Minute You Want to Feel Like a Bride. The minute you take off your veil, you become a married woman in a white dress.
* Redefine The Word "crisis." Surprises happen at most weddings, so relax, enjoy and make the best of things.
* Hire a Wedding Coordinator. Planning a wedding is a big job, and your wedding planner is there to help you and can save you a lot of money.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Southern with a Twis
For those of you that know me, well then you know I am very southern and I am proud of my Southern Heritage, the good, the bad and the ugly, because if it were not for all of these things then we as a people would not have learned anything.
As Far as Weddings go, I do believe in southern traditions however, I do believe that weddings are personal and should take on a couples personality first and foremost. That is why I like to say "Southern with a Twist"
Over the years I have been inspired by each bride that I meet and work with, I have also been inspired by their ideas about their own wedding. I would like to share with you a few ideas that may inspire you on your wedding day.
-To bring the gulf even closer to shore, try place cards with a tiny seashell attached, also you can place Huge glass cylinders with seashells and place around your reception.
-Fact: Women wear pretty shoes to weddings. Problem: When you are holding an outdoor ceremony, whether the terrain is grass or sand, those shoes fun risk of getting dirty. Solution: Create a shoe check, so guests don't have to worry about ruining their best stilettos or mules.
-A fireworks display is incredibly dramatic, and can be incredibly expensive especially if you hire a professional to set them off for you. For a less costly alternative consider buying a couple of "Cakes" of fireworks, the look like large hat boxes, and once you light the top, they set off a four-minute fireworks display.
As always I hope that you find the blogs useful and inspirational. Till next time.
Clay
As Far as Weddings go, I do believe in southern traditions however, I do believe that weddings are personal and should take on a couples personality first and foremost. That is why I like to say "Southern with a Twist"
Over the years I have been inspired by each bride that I meet and work with, I have also been inspired by their ideas about their own wedding. I would like to share with you a few ideas that may inspire you on your wedding day.
-To bring the gulf even closer to shore, try place cards with a tiny seashell attached, also you can place Huge glass cylinders with seashells and place around your reception.
-Fact: Women wear pretty shoes to weddings. Problem: When you are holding an outdoor ceremony, whether the terrain is grass or sand, those shoes fun risk of getting dirty. Solution: Create a shoe check, so guests don't have to worry about ruining their best stilettos or mules.
-A fireworks display is incredibly dramatic, and can be incredibly expensive especially if you hire a professional to set them off for you. For a less costly alternative consider buying a couple of "Cakes" of fireworks, the look like large hat boxes, and once you light the top, they set off a four-minute fireworks display.
As always I hope that you find the blogs useful and inspirational. Till next time.
Clay
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