Joyful Surprises Event Planning & Design

09/05/2021

Happy Mother's Day!

Create a Cheery, Romantic Mother’s Day Tablescape

Soft pinks and touches of green and gold can make for a fresh Mother’s Day table setting with a light country French vibe. Lory Bernstein of DesignThusiasm guides us through her process for creating an elegant yet relaxed tablescape for the mothers in our lives by mixing antique finds with family heirlooms, repurposing a scarf as a tablecloth and revamping a cake stand.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/create-a-cheery-romantic-mothers-day-tablescape-stsetivw-vs~66029333

Surprise Mom this weekend with a relaxed and charming table setting with special ingredients you may already have

09/05/2021

08/05/2021

https://blog.wilton.com/15-cakes-for-mothers-day/

Whatever your skill level is - beginner or advanced - there's sure to be a cake here that you can make for mom. Check out these 32 cakes for mom.

07/05/2021

Floral Friday ... DIY Floral Bouquet for Mother's Day\

If finding the right bouquet to fit with Mom’s midcentury dining set is a daunting task each Mother’s Day, try making your own this year and show her your artistic side. As florist to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Guillermo Del Pero of G Fiori Floral Design knows that less is more for a modern space. Here, Del Pero shows us how to create a chic bouquet using just a few elements by playing with color, shape and texture.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/diy-a-sculptural-modern-bouquet-for-mom-stsetivw-vs~65918867

06/05/2021

Wedding Wednesday ...82 Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To

If you ask any married couple about their wedding day soundtrack, chances are they’d be able to recall at least a few of the songs that starred in their day: from the jams that hyped them up while they were getting ready, to their memorable first dance tune, to their touching parent dance songs. And brides and grooms also get to choose their own entrance song for the ceremony. This song will play in the background as you’re walking down the aisle, so if you want to consider it your theme song, you absolutely can—we encourage it!

When choosing the song you’ll walk down the aisle to, you can go about it in a number of ways beyond simply opting for an instrumental or acoustic prelude or a classic wedding march. We’d venture to say that almost any song could be remixed into one with a slower, more walkable cadence—especially if you’ll be enlisting live musicians for your ceremony. You can sort of tease your vows to come with a song that celebrates the love and admiration you have for the person at the other end of the aisle. You can collaborate with your S.O. on a track that speaks to your unique love story and everything you envision for your future together, a la Dan + Shay’s “From The Ground Up.” Or you can ask your partner what they’ve dreamed about for your entrance: what song would they sing to you in a perfect world?

Check them out here:
https://www.brides.com/wedding-processional-songs-5181835?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=23741020.10008&utm_term=

In need of wedding processional music inspiration? We gathered the best 82 songs to walk down the aisle to.

23/04/2021

Family Fun Friday ... Its National Picnic Day!!

With the weather turning warmer and warmer, what better way to celebrate than to pack a picnic and head outside for National Picnic Day!

Fill your picnic basket and head outside. Whether you are enjoying finger foods or a potluck style picnic with family and friends, the location doesn’t matter, as long as you are together and having fun!

Don’t forget to pack:

reusable plates, cutlery, cups, napkins

beverage

small cutting board and knife for cheese and meats

baguettes or crackers

olives, pickles and nuts

fresh fruit and vegetables

and anything else you would want.

Check out my Picnic Day Video: https://youtu.be/_VCBKj2dRTY

And get the recipes for the Greek-Style Pizza and Strawberry Tart shown in pic at https://www.joyfulsurprisesevents.com/blog/nationalpicnicday

23/04/2021

Monday Morning Coffee ... Webinar 101

If you are like the rest of us, we have been using technology for staff meetings, training and webinars over the past year.

Or maybe you are just starting to consider the benefits of webinars for distance training for cost savings.

Either way, Vimeo has these awesome tips for what is a webinar and how to start planning your next one:

The best webinars are a mix of valuable content, personality, and high production quality. They’re a great addition to your video marketing strategy to educate and inspire customers. They’re also a powerful tool for internal communications to scale employee training and align teams.

However, there’s a flip side to all their popularity. Just like promo emails mysteriously slipping into your inbox — webinars are cluttering our digital life.

So the question is, what makes a great webinar? And how do you deliver a quality experience without the technical hurdles?

We’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll review everything from what is a webinar to producing a great one. Along the way, we’ll discover how to get your content from good to great, production tips, promotional strategies, and ways to drive engagement.

For the rest of the article, visit
https://vimeo.com/blog/post/what-is-a-webinar/

Ready to launch a webinar? Run through the basics of what is a webinar, get pro tips, and go live with this comprehensive guide.

23/04/2021

Monday Morning Coffee Break ... Planning your next corporate event?

Whether it has to be virtual, or you are able to plan an in-person event, there are some corporate events that still happen.

What are the Most Common Types of Corporate Events?
1. Conferences
2. Seminars
3. Team Building Events
4. Trade Shows / Expos
5. Executive Retreats
6. Business / Corporate Dinners
7. Corporate Golf Days
8. Product Launches
9. Shareholder / Corporate Board Meetings
10.Year End Functions

If you’re planning a corporate event or need help planning an one, you may be wondering whether what you have in mind really constitutes an Event-with-a-capital-E, or whether hiring an event coordinator or manager is the right choice for you or your function.

For the full article visit,
https://www.aleitevents.com/10-corporate-events/

We explain the 10 most common corporate events you'll find in the industry and how they are unique from each other - Read More!

23/04/2021

Wedding Wednesday ... Inspiration for Romantic and Whimsical Outdoor Wedding

When designing this couple’s Colorado reception, the wedding team wanted guests to feel as though they had been transported to a secret garden to celebrate the newlyweds. Since the pair had already been married in a California celebration, the goal for the Colorado reception in the family’s private gardens was to marry the organic setting with a bit of California flair.

“We enhanced the beautiful gardens by bringing in whimsical and wispy blooms, unique furniture pieces, and floating crystal lights that complemented the intimate surroundings of the event’s lawn that lines a babbling creek,” shares event designer Megan Grose of Brindle + Oak. From the moment guests arrived on property, they were immediately immersed into the romantic setting. With a cocktail in hand, loved ones were escorted down the long private drive by golf cart, at last arriving to a bridge decorated with blooms that led to the picturesque gardens.

To provide a soundtrack for the sophisticated fête, classical and modern tunes were performed by live string musicians as friends and family mingled while sipping on floral libations and enjoying gourmet bites and fare from a variety of food stations. Long tables were covered with soft linens and surrounded by French-style oval-back wooden chairs with ivory upholstered cushions. Centerpieces showcased soft neutral florals in cream, grey, and dusty beige, as well as sage, blush, and mauve to add a classic, yet modern, look. To bring the alfresco space to life, bolder hues of evergreen, dusty pink, and raspberry elevated the base palette with texture and interest.

As the sun set on the revelers, twinkling lights glowed from chandeliers as loved ones took in the beauty of the event and celebrated the couple, who danced under the stars with friends and family all summer night.

For all the images, visit:
https://www.insideweddings.com/weddings/romantic-whimsical-outdoor-garden-wedding-reception-inspiration/46009/

23/04/2021

Wedding Wednesday ... After-the-Wedding Checklist?

During the chaotic, yet magical, time that is your wedding and honeymoon, it’s easy (and totally understandable) to want to relax after experiencing two big life events. But there are still a few important items left to tackle. Many couples forget about the important tasks that they still need to cross off their to-do lists after the wedding is over, from thanking your guests and vendors to finding creative ways to utilize your florals and favors.

To be sure you're not missing a step, read on for everything you need to cross off once you've said "I do." Consider this your ultimate after-the-wedding checklist.

Send Thank You Cards
The most obvious and important after-the-wedding task? Writing thank you cards. And when it comes to sending these out, the sooner the better. Brenda Cascio, founder and creative director, and Audrey Craig, president and CEO, of GB Design House and its subsidiary, Gracious Bridal, say it's best to aim to have this finished within 90 days after the wedding. “Your mother and mother-in-law will thank you,” says Cascio in regards to the 90-day window.

Craig suggests writing them on the plane to and from your honeymoon. The Wi-Fi-free zone will help you focus.

For the rest of the article, visit
https://www.brides.com/story/after-the-wedding-checklist?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=23483831.4483&utm_term=

From sending out thank you notes to leaving vendor reviews, here’s a post-wedding checklist featuring everything you must do after the wedding

23/04/2021

Wedding Wednesdays ... A New Favorite Wedding Favor?

Between the food, the music, the personal touches, the dancing, and all the love, your wedding is a night that’s designed for making memories. But one way to stack the deck in your (wedding) favor is to send guests home with a parting gift that will bring all those good times back to mind whenever they see it.

We love a good edible favor—from expertly frosted cookies to a slice of your favorite late-night pizza—but sometimes you want a wedding favor with a little more staying power, one that will bring about some awww-inducing nostalgia. Enter: Playing cards. What’s more nostalgic than a deck of playing cards? Yes, the stuff of rainy summer camp afternoons and epic family games of B.S. has found its way into the wedding world, and we’re here for it. The decks we’re eyeing are, natch, a far cry from those dollar store decks tucked in your junk drawer.

They’re heirloom quality, artfully designed, and as personal as 52 petite pieces of paper could possibly be.

LouLou Baker, the artist and designer behind these playful favors, is an expert on all things favor-related, so we asked her to give us the scoop on her custom cards and share how couples can create decks of their own. And, yes, she says, "These cards are meant to be played with!"

Check out the rest of the article at: https://www.brides.com/loulou-baker-playing-cards-wedding-favor-4769691?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=&utm_term=

Artist and gifting expert LouLou Baker has created a new custom favor, playing cards, and we're obsessed. Here's how to make your own deck.

09/04/2021

Celebrating Spring! 15 Creative and Crafty Spring Project Ideas

Spring is in the air, and with it the urge to spruce up home and garden. From simple projects (planting a teacup garden or stringing up lights) to the more adventurous (creating a patterned accent wall or DIY wall art) — here are 15 things to make and do that capture the colorful spirit of the season.

From Houzz.com, check out these great ideas:

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/15-creative-and-crafty-spring-project-ideas-stsetivw-vs~62862184

Spruce up your walls, plant a pretty container and get your patio ready for a party

09/04/2021

Flowers Friday ... Creating a Flower Bouquet like a Pro

Want to take those grocery store flowers or the ones you cut from your garden, and create a beautiful bouquet for your home or as a gift for someone special?

Then check out this article from Houzz:

Houzz UK recently invited Stuart Fenwick, floral artisan for Bloomon, to run a workshop at its London headquarters to show how to create the perfect flower arrangement. Fenwick is something of a guru in the flower world, and during his demonstration, he shared lots of great advice on how to make your blooms last longer and look amazing too. Here are his steps and tips for building a bouquet.

Check it out here:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-create-a-flower-bouquet-like-a-pro-stsetivw-vs~74472862

Follow these tips from a floral artisan and learn how to create a professional-looking arrangement in minutes

09/04/2021

Family Fun ... Making some Easter Treats

Celebrate Spring and get inspired with these cheerful Easter cookies. Cookies are perfect for baking for a crowd or impressing your friends. From cute little lamb-shaped sugar cookies to stunning meringue wreaths, we have your Easter cookie recipes covered.

Check them out here:
https://blog.wilton.com/easter-cookies-every-bunny-will-love/

Celebrate Spring and get inspired with these cheerful Easter cookies. Cookies are perfect for baking for a crowd or impressing your friends.

09/04/2021

Wedding Wednesday ... Staying Madly in Love

You're madly in love now, with your wedding on the horizon and your whole life together ahead of you. But after years of marriage, it can be tough to remember those head-over-heels feelings you once had. Take heed of these secrets from couples who've been married for more than a decade, so you can stay happy and madly in love for years (and years) to come.

1. You Have to Want It
"We keep our love alive by wanting to keep our love alive. We are conscious of what doesn't align with our goal of a loving, happy, and drama-free marriage, and we eliminate that as much as possible." —Tiya, married 18 years

2. Remember All the Good Times
"Our secret to staying in love after all these years is knowing what we have in each other—knowing the value that we bring to each other's lives and that we would be less without it. We have so many years of history that talking about old times and doing things from the past brings back fond memories." —Jenny, married 27 years

3. Stick With It
"It's going to sound silly, but the secret to staying madly in love over time is staying married, no matter what. That is easier said than done. The early years can be quite difficult, and many couples don't make it through. If you stick with it, you'll find the love grows. You learn to pick and choose your issues. You learn that not putting the seat down is not a reason for divorce, even if he doesn't learn after five years. You learn that we aren't our mistakes, we are our intentions. And most of all, over time, you become family, as much as giving birth to a child makes you a mother or a father.

It's a lasting, tight bond. But you've got to be committed and see it through to get to that place." —Varda, married 37 years

For the rest of the advice, visit:
https://www.brides.com/story/how-couples-stay-in-love-after-many-years?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=23269903.2510&utm_term=

You'll want to steal these secrets from couples who've been married for more than a decade and are still madly in love.

09/04/2021

Wedding Wednesday ... Going for the unique Wedding Dress

Who says the bride has to be dressed in white—or even in a dress? Weddings are not cookie-cutter and neither are brides, today. Non-traditional wedding dresses, minis, suits, and jumpsuits still scream bridal and we say, I do, to that.

Are you considering wearing a non-traditional look down the aisle? Let this be your sign to be bold and break the "rules." Color, sparkle, separates, floral prints, feathers, organza, and tulle are all fashion-forward options to consider for your big day—and none of your guests will expect it! Modern brides are ditching classic white wedding dresses and choosing more unconventional styles for their wedding day looks.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up our 26 favorite non-traditional wedding dresses for the bride who wants to make a statement at her nuptials. For the rest of the article, visit
https://www.brides.com/non-traditional-wedding-dresses-5115943?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=23269783.16364&utm_term=

Are you can unconventional bride? We gathered 26 non-traditional wedding dresses you can wear down the aisle.

07/09/2020

Wedding Wednesday ... How to Wow Your Guests

As a starting point, take some time to think about what represents you as a couple. "My approach to wedding design has always involved drawing inspiration from the couple's story to create something completely original, personal, and distinctive," Jackson says. "I like to ask couples about how they met, how they became engaged, and how they spent their time to begin forming ideas for unique wedding details.

Shared interests, travels, and family histories also serve as wonderful sources of inspiration," she adds. Secondly, don't forget to consider your guests! As much as your wedding is about celebrating your legal union with your SO, it's also very much about your guest’s comfort and enjoyment. A few areas to look to for inspiration as you plan your nuptials:

Your engagement
Where you met
Your first trip together
Your mutual hobbies
Your home state
Your heritage
Your guests

Behold, 75 distinctive ideas—from catering selections to personalized décor to bouquet ideas—to put your own spin on:
https://www.brides.com/story/affordable-wedding-decor-extras?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=21414962.43447&utm_term=

We've rounded up 75 unique wedding ideas to wow guests on your big day.

07/09/2020

Wedding Wednesday .... Ultimate Decor Checklist

These days, weddings are all about showcasing your personal style. There are numerous ways to do that—personalized vows, non-traditional dresses, out-of-the-box venues—but what makes the most immediate impact is the décor. “Décor ties your energy together as a couple in a tangible way,” says D.C. event designer Sugar Taylor. “It’s a manifestation of your love, and visual proof you’re at a celebration. It communicates the joy of being together.”

If you’re feeling like the ante has been seriously upped in recent years, well, you’re not wrong. “In the past, wedding décor was considered more ‘cookie-cutter,’ but I think things were purer, more focused on the couple, back then,” muses Taylor. “While still based on the same things, weddings today are more so artistic masterpieces because more people are watching. Given the introduction of social media, I think we’ve naturally been more prone to focus on how things look and wanting them to be different.”

Whether you want to go unusual and elaborate or simple and traditional in your wedding décor, there are certain elements you’ll want to consider when planning the overall look of your day. Plan the day according to your wants, tastes, and, most importantly, budget, and you’ll plan a day to remember fondly for years to come.

Read on for our ultimate wedding décor checklist—including tips on what’s trending and where to prioritize your spending—but remember: there are no hard rules here!

Check them out:
https://www.brides.com/wedding-decor-checklist-5076408?utm_campaign=brides&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=21415112.48448&utm_term=

Your wedding décor makes the most immediate impact. We've created the ultimate wedding décor checklist for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception right down to the table settings.