Thursday, April 15, 2010

In Case of an Event Emergency...

I am a personal attendant in my good friend's wedding this weekend. And well, I just won't feel right if I'm not prepared to help her. She has a wedding coordinator who I'm sure is fabulous and has everything Krystal will possibly need but when I saw this adorable drawstring bag at Von Maur, I had to buy it and get it stocked!


I put an emergency kit together for my own wedding. Most of it didn't get used but it was good to know it was there. Bonus - the leftovers are now in my guest room for visitors to use! Here is what I'm bringing along this weekend (mostly in travel sizes):

Shout wipes/Tide stick
Ibuprofen
Tissues
Safety pins
Mints
Band aids (more for uncomfortable shoes than actual injury)
Tampons
Bobby pins
Ponytail holders
Lint roller
Cough drops
Small brush/comb
Hairspray
Spray deodorant (I could NOT find this in travel size anywhere!)
Blotting papers
Contact solution
Ziploc baggies
Tums
2 Power bars
Hand lotion
Hand sanitizer

There are some other responsibilities and problems that come with the territory in my job as a corporate event planner. I carry a tool box that has some of the items above and try to put the rest in bathroom baskets for the attendees. My tool box stocks:


Various battery sizes
Zip ties (I LOVE zip ties)
Measuring tape
Bungee cords
Trash bags
Scissors
At least one extension cord
A long lighter (I've had a caterer forget to bring one to light the sternos)Scotch tape
Packaging tape
Ribbon or string
Velcro
Pens
Sharpies
Tylenol or acetaminophen (pregnant women are advised not to use ibuprofen)

I think that, by nature, event planners are horrified with themselves when a need arises and they are caught empty-handed. Although it's probably next to impossible to be prepared for any
situation, the basics will probably get you through most pinches. What else would you stock in your bride bag or tool box?


Thursday, April 8, 2010

Spring Table Inspiration

Spring is here! Finally! Trees are budding, shoots of green are sprouting up and the sun is shining again.
After enduring some recording breaking snowfall and cold temps, it's understandable that we Iowans are itching to celebrate the arrival of some warmer, sunnier weather.
This table from A Beautiful Mess (I found via A Perfect Palette) is the perfect setting for a fabulous springtime brunch - even if it still has to be indoors:



Using rentals and a little DIY magic, this table would be fairly inexpensive to pull together. Gold rimmed plates are rental company staples.




Beaded glass chargers are becoming more standard as rental staples. You may not be able to find rentals with the gold accent, but clear will work just as well.



But what about that extra large charger underneath it all? Well, I don't think it's a charger at all. Take a closer look:



I think it is material wrapped around a cardboard circle (or some variation of that). Easy enough, right? Round up a few gold vases or spray paint some tealight holders throw in a few roses and your spring brunch is ready to be served!