Many Happy Memories

Each wedding and party is special to us, and we love what we do.  It has been a pleasure to assist you with your special event, and we truly look forward to helping with the weddings and special occasions to come.

We can help you with as little or as much as you need.  Whether you need help from the beginning, or whether you have everything planned and just need 
assistance with day of coordinating, we are happy to help.

Rustic and Romantic Wedding and Event Venues

Union Hill Inn, Sonora, California

If you are looking for a rustic and romantic location for holding your wedding or special event you can call your local wedding and event planner, and they can help you find the perfect location for your special day.
Many areas have hidden gems, such as the location shown in this photo, and your planner can help you find the venue of your dreams.
Events Extraordinaire is familiar with locations in Tuolumne and Calavares Counties.  We can also assist you in connecting with the other specialty wedding and event vendors you will need to create your perfect day.

Not Your Ordinary Seating Charts

 A simple chart on an easel can work effectively at letting your guests know where they should be seated, but with a little extra time and imagination you can turn your seating chart into a wedding your guests will remember.
We can assist you in creating a seating chart that will set your wedding apart from others.  
Events Extraordinaire can help make the wedding of your dreams a reality.

Touches of home

The family's collection of vintage blue canning jars became the theme of this April wedding.  The family even had special blue cookies made in the shape of canning jars.  It was a special touch, and was a great way to highlight something unique from their family.
What special touch from home could you use?
Events Extraordinaire can assist you in making your special day personal and memorable.

Capturing Special Moments

Capturing those fun and special moments from your wedding is easier than ever, 

especially with most people carrying their cameras or their phones with cameras.

Sharing these photos can be made easier by setting up an Instagram or Twitter account and create your personal "#".  Place signs around your reception, and encourage your guests to take pictures and share them with you.

Some wedding couples are leaving notes on the tables requesting guests "to capture the following events", and place things on the list such as 

Cake Cutting, Dad & Bride Dance, And Pictures of Everyone at your Table.

Viewing photos on line can be fun for everyone, and making a special book

of your day is easy and the books can be shared.

Ask your wedding planner for additional information on photo sharing.

Cute Baby Shower Display

Here is an example on how gifts can be displayed at a baby shower.

Everyone enjoys seeing the sweet, tiny outfits, so before the party hang a clothesline inside the party room, and assign someone to hang the clothes as you open the gifts.

Be sure to attach the cards to the outfits so you can remember who gave you what,

This idea allows guests to see the gifts, plus it adds a cute decoration to the room.

Ask your party planner for additional ideas for making your party fun and unique.

We can assist you in making the party stress-free and fun-filled.       www.Sonora-Events.com

     

Special and Unique Weddings and Receptions

 

Your special day is made unique by adding personal touches.  

Fresh fruit, live grape vines, handmade hearts, homemade jelly, beeswax candles, 

are just a few examples of personalization.

Creative lighting also makes an impact, as demonstrated with the 

overhead lighting and candles.

Color can also set your special day apart from others, as you see with the 

brown, green, red and lavender table settings.

As your planner, we can assist you create an event that is personally yours.

Wedding and Event Planning is our specialty, and we are always happy to help.

Beautiful Backyard Wedding

 

This gorgeous reception was held at home.  Creating a special location at your home is possible with some imagination, and some work.  Stringing extra lighting and renting the dining furniture, together with the gorgeous centerpieces, floral arrangements and linens created a breathtaking reception area.Events Extraordinaire can assist you in designing and executing the transformation.Give us a call, we are always happy to help with any of your wedding or event planning.

It's not too early to start planning your special day

Though it may be a year or more away, it's not too early to start with the major portion of your planning decisions. Your wedding event specialists and locations book up early, so make those appointments and sign your contracts as early as possible. Start your planning with a location, and be open to a few dates, as many locations are booked a year or more in advance. Be flexible, if possible, and check into mid-week discounts.
Once your date and location are booked, contact your photographer, musicians or D.J.'s and caterers as soon as possible. Good wedding vendors also book up early, so don't hesitate to make those contacts early.

When choosing your wedding colors, it is suggested that you take a look at wedding attendant clothing shops for a glimpse of what colors are available for your wedding party. You can save a great deal of money if you find clothing that is available at shops, rather than needing to have clothing custom made. Since not all colors are available at all times in retail stores, you can avoid the frustration of choosing a color that may no longer be available by checking out the bridal salons in advance of making your final color decisions.

Start the planning process now, and save yourself a lot of stress later. Contact your wedding planner for ideas on decorations, favors, invitations, clothing, locations, wedding services specialists and more.

Mixing Old With New

Your wedding or special event becomes One Of a Kind with tiny touches and details, mixing together Old and New items.

Pictured at the right, you will see the table displays a collection of old books and canning jars, used in a creative way. The bride made the table numbers with embroidery hoops, and the needlework was time consuming, but worth the effort.  

Embracing the personality of your event venue, and gathering together items that are special to you, together with items you may need to rent, your event will be special and One of a Kind.

Contact us for design ideas. We are happy to assist you in creating the special day of your dreams.  Events Extraordinaire Wedding and Event Planning.

Personalize your wedding or special event

With a little imagination you can make your wedding special by adding personal touches to your decor and favors. The wedding pictured was a wonderful example of making the day "Their Own" with stories on the table decorations, and the S'mores as their favor.
The entire day was filled with items special to the bride and groom.
How did you meet? What do you and that special someone like to do together? Where have you traveled together? What is the hobby or vocation that you two share?  Think about your common interests or memories, and share them with your guests at your wedding.
Ask your wedding planner for suggestions.  We can assist you in making your day special and personal.

Make parties at home special.

It's easy to make every party special, even when it's held at your own home.

Renting extra tables and chairs, and linens, dishes & utensils, if needed, help make everyone comfortable, and take the party from fun to fantastic.

Choose your theme, take a look at things you may already have around the house and garden, check out the local discount stores, and bring your dream to life.  Make every occasion an event to remember!

Going Green Not Just a Trend

In 2008 it seemed like everywhere I looked I found Green "this and that". Green was "The Word" of 2008, and everyone was on the bandwagon encouraging a newer and Greener way of thinking - on every subject under the sun - from cleaning products to automobiles. It is my hope that Thinking Green was not a trend, but the beginning of a new way of life. Greener choices in all aspects of our lives are available, and it is important to make the effort to "Go Green" whenever possible.

Earth friendly Party Planning options are one way to make a change towards Going Green. Consider how each decision you make in your party planning process affects the environment, and consider using a more environmentally friendly alternative.
We at Events Extraordinaire can assist you with incorporating greener options, and with locating eco friendly products.

Each of us making small steps towards a greener lifestyle can make a big difference.

Check out our Greener Events page at http://sonora-events.com/Green-Events.html, or visit our Eco Friendly Event Blog at: http://greenereventsbyeventsextraordinaire.blogspot.com/

Contact us for more information, and have fun planning your next Green Event!

Here to help you plan your next party

Wanted to remind you that Events Extraordinaire is here to help you make your next party or event fun and nearly stress-free! We can help you with as little or as much as you need, from the early planning stages to the final clean up.

We are always happy to help, so give us a call or visit our web site. There is never an obligation to hire us, maybe you just need help finding the perfect florist or D.J. - Call! We are happy to be of assistance.

Additionally, we are , Green Event Planning Specialists so ask about ways you can make your parties or events spectacular while being kinder to the environment.

We look forward to hearing from you, and to helping you make your next party a success.

Contact us at 209-352-0429 or online at www.Sonora-Events.com

Seasonal Party Planning

The long, lazy days of summer are drawing to a close, and it's time to turn our thoughts to the colorful and cozy fall themes. Gather together fruits and vegetables from your garden (or local Farmers Market), add orange, gold and red mums and scatter around your dinner table to create a warm autumn feel. Draping burlap or gauze can also create a fun fall feeling.
Think outside the box, and bring the outdoors in! Tin buckets and baskets can make perfect containers for your flower arrangements and food service. Let your imagination soar!
Enjoy the cooler weather, and embrace your fall parties.
Contact Events Extraordinaire for additional ideas or assistance.
Note we have a new phone number, and we are always happy to help.

Events Extraordinaire
www.Sonora-Events.com
209-352-0429

Every party can be special!

There is always a reason to celebrate! Getting together with family and friends is always fun, whether it's a birthday, another special occasion, or just a spur of the moment BBQ. Making the party memorable is easy with a few little touches of creativity.

Add a little fun to the event with some unexpected details, such as colorful linens, unusual food combinations, theme inspired dishware and utensils, or creative decorations. A few sea shells placed on the buffet table help set the mood at your tropical themed party, and football shaped snack bowls can add a little fun to your next Super Bowl party. Stacking books in various levels and directions, and then placing candles and food platers on top, can be just the little touch needed to perk up your next book group party.

Having a gathering for your family and friends is always an opportunity for making memories, so take a few minutes to surprise your guests with a few little fun details, and don't forget to keep the camera handy. And also remember that sometimes the best party touches are simply pictures displayed from your last gathering. Whatever you choose, have fun and let your imagination run wild.

Give us a call if you'd like to make your next get together special and less stressful. Events Extraordinaire can help make your next party fun and easy.
209-352-0429

Tiny Touches Create Magic

Make your event special with tiny touches such as creative banners, bubble machines tucked into hidden corners, and a mixture of colors and patterns in your dishware.

Don't be afraid to go Over The Top, after all, it's a party!

Here are a few other ideas to turn your regular party to a memorable event:

Try using juice and fresh fruit for your ice cubes. It will make even simple beverages seem special. Sparkling water or club soda with juice, a few of the special ice cubes, and an umbrella or fruit spear will make your guests feel special and will create a lasting memory.

Bring out the paper lanterns, cover the tables in brightly colored linens, scatter candles in canning jars, and turn on the music!

Write notes on small pieces of paper or tags, and tuck into the centerpieces or tie tags around napkins as a napkin ring. Use fortune cookie sayings, or use old classic jokes as the messages. Have guests share their messages with other guests.

Put up umbrellas if shade is needed, and provide a basket of hand held fans to keep guests cool. If it's a cold day you can build a small campfire, and provide small blanket throws on the chairs. Bring out the marshmellows and graham crackers whenever possible!

Keep the camera handy, take lots of pictures and share the pictures and memories with your guests after the party.

Most important: Keep it simple, and let yourself enjoy the party.

Contact Events Extraordinaire if you need help with your next party or event. We are always happy to help.

Getting Healthier for your wedding or event

Getting yourself healthier before your wedding, or other special event is as easy as getting up and going for a walk. By walking for a minimum of 30 minutes for 5 days per week you will notice an increase in your energy level, a decrease in your stress levels, and likely a decrease in your weight, or in the fit of your clothes.

Start with a small walk if you haven't exercised in a while, and gradually build up to 30-60 minutes of vigorous walking. Walking works most muscle groups, while being gentler to your joints than running or other aerobic exercises.

Walking with a friend is always a great idea as it provides companionship as you walk, plus you are more likely to show up for your scheduled walk if you know someone is depending on you.

Make walking a part of your daily routine, and you will be surprised how great you will be feeling in just a short time. Get up - Get out and Get walking. A new and healthier you is just around the corner!

Your wedding planner may be able to assist you in locating a gym, a personal trainer or possibly suggest fitness related materials.

Tips for keeping organized

So many details to keep in order...however can you keep everything organized?

You may find it convenient to create a folder where you can keep all of your event notes, especially when you begin to accumulate a mountainous stack of tiny notes. Consolidate your notes into a few sheets, or organize those papers into topics for easy access when needed. You may find it convenient to keep receipts and fabric swatches with you in the folder as well. Place the folder in an easy to reach location, and take the folder with you when out gathering supplies, or meeting with event vendors.

The following is a list of items that are frequently needed for organizing an event. Be sure to write down contact phone numbers, and document payment information, and due dates.

* Date of event
* Location
* Contact information for location manager
* Payment information on location
* Theme and colors
* Info on each vendor (Caterer, DJ, Photographer, Florist, Musicians, Planner, Baker, etc...)
* List of rental equipment, with delivery info and price
* Time line of event
* Copy of invitation
* RSVP list
* Decoration description and list of supplies
* Favors & other guest considerations (such as tents, umbrellas, heaters)
* Extra info on misc items (t-shirts, signage, transportation, activities, hotel arrangements, etc...)

Keeping organized will help you stay on track and will make planning your event much less stressful. Your event planner can assist you in organizing your event, and in putting together your event folder. Events Extraordinaire can help with as little or as much as you need. Call 209-928-9735 or visit www.Sonora-Events.com for more information.

Holiday Party Planning

Festive Holiday Parties

Make your holiday season parties easier by recruiting friends or family members with your planning. Gather together your holiday decorations, dishes and favorite recipes and celebrate the holidays with a special get together.
Choose a theme as you begin your planning, and work your ideas around this. Do you want to go for a Country Christmas with sleigh bells and strings of berries and popcorn? Or do you want to go for the Sparkle? Burlap runners scattered with holly and pine cones will reinforce your country feel, while silver chargers and artificial snow will highlight your sparkly theme.
Check with your event planning specialist for additional ideas or rental sources. Call 209-928-9735. Events Extraordinaire is always happy to help.
Make your holiday season special and start planning that holiday party now.

Celebrate the changing of the seasons

Gather together your friends and family, and celebrate the changing of the seasons with foods and decorations from your garden (or a friend's garden). Collect leaves and use them to highlight your table by placing them under a clear, glass plate. You can write the names of your guests on the leaves, or use a piece of fruit as a place card
Unbleached linens and burlap covers add to the harvest theme, and providing blanket throws for your guests can allow you to move the party out of doors, even when the weather gets cooler.
Enjoy the cooler days of fall, and celebrate the changing of the seasons.
Give us a call at 209-928-9735 if you need help with your event planning.

Small Details Make Big Memories

Adding small, unexpected details to your table settings and decorations can add a big impact to your event. These small additions can set your event apart from others.

Try adding miniature items such as seashells, pine cones, photographs, monograms, fruit, or other items that go along with your theme, to your bouquets, centerpieces, to the cake, etc... You can have a pine cone stenciled onto your napkins, or have a large monogram made for the wall behind your head table, or cake table. (check out this site for custom signs and monograms: http://alicea.uppercaseliving.net/)

Be creative when designing your decorations, and try using edible centerpieces and favors to keep guests happy while they wait at their tables.

Events Extraordinaire can help you design your next party - and make it fun and memorable.

Choosing your color schemes

Would you consider combining orange and black for an April wedding, or red and green for a June celebration? Your favorite color is purple, and your fiance's "old school color" is red, and both of you have always imagined your weddings would be highlighting these colors....so what can you do?

First try to remember that this is a special day for both of you, and that this is just one of the first issues that will come along that may require compromising. Learning to work together while planning your wedding will strengthen your problem solving abilities later in your marriage.

Having said that, we still don't know what to do when color combinations seem hopeless. But, don't give up hope, all combinations can work with a bit of tweaking and flexibility. Think about some of these suggestions, and see if they may help you to achieve a balance between his ideas and yours.

Clashing color combos....
1. Check the color charts to see if there is a shade of the desired color that blends or accents the other color. A soft shade of orange (peach) with black tuxedos can work year-round, rather than looking like Halloween.
2. Choose a white background and add a block of one color and splashes of the other.
3. Play with the combinations till you find one that works. Take paint color swatches or cards and combine them in a variety of combinations. You may never have thought you'd be happy with an Orange and Pink wedding, but you may be amazed at how much energy is created with this combination, especially against a white background.

Looks like Christmas...Red and Green
1. Try a splash of the accent color, rather than large blocks of both the red and green colors.
2. Go white with bold green and tiny red accents (or visa versa).
3. Use the color charts, again, and try shades of red that aren't associated with Christmas, such as Rust, Magenta, or Very-hot pink.
4. Or use the color chart to find unexpected versions of green, such as Lime, Khaki, or Sage.
5. Use decorations in the color scheme that don't represent the holiday, such as apples, limes, cherries, grapes, or red daisies.

Use the colors in creative ways....
1. Use a screen behind your cake that is made of doorway beads or discs.
2. Line the walkways with colored solar lamps, luminaries or candles.
3. Uplight the building walls with colored lamps, creating a colorful addition to an othewise white room.
4. Carry "His" color in your bouquet as a sign of affection.
5. Mix and match flower arrangements on the tables with both colors in varying shades and sizes.
6. Have two cakes - one with his colors and one with yours. Eat both.
7. Have the dance floor lit with changing lights - your colors and his.
8. Have the wedding decorations in one color, and the reception or appetizer area decorated in the other.
9. Celebrate the reasons why each of you have a love of these specific colors. Pink may have been your favorite color since you were a little girl, and he has always loved a particular sports team, or the color of the ocean.
10. Remember that you love the person you are marrying, and you are starting a great tradition of compromise early on in your relationship by being flexible in this decision.

Remember that you can always ask your wedding planner for suggestions or samples. Your florists and cake professionals will be able to work with you no matter what colors you choose, so let your colors express your personalities and passions.

Make your events memorable with fun, silly games.
Old fashioned sack races are always a hit at family gatherings, or at your company picnic, and other game supplies are as easy as digging through your kitchen gadget drawer. Make contestants carry stacks of household sponges on a pancake spatula, or carry marshmallows with slotted spoons. Games bring people together, for fun and team building. Use your imagination and make your next picnic unforgettable.
Events Extraordinaire can assist you with your next party or event. Give us a call.

Spring has Sprung...

Spring is in the air, and now is the time for planning that special summer party or wedding. As the days grow longer, we feel energized, and this is the perfect time for jumping forward with your party and wedding plans.

What big event do you have in mind? Have you made your guest lists, and secured your location? What will you use for linens and dinnerware? Will you need musicians or a DJ? Will you need flowers or other types of centerpieces? Will you require a rental dance floor, special lighting, or a portable bar? What other rental equipment will you need, and where will you get these items? Are you going to send out formal invitations? As you can see, there are many things to consider when planning a large event, and we can help you every step of the way, or as little as you need.

Have you considered hosting a Green Event? Did you know that we specialize in Greener or Eco-friendly Party planning, and we can make your event spectacular, while still being gentle to the environment. Simple changes to traditional planning can make a huge difference, and we are eager to share these ideas with you.

Give us a call, as there is never an obligation to hire us. We are always happy to help, and will always strive to make your party the day of your dreams.
Events Extraordinaire at 209-928-9735 or online at www.Sonora-Events.com

Tuolumne County Wedding and Party Planning

What are your plans for 2010? Are you planning a wedding or special event? Do you have your lists and supplies ready for the Big Day? Do you need help? Well, we are here to assist you in making your next special event perfect, and we will keep you from going crazy at the same time.

We are very familiar with Tuolumne County's special event vendors and are always happy to help you to find the specialists that you will need to make your day a wonderful experience for you and your guests. Events Extraordinaire is a small business, but our expertise is great, and we can make your dream event a breeze!

We specialize in Greener or Eco-Friendly party planning, and can help you make your special day gentler to the environment while still being spectacular and economical.

Give us a call and let's talk. Together we can make your 2010 parties marvelous!

Happy Holidays To All.

Give us a call and let us assist you with your
upcoming holiday party or wedding.
We are always happy to help!

Events Extraordinaire wishes you and your families a happy and prosperous 2010.

Embrace the Season!

Embrace the uniqueness of each season, and let Nature be your guide. It's creative and more eco-friendly.

Cluster groups of items, such as the above pictured pumpkins for maximum impact. Other options would be to place out baskets or bowls of apples, pinecones, nuts or other seasonal finds. Repeat the theme idea in your monograms, invitation artwork, favor packaging, programs or other stationary, to make the decorations memorable. Tie clusters of acorns or small pinecones into your bouquets and centerpieces. Use small pinecones with small notes attached as your "reserved" signs.

Another special cool weather idea is to provide small blanket throws at the ceremony area. Make small lap throws with square pieces of fleece, which requires no hemming. Cut into a square - fringe the edges - and presto - a unique and useful wedding favor. Imagine the surprise on the faces of your guests when they find a lovely little blanket sitting on their chair. What about a plaid blanket to further expand on the outdoorsy theme.

Go for the unexpected, and reach for nature's bounty! Enjoy your fall and winter special days.

Contact your wedding planner for additional wedding favor and decorating ideas.

Unique Guest Book Ideas

I borrowed this idea from Martha Stewart, and I think this is one of the most creative Guest Book ideas I have seen in a long time. Place pieces of paper next to your second-hand type writer (or vintage family heirloom), and be prepared to see what quirky and creative messages will be left for you from you guests.

An additional twist is to ask someone to go from table to table and take pictures of each of your guests (or couples), and place these pictures along with their guest book messages in a scrapbook.
Think outside the box and let your imagination go. Your wedding will be unique and memorable.
Check with your wedding planner for more guest book ideas.

Capturing memories

You only have one chance to capture the special moments and occassions in your life, so make sure you place someone in charge of taking photographs, and possibly video. Don't let these special moments go unrecorded.

Hiring a professional photographer for your wedding or special event will guarantee you have quality photos from your day. A trusted friend or relative, who is well trained in the use of their camera and scene set up is also an option.

Be certain to give the photographer a list of specific poses and group pictures that you desire. You will be busy the day of the event, and won't remember what you want - so it's important to have your photographer keep to the list. There are no Do Overs.

Contact your wedding or event planner for a list of reliable photographers in your area. Look through the photographers sample book - and Smile!

Unique ceremony locations

When it comes to planning a wedding or special event, the first step is choosing a location. Have you ever considered any of the following locations for your special day?

* A Labyrinth Wedding - check out this site for ideas. This isn't a local California company, but it can offer ideas. http://www.weddinglabyrinth.com/index.html

* A Hot Air Balloon Ride - Maybe a quick ride after the ceremony?

http://www.skydrifters.com/

* A Lake Tahoe Cruise aboard a boat like the Tahoe Queen.

http://www.zephyrcove.com/cruises/index.cfm

Or possibly consider the following suggestions:

Near an Historic Landmark such as San Francisco's Coit Tower, or at a local Art Gallery or Museum.

On a Covered bridge (Such as at Knight's Ferry, CA)

At a ski resort - during the off season

At small winery or brewery - make special arrangements to use the grounds privately

Thinking outside the box may save you money, as some unusual locations are less expensive than traditional locations, and will create a memorable experience for everyone. Check with your wedding or event planner for additional suggestions.

Think outside the box when choosing colors and decorations for your wedding or special event. Go beyond the expected when designing your decorations and color schemes.
What feeling are you working to create? Are you envisioning country chic, classic white on white, or an international feeling? Tiny touches help to bring those ideas to life.
Contact your wedding or event planner for suggestions, and together you can make your ideas come to life.

Surprising Memorable Moments

Surprise your guests with an unexpected Grand Entrance or Exit. Maybe you will choose a horse and carriage, such as the one pictured above, or maybe it's a classic car. Another fun idea is turning the walk from the ceremony area to the reception area into a Parade, complete with drums, bells and whistles. Or pass out bottles of bubbles, and shower the couple in bubbles as you make the walk.
Discuss your ideas with your wedding planner or event venue coordinator, together you can create a fun and unexpected memory of your special day.

Personalizing To Make the Day Yours

Personalize your wedding, and let your individuality shine. Share the things or places that you love with your special guests. Whether you choose a cake topper with your initials, or photographs from the trip you took together to the Olympics, these personal touches will move your wedding from the typical to the memorable.
It's all about getting Personal.

Earthfriendly Entertaining

In 2008 it seemed like everywhere I looked I found Green This and Green That. Green was the word of 2008, and everyone was on the bandwagon encouraging a newer and greener way of thinking - on every subject under the sun - from cleaning products to automobiles. It is my hope that Thinking Green was not a trend, but the beginning of a new lifestyle. Greener choices in all aspects of our lives are available, and it is important to make the effort to Go Green when available.

Earth friendly party planning options are one way to make a change towards Going Green. Consider how each decision you make in your party planning process affects the environment, and consider using a more environmentally friendly alternative. Your party planner can assist you with incorporating greener options, and with locating eco friendly products.

Each of us making small steps towards a greener lifestyle can make a big difference in the long run, making a positive impact on the environment.