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.

Budget minded events can still be spectacular

Keeping to a budget and having a dream wedding may seem impossible, but with a little imagination and flexibility, it is very possible. Here are some tips for keeping the cost of your event or wedding down, while making it the day of your dreams.

1. Simplify your "vision of the day". A daytime wedding or party, can still be very elegant.
2. Reduce your guest count. A special event for 50 is much more affordable than it is for 250.
3. Gather white linens from your friends and family, and make or rent matching toppers for each table, or go for a country feel, and embrace the individuality of each table, and even use multi colored napkins. Avoiding plastic tablecloths and paper napkins will give a more formal look to your event, and will be much more gentle on the environment.
4. Hold your event at the home or garden of someone close to you. It's possible that one of your friends or relatives have a lawn area, or barn that could work perfectly for your smaller, dream wedding or party. Offer to clean and spruce up the area. Plant extra flowers and leave them as a thank you for the use of the property.
5. Consider using cupcakes instead of a large wedding cake. Cupcakes can be made days ahead, frozen and frosted the day before the wedding by a trusted friend or relative. A simple cupcake decorated with a fresh viola will look beautiful on your cupcake holder. Use a wire mesh holder, or make your own holder with tiers of wood pieces in a pyramid shape. Cupcakes can be served without a plate or fork, thereby reducing the amount of service ware required. It's eco-friendly and economical.
6. Save money by using recorded music for your ceremony. You can save hundreds of dollars simply by using a recording of Canon in D, rather than having a string quartet play as you enter the wedding area.
7. Simplify your menu; chose cake and punch over a full, sit-down dinner. Or have the ceremony at 7:00 p.m., and serve an assortment of finger foods and desserts.
8. Reduce the number of hours the event will last. From the start of the ceremony, till you wave your good-byes can be as little as 3 hours, and still you will have had sufficient time to celebrate your special occasion in style. Guests have ample time to return home, and you can start your honeymoon and not be exhausted.
9. Clothing is another area where savings can be made. Consider making your own dress, using a recycled dress or simply wear an outfit that you already have that is special. In former times of financial hardships, weddings still occurred, and brides wore "their best dresses" for the occasion.
10. Look no further than your flower garden for your bouquets. Plan ahead, if possible, and plant an assortment of zinnias or roses. Hydrangeas are another wonderful choice. If you aren't able to have your own flower garden, look around your neighborhood, or at the yards of friends and relatives. Many people would be happy to share some cuttings from their flower gardens for your special day. If this is still impossible, consider purchasing some small bouquets of flowers from a local store and make your own simple bouquets and centerpiece arrangements. This can also save you hundreds of dollars.

Look over your wedding or special event plans. Make a list of what you want, then see if there are any changes that you can make that could save you money, while not sacrificing your dreams. Your wedding planner can offer many suggestions for keeping to a budget while designing your speacial day.

Getting Started on Planning your Big Day

Get an early start on the plans for your wedding or special occasion, and save yourself a great deal of stress.
While some parts of the planning don't need to be done early, there are some important decisions to be made as soon as possible, such as choosing a location, securing a photographer and a caterer, as well as a D.J., if you will be requiring that service for your day. Locations and the above mentioned wedding vendors book up early, so get on their calendars, and sign a contract.

Visit local Bridal Fairs and check out wedding magazines for ideas. And while you may have always imagined a wedding using your favorite color, check out bridal salons for dresses for your attendants before finalizing your color scheme, as you may find it difficult to locate bridesmaids dresses in your desired color. It's easier to find the dresses, and then fill in with the other colors of your choice. It can be very frustrating to choose a color for your wedding, and then find that you cannot find coordinating clothing.

Remember to ask your florist about what flowers will be in season during the month you will be holding your wedding. Out of season flowers can be very expensive. Consider using live plants, or large hurricane candle holders as centerpieces to save money, and be more environmentally friendly.

Get started early, but don't stress. Your wedding planner can help make the planning process easier. Ask your planner for Greener or Eco-friendly choices , and money saving wedding planning ideas.

Historic Buildings as Event Venues

Take a look around your community for historic buildings while you are searching out an event venue. Many are city owned, which can save you money as they tend to be less expensive than privately owned facilities. Other benefits include a natural sophistication with the building's decor, and the special memories that are created when the celebration occurs in a unique building.
Contact your local wedding and event planner for suggestions on historic event venues.

Show Your Personality

Do you have a love of bright colors? Do you adore butterflies and big, bright daisies? If so, let your individuality and personality shine on your big day. Take a chance and go for a more non-traditional set of colors. When it's time to shop you can skip the "wedding" aisles, and head over to another department, and find items that say "YOU".
Be brave, remember that this is your wedding, and it should reflect your personality.

No matter what colors and themes you choose, try to think about being more environmentally conscience. Live plants, soy candles, hand held fans (for cooling), umbrellas for shade, fabric table covers and napkins, and reusable dishware can go a long way at making your day spectacular while still being kind to the environment.

Talk with your wedding planner about decorating ideas that break the traditional wedding mold, and greener, or eco-friendly options. Have fun.

Wedding Favor Idea

Looking for a new twist on the wedding favor tradition? How about a candy station, where guests can fill small packages with an assortment of candies. The bride from this wedding chose to incorporate her wedding colors into the candy selection. The guests enjoyed filling their own bags...bringing back the memories of being a Kid in a Candy Store.
Have fun with your planning, and contact your wedding planner for additional ideas.

Adding "Sparkle" to your holiday parties

Create a memorable holiday party by adding a splash of sparkle. Candlelight will enhance the shimmer even more, instantly bringing a festive feeling to your gathering.

This tip will work, whether you are planning a party for 100 guests, or simply a dinner party for four. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with sparkle and shine.

Happy Holidays to All.

A comment on Greener, Eco Friendly weddings.

Recently I received this comment from someone supporting the use of Greener, Eco Friendly wedding plans.

Tyler said...
Go Green! A green wedding not only makes you feel good to be married to the one you love, but also because you are helping the planet. The only way to go!
October 29, 2008 9:17 PM

Holiday Weddings

Planning your wedding during the holiday season may sound difficult, but there are some advantages.

What better time to hold your wedding than when the family is already together, and the decorations are already up? Trees, lights and candles make the perfect wedding decor, and can save you money. Additionally, your extended family can travel into town to be a guest at your wedding and also spend the holiday together with the whole family.

Trying to get everyone together for a wedding on Christmas may be asking too much, but a day or two afterwards can work well. With simple changes to your holiday decorations, you can create a memorable magical winter setting.

Utilizing the the planning services of your wedding planner will allow you to enjoy your holidays confident that all will go smoothly on your special day. Contact your wedding consultant for holiday wedding planning suggestions.

Save the Date

We all live busy lives, and have calendars that fill up quickly, so don't forget to get the word out to your family and friends as soon as you have picked the date for your special event. Your "Save the Date" information can go out as much as a year in advance, but most guests will agree that three months notice is more than sufficient.

Using the computer to create electronic Save the Date notices is becoming more common, and is a recommended method by those encouraging Green or Eco Friendly Wedding Planning. Using the telephone is another eco-friendly method.

For the more traditionally minded, sending out a postcard, or an item such as a magnet, which is personalized with your picture is another special way to share the news of your upcoming special day.

Create your guest list, let your imagination run free, and get those Save the Date cards or announcements out as early as possible. Your wedding planner can assist you in finding the perfect announcement.

Being prepared for surprises

Your wedding day is planned for mid-June, and you live in an area with traditionally dry weather conditions at that time of year, so you feel safe that your outdoor wedding will come off without a hitch, but truthfully there is no such thing as a "dry weather guarantee".

The possibility of wet weather is just one situation that requires consideration as you make your wedding plans. Could the location you've chosen experience un-seasonable snow, extreme heat, or possibly strong winds? What is your contigency plan for these situations? Would reserving a tent solve the problem, or have you researched indoor locations that could work in a pinch? By having the research done in advance, and a "stand-by plan" ready, just in case, you will save yourself the stress involved should the situation arrive.

Your wedding planning specialist can assist you with making your back up plan, and offer suggestions for addressing these conditions. A little advance consideration can save a lot of trouble later. And while having a wedding on the beach may have been your idea of a dream wedding, it is wise to be flexible, and understanding when your planner suggests you move the event indoors. The comfort and safety of your family and friends should always be a primary concern. Remember you can always have a second ceremony on the beach in Hawaii while on your honeymoon.

So, check with your wedding planner, or other wedding planning specialist, and come up with a back up plan for your outdoor wedding. Advance planning will ensure your day is perfect - and just the way you want it to be.

Our wedding day was magnificent

We had the pleasure of working with Terri while planning our wedding. From the first time we met with Terri, it was clear she was focused on ensuring our wedding day was nothing less than amazing. Terri spent time getting to know us on a personal level, while making sure she truly understood our vision for the big day. When the day came, Terri was fabulous! She was quick to fix the little problems that arose and made sure the event was enjoyable for all our guests. She also worked extremely hard to make certain our day would be unforgettable. Our wedding day was magnificent thanks to all the help Terri provided. We would highly recommend her as a wedding consultant, or for help with any social event. She is fun to work with and her creativity and desire to please those around her make working with her a delightful experience.
Annie & Kenny H. Aug. 2008

So, You're Engaged!

The day you've waited for has arrived, and you are now officially engaged. After sharing the wonderful news with your family and friends, you will now begin to create your wedding. You may have been planning this day in your mind for years and years, or maybe you've never really thought about it.

For some the words, "Let's get married" means, "Let's get on our bikes and ride to City Hall to get married, just you and me", but more likely this statement brings out a much larger planning process.

As you begin your planning you will first consider your budget and your guest count, and will then move on to finding the locations for your wedding and reception. While considering which of the previewed locations will work best for you, stop to imagine how these locations fit "Your Dream Wedding" ideas. A restaurant's banquet room will be an unlikely match to your "Rustic Farmhouse" wedding, and likewise a rustic barn will be difficult to transform into "A Night at the Opera". Take careful note of the surrounding areas for things such as: parking availability, local noise (such as a nearby freeway), ability to transform should weather conditions change (tents/roofed areas). Also consider; lighting, restroom accessibility, amount of privacy provided, heating and air conditioning, length of time location is available for set up & event, size of property in comparison to your intended guest count, etc...

Soon after securing your location additional special event vendors should be contacted, such as photographers, D.J.'s, caterers, and florists, and sign contracts. These vendors book up early, so contact them, and reserve them for your wedding as early as possible. Specifics to each vendor can be worked out closer to the wedding date, but it's important to get your day on their calendars! Events Extraordinaire has a wonderful working relationship with a large number of local special event vendors and location operators, and can assist you in securing the perfect specialists for your wedding and reception. Give us a call, we will help you create the wedding of your Dreams....

Wedding Memories to Take Home

Wedding Favors are a tradition that goes as far back as weddings...and your wedding favor can be as elaborate or as simple as you'd like.

What is your "Wedding Dream"? Are you desiring the sparkle and glitz of a wedding suitable for a Princess, or are you more interested in letting your passions, or your views and values be represented at your wedding? Let your favor express the "Real You", be creative, and remember the sky is the limit. It is important to remember, though, that when designing your favor you must keep in mind that you are providing a gift for each guest invited to your wedding, and the expense of the favor can get high, and you should keep your budget in mind.

The following is a list of wedding favor ideas. The majority of the favors are useful, or edible. Events Extraordinaire can assist you in creating the perfect favor for your special day, and can allow you the opportunity to create a lasting memento of your Dream Wedding.


INEXPENSIVE FAVORS (Attach personalized tags with ribbons, or personalized labels)

1. Homemade cookies wrapped in tulle or baker's envelopes.
2. Bunches of lollipops.
3. A single candle placed at each setting.
4. A packet of wildflower seeds.
5. A bag of mints.
6. A single delicious chocolate truffle or candy bar.
7. A piece of fresh fruit, or cluster of cherries.
8. A handmade fan printed with your wedding program.
9. Tea bags or coffee samples of assorted flavors.
10. Lavender sachets.
11. Honey sticks tied with ribbon.
12. A Baby tree to be planted in the guest's yard.
13. Wrapped guest soaps.
14. Tiny jars of jam or honey.
15. A wedding ceremony program with photographs and a short biography.


EXTRAVAGANT FAVORS

1. A bottle of wine with personalized labels.
2. A donation to a favorite charity.
3. Crystal votives with scented candles.
4. A slice of wedding cake in a crisp white box.
5. Custom-burned CDs with your favorite music.
6. Miniature picture frames.
7. Potpourri or lavender wrapped in a handkerchief.
8. Packages of gourmet chocolates.
9. Engraved Place Cards.
10. Christmas ornaments in your wedding colors, personalized with your names and wedding dates.
11. Sun hats or umbrellas.
12. Personalized champagne flutes.

New Favor ideas:

1. Set up a Candy Store where guests fill their bags with candies of their choice.
2. Photo Booth.
3. Henna painting station.

Have fun choosing just the right wedding favor. Embrace your family traditions, your hobbies or pets, your passion for being environmentally friendly, or let out your Inner Princess. Let your imagination go wild.

Greener or Eco-Friendly Entertaining

You can have the Magical Party of your dreams, and still be kind to the environment by thinking "Greener". Small changes to your plans can make your special day beautiful and elegant, while minimizing the impact to the environment.
Consider the following tips, and check out the website for sites that provide eco-friendly products such as invitations and favors.


25 Tips for a Greener Event

1. Simplify. Your wedding will be memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

2. Have a Daytime wedding, reducing the need for lighting, thereby saving electricity.

3. If lighting is necessary, use soy candles. Hang canning jars with candles and reuse the jars later.

4. Have wedding & reception at the same location to save on gasoline usage.

5. Encourage guests to carpool, or use public transportation, where available. Discourage use of Stretch limos, use Hybrid vehicles where available.

6. Use re-cycled paper for invitations, programs & favors.

7. To save paper, encourage electronic responses (email) or telephone RSVP’s.

8. Send electronic Save The Date messages when possible. Use the telephone.

9. To assist guests to stay cool in hot weather, provide hand held fans.

10. Provide umbrellas for sun protection on sunny days, or put up cloth tents.

11. Wear vintage clothing, or clothing made from nature friendly fabrics such as Hemp or Bamboo.

12. Purchase antique wedding sets, or recycle jewelry into new pieces.

13. Toss wild birdseed rather than rice or confetti after the ceremony.

14. Use flower seed embedded paper for a favor. May be left whole or cut into shapes.

15. Give trees, or easy to grow plants as a favor

16. Use environmentally friendly dinnerware and utensils. Products made from corn & wheat are available for disposable utensils, or use washable products.

17. Use home grown flowers or live plants.

18. Use recycled containers for flower arrangements, or use items from nature, such as pinecones for decorating.

19. Don’t use Mylar confetti, it is difficult to remove. If you must use confetti, use paper confetti.

20. Use items from natures, such as leaves, or rocks for place cards. Write guests’ names on the item, or in the case of a pinecone, add a tiny tag with guest’s name.

21. Use fabric linens, and if possible, line dry the laundry. Use colors that don’t require Bleaching.

22. Recycle all recyclables after the wedding reception

23. Serve organic and locally grown food.

24. Compost leftover food from plates.

25. Use safe cleaning products, but leave the wedding & reception site in better condition that it was found. Leave no trash behind.

Thanks for reducing the stress

Without Events Extraodinaire my wedding day would have been a total disaster!
I honestly think I would have been a bald bride!
I had no idea the time I would save and the stress I would avoid with your help.
So thank you for keeping me from pulling all my hair out!
Kelly B. 2003

Special memories

Each wedding is special and the memories are priceless. Working closely with the bride and groom, and their families, is a wonderful blessing, and the time we spend together allows me to understand exactly what each couple has as their "vision", and I work hard to ensure it happens. With my team, we are able to create the wedding of their dreams, while keeping to their budget. Events Extraordinaire has a variety of wedding supplies that we allow clients to borrow for their wedding, which can save money, and it's environmentally friendly.

Wedding Planning

Terri, Thank you so much. Words can’t express how much you helped. All of your support & calmness made everything go so smoothly. You were the best wedding planning decision we made.
Love, Jim & Alice A.

Event planning at its best

Terri and her team helped make my daughter's wedding reception come together beautifully.

Terri's assistance throughout the entire planning process really helped to keep the stress level down. The organization and attention to detail was more than I had expected!

Kari G.

Events Extraordinaire of the Sonora CA area recommendation

Dear Terri, We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the services you provided for us. Because of your exquisite personality and conscientious way of organizing, our wedding day was beautiful.

We cannot thank you enough for the personal touches and caring you put into our wedding. Additionally, our family & guests commented on your professionalism and accommodating personality. Without reservation we will recommend you to friends & family for your services.

With love & appreciation,
Damon & Dayna C

Comments from our clients...

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Feel free to leave comments about your experience using our service .
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