What's makes an event bag special?

You may know what I am speaking of by the following names; Tote Bag, Emergency Kit, Ditty Bag, Suite Case, Magic Bag, Bag-O-Tricks and my personal favorite, Bag of Many Bags

People always ask me, “Tanya, what in the world do you carry in your, (insert your favorite name from above list)”?  This always tickles me because honestly, I try to pack anything and everything I think I may need. Not only do I pack anything I can squeeze into my bag, but I try desperately to be organized about it. I mean, what good is it to have a bag if you can’t find what you are looking for? Now ladies, don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about. We have all owned a purse that managed to hide our car keys and favorite lip-gloss from us and put it in a place even the sock monster wouldn’t go. So yes, it’s true. I have a bag of bags so to say. With that being said, when I need something out of my bag or bags, I need it quickly! I might need anything from a lighter to light candles to sinus medication for an allergy prone Father of the Groom. That’s the thing; I never know what I might need, so I might as well prepare for whatever issue pops up.

Generally after I give the, “anything and everything” statement they quickly want to know what my favorite thing is and what’s the weirdest thing. I can tell you the answers to both in an instant, but let me start with my favorite first. After I had to use one once, I knew they were a must for my, “Bag of Bags”. To me, they are known as, “Adhesive Gold” that’s how great they are.  So, without further ado, my favorite item is (drum roll please)………….....Blister Band-Aids. 

Yes, you read that correctly, Blister Band-Aides. These are special band aids made by Jhonson and Jhonson and they work wonderfully. They are rather pricy, but well worth every cent. 

  

During a wedding, there is nothing worse than watching a bride or one of her bridesmaids limp down the aisle during the processional due to a blister. The walk looks anything but graceful and the grimace on her pretty face makes for horrible pictures! It’s the same effect to watch an Event-Chair who has been planning the perfect event for a year try to walk across the ballroom room only to look like a wounded doe. Let’s face it ladies, Jimmy Choo is a fantastic shoe designer, but sometimes even Jimmy needs a little help. That is where these band aids come in, they are like no regular band aid you have ever come across, and should you ever need them, you too will think of them as, Adhesive Gold too! I honestly think somewhere, someone has to have written and ode to these ban-aides and if not, they should!

I would have to say the oddest thing I always carry with me is two equally important items. Aloe Vera skin lotion and a good lidocaine spray. You never know when you are going to have a golfing groom spend a weee bit too much time out on the golf course the morning of the wedding. Yes ladies, I have seen this one happen. At least this way, he is not in as much pain and grimacing all evening. The lidocaine can also help out with minor scrapes, cuts and insect bites/stings, so it’s a double win for me. But, that’s another story because if you need it for insect bites/stings, chances are you need Benadryl too. In which yes, I have that too.

Speaking of other things I have in my bag-o-tricks; nail clippers, finger nail file, aspirin, stomach medicine, Advil, cough drops, hair pins, hair spray, scissors, lighters, flash lights, tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, tweezers, crochet hooks, safety pins, straight pins, alcohol swipes,  baby wipes, children’s pain reliever, lip gloss, deodorant, feminine products,  lotion, q-tips, shaving razors, shaving cream, two different types of shoe shine wipes, chewing gum, storage bags, finger nail polish remover, clear finger nail polish, a permanent marker, floral tape, floral pins, a neutral shade of lip stick and lip gloss, a hair brush and this is not everything, but you get the idea. I am always walking through the store finding new things I think I might need. I try to be prepared for whatever comes up. But, there are times when I need something I don’t have and am forced to improvise. In cases such as this, you learn what you’re made of and when the evening is over, you make sure to run to your local store and buy whatever said item is and immediately toss it in your favorite bag. I always try to live by the old Boy Scout saying, ALWAYS BE PREPARED, or at least try too. : )

Medicine bag

A few of the loose items you will find

My sewing bag

Happy baggage!

Tanya

www.tanyaharvilleevents.com 

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Tanya Harville Events, LLC is teaching at LSUS!

Once you answer his all important question with the word, "yes", you my friend are in for what I hope is a wonderfully, magical engagement season. What’s an engagement season you ask? It begins the moment you agree to marry your, Mr. Wonderful and ends when you are safely on your way as the new Mr. & Mrs. to your honeymoon destination. It’s all of the months you will spend fantasizing about your big day. All the nights you lay in your bed dreaming of every magical detail. Not to mention all of the many afternoons you, your mother and your army of girlfriends obsess over the perfect shade of blue for your bridesmaid gowns. And don't forget all of the events built around your wedding day; the announcement to family and friends, your engagement party, your bridal showers and bachelorette party. See, I told you it was an engagement season! But in the midst of this magical time you, my blushing bride, have several decisions to make. 

Let’s be frank, it doesn’t matter if you are planning a small intimate affair in the garden for fifty, or a large extravaganza in a massive ballroom for four hundred, you have a lot of important decisions to take into consideration such as; What gown looks best on me my body style? Do I really need to send out Save-the-Dates? How formal does my invitation need to be? When do I mail them out? What different types of invitations are available to me? I have a both two step parents, what is proper etiquette for its wording? Where should I hold my wedding and reception? Buffet or plated? How much cake do I need to order? Can I afford a band or do I need a DJ? They want me to sign contracts! Is this normal? How much is normal to pay for table linens? What photographer fits our personality as well as our budget? How do I save money on my bar bill? Who makes a toast? What are the roles of my vendors and what is proper to ask of them. Who do I have to purchase gifts for? What should I look for in a vendor and what do I ask while interviewing? What am I allowed to ask my bridesmaids to assist me with? What does my family pay for and what does my future groom’s family pay for? How do I find a vendor who will not gouge me and yet work with me to see my vision through? Yes, as a new bride you have many new things to think about and consider. After all, this day signifies the first day of the rest of your lives, right?

                                     

Did I send you into bridal over load? Don’t be afraid, I have just the thing for you. Every Monday from 6:30-8:30 pm February 28^th and March 28^th I will be offering a class on wedding and event planning at LSUS. All of the questions I listed above and more will be addressed during the month long class.  During this time I will answer your questions, show you different cake styles, floral arrangements, photography styles, designer bridesmaid dresses, how to analyze your wedding budget, invitations, save-the-dates, ideas for wedding guests’ favors and much more! 

All you have to do is click on the link and register today!

LSUS Wedding & Event Planning Link


I promise it will be informative and fun!

Happy planning!

Tanya

www.tanyaharvilleevents.com
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Tanya Harville Events: Should guests start eating prior to the bride and ...

Tanya Harville Events: Should guests start eating prior to the bride and ...: " This morning, I received an email from a very talented DJ asking my thoughts on an issue. Actually, it’s a very good question and ..."

Should guests start eating prior to the bride and grooms announcment?

 

This morning, I received an email from a very talented DJ asking my thoughts on an issue. Actually, it’s a very good question and comes up quite often with brides as well as event chairs on the daily bases.  The question was this, “I’ve been researching the proper times for the guests to start eating the meal. Before of after the bride and groom arrive? Just about all of the DJ’s across the country say that the guests’ always wait for the bride and groom to arrive before eating. It seems that only here in the Shreveport area, the guests start eating before the B&G arrive. How do you feel about that?”

To allow guests to dine prior to the bride and grooms arrival is a very important decision. You can bet, this one decision will affect your entire reception atmosphere. So please do not underestimate its importance!

If you are having any event at the lunch or dinner hour, you need to feed your guest as soon as possible. Generally, we in the south eat earlier than the rest of our nations counter parts. So, when the 6 pm hours hits, our bodies are trained to start looking for food. What happens when we are hungry and are forced to wait too long? We get grumpy! It doesn’t matter if we are northerners or southerners, you let any of us get too hungry and we go mad. Plane and simple, we go stark raving mad. Yes, I’m sure even Pollyanna herself would come across as Cruella Deville if she were forced to wait to long to dine. Also, we have to consider the most elderly eat way sooner than we do. Think about it, they often eat dinner between 4-5pm! Also, if you have any out of town guests, you have to consider they might not have had an opportunity to eat a good meal the day of your wedding, so chances are they too are starving.

To make sure everyone is happy, including you, this is what I would recommend. Please keep in mind; if you have a buffet and are comfortable with people eating while you are taking your pictures then you can stop reading, because you are good to go. But, if you want your guest to wait on you, this is what I propose no matter if you are serving a plated meal or a buffet. Following these suggestions will surly make for much happy guests.

The first simple step is to make sure to have a few hors d'œuvres for your guest to snack on. You are not trying to fill them up at this point, so don’t go overboard ordering every fancy appetizer you can think of. A few nice items will work perfectly. Try to have them hand passed if possible. By doing this you will find you need less, thus saving you money and I am all about saving you money! Bare in mind, you only want to appease the masses and keep them in a social mood, not gorge them. Also, make sure they have access to a beverage or two. This can mean anything from an open bar to a nicely dressed beverage station of different selections of teas and flavored waters. By offering these few items, you keeping them interested in your reception and looking forward to sharing your first meal as the new, “Mr. & Mrs.”!

 Tip-by serving items containing bread, you are offering your guests something that is a bit hearty, but it won't fill them up.

While writing this, I realized you may need a bit of help trying to figure out how to accomplish this while still staying within your reception budget. So, here you go, I hope it helps.

Are you serving a plated meal and need to save money? If so, this is your section.

If you are having a plated meal and can not add the extra expense of the hors d'œuvres, I would ask the banquet staff to pre-set your tea, water, salad and bread. Yes, you read that correctly! Pre-set your tea, water, salad and bread. I heard you just gasp and yes, I know it’s not ideal. However, would you prefer let your guests eat just that small portion and be happy or risk loosing them? I will be honest, it never fails when people arrive at the reception site and realize they are going to have to wait to eat, some choose to leave and go to dinner else where. At that point your table of 10 just became a table of 8 with 2 lonely place settings open and unattended. I have seen it happen at every function where something small to eat was not offered and I hate it. But, let me tell you this, if you will give them just that small offering, they are happy, social and you just managed to saved yourself two very important thins. The first is your beautiful table place setting isn’t unattended any longer and best yet, you shaved time off of your dinner service! What does this mean? At least an extra 20 minutes more of dancing and celebrating with your friends! That’s a lot of time when you think the average wedding reception is only 3 hours.

 Would you be disappointed to walk into a room and have this waiting on you? Yea, didn't think so!

How a buffet can offer you far more than you thought possible.

If you want your guests to wait until your arrival to dine and you are serving a buffet, you are at a bit of an advantage. To save money, I would recommend pulling a few small items off the buffet line, namely the imported cheese display and crudite platter almost every buffet is so lusciously always blessed with. These items are always filler items anyway, so they won’t be missed, if anything better utilized. Also, make sure to place them in a separate room or very close to the main entrance of the reception room. But, please keep in mind, you do not want to block a door way or cause your guests to back up. Also, try if possible to place the table in the center of an area, not against the wall.  This is a strategic set up and I would strongly recommend getting your banquet managers opinion on its placement. This person will know what works best in their space. They have been working their room and know the best way to execute the delivery for the most optimal flow. Lean on this person for their knowledge, skill and expertise, after all this is their "home". Simply explain what you are trying to accomplish and I am sure they will be more than happy to execute it for you should it be possible. Please bare in mind, when you open the buffet, you will need to dismiss the tables or you going to have a serious line of people all trying to eat all at once. This is what I call, the cattle call effect. Trust me, you don't want this. So, if you insist on making them wait for you, please don't forget to dismiss the tables. Oh, don’t forget you will still need to offer a selection of beverages to quench their thirst. 

 I bet you didn't think a fruit and cheese display could be so attractive.

Please keep in mind, these tips will not work for everyone or every venue, but a vast majority will be fine to follow my advise. These tips will not only make for happier party goers, but will save you money as well. There are a few other things you could do, but I can’t give all of my secrets away now can I? : )

Happy dining!

Tanya

www.tanyaharvilleevents.com
LSUS Wedding/Event Planning Class 

Tanya Harville Events: You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now wh...

Tanya Harville Events: You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now wh...: "Congratulations! After much chatter and fact finding you and your significant other have finally decided on a location to honeymoon! Bu..."

You have chosen your honeymoon location, so now what?

Congratulations! After much chatter and fact finding you and your significant other have finally decided on a location to honeymoon! But now instead of looking at location after location, you are searching the internet for tips on what to bring and what to pack. Well, I pack heavy, too heavy my husband would say, so I can not help you there. But, I can help you this a few tips that I always abide. You will find, I always try to be a proactive traveler and not a reactive traveler. Ok, you might call in neurotic traveler, I call it proactive traveler. Potato- Patattah, whatever you call it, it makes me for a happy traveler. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Saving your gifts!

• This is not necessarily the most important, but it will save you a lot of struggle upon your arrival home. Make sure when you register for your wedding gifts, you have the shipping address sent to your office or family members home, not your own. You want someone to sign as responsible party for your gifts. Why? Because, believe it or not, there are people who do nothing but scour our neighborhoods looking for packages sitting on the front a porch just waiting to be picked up. If you don’t have anyone you can have your gifts sent to, make sure to ask your neighbor to check your front door everyday. I am sure they won’t mind and you will have piece of mind knowing dear Aunt Helen’s gift arrived safe and sound and you now all you have to do is write her the perfect thank you note.

Stop your mail!

• Make sure to have your mail held at the post office. Any police officer will tell you, having an over stuffed mail box is just like putting a sign in your front yard with an advertisement that reads, “We are out of town for a week. Please come raid our home!”  I know you don’t want to have to deal with the police and insurance companies when you get back, so do yourselves this favor and put the type of hold on your mail that requires you to go to the post office and pick it up. I know it’s a pain, but it’s worth it, trust me! Unless you have a mailbox the size of a dump truck, you run the chance of returning home only to 7 days of mail flapping in the wind and rain all day. I know none of us like bills, but for weeks after the wedding, you run will most likely still be receiving congratulatory cards and such. Again, if you don’t want to share with strangers, don’t make it easy and PUT A HOLD ON IT!

Traveling outside of the country? Don’t forget your these words of advice!

• If you are traveling out of the country you must have a passport. I recommend applying for yours at least 6 months a head of time. I say this because should you run into issues you still have time to rectify any problems with plenty of time still left over.

• Speaking of passport, make sure you sign it and fill in the emergency information. Trust me, this is important!

• Make copies of your birth certificate, passport and drivers license. You will want to place these in a file and give them to your emergency contact. You will might need copies of all of this should you loose your passport or have issues at customs.
• Check and see if your health insurance covers your while traveling abroad. Some do, some don’t. If not, you might consider purchasing a supplemental policy.
• Make sure your emergency stateside contact knows your itinerary and has the phone number and address to your resort or hotels. Also, it might be a great, if possible, to email your contact once every few days or so.
• Make sure to register with the State Department of your travels. This will help you should anything in your area of travels happen. They will know you are there and try to get to you. In my mind, this is a must!! Here’s the link. https://travelregistration.state.gov/
• Always try to do a bit of research on local traditions and customs. Yes, it’s your honeymoon, but offending someone or worse yes, an entire country is never something a blushing bride should do. Yikes!

Honeymooning at the beach?

• If you are traveling to a beach to honeymoon you are most likely headed south of the equator. If this is true remember this, bring a lot of sun block and use it! I repeat, bring a lot of sun block and use it!  You are much closer to the sun when traveling that far south and you will burn much faster there than you are used too. I would also recommend bringing Aloe Vera lotion with a pain agent just incase you need it. Also, I would make sure to have a good over the counter pain reliever with you. It will assist the Aloe in taming the sunburn sting, but the best remedy for sunburn is not to get one.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! If you are traveling to an area where the sun is stronger, it stands to reason the heat is hotter. Since we are here in Louisiana and used to a wet heat, the dry heat isn’t as hot to us, so we might tend to dehydrate quicker. My rule of thumb is this; always have water in hand. Even if you are not feeling thirsty, for good measure, take a sip anyway.
• I also like to bring several pair of sunglasses that are UV rated. I’m not kidding you when I say, it gets bright! Protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin.

Airplane carry on must!

• I’m not bragging, but luckily I have never had my suite case lost by an airport. It has always made it to whatever destination I was headed too right along side of me. However, I try to pack my carryon bags as if I had. I pack anything I might need to get me through at least one day without my luggage. This is what you will find if you opened my carryon baggage; Extra undergarments, medication, makeup, hairbrush, bathing suit, cash, credit cards, extra change of clothing with matching socks and shoes, jewelry, camera, deodorant, ipod, tooth brush and tooth paste, a good book, my snorkel, scuba mouth piece and goggles and a pair of pajamas. I know the resort or hotel will have free shampoo/conditioner/bath soap and such so I don’t worry with that. I know it sounds like a lot, but hey, it fits and it makes me much more at ease knowing I have them along side of me should I need them.
• This may sound weird, but I never put my passport in my carryon. I always have it on me somewhere. I’m weird and neurotic I know, but it’s just something I do.
• For long trips, I make sure I have a small blanket and travel pillow. Many of the airlines are charging for these, so I just bring my own. Call me frugal, but I’m not one to part with my money when I don’t have too.

I know the list above is daunting a best, but each point has its own way of saving you time later and trust me, when you return home from your honeymoon, you will most likely have a long list of very important honeymooner things to do, like write thank you notes! 

Happy honeymooning!

Tanya

http://www.tanyaharvilleevents.com/

Tanya Harville Events: Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!

Tanya Harville Events: Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!: "Yes ladies, it's that time of the year and I for one am excited! There are two major bridal fairs held in our area and both are in Janua..."

Come one, come all, it's bridal fair time!!

Yes ladies, it's that time of the year and I for one am excited! There are two major bridal fairs held in our area and both are in January. The first is organized by the fabulous, Tiffany Morehead from The University Club. January 16th from Noon-4 we will be there to say hi and answer any questions you may have. This fair is the smaller of the two, but don't let that fool you! There will still be photographers, wedding planners, pastry chefs and many more wedding vendors to meet with. Off hand I can tell you Jennifer Robison Photography, Kevin Beasley Photography, Jeanne Hine/Sweetie Cakes, Donna Brian/Love in Bloom, Alyson Forman/A Piece of Cake, Kelly Cathey Photography and myself will be there. Those are but a few I can name off the top of my head, but know this... WE WANT TO MEET YOU! This is the perfect location and time to chat with us and see if we might be the right vendor for you and your fiance. Oh, I'm sure the wedding cake, champagne and hors d'oeurves wouldn't hurt either.

The next MUST do bridal fair is the, Signature Bridal Show. It is to be held on Sunday, January 30 from 12:30-4:30 at the Bossier Civic Center.This one promises to be an affair like no other. There will be honeymoon giveaways and one lucky gal will win an engagement ring from Baily's Fine Jewelers! Again, the wedding vendors you will have to opportunity to meet and chat with will pay off ten fold for you. You will have the chance to see fresh ideas in fashion, floral, color trends and more while meeting brides just like you from our area.

Let me tell you, I practice what I preach. During my engagement my fiance and I attended both bridal fairs and we wouldn't change our experiences for anything. While at both bridal fairs we enjoyed tasting the different cakes, looking at the different color palates, to really see different floral arrangements and took notes of things we liked, loved and had to have. After attending, we knew we had a better plan of action and we were also able to reassure ourselves that some the things we had previously chosen were the right ones for us. Like I said, the bridal fairs can be a huge help and should not be missed if it can't be helped.

There are a few things I would recommend to bring with you;

• A BIG swag bag- tons of vendors means tons of wedding loot! You will want business cards of the vendors who impressed you and they may have some information to pass onto you that you will want to keep.                                                                                                                                            
• Your fiance, mother, bridesmaids or all of them! Unlike looking for a wedding gown, the more the merrier is a good rule of thumb. It's a pre-wedding event for all to enjoy!
• A possible list of vendors you might be interested in meeting. This will allow you to make sure you take the time to track them down and speak with them.
• Register, register, register for anything you can while you are there! My hubby and I were lucky enough to win our beautiful toasting flutes while we at a the Signature Bridal Show and I won a gift certificate to have my gown preserve while at The University Club!
• Bring your patience! Remember, you have plenty of time to see everything. Don't be in a rush, the other brides are there to experience all things wedding just as you are. Relax, take it slow and really experience all the shows have to offer.
• Wear comfortable shoes! Tons of wedding vendors means a lot of walking!

Most importantly, bring your smile. We love to see blushing brides. After all, your the reason we do what we do!


See you there!

Tanya
www.tanyaharvilleevents.com