Last Minute New Years... Your Friends will Never know!

With so many holidays back to back it is nearly impossible to avoid a melt-down from the stress of shopping, cooking and eating. Its impossible to plan another social evening to ring in the new year. Or is it???

We brainstormed some simply ideas to make your New Years Eve something special without the stress that months of prior planning brings.

Since resolutions are right around the corner why not create a "Guilty Pleasures" buffet. Friends will truly enjoy the spread of Chinese take out, White Trash Dip, Pizza, Chips of all shapes and flavors with the really fattening sour cream dips like french onion and garlic garlic. Pigs in a blanket, and cheese fondue also make great quick aps that guests can enjoy. For Dessert you can display hostess cupcakes and Twinkies on fancy cake plates, alongside ho hos, ding dogs and devil dogs, or create a speciality cake out of them - who could resist.

So as not to spend your entire budget for 2010, why not ask your guests to each bring a bottle of champagne since it is the drink of choice for revelers worldwide. You can also buy some inexpensive bubbly to mix up into champagne cocktails such as the popular mimosa which is 5 ounces of sparkling wine with 1 ounce of orange juice. For a little variation use a mandarin orange as the garnish. For another option try the Poinsetta, which starts with the same 5 ounces of sparkling wine, 1/2 ounce of cranberry juice, 1/4 ounce of Triple sec and a twist of lime.

With the drinks and food taken care of you have to have something that will keep New Years Eve from feeling like every other saturday night at home. Balloons and Streamers make quick easy and inexpensive decorations, combined with hats, blowers and noise makers - your guests will certainly feel the tradition that is the holiday. Make sure that you have plenty of music planned for the night - one idea for doing this to create play lists from each decade 60's, 70's 80's etc. Find out where the New year is turning from the start of your party until midnight here in the states, each time a new country rings in the new year switch the music to a new decade.

Make sure you have plenty of TV's and clocks around so Guests can follow New Years all over the world and won't miss the clock striking Midnight.

Lastly, if you want to give out party favors that your guests will use and are not likely to forget, consider morning after packages - cellophane bags filled with a teaspoon of confetti, ibuprofen packets, vitamin c powder, stomach soothing ginger tea bags and a bottle of water tied off with a brightly colored bow.

We'd Love to hear your thoughts about planning a last minute New Year's Eve - what have you done????

Wedding Favors - Yay or Neah???

Your wedding day is the one you have dreamed about since you were a little girl, and it is a day that you are not likely to soon forget. With all of the planing, time and money spent, you dream day can also be a nightmare and a stressful time as well.

Although this is your special day your Guests play a really big role in your memories - in the long run they are the ones that will make your day the memory you want it to be. Because they are such a special part of a wedding couples typically give out favors as something to remember the wedding by.

The problem, as I see it, with favors, is that they often can be one of the most costly small items on the wedding budget. If you are like most people, your wedding is already being done on a dime and you want to cut costs as much as you can. Often the Favors are the first to go.

Consider this however, what if you can fit the favor into the cost of the wedding without changing anything? We thing that Couples should consider using favors as part of the decor so that you aren't spending extra money on items that you and your Guests will never use. The result of this practice still gives your Guest something useful to take home as a memory, and helps to make your wedding tables as beautiful as you dreamed they would be.

A great examples are picture frames that hold the escort cards for your guests. This has a two fold benefit, aside from a great useful gift, they also help to keep that card table neat an organized.

Another option is to incorporate a votive candle holder into the tabletop, you can include a great smelling candle, and each Guest will be able to take one home after the reception. Again, this is a two fold option, not only do they get a very unique candle holder for their home, the scented candles will allow you to create a great environment for your reception.


If being creative with you budget isn't necessary there are a whole slew of wedding related items that are cute, from custom labeled bottles of wine and champagne, to salt an pepper shakers with "two peas in a pod".

To answer the question, we say favors are a most definite YAY! but, whatever the favor is - the trend is usefulness, if you, or your Guests can't use it at the wedding reception, make sure that your Guests can use it when they get home.

Robin Brockelsby of Creative Coverings - Perfect Productions Pal Newest Pal of the Week!

So its that time of the week again and I am happy to announce that the Newest Pal is Robin Brockelsby from Creative Coverings in Reno, NV.

Brian and I had the pleasure of meeting Robin during breakfast on the very last day of The Special Event Show last year in San Diego. Three weeks later we had the ability to spend some more time with her in Las Vegas at the Event Solutions/Catersource Show, where she sponsored the wedding event.

After returning from the trade show circuit a client of ours requested a table linen that we could not find anywhere - and of course the event was last minute - I asked him to call Robin to see if she had any suggestions.



The Result was amazing - She and her Team at Creative Coverings, researched the fabric, ordered it, made them and shipped them to us, all on a very tight time schedule. Our client couldn't have been happier, and the photos from the original event, have brought us several more people who asked for the same cloths, or a variation on the design.

Without at doubt the service and products that Robin and her team provide are second to none. They have an outstanding website www.creativecoverings.com that showcases each of their products in true to color photos, it also has a gallery space that has photos of previous events. Plus if you are not sure what to order for your needs, their order information page includes an easy to read grid that you can use to figure it out exactly.

When people ask me where to go for linens - Creative Coverings is definitely the first place that pops into my mind. To read Robin's responses to our questions please click on the photo below, and to place an order with Creative Coverings visit their website or call them at 877-410-6367!!!

Brian Medbury Announced as Finalist for 2010 Event Solutions Spotlight Award

Event Solutions, Vice President Caroline Baragona made the announcement today that Brian Medbury, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Perfect Productions had advanced into the finals of the Event Solutions Spotlight Award Process in the category of Rising Star - Male.

The Event Solutions Spotlight Awards are the event industry's premier, most comprehensive awards. They Acknowledge the finalists' and recipients' body of work. The Rising Star Award is presented to one male and one female Event Industry Professional who has been in the industry five years or less. Rising Stars show great promise of becoming an industry leader or major player in the years to come.

Finalist profile will be displayed on-line beginning on December 11th when voting begins and the awards will be given out at the closing Gala for the 2010 Event Solutions/Catersource Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

On behalf of the Staff at Perfect Productions, we would like to congratulate Brain as well as our other industry partners Robin Brokelsby and the Staff at Creative Coverings for their nomination as Rental Company of the Year, and Christine Brower of C. Brower Events for her nomination as Designer of the Year!

Now get on and Vote (will post instructions when we have them)

Good Luck to Everyone and we'll see you in Vegas!!!!

Perfect Productions Pal of the Week!!!

Perfect Productions has so many great vendors that we get to work with, it is nearly impossible to recognize them all, so as a Team we decided that every Friday we would dedicate our blog to an outstanding industry leader, our Pal of the Week!

We are really excited to kick this program off by speaking with Debra Roth from Pink Inc. As a Team we have worked with Deb on quite a few great events. She has so many creative ideas and her Team is so much fun to plan with! If you are looking for a unique twist for your next function - this is definitely the place to start!

Her Website says that Pink Inc. is "where Tension Fabric Meets Design to Stretch your imagination" and we agree -the imagination in their building is incredible! They even have huge Butterfly wings that they can fit to an aerialist and suspend from the ceiling!!! It is truly something to see!

Click on the document below to see what Deb had to say when we asked her our Fun and Fabulous questions.

Definitely be sure to check out www.pinkincdesign.com and follow Deb and her Team on Twitter @Pinkincdesign. If you are interested in speaking with Deb or a member of here Team to help you with you tension structure design needs you can visit them in their offices at 150 E. 23rd Street, New York, NYcontact them by calling 866-PINK-INC. They also have a great form to request information at http://www.pinkincdesign.com/contact-us/default.aspx!!!



Anyone who knows Deb, or has used Pink Inc. at one of their Events, please post your comments, testimonials and photos we would love to see them!

5 Great Holiday Vacations for ALL AGES!!

Dreading the holidays already? Do you want to say enough with the presents, let's go away this season? Well, here are some places to go where you are guaranteed to have a fabulous time. If it is with your family, with kids or you & your significant other, there is a vacation waiting for you!

#1. Disney's California Adventure

To all who believe in the power of dreams... welcome. Here we pay tribute to the dreamers of the past... The native people, explorers, immigrants, aviators, entrepreneurs and entertainers who built the Golden State. And we salute a new generation of dreamers who are creating the wonders of tomorrow ... From the silver screen to the computer screen ... From the fertile farmlands to the far reaches of space. Disney's California Adventure celebrates the richness and the diversity of California ... Its land, its people, its spirit and, above all, the dreams that it continues to inspire.

—Michael Eisner, February 8, 2001

This theme park was constructed as part of a major expansion that transformed the Disneyland area and its hotels into the Disneyland Resort and consists of five areas: Sunshine Plaza, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, The Golden State, A Bug's Land and Paradise Pier. Each area is meant to resemble various aspects pg California, its culture, landmarks and history.

This is a great vacation for families with children of all ages. There is plenty to do & it is also in close proximity to Disneyland which has a Holiday Parade every year from December 25th-January 2nd. Why California Adventures over Disney World in Orlando? Disney World attracts a much larger crowd for the well-known Holiday Parade. This attraction maximizes park capacity which for some, makes an un-enjoyable experience, for example, lines are longer & restaurants shorten menus for holiday rush. At California Adventure, you get a similar experience & less of a mob.

#2. Cruise
















A cruise is a wonderful vacation for families, singles, & couples! There are numerous ports & destinations that would please just about everyone. Some great departing locations would Tampa, Atlantic City, New York, Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, & Los Angeles. If you can avoid flying during the holidays it is a little less stressful & cost effective. Some deals that I found were:

Royal Caribbean
5 Night Bahamas Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, FL for $487 per night.

Princess Cruises
7-day Mexican Riviera departing from Los Angeles, CA for $1299 per person.

Princess Cruises
7-day Western Caribbean Cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale, Fl for $1299 per person.

#3. Killington Resort, Vermont

If your family loves the winter activities and cuddling up to the fire, Vermont is the Winter Wonderland for you! With snowmobile tours to shopping there is everything & more! During the holidays they keep their guests entertained with daily activities & shows such as U2 tribute, shows & live music. The Killington Resort also has many dining areas, spa & health clubs & shopping areas.


#4. Great Escape Lodge-Lake George, NY

This is another family friendly vacation, located in the beautiful Lake George area. This year there will be an all-new celebration featuring dazzling lights, holiday-themed shows, festive foods & even an appearance from Santa himself! One of the best parts about Great Escape is that they have an Indoor Water Park! What is better than swimming indoors while watching the snowfall outside?

#5. Biloxi, Mississippi

Now here is the Altantic City of Mississippi! Most of you are going where the heck is this place? I've never heard of it before, but if you like Altantic City you will love Biloxi! This city has multiple resorts & casinos with reasonable prices compared to Altantic City with the same atmosphere. Located on the shore, some well known quality resorts are the Palace Casino Resort, Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino & the Casino Magic Biloxi. These resorts are equipped with casinos, swimming pools, restaurants, spas, etc. Some even allow the other members of your family, pets!

So while you are considering who's house to go to for the Holiday Festivities & think it might just be easier to get away...look at your other options with a few of these vacations.

Until next time...

What are you thankful for this year?

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks... So I thought about what I am thankful for this holiday season and I want to share it with all of you.

My health-There are so many terminally ill people in the world, that I am thankful that I am healthy.

My family, friends & loved ones- The saying goes, "You can pick your Friends, but you can't pick your Family!" The saying is true, but at the end of the day, they are still your family and will be there for you and love you everyday no matter what.

My successes this year- I am grateful that I have the opportunity to be here at Perfect Productions. My extended family here makes work not seem like work some days. I am also proud of myself for completely my schooling and continuing with a design background when most students do not enjoy their major as much as I enjoy mine.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving!

Traditions - The True Spirit Behind Thanksgiving!

Today I am writing about thanksgiving traditions, and there are many, but perhaps the biggest tradition of all is Thanksgiving itself.

Children are taught the story in school about how the settlers celebrated the first Harvest with their Indian Friends, and it became the First thanksgiving. Although this is true, this is not the holiday as we know it.

President Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November 1863, the first day of giving thanks for the blessings of "fruitful fields and healthful skies". 146 years ago the yearly tradition started but it wasn't until 1941, after President Roosevelt changed the date to the 3rd Thursday in November in order to extend the holiday shopping season, that congress actually ratified the holiday and the Tradition as we know it began.

The United Sates of America being the melting pot that it is - has taken some of its biggest thanksgiving traditions from other countries.

The Cornucopia, for example, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday- but does anyone know where it comes from or what the meaning behind it is??

This Horn of Plenty as it is often times called originated in ancient Greece and was the symbol of abundance. it has evolved over the years into a curved basket, however originally it was a curved goat horn overflowing with fruits and vegetables. The Story says that the horn was the symbol of Zeus's nurse the Nymph Amalthaea - and that it would be filled with whatever the owner wished for.

Another tradition that we see on thanksgiving is the Turkey and trimmings - this is something that has evolved since the first thanksgiving as the settlers did not have turkey, they were giving thanks for gain and seed.

Today, Different regions of the United States prepare it differently, like coffee rubbed Turkey in Hawaii, Salt encrusted Turkey in New England or deep fried Turkey in the south. None the less, the Turkey has become a main stay for thanksgiving tables.

Not only is eating Turkey a tradition, but since 1947 every thanksgiving the National Turkey Federation give the President of the United States Three Turkeys - one of which is pardoned and sent to live out its days in the comfort of a luxury spa, while the other two are dressed and served up for the Whitehouse Thanksgiving dinner.

And what story about Thanksgiving traditions would be complete if I didn't mention the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and Football.

The Macy's Parade with its lavish floats and larger than life balloons began in 1924 and is enjoyed by 46 million people all over the world, 2.5 million of which were along the Manhattan parade route last year. The first character balloon to make an appearance in the parade was Felix the Cat. Celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keyes, Tim McGraw and the Bare Naked Ladies. Other Characters that have graced the parade route are, Shrek, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Abby Kadabby and the cast of sesame street as well as, of course the Big Man himself Santa Claus.

The Football tradition dates back to 1876 when the first collegiate football championships were held on thanksgiving day. Recently the NFL has added a Thanksgiving day game and of course the old staple rivalries such as the sunshine showdown of the Florda Gators and the Florida Seminoles.

Not to worry if can't choose the winning team in football you may be able to score the wishbone from the Turkey and if tug and end up with the bigger side you can make a wish that will hopefully come true for you. This tradition dates back to 322 B.C. when the Romans brought it with them when they conquered the British. English settlers brought the game with them to the colonies and the rest is history.

Lastly an most importantly Thanksgiving traditions are all about giving thanks - this year consider a regional southern tradition. Place 5 Kernels of corn on top of a small envelope, by each of your guests plates. When you sit down to dinner tell your Guests the Story of the of the first harvest. Explain how the settlers went through some days with merely five Kernels of Corn. Tell them about the planting and harvesting of the crops and how thanksgiving celebrated that harvest. Then look to your guests and ask them to pick up the first Kernel of corn and put it in the Envelope to remind them of the beauty of autumn. Follow with the second Kernal to remind them of their love for each other, the third to remind them of their family love, the fourth for friendship and when they put the last kernel in the envelope they should give thanks and be reminded of Freedom - the tradition we fought for - and the most important of all. They should keep the envelopes with them throughout the year to remember the lessons of the 5 Kernels.

As you can see Thanksgiving is steep with Traditions - and I am sure each family and person has even more that they do to add to this list. So During this Holiday Season Perfect Productions would like to know...

What are your Traditions?? Please share them with us.

To all our clients, Friends and Family, Best wishes for a Healthy, Happy, Tradition Filled Thanksgiving!!!

Fall Centerpiece Ideas

Are you having your family over for Thanksgiving? Do you want to jazz up your dining room table a little bit without purchasing all new decor? Well I thought I could help with some neat, inexpensive decor ideas.

Natural Table Runner

For a pumpkin patch table runner look, arrange a line of miniature pumpkins or gourds in the center of the table and weave double-faced ribbon around them. Add some bittersweet stem for a blaze of color and you have a very simple & easy design.

If you do not have a long table for the runner look, arrange the pumpkins & gourdes at different heights on pillars, plates & stands. Weave the ribbon around them & add the bittersweet for a similar look.


Pumpkin Candle Holders

To create these festive votive & candle holders place the bottom end of the pillar candle on the top of the pumpkin, tightly trace the perimeter of the candle's bottom with a marker. Cut a hole inside each pumpkin with a utility knife, and then carve out space for candles with a melon baller. If desired, stack 2 pumpkins/gourds on top of one another and secure from inside hole with straight pins. Wedge the candle securely inside. If necessary, keep the candle from tipping by wedging one end of a vine in between the candle and the cut edge. Tuck in a few leaves and sprigs of vine around the base of the candle to add some color. This is wonderful for a table arrangement as well as decorations around your home and it is really easy!

Do you have a centerpiece that you love, but it needs something added to it? Try these two candle ideas.

Corn & Candles

For a fall ambiance at your next thanksgiving feast, pick out some autumn scented candles & some glass votive holders. Make sure that when you put the candle in the holder that there is some room around the candle. Fill the space around the add some dried corn or acorns. Lite & enjoy!



Fruitfully Candles

Warm up your holiday table with a this fruitful centerpiece complete with dried oranges, lemons, and limes. Thinly slice the citrus fruits about 1/8-inch thick. Place a wire cooling rack on a cookie sheet, and then arrange the sliced oranges, lemons, and limes on the rack. Put the cookie sheet and rack in an oven preheated to 250 degrees for approximately two hours, or until all moisture is removed. Using a glue gun, connect the citrus slices to each other, forming a band around the base of each candle. Do not glue them to the candle. Once your candles are decorated, cluster them in the center of your Thanksgiving table and weave berried branches throughout to create a cohesive centerpiece.

I hope this helps to WOW your family & friends!

The Best Little City in the World, May Be the Best Place to Host Your Next Meeting, Event or Conference!

Not many people think of Reno, Nevada when you ask where do you want to hold your next sales meeting...in fact, up until last month, I wouldn't have even thought of it. After Visiting I can certainly say it is a top of mind destination for Events large and small.

Perfect Productions recently had the opportunity to visit the Peppermill Resort and Spa in Reno, NV, a definite eye opening experience. Having just undergone and completed a more that 550 million dollar renovation and expansion this is most certainly the "it" property for conventions, meetings and Special Events in the area.

The Resort boasts two distinct types of rooms that range from Standard Doubles and Kings to Duel Level Penthouse suites that measure out over 2100 Square Feet. The Peppermill Tower, with 1100 Rooms and suites, is located above the casino and has a light and airy decor, while the Tuscany tower, has 635 Suites is located above the New Tuscany Ballroom and is more traditional in style.

The Tuscany Tower Suites have both mountain and city views, hand painted Italian Art, and Private foyers, While the Peppermill Tower Rooms create a relaxing environment with custom furniture. Both Towers boast, Sony 42" LCD HDTV's, Goose Down or Hypoallergenic Pillows, Elegant Marble Bathrooms, Free Wifi and internet, Several Phones, European Soaking Tubs and Separate Marble enclose multi-head showers.


The Resort also has 17 Lounges and Bars as well as 10 World Class Restaurants from the coffee shop that started it all to, Bimini Steak House, Romanza Italian, Chi Asian Cuisine, Oceanea Seafood and White Orchid, Reno's only, Five Star, Five Diamond Private dining room.

If relaxation is the game, or if you need to unwind after a hard day the Spa Toscana is definitely the place to be - with 30,000 square feet of luxury and tranquility, it features 24 Treatment rooms, Ritual Baths, Saunas, Steam Rooms and Northern Nevada's only Caldarium with an indoor pool, hot and cold plunge pools and experience cascada showers - a choreography of color, light, sound and water. This combined with the 6,600 Square foot, 24 hour fitness room designed by Precor and the upper and lower outdoor heated pool decks there is something for everyone and I haven't even mentioned the casino.



But although all of that is nice - we can't choose venue locations by the amenities they offer alone - the best part about it is that this resorts Meeting space was amazing, especially the 60,000 Square foot Clear Span Tuscany Ballroom, Which can be broken down to 18 individual rooms, or any combination there of. By Pairing these ideal meeting space conditions with the impeccable and unmatched service you receive throughout the resort - meetings and conventions are never going to be the same.

As you can see we had a wonderful experience and can't wait to book it so our clients can see for themselves. So when your next event takes you looking for the hidden gem of Conference resorts you don't have to look far the Peppermill is the place to be!

Trying to Choose a Wedding Date?

It isn't easy trying to pick a date for one of the most important days of your life, the day that you declare your love to that special person in front of your friends & family, the day that every little girl dreams of, yes...your wedding day!! I thought I would give you a few little tips for each month to help you decide which month you want to walk down the aisle. Let's start by breaking down the year...



January, February, March, & April...



These months are some of the least popular months to get married in because of the weather. In the majority of the country snow is a huge possibility during January & February all the way into March some years. When late March to April comes around, we'll you all know the saying...This would be the least expensive time of year to tie the knot. Vendors necessarily do not have their calenders full, so this would be the time of the year to do some major negotiating. On the other hand, it could make a beautiful setting with snow covered grounds, and as you get into March & April those flowers that only bloom in the spring, such as tulips, daffodils, lilies, etc. are all starting to sprout which might save some money.




May & June



May & June are two of the most popular months to get married. Spring & Summer are here! There is color, and life outside again of course anyone would want to get married in these picture perfect scenarios. This is also a season for graduations, BBQ, holidays, & even vacations. These events come into play when you are inviting guests as well as venue selection. With choosing one of the most popular times of the year, planning a year to a year in a half prior to the date is always strongly suggested. The price for everything also rises because of the demand during these two months. Also, June is a special month to become newlyweds because June is named after Juno, the Roman Goddess of marriage. It won't hurt to the have stars on your side.




July & August


This time of year is not the most "popular", but can make a beautiful setting for your dream day. You have the warm summer weather, which depending on where you are located can work to your favor or disadvantage. Outdoor & beach ceremonies would be wonderful at this time of year, with the appropriate planning. Make sure you have a gazebo, or something for guests to stay out of the sun, also because of the heat, to would be a good idea to sick with light fabrics for your wedding party & for the brides dress. The down fall about this time of the year is also the weather. It is quite a gamble with heat waves during the months of July & August, please take precaution when having an outdoor ceremony with elderly & young guests.

September & October

September brides can enjoy all the benefits of those marrying in the height of the summer. Autumn weddings are memorable. This time of year brings to mind golden & copper themes through the fabrics & the flowers. Flowers are earthy & rich. Sunsets at this time of year are incredible, so try and use this to your advantage in photographs. Honeymoons are easier because everyone is back to school and not thinking about vacations, yet some destinations could be more expensive because you are in their peak season.


November & December

We are back to the expensive, non "popular" months, with snow & the holidays the last thing on everyone mind is marriage. Everyone is planning their holiday parties, thanksgiving dinners, & shopping. This is definitely a factor when it comes to planning, save the dates would be wise suggestion. November is great because you can still pull off the autumn theme that you might like in September & October, but save some money with it being the wedding "out season". December is magical with the Holiday lights, possibly snow fall, & the new year is right around the corner!!


Well, there is definitely fruit for thought. My suggestion is right down what you want for your big day. What flowers, outdoor or indoor, colors, possibly even budget? Then look through the start eliminating the months. Good Luck!

4 Ways For Meeting Planners to Prepare for Flu Season

The Following Blog written by Sarah Larkins was featured at blog.cvent.com/blog/event-planners on October 22nd, 2009 - I thought it was important enough to re- post for your information:

As the meetings industry prepares for the H1N1 flu virus, are you ready for handling events during flu season? Check out these 4 tips for how to be prepared:

1. Stock up on hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers are a decent safeguard to spreading diseases from hand to mouth. Though they don't replace hand washing, they are especially helpful at meetings and events where your guests cannot always run to the bathroom for soap and water. Just make sure to purchase sanitziers that contain an alcohol (ehtyl alcohol, ethanol, etc.) in a concentration of at least 60 percent. Studies have shown that anything less than this is not effective.

2. Educate your guests.

Provide your attendees with helpful information on how they can keep themselves and others healthy. Washing hands frequently, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, and coughing into a sleeve or elbow—not hands—are among the best tips to stay healthy. Share these with your attendees on your event website or in your email marketing.

3. Stay informed.

Just as your guests should be in the loop, event planners should make sure to regularly visit reliable websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep current on the flu vaccine, influenza activity in the United States and more.

Additionally, it also helps to be familiar with the symptoms of the flu, which include fever, sore throat, headache, body and muscle aches, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Note that for adults, symptoms such as difficulty breahting or shortness of breath, sudden dizziness and severe vomiting warrant urgent medical attention. Establish a plan of action should an event guest, or one of your staff members, fall sick. Designate a contact person to whom guests can turn for medical assistance.

4. Have a back-up plan.

Last year, many event planners were caught unawares by the pandemonium brought on by the flu. Make sure to establish procedures for attendee cancellations, speaker cancellations, etc. Have a policy in place when it comes to refunding event fees for your attendees. This also holds true for your event venue and suppliers—go over how payments/refunds will be handled should you need to cancel or change locations at the last minute.

May I help you find your seat???

When someone asks me what the purpose of hiring an Event Planner is I don't talk about the money saving tips, or the time I can save a bride on her big day... 

To me the most important role of the Event Planner is to figure out the little things that will make the big impression.  

 

From time to time I love to talk about the those things that are often overlooked, but that can also be the little detail which makes our Events, well, PERFECT.  

The Escort Card table at a wedding is certain one of those things - that can be easily overlooked.  

Recently as I was researching new escort card ideas for an upcoming wedding I came across some of the most unique, beautiful and exquisitely displayed form of seating people that I have ever seen.  I felt the need to share them, and have tried to include links for ordering info where I can.

Hand Painted Sand Dollars:

Perfect for a destination wedding or a tropical theme - these hand painted sand dollars can be displayed in a box of sand or hung from a tree and will make for a wonderful keepsake after the event.   

Polished Escort Stones:

Along the same lines these polished stones are great for an outdoor, natural wedding and can be easily created with a bag of polished rock and a metallic pen.  

Traditional Escort Cards:

the traditional cards are still some couple's style - however display them on a bed of stem died carnations and they take on a completely different display.  Traditional cards don't have to be white with black lettering either - there are plenty of designs out there so there is no reason for the ordinary not to be extraordinary. 

Gift Bags:

Think about the weddings that you have been to, There is never enough room on the dinner table a far as I am concerned. With 8-10 people seated in the maximum of a 6 foot space - with charger plates and multiple forks, wine glasses and the extras of a formal place setting, there is not room for favors on the table too.  So Couple's Typically resort to an escort card table at the beginning of the evening with a favor table at the end of the night.  

I think the best idea walking is to combine the two - gift your Guests a gift box or bag with their escort card attached to it. They are beautiful and it allows you to customize the favor is you want to.

Lollipops:

Weddings aren't the only time that escort cards are needed or used - Mitzvahs, and other social events often have a call for the escort card.  We recently did a "Candy Land" theme for which we used lollipops standing in gumdrops and jelly beans as the escort cards.  Not only were the children and Guests able to find their tables, but they also got a nice take home treat.  We made out lollipops ourselves, but I can't take credit for the idea, I found it here.

These are just a few example and Perfect Productions would love to come up with a custom design and display that fits your dream wedding.  For more information contact elissa@perfectprod.com.  

Remember no matter what you do - you wedding should be a night to remember not only for you, but also for your Guests - Make your little things a memory!

Happy Planning!

Elissa

How to Make Your Day-cation an event all its own!!

With the every changing economy- and the uncertanity of what tomorrow may bring - more people are staying close to home for vacation and trying to may the ordinary into something extraordinary, all while spending as little money as possible.

Day trips are in abundance no matter where you live - you can always head to the beach or a park on a sunny day - but how do you make that short drive to the place your whole family and all your friends have been before an event to remember?

Its all about the details...

Here in Connecticut, my favorite day trip is the beach. The following thoughts are based

on making an unforgettable experience out of a basic trip to the shore - but you can adapt the ideas to any place you may want to go.

Adapt a theme for the day, since we are headed to the beach, nautical seems to be the natural way to go. I chose the colors of blue, yellow and white for this purpose.

The old adage says "the more the merrier" and I believe in that - I think that day trips to locales such as the beach where you don't have to move or keep track of people are the perfect time to invite everyone you want to catch up with. Pick your date carefully and be sure to plan on weather - set a rain date because no one wants to be outside, especially at the beach, in the rain. I invited about 20 guests to my beach day.

If you are anything like me, a definate planner, I would give yourself about a month to do the planning - this way you can inform your friends and family to save the date. This works really well for some people - but you certinaly shouldn't count the whole experience out if you only have a week to plan it. Sometimes spontaneous events are the most fun.

Now that you have your Guest list and your date - you are ready to start the planning for invitations I suggest cutting out shapes that match you theme and customizing them for your guests. My friend Kristen loves lighthouses, so I am using my cricut expression (this is a scrap bookers dream - it cuts out every shape imaginable in any size), to cut her invitation in the shape of a light house, my cousin loves fish so that is what her's will be. If you don't have away to cut shapes out and you aren't comfortable with your artistic side - the local craft stores typically carry die cut shapes in ev ery color that you can use.

Be sure to include all the information you think your guests will need in order to make it to the big event. Date, Time, and place are the essentials. My beach event is going to be a pot luck - so I am going to include a request for some sort of food item on the invitation. If you are going to request your guests bring things I would try to lay out what you would like to see for food a head of time and make suggestions.

Our beach m enu is also going to carry out the theme. I have also found that a day at the beach calls for more snack and quick grab items than it does a sit down menu, so I am asking guest to bring Seaworthy snacks, Admiral's appetizers, Seaman's sandwiches, salads and sides. No matter what you decide to serve, by directing guests to a category of food, you can ensure that you have enough variety. Remember a day at the beach doesn't really allow for much cooking - if you are planning on using hibachi's or tailgating grills to cook or warm items you should check with the town to ensure that it is allowed on the beach.

As for my food contribution, I am making what we are going to call "Harbor Hummus", an inexpensive, high prot ein snack that is easy to make, and the "Captian's Daughter's Keylime Stuffed Strawberries" for dessert.

Harbor Hummus Recipe

2 Can of Canellini beans

3 Cloves of Garlic

1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice

3 Tbs Olice Oil

1 1/2 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Ground Cumin

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, Chill and serve with pita crisps, and vegetables

Captian's Daughter's Keylime Stuffed Strawberries

2 pints of Strawberries

Philadelphia Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

Use a pealer to remove the stem and core of each strawberry - creating a hole inside

cut the pointy end off the strawberry and stand it on the tray -

save the ends to use as a garnish after they are stuffed

Use a pastry bag and pipe in the filling until the hole is full with a dallop on top

use the end of the strawberry to garnish

Now that the invitations are out and you have your menu fairly set - its time to put the finishing touches on the table.

The Beach that I am going to has a pavilion with Picnic tables - and I am planning on arriving early enough in the day to grab a few and call the space my own. Another option is to bring a small card table which you can get at a local discount store.

Again, I am going to use the Cricut expression to cut out nautical shapes which I can attach to popsicle sticks and use as identifiers in the food items to tell guests what they are eating. Since I don't know what people are bringing - I will have to hold off on writing the names of the food on them until I arrive at the beach.

Of course, as always, not using paper products gives everything a more upscale feel. The local dollar store as well as discount stores like Wal-mart and Target are always a wealth of products as far as party supplies.

I bought melamine dishes and glasses in my color scheme for people to eat and drink out of

I wanted guests to feel more important than a regular paper plate - but I didn't want to break the bank with china.

Instead of a table cloth - I opted for some fabric that matched the nautical theme and finished off the table with small glass bottles and Containers wrapped in rope that I bought at the local hardware store. These containers held the plastic silverware and napkins as well as the flowers. I also used 2 gathering jars filled with beach sand, a pillar candle and some sea shells as the main items on the table. I planned my beach outing so it carried over until after dusk - so the candles will keep the bugs away.

Since by guests were going to be at the beach for a long period of time I put together a large beach basket that was filled with items people may have forgotten and might need such as extra Towels, Bug spray, Wet Wipes

, a small First Aid Kit, SunScreen, Magazines, Balls and a Frisbee.

Big and Little Kids alike often get bored so make sure that you bring

enough activities so your guests have something to do.

My guests were loving the idea of the sandcastle contest so I am bringing extra items
that can be used to decorate, as well as a few specially purchased prizes to give out!

The most important thing about your day trip is to make it fun -
Memories always come from the fun times

As always if you would like some more ideas on how to make your trip a success

or need some help with the planning please contact
elissa@perfectprod.com.

Experience Riddell's Bay Golf Course - Bermuda!

Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club holds the title as the oldest golf course in Bermuda, built in 1922 at the southern end of the island in the Parish of Warwick.  The course is flatter than the newer courses built further up the hills to expand views of the water, It has  up-close-and-personal views.  At just under 6,000 yards it's a short course, even for Bermuda, with a slope rating of 121, and most play along a peninsula that's only 600 yards wide at its broadest point.  Everywhere you look there are glimpses of gorgeous turquoise water nearly everywhere you look.

Adding to the experience of Perfect Production's exclusive Golf trip, in November 2009, Guests will be afforded the opportunity to play Riddell's Bay an exclusive and private golf club, requiring an introduction from a member in order to play.   

Riddell's Bay was designed by Devereux Emmet (1862-1934) the son of a judge and a descendant of Thomas Addison Emmet, a founder of Tammany Hall. Emmet was a golfer and huntsman.  Throughout his life, He devoted time to measuring British golf holes for his friend C.B. Macdonald, who was then planning The National Golf Links of America. Emmet was a founding member of The National. Emmet was also a talented golfer, making the quarterfinals of the 1904 British Amateur and winning the Bahamas Amateur at the age of 66.

Emmet designed his first course, the Island Golf Links (a forerunner to Garden City GC), upon his return from an extended trip to the great links of Scotland. His other early design work, including one for his own family's estate at Sherewogue and Cherry Valley (built on property belonging to his father-in-law), was done at no charge. Emmet also designed the renowned Congressional Country Club in Washington, DC.  He Later he became a professional golf course architect and accepted fees for his work.

Riddell's bay is an 18 hole golf course, which was recently revamped and renovated by architect Ed Biedel - who maintained the integrity of the course though the 1.8 million dollar renovation.  

For more information on Riddell's Bay Golf Club, the Island of Bermuda, Perfect Productions November 2009 exclusive Golfers Adventure or Perfect Productions please contact Amanda at 860-677-1655.  

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