Soiree Events Co.

Bee & LeMar Mattox - 07.19.09

2009-09-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Bee & LeMar's wedding is a unique union of diverse cultures and traditions. You can tell immediately by their unconventional wedding wear. Bee wore Cheongsam, a formal Chinese traditional dress and LeMar wore Barong, a Filipino traditional shirt. They started the event with tea ceremony, which comes from Bee’s Chinese background. And at the end of the tea ceremony, the were married by LeMar’s Step-Father and the couple performed a tradition of jumping the broom as a symbol of entering their new life together. This tradition comes from LeMar’s African-American background. Guests dined on Filipino and Chinese food with 9 dishes symbolizing good luck...I truly will never forget this wedding or this couple. It was an absolute pleasure working with Bee & LeMar along with everyone else involved in the wedding. Thank you Bee & LeMar for letting Soiree share this special day with you....

(click pictures to enlarge)

Thank you to the following vendors:

Lifebox Studio
Zinchuk Studios (Video)
Lumpia World

DRESS: Custom Wedding Dress

2009-05-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Naomi B. founded by co-owner of Soiree Events Co. is also a Seattle based designer, and non-profit director. Naomi B. with your help can create a wedding dress of your dreams, along with coordinating pieces for the mother of the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls.

For inquires on services please contact info@naomibonline.com or call 253.459.3888.

http://www.naomibonline.com/

THEME: Cobalt Blue & Fuchsia

2009-05-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

Color Color Color!! A splash of it can go a long way. Here is a great inspiration board for cobalt blue and fuchsia! This a great way to make both sides happy without making it too girly or masculine...

http://www.bridalbuds.com/

EATS: Cupcake Sleeves

2009-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Until a couple of years ago, if you were considering cupcakes for your wedding you had very few options as to what the actual cupcake cups would look like. Fortunately the popularity of cupcakes has spawned and there are a varity of bakerys that are strickly cupcakes.

If you are on a budget or want to make your cupcakes more you here is an amazing new product from Roundabouts called Cupcake Sleeves. You will be amazed at the available options! Whether you just something simple & elegant or you are looking to make a personal statement, they probably have the perfect Cupcake Sleeve for you! And look at them!! Aren't they precious?!?

http://www.roundaboutsleeves.com/

THEMES: In Honor of Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a beautiful photo montage celebrating the vibrant culture that could inspire a fiesta filled wedding for you....

http://www.weddingaces.com/2009/05/cinco-de-mayo-photo-montage/

TIP: What Most Wedding Planners Won't Tell You

2009-05-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

1. "Something old, something new — and everything over the top."

Weddings are a $120 billion industry, and most nuptials cost $27,000 on average. With the Bride and Groom planning to spend a lot lower on that, they tend to get woo'd by all the glitz, and nice things that the industry will shove in their face right when they see an engagement ring. With a higher budget means most wedding planners will get paid more, because they take a percentage of the total budget as their fee.

Soiree Events Co. is upfront at the initial meeting about our costs, and from the original time you and your future spouse signs the contract, the price will stay the same until your wedding date.

2. "You say you need a reference? Well, you're looking at her."

Since wedding planning requires no formal training, anyone can hang out a shingle, and a growing number of former brides are doing just that.

Naomi and Marissa of Soiree Events Co. are not former brides, but do have an extensive list of references that you can contact before you decide to go with us. Soiree has yet to have an unsatisfied customer. In fact, everyone has become good friends, and they still keep in contact today if advice is needed - both ways!

3. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you calm, cool and oblivious."

Indeed, the best planners are those willing to take matters into their own hands when necessary. There is no such thing as a perfect day - and if you say you can have nothing less than perfect, well then...Soiree Events Co. cannot help you there, but Soiree is professional and you can count on that 100%.

4. "I won't necessarily be there on your big day."

As the industry continues to grow, wedding consulting has gotten more specialized — and confusing. Planners now offer tiers of service, from full service to partial to day-of. In addition, many venues now offer complimentary "wedding planning" as part of their package. Unlike the independents, these venue-employed coordinators operate interchangeably, like a help desk; sometimes, the bride and groom have never met the person who shows up on their wedding day. The problem is, couples often mistake this type of help for a full-service planner. Fortunately, couples often have more leverage in this situation than they presume: A simple request for the same coordinator to help out on the day of the wedding can be worked into most contracts.

5. "Congratulations, Gloria and Bill...um, I mean Marcia and Tom!"

When interview wedding coordinators ask them if they book more than one wedding in a weekend or in a day. Soiree Events Co. never books more than one event in a week, so that full attention is focused on any last minute details that the couple needs.

6. "Mixed marriage? Ka-ching!"

With an increase in multicultural and interfaith weddings, consultants are cashing in on the opportunity to incorporate more than one tradition into a single event. Just how much are these two-fer ceremonies costing couples? They add roughly $10,000 to the total amount, after factoring in additional dresses, tents and extra cocktail hours. And that's just for one-day affairs, never mind those that run two days or longer.

To minimize the tab on your own blended ceremony, it helps to have a clear vision of what you want and to communicate that in the earliest stages, says also, if you're having more than one ceremony or event to accommodate separate traditions, consider tying everything into one fun filled day.

7. "The early bride gets the worm."

Good wedding planners live by the calendar. So when you're getting ready to hire one, it's helpful to take a page out of her book: Start your search well in advance — we're talking 10 to 12 months ahead of time, minimum. Not only will the planner you hire have more time to realize your vision, but she'll be more willing to cut you a good deal. That's because she'll be able to save money by locking in vendors, such as photographers and reception halls, so far ahead — and before these vendors effect their annual rate increases, generally every January.
Another way to time yourself into savings is to get married during the "off season" — typically December, January and February — when wedding planners may offer reduced rates.

8. "Getting married in Hawaii? I'll bring the suntan lotion!"

More than 250,000 couples held destination weddings last year, according to The Wedding Report, and most of them paid a pretty penny for the experience. While there's no getting around the extra fees and added cost of travel accommodations that make excursion weddings an expensive proposition, one place you may be able to score some savings is on your planner. Why? Destination weddings tend to attract a higher class of consultants, who are often more willing to underbid one another to get an enticing gig. Most planners might offer a price break when a particular wedding would make a nice addition to her portfolio or is held at a venue with which she wants to forge a relationship.

9. "Custom silk wedding fans, anyone?"

Nowhere is the urge to splurge more evident than in the realm of wedding frills being foisted upon eager couples hungry to make their day special down to the last detail. From gourmet chocolate wedding-bell truffles to custom sparklers that guests light when newlyweds depart for their honeymoon, the favors at today's nuptials are plentiful, to say the least. Wedding planners have a big stake in this trend. Roughly three-quarters of full-service planners are now charging clients a percentage of the wedding's total budget, rather than setting a flat fee. And since a wedding consultant's commission grows in tandem with her clients' budget, she has powerful incentive to encourage couples to pull out all the stops on their big day — and virtually none to negotiate with vendors for the best deal.

Soiree Events Co. again does not charge a percentage of the budget, but also can assist with custom ideas to give-aways. We have experience in crafts, and resources to finding the best deals.

10. "You don't really need me."When the industry started, wedding planners "mostly addressed invitations, rolled rice and showed up on the wedding day and created havoc,"

Given the amount of information readily available today — including bridal magazines, how-to handbooks and the vast array of wedding-related Web sites — couples can easily put on their own show if they choose to.

How to get started? Ask newlyweds and even big venues, like a prospective reception hall, for referrals for a deejay, photographer or other services. Chances things will go smoothly increase when you hire vendors that have worked together before. Then, once you've selected vendors and collected contracts, devise an event-day schedule and send it out to all your vendors two to three weeks prior to the wedding. The rest is icing on the cake, so to speak.

Still daunted? Recruit a "day-of" wedding planner to oversee production of your wedding and you can finally....relax...and be happy...and that, is priceless...

BEAUTY: Summer Makeup Tips

2009-04-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived! And with it comes heat and humidity. Try these secret tricks to keep you makeup from having a summer meltdown…

Avoid this shiny, melted makeup look for your wedding day... photo credit

Prep your skin, after cleansing, with a clay mask - applied to the oily regions of your face, it extracts under-surface oil producing a matte effect that will last all day.

For really wet areas, beading upper lip for example, use a clear solid antiperspirant under your makeup. It works on your lip as it does in your underarm blocking wetness all day.
Powder mineral foundations can be applied lightly to even out skin tone and provide an SPF above 15. As an added bonus, they are naturally sweat resistant.

If you must use a liquid - use an oil free tinted moisturizer with SPF over 15. This all-in-one will replace your daily moisturizer, sunblock and foundation!

This isn’t really a secret - but it does warrant a mention: waterproof mascara and eyeshadow are a must. Need I say more?

Finally, the last big secret to gorgeous summer makeup is Jell-O. Yep, you heard right! Lick your lips and dab on Cherry flavor for red stained lips and Watermelon for pink. The color will last all day long…

HOW TO: Calla Lily Bouquets

2009-03-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

How To Make a Hand-Tied Calla Lily Bouquet

Fore more floral how-to's please http://www.afloral.com/

Passion for Recession Package

2009-03-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

It’s the day before that “Big Day”, and you feel as if you might be forgetting something. Almost like you’re running around like a chicken with his head cut off worried to death that everything may not go as planned. At times you’ll even have second thoughts about going through it at all and may consider eloping to some tropical island far away (hey I would.) Well, you won’t ever have to feel like this, because lucky you, you have Soiree Events Co. to do all the worrying for you!

Soiree Events Co. is here to help you plan a full-service wedding and because we’re going through tough economic times, we’d like to introduce the Passion for Recession Package. This package includes everything in the Wedding Stimulus Package:

Wedding Stimulus Package
It’s a 4 hour session with us to really brainstorm your wedding and get you on the right track…
Before you sign up we will send you a questionnaire to gather as much information as possible about you and your wedding ...

You can breakdown the 4 hour session into 1-3 meetings

We will plan a detailed calendar and checklist to keep you on track

We design a budget breakdown based on information you provide about what is most important to you in your wedding.

Soiree will answer all emails and are available anytime to talk well over our 4 hour session

Once your plan is in tack a list of preferred vendors with prices will be negotiated

Well after our 4 hour session feel free to email or call anytime you need to pick our brain about etiquette questions, drama, décor suggestions or anything else you need…

Passion for Recession Package

Everything listed above in the Wedding Stimulus Package

Direction of Rehearsal Day

Vendor Confirmation 2 – 3 weeks before wedding

Timeline of Events (Distribute to vendors/wedding party)

Day-of-Wedding Coordination

Set-up/Clean-up

Greet Vendors

Supervise Reception Activities

Distribute final payments

Unlimited phone and email contacts

Unlimited number of meetings

Unlimited number of hours on the day of your wedding

Book by April 30th for $700 save $350!

MONEY - Wedding Day Budget Cuts

2009-03-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

With average wedding costs hovering around $20,000, many newlyweds start their lives together in debt. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to save money and have a great wedding at the same time. Check out these tips for keeping your wedding day focused on celebrating love, not financial ruin.

Samples Sales: Many wedding boutiques hosts sample sales of current or last seasons wedding gowns right before they get new shipments. Get on the mailing list for your favorite local boutique to get the details.
Buy a Suit: Unless you are invited to many black-tie events, a tux is probably not necessary and your groom to be can get more use with a suit than renting a tux.
Use standard envelopes instead of square: Square envelopes cost more to mail. Even though it’s just a few cents, it can add up when you consider how many invitations you’ll send out.

Post card replies: Instead of including a reply card with its own envelope, use a post card. You’ll save money on envelopes, plus postage going both ways.
Skip the mailed reply card: Don’t bother including a reply card. Ask for a phone call or email instead. Or event set up an online evite to rsvp.

Wholesale florists: If you have someone you know that is crafty or good with flowers, set up your own décor and search online for wholesale florists. Pay what retailers do, and save hundreds on arrangements. (This wholesale florist is located in Kent, WA http://www.dwfwholesale.com/seatac/index.htm)

Choose in-season, locally grown flowers: Flowers that don’t have to be flown in will be significantly cheaper.

If you use a florist give them a color scheme: Allow your florist flexibility so that they can pick out the most affordable flowers for your color scheme. Remember to provide a list of flowers that you want to avoid.

No favors: Save money on favors by nixing them altogether. Who really wants a piece of chocolate with your name on it, anyway?

Combine favors and place cards: Don’t spend money on two separate things that can be combined. Find place cards that can double as favors.

Get married in a garden: With a garden as your venue, you may be able to save on rental costs. You’ll also be able to spend less on decorations, as the garden should provide a naturally beautiful backdrop.

Have everything at one site: Have your ceremony and reception at the same place to save on rental fees, transportation, décor and other costs.

Reserve a spot at a state or national park: Take advantage of the great outdoors for a cheap, picturesque venue. (http://soireeeventsco.blogspot.com/2008/10/deck-parks-halls.html)

Rent a private room at a restaurant: Private restaurant rooms tend to be cheaper than hotel ballrooms as well as more intimate.

Forget dessert, just serve wedding cake: Some caterers will add a dessert course to your reception menu, but when you’re serving wedding cake, it’s just not necessary. By dessert time generally people are too full and its wasted by people picking and tasting.

Buffet: Save on labor costs by letting guests serve themselves. Serve a single-plate meal: If you’re serving something substantial, your guests can do without multiple courses. Keep it simple with a single-plate meal of protein, starch and vegetable, plus cake. Serve seasonal, local food: Like flowers, food tends to be cheaper if it doesn’t have to be flown in or extensively preserved.

Select a venue that lets you bring in your own catering and alcohol: A separate caterer may be able to give you a better deal than what’s offered at the venue.

Hire an individual instead of a bakery: Individual bakers have lower overhead and often make cakes as a fun side job.

17. Decorate a plain cake with flower petals: Part of the expense of wedding cakes are their ornate decorations. To cut this cost, decorate a plain white cake with flower petals. Just be sure to avoid flowers that may make your guests sick.
18. Forget about hard liquor: Hard liquor and mixed drinks cost more than other alcohol. Cut them out and offer choices of beer, wine and soft drinks instead.

Offer a specialty drink instead of a full bar: A full bar with a variety of liquors can be very expensive. Narrow your drink choices down to one crowd pleaser to keep costs reasonable.

Limit bar time: You don’t have to keep the alcohol flowing all night. Have a cocktail hour, then serve only wine and beer with dinner. Offer champagne or white wine with dessert.

Consider everything optional: Do you really need a videographer? DJ lights? Think about details that can be cut to save money.

Limit live music: If you’re hiring musicians, you can save money by limiting the amount of time they are required to perform. Use them for your cocktail hour and first dance, then supply your own music with an iPod or a CD.

Go for a package deal: Many photographers will throw in free albums, engagement sessions, or proof books if you buy a complete package.

Ask for a smaller package: Some vendors have a cheaper package that they don’t normally publish. You may find that it’s all you need.
Negotiate with vendors: Your vendor may be willing to offer you a better deal to beat out competitors.

DJ instead of live band: You can save money by choosing a DJ over a live band.
Ask for services as a wedding present: Who says you cant add this to your registry?

Plan ahead: If you get started early, you’ll have the time and flexibility to shop sales, cut coupons, do-it-yourself and comparison shop.

Get married during the wintertime: You’ll have your choice of venues and the low demand for weddings in this season will help keep your costs down.

Get married on a Sunday: Again, a lower demand for Sunday weddings will help you cut costs across the board.

Get married when the church is decorated for holidays: If you get married when your church is already decorated for holidays like Christmas and Easter, you’ll avoid having to pay for them yourself.

Avoid Actual Holidays: Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, and Valentine’s Day - holidays drive up the cost of flowers, diamonds and other wedding expenditures.

Check out after-prom dress sales: You can save hundreds of dollars by buying your dress off the clearance rack.

Shop for white shoes around Easter: Buy white shoes around Easter to enjoy more availability and avoid bridal markup.

Online: Online you can find discount bulk items for your wedding – save and then resell!

Craigslist.org: Many brides post their wedding supplies here – so you can do the same when you are finish! Recycle! (www.seattle.craigslist.org)

Thrift stores: Hit up local thrift stores for plates, vases, and other supplies in your color scheme. You can come up with cheap, eclectic decor this way.

The big “W”: When getting quotes, don’t mention the word “wedding” until you have to. Some venues and vendors charge a premium for them. Say it’s an event or family gathering instead and hold them to it unless they can justify extra charges.
Take on do-it-yourself projects: Invitations, Favors, Center Pieces, etc...Just remember that DIY is not always cheaper. Research and consider the costs before you get started.

Have a smaller wedding party: Every additional bridesmaid and groomsman means spending more on flowers, gifts, and food. Consider cutting back on attendants to save money.

Have a smaller wedding: Don’t feel compelled to invite your third cousin from Omaha that you’ve never met. Make your wedding a small affair and you’ll spend considerably less. This will also cut costs on invites and stamps!
Get out of the city: Weddings held out of town are usually cheaper.

Share decorating costs: See if another bride has booked your venue for the same weekend, then split costs if you can agree on any shared rentals, tents, linens flowers and other expenses.

43. Consider hiring a wedding planner: Wedding planners may seem like an unnecessary cost, but depending on the size of your wedding, they may be able to save you money by using their connections and knowledge of the industry.

Consider an intimate destination wedding: You’ll be able to slash the guest list and combine it with your honeymoon.

Clip coupons: JoAnn’s, Michael's, Bed Bath & Beyond and other stores send out regular coupons. Spread your shopping out and ask friends and relatives to let you use whatever coupons they get in the mail.
Sign up for their mailing lists to get exclusive coupons!http://www.joann.com/joann/email/update.jsp https://www.michaels.com/art/online/registrationForm

HEALTH - Brides Bootcamp

2009-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Every bride wants to look perfect on their wedding day right? Right! Well I recieved an email the other day about a Bootcamp for Brides. Brides can share there support in their workouts and with their weddings!

The classes run for 6 weeks, there are 3 different locations, Tacoma, Seattle and Kirkland. Theres room for you and your whole wedding party! Classes are indoors in winter, and outdoors in the summer. All classes follow a "boot camp" or "circuit" style format. Lots of variety with plenty of resistance training thrown in. We do squats, lunges, pushups, jumping jacks......you get the idea. A great workout in the company of other brides!

Visit http://www.healthy-bride.com/ for more information

TACOMA

March 23, 2009 Mondays 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Location: Point Defiance Park (Pearl St Entrance)Instructor: Nicole Staab

SEATTLE

April 4, 2009Saturdays 10:00am - 11:15am Phinney Ridge (Near Greenlake)
April 9, 2009 Thursdays 6:30 - 7:45pm
April 13, 2009Mondays 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Weekday Location:Olympic Sculpture park @Western and Broad

Kirkland

March 24, 2009 Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:15pm
March 26, 2009 Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Location: Peter Kirk ParkInstructor: Krystal Joiner

STYLE - Bring on the glamour!

2009-03-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

With everything on the news talking about lay-offs, down-sizing, and a recession it is refreshing to see that designers are still keeping up the glamour for their Fall 2009 collections. “The beat goes on..” says Mark Badgley of Badgley & Miscka. It’s important that with the world crumbling around us that we still remain confident, poised, and polished. That can all start with us on outside, even if inside we are falling apart.

Designers this season are bringing looks that are smart, versatile, classic, and strong. This is what the women of today is and needs - the women of today are the core of the family, a rock for someone to lean on, they are leaders in the community. This is why it is important to translate what we do, and where you want to go in life in our appearance. They say you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. And its true. You never know who you are going to run into on the way to your caterer, or who may come to your party, you may run into someone that could beneficial to someone you know that may need a job, or may meet someone who could possibly change your life. How can this all happen with what you wear? Its simple, a study once followed a well dress women and a homeless man in the city, and we all know that jay-walking is illegal, but when the well dress women crossed the street more people would follow than when the homeless man would jay-walk.

So you don’t have a lot of money, and you cant do a whole wardrobe make-over and you may say, well I can’t afford a Carolina Herrera gown. No, but we can take inspiration using the colors, textures, and feeling from a runway collection and translate that to our daily life. When I look at these new collections or skim through magazines, I don’t just see a pretty dress. I imagine what if this was real, what is that person thinking, who is that women they are trying to portray, how can I take that an make it my own?

For example, this Carolina Herrera bronze bustier with collared shirt over, and textured gold and black lame high-waist skirt, paired with leather cinched gloves is a smart look. The look for a high waist skirt can go with a plain tank, while you can pair the top with classic wide legged slacks or dark jeans, the whole outfit together is perfect for work or a dinner date.

How can you take the looks from the runway and implement them into your daily routine? Take in the colors, bright vibrant colors, it’s so easy to just wear black especially with the weather we’ve been having the past few days….if you don’t know where to start, match a bright colored shirt with jeans at first, or go for a pair of fun bright shoes, pair it with an all black outfit if you aren’t comfortable in a bright top just yet. Point is – start somewhere…whether it is cinched waists, asymmetrical necklines, jeweled hues, embroidered necklines or belts, whatever! Its fashion! Try it once, if it doesn’t work out move on. Think outside the box, look at history, it always repeats itself, and add a piece of you in it, and own it! As long as you have the confidence in what you wear, that will never go out of style…

Picutres taken from style.com

Wedding Stimulus Package

2009-02-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

It’s a 4 hour session with us to really brainstorm your wedding and get you on the right track…

Before you sign up we will send you a questionnaire to gather as much information as possible about you and your wedding
You can breakdown the 4 hour session into 1-3 meetings
We will plan a detailed calendar and checklist to keep you on track
We design a budget breakdown based on information you provide about what is most important to you in your wedding.
Soiree will answer all emails and are available anytime to talk well over our 4 hour session
Once your plan is in tack a list of preferred vendors with prices will be negotiated
Well after our 4 hour session feel free to email or call anytime you need to pick our brain about etiquette questions, drama, décor suggestions or anything else you need…

With these tools its enough to ensure you are on the right track to plan your wedding.

The price of the session with all of the planning tools is $400!

If you need additional help down the line and want Day-of-Coordination add if for a discounted fee.

wedding affordable, wedding seattle, wedding blog seattle, wedding package seattle, wedding planner seattle

Colorsnw.com

2009-01-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Calling All Young Professionals

By Unique Saunders

In January 2008, Taylor Grant, a 27-year-old First Rate Mortgage employee, started brainstorming ideas for creating a networking group that knew how to have fun. Other events had left him unsatisfied because the atmosphere was strictly business. Grant wanted to attend a networking event where members could interact freely.

During the next few months, Grant began targeting young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are in their first five years of business, to join the Eastside Young Professionals (ESYPS). The more than 100 members of this social networking group come from all walks of life. They are project engineers, accountants, personal trainers, dentists and surgeons, as well as business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.

Wedding Consultant Naomi Balatbat, who owns Soiree Events, likes that ESYPS is for fresh-faced professionals. “Other networking events I’ve attended in the past were more like talking to my parents and getting lectured,” she said.

To read more....please CLICK HERE!

colorsnw.com

Holiday Party Ideas on a Budget from Soiree Events Co.

2008-12-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people forget about what the Holiday season is all about, and in these times its great to think about what is Christmas, and why we celebrate it. With that said, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a memorable holiday.

Here are a few tips to saving money this holiday season:

1. Potluck – Potlucks are classic! It’s a great way to get everyone together and get to taste all different types of foods. Host a potluck at your home and have everyone do the work! All you will need to provide are the drinks, plates, napkins and utensils – or designate that to someone else.

2. Wine & Cheese Tasting Party – Have each person to bring a bottle of wine under $10, you provide cheese, crackers and chocolate.

3. Evites – Save money on invitations. If you are sending out holiday cards, then this is just going to be an additional expense. Go to www.evite.com not only is it free, you will get a quicker response from guests to comment and make suggestions.

4. Veggie Platters – depending on the size these can get expensive if you are buying them pre-made at the grocery store. Save some money and cut the vegetables yourself.

5. Secret Santa – This doesn’t just have to be for the office, Secret Santa’s can be done with a group of your friends, siblings, or the whole family! Why spend money on a gift that they may not like when you can spend more money on a gift for one person that they will remember.

6. Donate – Encourage your friends and family to take the money they would spend on gifts and spend it on food for a family that may be less fortunate that yours.

7. Decorations – See what you can find in your house, a simple clear glass bowl can be festive with an inexpensive holiday floating candle or filled with old ornaments that you don’t use. You can also fill them with candy canes and give them away!

8. Natural Décor - Get some pinecones from outside, if you live in an area where these are not readily available then JoAnn’s sells them by the bag for a few dollars. Bare twigs can be a great rustic decoration placed in a vase with ornaments or ribbons hanging from it.

9. Dollar Store – Check out your local dollar store, you will find year round great and not so great decorations, party supplies and overstock food/household items.

10. Prepare for Next Year – After the Christmas check out the sales! I save 75% off my Christmas cards and store them for next year, with them being $30 a box this is a great way to save money. You can also save on décor, ribbons and more. If you are organized then this will work for you.

11. Craft Party – A group of girlfriends and I will be having a wine/cheese party and will also be making artwork, jewelry and/or accessories. This is great idea if you have a group of crafty people that specialize in different things and you can all teach each other how to make them and give your creations away as gifts!

Its always nice to get lavish gifts. But remember the holidays are to be share with friends and family, and enjoying good company – don’t stress, encourage wise spending, help those in need, and be thankful for the year about to end and the new one around the corner.

Wishing You All the Best
Happy Holidays - Marissa & Naomi!

Smell the Calla Lilies!!

2008-12-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

Calla Lilies or the fancy name... Zantedeschia, is my new favorite flower. I didn’t really get them before – I thought they were boring, I didn’t understand why so many people were in love with a simple white flower with a stem… This is until I discovered that there are so many other colors, and varieties - the possibilities with them are endless!

At a wedding this past October a couple had an autumn theme that went down to the very last detail. They had a floral arrangement with amber roses and calla lilies at the stem were yellow and bled into a deep red to match the falling leaves from the trees outside.

Calla lilies come in so many different colors and for your next wedding or party there is bound to be something that fits your color scheme. Below there is a picture from http://www.flowersbulbs.com/, they are located in Oregon, of black plum calla lilies. They are perfect for an evening and winter event.

Also keep in mind when purchasing flowers where they are coming from, ask your local florist. Try to purchase from organic florists, local farms and/or markets, and lower your carbon footprint. Buying flowers from major retails might be the cheaper option; but it could also be harming the planet and people growing them. Some overseas farms use poisons that hurt their employees and may harm you when you smell the roses!

I have attached links for local farms – and organic florists. If you have any other Green Party solutions I would love to hear them!

http://www.magnoliagarden.com/

http://www.terrabellaflowers.com/

http://www.naturalchoice.net/organicfarms.php

Here’s a link about imported flowers and how they harm you, the people working at the farms & the environment.

NewDream.org

Words of Wisdom

2008-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Are you a good listener? The best way to show someone you love them is to listen to them. Have you truly heard your spouse, friends, family or children? I'm a firm believer that if you listen to the whispers, you won't have to hear the screams."

Rev Run

Taken from "Words of Wisdom - Daily Affirmations of Faith From Run's House to Yours"

Deck the Parks & Halls!

2008-10-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

If you are feeling the pinch of these tough economic times a way to support the community and not compromise your event is by looking at alternative venues.

A great place to check out are local parks and halls. There are a number of county, city and state parks and recreation facilities available for rent at a nominal fee.

Below are a pictures of the Renton Senior Activity Center. RSAC provides a great location for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. They have a full size kitchen, stage and can accommodate up to 250 people.

Check out rentonwa.gov for more info on this facility along with the sites listed below for other options in the Washington area.

State of Washington Parks
Pierce County Parks
King County Parks
City Federal Way Parks
City of Bellevue Parks
City of Auburn Parks
City of Olympia Parks

Soiree does not get paid for promoting sites.

Save time - money - and have the time of your life...

2008-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Is working and planning your wedding taking a toll on you?

At the end of the day do you feel unaccomplished and like you settled for less?

It can be exhausting searching for the best deals, utilizing your resources, and finding vendors you can relate to. Soiree Events Co is resourceful and committed to creating your custom wedding, offering a variety of services from concept to reality within your financial plan.

Call today and ask how we can turn your Soirée into an Event no one will ever forget!

Thank you for your support!!

2008-07-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the guests that came to support Goodlife Entertainment and Take Action for a truly memorable evening. Without your support this event would not have been as successful as it was.

To our sponsors, Crader Lake Vodka, The Tux Shop, Faire Gallery Cafe, Hit Jamz, Kona Kai, BeautiControl, D-LIST, EMP, POPCAP, Woodland Park Zoo, Salty's, OS Winery, THANK YOU!

To Leah Clarin, Naomi Roberson, Tenishia, and Jonie Dang...THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Best cup of coffee in the South End.

Please continue your support and donate to a worthy cause.

Sweet 16 / Country Wedding

2008-05-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

Click each picture to see its full size

Soirée's List of Services

2008-05-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Full Service Package Options:

Free Consultation
Complete Wedding Portfolio

Binder with calendars/checklists
Monthly Goals
Emailed Print Outs to Add Throughout the Planning Process

Event Portfolios

Given to Assistants, Wedding Parties, Family Members
List of Important Contacts, Dates, Schedule
Tips for the Event

Monthly Meetings

Weekly Email Updates

Budget Monitoring Management
Dress Design

Sketch
Custom Details
Hand Made in the USA
Fittings

Invitations

Announcements/Save the Date/Thank you Cards
Complimentary Email Confirmations to Guests
Coordinate RSVP’s

Wedding/Event Website Blog

Allows Guests to Know the Happenings
Updated Weekly
Email Groups

Themed Events
Vendor Meetings

Band and/or DJ
Flowers
Food/Beverage
Venue
Photography and/or Videography

Venue Layout

Guest Seating
Décor
Place Settings

Accept Vendor Deliveries
Tuxedo/Suit Fittings
Destination Weddings
Slide Shows
Custom Give A Ways
Gift Registry
Hair/Make Up

Consultation Prior to Event
Day of Services
“Spa Day” for Out of Town Guests or Bridal Parties

Event Day Production

Knowledgeable Team Coordination
Handle All Obstacles
Answer Questions From Vendors

Rehearsal Day Coordination

Venue
Dinner
Invites

Out of Town Guest Travel Planning

Schedule Flights
Pick up/Drop off
Rentals
Welcome Gift Bag
Out of Town Dinner and/or Cocktail Party
Provide Suggestions for Sightseeing/Maps

Honeymoon Accommodations
Wedding Officiant
Marriage License
Church/Ceremony Location
Dance Lessons

All services listed above are optional and available to create a package to fit your specific needs.

Day of Coordination:

If you are planning your own event, and just need help with event day production, we can offer you assistance, as an extra eye and hand, so that you don’t have to worry about what is going on behind the scenes, while you are enjoying your party. A week prior the event and day before, we can meet with you to see what you need done, and what you expect to happen during the event. Event planning should not be a chore, it’s a privilege.

Need a Little Extra Help?

We also provide hourly services, meeting with you for advice, references, and/or planning.