Monday, May 14, 2012

The Blogsphere is all a Twitter

Social Media has taken over the world!
I'm not even joking, it literally has. Every brand, company, blogger and your average joe is using some form of social media.



Personally, I am addicted. Ever since Facebook made its way into my life in 2005, I have not looked back.
Since my little blog is still in its baby stages, I have been reading alot of articles on how to use social media to my advantage.

While browsing, I came across this gem of an article simply named 30 Things to Tweet About Your Brand.

It's genius! Here are a few of my favs from the list that I would never have even thought of.

23. Create Twitter lists of industry-relevant analysts, well-wishers or customers, and announce the lists publically.  This sends a positive message to the mentioned people.
29. Give daily twitter tips on usage of your brand’s products/service or on the basis of the industry expertise. Tips sell well on Twitter.
30. Make regular #FF Friday Follow recommendations or announce fan of the week with some incentives or freebies to the winners.


Follow the link above to read the article in its entirety. You'll be glad you did. Also be sure to follow yours truly on Twitter here.




Thursday, May 10, 2012

Bunting and Tassels,Tassels and Bunting

One major part of planning an event (and the most fun, in my opinion) is the decorating. 
It really adds to the atmosphere and if done right can really impress and inspire your guests.
I posted about trends before here, well this is another major trend that has been hitting Pinterest and the event bloggersphere for some time now.

It is all about bunting and tassels. Obviously this trend can only be used for special events, such as weddings, birthdays and milestone celebrations, since it had a more personal feel. I would not recommend busting out too much tassel for a conference or business event.

But today's post is all about fun. Take a look at some tassel examples below. The possibilities are endless, you can make them in any colour, length and texture you wish.



Bunting, I think has become and even bigger trend than tassels. You can bunt all over the place. Hang them from your ceiling, from trees, even use them as a cake topper. There are a slew of DIY tutorials on these, you can check mine out here and just like tassels, your options are endless.

































Have you used any form of bunting or tassels before? What occasion was it for? Would love to see some pics.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

25 Little Details That Will Make a BIG Difference at Your Next Event

I stole this wonderful article from HubSpot Blog.

Previously, I mentioned the Top Three items to keep in mind when starting to plan your event. Well this is quite the opposite. Once all your big items are in place, it is time to start thinking details.



Many of the items mentioned in this article, might be things you may very well forget, not because you are a bad planner (not even close) but mostly because there is such a long list of things to keep in mind that sometimes things slip through the cracks.

Thankfully we have articles such as this to keep us on our toes.

A couple of my favourites are:

4) Alternately, ask your hotel to give attendees a welcome packet that you've put together upon check in. You can often negotiate add-on services like this before you sign your contract. Attendees will really feel the 5-star treatment with a welcoming gesture like this!
7) Designate an area where people can relax, check their email, and make phone calls. Do not let any sponsors in this area. It should be a safe space where people can escape the conference. Doing this will prevent attendees from leaving the event when they need a break ... and then never coming back!

Click here to read in it entirety.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Flower Power

Check out this helpful blog post by Lauren Conrad. She outlines a few useful tips on flower arranging. Always a good idea to become familiar with flower displaying, since it is a huge cost cutter when it comes to planning your event.

flowers

Click here for this great tutorial.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Top Three..

When deciding on and planning an event there are always millions of ideas that start forming in your head. Sometimes there are so many that it becomes overwhelming and you do not even know where to start, if you're anything like me, you will start writing down the list of all the items in your head, so that you can see it in front of you on paper.
This although is a superb idea, can sometimes make the task even more daunting.

The best way to start is to choose the top three most important items when it comes to planning your event:

Date
Location/Venue
Theme/Colour Scheme

The above might seem incredibly obvious now, but when you are stressed and listing those items in your event notebook or spreadsheet, these might be somewhere in the middle. A lot of times, people start with the guest list first, or the food they want catered.

Why are these the top three (in my mind anyways)?

The Date

The Date gives you and your guests a timeline, think of it as your deadline, something to strive towards and give yourself little due dates in between for.

The Location

The location/venue marks the start of your planning, for example the number of guests you invite, and usually the venue offers its own services, like: decorations, catering, technical support, staff and sometimes they even give recommendations for DJs and other items you would not have even thought of.

The Theme/Colour

The theme/colour scheme is the start of the creative idea flow, and is probably the most fun, once you have decided on a theme the possibilities are endless.

So take out your notebook and start planning.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Photo booth Fun

Every now and then a new trend makes a huge splash and can be seen being used by everyone. Sometimes these trends stay a short while and get used up too much and become cliche.

Photo booths do not fit in the category above. Although a trend in their own right, I at least, do not think they will ever become cliche. What better way to capture your guests, than having them take super ridiculous and fun pictures of themselves. Sure you can get your photographer to take the ever so simple (and boring) table shot of everyone, but does that picture let your guests' personality shine? Nope!

Take a look at some super fun photo booth and backdrop ideas below.

Source: google.com via Erika on Pinterest


Source: etsy.com via Erika on Pinterest



Now go and think of a creative one of your own. What will it be?

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Easter Fun

Colouring Eggs, making my mom's famous potatoe salad and decorating the house in pretty pastel colours are just a few of my favourite things during Easter.

It is just such a fun holiday and the best part is we know that Spring and warm weather are just around the corner. Whether you celebrate for religious reasons or for any other reason, Easter is always a perfect excuse for an event.

Below are some super fun Easter ideas for the holiday, thanks to Pinterest (yes I am obsessed)

                                                                                                        Source: thetomkatstudio.com via Erika on Pinterest

                                                                       Source: accomplishedwoman.blogspot.com via Erika on Pinterest

                                                                                                                    Source: vk.com via Erika on Pinterest

                                                                                                       Source: thesoho.blogspot.com via Erika on Pinterest

                                                                                                    Source: marthastewart.com via Erika on Pinterest

                                                                                                             Source: Uploaded by user via Erika on Pinterest



                                                                                    Source: raspberricupcakes.com via Erika on Pinterest


How will you be celebrating Easter this year?