Essence of Events, LLC

If you’re choosing to invite kids to your wedding, still thinking about it or hesitant, or maybe have to invite two or three because they’re in the wedding party, then this is a must-read article for you!

This is an important decision that you have to make as a couple, because it can really set the tone for the entire evening; family-friendly affaire, or swanky soirée?

However if you are planning on having an adorable flower girl, and perhaps a rowdy ring bearer, we do have some tips on how to keep them smiling, happy, and entertained (much like the rest of your guests) all night long.

While children can be a lot of fun, boredom can kick in, and sudden temper tantrums are definitely no walk in the park. Passing out noise makers could be the easy way out, but after about five minutes, you and your guests are going to be sick of that obnoxious hoot.

Never fear, Essence of Events is here! We have a list of the greatest games, toys, and ideas, to keep those kiddos from knocking over your fabulous cake (you, and their parents, can thank us later). Now you’ll be able to sit back, and relax, knowing those little squirts can entertain themselves.

Read on for tips on how to keep their kid’s table well stocked with fun games and activities!

Craft tablecloth: Having a craft tablecloth is great because you don’t have to worry about spills and accidents, and it can also opt as a coloring palette.

Crayons and candy: Make cute little bundles of crayons and lollipops for each table setting. Coloring is always a great and easy way to keep kids occupied, not to mention it’ll keep their creative juices flowing!

Washable ink stamp set: It may sound insane, but a stamp set is brilliant. Stamps are fun and interactive! This particular set is washable, so even if they decide to mark themselves on the forehead, it’ll wash off before family portraits are taken.

Bubbles: Who doesn’t love bubbles? Great for the slightly older kids, just watch out for the younger ones in case they decide to take a swig!

Puzzles and games: Uno, Monopoly, or Candy Land are all great choices to keep at the game table.

Scavenger hunt: This is by far a favorite option of kids, brides, parents, and planners alike! Though on the pricier side, kids love scavenger hunts. Place a few disposable cameras on each kid’s table, and have them team up to capture pictures from a list you have put together.

Personalized activity book: While the grown-ups are sippin’ on some bubbly, the kids can be working on crossword puzzles and mazes that you as a couple have personally put together.

Fruit centerpieces: Keeping them snacking is a good way to keep them full and focused (at least that’s what the mini wheat ad’s say!). If you’re planning on having pretty alternative or fancy food, having options that kids can easily distinguish as “normal” is key.

Feeling nostalgic for your youth? Help make the good times roll for these kids at your wedding by implementing these great ideas at your big day! And for even more creative and unique ideas for your event, contact our Wedding Planners today!

To schedule your free, initial consultation, call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Often times when people think of hiring some form of entertainment, whether it is a harpist, acrobatics, band, quartet, or a DJ, they forget to add the ambiance of lighting and sound effects. The idea of entertainment really is the whole point of hiring these entertainers. Why not add the ambiance you’re looking for? You can get the romantic candle lit feeling with different kinds of LED uplighting in a red or pink tone.

For a personalized look, try out a custom monogram to be on display during your reception. For a disco feel you could go for the dance floor lighting. Perhaps you like the bump-and-groove of a night at the club type you will want to think about incorporating the newest trend of universal lighting that actually creates shapes around the room and can be programed to go to the beat of you and your guest’s favorite songs.

Photo Credit: Essence of Events, LLC

For a local company you are sure to be pleased with be sure to check out Generation X Productions.

Jered is absolutely captivated by all the dynamics that can be involved in the production, reproduction, and capturing of sounds. He loves anything audio, so much so he started his career just out of high school! After attending the Art Institute of Seattle and receiving a degree in audio engineering he accepted a video broadcast media position working on various video formats and learning how to author DVDs. He appreciates the mixed live sound for various bands, some of which he actually played in.

After showing his support by being a DJ for several events for friends and family. Jered slowly noticed that word of mouth was spreading and took the hint that he ought to DJ more and more events. That eventually led to the creation of Generation X Productions with his good friend Ollie.

Ollie's early influence of music led him to seek a career in the entertainment industry from an early age. After performing at several events throughout his time in high school for various people, he was inspired to just go ahead and invest in DJ equipment and learn how to mix and layer music. Since 2002 Ollie has enjoyed entertaining many with his production with hundreds of people for many different types of events.

After meeting these two, you are sure to feel at ease in the presence of their knowledge of music, equipment, and lighting effects. With their efficiency and organized music worksheet you are sure to get the desired effect you are looking for, and more! From weddings, parties, dinners, bars, concerts, electronic festivals, benefit events, to so much more!

With their competitive and reasonable pricing options you are sure to be able to enjoy the planning process of your music and lighting choices. So whatever ambiance you would like to portray; whether it’s on you wedding day, for your grandparents 50th anniversary or just a good old fashioned dance party, you are sure to love the services, options, pricing, and professionalism offered by Generation X Productions.

Contact us for additional ways to enhance your special event or for other local Professional Vendor Referrals. For additional planning, coordination, or design ideas, join us daily for updates on our blog on various subjects for weddings and events.

To contact us, email us at contact@essenceofevents.com or call 253.292.1482

Written by Michelle Culp

The atmosphere and entertainment of your wedding can sometimes make or break the night. Whether you want the mood of the event to reflect glamorous sophistication or a feel-good party time, the entertainer you hire needs to represent both you as a couple, and the style of the day.

Essence of Events has compiled a few tips to help you find the best band that will suit your wedding day. Because although you may have spent no end of time fussing over the centerpieces, when the guests leave, it’ll be the bad wedding band that’ll stick in their mind, and no one wants that!

Determine your budget: It would be great if everyone had the ability to spend whatever they wanted on their weddings, but in reality, everyone works within a budget. Sitting down and looking at a budget breakdown, and then deciding what percentage you can realistically spend on entertainment is important; prioritize you needs and determine what you really want. You can pay a little extra for a band you love, and lower the budget elsewhere. Being happy with your choices at the end of the day is what it’s all about.

Think about what kind of band you want: Not all bands are the same, and they definitely aren’t created equal. A band that only plays one style of music, say Motown/R&B or a tribute band, isn’t going to have the same range and song variety that a versatile entertainment band will. If you love 80s music, it doesn’t mean your guests will. If you’re having a themed wedding, like a Roaring Twenties style, perhaps you could add some of that flavor into the mix. But start thinking about what types of music and songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, and go from there.

Consider size: If you have a huge wedding hall or ballroom for a 300 person wedding, you probably want to hire a larger band, than say, a four person string quartet. At the same time, if you’re having an intimate 50 guest wedding at a private residence, hiring a full band would not be appropriate. Remember, if you hire larger bands, they often come with extras, like their own lighting and sound equipment, so although these are great bonuses; they do come with added costs. Make sure you understand exactly what you are getting before you sign.

Listen to samples: Just because their website is professional, doesn’t mean the band can actually carry a note. The only way you’ll truly know how good a band sounds is if you listen to a live sample, watch videos of past performances, or attend an event where they are playing. Check to see what reviews they have, or if they can provide references. Don’t just book a band because your cousin Suzie’s best friend Kate said they were good. Someone’s idea of good music may be different than yours.

Give yourself enough time: Make sure you do enough research, and book ahead. Don’t put hiring a band off until the last minute. While entertainment may not be at the forefront of your mind, it certainly is for a lot of other brides. Coincidently, wedding season (May-September) starts around Prom time, and ends when Homecoming starts. Schools are going to be snatching up your entertainment options, if other brides haven’t, just like the limo services.

Pick a band you trust: This is an important day; make sure you take the time to talk with the band or band leader beforehand. Professional bands should offer free consultations which allow you the opportunities to talk about your expectations and get to know each other’s personalities. They are there to help you create memories, make sure you feel comfortable around them; the band is there to make your day the best it can be.

For more music and entertainment tips, plus other wedding day advice, contact Essence of Events today. To schedule you initial consultation, email us at contact@essenceofevents.com or call 253.292.1482

Written by Samantha Macrae

Dancing at your wedding can be nerve wrecking, especially the first dance. It can feel like all eyes are on you, which in fact, they probably are. Unless both you and your husband are professional dancers and you know what you are doing out there on the dance floor, chances are you’re probably making it up as you go along.

That is why I highly recommend taking at least one dance lesson before the big day. Your first dance doesn’t have to be a choreographed, So You Think You Can Dance full-scale Broadway-style extravaganza, but knowing a basic waltz or two-step certainly wouldn’t hurt.

One of the best studios to work with is Arthur Murray International Dance Studios. The instructors are wonderful and work with beginners all the way to professionals. They are able to help choreograph your wedding dance, or just give you a few dancing lessons and tips.

Essence of Events works with Arthur Murray in Tacoma, but there are over 260 studios in 21 countries, so there is bound to be a location near you. To find yours, and to learn more, visit: http://arthurmurray.com/

If going to a studio isn’t exactly your thing, at least practicing to your song at home is a must. Knowing that you are both on the same page is important.

While you’re at your dress fitting, make sure you take a spin around the shop and you’re comfortable in the dress. You should make sure that your gown isn’t going to go anywhere and you can dance the night away, after all that’s what your wedding should be about; a celebration!

For more wedding tips, on dancing, music, and general coordination, please contact us for a free initial consultation at info@essenceofvents.com or call 253.292.1482

Written by Samantha Macrae