Essence of Events, LLC

Today instead of featuring different gifts to present to your guests, wedding party, or significant other, we want to instead give a gift to you! Our gift may not come wrapped, or in a fancy box, but we happen to think it’s pretty special. So, without further ado…

Kate Middleton’s Baby Shower! Or at least our version of it! Everyone knows that the Duchess is pregnant and is due in July, and traditionally showers are held about a month before the date.

In Royal practices, a baby shower has never been thrown before, but rumor has it that Pippa, Kate’s younger sister, will in fact be hosting an event for her sister. The modern “mum”-to-be has decided to adopt this practice and although the who, what, when, where will be a heavily guarded secret, Essence of Events has decided to come up with our version of what her baby shower would be like, if we had planned it!

The theme of the baby shower would be English Tea Party. There are so many adorable directions you can go with this fashionable trend right now, that it would be perfect for Kate. And it is so decidedly English, that people would expect nothing less!

An adorable invitation like this would play upon the theme of the day, while still maintaining her fun-loving side that she is well known for.

The décor should be kept neutral and a white color scheme, as to not reveal the gender of the baby. Having a white baby shower, or décor for your child’s room, is increasingly popular anyway; a trend the duchess is sure to be aware of. We just love these baby’s-breath pom poms and simple floral designs.

The English Tea Party design is clearly shown in this neutral pallet color scheme, and sweet touches throughout the tablescape. Her baby shower is sure to be a classy affair, with delicate touches and personal thoughts.

These vintage-inspired cupcakes blend tremendously with the theme. With the calming color pallet, attention to detail, and tea party inspired design, they are just made for this baby shower!

Since tea parties and afternoon tea in England consists of a lot of dessert options, having a sweet bar where guests can help themselves is a lovely idea.

Bite-sized finger sandwiches of cucumber are delicious, other options include smoked salmon, ham, or cheese; but there are so many different choices. It’s all up to you and your taste buds!

Everyone knows that cake pops are popular, but putting macrons on a stick? Genius! This is a delicious, unique, and totally on-trend desert idea.

These enchanting cookies can also make an appearance at the dessert station. Of course Kate is known for her custom wardrobe, so her baby shower food should be no different! The attention to detail on these is extraordinary.

Having sweets that sit in their own dishes is a new trend, and these pudding parfait shots are looking too yummy!

A delicate ruffle cake that is just as sweet as a new baby!

For help creating your baby shower inspired by the one above, or something completely different, contact Essence of Events, LLC today.

Not only are we available for all of your wedding needs, but we also plan events, including baby showers, bridal showers, cooperate and non-profit fundraisers, engagement, anniversary, and dinner parties, plus more!

Contact us today to set up your free, initial consultation by calling us at 253.292.1482 or email at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Wedding maps are becoming increasingly popular as a form of wedding stationary. Many couples are choosing to include them in their invitations not only for out of town guests who may not know their way around the area, but for guests who have lived in the region their entire lives, too.

Wedding maps are beginning to serve as almost an activity guide to a couple’s wedding. They aren’t so much a formal diagram, with geographical points that will actually help you if you get lost, but as a figurative chart through your relationship.

The map may show special spots, places of interest, or things to visit. These guides are great, especially if you are planning on having a weekend wedding and your guests aren’t sure what to do when you are off making final arrangements. If you have pin-pointed a few must-see local landmarks, it will be sure to keep friends, relatives, and pesky Cousin Joe entertained for a few hours.

Here are a few examples of wedding maps that will give you wonderful inspiration for your wedding stationary. These are not only practical for you and your guests, but will make for a lovely keep sake, and a beautiful work of art for you to have long after the day is over.

This map, from Seattle, gives ceremony and reception locations, plus personal details about the couple like where they went to school (UW), their favorite spots (Volunteer Park), and tourist locations (Pike Place Market).

This map also takes on a weekend wedding program role, incorporating activities into the mix, and a schedule of events for guests to participate in. As well as the schedule for the wedding, like ceremony and reception times.

A whimsical New York wedding map shows that you can still be fun, yet functional. They use proper street addresses so guests know where the ceremony and reception locations will be, but add artistic flares and fun touches.

A very cute country themed wedding map. This one takes the opportunity to highlight where the couple and their families are from, and where and how to get to other towns from the ceremony site.

A destination wedding map shows all the fun things you can do while at this couple’s wedding, including shopping, dining, and snorkeling. They include the general direction for the best locations for these activities, plus where to go to reach other cities, the airports, and hotels.

This map shows the journey through the couple’s relationship, and uses imagery to give guests directions on how to get to the ceremony site. It gives details about the couple including where they are from, how they met, and where they currently reside.

In this Napa Valley destination wedding, the couple has chosen to highlight some vineyards for their guests, so should they be rather parched on the wedding weekend, they know the best places to stop off for a drink.

In true Washington DC style, this couple has chosen to stick with the facts (or perhaps that isn’t DC style at all!) and go for a straight, traditional map. With proper street names and a legend at the bottom; their guests aren’t getting lost at all!

This is an example of stationary packaging, and how one couple chose to present their invitations to guests. Of course others chose to send maps, guides, schedules, and itineraries separately after invitations have been sent and RSVPs received.

However you chose to send your stationary, Essence of Events, LLC is here to help. With vendor referrals, planning services, and ideas for your guest’s activities for your wedding weekend so they are entertained while you relax before the big day!

To get all your questions answered and to set up your free, initial consultation, call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Finding wedding favors that are pretty, classy, yet aren’t going to break the bank is a tricky job to accomplish. That’s why at Essence of Events, LLC we just love Koyal Wholesale. They sell everything you could possibly need for your wedding and event. From vases and centerpieces, event lighting and decorations, cake, cupcake, and candy buffet supplies, linens, and even DIY and craft supplies; you name it, Koyal Wholesale supplies it.

Today, however, we are going to feature some of their brand new and most popular wedding favors that we just love at Essence of Events. There are styles, themes, and products to suit every bride and her budget. But don’t just take our word for it. Scroll through some of the photos below, and if you absolutely love something, click on the photo and it will take you immediately to the site.

Remember, one of the best things about Koyal Wholesale is the more you buy, the less expensive it is, and they are always having promotions. Currently you get 10% off your order, which is a great deal!

“Key to My Heart” Antique-style place card or photo holders. You’ll absolutely hold the key to your guest’s heart’s by giving them these antique skeleton keys.

Starts at $9.98 for 4

Spring birdcage place card holder and tealight holder. A cute container for storing a larger gift, or just décor for the table.

Starts at $4.50

Chalkboard glass cork jars. These are perfect for candy or food favors.

Starts at $37.99 for 12

“Sip and Scribble” Write-on chalkboard coasters. Cute for place settings too.

Starts at $5.98 for 4

Mercury glass tea light holder. Put candy or another gift in here to give to guests, but the pretty vessel makes a different way of presenting your favor.

Starts at $5.98

Personalized rustic flower burlap bags. The ultimate party favor, these personalized rustic burlap favor bags are perfect for any rustic, vintage, beach, summer, nautical, lakeside, and outdoor wedding.

Starts at $42.98 for 12

“Anchors Away” Bottle opener. For a nautical or beachside wedding, these beautiful and classy favors will stun your guests.

Starts at $3.75

Personalized scented soap. They both look and smell beautiful, these soaps come in lovely packaging that your guests are sure to enjoy and remember for times to come.

Starts at $39.99 for 12

Silver bird place card holders. Use them as a favor or to let your guests know where to sit, either way these elegant love birds will be remembered throughout the evening.

Starts at $6.98

Trellis accent tealight candle. This favor is available in two colors, but whichever you choose; your guests will delight in the glow of this warm gift.

Starts at $1.98

If you still need help selecting gifts or favors, or would love some more vendor referrals from trusted names in the industry; hand selected from Essence of Events, LLC make sure to contact us today.

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

Written by Samantha Macrae

Your bridesmaids and maid of honor are your best and closest friends and family members in the world. You selected them to help you through this journey, and they’ve been with you since the beginning. Not just the beginning of wedding planning, but since quite possibly since you were a young girl.

Now you need to select a gift to give your gals that shows them how much you love them, and how appreciative you are. From helping you plan, to selecting decor, and dealing with your mammoth breakdowns when the baker couldn’t provide you with that specific shade of pink frosting, they’ve been there for you.

A nice pen isn’t going to cut it, this token of your appreciation needs to be heartfelt and something that they can look at and smile.

All of these gifts are from Kate Spade, because I love their quality, colorful, and quirky products. Your bridal party will be utterly thrilled to receive one of these lovely, wedding-theme gifts.

These cute bangles are engraved with idioms like “peas in a pod,” “partners in crime,” “sidekicks,” “two of a kind,” “birds of a feather,” and “perfect pair.” On the inside it reads “best friend ever.” Available in gold, rose gold, and silver.

Say thank you to your bridal party for helping you tie the knot, by getting them these sailors knot bracelets.

These cosmetic purses are not only sure to bring a smile to the faces of your friends, but they are also practical for the wedding day. If you’re planning on a girl’s weekend before the big day, these makeup bags are a must.

Kate Spade also has jewelry, accessories, and other items for you as a bride as well that is adorable, so while you’re shopping for your friends, make sure to buy something for yourself, too!

“Yes” and “Mrs” necklaces. Both are available in silver and gold. You’ll wear these to all your pre and post-wedding events.

These necklaces are also both available in silver and gold. While you’re treating your friends, you might as well treat yourself!

Kate Spade also carries a wide assortment of other wedding related accessories, including this passport holder and these fantastic shoes. Check out the wedding section of their website by clicking here, for day-of jewelry, purses, and much more.

For more gift ideas, plus other wedding planning help, and to get all your questions answered, contact one of our coordinators today. To schedule your free, initial consultation, email us at contact@essenceofevents.com or call 252.292.1482

Written by Samantha Macrae