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

Just a few Sunday’s ago, we had the pleasure of visiting a wonderful wedding venue while we were touring potential sites for the business and clients. We were so impressed by this gorgeous wedding site that we just had to share it with all of you.

Rock Creek Gardens is a twenty acre estate that features a barn, and expansive green lawns that both provide lovely areas to host your wedding. The lawns have koi ponds, creeks, waterfalls, and landscaping inspired by English gardens.

There is a pergola which would provide a wonderful archway to decorate for your alter, and endless photo opportunities. The greens also play host to a permanent tent with dramatic and elegant draping to host your reception.

At Essence of Events, LLC, we just loved this venue tour so much, and thought that both the facility and their vendors did such a spectacular job, that we wanted to share. Take a look at the photos we took while we were there to see if this is a place where you would want to say your “I-Do’s,” host your next event, or simply have a good time with your friends and family.

Inside the barn; there is occupancy for up to 200 guests in this space which can be decorated to any taste and style that suits you.

The floral for this venue tour was all by Posh Flowers. We love her work and we think it looks beautiful in this setting with this rustic-chic vibe

This is where they set up an aisle in the barn. There are signs like this all over the venue saying adorable idioms like this.

Yum! A sweet bar set up inside the barn. All of the food was so delicious at this venue tour. The professionals that Rock Creek Garden’s work with are wonderful.

This is the tent outside. You can’t even tell that is what it is with all the gorgeous draping. We were so grateful for this lovely option, especially since it was raining. With an outdoor venue like this, having a backup option is a necessity, especially in Washington!

More delicious food outside in the tent.

We had the best time at Rock Creek Gardens, and highly recommend it for your future wedding or event. For further questions, or if you would like Essence of Events to refer you for more qualified and pre-screened vendors for your upcoming day, contact us now.

To schedule your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email us 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

Food bars are increasingly popular at weddings nowadays. Typically, all a bride and groom needs to do to make these stations a success is to make them look creatively presented, in a bar or food station set up for guests, and provide food, it’s as simple as that!

Usually they require guests to do their part in creating and customizing their own cocktail, meal, snack, or dessert. There is a reason why everyone loves them; unlimited options and unlimited fun! It is something your guests can do during cocktail hour, or even during the reception. Plus, bonus; it can even double as wedding favors, with the right amount of ingredients, of course! There is a reason this is a great idea, for guests and couples alike!

These stations featured below aren’t just about food that tastes good, but they are beautifully and inspiringly presented. So dig in, and try not to drool (too much, anyway!) to grab some ideas for your upcoming event!

These fireside munchies could encompass a larger theme of foods for a campfire. They are all so cute and bring guests together when they are roasting s’mores, chatting, and bonding over the different flavors of popcorn.

Who says coffee and tea stations have to be boring? Warm your guests up by creating cozy and inviting atmospheres with proper mugs instead of paper, toss-away cups.

These sweet treats look too good to eat! Whether you’re encouraging your guests to opt for donuts vs. wedding cake, or providing glass jars for take-away ice cream with signature toppings, there are always a variety of options to choose from.

These savory snacks are perfect for cocktail hour, or even the reception instead of a buffet. From tacos, to DIY grilled cheese, even put-it-together potatoes, there is bound to be something to appeal to everyone’s taste buds.

Drink up, and enjoy a cocktail! Why pay that bartender when you have guests who know how to shake and stir just as well? Provide them with some mixers and some extra ingredients and you’re bound to have some weird and wonderful combinations coming your way!

With a little bit of preparation, anyone can set up a fancy dessert bar or food station with a reasonable budget. First, decide whether you want to go with a larger theme, like foods for the campfire, an all-white candy bar, sweet and salty, movie munchies, childhood treats, or even just a collection of the bride and groom's all-time favorites. Or you may be set on a specific item; s'mores, cookies, cheesecakes, tacos, baked potatoes, French fries, whiskey, Bloody Marys or mimosas, for instance. Focus on that one item and go all-out. Think about different toppings, possible combinations and variety.

We are always here to help you at Essence of Events, LLC. Just set up your free, initial consultation and we can answer all your questions regarding food, planning, design, or any other concerns.

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

Written by Samantha Macrae