Unique Lounges – Perfect For Any Event
January 20th, 2010One of the most popular trends in event design is to incorporate lounge areas into the party. These areas often include plush sofas, comfortable chairs, tables and fun accessories. I love to keep these areas a surprise and to reveal them just before the dancing starts as a way to help the party evolve and to remain exciting for the guests.
One of my favorite vendors for event lounge furniture is CORT Event Furnishings. They have an innovative line of new light up tables called Luna Lighting. The items in this line offer a unique way to add lighting features into usable surfaces within the lounge – so cool!
The events below were created for a wedding at The Milwaukee Art Museum, a wedding at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro and the Best of Milwaukee party for the Shepherd Express.
Contemporary
Milwaukee Art Museum Wedding (Photography by Front Room Photography)
In this lounge design, I used throw pillows from CB2 and Pier 1 Imports to add color and texture to the furniture. Adding a splash of color with pillows can dramatically change the style and feel of a lounge setting.
Classic
Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro (Photography by Artist Group Photography)
I also love to use area rungs, throw blankets and unique accent tables to customize lounge areas. In this case, these special items were borrowed from the client’s home. Eventhough it was outdoors, it truly felt as though you were sitting in their living room!
Club Style
Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee 2009 (Photography by Matt Schwenke)
This style is definitely one of the most popular trends in event design currently. Guests love the feel of a nightclub environment and the right lounge furniture, lighting and accessories will create that vibe. Add music and – viola – you have a hip and trendy club style lounge!
Wedding Photo Booth With A Twist
January 13th, 2010Photo booths have become a very popular form of entertainment at weddings. It provides a very fun and interactive way for your guests to participate in the event and the photos make a great guest favor for them to remember the celebration.
For a recent wedding, I developed a unique photo booth that has received raving reviews. The wedding was for an employee of Anthropologie and her style was very complementary of their clothing and philosophies. The ceremony was held at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum and the reception at The Delafield Hotel.
David and the Mother of the Bride
The custom photo booth was designed using a beautiful damask patterned wallpaper, antique picture frames and other accessories. The families provided wedding pictures from various generations to display on the wall as a way to personalize the display. Here is the key – we left two open areas on the wall so that guests could pop their heads through as if they were a part of the wall of family photos. It was so much fun!
To add even more excitement, there were accessories (feather boas, hats, etc.) available for guests to use. We printed two copies of each photo – one for the guest and one for the wedding couple. The guests also had an opportunity to write a personal note to the wedding couple and then we compiled everything into a custom scrapbook as a keepsake.
Say “cheese” – this is a definite crowd pleaser!
Eco-Concious Green Wedding
January 8th, 2010This wedding was particularly unique because it showcased so many of the people, places and philosophies that are important to the bride and groom. Reclaimed wood was used to make several of the props including the wedding sign and place card display. A trio of African drummers entertained guests during the cocktail reception which highlighted the couple’s love for Africa and eco-conscious papers were used for wedding day stationery pieces. We also found fabulous fabric pennants from an artist on Etsy that we used to display family photographs. Overall, the wedding experience was a total reflection of Shannon and Brandon’s personal style which made it fun for guests and memorable for years to come.
Three Tips To Achieve This Theme
- Food – The menu should feature seasonal and organic food from local farmers.
- Decor – Use locally grown flowers that are selected based on the best blooms for the day and encourage your guests to share in their beauty by taking arrangements home for their pleasure or to donate them to a favorite friend or good cause.
- Venue – Choose a venue that is environmentally responsible. For this wedding, we chose the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center which is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the nation and has received a Gold LEED Award from the U.S. Green Buildings Council.
- Shannon and Brandon’s Wedding Highlights
Local Vendors
Event Planning and Design – Dynamic Events, David Caruso
Catering – Outpost Natural Foods
Floral Decor – Impressions Florist
Bakery – Outpost Natural Foods
Venue – Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Photography – Artist Group Photography
Equipment – Canopies Events With Distinction
Stationery – Paper Envy
Entertainment – Ko-Thi Dance Company
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