Small touches for summer weddings and events

We specialize in special events.  And by "special",  I mean anyone can throw flowers in a vase, place them on linens and call it good.  We're the detail creaters, the intimacy makers, the "ohh, look at what they did!" people.  We've got the ideas, you get the credit. :)

Working on proposals for quite a few August weddings this week I've been dreaming up some ideas that are easy on the budget, strong on the compliments.

* At the ceremony site, whether its outdoors or in a non air conditioned church, ice water is always a great touch.  Most church staff are o.k. with it as well.  Big drink dispensers with spouts are available quite affordably at places like Sams Club, or check with a local restaurant that caters and see if you can rent a couple. 

Fill them with ice water, herbs and sliced fruit.  Some of my favorite combinations are cucumber and mint, or orange and lemon slices.  stack up some plastic cups on a table by the entrance with signs in a picture frame saying what the water is flavored with, and asking guests to help themselves.  Don't forget the cocktail napkins and a small waste basket for the cups.

*Fan programs.  Instead of just giving your guests paper programs, give them programs that are glued to popsicle sticks or bamboo skewers to make fans to cool themselves.  Tip-use thick card stock or multiple layers to keep the fan sturdy and not let the handle show through.  We make these and would be happy to do it for you, but don't be afraid to try it yourself!  A little "monkey see monkey do" from ETSY goes a long way.  :)

*A "stay cool" bar.  We created this for an outdoor wedding last summer and it was a hit.  Just line a banquet table with wicker baskets, and fill each basket with paper parasols, bug spray, sun tan lotion, sunglasses, blotting tissue, and spray bottles of water scented with herbs or essential oil.  You don't need enough for every single person attending the ceremony, just a handful of each (head to the Dollar Store, you'd be amazed at what you'll find).  I guarantee your guests will be going "ohhh!  So sweet!"

Have you seen any other ideas of the like at weddings?  Please share so we can pass them on!  All of this talk makes me want a margarita.  :)


Have a wonderful night and thanks for reading,


Shannon
www.onegirlcreative.net

Days fly by..

And I haven't post in ages.  I'm fairly good at updating in the spring, but then late spring comes and its a flurry of activity at One Girl HQ and I start to slip.

Counting our blessings that we have a fairly late start to "wedding season" this year.  We had one wedding in April, but our next isn't until June 23rd.  We're starting with a bang, with both of our ceiling fabric drapes in June (i.e. hard but worth it!).  Then its onto two in July, three in August, three in September, two in October...

So far, this is the Season of Sensibility.  We're doing a lot of Sam's Club bulk flowers for centerpieces, while relying on our amazing floral designer friends for bouquets, boutonnieres, etc.  "Rustic Chic" is the hot theme, with mason jar vases and candle holders, grape vine balls, window pane seating arrangements, picture frame chalkboards and reclaimed wood signs.  Not only is this beautiful and "North Woods", but its saving my clients money which-no matter what your budget-is a beautiful thing.

"Left of the Ice Pick" so far is a green curry entree choice in September (phenomenal...since the tasting, I've been craving it daily), two Ice Cream Truck deliveries for a wedding surprise, a butterfly release, a fresh fruit and cheese offering instead of wedding cake, and Polaroid cameras with film for a do-it-yourself photo booth.

Favorite wedding favor (so far) is "choose your own" classic, paper back romance.  The couple purchased a  hundred gently used books from Amazon.com and are writing a hand written Thank You in the cover of each.  The books themselves were less than two dollars each with shipping since they're used. I also have hand made soaps, scented or unscented, made by the bride and wrapped with some help and love from her wedding planner.

We're still adding weddings all the time.  Even if you're planned to the hilt,  (especially, I should say), we  offer day of set up, management and tear down to make sure everything goes smoothly.  We have five women that will help you rock your day! Give us a call at 715-679-1498, or shoot an email to info@onegirlcreative.net.


Have a beautiful weekend,

Shannon
Mama bear of the One Girls
www.onegirlcreative.net

Clever Wedding Signs

I love adding more than "John and Jane Doe Wedding" directional signs to wedding or events.  It adds a touch of whimsy, romance and playfulness to the day.  I have a stock of reclaimed barn wood that I've hammered into signs...I repaint them with white paint and reuse them for weddings.  You can use anything, though...from vinyl signs to chalkboards to two by fours. Be relaxed, have fun, and play!

Here are some examples of sayings for your signs:

I'll like you forever (next to another sign that reads) I'll love you for always

All you need is love (next to another sign that reads) Love is all you need

...And they lived happily ever after

Mr. Right (for the groom's chair)  Mrs. Always Right (for the bride's chair)

Lovers Lane

...All because two people fell in love

We thank each and every one of you for joining us today.  You've added to our happiness in a very special way.

This way to the wedding

Let's do this thing!

Happily Ever After starts here.

Oh happy day!

Hugs and Kisses from the new Mr. and Mrs.

Come as you are, stay as long as you can, we're all family here, so no seating plan

Life is sweet, take a treat

You don't have to pick sides, sit wherever you like.

Holy matrimony!  Welcome to our wedding.

True love is a big deal

Eat, Drink and Be Married

Our day is happier because you're here.  Thank you.



And thank you for stopping by my corner of the web.  <3 Please share with other nearly newly weds and such in your life.


Love,
Shannon

http://www.onegirlcreative.net/

Garbage to Glam-Make the Most of "Large Item Pick Up" Day!

I'm surprised I didn't get hit or ticketed today. I spent a good couple of hours driving s-l-o-w-l-y by the doors, window frames, old chairs and ladders that sit on the curbs of people's homes for our city wide Large Item Pick Up week, thinking how they'd make such AWESOME wedding props, particularly for outdoor weddings and receptions. I didn't pick up anything though, I forced myself not to.  One Girl HQ (aka my house) is going on the market this summer so I'm trying to purge, not collect.

This, however, doesn't mean that YOU can't collect and turn all that garbage into glam!  Here are some ideas for your wedding or party decor.

*Use old doors as an entrance way to your outdoor wedding or reception.  I'm desperately in love with this look.  It's like an entrance way to a secret garden.

*Use rickety ladders to hang place cards from (in alphabetical order).  Or, use them as shelves for decorative plants or wedding favors.

*Take picture frames, adhere them to plywood and paint the plywood with chalkboard paint for very cool bar, menu, treat and general wedding signs.  Heck, paint wood head boards, old chairs, doors, shelves, etc. with chalk board paint and do the same!

*Use old window and picture frames for really cute photo props (take a picture with two heads kissing in the frame)

*Use glass window panes to write the seating assignments for your reception and hang near the entrance.  Use these also as bar or main menus, or just to write love notes or inspiring messages.

*Take an old scrapes of wood, deconstruct and nail together to make directional signs for your wedding (John and Jane wedding this way) or just rustic love sign to be put into the ground (Eat, Drink and Be Married; Happily Ever After Starts Here, etc)

Think outside the box!  Indoor furniture re purposed and used "outside of its element" adds whimsy and fantasy to the most magical day of your life.

Love,
Shannon
www.onegirlcreative.net

The Candy Bar

'Tis the season to start thinking about purchasing candy for your candy bar. A candy bar is a great substitute for wedding favors.  It's affordable*, delish, and who doesn't like candy?  As an experienced candy bar-er, I wanted to offer my words of wisdom in choosing your goods.

*While I say this is affordable, it's really not the most affordable favor you can purchase, and I think this is a common misconception.  At minimum, you'll want about twenty pieces of candy per person, unless you're planning to only offer it for a couple of hours.  Some folks won't take any (well, they'll SAY they won't take any but they'll sneak some when no one's looking :) and some will load up their bags. Typically I spend $300-$400 on a wedding of 150 (on the low end) and it goes up from there.


So here's a couple of things I've learned over the years.


Have a color that ties everything in.  If you can afford it, do color themed, "off brand" candies from a supplier like candywarehouse.com.  Why?  Well....it looks cool.  :)  And fancy.

Or, samsclub.com works great, too!  Make pretty labels for your candy jars and decorate with the same color ribbon to keep the color theme on a low budget.

Avoid anything jelly or sugar shell coated. I don't mean M and M's...google "peppermint candy pillows" and you'll get the sugar coated no-nos.  In my experience, they melt in a big clump and you have to spend half the night chiseling away at the candies.

One way to help avoid this  (warning.....this next part is kind of gross.....) is purchase tongs for the candies as opposed to hand held scoops.  You can get clear tongs at the Dollar Store.  This avoids perspiration or cold drink residue from people's hands reaching into the candy (told you.  Gross, but true).

Containers...get different sized, clear containers that range from big to small.  The more interesting and varied, the better.  Rent them from me!  Or, think outside of the box and use vases, fish bowls, your grandma's old punch bowl, etc.  Hit up garage sales.

Stick the handles of suckers and rock candy in brick of floral foam and decorate with ribbon or linens.  Different heights and close together is the key.  Too spread out or even (all one sized dish), and it looks like you skimped on the goods.

For the treat bags? Check out orientaltrading.com.  Wal mart has them, too!  Or get fancy and check out websites like Beau Coup Favors, or my favorite, Nashville Wraps.  Use "cake slice" bags or miniature "Chinese take out" pails.  Avoid big bags.  Big bags = loads of candy.

Finally (and most importantly) have a designated person in attendance.  Have ME in attendance, really...but if you're not going to hire a Wedding Coordinator, have someone responsible that's not too chatty and will remember to do their job after a few cocktails to keep those candy dishes filled, keep the bags neat, keep the random candy pieces that fall of the table in the garbage and keep everything looking clean, well stocked and pretty.  Otherwise, you're going to run low and it'll be a hot mess half way through cocktail hour. Trust me.  It happens (but not on my watch!)  

That's my thoughts in a nut shell.  I LOVE candy bars because I have a huge sweet tooth, and there's not many times in our adult lives where we just get to gorge on yummy candies.  When I'm a wedding guest, I appreciate a good mix and a fun display.

For more ideas, e-mail or call me anytime!  "Life is Sweet, Have a Treat".

Love,
Shannon
www.onegirlcreative.net

Great example of a bar!  Yellow and orange ties the candies together, the different levels and shapes add interest, and the labels and bunting add an adorable accent to the set up.

*beams* Yes, good has been done here. *shoulders back* *chin up* *cape flies in the breeze*

Wausau, WI.– April 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce One Girl Creative llc has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Wedding Coordination and Decoration!




The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, One Girl Creative llc was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.



One Girl Creative llc is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.



“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate One Girl Creative llc for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”



One Girl Creative llc is owned and operated by Shannon Thomas in downtown Wausau, serving North Central Wisconsin (and beyond) with Wedding and Event Management, Decoration and Planning. Since its inception in March of 2009, she has assisted in over 20 weddings and events, and is a great resource for brides on a budget, creative ideas and trends for "Wedding Season" (May through October). She is available for interviews by contacting her at 715-679-1498, or by e-mail at shannon@onegirlcreative.net.





For more information on One Girl Creative llc, please visit our website at www.onegirlcreative.net



To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.



About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Weddings and Proms and Part Time, oh my!

It's been awhile since I've blogged...weeks turn into months before I even know it, and here we are, at the end of April and I've already been through my first wedding of the season!

Nepco shelter in Wisconsin Rapids was my Friday the 13th wedding a couple weeks ago. If you're looking for an outdoor wedding (with a guest list of 125 or less), this might just be the spot.  Just gorgeous, and it was the kind of wedding reception I like best.....everyone pitching in with the food and the help, making an intimate family and friend filled event.  A taco bar with steamed tortillas was dinner (delish) and the dessert bar was RIDICULOUS (in a good way, of course).  Everyone brought bars or cookies or something sweet, and there was literally dozens of treats, and cake, and a chocolate fountain with sliced fruit, marshmallows, etc.  If you know me and my sweet tooth at all, you know that I was cheering for every tasty morsel that made its way on the scene.


This last weekend was DC Everest Prom.  Incredibly fun set up with amazing kids. If I could do proms for a living, I probably would.  Not that I don't adore weddings...of course I do....I'm just sayin', when someone hands you a budget and says "Here. Our theme has stars, glitter and candy.  Order what we need"...it's a good time!

I'm grateful for such amazing kids (and their adviser, Renee!)  I gave them materials that we purchased and pulled from the theater room, and they ran with it.  They were hard workers, courteous, optimistic and fun.  I truly hope I get to work with them in 2013.

In TWO WEEKS I get to go part time at my day job, which means wedding season has officially begun.  Blessed to be going into my third year of business.  A baker's dozen of weddings later, I know I've found my true love in event decorating and planning, and I'm so thankful for every last one of y'all that have (and continue to) support One Girl. We have 12 (13?  I've lost count!) weddings this summer which is over twice as much as last year, and I have three girls on staff, Heather, Alysian and Abrielle.  Heather's mom used to be a wedding planner so she's right at home with the decorating and planning. Abrielle worked for me last year as a bartender, and naturally transition into a role as a coordinator, and Al? She's 15, artistic, energetic and ready to take on her first season!

It's going to be a great year.:)


Love,
Shannon
www.onegirlcreative.net

The Grounds of Nepco Shelter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dessert bar!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DC Everest Prom 2012