Planning a Destination Wedding? So am I!

Planning a destination wedding?  So am I!  Kennique Linens & Events owner by day and destination bride by night!  November 8, 2014 to be exact.  The selected location is the beautiful Dreams Riviera in Cancun, Mexico on the Riviera Maya. 

There's nothing I enjoy more than helping brides create amazing experiences, and I know first hand how overwhelming planning a destination wedding can be, especially if you're extremely picky and a perfectionist (yes I'll admit it)!  So, as I advance throughout this journey, I'll share the good, the bad and the not so fun.  From one destination bride to another!

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First word of advice. 
Register with Best Destination Wedding (BDW) at  www.bestdestinationwedding.com.  It's by far one of the best forums for brides planning a destination wedding that I've found.  You can search forums by your resort or create your own to begin networking with other brides getting married at your venue. In most cases you will not work directly with the venue coordinator until about three months prior to your wedding which, depending on your personality, can be a little annoying.  However, this forum allows you to engage with brides that may have the answers to many of your questions and ease some of your anxiety.

You can also find very detailed vendor and experience reviews, including pictures.  Amazing! 

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Happy Destination Planning!

Mesha

Next Up:  Should you hire a local Wedding Planner to help you? 

New Extreme Crushed Wave at Kennique

We've added to our collection this beautiful Extreme Crushed Linen.  This beautiful table design includes floral design Unique Creations by Amalia and one of our favorite elegant vintage themes.  Photography: ShanStar Photography

 

 

Why Hire a "day of" Event Coordinator?

Hiring a professional wedding coordinator to organize and manage details the day of your wedding can save your sanity and help to ensure that each and every detail is carried out.  
(FYI - There are very few professionals that offer true "day of" coordination.  Why?  Because it's like walking into traffic with a blind fold on.   In most cases "day of" coordination is actually "month of" coordination which may start anywhere from 4-5 weeks out.)

In a survey by SuperWedding.com and the International Institute of Weddings, 75% of married brides who did not use a wedding coordinator for their weddings said that based on their experiences, if they had to do it over again, they would hire a wedding coordinator to assist with the planning and be on hand to supervise the wedding day itself. 49% reported that if they could only change one thing about the entire wedding, this would be the thing they would do differently. 

Make It Count Because There Are No Do-Overs

Here’s the reality, there are no do-overs.  Once the day is gone it’s gone.  Too often, brides rely on family and friends to help carry out plans on the day of their wedding. By asking a friend or family member to take on this stressful task you’re taking away from their experience as a guest, and contrary to the bride’s on Bridezilla the last thing you want is for your guests and bridal court to feel like their part of your “event staff”.    

Your job is to enjoy the day and be in the moment.  Your coordinator is responsible for handling all of these details; they’re the main contact for all vendors/service providers (including working on your behalf with your venue), responsible for ensuring that your design details are executed, troubleshooting issues WHEN they arise, developing and overseeing your event timeline (which is critical because that’s the GPS for all your special moments), etc. 

What about my venue’s event coordinator?  Is that the same as a “day of” coordinator?

In most cases, the venue coordinator is the person that takes care of logistics for the venue, which is priceless.  But keep in mind, that’s generally as far as their services extend.  When you hire a "day of" coordinator, this person works for you.  Their overall goal is to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch (hence the need to come onboard at least a few weeks prior to your event).  They also ensure that desired customs/wishes are executed, they mediate disputes and/or issues, work with your different vendors to ensure and oversee a smooth installation and break-down, they create a formal and detailed timeline that becomes the blueprint for your event, and most importantly they ensure that all I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed!  I’ve witnessed more times than I’d like to count what happens when there’s no captain running the ENTIRE ship the day of the event.  Moments are missed, certain guests are forced to “help out” and the experience is only a fraction of what it could have been.  Remember, there are no do-overs.   

How much does "month of" coordination cost?
As with most things, this will vary.  It varies based on the size of the company, experience, years in the business, etc.  From our research in the DFW area the cost may range from $800 - $2000.  Many of your vendors may offer "day of" coordination as well, this includes caterers, florists, designers, linen companies, etc.  These particular vendors see first hand what happens when there is no one running the ship, so many have added this service to their offering to better support the needs of their client.  They may also provide you with a package discount.  For example, at Kennique, Kennique Linens' clients receive $200 off our "day of" coordination package.  If you're not currently working with a planner, you can learn more about our package at www.kenniqueevent.com. 

What should I look for if I want to hire a "month of" coordinator?
The person you hire should be someone that you're comfortable with.  Now of course, ask about their experience, ask for references and pictures of their work.  I'm big on formal training so get some information on classes they've taken or certifications received.  However, let me say this, a formal certification is not required for someone to be an excellent coordinator, nor does it guarantee that they'll be great to work with. 

If you're considering adding this as an additional service with one of your vendors (i.e. florists, caterer, linen company, etc.), check out their reviews.  What do their clients say about them?  Look for common themes that give you some insight as to what it would be like to work with them. 

Happy Planning!
 

Diva Glam Experience (Houston, TX)

While we love our brides, there's something special about creating a day to remember for our younger clients.  We were hired to create a DIVA Glam experience for this little 9 year old beauty.   She was transitioning from a little princess, to what she called a "pre pre teen."  LOL

At Kennique, we believe that celebrations should have a minimum of two unique experiences.  This Diva Glam experience actually had three!  The day begin with an kid approved Italian brunch with her closes friends and family. The birthday girl and her guests were then swepted away in their very own limo to the Tinkled Pink Party Palace dress-up, tea and of course a Diva fashion show.  The evening concluded with a "bestie" slept-over. 

And, Kennique was there every step of the way.  From the Save-The-Date magnet keepsakes created for guests and family to the last little diva left the following morning.

Here are a few pics from Kristion's Diva Glam experience...



Magnet Save The Date mailed to family and friends.

Invitations were designed as tickets
(Address modified for this sharing)

Table set for the little DIVA's brunch.

 




Table set with our flocking damask and custom chargers.



No Diva is complete without her chariot - A limo took the birthday girl and her
guests to the Tickled Pink Party Palace for dress-up, a fashion show and tea.

The birthday girl having a blast...isn't she lovely!

Dress up and fashion show.

Can't have a Diva Glam experience without tea time.
Tinkled Pink Party Palace in Spring.

Dress-up at the Tinkled Pink Party Palace

Our princess is now a DIVA!

Cake incorporated zebra print with matching
cupcakes.

 

Blush, Rose and Cream - Wedding Inspiration

We had a blast this Sunday at the Arlington Bridal Expo. There are fewer color schemes as elegant and timeless as the lovely Rose, Blush and Cream. 

This sweetheart table includes Lamour Cream, Lace edging, and Rose napkins.  The cocktail table includes Rose Lamour with Lace Overlay.

Floran Design by: Unique Creations by Amalia

Sweetheart Table
Cream Lamour with Lace Edging and the fixings...

Floral Design by: Unique Creations by Amalia



Floral Design by: Unique Creaetions by Amalia

Bride's chair
This is actually the back of a chivari chair that includes a Lamour sash to accomodate a floral fold. 

Groom's Chair
 

Groom's Chair
Sash tie for floral addition

Renting Vs Purchasing Linens

Why Rent If I Can Buy For Less

Fun Fact:  Did you know that it’s cheaper to purchase land and build your own house than it is to purchase one developed by a homebuilder?  And, we’re talking THOUSANDS of dollars less!  Why buy when you can build it cheaper yourself.   

When you rent from a reputable linen company, let their client reviews define this for you, there’s a great deal of knowledge and prep work that goes into helping you create an amazing table design.  A Linen Consultant understands fabrics, dye lots, the importance of color consistency from linen to linen and they also manage the always overlooked “prepping” of your linens.  Prep work that if not managed properly can turn your experience into a nightmare and your design into a very underwhelming display of nothing special.

When we started Kennique it was because of our love for fabric and what it can do for an event.   After years of working with my mom and being exposed to all aspects of event planning and design, I realized that when it comes down to table design, being thoughtful and deliberate about your linen selection can turn your event from average to freaking awesome.  

Here’s the reality…we cannot tell you to rent over buy. Of course it’s our preference to partner with every client that reaches out to Kennique, however more importantly we have to answer to our conscious, which says above all things we want you to feel good about your decision and to do what works for your budget.  No one should go in dept over an event! 

The purpose of this post is to give you a little insight to help you make the best decision for your event.   

Here are a few things you should consider…

·         All linens are NOT created equal.  Quality and quality assurance is key.  Just because the linens have the same name doesn’t mean they’re of the same quality.   Request a sample and compare that to one from your local linen provider.  See how it appears on pictures as well. 

o   Caution:  If you’re ordering runners confirm that they’ll be the same width (don’t assume), especially if you’re using them on a head table? 

·         Consistency of color.  Because linens are typically produced from different dye lots, it’s possible to receive an order that includes different shades of the same color.  When working with a linen company, it’s their job to manage this so that you’re not getting varied shades of the same color. 
 

·         Cleaning.  If you plan to resale after your event, you’ll want to consider commercial cleaning.  Get quotes from a few local cleaners.   In most cases, when you factor in the cost of a commercial cleaner, you will have drastically exceeded the cost to rent. 

·         Prepping of linens.  This is the biggest “ah ha” for clients.  Regardless of how basic or beautiful the linen if they’re not properly pressed and cared for, prior to putting them on your table, your guests will know it and your pictures will show it.  If you’re going to purchase linens, make sure you have someone that’s going to take this on.  If you’re going to outsource it, find a local cleaner and get a quote prior to purchasing. 
Important to note: Consider slacks on a hanger, when you retrieve them they are likely to have creases.  The same goes for table linens.  In most cases, if using a local linen provider, you will receive your table linens on a hanger, which means they’ll have fold creases.  If this bothers you, contract with the linen company to install.  At Kennique, we bring hand steamers on location to make sure creases are managed.  In most cases it’s not a big deal because they’re minimal, however if this is a concern for you and you're renting ask your linen provider about on-site treatment.  If purchasing be sure to assign someone to manage on-site steaming of creases, in addition to pre-pressing. 

Honestly, I could go on and on, but this post is long enough already ;)

The reality is you don’t build your own home, even though it would save you thousands of dollars, because you value all that goes into the process and you want to make sure it’s done right.  Desire no less for your event, especially if it’s a monumental event like your wedding.    

Our purpose for writing this blog was to address a question that we receive often from clients.  As stated earlier, we love linens and events, so clearly it’s our desire to help all clients create an amazing table design.  However, if you choose to purchase, ask the right questions so that you can make a clear assessment of both options. 

Happy Planning!

 

Black & White Damask



This beautiful wedding features our Black and White Damask Taffeta.  Enjoy...