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

 

 

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!

 

KENNIQUE LINENS RECEIVES THE WEDDINGWIRE BRIDE’S CHOICE AWARD, AGAIN!

DALLAS, TX – January 13, 2013 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Kennique Linens has been selected, for the second year in a row, as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 for Linen Rentals in Dallas, TX. 

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism.

Kennique Linen’s selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews.  While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Kennique Linens.

The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.  As a Bride’s Choice Awards winner, Kennique Linens is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

“Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Now in its fifth year, the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program continues to recognize the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Kennique Linens for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.”

“Kennique Linens is thrilled to be one of the top linen rentals in Dallas, TX in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire.  We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2013,”
 said Mesha Kennerson, Partner/Lead Linen Consultant.  

For more information about Kennique Linens, please visit www.KenniqueLinens.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.

About Kennique Linens

At Kennique Linens we provide fine linen rentals for weddings, banquets and special events. This includes table linens, specialty wedding linens, table overlays, table runners, chair covers, napkins and sashes. Our table linens are made from some of the finest cotton, satin, organza and taffeta fabrics on the market, and our mission is to help our clients create a unique atmosphere that fits their style and budget.  We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service and a convenient inquiry and order process that saves our clients time and money when selecting table linens and other event linen décor. To learn more about Kennique Linens, visit www.kenniquelinens.com or call 214-699-7320.

 

What Do Men Really Think About Weddings

So, I’m sitting in a consultation with my clients, a beautiful couple deciding on linens for their Winter Wonderland wedding.  As much as the groom tried, and boy did he try, he just couldn’t get into it all.  As the bride pawned over the different shades of white and ivory, she’d look to her hubby-to-be, his head would snap to attention and out of it a swift “sure babe,” “looks good” and on occasion “as long as you love it.”  She’d smile, roll her eyes and move on to the next shade.   

As the meeting progressed, with colors and linens confirmed, I provided the itemized invoice and what do you know, phone down, eyes squared we’ve officially got his attention.  I know it sounds cliché, but is it true?  That when it comes to weddings men are only concerned about one thing – not the theme, location, colors or even the date – they only care about the COST? 

What better way to find out then to ask, and that’s exactly what we did.  We called a few of our close clients, as well as two of our future grooms, and asked the million dollar question. 

The reality is, yes, cost is king for men.  However, they also care about the look of the wedding.  However, in most cases while their bride will lose sleep over the latter, they’re not as dedicated to the former and that’s where the groom comes in.  “Of course I want it to be nice because it’s a reflection of both of us; however in my case my wife had the design under control.  The only thing out of control was the cost” M. Hansen, 2008 Groom.

“Weddings are an important moment in two people’s lives.  The wedding is not the problem, it’s when ‘the moments’ cost too much and the importance of it is over inflated,” –D. Logan, Future groom.  “Girls see all the bride shows and want what they see, which for most couples is not realistic, and then they turn all Bridezilla.  No man wants to deal with that.”  “You’ve got couples literally going into major debt to live up to the commercialization of weddings.  Going in debt over a wedding should never be an option or considered.”

And there you have it.  When we take a step back, while the role the groom plays in the whole wedding thing is different, it’s necessary.  In most cases, he’s the realist.  He sees beyond right now and into the future.  Yes, he wants it to be nice, but nice can happen without breaking the bank. 

Okay fine, guys!  We can accept that ;)

Happy Planning!

And Then There Was Burlap...

The desire to create the perfect marriage between rustic and elegance has made the Burlap fabric an event favorite for 2012.  We've added this beautiful 18"x108" Burlap runner to our Linen Closet.  It's graced with a beautiful fresh floral bird cage designed by our friends at The Wedding Vail.  Beneath the bird cage is ivory Rachelle Lace.   I absolutely LOVE burlap with lace!

Beautiful Golden Glory Lace

We added this beautiful overlay to our collection last month.  In this picture it's draped over an Eggplant Taffeta 120" round.  The amazing centerpieces are courtesy of our friends at The Wedding Vail.  This is such a fun overlay!

Wedding Trends: The Color of 2012

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

{Wedding Trends} The Color of 2012

Wedding Trends for 2012: Wedding Gowns: Brides.com

We saw lots of unique necklines this season, but "most spotted" goes to the illusion style, in which a sheer, delicate, and often embellished layer of fabric veils skin that would otherwise be exposed. (Think of illusion as "strapless, with coverage," noting its power to transform a sassy, "look at my boobs" situation into something soft, elegant, and romantic.)

Wedding Dress Trends for 2012 Wedding Gowns: Brides.com

Celebrate Who You Are In Your Design

More and more we're witnessing clients incorporate their heritage and culture in their wedding decor.  From beautiful hand-painted tablewear to elegant and meaningful fabrics, brides are celebrating their roots.  We love when we're able to help them create this amazing experience. 

Take a look at the Rachelle Lace overlay that will bring life to our client's Indian inspired wedding.  This fabric will also be used to make the brides veil.  It all started with an image brought to us by our client along with a story that brought tears of inspiration to everyone in our office.  We were determined to match the  linen in the photo, and in the words of our client - Mission accomplished! 

The Rachelle Lace with a rust underlay.



The Rachelle Lace over a beautiful dark underlay.



Rachelle Lace overlay, ivory underlay.