Monthly Archives: February 2012

Spring Showroom – Fresh Floral

Our next table in our showroom line up combines everything that’s rejuvenating and refreshing about spring. Soft colours, lots of florals, and warm sunlight are just a few key elements of this gorgeous tablescape created by Event Planning Headquarters, a division of Special Event Rentals.

Special Event Rentals Fresh Florals Table

With flowering trees in bloom, and a few Roman Pillars as the backdrop, Celery Elizabeth linen is used to reflect the colours of spring with muted greens, peaches and pinks. For a touch of sophistication, 13″ Glass Bubble Charger Plates are used as the base for the place settings and finished off with Tablecharm dinner plates to add vintage elegance with a contemporary modern twist.

What’s spring without more flowers? Keeping with all the themes blended in this tablescape, vintage Elizabethan, contemporary modern and the rejuvenation of the season, an Ivory Floral Ball and a Milano Urn were used to create the centrepiece. Finish it off with a few votives and soft candle lighting and you’ll have a gorgeous centrepiece that will make your guests feel cozy, warm, and counting the days till the snow melts away.

Special Event Rental Fresh Floral Tablescape

 Special Event Rentals Fresh Floral - Chiavari

Special Event Rentals Fresh Floral Tablescape

Special Event Rentals Fresh Floral Place Setting

Special Event Rentals Fresh Florals Centrepiece

Special Event Rentals Fresh Floral Menu

To tie everything together, Limewash Chiavari Chairs with new spiral chair pads were added to the setting. The limewash colouring compliments the many hues in the linen and backdrop, while the chair pads add an extra touch of modernism keeping the tablescape consistent with the latest 2012 trends.

Having a few guests over for a party or an event? Why not add a Vintage Birdcage to your set up for not only an extra seasonal touch, but a great place for your guests to leave you a note for what they hope the season will bring!

Stay tuned tomorrow for another great tablescape from Event Planning Headquarters. Or visit our showroom today to see everything we have in store, and how we can create the perfect table for you!

Spring Showroom – Lovely Lavender

Special Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Wedding Decor

Event Planning Headquarters, a subdivision of Special Event Rentals, has taken a modern spin on the classic pastel colour to incorporate one of this years “it” colours, lavender. The colour pallet consists of a pastel lavender nova with frosted whites and crystal to enhance the main colour.

Pastel colours are the most common untapped resource when planning a tablescape. Not just for Easter or Retro themed events, pastel colours are perfect for a fresh and bright atmosphere.  Combined with the right accents and centerpiece you can create a stunning look that is contemporary and modern.

This tablescape would be perfect for an outdoor reception where the sunlight can bounce off all the crystal accents. Guests are provided with a chocolate bar with a custom wrapper that allows you to bring in more of your primary colour, in this case pastel lavender.

A frosted or coloured vase is the perfect centerpiece to add an understated elegance and will also assist in hiding the orchid stems. The tablescape is given a light and fresh ambiance with the help of a white voile backdrop, which is made complete with the addition of beaded curtains. The backdrop gives an extra flare of glamour against the illusion folding chairs and would be the addition perfect for both an outdoor ceremony, reception, or use them indoors to create a modern and sleek impact.

Special Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Place SettingSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Orchid CentrepieceSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Tablescape & CentrepieceSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Place CardSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Spring WeddingSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Mercury VotivesSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Illusion ChairsSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Custom Chocolate BarSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Place Card & DinnerwareSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Wedding Table DecorSpecial Event Rentals Lovely Lavender Tablescape - Table Setting

This tablescape was created by Event Planning Headquarters, a subdivision of Special Event Rentals, and encompasses a youthful spring feel. Use this lovely lavender table for inspiration for your upcoming wedding or event.

This table can be recreated using the following Special Event Rentals Products:

Illusion Folding Chairs, Solid Lavender Nova Tablecloth, Silver Nova Napkin, Circus Charger Plate, Platinum Rim Dinnerware, 16oz Regal Wine Glass, 12oz Stemmed Beer Glass, Maria Cutlery, Frosted Vase, Mercury Votives, Beaded Curtains, White Voile Panels

Credits:

Tablescape created by Event Planning Headquarters, a subdivision of Special Event Rentals

New Product: Mosaic Burnout Overlay

When our team was first introduced to the mosaic burnout overlays we fell in love and were pleasantly surprised when we watched a demonstration that proved that these were no ordinary overlays.

Each mosaic burnout overlay consists of four different organza colour cubes to create a mosaic pattern. The red mosaic burnout overlay alternates between white, burgundy, red and grey and a blue mosaic burnout overlay consists of alternating colours of white, pink, blue and grey. It is within these alternating colours where the magic happens when solid colour linen is placed underneath to transform your table.

Special Event Rentals Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay

Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With White Base

Special Event Rentals Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay

Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With White Base

The mosaic burnout overlays work in two unique ways. The first and most common way to use an overlay, is overtop of a basic colour such as white, black or ivory which will allow the blue or red mosaic overlay pattern to make a statement all its own.

The second way, and our personal favourite, is to use a brightly coloured linen underneath which allows the burnout mosaic overlay to do what it was designed to, change the linen colour to provide a beautiful display of coloured hues. The different coloured cubes create a multi-coloured textured look that is both modern and hip.

Special Event Rentals Hot Pink Satin Tablecloth

Hot Pink Satin Tablecloth

Special Event Rentals Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Hot Pink Satin

Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Hot Pink Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Hot Pink Satin

Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Hot Pink Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Sapphire Blue Satin

Sapphire Blue Satin

Special Event Rentals Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Sapphire Blue Satin

Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Sapphire Blue Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Sapphire Blue Satin

Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Sapphire Blue Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Lemon Satin Tablecloth

Lemon Satin

Special Event Rentals Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Lemon Satin

Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Lemon Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Lemon Satin

Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Lemon Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Coral Satin Tablecloth

Coral Satin Tablecloth

Special Event Rentals Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Coral Satin

Blue Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Coral Satin Base

Special Event Rentals Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Coral Satin

Red Mosaic Burnout Overlay With Coral Satin Base

These overlays are a perfect addition to any event and will produce a unique and brilliant atmosphere. To inquire or place a rental order for the red or blue mosaic burnout overlay please contact one of our three locations.

Special Event Rentals contact information:

Edmonton at 780-435-2211

Calgary at 403-235-2211

Banff at 403-762-2227

And The Oscar Goes To…

The moment everyone looks forward to every year, the Academy Awards! Friends, co-workers and family members get together to watch the latest celebrities make their way down the red carpet in hopes of achieving that golden statue. Since the very first Academy Awards on May 16 of 1929 held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, people of all ages have held their own “Hollywood” get-togethers to commemorate this moment in history.

Kristina McAnally of Event Planning Headquarters, a division of Special Event Rentals, has put together an elegant and glamorous table in honour of the nominees this upcoming Sunday.

Special Event Rentals Oscars 2012

When you think of the Oscars, you think of the red carpet. Using black satin linen as a backdrop Kristina created her own red carpet by adding red crinkle linen with tons of draping over the edge of the table. This draping technique not only ups the sophistication of your table, but ads an extra hint of old Hollywood by mimicking the trains of all those gorgeous gowns.

With some gold chiavari chairs, add some red chair ties to match your red carpet runner to tie everything together!

Special Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Chiavari Chair

Since this table is all glam, place settings were set with gold ruffled charger‘s, gold rim dinnerware, gold tipped Parisian flatware, and finished with black satin napkins and black diamond napkin rings. To make your guests feel like celebrities themselves, why not add some gold star place cards at each table setting? These are easy to make yourself, or cheap to pick up at any dollar store.

Special Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Popcorn MachineSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Popcorn MachineSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Theme DecorSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 PopcornSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Tablescape

To finish off your table you need a stand out centrepiece to light up the table. To bring the movies and classic film to this table, Kristina picked up a vintage film real from Pier 1 Imports. Set on top of the red carpet runner and used as the base, a black feather boa was added along with various candle votives to create a warm glow and complete the Oscar look!

Special Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 TablescapeSpecial Event Rentals Oscars 2012 Tablescape

We want to know all about what you’re excited for this Oscar Sunday. The gowns? The nominees? Who are you hoping wins best actor? Best Picture? Leave us a comment below to tell us all about your academy award hopes!

Pick a Decade – 1980s: Who you Gonna Call?

With the 80s came cassette tapes, classic kids cartoons, new wave music, bold colors, and of course the unforgettable 1980s teen romance movies like Pretty in Pink or Say Anything. If you’re looking for a theme wedding that is full of fun and quirks, then look no further, this is your decade.

Rock N' Roll Bride - Neon Bridal

There are no limits with this decade to how you can not only incorporate the theme, but make it fun and nostalgic for your guests. Who doesn’t know the thriller dance? Get the dj to hit play and start your own zombie reception dance off.  As for favors, cassette tapes not only can bring back memories with classic 80s tunes but are a stylish inexpensive choice, and for an additional touch to your table, swap out plain chargers for Vinyl record chargers instead.

Joe Wright - Cassette TapeThe Sweetest Occasion - Old School Mixed Tape School Theme WeddingThe Sweetest Occasion - Vinyl Record Charger Plates

To really bring you and your guests back to your 80s school days, instead of a guest book have note cards with crayons at each of the tables with instructions to “pass you” a note. They’ll be a cute keepsake and can provide great entertainment with intriguing questions or classic “yes or no’s”, and this is a simple Do-It-Yourself project!

What you’ll need:

-Computer and a Printer
-Digital Old school photos of the Bride and Groom
-White Cardstock (Too plain? Why not try this with a colour that matches your reception tables?)
-Paper Cutter
-Boxes of Crayons
-and little card holders

1) Open up Microsoft word, on the narrow margin and landscape setting, create a table of 2 Rows by 2 Columns that fit the entire page. (If you have photoshop or illustrator you can do this within that program.

Special Event Rentals DIY - Pass A Note Cards Step 1

2) Insert your old school photos into each of the four blocks as you see fit.

Special Event Rentals DIY - Pass A Note Cards Step 2

3) Enter in all required text, such as a title: PASS A NOTE TO…, date of the wedding, etc.

4) Print off your creation and cut them out

Special Event Rentals DIY - Pass A Note Cards Step 3

5) Place on your reception tables in the card holder and with a few crayons, and you’re done!

Special Event Rentals DIY - Pass A Note Cards

As for the dress and decor, go bold or go home! This decade is definitely not for the faint of heart and for anyone who loves lots of color. When you can never have enough mix bold and bright primary and secondary colors in the decor. Same goes for the bridal party, your shoes and jewellery, and if you’re really feeling daring why not add some color to your dress as well? Check out this gorgeous spin from Rock N’ Roll Bride….

Rock N' Roll Bride - NeonBridal

Credits: Joe Wright, The Sweetest Occasion & Rock N’ Roll Bride

Pick a Decade – 1960s & 1970s

1960s started what was called the British invasion of style, and lasted throughout the 1970s with bright colours, texture and finishing with a disco craze. These two decades had some amazing colour palettes and patterns which can be incorporated into your next event for a bold dramatic statement.

Love colour but don’t want to blind people with an over abundant amount of brightness? Take inspiration from peacock feathers to add a softer touch of the 1960s bold colours and textures for your next event. Take for example the wedding shown below, they used a teal black dazzle and white satin  as their base which allowed the bold colours and texture to be condensed in the flowers of the centrepiece. Additional touches of texture were added by scalloping the tablecloths and attaching diamond buckles to napkins with feathers for a complete look.

Jenelle From Event Planning Headquarters - Peacock Inspired Wedding.Jenelle From Event Planning Headquarters - Peacock Inspired WeddingJenelle From Event Planning Headquarters - Peacock Inspired Wedding

If you prefer to make a stronger statement, incorporate a bright and bold colour like coral satin to brighten up a room and bring a 1970s feel into the atmosphere. Keep a balanced look by using neutrals like vanilla, champagne or white as your secondary colour palette. 

Bring either of these decades into your next event by picking one of a few daring colours that complement your venue that will be sure to make a statement, and that will shock your guests in awe of your creation.

Kristina From Event Planning Headquarters - Coral WeddingKristina From Event Planning Headquarters - Coral WeddingKristina From Event Planning Headquarters - Coral Wedding

Opt for a flower wreath or a headband instead of a tiara to bring out your inner flower child and why not dawn your flower girl and perhaps bridesmaids with them as well. With all the bold colours in the room fit yourself into a flowing empire gown with lace embellishment and finish it off with a pair of strappy heels or sandals for a down to earth feel.

1960s Wedding Attire1960s Inspired Wedding Gown1970s Inspired Wedding Attire1970s Inspired Wedding Gown

Check back tomorrow as we finish our decade trend featuring the 1980s and a do it yourself project you will be sure to enjoy.

Credits:

 Jenelle Jamani from Event Planning Headquarters, a division of Special Event Rentals.

Kristina McAnally from Event Planning Headquarters, a division of Special Event Rentals.

Pick a Decade – 1950s

Structured lines with playful accents, patterns and geometrics encompass the 1950s sleek modern feel. By incorporating a 1950s feel into your next event you will insure a timeless and classic atmosphere which will be sure to leave your guests wanting more.

Add a 1950s vibe into your next event by incorporating a bold statement tablecloth like our formal stripe linen with complementing accents. Use silk or satin tablecloths for an extra touch of sophistication. Event Planning Headquarters, a division of Special Event Rentals, created a retro vibe with yellow accents on black chiavari chair’s, menu and centrepiece and soft touches of red for an added pop of colour while still keeping the lines clean. To get the home style feel into your wedding create a dessert table with different types of baked goods such as pies, cakes, cookies, and/or muffins.

Black Chiavari Chair With Yellow Flower1950s Tablescape Created by Event Planning Headquarters1950s Inspired Tablescape With Yellow and Red Florals1950s Inspired Tablescape1950s Inspired Floral Arrangement

Have your bridal party dress in just below the knee length 1950s inspired dresses with bold feminine touches such as daring pattern on the dresses, hats, gloves or pearls. Add a pop of colour into your bridal gown with either a coloured ribbon belt or a pair of coloured bridal shoes that match your bridesmaid dresses.

1950s Inspired Hat and Veil1950s Pinwheel Tea Dress1950s Bold Red Heels

Keep checking back this week as we continue our decade series.

Destination Weddings

As more families spread out all over the world and couples want to forego the stressful undertaking of planning a traditional wedding, the popularity of destination weddings continues to rise. A destination wedding eliminates many of the detailed tasks couples face by simplifying the whole process to one location.

An advantage to a destination wedding is the vacation atmosphere it provides. You and your guests enjoy the satisfaction of exploring a new location together, all while pampering yourself in preparation for the big day. There is a build-up of excitement and celebration right from the moment the guests arrive, even if it’s days prior to the actual wedding. And, even after the wedding when the guests have returned home, the resort can double as the honeymoon for the bride and groom.

One of the greatest benefits of a destination wedding is the splendor of the natural surroundings. Destination landscapes are often the best décor a bride can ask for. Whether you’re in a tropical paradise or the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, playing off the beauty of nature is one of the easiest ways to create high impact wedding décor.

Jennifer Bergman Weddings - Winter WeddingWedding Obsession - Winter Wedding VenueThe Real Banff - Winter Wedding venueGreen Wedding Shoes - Beach WeddingTrevor Allen - Beach WeddingJennifer Bergman Weddings - Mountain Wedding

Destination venues generally have in-house planners to guide the process and make your event everything you imagined. However, using the in-house planner at the destination venue sometimes forfeits your ability to see your linen, flowers and the complete look of your wedding before-hand. If this doesn’t sit well with you, consider hiring a local planner who will assist you in creating your dream destination wedding. Be sure to ask questions and determine what the in-house planners are willing to assist with so you have realistic expectations for the planning process and for the day of the wedding.

Another option to ensure you get everything you desire is to rent your items from a local supplier where you can visually see and play with a design until you pick the one that best suits you. If the rental company you want to use doesn’t have a location in your desired area, inquire about renting the items over an extended period of time from another supplier so you can take the rentals and use them for your wedding.

Special Event Rentals - Mountain Tent ReceptionCherry Tree Occasions - Outdoor Mountain ReceptionSanta Barbar Avenues & Maui Wedding Photography Spot - Destination WeddingsGreen Wedding Shoes - Beach Tablesetting TagsBahamas Destination Wedding - Beach Destination WeddingSpecial Event Rentals - Coral Beach Wedding DecorGreen Wedding Shoes - Destination WeddingSpecial Event Rentals - Winter WeddingElizabeth Anne Designs - Mountain Wedding

Visit one of our three locations, Edmonton, Calgary or Banff, to view our extensive inventory or design a mock-up table then continue onto placing an order. For information on hiring a wedding planner for your event please contact Event Planning Headquarters.

Special Event Rentals – Banff

Phone: (403)762-2227

150 Eagle Crescent

Banff, AB

T1L 1B1

Special Event Rentals – Edmonton

Phone: (780)437-2211

6010 – 99 Street NW

Edmonton, AB

T6E 3P2

Special Event Rentals – Calgary

Phone: (403)235-2211

#101, 2312 – 52 Avenue SE

Calgary, AB

T2C 0A3

Credits: Jennifer Bergman WeddingsThe Real Banff, Trevor Allen, Green Wedding ShoesCherry Tree OccasionsBahamas Destination WeddingWedding Obsession, Maui Wedding Photography Spot , Santa Barbara Venues & Elizabeth Anne Design

Pick a Decade – 1940s DIY

1940s is a decade not to be overlooked. With stories of real romance and devotion, men of impeccable style, and women with a gorgeous simplicity to their hair, makeup and fashion, it is no wonder this decade is often recreated.

And believe it or not, if you are looking to re-create this decade for your own special day, Edmonton really is the perfect place to do it! With the Alberta Aviation Museum, High Level Bridge Street Car, and the River Ravine, there are endless locations for theme inspired engagement shoots, formal photos, even your ceremony and reception.

Wedding Photoshoot in an Airplane HangerAirplane Theme WeddingWedding Reception in an Airplane Hanger

For the details, think anything aviation or classic Normal Rockwell and you’ll have it down! For starters, why not have your save-the-dates designed to look like vintage baggage tags? Or check out these cute mini airplanes as wedding favors, and a treat table with all the retro classic favourites including Coca Cola in glass bottles.

Save The DateToy Plane Gift Favours1940s Dessert Table

Now, as for the important part, the dress, the 1940s were all about simplicity and elegantly accenting your curves; the more of an hour glass figure you could create, the better! Look for dresses with simple detailing in the cut and embellishments, and constructed out of fabrics with a soft drape and hugs curves. Finish off your bridal look with some matching satin sling backs or peep toe pumps.

1940s Hair and Shoes1940s Gown

The finishing touch? The roll hairstyle. Consistent with simple and feminine this hairstyle was about quick and easy but had a gorgeous Hollywood glamour finish, and the best part, it’s so easy to do-it-yourself.

What you’ll need:

  • Comb and Brush
  • Heated Rollers, alternatively you can use a curling iron
  • Bobbi Pins
  • Birdcage, or floral accent as a finishing touch (optional)

1) Wash, dry and comb your hair thoroughly so it’s clean and free of tangles

2) Divide your hair into 2- to 3-inch sections, rolling each section up in heated rollers, hold for approximately 15 min. alternatively you can use a wide barrel curling iron to create your curls.

3) Gently brush curls to loosen them up; creating the soft look that was common in 1940s hairstyling.

4) Divide your hair in two sections, one half up and one half down.

Special Event Rentals DIY Hair Roll

5) Make a side part with the top section of your hair to create two new sections.

Special Event Rentals DIY Hair Roll

6) To hold these sections separate while you work on them, use a bobbi pin to hold the section together.

Special Event Rentals DIY Hair Roll

7)  Taking the larger section of the two top sections, work your way from the ends of the hair rolling inwards away from your forehead. Pin. (This can be done on a side or straight angle)

Special Event Rentals DIY Hair RollSpecial Event Rentals DIY Hair Roll

8) Do the same with the second top section. Pin.

9) From here you can either leave the bottom section down in loose curls, or you can roll this bottom section upwards away from your neck and pin in place.

10) Finish and hairspray, add your birdcage or finishing touch and you have gorgeous 1940s hair

1940s Finished Hair Roll

Credits: Wedding Bee, Alberta Moto Photo, Sara Gray Photography The Knot 

Pick a Decade – 1920s & 1930s

If you love beads, fringe, cloche (hats), open back dresses, pin curls and red lipstick then you would have loved living during the roaring 20s! Adding a few touches of one or both of these decades will assist you in creating a classic vintage feel.

Since the 20’s were all about glitz and glam, add garlands of beads or fringe to your tables or centrepieces for a soft touch. To add more embellishments to your event, add lace to your cake, bouquet or vases, or a swag chair cover for added dimension. If you prefer to make a bold statement, go all out with diamond accents, such as charger plates and votives, with candelabras and red roses galore!

1920s Dessert Table1920s Inspired WeddingGlamorous Vintage Wedding1920s-30s Cake Topper and Tea SetSwag Chair Covers

Incorporate the 20’s into your wedding by fitting your bridesmaids into flapper style dresses and give yourself some extra sophistication by slipping into a 30’s tailored gown. Finish off your look with a fitted embroidered cap and a pair of embellished footwear.

1930s Wedding Cap1930s Inspired GownVintage Lace Shoes and HairFeather Heels

Keep checking back this week as we continue to take a look at past decades and how to incorporate pieces into your wedding or event.

Credits: Green Wedding Shoes & Ruffled Blog