AART Event Planning Loves Babies!!

Besides planning events, babies and families are what we hold close to our hearts. So when we helped this beautiful couple with their baby shower, we couldn't be happier!

The mom to be knew what she was having, a sweet little boy, so a sailor theme was a must! Blue, red and white where the main colors with yellow used to pop the floral arrangements. This party was all about the details from the sailboat invitations, to the life preserver menu cards and sailboat on the cake. Personal touches were also added with pregnancy pictures of the glowing first time mom.

We wish the first time parents all the wonderful blessings that come with parenthood....and here's to getting some sleep!






XOXO,
Aelicia & Rachael

Tips on Tuesday's: DIY Projects

We LOVE DIY projects! They can put a beautiful, sentimental an creative touch to any event. But be careful. One can go a little overboard and end up spending more on unnecessary items. Our tip: go simple and think outside the box.

Dressing up a bistro table for an outside event? Go to your local dollar store and get different size vases and floating candles and dress it up with some ribbon or pearls. Need a children's party favor that you want them to really get use out of? Create and print out a coloring book!

Here are some pictures of some DIY projects that we have done. Just remember, when doing a DIY project, simple can be beautiful. And have fun!!







XOXO,
Aelicia & Rachael

AART Event Planning Presents Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries Exclusive Wedding Video!!

We at AART Event Planning would like to congratulate reality star Kim Kardashian who married her prince, New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries this weekend on Saturday August 20th. Here is a sneak peek of their big day from E! News. We wish them much love and happiness!!




XOXO,
Aelicia & Rachael

Wedding and Event Tip: Set a Budget

Today's "Tips on Tuesday's" is Setting a Budget. Seems simple right? Oh but how this can be such a shock to many of our clients.

It does not matter if you are throwing a wedding or a backyard BBQ, setting a budget is extremely helpful. It allows you to see what is most important for you to have and what is left to spend for those last minute items that you must have! Here are some basic tips to note:

1. Decide on a realistic budget and stick to it. You do not want to look at your event and not enjoy it because you went 3x's over budget.

2. Write down a list of EVERYTHING you will need for your event by creating categories and sub-categories (i.e. Decor and then a list of what you need) and then assign a percentage of your budget that you will like to allot to each area. This step is so crucial as all of those little things your heart desires can add up.

3. Create a column for your budgeted amount and another one of what you actually paid.

By following these tips, it will make it easier for you to stay within your budget. Seem overwhelming? Give us a call and we can take care of it for you!

XOXO
Aelicia & Rachael

Wedding Traditions: Tossing of Rice

Planning weddings is one of our favorite things to do and who doesn't like the beautiful traditions that come with each wedding. In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we chose one of the wedding traditions that has stood the test of time, even with it's modern twist: The Tossing of RIce!

Something that is so simple has such a beautiful meaning. Tossing the rice was believed to bring the newlyweds good luck, a bountiful harvest and many children to work the land. It first started by guests showering them with nuts and grains. During the years of a poor harvest, rice was used instead. This tradition still continues today, but like I said it has evolved! Guests now blow bubbles, toss rose petals or even feathers to wish the Bride and Groom much happiness!

We love this tradition and all things weddings! Happy Wedding Wednesday everyone!

XOXO,

Aelicia & Rachael

AART Event Planning Presents Tips on Tuesdays!!

Planning events, especially in the fast paced Northern New Jersey area, you need to have a game plan. When you have a plan in place, it will help to keep you organized from start to finish and let's face it, organization is so crucial, especially to us Event Planners! We could go on and on with a huge list of tips but we will leave you with one of the tips we feel is the most helpful.

Write Down A Schedule
Creating a schedule can ensure that you will not forget to do anything that is important to you during your event. For instance, if you are throwing a children's birthday party that will be only 2 hours, having a prepared schedule to follow will let you know the appropriate time to allow for kid activities, blowing out those candles and eating that delicious cake as well as opening those thoughtful gifts. Or what if it is your wedding day and you have this amazing idea in place to wow your guests and you want to ensure your photographer captures that special moment? The timeline schedule you created will make sure that your maitre de, Wedding Planner and photographer take that special shot before they pack up and leave for the night.

If you take the time to write down the schedule, no matter if it is an intimate affair, a birthday party or a lavish wedding, you will have created an organized stress free event that you will be able to enjoy. And isn't that what it's really about?!

XOXO,
Aelicia & Rachael

Ann and Pete: Feathers and Pearls and Pink, oh my!!

Ann and Pete were a wonderful couple to work with. We met with Ann a month before her wedding and we were in love with all the details she already had in place for her big day! The color scheme was fuschia and navy with two types of floral centerpieces: a cluster of low floral arrangements in the brides color scheme and white hydrangeas with feathers for the tall centerpieces! I mean can you say LOVE!!! The brides love of the 50's was an elegant touch. The pearls and feathers were just beautiful. And let's not forget about the bride....absolutely stunning! The night was filled with dancing, great food and the perfect sparkler send off to the bride and groom. Rounding the night was the amazing dessert station and the Feast that the couple had set up for their guests. It was a wedding that everyone will remember. We wish Ann and Pete a wonderful life together! It was our pleasure working with you and we look forward to hearing what the future has in store for you!

Of course, let's not forget about the other fabulous vendors that helped make this an amazing wedding!

MPW Media , B Street Band , Black Eyed Susies , Royal Strings, Jessie Bloom, Westmount Country Club

Wondering what this amazing wedding looked like? Here are some pictures that we took. MPW Media pictures too come soon!








XOXO,
Aelicia & Rachael