Gala Events, Inc: Special Event Design Blog

A Very Happy Birthday

2011-07-19T10:17:00.003-04:00

To Gala Events, Inc. President Jaime Greenwald! Here is to a year even more fabulous than the last! Cheers!

Up next at Gala Events

2011-07-13T13:05:00.008-04:00

Hello Friends!

Hope you are staying cool in this sweltering heat! I recommend an icy margarita - perfect way to beat the heat!

It's been a busy summer for Gala Events! and you can expect much more to come!

Starting latter this month - we will begin filming a fun video series bringing all my tips and trends from the blog to the screen; showing you easy and artful ways to entertain. You can also expect some big announcements about services and our client's events - all the things that make Gala, great!

We always appreciate your feedback and thank you for following our blog! Don't forget you can also find us on Twitter @Galaplanner !

xxx's

Tips for a Fabulous Fourth!

2011-06-29T13:32:00.009-04:00

Read on for tricks and trends from

Gala Events, Inc. President, Jaime Greenwald

on how to ensure your 4th of July

is fun and fabulous!

I love the Fourth! Fantastic weather, sunset at 9 pm, family and fireworks - now THAT is a party! As I am getting ready for our annual bonfire, I wanted to share some of my top quick tips to put the entertain in entertaining!

One of my favorite desserts to serve around the 4th of July bonfire is a sweet creation I call Bannana Boats!

Take one whole bannana and slit open the skin. In the opening add mini marshmellows and chocolate chips. Wrap in tin foil and place in firepit so that it can warm. Wait about 15 minutes and serve with a spoon. Its yummy delicious, interactive and easy to eat without a plate! How easy and fantastic is that?!?

As a cool treat for our guests, I love to take white wash clothes ( I buy them in bulk at costco) wet them and put them in baggies in the freezers. Let them chill then pass around the fire. This is a great way to clean up and cool down on those hot summer nights.

For extra refreshment, I

always keep pitchers of infused water in the fridge at our beach house. It's tasty, easy, and just what you need on a balmy evening!

Some of my favorites are:

Lemon and basil

A pitcher of water with 2 whole lemons sliced and eight fresh basil leaves

I also love Lime and peppermint

A pitcher of water with two limes sliced and 4 freash mint leaves.

It's easy to combine any of your favorite citrus or herb favorites to please a crowd of any size! Get creative and show off your own personal taste!

Until next time, enjoy our Independence Day, happy entertaining!

-Jaime

Gala Gets Kudos in the New Issue of Capitol File Magazine!

2011-06-27T17:36:00.003-04:00

Gala got a lot of love in the new issue of Capitol File Magazine, available on newsstands now! In addition to coverage of the WHCD Afterparty we produced for the mag at the Reagan Building - you can find a great profile on Gala Events, Inc.'s president (femme fatale and fearless leader) Jaime Greenwald (twitter @galaplanner) in the SCOPE section. Check out the article below then click through for some great party pics!

Five Royal Trends

2011-04-25T13:43:00.002-04:00

In a little more than two weeks, the eyes of America will be focused across the pond
to watch one of the most anticipated events of the century. We just can’t resist the
appeal of a Royal wedding! The gown, the jewels, the horse drawn carriage – it’s
every girl’s princess fantasy come true! In a culture already heavily influenced by
the latest celeb trends you can expect this years wedding season to follow suit –
here are our top 5 spring wedding trends influenced by the future King and Queen…

Sleek and Chic

While we don’t yet know what the soon to be Princess Catherine will don as she
walks down the aisle – we do know not to expect Diana the sequel. However, it has
been rumored that she has over three dresses in the works in case one possibly gets
leaked to the press. Kate’s style: polished, clean, and classic with a stylish edge will
certainly mean a more streamlined look – creating a true modern day princess.

Lace, lace, lace

We are seeing lace pop up everywhere from dramatic dress details to floral
arrangements and bouquet wraps, cake embellishments and even on invitations!
Lace details are it this season.

Tradition

There is no escaping the pomp, circumstance and ceremony that go with royal
nuptials. Expect this side of the pond to follow suit with more emphasis on the role
family plays in the ceremony – an elevated position for the mother and longer more
traditional services rich in family and religious traditions.

Tiaras

Diamonds and jewels-oh my! The more bling the better and while I wouldn’t suggest
donning a crown sized jewel – sparkly combs, tiny tiaras and a bejeweled veil are
back in a big way.

Arrivals

While most brides will not arrive to their big day in a carriage drawn by 10 white
horses, expect to see more of an emphasis on the big ‘reveal’. Classic cars, horse and
buggy, a vintage motorcycle – these are just some of the ways American brides are
making their entrance in a true princess fashion.

Render to Real Life

2011-04-01T15:20:00.004-04:00

We recently did a New York themed Bar Mitzvah, and our client was having a hard time visualizing the New York facades we were proposing to create for their event. Below is an example of a 3D rendering I created, and then followed by a picture of the actual facade at the event.

3D render

actual pic from event

By Tom Kemp

Industry Wedding

2010-03-25T12:01:00.004-04:00

We recently had the honor of planning the wedding of two great friends, Monica Vidal and Jack Hartzman. One very important detail that one must first divulge is that both the bride and groom are photographers for Washington Talent, Photo and Video. Well-loved by many events professionals, the happy couple has been in the event industry for over fifteen years. From the moment they got engaged, we knew that their wedding was going to be one for the books! Both Jack and Monica allowed us a great deal of creative freedom in planning their wedding. We worked with an incredible team of vendors, and with our combined creativity we were able to design and execute a fabulous and memorable wedding.
One truly unique aspect of their wedding was the dinner-theatre style ceremony. Upon arrival, guests were immediately directed to their respective tables. Once each guest was seated, the bridal party emerged from the back of the ballroom and walked through a free formed aisle to “Feeling Good” preformed by George Jamison of Spectrum, from Washington Talent. The bride was sung down aisle to “Power of Love” preformed by Ginny of Onyx, another Washington Talent band. A gold satin draped Chuppah placed in the middle of the dance floor awaited the bride and groom. The couple was surrounded by over 200 of their closest industry friends and members of their family as they exchanged vows. This unique ceremony was only one of many memorable moments from the evening. It was truly a magical evening not only for the bride and groom but also for all of the event professionals that assisted us in creating this fabulous wedding.

It's SNO big deal!

2010-03-16T14:45:00.007-04:00

It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring but it was just a few weeks ago we were buried up to our knees in snow! The weekend of February 6, 2010 is not one anyone at Gala will soon forget. With record breaking amounts of snow, closed roads, freezing temperatures and some fabulous vendors we all survived the ‘snowpocalypse’ of 2010 and our bride and groom JoAnn and Daniel were still able to have their wedding. Knowing early in the week what Mother Nature might have in store, we set off for Annapolis not knowing quite what to expect except that the show must go on!
Despite the harsh reality check we all awoke to on Saturday morning JoAnn and Daniel proved to everyone that there was nothing that could stand in the way of their wedding. We were having a wedding, minus about 300 guests. What we faced that weekend is truly a testament to who we are in this business and what we can do when faced with adversity- even if a tree falls through the roof of the tent! When you have a team of exceptional vendors who all are truly invested in making this the best event possible-regardless of the conditions. We definitely gave this couple an experience they will never forget.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who helped us all keep everything together-
Blue Sky Films, Occasions Caterers, MBK and Associates, Frost Lighting, and Crow Entertainment DJs.

*Special thanks to Blue Sky films for the above video.

Acrylic Mandap

2009-10-12T14:28:00.003-04:00

A MUST HAVE for your next event is our Acrylic Mandap. It is a 10ft x 10ft clear Lucite structure and can really be used for any occasion. It was last used for an Indian wedding where it was adorned with hanging orchids and votive candles. It also can be used in a club decor design and really for most any theme you can think of. It will be set up in the Gala Events Design Center throughout October so come in today and work with one of our event planners to see how it can be worked into your next event.

by Tom Kemp

Fashion's Night Out

2009-10-05T11:23:00.002-04:00

When asked how we should help stimulate our economy you might answer with more jobs, tax cuts or increased aid to struggling localities. Well, how about with events?

Fashion's Night Out is a worldwide event that strives to boost the global economy through the fashion industry. U.S. and International editors of Vogue coordinated celebrations in their respective fashion capitals in hopes to aid customers lacking confidence in the fashion and retail industries. On September 10th, over 700 retailers and designers across the five boroughs of New York City participated in the event. Neither tickets nor invitations were required to attend any of the Fashion's Night Out activities. Retailers implemented creative ideas in order to promote the fun in shopping once again. For example, shops in Brooklyn surprised customers with a pop-up block party and cook-off. Celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Blake Lively, and Victoria Beckham made guest appearances at stores throughout Manhattan. In addition to encouraging retail shopping, proceeds from Fashion's Night Out t-shirt and tote bag sales went to a charity benefiting a 9/11 rehabilitation project.

Hopefully worldwide events like Fashion’s Night Out will become a means of breaking out of our current economic recession, while having a lot of fun at the same time!

by Jessica Marzelli

Say Cheese, Please!

2009-10-05T11:17:00.002-04:00

Who doesn’t have fond memories of those black and white photo strips that we posed for in booths at fairs, on boardwalks, and in malls? Maybe you were being silly with your best friends or smooching with your ‘honey.’ You might still have one of those strips (faded and yellowed, no doubt) tucked into the corner of your bedroom mirror. Well… those ‘old fashioned’ booths have become popular at parties of all kinds, of recent.
Take a look at the very modern and eye catching photo booth pictured above. This is sure to wow any and all of your guests at the next party you throw. This very high tech, digital, partially inflatable, and artistic version of the old boardwalk push button model, was designed by two Melbourne- based photographers. Why not invite your guests to document your event with fun photos that they can either leave behind in a guest book for the host, or to take with them to remember all the fun they had? Grab your fifteen minutes (or seconds!) of fame and say cheese, please!
Julie Pike

(photo via photobooth.com.au)

Fall Events

2009-10-05T10:58:00.001-04:00

Fall is my absolute favorite season. Autumn colors and the season's overall crispness inspire me to redecorate my home each October. I pull out my favorite spice scented candle, my wool pillow shams, and my fluffy down throws. I head to the basement to bring up my boxes of pine cones, faux cranberries, autumnal wreathes, and my favorite fall inspired table runners. I unwrap each piece lovingly while becoming increasingly excited about the arrival of three months of cooler days, leaf filled sidewalks, and wreath strewn doors. This fall, I am especially excited because I am planning my first autumn inspired wedding. The inspiration for my design is organic and will feature brightly colored leaves, wheat, berries, sunflowers, and pops of brilliant persimmon. I hope that the design will inspire the guests and get them as excited as I am about this special season.

by Laura Miller

Tree Tables

2009-09-21T11:17:00.004-04:00

Once again we have managed to outdo ourselves with our latest and greatest decor; our tree tables. These are an original creation we made for an "Enchanted Forest" event and look absolutely amazing-not to mention incredibly realistic! The tables have hand wrapped and painted tree trunk bases topped with giant 5 foot round high-gloss top that looks like you took a slice out of an enormous tree. Come in to our Special Events Design Center in Rockville to see them in person!

Be Our Guest

2009-09-21T11:14:00.001-04:00

To promote our planners’ effectiveness and necessity in helping plan and produce special events, we often say that our staff will be on site to ensure that our clients are guests at their own parties. It’s not something that all people immediately understand when they are considering whether or not to hire a planner for their event. Without professional help on site, hosts are often presented with issues or difficulties as they arise throughout the duration of their event. Dealing with or worrying about problems during such important affairs can sap the enjoyment and fun out of any occasion.

I was witness to a small example of this effect this past weekend. I attended the wedding of two dear friends that was sure to be a wonderful time for all involved. The bride and groom had staff from the venue to help them facilitate the proceedings. It was a beautiful wedding and all joy abounded. When I spoke to the bride the following day at brunch, she mentioned that her only regret was having to worry and deal with a few electrical shortage issues. It was nothing major, but lights and music went out several times during the cocktail hour and then other house lights failed during the dancing. None of the guests minded and most probably didn’t notice (I can’t help but see these things at events I attend, due to the nature of my job), but that was the one low point of an otherwise dream wedding. And it was something that could have been avoided with an on-site, dedicated day-of wedding planner.

A good wedding planner anticipates those types of issues before they crop up, bringing in the extra generator, for example, and knows how to deal with them before the host or hostess is even aware of a problem. Having a professional guide the event from start to finish should be a very comforting feeling for a host. We will allow you to be a guest and fully enjoy the experience from beginning to end. It’s something you may not have considered before, but we always do.

Something Blue

2009-09-21T10:44:00.004-04:00

We all know how when we were little kids and believed in fairy tales, we often daydreamed of what our lives would be like. These day dreams often centered around ones fairy tale wedding. The white dress, prince charming and of course ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.’ Eventually we all grew up and that fairy tale for the most part disappeared. However the old something blue adage is something many brides still try to incorporate into their wedding day- whether it be for luck, in honor of a family tradition, or sometimes to simply please ones mother! Upon closer examination it turns out there is a lot of history to back up this adage. “In ancient Rome brides wore blue to symbolize love, fidelity, and modesty. Christianity has historically dressed the Virgin Mary in blue as a symbol of purity, and before the late 19th century blue was a popular wedding gown color because wearing blue on your wedding day was thought to bring your good luck.” Today the possibilities are endless; there truly are so many ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day. It is just a matter of adding that something blue that suits your personal style. Whether it is hiding from view or seen boldly by others- the secret is you will know that you are wearing your blue for good luck!

Julie Pike

*Historical references from Kate Spade Occasions and MSW
*Images from Manolo Blahnik and MSW

Eco-Conscious Event Planning

2009-09-21T10:26:00.002-04:00

Let’s face it events, although usually joyous, generate waste, overuse natural resources, and produce emissions. Extra transportation miles are clocked by attendees travel and deliveries. To supply enough tableware and save efforts in post-event clean-up, disposable items, made from paper and plastic are commonly used. Other packaging containers like glass and plastic bottles,
plastic bags, cardboard, and aluminum and steel cans all add to increased waste, especially if recycling receptacles are not provided.

To be eco-conscious your planner can appropriately plan and execute certain
guidelines:

• Provide carpooling and alternative transportation to and from the event

• Correctly estimate the amount of reusable, recyclable or compostable tableware needed

• Educate guests about their role in composting and recycling waste by providing instructional signage.

With thorough planning and forethought, a zero-waste event is possible, and the resulting clear conscience is a nice bonus!

by Howard Radis

Asian Theme decor

2009-09-02T10:13:00.005-04:00

Jaime Greenwald recently designed an Asian themed event at the Mandarin Oriental. As a result, Gala Events, Inc. now has a lot of magnificent Asian themed decor including a 16ft long red bar and back bar set that is truly stunning. The front of the bar lights up, the bar top is made from reflective plexiglass, bamboo shoots up from the sides and it has a Torii backbar. Contact an event planner for inquires about using this bar or any Asian decor for your next event!

by Tom Kemp

The Week before your event

2009-09-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

Let’s talk about how the week before your event should feel

It should be exciting

All the I’s should be dotted
All the T’s should be crossed

All the strings should be released
The event planner should be ready to roll

All the seating charts should be finalized
All the escort cards are ready to print
All the hotel baskets are being completed and are almost ready to bring to the hotel
All the billing is settled
All décor is almost finished

No more worries

Floor Plans are done
Lighting and draping are set to go
Venders are contacted, time lined and ready to go

It is time to breathe- It is time to enjoy what’s ahead

Remember this is a party that everyone has been working on for quite some time

It is time to enjoy

This is an exciting time
Enjoy what’s now
And what’s ahead

by Nancy Radin

Themes

2009-09-02T09:59:00.002-04:00

Theme (noun) - a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

I often am asked by prospective clients as they plan the decorative elements of their event whether a theme is necessary. My response is generally that, while not “necessary”, it is something that helps turn a run-of-the-mill party into an event - at least from a visual perspective. At a properly decorated party, one’s eye should dance over the individual decorative elements and be marveled by the array of related designs. A theme helps achieve that kind of effect.

A theme should be relevant to the party and once one has been chosen, the individual elements involved in the party become cohesive and unified. This cohesiveness makes for a visually pleasing room or event space and enjoyment among partygoers as guests discover more and more elements that are designed using the theme in mind. It is fun to see ordinary event elements like bars, buffets and entrances creatively tied into the theme of the event.

Colors can be used as a motif. Different colored fabric, ribbons, paper, linens, chargers and more can be used to reinforce that type of motif throughout the event space. This usually results in a sophisticated look, uncomplicated by theme-y kinds of images and representations.

For most parties, however, a theme provides an overarching concept that makes planning and designing the individual elements much easier. It helps bring an event vision to life and give guests an atmosphere in which to enjoy themselves. And that’s the idea, right?

by Noah Steurer

For Once, Be a Wall Flower!

2009-08-26T11:07:00.004-04:00

Nothing says dull like four plain white walls in your bedroom. It can be difficult coming up with a creative solution for a boring room--decorations and artwork can really rack up the bills. So, what can you do? One fun idea is wall decals. My mother recently came to stay with me in my DC apartment, and was appalled when she walked into my bedroom and saw the blandness emanating from my four white walls. The next day, I came home from work and my room had been totally transformed into a bright and inspired place. It was welcoming, cozy, and suddenly colorful--all this for about 30 dollars! She had enhanced my room with splashes of color around my mirror, behind my bed, and even put a few bonus decals in my bathroom. They came in many different patterns, from florals to damasks, and everything in between. And the best part is--once you can finally afford to splurge on posh artwork, the decals peel right off, leaving the paint intact!

by Jessica Marzelli

Vintage Stamps

2009-08-26T10:55:00.005-04:00

The first real impression your guests will have of your wedding will be from your invitation, most likely. Why not set the mood before they even open the envelope? Let’s face it; in this global age where most communication is done through cyberspace or satellites, it is a treat to get ‘real’ old-fashioned mail. And if that mail is pleasing to the eye from the outside, it will make your friends and family that much more interested in what is on the inside. Set the stage, reflect your personality, or simply make it pretty. Vintage stamps can be used to lay the foundation and to beautify those many envelopes your guests will be receiving. It may take some time, but vintage stamps that haven’t been cancelled can be found and purchased and then a beautiful combination of those stamps can be used to amount to the correct postage for your invitations. Do you love camping, or did you meet your fiancé when you were backpacking? Maybe some wildlife stamps would start to tell your story. Are you having a beautiful garden wedding in the spring or summer? Vintage flowers and garden scenes can grace your lovely invitations. Or maybe you want to reflect the adventurer in you…did you meet your special someone abroad, or do you have dreams of traveling the world with him? Whatever you want your message to be, vintage stamps may add just the right touch. And, yes, it is all in the details!

by Julie Pike

Fall '09 Open House

2009-08-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

As folks return home from summer vacations, our industry gears up for the rapidly-approaching fall season. Summers are an opportunity for us to regroup, reorganize and recharge our batteries, because when Labor Day passes, Gala is full steam ahead. This year, even with all its difficulties and unusual economy-related phenomena, is no different.
To kick off our fall season, we have redecorated our showroom – actually, we’ve decorated our entire warehouse! Gala is opening its doors on Tuesday to several industry guests and we’ve dusted off and have on display bunches and bunches of our themed décor and decorations. Last week was quite a week (it had to be one of the hottest and most humid of the summer) as our whole team sweated through our work clothes pulling together several vignettes to showcase several of our fantastic bars, tables, drape, and assorted other décor elements. We now have a Holiday Bay in the floral area, a Wedding Feature near our Pepsi machine and a Mack Truck Bar in our conference room. It’s been quite a transformation.
Check back with us to see some pictures of our setup. Or, if you are in the area on Tuesday, stop in to check out the selection of décor that is on display.

It's all about the details

2009-08-25T15:57:00.001-04:00

Before I became an event planner and I attended lots of events,
from Weddings to Bar Mitzvahs and I never used to pay attention to the details,
everything just looked pretty and I was just enjoying the festivities. This past weekend I attended a friend’s wedding and I noticed a lot of things that I never would have noticed before. The linens were not covering the table legs and they were wrinkled. The flower centerpieces were clearly too small for the table size and most importantly the room lacked in ambient lighting. I said to myself with my new trained eye, that this is not acceptable to me; the bride clearly did not get top notch décor service and lighting. I wish I would have known ahead of time, I definitely would have made a difference.

Ladies that is why planners are so important to hire, because they know how to bring your wedding space to the ultimate level of perfection. This is clearly one of the most important days of your life; do not leave it to chance.

Since the day I woke up and started planning events, I have learned to train my eye to a whole new world of details. It’s the small details in making an event that will stand out with a flawless presentation.

A good planner looks at the space, the placement and of course the design, but most importantly that special little detail that will make you stand out from the rest. Whether it’s your chair placement; the linen length is perfect or just making sure your centerpieces
are perfectly symmetrical with the tables. Finally the room cannot talk to you until you have the proper lighting in place.

Please call us here at Gala and let us be your experts in designing your room and just
kick back and relax and leave the details to us!

by Rosie Goulette

Bubbles!!

2009-08-25T15:50:00.003-04:00

Our newest, coolest decor item here at Gala Events is our light-up bubble tubes. We currently have 2, 6' tall x 4' wide machines, but we can custom design these for you at different heights and different colors (water and case colors). You can also have custom signage on these if you want. Stop by our Special Events Design Center today in Rockville, MD to see them in person!

Southern Wedding

2009-08-24T11:21:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday I attended a friend’s wedding reception in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both the bride and groom are from the deep south and I was excited to partake in their unique rituals and style of entertaining. The event was held at a Cajun heritage center. As we approached the venue, the first thing we noticed was the LOUD live music! My friends didn’t just have a band; they had a 10 piece brass ensemble performing all evening. The music and entertainment were amazing and really set the tone for the evening. The cuisine was entirely local and featured red beans and rice, gumbo, catfish, and other traditional Louisiana fare.
My absolute favorite part of the evening was the second line. A second line is a simple dance where you grab a napkin or handkerchief and dance around in a line waving the napkin in the air. This tradition is popular in New Orleans at weddings, balls, Mardi Gras events, and even jazz funerals. The bride and groom lead the procession (it really looked more like a parade) around the ballroom and out into the street. The bride carried a “southern belle” style umbrella and all the guests trailed behind the couple. It is a unique way to end a wedding on a high note and I’m sure I will remember it for years.

by Laura Miller

Frederick Fashion Week

2009-08-18T10:10:00.003-04:00

The Frederick Arts Council presents Frederick Fashion Week 09

Thursday September 17th - Student Designer Showcase. Tickets to this event are $3, the show starts at 7pm, dancing follows the show till 9pm.

Friday September 18th - AJ from Social Study will be launching his new clothing line. DJ and drinks available. $3 donation to attend this event and takes place 8pm to 11pm.

Saturday September 19th - Salons and Boutique Fashion Shows. Total of 8 Fashion shows with a VIP cocktail hour between 7pm and 8. Colonial Jewelers will be modeling their jewelry. There is also a promotion where three to five people via Key 103 will come and have a professional makeover. VIP tickets at $20 and that includes a goody bag, a seat, and one beverage during the VIP Cocktail hour. General Admission tickets cost $5.

DYI Lighting Decor

2009-08-18T09:57:00.003-04:00

Lately, I have been trying to think of cool new ways to light up my events. As we all know, lighting is the most important element to any party. Over the weekend, I did a whole lot of nothing. Enjoying my lazy Sunday, I watched a lot of HGTV. On the show ‘Design on Dime’, they had some amazing concepts that were very cost effective. Take a look at this lighting fixture- I think it’s awesome! You can find replicas everywhere, but I am sure it would cost you. On a tight budget? If you feel you have the time to design, here is a little DYI art project for you. This fixture was actually made by hand and it only cost $60 bucks!! You take a beach ball and any kind of string, this one is actually made out of raffia. You paper mache the strings onto the beach ball in any design you like. Wrap it around the beach ball and let it dry. Deflate the beach ball and there you have it your own new lantern. I think they would look amazing hanging in clusters over a table, a dance floor, or any other focal point in your event space. This is a great cost effective way to add lighting to your party. Moreover, it is a cool look!

by Tala Farr

My Interpretation on The 2009 Fall/Winter Pantone

2009-08-18T09:41:00.012-04:00

I love the new colors for the upcoming Fall/Winter. They are exciting, bold and sophisticated. Here is my take on each.

Crème Brulee
Pantone 13-1006

Inspiration: The past, old world elegance with a twinkle of sassiness.

This color evokes: Lush sexiness, intense drama (when paired correctly), polish and sophistication.

Pair with: Iron, black, icy tones, red and of course pink.

Rapture Rose
Pantone 17-1929

Inspiration: The pink vein running through an orchid petal, a shabby chic antique tin ceiling tile.

This color evokes: Old world nobility, and the return of lavish yester years.

Pair with: Camel, black and all shades of pink

Iron
Pantone 18-1306

Inspiration: Love this color; it is my new black. I just designed an entire party around this color so my inspiration would be Nick’s Bar Mitzvah.

This color evokes: sophistication and simplicity

Pair with: White, icy blue, orange, black and tones of gray.

Burnt Sienna
Pantone 17-1544

Inspiration: My childhood box of crayons.

This color evokes: The true sense of Fall. I would also love to see this color on Jess, one of our event planners – stunning with her complexion.

Pair with: Nomad, Majolica blue, brown and brick red

Nomad
Pantone 16-1212

Inspiration: Silly putty (one of my favorite things)

This color evokes: Strength, and the perfect palette for deep, rich, bold accessories.

Pair with: Tone on Tone, black, red, burnt sienna, and shades of green.

Warm Olive
Pantone 15-0646

Inspiration: The transition from summer to fall. A fabulous accent color for décor.

This color evokes: freshness and optimism.

Pair with: orange, purple, Nomad and Iron.

Majolica Blue
Pantone 19-4125

Inspiration: I am normally not a blue fan but, I adore this color. This blue reminds me of rainy fall morning and the coziness of reading the paper in bed.

This color evokes: moodiness, drama, comfort and is fashion forward.

Pair with: Crisp neutrals, black, magenta and Honey Yellow

Honey Yellow
Pantone 16-1143

Inspiration: Tuscany and family dinner around my farm planked table.

This color evokes: Old world warmth

Pair with: brown, Majolica blue, peacock green, cool purple and ivory

Purple Heart
Pantone 18-3520

Inspiration: My mother (it is her favorite color) and the sky just before a storm

This color evokes: sophistication, warmth and love.

Pair with: deep red, black, green and ivory.

American Beauty
Pantone 19-1759

Inspiration: The orient and my favorite lipstick. This color is the perfect red for a dining room.

This color evokes: drama and decadence

Pair with: black, deep purple, gold, turquoise, and greens

by Jaime Greenwald

Wedding Bowl

2009-08-17T11:21:00.001-04:00

Of course you want a guest book at your wedding…I mean, you want to be able to open it up and remember who was there on that special day, right? But guest books are so…well, boring. And will you really pull it out and read all those signatures that were entered as your guests arrived to share in your nuptials?

Take a look at this beautiful Steuben bowl that has been designed with the simple elegance that is typical of Steuben, but also comes with a special diamond tipped pen that your guests may use to ‘leave their mark’ on your bowl. How fabulous is that? Your guest book can be a beautiful accent piece on display in your home, and you can look at the signatures of your wedding guests every day of the week. Your guests’ signatures inscribed on a true piece of art for you to enjoy day after day, year after year. C’est magnifique!

by Julie Pike

Hangin' with my Gnomies

2009-08-17T11:19:00.003-04:00

Gnomes- You know the ones those tiny, mythical creatures, topped in pointy hats, undoubtedly always up to mischief. They peek around flower stems and garden rocks, their rosy cheeks glowing. I’ve always had a thing for gnomes. A few years ago at a friend’s birthday dinner, I brought some gnomes out of the garden and on top of the dinner table, creating a fun and festive tablescape. That night, we chose a small wine bar in our quaint college town of Granville, Ohio. Not surprisingly, I was greeted with nervous and suspecting glances from the restaurant staff when I arrived early at 3pm with six gnomes gathered in my arms. We used a long strip of sod as a table runner and strategically placed the gnomes in playful positions: hiding behind wine glasses, peeping out from around the bread baskets. Each little gnome has his own personality, and the figures added a uniquely fun and silly flair to what would have otherwise been a plain, unexciting table. By the end of our dinner, all the gnomes had been named and adopted by a new caretaker.
Tablescapes, like my scene of gnomes, are a fantastic way to make a dinner party instantly more exciting. Pick a color, pick a theme…you can create a tablescape out of virtually anything. But if you choose gnomes, be sure to keep one eye on your salt and pepper shakers—those little guys can be quite the trouble-makers!

by Jessica Marzelli

Annapolis Wedding

2009-08-17T09:42:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working on the Isip wedding in Annapolis, Maryland. When it came to décor, the lovely couple turned to Gala Events Inc. for inspiration. However, the Isip’s were not the only ones who were inspired, Rhea and Dennis inspired me as well.

Rhea and Dennis, the bride and groom, knew exactly what they wanted to help make their big day extra special. They had a unique escort card treatment that consisted of two freestanding poles that were draped in hot pink fabric. Five strands of black string were tied to the poles and hanging from them were postcards that were used as escort cards. It was cool. Each postcard was attached to the black string by a tiny silver clothespin. It was a very unique idea, which I loved.

Not only did their escort card treatment inspire me but their table numbers as well. If you have a pet, you know how much a furry little friend means to you. Our pets not only mean something to us but also naturally become part of the family. Rhea and Dennis had taken ten pictures of their dog, and mounted them on black cardstock, labeling each picture with a number. These pictures of their cute Westie dressed with a black bowtie were their table number treatment. I loved it!

I wish the couple the best of luck, and I congratulate them, once again, on their marriage.

Smile like you mean it!

2009-08-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

For many years we have all been looking at TV commercials,
actors and actresses with beautiful white teeth.

We have been seeing ads for whitening toothpastes, and
bleaching systems in the dentist office that can cost thousand of dollars.

We have also inquired about the time involved to have our teeth whitened.
It is very time consuming.

I personally had it done in our office last week for under $200.
The vender started with matching my teeth color to a chart. I was projected to
have my teeth lighten two shades.
The process was easy.
First step was a mouth guard filled with the whitening system.
The second step was placing the guard in my mouth, putting on glasses and sitting
in front of an ultra violet light.
The last step was sitting for 15 minutes (probably the hardest for me - no chatting, sitting still)

What an incredible idea
There are so many great times to want to have Pearly Whites.
We seem to all have so many reasons that make our teeth change from
their original color. Soda, coffee, chocolate, red wine we all truly enjoy the
things that do not do well for our teeth.

This was fabulous it took 15 minutes! My teeth are 2 1/2 shades lighter
today and it lasts 6 months.
What a great idea for a Wedding party.
What a great idea before a Bar Mitzvah
What an all around great idea!!

How did you meet your fiancé?

2009-08-13T11:01:00.002-04:00

Everyone has a story to tell, right? Certainly some stories are more interesting than others, but whatever that story may be, it got the people in it to where there are now. One of my favorite questions to ask a client who is planning a wedding is, “How did you meet your fiancé?” I want to hear their story. That story can reflect so much about the people involved and can even be eye opening to them as they look back on their journey to their engagement and the dreams they have for their wedding day and their lives together in the future.

The wedding invitation pictured here tells the story of how Jill and Matt met and offers a great deal of information about their courtship and how they ended up together. When I came across this on the Internet I couldn’t resist sharing! It is fun, it is different, it tells a story, it breaks tradition and the happy couple is even from Delaware (my home state!)

When planning a wedding it is important that every aspect of the wedding – including the invitation – reflects the style and personality of the bride and groom. And in some cases, the invitation may tell a story – a very important story. Ask yourself a lot of questions when planning your wedding and figure out exactly what you want to say to the people you invite to share in your joyous celebration. Simple, traditional wedding invitations will never go out of style. They can be lovely and elegant – and give all the necessary facts; however, we no longer live in a simple and traditional world. So I encourage my clients to ‘think outside the box’ and to tell their story. It is probably a great story that is worth sharing.

(photo credit- http://olivialeighweddings.com/blog/2009/06/fantastic-wedding-invite/)

By: Julie Pike

Dutch's Daughter -- Upscale event space in Frederick

2009-08-13T10:48:00.002-04:00

Consider Dutch’s when planning your next private event. The upper level is designed to serve 20-300 guests in an elegant,
yet comfortable atmosphere. Private rooms are equipped with audio-visual, public address system hook-ups and built in
projection screens. Whether it’s Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, they offer a variety of menu entrees that may be customized to your
liking, buffet or seated. From a business dinner to a grand reception, Dutch’s can accommodate your needs.

Dutch’s Daughter is the ideal setting for your special day. Whether you are looking to host an intimate gathering or grand affair,
their upper level can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. Their elegant décor serves wondrously as a romantic backdrop
to any reception.

Check out their website for more information http://www.dutchsdaughter.com/events.htm

A Garden Grows in DC

2009-08-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

As an event planner you will come across lots of brides looking for that fairy tale
wedding in a beautiful large garden setting. Oh did I mention that it has to be in Washington DC. Let’s be honest, there are not a lot of options out there but nestled right in our own back yard in a land not so far away is the Omni Shoreham. This beautiful DC landmark emulates history, not to mention the amazing “gardens.”

You will be dazzled by the lush green landscape and the beautiful gazebo in a wide panoramic view. The spacious open air will take your breathe away and is perfect for saying your vows, followed by a short stroll to the patio for cocktails. The ballrooms talk to you with their historic murals and opulent colors. With a top notch staff, and a service that is second to none, stop by and take a look at this DC jewel and ask for William Grace. Every bride deserves that happily ever after…

By: Rosine Goulette

Visual Aids Help

2009-08-10T11:28:00.003-04:00

“I’m a visual person . . . I need to see what you’re describing.” ~ Countless clients and planners, upon hearing the décor options for an upcoming event.

In order for an event to really be successful, it has to fulfill a vision, or a combination of visions that originate from the organizer or organizers. It can be difficult to transfer that vision from the creator to those responsible for making it come to life. Language can be a blunt tool when trying to describe how you visualize something in your mind’s eye. That is why it is extremely helpful to have a visual aid, because while pictures may be worth a thousand words, objects in real life are worth at least twice that.

I realized this again last week, when some potential clients came to visit our warehouse and showroom to see some of the elements that I had described in a proposal. The pictures I had included in the proposal were helpful, to be sure, but the clients needed to see the elements to really understand their effect and size. In one particular case, I had included an oversize table with an Astroturf top, custom-painted to look like a football field. “Oversize” doesn’t really describe the size of this table. Even giving its dimensions, 18’ x 5’ doesn’t fully explain how much room it will take up within the ballroom. Seeing the small picture in the proposal, even with 16 dinner plates on it, was also not enough to really convey the size of the immense table. It wasn’t until the clients saw the actual table, large enough to cover two pool tables, end-to-end, set up on two of our work tables in our warehouse, that they realized that this piece could act as an anchor piece of décor for one entire side of the ballroom. Upon seeing it, they were convinced it was something that would enhance their event and they had to have it.

Of course, I was fortunate that we had the table already built to show them. This kind of visualization is also aided by our graphics department, when we are selling a concept that is not yet built. With the help of cutting-edge software, we are able to design and “photograph” individual elements or entire room layouts in three-dimensional space. This really helps with explaining the full effect of a décor treatment.

So, if you are a visual person or need help understanding just what the décor or other treatment will look like, please just ask us to show you.

Maison Moschino

2009-08-06T12:04:00.004-04:00

I love fashion…design…architecture…transforming people, things, places into things they have never been…things they want to be…things they only dream about. I am extremely intrigued with the new Moschino hotel opening soon in Milan. It is fashion – it is design – it is architecture -- rolled into one marvelous experience…or so it seems it will be. To be housed in an old railway station, the exterior façade may contradict the very modern Moschino style that will be reflected inside. It is a fantasy world that real people can escape to and this environment will truly reflect a bold, creative and brave sensibility. As the hotel’s website explains, “The common thread connecting the rooms is a fairy tale theme because to sleep is perchance to dream, and dreams are fairy tales that we are allowed to experience first hand, the fables of a fantasy world that we have created. This is an alternate life in which we direct and stage the scripts of our very own play. The hotel interior reflects Moschino’s distinctive style where the ordinary world is painted with a brush of surrealism.”

How lovely it might be to enter this enchanted world. Does anyone want to go to Italy with me for some inspiration????

by Julie Pike, Event Planner

Endless Inspiration

2009-08-05T10:43:00.002-04:00

Working as an event planner requires one to have endless inspiration. All the planners in my office have pictures, patterns, flowers, and colorful items surrounding their desks at all times. I recently stumbled upon a designer who offers products that can add even more inspiration to your desk. Dabney Lee designs stationary and invitations in fun, bright colors. Her newest creation is her Dabney at Home line, which includes products such as monogrammed Lucite trays, coasters, notebooks, and ice buckets that will surely add flair and pizazz to your home. My personal favorites are the file folders, the mouse pads, and the notepads. These all come in a variety of patterns and colors that can spice up anyone’s desk. I especially love how the mouse pad ingeniously doubles as a notepad--how many times have you tried to write something down while you’re on the phone? Thanks to Dabney Lee, your problem is now solved. Dabney Lee’s products will be sure to make your desk the snazziest in your office!

by Jessica Marzelli, Event Planner Intern

East Hotel in Hamburg, Germany

2009-08-05T10:29:00.005-04:00

Last winter, I went to Hamburg, Germany to visit my family. If you ever get the chance to travel there, I would highly recommend that you to go check out East Hotel. Located in Repabaun, it is the place to be seen. It is my favorite place to be when in Germany. The architecture of this building is not only stylish and modern but also inspirational. I had never seen anything like it. There is no other word to describe this awesome venue than futuristic. If the modern look is what you are into, let this place be your inspiration.

The columns are carved with curves and up lighted to extenuate the modern feel. Every napkin is garnished with a purple wild orchid, used as a napkin treatment. Their unique and exquisite taste just blew my mind. The restaurant uses crystal glassware that was just simply gorgeous. They used glass bubble curtains, like the ones in the shoe department in Saks Fifth Ave., New York, to distinguish apart rooms in the hotel restaurant and bar.

As an event planner, you always want to think outside the box. Jordan Mozer, the Designer of this building, just blew it out of the water. Not only was the architecture of the building amazing but also each furniture piece looked like a piece of art. The restaurant is three floors, which turns into a lounge bar at night. What makes this place so different from any other place I visited was not only the design of the building but the lighting as well. Neon colors were used at different bars on different floors. Bright tones in pinks, yellows and oranges lit up the place after dark. It truly was breath taking.

My FAVORITE part of this venue was the distressed brick walls. It was so sophisticated it just looked magnificent.

Anywhere you step foot looked as if you were in a “Cave of Wonders.”

Oh and if I may add, the food was just excellent. Let’s just say that was an added BONUS!

by Tala Farr, Event Planner

Harbour View- A Unique Wedding Venue

2009-08-05T10:23:00.002-04:00

I had the pleasure of visiting Harbour View on the river’s edge in Northern Virginia and I am happy to say I was so impressed with this lovely space. It was quite an exciting and fun wedding venue. A bride’s total dream, where she can be whatever she wants to be in creating her fantasy wedding. The spacious open air veranda is perfect for saying your vows or just for having cocktails.

I loved the open concept of floor to ceiling windows, which are overlooking the beautiful Occoquan River, surrounded with a warm ambiance. The wrap around porch is a great spot for cocktails as well as just socializing and enjoying the view, and what a view! The neutral palette allows you the flexibility of creating your vision in this event planner’s dream. I am looking forward to working in this space and creating your fairy tale wedding with memories that will last a lifetime.

by Rosie Goulette, Event Planner

Small Companies Are Having Parties, Green Events

2009-08-04T10:31:00.005-04:00

You might be surprised, small companies are having parties. Smart employers know that company parties are a great way to show appreciation to employees and to entertain clients.
Every client needs to justify what they spend on their event in 2009. So let’s make sure we help them, by explaining how Gala Events will create the right response in their attendees. It’s much easier for a client to sign off a budget for more exciting entertainment or décor ideas if they can see that they will achieve very clear, measurable objectives.

Green, sustainable and fun too: this trend is all about recycling and finding ways to making beautiful event pieces out of everyday discarded objects. It requires a bit of thought and planning to garner all the ingredients and ensure the space is attractive as well as recycled, but it will pay off, as all the pieces in an event design should make people talk and inspire them. Best of all, it is the ultimate downturn theme: ‘look, we didn’t spend a thing!’ and it has some synergy with another current trend for handcrafted and vintage ‘homespun’ interiors. Simple ideas include: building a bar from beer/champagne or other drinks crates, using jam jars and other discarded glassware to hold candles, stringing together old CD’s, vinyl record and computer discs to make a chandelier, using solar powered lighting and technology.

by Howard Radis, Event Planner

Volt of Downtown Frederick

2009-08-04T10:26:00.002-04:00

Executive Chef Bryan Voltaggio has opened a new restaurant in historic downtown Frederick called VOLT. VOLT has exquisite dining and is available for private parties and events. Everything from menu selection to wine pairings can be custom designed for a memorable occasion.
They offer a number of settings for your private event.
• The Conservatory is available for parties of up to 12 guests. Audio/visual capabilities are available in the conservatory.
• Chef's Dining Room can be reserved for parties of up to 20 guests.
• The lounge may be available for larger parties. Audio/visual capabilities are available.
• For a wedding reception, social affair or corporate event, they offer the possibility of exclusive use of the restaurant. They can accommodate up to 70 guests for a seated dinner and 175 guests for a cocktail reception and provide the full attention of their entire staff.
VOLT is located less than 50 miles from Washington, D.C., Leesburg, Annapolis and Baltimore. Check out their website for more details. http://www.voltrestaurant.com

by Tom Kemp, Art Director

Space

2009-08-04T10:14:00.002-04:00

Let’s chat about space…
Big, small, wide, narrow…
Whatever you are planning

Large or small
It is all in the vision…
One of the greatest parts of event planning
is turning a vision into reality.

A little money, a lot of money
making something yours is the way to an awesome event.

Atmosphere in the space
This is also about the translation of the space selected and how it is used for the event
Will we want it to be light; will we want it to be dark?
Will we drape, will we need atmosphere lighting to hit all focused parts of the party, will we perimeter light the room, will we use candle light?
These are decisions that have a huge impact in the usage of an event space.

Every venue has potential as long as the parameters
are well thought out.
How many people will fit the space?
How will the space be used?
Will all guests be seated, will all guests be standing?
It’s all in the planning.

As you can see space is all about what is done with it..
Using a planner to help select your space is an advantage
to the result of the creation of a space.

By Nancy Radin, Senior Event Planner

10 weeks of interning- 25 things we’ve learned

2009-08-03T14:18:00.003-04:00

1) The history of Gala…always do your homework
2) How to “figure it out” yourself
3) 4 p.m. Starbucks is a MUST
4) Learning how to sew for the first time
5) How to design a table…but never actually putting it together
6) How to make cold calls…and being rejected
7) NEVER drive in Tala’s space shuttle when it’s missing a side view mirror
8) Looking for pink boxes that don’t exist
9) Lighting is KEY
10) How to properly clean and organize a warehouse
11) Blogging
12) How to BLING
13) How to stuff and dress Build-a-Bears
14) Linens should always hit the floor
15) Tory Burch is a MUST in our office
16) What goes into designing an event
17) How to make a necessity basket
18) Always order extras
19) How to arrange and set up cocktail tables at an event
20) Always bring white out…Howard
21) Lunch is an important factor in the day
22) It’s better to have a small dance floor that’s full than a big dance floor that’s empty
23) Always have one item of animal print in a room
24) Cake is required for every occasion
25) We’ve had the best time working here this summer!

Xoxo,
The Interns (Jess, Anna, and Jenna)
…you know you’re gonna miss us!

Mitzvah Themes

2009-08-03T14:16:00.001-04:00

Here at Gala Events, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and producing the décor for a great number of bar and bat mitzvahs. Despite being responsible for so many of these mitzvahs, we always ensure that the custom creations leaving our building are exceptional and distinctive so that the ensuing event is a very memorable experience. Many of our successful designs are based around a central theme that is reflective of the tastes of the child that is becoming a bar or bat mitzvah.

I’d like to briefly list just a few of the greatest mitzvah themes we’ve created at Gala:

Around the World – A travelling themed mitzvah where all the distinct locales that the child has visited are represented, from the monuments to the minutia. Often times, large scale facades complete this look, featuring buildings and restaurants from around the world.

Beach – Gala has been tasked on a number of occasions to bring the beach to the middle of a venue space. I’d like to think we’ve passed with flying colors with exciting ideas like a boardwalk entranceway, sandcastle centerpieces made using real sand and a variety of beach shop facades and beach umbrellas in the surrounding area.

Club – A club themed mitzvah features the rapid lighting and excitement of a lush dance club. Think of sleek, glossy blacks and whites, modern furniture designs and a thrilling dance floor.

New York – Similar to the Around the World theme, but specifically representing the city’s popular tourist areas and other facets of New York. We’ve created an amazing subway car entranceway that helps complete the look.

Sports – A child’s favorite sport or sports are featured through various facets such as a custom dance floor to look like a playing field, flashing scoreboards, sports centerpieces featuring equipment and jerseys and locker rooms. We’ve done baseball, basketball, hockey, football, soccer and many others.

I’ll be sure to include a few more of our exciting themes in my next blog.

by Bryan Fox, Senior Graphic Designer

DC's New W Hotel

2009-08-03T14:13:00.003-04:00

Last week, I had the opportunity to work on my first event at DC’s new W Hotel. The W is definitely impressive. Both the first floor lounge and the rooftop bar were packed! The event I helped with, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now Wednesday Warm-up, was in the W’s Altitude Room. The Altitude Room is on the top floor and allows access to the nearby rooftop. My two favorite features of the room are the fireplace and the 15 foot ceilings. The W’s in house chairs (pictured below) are very sleek and modern. Windows on the north wall are also a great feature that is often difficult to find in a hotel ballroom space. I think the space lends itself well to intimate social events and I am excited to design more events at the W soon!

by Laura Miller, Event Planner

The Perfect Game

2009-07-31T09:42:00.004-04:00

This past Thursday, Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox pitched a perfect game. Everybody that the Tampa Bay Rays sent to the plate to face the big lefthander was sent back to the dugout without reaching 1st base. It was only the 18th perfect game in Major League Baseball history, a history that spans over 100 years. An amazing accomplishment, to be sure, and one that set me to thinking what the “pitching a perfect game” equivalent would be in the event industry.

I think it would have to start out with an unassuming client that wouldn’t seem, at first glance, to be particularly special or helpful towards attaining the goal. As baseball is a sport where one side is pitted against the other and the goal of any good event producer is to work with the other side (i.e. the client) to achieve a common goal, this is an imperfect comparison, but interesting nonetheless. I say that the client should be unassuming because the Rays came into the contest near the top of their league in offensive output. When you’re on top of your game, as Buehrle was, the opponent matters very little.

One thing that stood out about the perfect game was that, while Buehrle had a few strikeouts, most of the putouts were executed by his teammates, cleanly picking up grounders and catching fly balls. There was even a spectacular, home-run-robbing catch in the last inning that, had it not been made, would have not only broken up the perfect game, but also the shutout, making the previous eight innings of perfection ordinary. This catch highlighted the examples of the efforts of the team backing Mark Buerhle up. Even at the height of excellence, one needs to rely on teammates to ensure a strong effort.

Of course, a perfect event would have to be planned well, accounting for all of the possibilities leading up to and during the event production. The client-planner relationship, like that of the pitcher and catcher, would have to remain on the same page, with slight adjustments to ensure consistency as the planning went along. Constant communication is key. This extends to the crew that is producing the event as well, with good communication and leadership from the planner making certain the team has the right game plan and tools at their disposal.

Lastly, luck comes into play. Any number of factors can derail the perfectly planned event. A gust of wind that knocks down that high line drive to deep left center, keeping it within the reach of the racing outfielder or a helpful banquet captain that turns the room over in half an hour can make all the difference in the world. Things have to fall just right to get everything to go off as planned. And even then, it always helps to have Lady Luck on your side. Sharply batted balls that go directly to infielders or an absence of traffic on Massachusetts Avenue when you’re trying to get to the Convention Center can be the difference between perfection and simply pulling it off.

While we strive for perfection at every event, it is difficult to attain. So many factors have a hand in the outcome of any game or event. This is why we limit the opportunities for mistakes with our team-oriented approach with double and triple checks along the way. It’s also why we have trusted people that work for us who know the ropes and know what position they’re supposed to be in to make the game-saving play. We’re capable of pitching that perfect game each time we plan an event. That’s what keeps our fans coming back.

Congratulations, Mark Buehrle. Thanks for the inspiration.

by Noah Steurer, Director of Operations

Transforming a Space

2009-07-31T09:35:00.008-04:00

I spent the weekend searching for an apartment in the city. The reality is that what I want costs more than I can really afford, so I will have to make some compromises. In order to get the quality and location I am looking for I am going to have to give up space. So, I started to think about the transformation of space and how one can make it appear to be something different than it is. The question becomes, essentially, how can I make a tiny studio apartment seem larger than it really is and how can I make it completely fabulous? (One's perception is one's reality, right?) Yes, it is extremely small, but I am determined to make it work. First I must eliminate things that take up space but don't serve any real purpose or offer any real visual interest. Maybe I don't need that giant TV set that my father passed down to me. Hmmm...I can give up my grandmother's oversized dresser and store off-season clothing under my bed. And the pair of Bergere chairs that flank my love seat may become a single chair. I think I can create the illusion of a headboard for my bed with some fabric or carefully arranged art or tiles, and it will really help to define my sleeping area and take up much less space! Light, bright colors will be more reflective and will serve to amplify the effects of natural light. And a mirror might really open things up! I must make distinctions between the things I want and the things I need. I surprise myself when I tackle this honestly. By eliminating some pieces, changing the 'rules', moving the boundaries, and pairing objects and pieces that don’t necessarily match I can create the illusion of space and create a unique look. Not only does this allow me to function in a different size space than I am accustomed to, it creates visual interest and transforms a seemingly ordinary space into something unexpected. Hmm...maybe I'll pair that antique dining table with modern dining chairs (I'll have to go from six to four!) covered in a fun, colorful fabric...this will create a completely unexpected juxtaposition.

The same can be said about the spaces we choose and transform as event planners for our events. Each space and location has its own personality and defining characteristics. Some spaces are beautiful and the location works, but they are truly small and dimensionally demanding. When this is the case, it is then up to us to transform it and work with these attributes to create something entirely new...and fabulous...and to make it seem larger than it really is! Space planning is certainly an art and not a science, and it is exciting to find a space, work within its constraints and create an environment that one might not expect. It is quite possible to overcome the obstacles that come with a confined space with clever design, whether you are transforming a venue for a special party or event, or making a small efficiency apartment livable. Good things come in small packages, right?

by Julie Pike, Event Planner

All Purpose Planner

2009-07-30T12:04:00.002-04:00

The notion that we plan parties is a reflection of a job well done. The end result might appear as if all we do is throw great parties, however we bring people together for a purpose! The real work is in the details that lead up to an event.

A Gala Events, Inc. planner considers the goal of having an event; we work together with our clients and utilize the resources within Gala to create events that address the objective. Our goal is to convey messages and impressions that our client wants to share with their guests.

by Howard Radis, Event Planner

My 25 Most Favorite Event/Work Things…This Week!

2009-07-30T12:03:00.001-04:00

1. Hand made paper
2. Pink peonies
3. Our tree tables
4. Invitation by Dauphine
5. Brainstorming with our team
6. Tiaras
7. Napkin treatments
8. Father/daughter dances
9. A flawless timeline
10. Fresh
11. Reading our teams blogs
12. Mondays
13. Redoing the showroom
14. Tenting over a dance floor
15. Sharpened pencils
16. 4:00 Starbucks
17. Frosted Lucite
18. Our hydrangea covered lampshade
19. A finished proposal
20. Our Asian style bar
21. Pink flamingos
22. Peacock feathers
23. Duct tape
24. Decadent linens
25. The people I work with

by Jaime Greenwald, President

Budgets

2009-07-30T11:51:00.004-04:00

Let’s Blog about Budgets
Event Planners are a huge advantage to their customers’ Budgets.
Today’s economy has to be concerned about budgets.
Whether you are planning for your business
Or for an event like a Bar Mitzvah or Wedding -Budgets are a huge part
Of today’s everyday life.

What’s in a Budget?
Well to start it is an expense breakdown.
The most important part of a budget is having all the necessary information.
Budgets should start with the actual breakdown of the event.
As an event planner I believe we all must spend wisely and be budget conscious.

Starting questions that will be needed to form a strong budget:
Do I have an Event Planner? What will they cost?
Where is the event taking place, what it is costing?
When it takes place are there additional costs in set up and breakdown?
Will invitations be needed? What are all the costs? Stuffing invites, stamping and hand canceling?
How many people will be attending? What is the cost per person?
Will catering and wait staff be needed?
What are the rentals needed? Tables, chairs, linens, bars etc.?
Will the venue need draping?
Will there be entertainment and what are the price options?
What are the costs for atmosphere/dance floor lighting?
Will there be a theme or atmosphere needed to transform space? What does décor cost?
Will a Photographer and Videographer be desired?
This is just the start to a detailed Budget.

There are many other parts of the planning that are very helpful to add.
Knowing to plan a budget allows there to be no last minute surprises.
An excel spread sheet is very helpful, much more direct to bottom line expenses.

A really great planner will negotiate all of your contracts. This will certainly help in the bottom line.

Budget is a very small word that has a huge impact on every event. Listening to what the customer’s desire is will help bring their event to life
The key to a fabulous party/event is in the translation. Bringing an event to life is about bringing
It to fruition. Using a planner allows the combined knowledge of expense and experience to create balance and budget.

by Nancy Radin, Senior Event Planner

Park City, Utah

2009-07-30T11:48:00.003-04:00

One of my all-time favorite places is Park City, Utah. No matter what time of year you go there, there is always something to do. Whether it be skiing in the winter, or mountain biking or hiking in the summer, you are never bored in Utah. Park City is home to the 2002 Olympic Ski Park, as well as the Sundance Film festival every year.

Utah is one of those places where you go, and every single person that is there is the nicest most generous person you will ever meet. Everyone there is always doing something outdoors, and they are all in great physical shape.

Park City is probably the most peaceful place in the world. No matter where you look, beautiful mountains and scenery that is beyond belief surround you. I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to go to Utah every winter and at least once a summer.

by Jenna Monsein, Event Planner Intern

Museum Event Space

2009-07-30T11:44:00.001-04:00

This past week I visited several museums to check out their event space. Moving to D.C. only two months ago, I am still not too familiar with the unique quality of the city. After visiting places such as the Corcoran Gallery, National Building Museum, and the DAR Museum I have come to appreciate and better understand the culture of D.C. The DAR museum in particular offered spectacular views of the Washington Monument and the National Mall. This venue would be the perfect spot for a bride who wants a wedding with distinct D.C. feel. I am excited to continue touring more venues and to learn more about the city that I now call home.

by Jessica Marzelli, Event Planner Intern

Quality Vandal

2009-07-30T11:37:00.006-04:00

The art of graffiti, in some form, has been around since ancient times. The evolution of this art form, from the simple scratching of images on a wall to the sometimes elaborate painted words and images that permeate primarily urban settings across the globe in the twenty-first century, has been slow. Modern graffiti is recognized as the vandalism of social and urban activists making personal statements and of gang members marking their territories, and their images have moved from subway cars and underground tile walls to the streets of cities around the world. Among the current vandals who arm themselves with spray paint cans and brushes, there is one rather anonymous but quite prolific artist who stands out -- the British street artist known as Banksy.

Banksy offers striking and often quite humorous images that present significant and controversial social commentary; he is clearly anti-establishment and doesn’t hesitate to criticize war, capitalism, and all that he feels is wrong in the world. He is an innovator in the world of street art, or graffiti, who has created an image of himself that he alone controls. He remains anonymous and does not reveal his identity to the public. In addition to this element of control, the public experiences Banksy’s art not by their own choice but, rather, by his. By virtue of the fact that he places his art in public places, on public walls, the passersby cannot avoid it. One does not typically experience it deliberately but very much by accident – perhaps only because of the route traveled to work or play. Through his intentional play on both the visible and invisible he has created an artist’s persona or identity that has given him the freedom and ability to explore both local and global issues. Banksy is the imaginative leader of a new artistic movement. This is art as activism, and the anonymous voice for free speech and equality around the globe.

by Julie Pike, Event Planner

Employee Appreciation Day! Crab Fest 2009

2009-07-30T11:33:00.003-04:00

I can’t think of a better way to thank all your hard working employees than to show your appreciation for all those long hours of hard work. Whether they are balancing family, school and work, no one is exempt. Why not show your appreciation by planning a special event for your staff? Whether it is as simple as a picnic or a full blown party, let our team at Gala show you how to make it happen!

I just planned a really fun event for a company that wanted a “Crab fest”. We turned their parking lot into a fun beach oasis with picnic tables, umbrellas, a tiki bar and palm trees. It was so cool and every one had a blast! The crabs were delicious and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. We can cater to any budget and make your event truly something your friends and family will always remember. All you bosses out there, let’s come together to show your appreciation and let Gala plan your special day!

by Rosine Goulette, Event Planner

Specialty Cocktails

2009-07-30T11:27:00.003-04:00

Specialty cocktails are a great way to spice up any event. I’ve always been intrigued by unique drink concoctions because the possibilities are endless. I love the fact that cocktails are often catered to a particular season because they stimulate the senses so much that we often associate certain drinks with certain months/seasons.

Another facet of specialty cocktails that I find so intriguing is the presentation of them – what type of glass will it be served in? How much will be served per glass? What will be used to garnish the drink? Most people are often drawn to aesthetically pleasing things, so why not make the cocktail look beautiful and delicious at the same time?

There are so many unique things one can do when creating cocktails and no two cocktails are ever truly the same. For your next event, I recommend providing a beautiful and colorful specialty cocktail to keep your guests excited by your creation!

by Anna Pike, Event Planner Intern

Tanning

2009-07-30T11:23:00.001-04:00

Brides… We know you’re dying to have that certain glow when walking down the isle… you know what I’m talking about… a TAN of course.

I am a huge fan of tanning. Whether it’s a summer tan, spray tan, tanning bed or even a tanning lotion, I have got to be tan all year round.

When it comes to tanning, it’s awful to have a bad experience. Let’s just say you don’t want to end up looking like Anne Hathaway after Kate Hudson sabotaged her in Bride Wars.

Call me crazy (I know) but I have tried almost everything out there. We all know the harms that we face when going to a tanning salon. Although we love it, we really should hate it. So being the tan freak I am, here are some of the best products I have used that doesn’t leave you orange and streaky. And certainly doesn’t leave you looking like you just FAKED AND BAKED.

St. Tropez ( anything of theirs is my favorite)

It’s used by the host of Dancing with the Stars!!
This is the most well known tanning product out there.

Sevin Nyne Tanning Mist

Lindsey Lohan’s new tanning mist
I have to admit this product ROCKS! It leaves an awesome golden brown tone on your skin. Some advice…DON’T RUB IT IN… just spray and let it dry.

Bronze

Airbrush tanning here in the DC area
She is my go to gal! Probably the best fake tan I have ever had
Call me here at Gala and I’ll get you an appointment

Jergens Lotion

We all know how great this is. Need a tint of color in the winter? Use this, for it will moisturize and give you a glow.

Michael Kors Leg Shine – Classic

If you’re looking for a mild shimmer, this is your go to product. Not only does it add a nice glow to your legs, it also smells amazing. (We are obsessed)
Here is a little secret, use it all over!

These are my favorite products, try them, love them, and be tan all year round.

by Tala Farr, Event Planner

Custom Dance Floors

2009-07-29T10:46:00.004-04:00

You may notice from my previous blogs that I use the word “custom” pretty frequently. The reason is because nearly everything we do here at Gala is truly custom made for our clients. Custom signage, custom décor, custom layouts and renderings-you get the idea. I’d like to briefly discuss our custom dance floors, as I don’t think you’ll find anything quite like what we do here.

The vast majority of special events include a dance floor. That floor may just be tiles put together by the venue to keep their carpet from getting worn down, but they can be so much more. Custom dance floors involve cut-to-size sheet vinyl that is hand painted by our art director Tom Kemp. This hand painting process can take many hours, but it ensures that the look is artistic and highly professional. Often times, the center logo will be created from adhesive vinyl to ensure sharp lines and vibrant colors. The finished product is a sleek and exceptional piece that guests will remember long after their event has passed.

By Bryan Fox, Senior Designer

Custom Signage

2009-07-29T10:40:00.006-04:00

For my last blog, I discussed the importance of a specially designed logo as an important aspect to the customization of an event. I’d like to now discuss another facet that really goes hand-and-hand with the logo, and that’s custom signage. Custom signage can make a huge impact on a special event, and here at Gala, I’d consider us experts of the art.

Signage may not be the first thing that one thinks of when designing a special event, but it can be a very versatile medium. It can act as something that helps thematically pull the party together, direct guests to various parts of the venue, display the name or number of a table, or embellish specific areas. Many times, all of these properties are covered in a single event.

At Gala, we have a large scale printer that can create signage in any number of sizes, from a 6 inch by 8 inch table number to a 7 foot by 8 foot stage backdrop of a sports car for a young man becoming a bar mitzvah. Much of our signage is mounted on Fome-Cor, a board made of foam and paper that allows it to be freestanding or remain straight when attached to drape. All custom signage at Gala can be kept by the client at the end of the event, so the foam-backed mounting also allows the sign to be a long-lasting commemorative item.

Most typically, signage is included behind a stage, on top of custom centerpieces, on tables for identification and as part of an entrance treatment, but whatever the need for signage, I’m sure Gala can do it and do it well. We’ve got a lot of talent here that makes even the most daunting tasks go as smoothly as an everyday routine.

by Bryan Fox, Senior Designer

Gala Offers 3D Renderings

2009-07-28T15:24:00.005-04:00

Many clients have difficulty visualizing how a space will look. As designers, we at Gala Events have that gift of visualization; however it is often difficult to communicate that picture to our clients. Through renderings, Gala planners and clients can be on the same page. Below are some examples of our 3D renderings.

Above is the rendering of the stage, catwalk and seating layout for a St. John fashion show at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C. we included in our proposal.

Above is a picture of the auditorium with the stage and seating completely set up. You can see there were a few minor changes from the original rendering, but the rendering helped excite the clients enough to move forward and invest in our abilities to complete such a grand stage treatment.

Below are a few more renderings.

by Tom Kemp, Art Director

Nationals Stadium

2009-07-27T10:48:00.004-04:00

Last night I attended my second rained out baseball game of the year at National’s Stadium. As I sat in the nose-bleed section getting absolutely soaked by the mid-summer downpour, I should have been miserable. Instead, I was having a ball! There’s something about a baseball field that puts everyone in a good mood. From the amazing food smells to the silly crowd games, baseball stadiums never fail to make people feel like kids again. For this reason, I think National’s Stadium is a fabulous place to hold an event. Event guests are immediately put at ease in a location that evokes both nostalgia and playfulness. The next time a client asks me for venue suggestions, I won’t hesitate to mention the ballpark as a unique option.

by Laura Miller, Event Planner

Running Around Everyday Life

2009-07-21T16:43:00.002-04:00

Running Around
Everyday life…

Running around
Day after day

Running to keep balance
Between work and play…

We run around
Crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s

This running keeps us
Sharp and wise…

Running around is part
Of the plan

It is a key to us being
A successful women or man…

We run around to make our
Lives just right

Working so hard for all the accomplishments
In sight…

If we slowed down and stopped running
Life could stand still

Id bet this Running around
Keeps our lives truly full filled…

by Nancy Radin, Senior Event Planner

Day-of Planning, Why do I need it?

2009-07-21T09:29:00.004-04:00

So here you are planning your beautiful day, and you start getting frantic about how this wonderful day is going to play out. If you already planned out the whole wedding, then why should you worry about how it is going to turn out? Well hello, the day of your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and you should want it to be perfect without a hitch.

Day-of planning is the single most important investment that you can possibly make. The amount of work that goes into the event is worth every penny: from coordinating with vendors to managing the details, securing the timeline and paying attention to every detail that your expert’s trained eye will do. It will guarantee that you and your fiancé will reign supreme on that day. A small price to pay for a lifetime of great memories… So relax and hire the experts at Gala to plan your day, and never worry about a thing because you are in great hands!

by Rosie Goulette, Event Planner

My Career

2009-07-17T16:14:00.003-04:00

With only months left until my college graduation, I realized that the time had come for me to figure out what I wanted to do as a career. It seemed like every second I was being bombarded with questions about what I was going to do after school, and I always had the same answer—that I wasn’t sure yet. Over the past couple of summers, I had spent my breaks interning at an art gallery, a trust firm, and a non-profit group, all of which were unique experiences that were completely different from one another. In the end, I came to realize that I walked away from each experience with loads of new knowledge and skills, but no true passion for any of the dynamic career paths. Over the years, I had always considered event planning as a potential career that I could really love, but had little actual experience in the field outside of small sorority recruitment events at my university. When I came across the incredible opportunity to intern with Gala, I was more than excited to learn more about this industry that I previously knew so little about. Within the first week I learned more than I had ever anticipated I could possibly learn in an internship. From learning how to set up and number tables in a room, to how to fold a napkin five different ways, I gained a wide range of new knowledge and skills that I genuinely found interesting and fun. However, the most valuable thing I learned during that first week at Gala was the importance of the strong relationships event planners have with each and every one of their clients. My very first day on the job, I was able to sit in on a meeting with a planner and her client, where I was able to witness the passion that the Gala planners have for their work. After seeing this, I was really inspired to be an event planner, and I knew for sure that this was a career path that I wanted to pursue.

by Jessica Marzelli, Event Planner Intern

Glass bubble candle holders

2009-07-17T16:10:00.003-04:00

Right now, I am excited about new and inventive ways to use candlelight at my events. I especially love this glass bubble candleholder by CB2. I think they would look amazing hanging in clusters over a table, a dance floor, or really any other focal point in your event space. Hung with translucent wire, groupings transform into a cost effective and unique “floating chandelier.” Fresh and modern, hanging bubbles are a nontraditional way to add romance to any space.

by Laura Miller, Event Planner

A lesson learned

2009-07-17T16:00:00.004-04:00

There was a time, early in my career, when I was working regularly at a downtown hotel and my clients were small associations and small corporations with special events. Three times within a two month period, my clients told me that they had a limited budget for the special event that would be the grand finale of their annual meeting.

I would plan their events and give them a bit more than they were budgeted to spend. It was a big bang for their buck. I also had a trick up my sleeve. The hotel had beautiful, 8 feet tall palms in large terra cotta containers lining the large concourse in front of the ballrooms.

After my crew set up the décor that the client had paid for, I had my guys bring in as many of the palms as we needed to enhance the look of the event. Everyone was thrilled with what was done.

The fourth time I went to pull my little trick, the palms wouldn’t budge from their settings. I asked my contact at the hotel what had happened. He told me that they got tired of having to move the palm trees back after I had used them so they anchored them to the floor.

It had never entered my mind to tell my crew to put them back after the event was over. I inadvertently outsmarted myself by not considering the hotel’s needs.

I learned a great lesson. Always treat all people that work on your job as a member of your own team. Their tasks should always be considered and should always be respected. You want them to cooperate with you, so you should set the tone and cooperate with them. Since then, teamwork has been an important feature of each and every event that I have executed.

by Paul Garner, Vice President

Getting Your Feet Wet

2009-07-16T16:01:00.002-04:00

How do I get into the event planning business? There are lots of ways. But the BEST possible way is:
- Get an internship and work your tail off for someone else for free so you can get your feet wet.

It worked for me.

“When you know… you just know…”

It didn’t even take one day before I knew event planning was exactly what I wanted to do. Stepping foot into Gala I just knew this place would be my new home. Coming in with the mentality that my job would be so glamorous, I was in for a rude awakening.
I never thought that this industry would be so hard, hard, HARD!

It is safe to say that in this industry there is never a dull moment. From the minute you step foot through the door, there is always something to do, a challenge to endure and accomplish.

Finding what you love to do is the key to success…

by Tala Farr, Event Planner

A Little Girl Realizing Her Dreams

2009-07-16T15:56:00.004-04:00

The “powers that be” at Gala have requested that I submit a blog for the company website. So, much like it was in school, I find myself up late on a Sunday night frantically preparing a paper – of which I know nothing about – that is due in the morning. Will I be graded on this assignment? What happens if I fail? Will there be any extra credit I can apply towards my final score? Being my first attempt at blogging, I would ask that the “powers that be” show mercy on me.

Let me see, where to begin? I grew up a poor coal miner’s daughter. Times were tough for a young girl working in the mines. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of getting away someday. Like other little girls, I would dream of a world with high society parties, debutant balls, and beautiful “Gala” events. But - as many of us know - life sometimes has its own plan. So I find myself many years later a grown man – don’t ask , it’s a long drawn out story involving a sheman, a unicorn, and a game of Kings – helping produce, rather than attend, these high society parties for “Gala Events” - and much to my surprise - I really enjoy it! (not the part about being a man-I knew that all along. I mean I do enjoy being a man- I was surprised about enjoying the event production process.) There is a great satisfaction in taking an idea from a brainstorming session, putting it to paper, and then making it happen. Seeing an idea come to life – that’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout! There’s a lot of planning and preparation that goes into a party however- not to mention the occasional stress (oh -and the building of furniture- lots of furniture building!)-But once the party is completely set up – it’s truly amazing! I always look forward to seeing what we’ll do next at Gala. I would like to thank the “powers that be” at Gala – you know who you are – for helping a little girl to realize her dreams. Now – has anyone seen my tape measure?

by Russell Einhorn, Master Carpenter

Party, Party, Party!!!

2009-07-16T15:52:00.003-04:00

Is it a Wedding? A Bar Mitzvah? A Sweet Sixteen,
a 40th , a 50th or even an Anniversary?
Maybe it’s for work or it is the Holidays…

Parties really matter!! Good moral makes life feel good...

Is it about the music, is it about the food, or is it the atmosphere?

There are so many facets to what makes a great party.
Gala knows how to make that happen…

Parties can be understated or make a statement.
Parties can have set budgets or endless budgets.

We should never feel we can’t have our perfect party!
Gala can make it happen!

Parties can be for religious celebrations or my very favorite parties can be “just because”…

In hard times at what ever level we all need to feel good-

Celebrate everyday –
Let Gala help you make your next party happen!

by Nancy Radin - Senior Event Planner

Everything in its right place

2009-07-15T17:09:00.005-04:00

Imagine you are standing at the top of a staircase in a city, surrounded by your customary life. You have your cell phone, and wallet in your pocket. You hear and feel the rush of cars bolting past you and the drone of their horns. As you carefully dodge sidewalk traffic, you are distracted by a fleeting thought I have an appointment at 1:30. You are a figment of society. Take a few steps down that staircase. The drone of the car horns begins to dim. The sunlight is no longer so blinding. You turn and notice the brick walls to your sides and the cement steps beneath your feet. You are curious.
You take another couple steps down. You turn around and sense you are invisible from the street and have been separated from your previous anxiety. You have lost track of your belongings. Instead, you notice the heat of the day, the humidity, the sticky brick walls. Your curiosity draws you to descend further. You feel the sweat on your palms. As you hold the railing you feel the metal getting cooler as you continue to descend away from the sunlight. With each step you notice the outside world is beginning to fade. The horns become increasingly faint and you no longer have to squint from the sunlight. As you put one foot in front of the other, progressing down the steps, you realize your surroundings have muted your ordinary existence. You sit down on the next step and reflect.
After a few moments peering into the darkness, you think, what is down here? That thought quickly turns into, what am I doing here? Now that you have been stripped of your societal attachments, you are left alone with yourself to focus--a strange feeling considering you are constantly preoccupied with quotidian tasks. With each step you have eliminated a component of what you experience daily and it is only through experiencing this elimination that you can see what is missing; your daily existence consists of a network of influences that you haven’t realized until this moment. Care to take a walk further down the stairwell?
That unusual feeling--the one you get when you are finally alone--summons a part of your consciousness you have likely forgotten about. You perceive the most unexpected details and, for a good reason, they strike you differently. The textures, the lighting, the color combinations, the sounds- these are all things that often go unnoticed or simply blend in. Since becoming an event planner the world looks very different to me. I find I must notice all the little things…the details are so important and it is often in the little details that I find my inspiration and creative design ideas. It’s amazing how much more you see if you slow down and examine what you once thought to be regular or ordinary. Playing off of Andy Warhol’s concept of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, it’s the littlest details that make the difference in the event business. It’s all about how you can then put your own spin on that little detail or how you made the ordinary pop!
I often imagine I’m still sitting on that staircase, still extracted from the view of city that I am accustomed to. My cell phone and wallet are unimportant in relation to my new possession--awareness. Pleased with myself, I stand. The hustle and bustle of the city begins to emerge as I climb back up the stairs. My ears are pleased--back to reality. I check my watch and parade boldly onto the street. It is one thirty. Better get to that appointment!

by Julie Pike, Event Planner

Gala Team Building

2009-07-15T16:38:00.004-04:00

“I’ve never been camping or tubing before!” – Tala Farr, before the 1st (annual?) Gala Camping and Tubing Team-Building Excursion

I never thought that directly after getting back from a week of vacation in Florida, I would be in for even more fun in a “work” environment. But that’s exactly what happened. After a week of travelling around the southeastern US with various stops for good times along the way, I met up with a group of Gala team members near sundown at a campground in western MD. There were 10 of us in all and we camped out, Gala-style (which means we had everything we could possibly need for a party and then some - including a hydrangea centerpiece!).
We played games, sang songs, and had s’mores, of course. And we bonded. Oh, did we ever bond! With such a diverse group, it was fun to have us all be able to let loose and enjoy ourselves in such an atypical setting for us all. I mean, most of us had been camping (not Tala, but she really took to it) but this was definitely not our natural environment. So, while we had a couple non-native English speakers and some who were not enthused about life without a hair dryer, we all came together and had a great time in the woods (too great, according to the night caretaker).
The next morning, after a fantastic breakfast at local greasy spoon, Cindy Dee’s, we headed to the tubing outfit. An interesting West Virginia local drove us upriver and dropped us off to head out. Luckily, it was a beautiful day and the water was cool enough to refresh, but warm enough to relax. Plus there were even some rapids that got us wet (and flipped a few of us!).
The best part was that we just got to all relax and enjoy the day together - a Monday no less. Many people, when I told them about how the company I work for was taking us on a retreat for some team building, were astonished that in this economy, we would take time away from the office. I responded to them that in order to keep morale up, build a stronger, more supportive team, and keep everyone fresh and interested, taking a little time off on a Monday was a small price to pay. We shared experiences and memories that will keep us laughing and close-knit for a long time to come. And Tala not only camped and tubed for the first time, but overcame her fear of drowning! I can’t wait for next time!

Front Row, kneeling (left to right): Milton, Christian, Omar
Ladies, crouching: Jaime, Tala, Laura
Back Row, standing: Russell, Howard, Tom
Back Row, sort of standing, sort of crouching, awkwardly posing: Me!

~Noah Steurer, Director of Operations

There is No I in Gala

2009-07-15T16:28:00.003-04:00

Together our parts are stronger then any of us individually. That is the true “team concept” and that is exactly what you get when you work with Gala Events, Inc. Simply put, it means that the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

We bring more than twenty-five years of our ownerships experience; our master carpenters skill and craftsmanship are second to none. Trends in floral design, fashion and colors arrive in our design center long before they are anywhere else. When you make Gala Events a part of your next corporate or social occasion you are not working with one event planner or one décor specialist you are working with a dedicated team with one goal in mind, a coordinated effort to produce flawless events.

~ Howard Radis, Event Planner

Custom Logos

2009-07-14T16:45:00.008-04:00

Working as the senior designer at Gala Events for several years, I’ve seen numerous special events come together, from petite and intimate to large and lavish. The event designers at Gala are experts at helping to create a cohesive look to any and all events, regardless of budget. One major facet that I’ve found helps draw the event together, whether it be a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, sweet sixteen or even a corporate party, is having a logo that reflects the event and the individual or company that is hosting it. Not only can this logo can be placed on décor, custom signage, dance floors, projected on walls, etc. during the actual event, but it can also be included on invitations and mementos like custom clothing.

I’ve designed countless custom logos for our clients, from sleek and elegant monograms to graffiti-inspired skater style logos. Often times, if the logo is for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the child’s name will be a very prominent feature on the logo, followed by the date of the event. The font, style, and surrounding graphics reflect the child’s personality and theme of the event. The color scheme of the party will also be incorporated so that the logo is both easily readable and highly artistic. The final product is, in essence, a brand that is created for the child and the party. Adding an element of personalization setting that event apart from the rest!

by Bryan Fox, Senior Graphic Designer

Green Space in a Chaotic Place

2009-07-14T16:21:00.008-04:00

I recently visited New York City’s High Line Park, originally a 1.45 mile-long elevated steel train track built in the 1930s whose structure still stands in New York’s Meat Packing District and has been transformed into an attractive and interesting public space. The park opened one section in June 2009 and the other sections are still under construction.

I was not entirely sure what to expect before visiting the park – it sounded interesting but I wasn’t sure how actual train tracks could be transformed into a scenic landscape. After walking up the stairs to enter High Line, I knew I was in for a treat. I couldn’t get enough – from the beautiful view of the skyline to the integrated concrete pathways and plantings – I had never seen anything like it! I’ve always been fascinated by gardens and parks in large cities and love how they add a feeling of serenity and peace to the chaotic lifestyle of any city. High Line Park does just that…and more. You aren’t just surrounded by grass and trees the way walking through Central Park might be, you are literally situated above the city on a green oasis, looking down at the rest of the city passing by. It is difficult to recreate that feeling in a typical
city park or garden.

I’ve only spent a couple months at Gala, however, in that short amount of time I’ve learned a great deal about the ins and outs of event planning. I find venue choice really interesting because there are different ways of looking at it. For example: 1) your event planner & team can drastically transform any venue OR 2) the venue can drastically transform your event. Obviously these aren’t the only things to consider when choosing a venue, however, I am fascinated by the way almost any outdoor venue (especially one in a city) can really enhance your event.

A city landscape like the High Line Park would be an unforgettable venue for an event. As soon as you enter the park, you feel as though you are experiencing New York at a slower pace than everyone else in the city and I think people need to experience that once in a while. There is nothing that can replicate its modern design and quaint elegance situated in the midst of New York City’s chaos. When the entire project is finished, it will be an incredible addition to the city.

Spending time at Gala has transformed the way I perceive design and décor in a very positive way. Prior to working with event planners and designers, I wouldn’t have thought twice about High Line Park as an exciting event venue. I have acquired the ability to be more critical and observant – and I owe it all to Gala!

submitted by Anna Pike

What turns you on?

2009-04-01T13:42:00.002-04:00

Is it the smell of your lovers’ cologne? …Is it the feel of his lips on the back of your neck? ..... Is it the sound of his voice? ..... Hmmmm!!!! Does all of the above do it for me? ..... Sure – But if you really want to excite me……

Show me …a white patent leather tufted wall,… let me feel a silk linen flecked with metallic thread slip through my fingers…let me bask in the smell of that newly cut wood.

Passion, you have to have it when it comes to planning special events. For me the turn on, the passion comes from seeing the designs I have put down on paper become the reality in our shop. I am lucky, so very lucky, to have the privilege of being able to walk next door and see and be a part of each and every detail of how things are made. I love the details and in this business the details are what separate the men from the boys.

So my advice to all the planners and designers out there.… Find out what turns you on… which piece of your event or start of design do you feel passionate about… work on the details…. See it, touch it, taste it… and then create away….

Oh, and if you are in the neighborhood…. Stop by and check out the fabulous tree top table that is being built because baby when I look at that…. I am literally brought to my knees!!!!!!

by Jaime Greenwald, President

Another Beginning

2009-03-31T10:40:00.002-04:00

It's Monday. Another beginning!!!

I just love the start of something new. A new day...a new week... a new event... a new design. A chance to start fresh. That's the best part of being in the special events business... no two events are ever the same. My work is never boring, always challenging, exciting and ever changing.

But, does a new beginning always mean the end?

In the event world, things are never cut and dry. This business is based on relationships so it might be the end of the actual event that you have worked on but, your relationship with the people involved from your client to your vendors has merely just begun.

You are looking for that long term involvement… that continuum of the relationship … something you work on and nurture so that when the client or vendor has a need you are the one they seek to fulfill it.

Easy? No! Not at all. But, who said it would be? In the event world like the rest of life things go wrong, relationships can be difficult… obstacles must be overcome and challenges must be met.

Soooo … you work it…you prepare…you complete your tasks…overcome your adversities and reach for your goal and in the end……you realize… that this…. was just the beginning!!!

by Jaime Greenwald, President

Lifestyle Consultants

2009-02-20T12:40:00.002-05:00

With spring on the horizon Gala events has decided to break out of the winter doldrums by expanding dramatically. 2009 has certainly come in like a lion, with the inauguration of President Obama, to crazy trends, and the search for stability in these times of economic uncertainty.
Over the years we at Gala Events have been asked to do and produce many things. A concept we continuously find our selves coming back to is how we can continue to expand our one stop shop of resources. Which brings me to our latest and most noteworthy endeavor: becoming lifestyle consultants. What is a lifestyle consultant you ask? Put simply a life style consultant is an individual who provides expert advice and guidance. Clients often come to Gala searching for that one person they can trust to help them be the best that they can possibly be. Effortlessly planned parties, keeping them abreast of what is new in town and bringing the latest trends from all over the world to the greater Washington, DC area. What we have realized is that as we get more and more integrated into our client’s lives we find ourselves offering more and more services. Gala’s new approach provides our clients with the stability and support of the unbiased eye they crave while still producing intriguing combinations, and always delivering that trademark gala sparkle setting each event apart from the rest. As 2009 roars forward Gala’s taken its own approach to perpetuating the idea of freshness and renewal by adding lifestyle consultants to list of available services.
Wishing you a fabulous 2009!

by Jaime Greenwald, President

Be Green- 10 green steps to lowering your events carbon footprint

2009-02-20T12:37:00.001-05:00

1. For your invitations try and find a company that uses recycled paper, some even offer treeless paper alternatives.
2. To reduce the uses of paper all together, consider having a single program per couple instead of for each individual. By using a reply post-card you also eliminate the use of more envelopes.
3. Potted plants and herbs can be an alternative to floral centerpieces that your guests can take home and re-use after the big day. If you do use florals consider locally sourced flowers.
4. Instead of gifts ask you guests to donate to your favorite charities or environmental group.
5. Create your menu using local and organic food. Minimize the amount of meat and try to select in-season fruits, veggies, and local dairy products.
6. Consider the proximity to public transportation for your guests
7. Instead of bridesmaid bouquets consider alternatives such as parasols.
8. If your event is being held indoors, consider using the space with the most natural light
9. Instead of rice, seeds, or even paper confetti provide your guests with flower petal confetti this alternative is not only beautiful it is also biodegradable!
10. Instead of a favor, have a tree planted in your guests’ name.

Top 10 tricks of the trade

2009-02-20T12:34:00.001-05:00

1. Don’t leave home without white out or tide to-go
2. Duct tape can fix almost anything
3. Don’t forget to number the back of each response card
4. Remember three cocktail napkins per person
5. 8-10 pieces of passed hors d’oeuvres per individual
6. Using a single color will give you the biggest bang for buck
7. Linen must always go to the floor
8. Personalize your event by creating a signature something
9. One bartender per every 100 guests
10. It’s all about the flow

Top 9 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner in '09

2009-02-20T12:32:00.002-05:00

1. They are YOUR advocate
2. They allow you to be a guest at your party
3. They continuously go back to the same venues, enabling them to get you a better deal and the venue wants their business.
4. They have a proven track record with your various vendors – know where to save you money
5. Will help you with the most effective places to put your money
6. It’s all about the flow! Scheduling, Scheduling, Scheduling!
7. Takes care of potentially problematic situations before they even become a problem
8. Provide you with a un-biased set of eyes
9. They will proof, double and triple check –EVERYTHING for you.

Yes we can!

2009-02-20T12:29:00.001-05:00

Yes we can and yes we did! The week of inauguration was an exciting time for everyone in Washington, DC. Gala Events was thrilled to be a part of things. We haven’t seen this level of excitement in the DC Metro area EVER! The streets were packed and positive energy was radiating throughout the city. The Gala team came together and worked on everything from red, white and blue bunting around parade route, to designing the most exciting after party in town at Posh Supper Club.
Getting everything downtown was certainly a challenge, especially with all of the roads being closed. However, this didn’t hold us back for long! Our design team even went to the extreme of riding in the back of a truck to ensure that everything made it to its right place!

YES WE DID-A few of our favorite things witnessed during the inaugural weekend:
1. 9 Events in four nights
2. Unprecedented security, droves of people and port-a-potties
3. Unbearably low temperatures
4. Rodeo Drive meets Pennsylvania Avenue- Hollywood comes to DC
5. Exit only metro stations
6. The line around the block at Ben’s Chili bowl
7. All bars staying open till 4am
8. Not a single arrest!
9. Motorcades, movie stars, and military presence- oh my!
10. Bunting, Bling, and Biden
11. The creation of our very own star spangled banner

Congratulations, Allison & Chad!

2008-10-21T14:40:00.008-04:00

Recently I had the honor of coordinating Allison & Chad's big day! I thoroughly enjoyed working with these two. They were such a joy to work with and together they truly captured the essence of love. As the days drew closer and closer to their big day, I had the distinct pleasure of becoming more than just a coordinator for the happy couple, but rather a friend. Srinu and Amy with Regeti’s Photography were there to capture every aspect of the day and a pleasure to work with. Here are my favorite photos of the newlyweds (more can be found on Regeti's Blog):

Allison and Chad took time before the ceremony to snap some outdoor pictures. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful.
All of the bouquets and boutonnieres were designed by Christopher Vazquez of Amaryllis, Inc. and they were simply stunning.

This Virginia couple chose to get married right around the corner from their apartment at the beautiful Westin Arlington Gateway. Here is a picture of the reception room all ready to go.

One of the beautiful centerpieces from Amaryllis:
Congratulations again, you two! It was a pleasure working with you through the planning process and also spending time with you on your wedding day. I hope you had a great honeymoon in Argentina!

Additional vendors I’d like to thank include Martin Andrews with Blue Sky Films, Jeff Holt and his team at Atmosphere, and NYX Entertainment.

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Event Planning: It's more than a job...

2008-05-16T13:34:00.001-04:00

It didn’t take even one day of work before I learned that event planning was not a glamorous job; Linda and Jaime told me at my interview. A job in the event planning industry, and especially at Gala, meant a lot of hard work, weekends, long hours, and straight business. As daunting as this may have seemed, however, event planning has provided me with opportunities and challenges that have benefited me in ways that I could never have imagined.

In my three years at Gala, I have had many experiences. I have traveled to Jamaica for a destination wedding, I have worked on a runway fashion show for St. John Knits, and I have organized two fundraising auctions for the Herb Gordon Foundation for Gastrointestinal Cancers. I have designed a contemporary club lounge rooftop event, a Mardi Gras client appreciation gala, and even a modern Toyko-inspired Bat Mitzvah, complete with low plank tables and pillow seating. But, the most significant experience I have had at Gala has been the professional skills that I have acquired as an event planner.

I have learned the importance of time management, organization, and planning ahead. I have learned the essence of team work and delegation as a means of getting things done in the most efficient and effective manner. I have learned to make decisions under pressure and how to be flexible and poised when last minute changes inevitably occur. I have learned how to deal with difficult clients, changing minds, and different tastes. I have learned to negotiate contracts with vendors and venues, and how to provide the biggest bang for the client’s buck. I have learned to stand up for my company, my client, and most importantly, myself.

Event planning is an extremely tough job. Like most work, it requires extreme attention to detail, vast creativity, thorough communication, intense follow through, and always a back up plan (or two). But what many people fail to realize, though, is that event planning is an extremely physical job. It’s emotional. You have to work with brides to plan the wedding of their dreams, with mothers to plan their son or daughter’s religious rite of passage, and with corporate committees to plan their highly anticipated company holiday parties and office retreats. You have to have a tough skin. The ideas and concepts that took you hours to create may not be in line with the vision or budget of your client, and the new ideas and concepts that you come up with may not be either. They may not even be after the third or fourth revision. It’s demanding. Events take hours to set up on the day of, not to mention break down, and a good event planner sits in every chair, tweaks every centerpiece on the table, and stays until the end of the event to ensure that everything flows smoothly.

But, what keeps us working at Gala, and keeps people wanting to take on the challenges of event planning, is the reward and fulfillment that it provides at the end of the day. The kiss of the happy bride and groom, the smile on the face of Bar or Bat Mitzvah child up in the chair, and the repeat business of corporate clients makes the job worth doing. Event planning provides many important job and life skills, and event planners are more than just “event planners.” We are proposal writers, décor designers, coordinators, managers, negotiators, teachers, and even therapists at times, and there is never a dull moment, a day spent behind a desk, or an event that can’t be made more exciting with a unique spin. Ultimately, being an event planner has helped to shape the professional and the individual that I am today, and I am so lucky for all of the challenges that it has helped me to take on and overcome.

The author of this blog is Claudia Frank, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Wine Tasting Auction at the Cambodian Embassy

2008-05-12T16:48:00.011-04:00

Wine Tasting Auction at the Cambodian Embassy for demining Efforts in Cambodia.

On May 9^th, 2008, Gala Events worked in collaboration with Rotary International to design a wine tasting fundraiser at the Cambodian Embassy. Rotary International is a non-profit organization that promotes development, community awareness, and fellowship, and in an effort to raise money and awareness, this event aimed to support the Halo Trust Foundation Coalition’s petition to remove landmines along the K-5 mine belt.

Handmade silk tablecloths, beautiful artwork, and luxurious silk scarves were some of the featured auction items, and overall, the event raised over $ 20,000.00. Throughout the event, guests were served traditional Cambodian delicacies and entertained by classic Cambodian dancers. Gala enhanced the elegant, Cambodian-inspired atmosphere, dressing tables in rich ivory linens topped with beautiful florals, and custom commemorative wine glasses provided the finishing touch for each of the guests.

Ultimately, I would like to thank Brendan Adams, President of Rotaract for allowing us the opportunity to work on such a significant fundraiser, as well as Ambassador Ek for a wonderful, and more importantly, successful event.

The author of this blog is Rosie Goulette, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Our Couture Wedding Showcase

2008-05-06T12:59:00.014-04:00

On Sunday, April 13, 2008, Gala inc. opened our showroom doors to the trade and public for our first Wedding Showcase. Presenting Aimee Lauren, a local couture wedding gown designer, Bloomingdale’s registry items, Fancy Cakes by Leslie, hair and makeup artists from Oxygen Salon in Rockville, handmade wedding accessories by Helene Batoff, custom invitations and calligraphy by Mickey Brodey, strings and DJ entertainment by Washington Talent, and photography by Jack Hartzman, the showcase featured an array of current trends and unique ideas in all important planning areas. Models, as well as some other daring women, visited each station dressed in Aimee’s beautiful gowns, complete with full hair and makeup by the wonderful women from Oxygen Salon.

The designers at Gala set up five different tables to whet the appetites of brides with different visions and styles. Plants Etc. created beautiful centerpieces and bridal bouquets to accent the feel of each table, and the couples flocked to the tables that appealed to their own personal tastes. A traditional table, dressed in an embroidered orchid taffeta linen, featured a gold glass urn filled with a lush arrangement of soft ivory roses. Another table was dressed in a rich chocolate brown linen adorned with velvet leaves to create an autumn feel. A gold candelabra cascading with ivory flowers completed the rich look of this table. A warm, spring feel was created on a table topped with celadon linen and a tall glass cylinder filled with brightly colored orange and fuchsia flowers. Sleek white chargers and glassware brought a cool, finishing touch. Lastly, brides and grooms tables were created to demonstrate the juxtaposition of simple elegance with modern contemporary. The bride’s table was topped with a delicate white floral sheer overlay and white box overflowing with hydrangea, roses, orchids, and beautiful flowers in hues of white. The grooms table provided an interesting contrast in all black with a black chinchilla textured linen topped with a tight pave of black magic roses. A fabulous black shimmer charger and solid black glassware enhanced the sleek look. Of all of the tables, though all were extraordinarily creative and simply beautiful, the groom’s table seemed to create the most buzz. One bride exclaimed that she had never seen such a “luscious and unique linen” that she not only wanted to “drape herself in,” but more importantly, wanted to use to surprise her fiancée in her upcoming wedding.

Overall, the showcase was a success. All of the vendors, along with the team at Gala, came together for a one-stop shopping experience and showed the many ways that we can work to create a wedding that reflects a couple’s own personal style. We look forward to our next showcase and hope for an even bigger turnout, as we at Gala are always looking to show our clients on what’s fresh and new in weddings and special events.

The author of this blog is Jaime Greenwald, President of Gala Events, inc.

Ready, Steady, Photo Shoot

2008-05-06T11:07:00.006-04:00

Visuals are important. They enliven content, put a face to a name, and help sell your company and products. They can help explain your brand, make it come alive. This is why Gala inc. was so excited when the Westin Tysons Corner asked us to design a table scape that would create the ultimate "wow" factor for their new events brochure.

We captured the look by creating a table design to showcase three unique, vibrant linens and a breath-taking centerpiece reflecting the colors of the linen. The centerpiece was an unique architectural feature with multiple satellite arrangements and ornate votives.

We stepped outside of the box by utilizing chopsticks in place of typical flatware and decorative bowls. This created a fusion between Middle Eastern and Asian cultures for a trendy look that has never been seen.

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

A "Heavenly" Bridal Booth

2008-05-06T10:43:00.009-04:00

Gala inc. was honored when the brand new Westin National Harbor approached us to help design their trade booth for the Washington Bridal Showcase - the area's largest spring bridal show - at the Patriot Center on April 27, 2008. We delivered a design that featured the "heavenly" experience for which Westin is known. Our design painted the perfect picture while prominently showcasing the company's name and logo. This ensured branding / corporate identity and helped prospective clients to become more familiar with the Westin image. The booth design did not only focus on branding, but on the hotel's products, services, and support as well.

Stunning, simple, eye-catching, and sleek. These are all words that should describe the look of the trade booth. We showcased Gala's White Tufted Bar with light-up top, white occassional chairs, floral and table scape. Gala Events made sure not to forget the fact that the trade booth design needed to woo brides in less than three seconds.

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Wedding Trends: Go Bold, Go Green

2008-05-06T10:25:00.005-04:00

As the warm weather rolls in, it seems only natural that the hottest color of the season is bright yellow. Whether you choose to incorporate it in your flowers, your linens, your bridesmaid’s dresses, or even sashed across your own wedding dress, yellow screams summer, energy, and freshness. Bold colors are very in, with jewel tones ranging from shocking pink to vibrant green. Many wedding couples are now focusing on green, not in the sense of the color itself, but rather for the natural, organic connotation it suggests.

It seems that many often brides confuse the idea of a “green” wedding with something too informal, too nontraditional, and maybe even “too hippie” for them, but in fact, there are many ways to interpret the concept of “green” weddings. Most obviously, choosing a natural setting will help set the tone; however, as with many of the organic ideas that I will discuss in this blog, making “green” choices often means spending more “green.” Unlike hotels, country clubs, or restaurants, outdoor venues often require you to outsource all tables, chairs, linens, stemware, plates and glasses, flooring and draping for tents, and most significantly, heating or air conditioning units and power generators, which are anything but conservatory. Thus, in making the decision to use an outdoor venue, it is hugely important to emphasize to your vendors that they minimize their use of energy and waste so that you maximize your green concept and make any extra expenditures worth your dollar.

Continue to “go-green” by choosing organic food and wine, and stay in tune with the trends by serving miniature portions. Offer organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, and soup shooters for hors d’oeuvres, and choose a sustainable fish, such as halibut, for your main course. Start your guests off with an amuse bouche of hummus, olives, and olive oil served in a three-compartment plate, and follow this with an intermezzo of refreshing and colorful sorbet. Fusion cuisine is also very in, so provide your guests with small portions of exotic tastes presented on square plates, and expose them to three fabulous new trends at once!

Be inspired by the bold colors that are so in style, and add energy to your event by transitioning from color to color throughout the wedding. Move from one color to another from the ceremony to the cocktail hour to the reception. Realize that you do not have to travel to an exotic destination or serve a traditional five course meal on formal china to have a fabulous, successful wedding. What will really get your guests excited in 2008 is being bold with color and concept, creating energy without wasting it, and most importantly, allowing your personality to shine brightly through all of the items that you select for your special day.

The author of this blog is Jaime Greenwald, President of Gala Events, Inc.

Wedding & Bar/Bat Mitzvah Showcase at Bolger Center

2008-05-06T10:10:00.005-04:00

Gala Events and Washington Talent teamed up on May 4, 2008, along with several other vendors, to showcase the Bolger Center as an up and coming event venue. The guests were inundated with wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah options, from music to entertainment to décor, and Gala Events was there to provide information on how to maximize the event space with regard to budget and overall look.

Gala displayed a wide variety of specialty linens, artwork, themed, and floral centerpieces, and custom signage. The biggest buzz was centered around our custom in-house tables. From wood plank tables washed in white for a shabby chic look or painted brown for a more natural feel, to white vinyl club tables, to chocolate brown leather tables, to brushed aluminum high tops, guests simply loved the idea of a table without linen. They could see that our tables are not only décor elements in and of themselves, but they also create a sleek look very much in tune with the summer trends.

Another big trend in special events is a less formal look and feel. As such, it is very important to offer unique, out-of-the box concepts with regard to décor. In addition to the tables that I mentioned above, Gala showed the ways in which our custom bars can be utilized for purposes other than the traditional beverage service. For example, we used our lighted martini bar as a contemporary hors d’oeuvres station, our glass block bar to serve fruit smoothies, flavored waters, and designer teas, and our 50’s diner bar to display root beer floats, popcorn, and other fun foods. Our fabulous mahogany bar would make the perfect set up to service a late night hot cocoa station, complete with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, cherries, and of course kahlua!

Exotic fusion foods are also very much in style, and as such, we showcased a Moroccan, Indian, and Asian inspired table dressed in a combination of vibrant orange, yellow and turquoise linens. A gold candelabra was placed in the center, topped with a cascade of brightly colored flowers and surrounded by jeweled votive holders and colored champagne flutes and wine glasses. Oversized pillows were offered in place of reception chairs, and colored glass plates were topped with large, ornate Pho noodle soup bowls for an absolutely over the top look.

Ultimately, bold colors are in for the summer, and with that, so are bold looks. This event was filled not only with bold colors and bold looks, but more importantly, it was filled with tons of energy! With Gala’s décor and Washington Talent’s entertainment, the Bolger Center showcased it’s reception space in style with bold, overflowing energy, and décor to set the trends.

The author of this blog is Nancy Radin, Senior Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Running Bridezillas Galore!

2008-04-16T10:35:00.012-04:00

On the morning of April 4th, Claudia, Meredith and I went to the “Running of the Brides” at the brand new Filene’s Basement store in Tysons Corner, Virginia. I'm sure you have seen it on television before or at least heard about it - hundreds of women rushing to dozens of racks full of designer wedding gowns and trying them on in the aisles. In fact, it was even referenced on a "Friends" episode back when Monica was planning her wedding to Chandler. Remember?

News reports often compare this one-day-only bridal event to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, which is why the event is officially called the “Running of the Brides.” All of the brides running around grabbing dresses off the racks. It’s truly an experience. After standing in line all morning, hundreds of brides with close friends and family race to find the perfect dress. It takes a matter of seconds for the racks to be stripped bare. Women, and even men, just grab and run. And who wouldn’t when you can find the perfect designer gown for a steal?

Call us crazy but we thought this sounded like too much fun to miss. So, we got up bright and early to join the line, handing out baby blue garters to all of the brides-to-be, their “something new, something blue.”

When we arrived at 7:00am, hundreds of women were already lined up outside of the main entrance to the Filene's store. The line wrapped around three sides of the building. Most of the teams we asked said they started arriving at 6:00am, but a few women started camping out the day before. In fact, the first team in line – decked out in pink antenna headbands and matching shirts – arrived at 8:30pm the night before after casing the store, scoping out mirror locations and getting a sneak preview of some of the dresses! They said, “if we were going to do this, we were going to do it right.”

At 7:55am chaos broke out. What was once a line became a mass of women, pushing to be the first through the doors. We watched from slits in the window as store employees held onto the racks for dear life in preparation for the bulls, I mean brides.

As soon as those doors opened, the girls were off and running. We watched as nearly 2,000 dresses flew off the racks in less than a minute. After the wedding gown frenzy slowed down, the damage was assessed. It appeared that all were safe and only the main doors were broken, and maintenance was already busy trying to fix them.

We then decided to venture inside, gaining a first row seat to the madness. Women were carrying around as many gowns as they could hold. Some women wore sports bras and shorts, while others wore the lingerie they planned to wear on the big day. I even saw one woman wearing a bikini – a great idea. To help with locating “the” dress, teammates carried signs that indicated what sizes they were looking for - another good idea!

So, how great of a deal is this? Basement buyers accumulate gowns from a variety of sources including manufacturer's samples, overstocks, canceled orders, excess merchandise, etc. Originally priced anywhere from $900 to $9,000 or more, the dresses are drastically marked down and the new prices are set at $249, $499 or $699. The gowns are not returnable, so it isn’t uncommon to hear of a bride buying two.

As if the groups of anxious women aren’t enough, there were also news camera crews. I watched a news report a couple hours into the event and was very excited to see two of the brides I had spoken to earlier that morning showing off their newly purchased gowns.

Tips for Success
Since this may be something new to you and for those of you planning on heading to Towson’s or DC’s event this summer, the following are some tips for success:

Get there early or get there late. There may be a better selection first thing in the morning, but only a fraction of the dresses are actually purchased. It’s true, according to a Filene’s Exec. So, if you go later, you avoid the frenzy and still have a great shot of finding the perfect dress.
Bring help! Some tips advise you to leave men at home. We saw plenty of guys in line ready to take down anyone who dare steal a dress. Think about it, it’s the perfect “dress guard.”

Identify your team. The Filene's Web site suggests you and your "team" wear matching colors, hats, etc. to help you find each other in a crowd. Have fun, be creative.

Ready to wear. Be-Cool Come prepared to strip down in the middle of the store. Leotard or sports bra and bike shorts are a great way to slip the dresses on quickly.

Leave your handbags at home. Carry your belongings in a fanny pack or, better yet, have a friend carry them.
Think creatively. Since these dresses are so inexpensive, it may be worth the cost of alterations if the gown you love doesn't fit perfectly.

Be open-minded. Certain dresses look best on certain bodies. Don't pass up a dress just because it isn't what you had in mind - it may look awesome on you!

Be courteous. This is just common sense. Everyone is there for the same thing - to find the perfect dress. If you are nice and help someone out, they will be nice and help you - hopefully!
Be fair. Again, everyone is there for the same thing. So give up your dresses as quickly as possible so that other brides have a chance to try them on.

Have fun! Hopefully you will find the dress of your dreams but if not, you will cherish the memories and have a great story to tell your friends.

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Hello and Welcome

2008-03-20T17:36:00.002-04:00

Hello and welcome to Gala inc’s blog, an interactive spot where the team at Gala and I will keep you updated with the latest happenings and newest trends in the event world.

2008 marked the grand opening of Gala Events’ Design Center, a New York style loft created to inspire both the party planner and the party giver. Hosting a full inventory of exclusive decor items, to include specialty linens, chairs, and tableware, custom invitations and accessories, and with convenient next-door access to our floral and production division, our design center is a true one-stop shop for all of your event needs!

This January we launched our first informational seminar to provide both our future and existing clientele with expert advice on how to create a Gala Event. This Bar and Bat Mitzvah Symposium was a huge success and allowed our guests to experience our new space and get inspired by all that Gala has to offer! Guests walked away with informational packets that shared timelines, check lists and our special “Tricks of the Trade”!!!

I would like to personally invite you to join us on Sunday, April 13th from 11AM to 3 PM for our Bridal Open House. We will feature Aimee Lauren, a hot, new designer in couture wedding gowns. Hair and make up artists, custom cake designers, fabulous new trends in music, and of course, Gala’s own unique custom tablescapes and designs will also be featured. We will offer a 20% discount for invitations, save the dates, programs and accessories. So be sure to mark your calendars, and join us for this sensational event.

I truly hope that this blog serves not only as another educational tool to keep you informed and up-to-date, but also functions as a forum for open communication. The team and I will post comments and opinions on our most recent events, and we will be sure to keep you informed of all upcoming symposium topics and future dates. We hope that you too will share your thoughts on the topics that we cover. Please don’t be shy; we’d love to hear from you and post on what you’re interested in learning more about!

Jaime Greenwald
President

Honoring the Earth with your Eco-Chic Wedding

2008-02-07T07:33:00.001-05:00

Personalizing your wedding is very important to making your wedding a special celebration that reflects you and your Groom. Hosting a “Green” Wedding is a great way to make the celebration unique and meaningful. Here are some tips for an Eco-Chic Wedding:

Location, location, location
The location of your wedding sets the tone for the event – and can account for a big chunk of your budget.

When selecting a venue, consider choosing a setting that’s convenient for most of the guests, minimizing travel impacts. The less your guests have to travel, the less oil consumed. Also consider having the ceremony and reception at the same place.
An outdoor setting will infuse the whole event with a natural sensibility – and require less decorating too! I chose to have my wedding on a beach. There was a good deal of luck involved weather-wise; but I can't think of a much more beautiful setting than one provided by nature.
If you decide to hold the event indoors, try and select a venue that makes the best use of natural light. Or pick a unique local spot that supports a cause you believe in – like an art gallery, nonprofit space, organic restaurant or farm, green hotel, botanical garden, or green-roofed building.

Save the date and a tree
Your invitation is the first impression guests will get of your eco-friendly wedding.

Use recycled paper wherever possible; most companies offer this option now. You may also want to consider treeless paper made from bamboo, hemp or kenaf.
Even the type of ink used for the invitation should be taken into account as some inks can be toxic. Try to have your invitations printed with vegetable- or soy-based inks.
Jump at the opportunity to go paperless. Weddings can generate a huge amount of paper consumption, so give careful thought to items that can be reduced. Instead of multi-enveloped notes, I sent a postcard for my save-the-date. This was both cost-effective and cut down on paper. My wedding website was constructed to keep guests informed of wedding-related parties such as the rehearsal dinner. We eliminated the R.S.V.P. card and encouraged guests to reply online.

Be sure to let guests know about the eco-friendly hotel and transportation options in your area, from hybrid rental cars, to directions to the ceremony using public transportation. And don't forget to pick up some extra green paper products for your guest book, place cards, and thank-you notes.

From décor to flowers and beyond
Add beauty and style to your wedding décor, naturally.

Flowers used at weddings and receptions have a tendency to be out of season and as a result are imported. Transportation and care of these flowers requires extra resources. Try to use locally sourced flowers. Think organic.
Think outside of the box and have your bridesmaid showcase something other than flowers. For instance, I had my bridesmaids carry bamboo fans and matching purses instead of cut flowers.
Reuse, hire or borrow room décor. A great way to help the planet, choose vendors who are committed to recycling, such as Gala Inc. Forego the traditional centerpiece and instead decorate with branches, potted plants or candles. Use beeswax or soy-based candles over its romantic and energy efficient. They are cleaner and longer burning than regular candles.
Use leaves or other natural objects as place cards. At my wedding, I chose sand dollars as escort cards. Guests loved them and even took them home as keepsakes.
If you must have fresh cut flowers, consider recycling them. For instance, alter arrangements at the ceremony can double as a centerpiece. Or, donate the flowers to a hospital or rest home at the end of the day.

'Tis better to give...

Give away favors that give back...to the earth!

Show your guests that you care about the plant’s species, habitat and humanity – give Endangered Species Chocolate. These chocolates support charitable organizations.
Go green! Give your guests a small plant, personalized eco-friendly wildflower seed packets, or tuck bulbs in an attractively burlap bag.
Dress up your basic mason jar and fill it with organic jams, jellies or honey from the local farmer’s market. Handmade, natural soaps or candles are a nice touch as well.
Reusable cloth tote bags are a great idea.
Brighten your guests’ home with a compact fluorescent light bulb.
Use place cards made of seeded paper that can be planted at home. Better yet, give guests a small plant to take home.
Or, my favorite, give a charitable donation to a cause that is special to you.

A special touch, consider planting a tree at the end of your ceremony instead of releasing butterflies, which can disrupt wild butterflies’ migration and spread disease or parasites.

Going green doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your big day, though. By taking a look at the bigger picture, you can move beyond the usual decadence and consumption to create a truly personal, moving, and sustainable celebration that people will remember for years. You may even open a few eyes in the process.

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.

Do you need a Wedding Planner?

2008-01-11T18:58:00.001-05:00

It's engagement season! Congratulations to all of those newly engaged couples. One of the very first steps in the wedding planning process is to decide if you need a wedding planner.

This is a question that often comes up. There tends to be a misconception that a bride thinks she can handle everything on her own or with the help of family. And, maybe she can. Tons of weddings take place everyday without a planner.

Ask yourself some questions.
Do you have a lot of wedding details that need full attention?
Do you want to enjoy your day and truly feel like the guest-of-honor at your own party?
Will you be able to enjoy yourself while managing vendors, wondering if the cake has arrived, does the photographer have the correct timeline, does your DJ have your first dance song ready to go, and does your caterer have a special plate prepared for you and the Groom?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then maybe you need to consider hiring a wedding planner.

I want to be able to enjoy planning the wedding of my dreams.
Many brides are afraid that they won’t get to finally plan the wedding of their dreams if they let a planner take control. There are a lot of details leading up to your wedding day that need attention, so maybe wedding consultation and a "day of" package are what you need?

The biggest reason why you need a wedding planner – whether it is “day of coordinating” or “full planning” – is to be able to just let go of the worries of getting things done and trust that a professional has "your back" and is your advocate. You simply cannot be worrying about the reception layout while you are getting ready for the biggest day of your future.

My girlfriend is going to handle the planning on my wedding day.
In theory, this may be a great idea and you may even think that this is going to save you a lot of money. But, there is one thing to consider: your girlfriend may have never planned a wedding before in her life. Plus, she also wants to have fun at your wedding too.

Hiring a wedding planning is going to cost too much.
This is a very common myth that needs to be addressed. In fact, it’s not expensive, it's priceless. This is a day in your life that only happens once! You want it to be perfect, trust the professionals that specialize in perfect. Furthermore, the professionals should be able to help you with your budget and give you insider tips on where to save.

The most important thing for you to remember: allow yourself to fully enjoy your wedding. Consider giving up some responsibility on your wedding weekend to the professionals that you trust will allow you to fully enjoy yourself, your Groom and your wedding!

The author of this blog is Kristie Pichler, Event Planner at Gala Events, inc.